GT Kapo – From GoonTown Hip Hop to Modern Day Cannabis Saskatoon

Hailey Bell
Oct 1
5 min read

Name: Matt Kaminski

Location: Saskatoon, SK

Talent Name: GT Kapo

Business: Modern Day Cannabis Saskatoon

Instagram: @gt_kapo

Category: Hip Hop/Rap Artist • Audio Engineer • Entrepreneur

💬 INTRODUCTION

Well, I guess to start it off, I was born and raised in the YXE — shout out to the 306. I’m 1/3 of the rap group GoonTown with my brothers Big B YXE and Stilly. I’m also an owner of a local cannabis dispensary here in Saskatoon (Modern Day Cannabis Saskatoon).

My creative journey definitely started as a kid, listening to and analyzing rap music as a whole. The rhythm, flow, cadence, and timing that encase authentic stories of struggle and strength from artists all across the globe really made me fall in love with the culture that is Hip Hop. The art form has always captivated my mind and given me a sense of peace throughout life.

Like anyone else, my journey has gone through different phases as I’ve grown and experienced life in all its triumphs and struggles. From writing poetry and rapping freestyles with the homies while hustling, all the way to opening a dispensary that embodies Hip Hop culture and taking the creation of music seriously — it’s been a ride with plenty of ups and downs in between.

🔥 THE PASSION

I’ve always had a passion for good music — especially Hip Hop and Rap. I remember being a youngin, just writing out Eminem lyrics on paper. I was too young to even grasp what he was saying at the time, but I was still captivated by the energy and emotion that pulled me in. Then you branch out and listen to more of the greats like Nas, Biggie, Pac, Wu-Tang — slowly shaping the future artist you want to become. When artists talk about their influences, you can usually hear those same elements reflected in their own music.

As for the cannabis business, I’ve been smoking or around it since early high school, gaining knowledge left and right. I’m thankful that I was able to turn it into a legitimate business to help feed and provide for my family.

With the music, I started taking it more seriously in the last three years of my life after meeting and collaborating with B and Stilly.

🇨🇦 COMMUNITY & CANADIAN PRIDE

To me, being a Canadian creative means making art with authenticity — telling my own story and life experiences through rap and hip hop as a Canadian. People are always a product of their environment. Whether that environment teaches you how to act or how not to act, it still shapes who you are.

The streets of Saskatoon have for sure influenced who I am today. From hustling, to losing friends to violence or drug addiction, to even losing myself in addiction and then bringing myself back from the brink — it’s deep moments like those that shape you to your core and show you who you really are.

They say L’s ain’t losses, they’re lessons as long as you learn from them. From struggle comes strength — for real.

🚀 BUILDING THE DREAM

Some of my proudest moments come every time I hit that zone where the verses just pour out — whether I’m in the booth recording or up on stage doing what I love.

Those are the times I feel most alive.

As a kid, I dreamed of being a rapper. Later in life, there was a period when I didn’t think I’d even make it to see a future. To go from that mindset to now being on tour, travelling and performing the very thing I once only imagined — it’s surreal.

🤝 NETWORKING SPOT

One collaboration I’d love to do one day would be with Merk. I remember pulling up with the homies to Amigos when SDK was in town — watching Snak, Evil Ebenezer, and the rest of the crew perform. Merk was the youngin in the group back then, wild and full of energy.

Now look at him. I respect that hustle and grind — he’s worked his way up and is now signed to Death Row under Snoop Dogg. Mans can rap, no doubt about it.

🔥 CLOSING 🔥

We’ve definitely got some things in the works, bet that.

There are some dope tour opportunities lined up, and GoonTown has an EP with EMB Beats coming soon.

I’m also working on my solo project and just staying on the grind.

🎤 COMETS QUESTIONS

COMET: What does hip-hop mean to you personally — beyond just the music?

GT KAPO: Hip hop is life. Without hip hop, I doubt I’d be here today. The energy it gives, the knowledge you can gain — 100%. Hip hop is life.

COMET: What’s the story behind the first track you ever recorded, and how do you feel when you listen to it now?

GT KAPO: Oh god, haha. I guess every artist has to have a starting point. It’s not one of the tracks I show people when they ask about my music, but in terms of a first verse recorded, it ain’t bad. Old Kapo couldn’t come close to the rapper I am now. Always respecting and perfecting the craft.

COMET: How has your creative process evolved from when you started to where you are today?

GT KAPO: The process itself hasn’t changed much. For me, I write my best verses walking outside with headphones on, or late at night around 3–4am when the world is quiet. Once you gain confidence in your process and in yourself as an artist, it gets easier.

COMET: What’s something about your writing or recording routine that might surprise people?

GT KAPO: Probably that I’ll stay up till all hours writing. Something about lack of sleep lets the creativity flow. I also don’t like too many people in the studio — too many chefs in the kitchen, you know? Everyone’s got an opinion these days.

COMET: What role has your city or community played in shaping your sound and identity as an artist?

GT KAPO: A huge role. Saskatoon is where I’ve lived through everything that shaped me. As for my sound, I listen to a lot of American artists like Method Man, Griselda, Tha Hoodies, Millyz, Boldy James. You gotta study the greats if you want to be one.

COMET: How do you handle the pressure to always drop something new while staying true to yourself?

GT KAPO: Pretty easily. Remaining true and authentic is the most important. Too many people are cappin in their raps. Quality over quantity. If you’re gonna do something, do it right or don’t do it at all.

COMET: What’s been the most challenging part of turning your passion into a career?

GT KAPO: Life throwing curveballs. Sometimes situations force you to put creativity on the back burner. But once the stress is handled, it’s easy to jump back in — because it’s your passion.

COMET: What’s a moment in your career that made you stop and think, “Yeah… this is why I do this”?

GT KAPO: When I feel the crowd feeding off my energy — when I hear them recite my verse or hook with me. That’s surreal.

COMET: What do you think is the most misunderstood thing about being an artist in hip-hop today?

GT KAPO: Social media makes it look easy. People see the highlights, not the grind. Being an artist takes hustle, motivation, countless hours writing and memorizing. A truly talented artist makes it look easy — but it’s not.

COMET: What kind of legacy do you hope your music will leave behind?

GT KAPO: I hope my music reaches people — that it makes them relate, feel understood, or feel better about themselves. Every rapper should want to be considered among the greats one day.