Inside Evolusean’s Mind: Alter Ego Philosophy, Puff Puff Pass, and Indie Hustle

Name: Sean Tompkins

Location: Calgary, Alberta

Talent Name: Evolusean

Business Name: RippingDeath Records

Instagram: @seantompkins8 | @evolusean_rdr

Category: Artist

💬 INTRODUCTION

I was born in Edmonton but grew up in Calgary and Okotoks. I’m a hip-hop artist who began making music around 2012–2013 while in college, though at the time it was more of a creative outlet than a career path. That shifted in 2016, when Kato On The Track launched the fourth year of his No Sucka MCs contest. I decided to submit my first serious entry, “Step Up Yo Game,” which placed in the final 100.

My first official Evolusean release was “Understand Me,” later re-released as part of the BORNHOLM ART EP. I continued entering the contest in the following years. “Pest Control” landed in the top 50, and I filmed the entire music video in Drumheller in a single day—yes, including a scene inside a small church without permission. The final entry, “Created a Monster,” again placed in the top 100.

After that run, I began pursuing live performances. My first shows took place at Café Koi downtown. Breaking into the scene during 2017–2018 was challenging—I knew very few people—but it marked the start of building my presence on stage.

🔥 THE PASSION

I can’t point to a single moment when I realized I had talent—it took years to truly believe in myself. Throughout the mid to late 2010s, most people laughed when I said I was becoming a hip-hop artist. Still, I’ve always had a deep need to express myself, and I grew up inspired by artists who earned their place in hip-hop history—Eminem, 50 Cent, Yelawolf, Rittz, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Hopsin, and Tech N9ne. I wanted to be like them.

Music helped me through years of bullying in junior high and high school. I was the lanky, nerdy white kid who speed-skated—no one saw a hip-hop artist when they looked at me. But I kept practicing, year after year, learning how to write, record, and build songs entirely on my own. No one took me under their wing. Everything I’ve achieved in writing and performance has been self-taught, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I carry the same fire my idols had, and I knew I had to keep going—no matter what.

🇨🇦 COMMUNITY & CANADIAN PRIDE

I love being Canadian. My family roots run deep in this country. My grandparents grew up in Newfoundland before settling in Nova Scotia, and when my parents met and married, they moved west to Alberta for oil and gas work. That journey shaped who I am, and I take real pride in Canada’s heritage and history.

I also think Canadian hip-hop gets a bad rap—especially from Americans. The reality is, we’ve produced some absolute legends on the mic. I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan of the image Drake has put out lately, and I sided with Kendrick Lamar without hesitation—but zoom out, and Canada’s depth in hip-hop speaks for itself. From coast to coast, artists like Classified, Kardinal Offishall, Pat Stay, and Snak the Ripper have helped put us on the global map.

I want to help carry that torch forward—one song, one show at a time. That drive is exactly why I released the Punisher Freestyle and called out the local scene. I felt YYC had been lacking a certain fire lyrically, and I wanted to raise the standard. Honestly, I want someone to prove me wrong and take the title I claimed as the best lyricist in Calgary—because that would push me to create something even better to earn it back. I’m here to make it competitive again. So far, no responses… so I guess the YYC lyricist crown is mine to hold—for now.

🚀 BUILDING THE DREAM

There are a few standout moments in my career so far that are hard to rank as number one. One of them was being booked for Puff Puff Pass Festival for the first time — that moment felt massive. I was beyond stoked, genuinely buzzing with excitement. Every year I return to perform, it feels just as rewarding, and I already can’t wait to do it again in 2026.

Another major milestone was performing on stage at Cowboys Casino for the first time, along with hosting events in their club. That experience marked a huge step forward for me professionally.

Lastly, teaming up with my label partner and becoming a part owner of an independent record label stands out as a defining achievement. I’m extremely proud of the work I’ve put into RippingDeath Records and the recognition we’ve earned across Alberta.

🤝 NETWORKING SPOT

There are a few local artists I’d absolutely love to collaborate with. Travis Omen and Cap D are high on that list — I’ve opened for both of them before, and that experience felt unreal. Their writing is consistently top tier, and their stage presence is next level.

Chad L.E. McGhie is another artist I’d love to work with. He brings wicked flows and strong storytelling, which I really respect.

As for a wishlist collaboration, it would have to be Snak the Ripper. Maybe one day I can will a verse into existence — we’ll see what the future holds.

🏆 CLOSING

As for whats next? Well, I just did a collab with Syonis called HERO, & I got a remix of 93 til Infinity slated to drop in a couple weeks, which im calling the “93 til Infinity The Remix”. It features artists from all over Canada, including Syonis, FAFO, Jaw Anthony, & Brax. After that I’m cookin up a collab with Nos Insidious, as well as Sick Mick. But next year is gunna be special because once spring hits I’m starting work on a solo album, which i hope to release sometime in the summer. It’s gunna have some BIG names on it too, so stay tuned for that! As for shows, next one I’ll be doing is JB Abyss’ birthday show at the end of December on the 27th at Verns downtown. Haven’t booked a lot for shows in 2026 yet, but I do know I’ll def be going to Puff Puff Pass again in the fall! As well as opening for Abyss Army Entertainment during the summer. Follow me on insta, facebook, or snapchat to keep up with what I got going on!

COMETS QUESTIONS

COMET: For anyone new to you — who is Evolusean, and how did your journey in hip-hop begin?

EVOLUSEAN: Evolusean is my hip-hop alter ego. He’s unapologetically brash, stands on business, gets political with his bars, and genuinely believes he’s the best artist in the city to touch the mic. It’s a persona strictly for the music. In real life, I’m super chill, easygoing, with a good sense of humour, and I value loyalty above everything. But Evolusean doesn’t take any nonsense.

When I first started, most of my inspirations had similar alter egos — artists like Slim Shady and Hopsin. They showed me the fire you need to truly chase greatness and the competitive edge required to survive lyrically. Hip-hop used to be more competitive; now it feels watered down and cliquey. That’s not what I grew up on. You have to believe you’re the dopest emcee in the room — and then prove it every time you step in the booth or on stage. I treat hip-hop like a high-level professional sport.

COMET: You’re not just an artist; you’re also the co-owner of Ripping Death Records. What inspired you to step into the business side of music?

EVOLUSEAN: I always knew I wanted to be part of a label. When my business partner approached me, we quickly realized we shared almost identical mentalities on how things should be run. We built a system that works. He handles the backend — accounting, uploads, platform management. I handle the front-of-house side: performing, merch, events, being the face of the company. Think of it as body and soul. It works extremely well, and I’m proud of what we’ve built with RippingDeath Records. I can’t wait to show what we have planned for 2026.

COMET: What’s the mission behind Ripping Death Records, and what kind of artists or energy are you building around it?

EVOLUSEAN: The mission is simple: keep hip-hop lyrical and keep the standard high. We push ourselves to be better on the mic and on stage at all times. We’re always open to signing new artists — but they need to have something to prove and the bars to back it up. Commitment and talent are non-negotiable. It’s never personal; it’s just the standard we hold ourselves to. That’s why you’ll never see me release a lazy mumble-trap record or sign anyone like that.

COMET: Let’s talk about the Puff Puff Pass Festival — how did you first get involved?

EVOLUSEAN: I first got involved with Puff Puff Pass Festival through JB Abyss and the Calgary Cannabis Club. They gave me an opportunity in 2023, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.

2024 was rough — I was dealing with a severe throat infection that landed me in the hospital, and it forced me to realize I couldn’t smoke anymore. My performance suffered because I could barely rap. After going to rehab in early 2025, I reached out and asked for another chance. I wanted to prove myself again now that my health was back. That performance ended up being one of my best ever, with a ton of new material.

COMET: For those who haven’t experienced it, how would you describe Puff Puff Pass Festival?

EVOLUSEAN: If you haven’t experienced Puff Puff Pass, you’re genuinely missing out. The culture and community are unmatched. Everyone is welcoming, helpful, and smiling — it’s a hip-hop dream field. You’re performing outdoors on a massive stage in front of hundreds of people. There are vendors everywhere, games, prizes, and performances running from noon until midnight. It’s a full-weekend experience, incredibly safe, and unlike any standard hip-hop show. The outdoor setting combined with cannabis culture makes it completely unique.

COMET: What’s one standout moment that really captures the spirit of the festival?

EVOLUSEAN: The hotbox tent — no question. They use a converted leaf blower to funnel smoke into a massive inflatable tent packed with people. You can barely see who’s next to you, music is blasting from the nearby stage, and the vibe is unreal. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and unforgettable.

COMET: What’s a challenge most people wouldn’t think about?

EVOLUSEAN: Logistics. The drive, finding accommodations, or camping on-site, then driving home after partying all weekend. By Sunday, nobody wants it to end, and that four-hour drive back can be brutal depending on conditions. Still worth it every time.

COMET: Puff Puff Pass is rooted in cannabis culture. How do you see that overlapping positively with hip-hop?

EVOLUSEAN: I’m sober from smoking now, but cannabis helped me for years — with depression, anxiety, and creativity. I don’t judge anyone who still uses it. Stoner culture is relaxed, respectful, and inclusive. What I love most is how it breaks down barriers. Fans can hang out with artists, blaze together, and connect as people — not just performer and audience. That accessibility is rare, and it’s powerful.

COMET: How does performing here compare to a regular club or venue show?

EVOLUSEAN: It’s completely different. You can light up on stage without consequences, which takes things back to the roots of hip-hop culture. On top of that, there’s a massive vendor market, so artists are networking and building business connections all weekend.

It’s not just a show — it’s an ecosystem.

COMET: As someone who’s performed at Puff Puff Pass multiple times, what would you like to see the festival grow into over the next few years?

EVOLUSEAN: I’m not involved on the planning side, but my hope is to see it grow bigger and better every year. I promote it constantly and try to bring as many people as possible with me each time. I’d love to be more involved heading into 2026 — everyone behind it is genuinely trying to make it special.

COMET: Finally, what can fans expect from you next?

EVOLUSEAN: There’s always something new coming. My next release is the 93 ’Til Infinity remix, followed by collaborations like Glitch Mode and My Curse with Nos Insidious, plus tracks with Fafo and Sick Mick. I also have a deeply personal song called H.O.P.E (Hold On, Pain Ends) that I wrote in rehab, along with a four-track EP leaning into dance-club energy while keeping it lyrical — inspired by Tyler, the Creator’s Don’t Tap the Glass. Next year, expect my first full-length album, heavy collaborations, and a full merch rollout — CDs, shirts, stickers, and more. I’m excited to finally show my full artistic vision.

COMET: Anything else you'd like to include?

EVOLUSEAN: Thanks so much for having me be a part of these interviews as well, Evolusean out!