Genre-defying Mi’gmaq rapper and activist Q052 kicked off a thrilling new chapter with the release of his super-charged single ‘Space Invaders’ via Musique Nomade on 6, May 2025. The track is accompanied by a retro-styled visualiser on YouTube, and serves as the lead single from his upcoming album, expected to drop in October.
Q052 is an artist whose music pulses with purpose and cultural pride. Famed for his magnetic stage presence and fearless lyrics, he has lit up airwaves on Radio Canada and rocked stages alongside hip hop legends like Cypress Hill. As a familiar face on TVA’s La Tour, Q052 continues to captivate with a voice that cuts through the noise – unfiltered, unrelenting, and unapologetically real.
Listen to ‘Space Invaders’ while reading our interview with Q052 below:
Tell us about you, how long have you been making music? What inspired you to start?
I’m a member of the Mi’kmaq Nation from the Community of Gesgapegiag on the East Coast of what’s now known as Canada. I grew up surrounded by the sounds of strumming guitars and rattling spoons coming from the kitchen or the living room— it really depended on how many of my parent’s friends were over at the house. My Dad was into old country music, my Mom liked pop rock, and I had a lot of older siblings who listened to more modern music in the 80’s, as well as music from their youth in the 70’s. Hip-hop was my thing, and no one else in the house really appreciated it. I’m not sure if they do now, to be honest! Hip-hop is fighter music—that’s what appealed to me, and that’s why I wanted to do it.
The music industry is super competitive these days, was there a moment in your life that you wanted to give up on music? How did you manage to stay focused and achieve what you want?
The music industry is competitive, but I don’t believe that art is a competition. I don’t participate in the “popular parade” that some people choose to take part in. I don’t mind hurting your feelings or shaking the foundation your beliefs rest on. I know that art isn’t meant to answer your questions—but it damn well is intended to make you ask yourself questions! I’ve been frustrated with the music industry at times… so much so that I wanted to stop making music, because the industry puppets don’t want to play music that shocks the airwaves with truth and the suggestion of social consciousness. Fortunately, I have a team around me that reminds me why it’s important to keep going.
How would you describe your creative processes? Are the music and lyrics written in conjunction, or separately?
I’ve said it many times before: Hip Hop is my weapon. This platform is an extension of the battlefield I’m fighting on to achieve justice. I’m not looking for equality — I’m looking for justice at all costs. Take a look at the world today, and you’ll notice that we are far from achieving justice by sunset. But we fight today to see tomorrow’s sunrise — and that is my creative process. I write rhymes to the beat of social injustice, and then I spit fire at the tyrants who try to silence us.
Where did the inspiration come from?
My people have been fighting for hundreds of years to protect their land, language, culture, traditions, and their very existence! I intend to continue this fight until we are safe and at peace. I’m inspired by the tenacity of my ancestors — their strength motivates me to keep going. Music is one of the tools in my kit.
What’s next for you?
I’ll continue to create music that speaks the truth about Indigenous issues, but I’m also branching out into other art forms to raise awareness of those same issues. I’m currently working with the popular movie franchise Bon Cop Bad Cop on a new series that will be available on the Crave platform in 2026 — and I’ll be making my acting debut as well! In addition, I’m working as a consultant on a musical called Evangeline, produced by Quebecor. I’m also writing for a documentary series and two feature films. And believe it or not, I collaborated on a fashion project with Jean-Claude Poitras for the Kwe Festival. My creations will hit the runway this spring and summer in both Montreal and Quebec City. I will use every platform and art form to share Indigenous stories — to tell our truth, while showcasing our versatility and our ability to adapt and overcome.
