RIFF is one of the most distinct cannabis companies in Toronto at the moment with their unique inspirations and approach to collaboration with local artists in the city. RIFF and CO.LAB work alongside each other bring together a fraction of like-minded individuals that are engaged in growing the creative community in Canada through authentic creative projects. Read more about the inspirations and visions behind the brand in our interview with Chris Marmion, the Director of Brand Marketing for RIFF and Aphria.
The RIFF Sessions XL Toronto was one of the most memorable events in recent memory with the unique transformation of the Fermenting Cellar venue in the Distillery District and top tier performances from the international headliner Sheck Wes, as well as high energy sets from local Toronto artists Yung Tory, Haviah Mighty and Uptown Boyband.
The Toronto based group Uptown Boyband (comprised of Justin Trash, Joe Rascal and Roc Lee) set the tone with an intense performance. The Korean infused rap group played a variety of tracks and managed to open up a couple mosh pits in crowd that Justin Trash jumped into. With a massive stage presence, the group bounced energy off the crowd to put on a top level performance.
Yung Tory takes the stage as it strikes midnight playing hits like Mizu and Henny Dance – where he actually dances with a bottle on stage. Part way into his set he manages to jump into the crowd where fans swarm towards him and dance along with him to his tracks.
After a short break Sheck Wes’s DJ comes on stage, building suspense as a massive Mudboy graphic looms over the audience waiting for the headliner to start. Mo Bamba starts and Sheck Wes storms the stage wearing a grey hood pulled up with neon yellow gloves creating an almost menacing stage presence that has the crowd ecstatic. Sheck has the entire crowd bumping as he plays hit after hit from Chippi Chippi to Live Sheck Wes. Sheck bounces from one side of the stage to the next and practically turning the crowd into a giant mosh pit. Amazing performance for Sheck’s first headlining show in Toronto.
RIFF and CO.LAB managed to host an amazing event that brought creatives of all fields together on something that felt truly special. The entire event space was filled with unique art installations, along with a live mural from Smolik, a short film by local director Christo playing projected on the wall and a bodega inspired gift shop filled with apparel, accessories and home goods created by local Toronto designers. RIFF & CO.LAB managed to show Toronto what they represent as a brand and really worked with the local creatives in the city to bring their vision to life. It’s very exciting to see what RIFF has in store for the city next.