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Rapper Cadence Weapon named Edmonton’s next poet laureate – Metro US

Rapper Cadence Weapon named Edmonton’s next poet laureate

EDMONTON – Rollie Pemberton – better known as hip-hop artist Cadence Weapon – will soon have a new handle: Edmonton’s poet laureate.

Pemberton will be the city’s third poet laureate, assuming the role on July 1.

Pemberton, 23, has released two acclaimed albums as Cadence Weapon: 2005’s “Breaking Kayfabe” and 2008’s “Afterparty Babies.”

He’s also a poet and a writer, having previously been on staff with multiple publications including popular Chicago-based music website Pitchfork.

Pemberton takes over from Governor General’s Literary Award winner E.D. Blodgett. He will hold the position for two years.

Pemberton’s Edmonton roots run deep. His late father, Teddy, was a hip-hop DJ on a campus radio show there, while his grandfather, Rollie Miles, was a star with the CFL’s Eskimos.