HEAVEN HELP DEM was written produced & performed by Jonathan Emile featuring: Kendrick Lamar on vocals and Franco Proietti on alto-saxophone. Jonathan Emile is a poet, singer, composer and entrepreneur. He garnered attention with the release of his debut EP “The Lover/Fighter Document,” which was nominated for a Grammy in 2011 (long-listed for Rap Album of The Year). Emile founded independent record label Mindpeacelove Entertainment; the label rejects the current negative commercial conventions of rap and embraces positivity, musicality and humanism. In 2012, Emile collaborated with international artists Kendrick Lamar, KRS-1, Buckshot, Naledge and Murs for his anticipated debut LP. Additionally, he shared the stage with rappers “Common” & “Shad” in Montréal, “Nelly” in Las Vegas, “Coolio” in San Francisco and “Naughty By Nature” & “Slick Rick” in New York. He has also collaborated closely with world-renowned cellist Denis Brott, and shared venues with legendary pianist Oliver Jones. At the age of 18 Emile was diagnosed with cancer, and for the following two years he underwent intense chemotherapy and radiation to fight the disease. During this period, the artist used music as his personal therapy as he fought the disease and devoted his energy to becoming a significant and respected musical artist. Emile’s music is defined by truth as he shares his experiences of battling cancer, addresses current affairs and explores humanity. Through hip-hop, R&B/neo-soul and reggae, Emile offers an honest and unique perspective of reality without sacrificing the ‘hype-noise’ that the new generation craves. His music is danceable but reflective, fresh but in tune with the legacy of soul music. He is currently a member of Grammy nominated Jazz/Soul outfit “The Morph-tet” and notable Montréal musical improvisers “Kalmunity Vibe Collective”. In 2013, Emile delivered a critically acclaimed performance in the The Segal Centre's Broadway musical production of the “Ain’t Misbehavin” alongside Kim Richardson in Montréal. His experiences include touring Canada, England & Germany performing his “Songs of Freedom Tour” to thousands of listeners in association with non-profit Overture With The Arts. The depth and relevance of his lyrics are only paralleled by his understanding of today’s music trends. Emile does not see himself as strictly a hip-hop artist, but as a thinker with a knack for rhythm and rhyme. “My life and art are not a style. ” Emile explains. “It’s a philosophy called ‘mindpeacelove’ that promotes humanism, creativity and social justice”.