Hip-hop duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids are calling on their community after a devastating fire destroyed their creative spaces in Vancouver this week, wiping out their recording studio, RBRTH clothing shop, Savage Kids storefront and a trove of "irreplaceable" belongings.
The blaze broke out in the early morning hours of Wednesday, April 23, damaging multiple businesses across three buildings between Nanaimo and Lakewood Streets. Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services say the fire was initially extinguished by 4 a.m. before it reignited and continued to burn into the early afternoon, as CityNews reports.
Vancouver police have since confirmed that the fire is being treated as suspicious, and that their major crime unit has taken over the investigation. The incident also caused significant damage to other local businesses, including East Vancouver staples Dayton Boots and Windsor Meats, though no injuries were reported and displaced residents have since returned to their homes.
In an emotional Instagram post, Snotty Nose Rez Kids wrote, "So much time, energy, money, and effort went into these and we watched it either burn up or get pummeled by water for 6+ hours… We're not the kind of people to ask for help, but we've received so many messages from our community asking how they can help."
As a result, the Kitimaat Village duo — who took home their first JUNO for Rap Album/EP of the Year last month — have launched a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign to help rebuild their studios, replace lost equipment and recover from the financial toll of the fire.
"We appreciate all the love and support we've received… all love and I guess it's only up from here!"