Ahead of performing at JUNOfest in Halifax next month, TOBi — who released one of the 50 Best Albums of 2023 with PANIC — has joined forces with CBC Music to record a cover of Joni Mitchell's iconic 1970 hit "Big Yellow Taxi" for the JUNO Sessions, a series where past and present JUNO Awards nominees and winners cover songs by musicians who have been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
"I remember the first time I heard the song, I was probably like 12 years old, and something about it just resonated with me," the rapper told CBC of his selection, going on to say that his favourite moment was the "historical landmark" line, "Farmer, farmer / Put away the DDT." TOBi explained, "Even though that lyric isn't particularly relevant nowadays, to know that it was at a certain time, and she took that risk to speak on it on the record — you know, that empowers me as an artist to do the same."
His unapologetically soulful style is front and centre in this stripped-back performance. Accompanied by only a pianist, TOBi sports his own merch while letting his silky-smooth voice and Mitchell's still-timely lyrics really speak.
Check out the performance below. TOBi is nominated for Rap Album and Rap Single of the Year at this year's JUNOs, which will see Maestro Fresh Wes inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame live from Halifax on March 24.