by Christy Marsters (The Hants Journal)

Enfield’s small town rapper will lay down his newest hip-hop hits for Halifax June 5.

Luke Boyd, professionally known as Classified, will end his headlined tour of Canada at The Palace as advanced tickets are now being sold for $25 at all Ticketpro outlets.

His show is set to celebrate his most recently released album Self Explanatory, which has 22 new tracks including “Anybody Listening,” a single gaining chart recognition.

This album was trying to title as it had a little bit of everything and each song told its own story, Boyd said. “But, it’s just honest music as it relates to small town people.”

Hip-hop is about all representing personal roots but rappers from rural Nova Scotia have to push a little bit harder to get an album out there, Boyd said. “You have to really want it. Canadian hip-hop isn’t looked for, the industry isn’t built up.”

“However, I still live in Enfield,” Boyd said. “And, represent Enfield everywhere I go.”

Classified has sold over 40,000 copies of his previous releases in Canada alone since he started his career in 1995. His song titled achievements include JUNO-nominated Boy Cott-In the Industry and Hitch Hikin’ Music. This year, he also won the ECMA Fan Choice Award and arranged to tour in Europe alongside hip-hop heavyweights D-12.

With each new release it’s been important to step things up, Boyd said. “With music; I’ve learned to be more honest and to put my insecurities right out into the music.”

I think the CD is something the average person can relate to by the qualities instilled in someone from a town, Body said. “The average person working 9 to 5 can relate.”

“I’m super happy the last show (of this Canadian tour) is in Halifax,” Body added. “I think it’s more of a chilled party vibe when you’re home. The home coming welcome is always good.”

Anyone looking for tickets to Classified’s performance at The Place on June 5 should contact Ticketpro at 1-888-311-9090 or log online at www.sonicconcerts.com. This show is restricted to those over 19. Special guests will include Chad Hatcher, J– Bru, Mic Boyd and DJ IV. Doors will be opened at 9 p.m. and the show will start at 10 p.m.