BIOGRAPHY

Apitchitchiw (Rex Smallboy) directs attention to critical First Nation’s issues through rap and social  activism.

Originally from Neyaskweyahk / Ermineskin Reserve #138 in Maskwacis, Alberta Rex is now based out of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh territory aka Vancouver, BC.

Rex addresses the destructive impacts of settler colonization and the genocide that devastated First Nation’s communities leaving a troubled and unresolved history in it’s wake.

Known as one of the revolutionary architects of political native rap, Rex was inspired by the truth and courage of African American rappers calling for social justice. At 18 Rex began to rap on behalf of indigenous people as a guest in the culture of hip-hop. 

Rex led his former group War Party to win the first ever Canadian Aboriginal Music Award for Best Rap or Hip-hop Album. This award was displayed at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights as part of the Beyond the Beat Music for Resistance and Change Exhibition. Rex’s work with War Party is also featured in the Speak Up Studio Bell Exhibition at the National Music Center in Calgary.

Rex is a dedicated single father and community addictions worker who shares his difficult journey of healing, grief and loss, personal growth and healthy self perception to inspire community. 

Most recently Rex has collaborated with rising indigenous music superstar MattMac on the song titled Give It Time. A video snippet of Rex’s verse posted to instagram gained over 5 million views. 

Rex also recently worked on writing and producing a song called Grand Entry for CBC Kids to promote the correct terminology of Indigenous community names. He also produced music for two indigenous themed online video games for CBC Kids titled Four Directions and Turtle Island Skate Jam. 

Rex’s music consists of producing four albums for War Party winning 3 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards. Rex has one solo album titled I Got Heart and is working on a second solo project.

Rex is currently employed by Watari working as the Indigenous System’s Navigator at the Downtown Community Court in Vancouver, BC.