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Prevail (rapper)
View on WikipediaKey Information
Kiley Hendriks, stage name Prevail, is a Canadian hip hop artist, based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Prevail started rapping in the early 1990s with Moka Only. They are founding members of the group Swollen Members, which consists primarily of himself and Madchild on vocals. Swollen Members have sold hundreds of thousands of albums and won the Juno Award four times.[1][2] Rough Guide called them "two of the most innovative people in hip-hop".[3]
Aside from Swollen Members, Prevail released an album entitled Code Name: Scorpion with Abstract Rude and Moka Only in 2001, his first solo EP Baseball Bat and Nails in 2009, and a second solo EP with producer Ol' City Rocker titled Spasefase in 2012. Prevail then started 'Alpha Omega' - a new group teaming up with his nephew Cory Joseph (a.k.a. Neph) - in 2015. The duo released 3 EPs together before joining forces with Rob The Viking and Dr. Liesa Norman to form XL The Band. XL The Band has released dozens of jazz/ hip hop leaning singles since 2019.[4]
Discography
[edit]Solo
- Baseball Bat & Nails EP - February 10, 2009
- Spasefase EP - January 10, 2012
Swollen Members
- Balance - September 28, 1999
- Balance: Extra Tracks - November 23, 1999
- Balance Re-Release - May 1, 2001
- Bad Dreams - November 13, 2001
- Monsters in the Closet - November 12, 2002
- Heavy - October 27, 2003
- Heavy Bonus DVD - November 18, 2003
- Black Magic - September 12, 2006
- Armed to the Teeth - October 27, 2009
- Dagger Mouth - March 15, 2011
- Monsters II - August 2, 2011
- Beautiful Death Machine - March 19, 2013
- Brand New Day - June 16, 2014
XL the Band
- Opus No. 1 - April 3, 2020
Awards
[edit]*All awards won with Swollen Members*
Juno Awards
[edit]- 2001 - Best Rap Recording (Balance)[5]
- 2002 - Best Rap Recording (Bad Dreams)[6]
- 2003 - Rap Recording of the Year (Monsters in the Closet)[7]
- 2007 - Rap Recording of the Year (Black Magic)[8]
MuchMusic Video Awards
[edit]- 2001 - Best Independent Video - “Lady Venom”[9]
- 2002 - Best Rap Video - "Fuel Injected" (ft. Moka Only)[10]
- 2002 - Best Director - "Fuel Injected" (ft. Moka Only)[11]
- 2002 - VideoFACT Award - "Fuel Injected" (ft. Moka Only)[12]
- 2002 - Best Independent Video - "Fuel Injected" (ft. Moka Only)[13]
- 2002 - Peoples Choice: Favorite Canadian Group[14]
- 2003 - Best Rap Video - "Breathe" (ft. Nelly Furtado)[15]
Western Canadian Music Awards
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ @HipHopCanada (2002-09-28). "Bad Dreams by Swollen Members is Certified Platinum". HipHopCanada.com. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
- ^ "Keeping it real". Pique Newsmagazine. 2002-12-06. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
- ^ Shapiro, P: The Rough Guide To Hip-Hop, page 53. Rough Guides, 2005
- ^ "Swollen Members' Prevail Premieres "Birds" Video with New Collective XL the Band │ Exclaim!". exclaim.ca. Archived from the original on 2024-12-11. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
- ^ "Past Nominees + Winners". The JUNO Awards. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
- ^ "Past Nominees + Winners". The JUNO Awards. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
- ^ "Past Nominees + Winners". The JUNO Awards. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
- ^ "Past Nominees + Winners". The JUNO Awards. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
- ^ "iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards (2001)". IMDb. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
- ^ "iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards (2002)". IMDb. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
- ^ "iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards (2002)". IMDb. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
- ^ "iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards (2002)". IMDb. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
- ^ "iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards (2002)". IMDb. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
- ^ "iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards (2002)". IMDb. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
- ^ "iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards (2003)". IMDb. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
- ^ "2003 Western Canadian Music Award Artistic Winners". BreakOut West. Archived from the original on 2024-09-12. Retrieved 2024-09-12.
- ^ "2003 Western Canadian Music Award Artistic Winners". BreakOut West. Archived from the original on 2024-09-12. Retrieved 2024-09-12.
{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ "2004 Western Canadian Music Award Artistic Winners". BreakOut West. Archived from the original on 2024-09-12. Retrieved 2024-09-12.
External links
[edit]Prevail (rapper)
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Childhood and family
Kiley Hendriks, professionally known as Prevail, was born on November 4, 1975, in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. His family relocated to Victoria, British Columbia, when he was just two months old, and he was raised there throughout his childhood. As one of the few African-Canadian children in his neighborhood, Hendriks navigated a predominantly non-diverse environment that shaped his early experiences.[7] His mother worked in a local bookstore, which provided him with a constant supply of reading material and cultivated his early appreciation for language and literature.[7] This familial influence helped him develop verbal skills that he later drew upon in creative pursuits. Hendriks grew up in a close-knit family; at age 14, he became an uncle when his sister Tantrelle gave birth to his nephew, Cory Joseph, who is known professionally as Neph.[8] The family maintained strong bonds, with Hendriks later reflecting on the profound connection formed with his nephew from infancy. Raised in Victoria until his late teens, when he moved to Vancouver after high school, Hendriks' upbringing there laid the groundwork for his personal development.[9]Introduction to hip hop
Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, and raised in Victoria, British Columbia, after his family relocated there shortly after his birth, Kiley Hendriks, better known by his stage name Prevail, moved to Vancouver as a teenager following high school.[10][9] It was in Vancouver during the early 1990s that Prevail began immersing himself in the local hip hop scene, initially drawn to rapping as a means of creative expression amid the city's burgeoning underground culture.[9] Prevail's entry into hip hop was marked by early collaborations with fellow Vancouver artist Moka Only (Daniel Denton), with whom he engaged in freestyle sessions at house parties and local performances.[11] These informal gatherings allowed them to hone their skills in the competitive environment of the West Coast underground, where influences from regional acts and broader G-funk and gangsta rap aesthetics shaped their approach to lyricism and flow.[12] Moka Only played a pivotal role in Prevail's development, even bestowing upon him his stage name during an early barbecue gathering, symbolizing resilience and determination in the challenging rap landscape.[13]Musical career
Swollen Members
Swollen Members was founded in 1995 in Vancouver by Prevail and Madchild (Shane Bunting), initially operating as a duo centered on hardcore hip hop.[14] Prior to this, Prevail had been rapping alongside Moka Only as an early precursor to the group's sound. The collective evolved through the addition of contributors like DJ Svengali for early production and Evidence for key collaborations, while maintaining themes of dark, introspective lyrics that blended gritty storytelling with psychological depth.[15][16] A pivotal breakthrough occurred with their signing to Battle Axe Records and the release of the debut album Balance on May 31, 1999, which achieved gold certification in Canada (40,000 units) and contributed to the group's overall sales of hundreds of thousands of albums.[17][18][19] The group navigated several hiatuses stemming from Madchild's personal struggles with addiction, yet achieved multiple reunions that sustained their momentum, including dynamic live performances known for high-energy delivery and crowd engagement.[20][21] Marking their longevity, Swollen Members launched the "Bury the Hatchet" reunion tour in November 2024, commencing in Port Alberni, British Columbia, before expanding into a cross-country Canadian run with special guest Moka Only.[22] In June 2025, they announced the U.S. leg of the tour, which began on August 15, 2025.[23][24] The reunion was preceded by the release of the single "Faceless Kings" on March 7, 2024.[25] Throughout their tenure, Swollen Members' tight-knit dynamics—rooted in the complementary flows of Prevail's precise lyricism and Madchild's raw intensity—have solidified their influence on the Canadian hip hop scene, pioneering underground-to-mainstream crossovers and inspiring a generation of West Coast rappers with their resilient, narrative-driven approach.[26][27]Solo projects
Prevail released his debut solo EP, Baseball Bats and Nails, on February 10, 2009, through Battle Axe Records.[28] The project marked his first independent endeavor outside of Swollen Members, consisting of six hip hop tracks produced in collaboration with artists like Stylust Beats.[28] In 2012, during a period of reduced group activity for Swollen Members, Prevail issued his follow-up solo EP, Spasefase, on January 10.[29] Co-produced with Ol' City Rocker and released digitally, the six-track effort delved into themes of conspiracy and diverse topics, presented in a high-energy, lyrically dense style that highlighted Prevail's skills as both MC and producer.[30] These solo releases allowed Prevail to pursue experimental sounds and deeper lyrical exploration, distinct from his collaborative work.[29] One notable single from Spasefase, "Razorblades" featuring vocalist Malia May, received a music video treatment, emphasizing the EP's introspective edge.[30]XL The Band and collaborations
In 2015, Prevail formed the hip-hop duo Alpha Omega with his nephew, rapper Cory Joseph, known professionally as Neph.[31][32] The project marked a familial collaboration within the genre, building on Prevail's established career while introducing Neph's contributions to their shared releases.[33] By 2019, Alpha Omega evolved into the ensemble XL The Band, incorporating producer and keyboardist Rob The Viking—Prevail's longtime collaborator from Swollen Members—and flautist and vocalist Dr. Liesa Norman, a former member of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.[34][35] This expansion retained Neph as a vocalist while shifting toward a fusion of hip-hop, jazz, and alternative elements, emphasizing improvisational live dynamics and instrumental layering.[36] The band's debut single, "Birds," premiered that year, signaling their innovative blend of rap flows with jazz flute and keys.[37] XL The Band released their debut album, Opus No. 1, on April 3, 2020.[38] The project highlighted themes of creative innovation and intergenerational family ties, with Prevail and Neph's contributions underscoring personal and artistic continuity.[36] Produced primarily by Rob The Viking, the album integrated hip-hop lyricism with jazz instrumentation, reflecting the group's collective experience in both rap and orchestral settings.[39] Since 2019, XL The Band has maintained an active output, releasing dozens of singles that explore their signature genre fusion.[40] Their live performances blend rap verses with jazz improvisation, often featuring extended instrumental sections, and draw on connections to Swollen Members through Rob The Viking's production role.[36] The band has toured North America and Europe, performing at festivals and jazz venues to showcase this hybrid sound.[35] Beyond music releases, Prevail has engaged in other collaborations, including a podcast appearance on Rap Career Growth discussing career strategies in hip-hop.[41] In February 2024, he teased upcoming projects, hinting at special releases that build on his ongoing work with XL The Band and related endeavors.[42]Discography
With Swollen Members
Prevail, alongside Madchild, co-founded Swollen Members in 1995, contributing lyrics and vocals to the group's output as a core member throughout its career. The duo's collaborative work with the group spans multiple studio albums, EPs, and singles, primarily released through independent labels Battle Axe Records and later Suburban Noize Records, reflecting their roots in underground Canadian hip hop.[43]Studio Albums
Swollen Members' studio albums showcase Prevail's aggressive, narrative-driven style, often blending hardcore hip hop with rock influences and guest features from collaborators like Moka Only. Key releases include:| Title | Release Year | Label(s) | Certification(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance | 1999 | Battle Axe Records | Gold (Canada) |
| Bad Dreams | 2001 | Battle Axe Records | Platinum (Canada) |
| Monsters in the Closet | 2002 | Battle Axe Records | Gold (Canada) |
| Dagger Mouth | 2003 | Battle Axe Records | Gold (Canada) |
| Heavy | 2005 | Battle Axe Records | Gold (Canada) |
| Black Magic | 2006 | Battle Axe Records | None |
| 1997 | 2011 | Battle Axe Records, Suburban Noize Records | None |
| Beautiful Death Machine | 2013 | Battle Axe Records, Suburban Noize Records | None |
| Brand New Day | 2014 | Battle Axe Records, Suburban Noize Records | None |
| Counterfeit | 2017 | Battle Axe Records | None |
EPs and Compilations
Prior to their major releases, Swollen Members issued early demos and mixtapes that laid the groundwork for their sound, including the 1996 demo Subliminal Message, which featured raw, underground tracks predating their debut album. The group also released various mixtapes throughout the 2000s and 2010s, often distributed independently to build fan engagement, alongside compilations like Greatest Hits: Ten Years of Turmoil (2010, Battle Axe Records/Suburban Noize Records) that anthologized key tracks from Prevail's tenure.[3]Notable Singles
Several singles from Swollen Members' albums highlight Prevail's dynamic flow and the group's production style, achieving radio play and video airtime in Canada. Standouts include:- "Lady Venom" (2001, from Bad Dreams), a high-energy track emphasizing sharp lyricism and turntablism.[53]
- "Fuel Injected" featuring Moka Only (2001, from Bad Dreams), known for its fast-paced delivery and collaboration-driven energy.[54]
- "Breathe" featuring Nelly Furtado (2002, from Monsters in the Closet), a crossover hit that peaked at #3 on the Canadian Singles Chart and broadened the group's appeal.
- "Faceless Kings" (2024), released as part of the group's reunion.[25]
Solo releases
Prevail's solo career began with the release of his debut extended play, Baseball Bats and Nails, on February 10, 2009, via Battle Axe Records.[28] Issued during a hiatus from his work with Swollen Members, the EP showcases Prevail's production involvement alongside collaborators like Stylust Beats, blending aggressive hip-hop beats with raw lyricism.[28] The six-track project highlights Prevail's independent approach, featuring guest appearances such as Mad Child on "Crack Your Mouth" and a sample-heavy interlude in "Rockapella."[28]| Track | Title | Featuring/Notes | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mean Streets | 3:28 | |
| 2 | The Threes | Produced by Stylust Beats | 3:55 |
| 3 | Gasoline | 2:21 | |
| 4 | Crack Your Mouth | Featuring Mad Child | 3:18 |
| 5 | Rockapella | 0:52 | |
| 6 | Poof | Produced by Stylust Beats | 3:34 |
| Track | Title | Featuring/Notes | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clack Clack Clack | 2:34 | |
| 2 | I Am Power | 3:17 | |
| 3 | Wake Up Call | 3:47 | |
| 4 | Razor Blades | Featuring Malia May | 3:13 |
| 5 | Harddrive | 3:40 | |
| 6 | Speakers Corner | 3:52 |
With XL The Band
XL The Band, formed in 2015, released several collaborative projects under the related Alpha Omega moniker during its early years, blending hip hop with experimental elements.[36] In the transition period from 2015 to 2019, Alpha Omega—featuring Prevail and Neph—issued three EPs that laid groundwork for the band's sound. The Concept EP, released on November 13, 2015, includes tracks such as "Toxic Avengers," "Ghost Stories," "Bluntly Speaking," "Pendulum," "A.O.," and "The Concept."[57][58] The Strain EP followed on May 13, 2016, with the tracks: 1. "S.I.N.S.", 2. "Ouroboros", 3. "Temple de L'or" (feat. DJ Sparky T), 4. "Hearsay / Firing Squad", 5. "Tribal".[59] The Outbreak EP on November 22, 2016, contains "Outbreak," "The Formula," "Dark Matter," "Infection," "Antidote," and "Outbreak (Remix)."[60] Since 2019, XL The Band has put out dozens of singles, often featuring collaborators and emphasizing their jazz-hip hop fusion style. Notable examples include "Birds," released on May 24, 2019, with a music video premiering on July 24, 2019, produced by Rob the Viking.[61][62] Other key singles are "5+1 (Extended)" in 2019, "Sludge" in 2020, "Trouble" in 2021, "Take Time" on September 23, 2022, "Into the Storm" on March 17, 2023, and "Sheep" later in 2023.[40][37] No major releases noted as of November 2025. The band's debut full-length album, Opus No. 1, arrived on April 3, 2020, via Dream Killer Records, showcasing a seamless jazz-hip hop fusion with live instrumentation and guest appearances.[63][64] The album features the following tracklist:| No. | Title | Featuring | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Opus | Daniel Adair | 4:05 |
| 2 | 5+1 (Extended) | - | 7:36 |
| 3 | Interlude No. 1 | - | 0:35 |
| 4 | Life of a Fly | - | 4:27 |
| 5 | Per Sempre | - | 5:00 |
| 6 | Birds | - | 4:43 |
| 7 | Sludge | - | 5:09 |
| 8 | Lo Life | - | 3:33 |
| 9 | Clouds | - | 4:18 |
| 10 | Dream Killer | - | 3:50 |
| 11 | Interlude No. 2 | - | 0:28 |
| 12 | Catch a Star | - | 4:15 |
Awards and recognition
Juno Awards
Prevail, as a core member of the hip hop duo Swollen Members alongside Madchild, has contributed to four Juno Award wins in the rap category, recognizing the group's innovative contributions to Canadian hip hop. The Juno Awards, established in 1971 by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), serve as Canada's premier music honors, akin to the Grammy Awards in the United States, and play a vital role in elevating the profile of domestic artists across genres.[67] These victories underscore Swollen Members' impact on the national music scene during the early 2000s, a period when hip hop was gaining mainstream traction in Canada. The group's debut album Balance (2000) earned the Best Rap Recording at the 2001 Juno Awards, marking an early breakthrough for Vancouver-based hip hop on a national stage.[26] This was followed by a win in the same category for their sophomore release Bad Dreams (2001) at the 2002 Juno Awards, which also achieved platinum certification in Canada and highlighted the duo's evolving production style blending rock and rap elements.[68]| Year | Award | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Best Rap Recording | Balance |
| 2002 | Best Rap Recording | Bad Dreams |
| 2003 | Rap Recording of the Year | Monsters in the Closet |
| 2007 | Rap Recording of the Year | Black Magic |
