Not Just Another ‘Preti’ Face

By Catherine Litt The News Bulletin

Quick: think of a Canadian city you’d expect the next big hip hop star to come from.

Vancouver, perhaps Toronto?

Those are good guesses. But how about Nanaimo?

Sure, the Harbour City may not be known as a hotbed for hip hop right now, but if record producer Wil Greer has anything to say about it, it will become the launching pad of the next great rapper.

Greer owns Cartello Records, a new Nanaimo company that’s aiming for stardom both for itself and for its growing stable of artists.

Since forming the company in September, Greer has been a busy man. He has signed a rapper named Diamante, has recorded a track for Victoria rapper Sy-rai and is courting Seattle-based Sir Mix-A-Lot for a recording session.

He has also been busy with his own career as a hip hop artist, under the stage name PretiBoi.

“Honestly, it’s a lot of work,” says Greer of the double duty. “It was more work than I had expected it to be.”

Between producing other artists and managing his own career, the 26-year-old former DJ keeps a hectic pace.

But he wouldn’t have it any other way. For him, the hard work is all part of making his dream a reality – a message he shares in his lyrics.

“People can pursue their dreams if they’re willing to take the time and effort to make it happen,” says Greer.

“A lot of people, they give up on their dreams. If you have a dream, don’t forget about it, make it a reality.”

Greer’s dream for Cartello Records goes far beyond music.

Besides signing and recording new artists, the company is looking at several merchandising opportunities, including a clothing line.