by SCOTT C

Hip hop producer Think Twice, aka Phil Kennedy, is a prime example of some of the A-list talent flying slightly below the radar in good ol’ Montreal. Back in 2004, he single-handedly produced Specifics’ debut LP, Lonely City, a record that was well-received by Japanese heads, praised by critics, and quietly overlooked by a North American audience who couldn’t buy the record.

Now, in 2007, his musical relationship with Japan continues. “I don’t know, man,” says Kennedy, “Japan has just shown a big interest in what I’m doing, and I’ll take that. Plus, they pay my bills.”

With his solo LP, With a Loop & Some Swing, slated for release this week on Japan’s P-Vine Records, a good list of Montreal MCs are getting the big push. With contributions from Mr. Goodvibe, Butta Beats, Coates, Dank Lee, Golden Boy, Shogun, Manchilde and Lotus & Karma, TT’s reputation for blessing the beats can only grow. Right now, he’s got a single out called “People Wanna Know,” featuring Manchilde at his best, on Japanese label Nujabes, as well as plans for a few releases on Public Transit Recordings in the new year. Also look for a North American full-length album from this guy sometime in 2007.

“When things went sour with the Specifics deal that we had, I didn’t think I’d get another chance, but I realized that I had to keep moving and making music, and use the opportunities I’d been given.” Armed only with an MPC 2000XL and a Blackberry, Think Twice is well on his way to being internationally known, even if you’re just finding out about him now. You can check out some of the beats he’s got bubblin’ at www.myspace.com/thinktwicemtl.