Toronto hip hop pioneer Saukrates revisits a defining collaboration with Drake and the late King Reign, honouring the city’s musical roots while introducing a piece of its history to a new generation.
In 2008, a young Aubrey Graham was still finding his footing as a rapper. Before becoming one of the biggest names in music, Drake stepped into a Toronto studio alongside hometown veterans Saukrates and King Reign to record the piano-driven track “Fades Away.”
Eighteen years later, the song has returned with a new perspective.
“Fades Away (2026 Remix),” credited to Saukrates featuring Drake, King Reign, and The BLK LT$, is available worldwide through Frostbyte Media/SRG-ILS, in partnership with Virgin Music and Universal Music Group.
More than a nostalgic release, the remix celebrates Toronto’s hip hop legacy, honours the late King Reign, and connects two generations of Canadian rap history.
Saukrates Fades Away 2026 Remix Reconnects Toronto Hip Hop Generations
Long before Toronto became an internationally recognized hip hop powerhouse, artists like Saukrates were helping establish the city’s identity.
Born Karl Amani Wailoo, Saukrates released his debut single, “Still Caught Up,” in 1994 while still a teenager. The self-written and self-produced recording earned him a JUNO nomination for Best Rap Recording in 1996, at a time when Canadian hip hop was still fighting for mainstream recognition.
He later signed with Warner Bros. and Def Jam and co-founded The Circle, a Toronto collective whose members included Kardinal Offishall, Choclair, and Jully Black.
These artists helped establish Toronto’s reputation long before the city became globally associated with Drake.
The original “Fades Away” appeared on King Reign’s 2009 EP, Reign Music, with Saukrates handling production. Recorded in 2008, the collaboration captured an important moment in Toronto music history, bringing together established voices and an emerging artist who would soon achieve international success.
Saukrates and Drake also share connections to Toronto producer and mentor Noel “Gadget” Campbell, whose influence extended to Drake’s longtime collaborator Noah “40” Shebib.
Saukrates Honours King Reign With Fades Away 2026 Remix
The new version carries particular emotional significance following the death of King Reign, born Kunle Thomas, in June 2016 at the age of 40.
A member of Scarborough hip hop group BrassMunk and a respected solo performer, King Reign collaborated with artists including Kardinal Offishall, Pharoahe Monch, and K-os.
For Saukrates, revisiting the recording is both a celebration of Toronto’s creative community and a tribute to a longtime friend.
“This is Toronto personified… I have always approached music production with a ‘sharing’ sentiment and, with our city being underdogs, we find strength in talented numbers. Quality + Quantity!” says Saukrates, also known as Bigg Soxx. “RIP to my brother in soul, Kunle ‘King Reign’ Thomas.”
His words reflect the collaborative spirit that helped shape Toronto’s early hip hop movement.
Inside the Production of Saukrates Fades Away 2026 Remix
Producers Walter Milsapp III and XMan reimagined the original recording, blending its late-2000s soul influences with contemporary production.
Saukrates, Drake, King Reign, and The BLK LT$ share songwriting credits on the updated release.
Milsapp, a close associate of Dominique Zgarka, describes the experience as an opportunity to connect different eras of Canadian music.
“What an honor to connect with my Canadian brothers and sister on such a classic. Bringing that nostalgia together with today’s culture created something truly unique and timely,” says Milsapp. “XMan and I had an incredible time creating for this record, and it was a privilege to be a part of reimagining something so special for a new moment.”
The result preserves the original recording’s historical significance while introducing it to listeners discovering Toronto’s earlier hip hop generations.
Saukrates’ Influence Extends Across Canadian Music
Throughout his career, Saukrates has worked across hip hop, R&B, funk, soul, and popular music.
His production credits include work with Redman and co-production on “Heaven” from Nas’s God’s Son. He has collaborated with Method Man & Redman, toured with Nelly Furtado, and performed as the frontman of funk and soul group Big Black Lincoln.
He also co-wrote “On The Run” with K-os and Nelly Furtado, a song later reworked into K-os’s “I Wish I Knew Natalie Portman.”
His career has included multiple JUNO nominations, an MMVA win, and an Emmy nomination. In 2026, he also received recognition for “Who’s Drivin You” with TOBi and Jully Black and a children’s music project with Canadian hip hop pioneer Maestro Fresh Wes.
Beyond recording and performing, Saukrates has become a recognizable voice in Canadian sports broadcasting.
Since 2007, he has narrated Toronto Blue Jays content, including a documentary celebrating Roberto Alomar’s induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. His voice has also accompanied Toronto Raptors coverage through Rogers and Sportsnet, including the team’s historic 2019 NBA championship run.
His work in television extends to composing the theme and score for Sounds Black, a documentary available through History Channel and StackTV. Directed by Cazhmere Downey, the project explores the history and influence of Black music in Canada.
Saukrates Gives Back Through the Youth Electric Symphony Orchestra
Saukrates’ musical foundation began long before his hip hop career.
Classically trained on violin, he performed with the Scarborough Schools Symphony Orchestra, appearing at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall four times.
Now affectionately known as “Uncle Scarborough,” he is helping inspire the next generation through the Saukrates Youth Electric Symphony Orchestra (SYESO).
Developed in collaboration with Community Music Schools of Toronto, the 60-piece student orchestra brings young musicians together through an initiative connecting classical training with contemporary musical creativity.
The project reflects Saukrates’ commitment to mentorship and the community that helped shape his career.
What’s Next for Saukrates in 2026 and Beyond?
The release of “Fades Away (2026 Remix)” is part of a larger creative chapter for Saukrates.
Before the end of 2026, he plans to release a collection of reimagined classics, including an updated version of “On The Run” featuring K-os and Nelly Furtado.
The collection is also expected to feature the Saukrates Youth Electric Symphony Orchestra, alongside previously unreleased material from his archives.
Looking ahead to 2027, Saukrates is preparing a collaborative album with DJ Nana.
Listen to Saukrates Fades Away 2026 Remix Featuring Drake
What began as a Toronto studio collaboration in 2008 has become a reminder of the artists, friendships, and creative communities that helped build the city’s hip hop identity.
With Drake’s rise to international superstardom, King Reign’s enduring legacy, and Saukrates’ continued influence, “Fades Away (2026 Remix)” brings an important chapter of Canadian music history back into focus.
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