Volcanic Theatre Pub & 1988 Entertainment Presents:

MERKULES w/ RYAN OAKES & NORTHORN LIGHTS

Genre - Rap/Hip-hop

Sunday, May 18th 2025

Presale - $25  Door - $35

Doors @ 6PM - Show Starts @ 7PM

1.  

   Merkules -

   Merkules is a platinum-selling and award-winning Canadian hip-hop artist from Surrey, British Columbia. He began his career early under the name "Merk Mikz," quickly gaining recognition by rapping over well-known beats. His sharp word play, direct tone, and masterful delivery have captivated a steadily growing fanbase. As a Monster Energy-sponsored artist, Merkules has amassed billions of streams, followers, andviews. His signature "hangover-rap" style has led to collaborations with prominent figures in rap and hip-hop, including Jelly Roll, Kevin Gates, Insane Clown Posse, The Game, Benny the Butcher, E-40, Tech N9ne, Hopsin, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Too $hort, Twista, DMX, ObieTrice, and DAX, among others.In 2024, Merkules was invited to support Snoop Dogg on the "Cali to Canada" tour and to open for Ice Cube.

    

   Continuing to release singles and videos at an impressive pace, Merkules has accumulated over 1 billion views on multiple top-trending YouTube videos. His last five albums each reached #1 on the iTunes hip-hop charts. With more than 500 performances across North America, Europe, and Australia, he has sold out headline tours throughout the U.S. His track "Gon Die (ft. StevieRoss)" has earned Platinum certification in Canada. Notable achievements include ranking #1 on Billboard's Rising Artists Chart, reaching #10 onthe NACC Hip-Hop Chart, and #16 on the Nielsen Connect U.S. Rap Sales Chart. He also secured the #19 spot on the overall iTunes Australia chart. Merkules has attained significant mainstream exposure, including an impactful appearance on "Dr. Phil" in 2020 while promoting his album "Apply Pressure." During this appearance, he offered support to an aspiring rapper onthe condition that they stay clean. His music has been featured in the game "Tony Hawk’s ProSkater 1 + 2," and he has been the subject of a national feature in the Globe & Mail.As an evolving introspective rapper, Merkules delves into mental health topics in his lyrics."I speak on topics that maybe everybody else isn't willing to talk about. It’s a big reason why mysongs resonate with people," he explains. Currently, Merkules is working on a new album fo rDeath Row Records while continuing to release surprise singles and remixes. 

    

   Ryan Oakes - 

   Ryan Oakes siphons a signature style from the nostalgic sound of old school hip-hop, fused with deeply personal lyrical themes and a unique modern flair. The Virginia-born and Los Angeles-based rapper, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and artist carves out his own hyper-charged hypnotic hybrid with no shortage of energy and attitude. His commitment to independence and integrity has yielded nearly half-a-billion streams and a devout fanbase.

   “I put my own personality into the music as much as I can,” he notes. “There are some witty lines and a lot of personal truths. We’re trying to blend the genres so well to a point where you can’t label what we’re doing. It’s super detailed down to the smallest piece. That’s the Ryan Oakes secret sauce. It’s something no one else can replicate.”

   His most recent project is a fiery explosion of passion fueled by early 2000s beats and intimately personal lyrics. Kicking off with a searing slab of hard rap in “I WISH,” this new cycle is gearing up to serve some of Oakes’ most honest and affecting music yet. “SUICIDAL THOUGHTS (NO ONE’S HOME)” featuring Against The Current’s Chrissy Costanza is a heartfelt and anthemic track that highlights the struggling battle with mental health. Always delivering the perfect mixture of emotion and energy, Ryan Oakes continues to be a lead innovator in the rock-rap game.