Cadence Weapon: Songs, Albums, Age, Real Name & More

Cadence Weapon is a Canadian rapper, producer, writer, poet, and cultural commentator known for blending hip-hop, electronic music, and socially conscious lyricism. He gained national recognition as one of Canada's most innovative rap artists and won the prestigious Polaris Music Prize for his album Parallel World in 2021.

In addition to music, he served as the Poet Laureate of Edmonton from 2009 to 2011 and has published acclaimed books on music and culture.

https://youtu.be/74cyPQkSQ6s?si=8j63j389bnuaNrha

Quick Facts About Cadence Weapon

● Real Name: Roland "Rollie" Pemberton

● Stage Name: Cadence Weapon

● Date of Birth: February 21, 1986

● Age: 40 years old

● Birthplace: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

● Nationality: Canadian

● Profession: Rapper, Producer, Writer, Poet

● Known For: Parallel World, Breaking Kayfabe, Hope in Dirt City

● Major Award: Polaris Music Prize (2021)

● Former Role: Edmonton Poet Laureate

Real Name

Cadence Weapon's real name is:

● Roland "Rollie" Pemberton.

He adopted the stage name "Cadence Weapon" early in his career and released his debut album under that name in 2005.

Age and Early Life

Roland Pemberton is 40 years old. He was born on February 21, 1986, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

He grew up in a musical household. His father, Teddy Pemberton, was a pioneering hip-hop radio DJ in Edmonton, while his mother played piano. His grandfather was Rollie Miles, a legendary player for the Edmonton Eskimos.

Education

After high school, Pemberton briefly attended journalism school but left to focus on music full-time.

His journalism background would later influence his writing style and socially conscious approach to songwriting.

Career

Early Breakthrough

Cadence Weapon began rapping at age 13 and released his debut album:

● Breaking Kayfabe (2005)

The album received strong reviews in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, establishing him as one of Canada's most promising hip-hop artists.

International Success

Following the success of Breaking Kayfabe, he signed with ANTI-Records and released:

● Afterparty Babies (2008)

● Hope in Dirt City (2012)

These albums earned critical acclaim and multiple nominations for the Polaris Music Prize.

Edmonton Poet Laureate

In 2009, Cadence Weapon was appointed:

● Poet Laureate of Edmonton

making him one of the youngest people ever to hold the position. He served as the city's literary ambassador from 2009 to 2011.

Polaris Music Prize Win

His fifth studio album:

● Parallel World

won the Polaris Music Prize in 2021. The album addressed issues such as racism, technology, inequality, and social justice.

Popular Songs

Some of Cadence Weapon's most notable songs include:

● House Music

● Conditioning

● High Rise

● Press Eject

● My Crew (Woooo)

● Sharks

● Night Service

● Exceptional

● The Afterparty

● System

In a 2026 interview, Pemberton highlighted several songs he considers among his strongest work, reflecting his evolution as an artist and songwriter.

Albums

Studio Albums

Cadence Weapon's studio albums include:

1. Breaking Kayfabe (2005)

2. Afterparty Babies (2008)

3. Hope in Dirt City (2012)

4. Cadence Weapon (2018)

5. Parallel World (2021)

6. Rollercoaster (2024)

7. Forager (2026)

Several of these albums received Polaris Music Prize nominations, cementing his reputation as one of Canada's most acclaimed rappers.

Books

Outside of music, Pemberton is also an author.

Published Books

● Bedroom Rapper (2022)

● Ways of Listening (2026)

His writing focuses on music, culture, race, and the Canadian entertainment industry.

Awards and Achievements

Cadence Weapon has received several major honors throughout his career, reflecting both his influence in Canadian hip-hop and his broader cultural impact. In 2021, he won the Polaris Music Prize for his album Parallel World, one of the most prestigious music awards in Canada, which recognizes artistic merit regardless of genre or sales.

In addition to his win, Cadence Weapon has also received multiple Polaris Music Prize nominations, highlighting his consistent critical acclaim across different projects. His work has repeatedly been recognized for its innovation, lyrical depth, and commentary on social and cultural issues.

Beyond music awards, he was also appointed Edmonton Poet Laureate, a role that acknowledged his contributions to literature, spoken word, and cultural expression in Canada. This appointment further established his reputation not only as a musician but also as a writer and public intellectual.

Overall, Cadence Weapon is widely regarded as one of Canada’s most influential hip-hop artists and cultural commentators, with a career defined by both artistic experimentation and critical recognition.

Socials - Cadence Weapon

Cadence Weapon maintains an active but focused social media presence, using his platforms to share music releases, political commentary, writing, and updates on live performances. His online activity often reflects his dual identity as both a rapper and cultural critic, with posts covering topics such as music, social issues, and Canadian culture.

He is active on Instagram under the handle @cadenceweapon, where he shares tour announcements, behind-the-scenes studio moments, book-related updates, and visuals connected to his albums and creative projects. He also uses his platform to promote interviews, essays, and media appearances tied to his work as a writer and commentator.

On X (Twitter), he is similarly engaged in discussion-based content, often posting thoughts on politics, art, and the music industry, as well as interacting with fans and fellow artists. His presence on streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music is also central to his digital footprint, where his releases, especially Parallel World, have gained critical and streaming success.

Overall, Cadence Weapon’s social media presence is less about lifestyle content and more focused on music, ideas, and cultural commentary, aligning with his reputation as both an artist and a public intellectual in Canadian hip-hop.

Conclusion

Cadence Weapon has built one of the most distinctive careers in Canadian hip-hop. From his early days as an underground rapper in Edmonton to becoming a Polaris Prize winner, author, and former poet laureate, Roland Pemberton has consistently pushed creative boundaries while addressing important social and cultural issues through his music and writing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Cadence Weapon's real name?

Cadence Weapon's real name is Rollie Pemberton. He adopted the stage name "Cadence Weapon" early in his music career.

2. What is Cadence Weapon known for?

Cadence Weapon is known for his innovative hip-hop music, socially conscious lyrics, and contributions to Canadian rap. He is also recognized for serving as Canada's Parliamentary Poet Laureate from 2023 to 2025.

3. What are Cadence Weapon's most popular songs?

Some of Cadence Weapon's best-known songs include Sharks, Conditioning, House Music, and High Rise.

4. How old is Cadence Weapon?

Cadence Weapon was born on February 21, 1986. He is 40 years old.

5. Is Cadence Weapon married?

Cadence Weapon keeps much of his personal life private. There is no widely verified public information confirming that he is married.