Pressa (rapper)


Quinton Armani Gardner, professionally known as Pressa, is a Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter.

Early life

Quinton Armani Gardner was born on May 10, 1996 in Toronto, Ontario to a Filipino mother and a Jamaican-American father. He was only 36 days old when his father was faced with a potential life-changing prison sentence. This would affect the rest of his early and teenage years. His father was sentenced to 15 years in prison for second-degree murder, which left his mother to care for him and his older brother. This left them both to navigate the rough scene that is the Driftwood neighbourhood of Jane & Finch in Toronto, which is particularly notorious for gang affiliation and activity.

Career

2016–2018: ''Beginnings and rise to fame''

Gardner rose to prominence after the release of his hit single "Novacane", which was produced by frequent collaborator Murda Beatz. In 2017 he opened for Drake on his Boy Meets World Tour despite being on bail for kidnapping allegations, and was featured in 6IX RISING a Canadian documentary film about the hip hop culture in Canada. Later that year he gained significant attention for his unique flow on his single Canada Goose featuring Tory Lanez, which was released in December. Pressa has also worked with overseas artists including British rapper Giggs, releasing the single Sexy in April 2017 and he was featured in K Koke's single D Ting Set in the same year. In October 2018, Pressa released the single 420 in London featuring Lil Uzi Vert. He was featured on the song Up and Down by 6ixBuzz alongside Houdini which amassed over 1 million views on YouTube within the 1st month of release.

2019–present: ''Prestige''

In 2019 he has released "Prestige", an album named after his father, which debuted at the number 1 spot on the iTunes Canada hip hop music charts. It featured appearances from Burna Bandz as well as Lil Richie. Pressa collaborated with British rapper Russ and Taze on the single Vida Loca released in July 2019. Pressa's latest single, "O.T.M. ", was released on February 7, 2020 via WorldStarHipHop.
In May 2020, he signed with Sony Music Canada, in conjunction with Blue Feathers Records, coinciding with his release of his single 96 Freestyle.

Personal life

As of 2019, Gardner is currently living in Los Angeles, California, having been relocated from Toronto.

Discography

Studio albums