Posthumous debut album from slain Toronto rapper Smoke Dawg released

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Toronto rapper Smoke Dawg’s posthumous album arrived on Friday, exactly five months after he was killed in a brazen shooting.

“Struggle Before Glory” marks the debut full-length record from the performer, born Jahvante Smart, who was considered one of Toronto’s rising young rappers.

The 21-year-old captured the attention of the local hip-hop community after joining Drake on his 2017 European tour.

His 13-track album features numerous guest appearances, including British artists Fredo and Giggs.

Toronto rappers Safe and Puffy L’z — both part of the Halal Gang artist collective where Smoke Dawg forged his early career — also feature on tracks.

Smart was one of two men killed on June 30 in Toronto’s entertainment district. The other was Ernest Modekwe, brand manager for hip-hop collective Prime Boys.

Toronto police have issued a warrant for the arrest of 22-year-old Abdulkadir Handule in the fatal shooting and a 16-year-old boy who can’t be named because he is a minor.

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