UNIVERSAL MUSIC CANADA SIGNS RAPPER CASPER TNG
GOLD-CERTIFIED “THE MARKET” EMERGES AS ONE OF THE YEAR’S DEFINING BREAKOUT RECORDS
Casper TNG (center) with (L – R): Imani Busby, A&R Scout, UMC; Julie Adam, President & CEO, Universal Music Canada; Kwaku Agyemang, A&R Manager, UMC; Amanda Kingsland, Vice President, A&R, UMC; Photo credit: Jesse Milns
Download Media Assets HERE
LISTEN TO “THE MARKET” HERE
24 MARCH 2026 (TORONTO, ON) – Universal Music Canada today announced the signing of rapper Casper TNG alongside the official Gold-certification of his breakout single, “The Market” (with 100Bandplan), in Canada. This milestone marks a key moment in a surge that began with fan momentum and has grown into one of the year’s defining breakout records in hip-hop.
Collaborations between the label’s in-house A&R and marketing teams began in late 2025, amplifying the record’s rise and aligning infrastructure around its rapid growth. The partnership, built on undeniable momentum and designed to support the artist’s long-term vision, formalizes a relationship that has been steadily developing alongside the song’s ascent.
“‘The Market’ has been stuck in my head since first listen — the kind of record you can’t get out of your head — and it’s been so fun watching it become an absolute anthem,” said Julie Adam, President & CEO, Universal Music Canada. “After spending any time with Casper, it’s clear how seriously he approaches his craft and the artistic vision he’s building. I have tremendous respect for the path he’s on, and the team at UMC is excited to partner with him as he brings many more anthems into the world.”
Emerging from Toronto’s underground scene with a melodic, emotionally direct style that blends rap and R&B influences, Casper TNG has spent over a decade building a loyal following. Known for pairing lived realism with atmospheric production, he has steadily evolved into one of the country’s most compelling new hip-hop voices — a trajectory that accelerated with the release of “The Market.” With a renewed focus on family and long-term growth, Casper’s sharpened perspective and work ethic culminated in the release of “The Market,” from his 2025 EP One Helluvalife.
Now generating more than 8 million global streams, “The Market” continues its steady climb, rising to #61 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100, with major cover placements across Spotify and Apple Music, including Rap Life, Viral Hits, and Hip-Hop Central, and placement on Hot Hits Canada, Spotify’s flagship multi-genre playlist in Canada.
Beyond streaming, the record’s cultural impact continues to expand. “The Market” remains the #1 Sound on TikTok in Canada, now surpassing 58.9 million views, with Casper recently reaching a new peak of 1.4 million daily social views. The official video has climbed to 2.5 million views on YouTube, peaking at #1 on the platform’s Trending chart and currently ranking among the top music videos in Canada.
As the moment builds, visibility has expanded beyond streaming. The campaign supporting “The Market” has included high-impact digital out-of-home placements at Sankofa Square and national broadcast integration through Raptors coverage, extending the record’s reach into live and cultural spaces.
“I’m happy and really appreciative for the opportunity to showcase my music. It’s been a rollercoaster of a journey, and I know there’s still a long way up,” said Casper TNG. “I’m excited to see where this goes next, and I’m grateful for the team at Universal Music Canada for believing in my vision. I know great things will come from this partnership.”
Photo Credit: Tiger Saysavanh
FOLLOW CASPER TNG:
Instagram | TikTok | YouTube
ABOUT CASPER TNG:
Casper TNG is a Toronto hip-hop artist whose music has been a fixture in the city’s underground hip hop scene for over a decade. He brings his own creative approach to music, meshing melodically delivered lyrics authentically connected to his immediate street environment with dark and atmospheric production, making for a brooding and compelling mix.
Growing up between Alexandra Park and Regent Park in Toronto, Casper TNG was drawn early to the intersection of rap and R&B, shaped by a deeply musical environment. By the early 2010s, a young Casper, who shortened his The Neighbourhood Ghost nickname to serve as his rapping suffix, was uploading songs to his YouTube channel.
Songs like 2015’s breakthrough track “Dope Boy” and the ridiculously catchy “Know Me” – which logged millions of views – served notice of Casper TNG’s presence as a Toronto rapper to watch.