Arabesque

Arabesque, also known as Besque (born Stephen Kawaleet, September 17, 1981), is a Juno nominated rapper from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He studied graphic communications management at Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University). He has signed record deals in the US, Canada, the UK and Japan. Career At the age of 16, Arabesque started his career in the music industry as a freelance contributor to various urban publications, interviewing the likes of Flava Flav and A-Trak, and writing featured hip-hop editorials. In 2000, shortly after he and his cousin formed a group, Babylon Point, their demo received acclaim from Vice magazine, sparking interest among underground purists and tape junkies. However, Babylon Point split up shortly afterwards. Besque joined a Toronto-based political soul collective, Revolution Records, on their 45" vinyl release "Sounds of Revolution" headed by the DJ and producer Complex. In mid-2002, Besque released his first solo single to commercial radio with much success. "Choked Up", an ode dedicated to the tragic loss of his high school girlfriend was produced by Sy Wyld and featured vocals by the BBE Music singer Slakah the Beatchild. The single started a number of charting 12" singles. Besque then accepted clothing line sponsorships from the New York company One Serious Threat and, later, from the Los Angeles-based clothing line, Scifen. Arabesque's budding success caught the attention of the British label, Sin Nombre. He signed with the Nottingham-based label for his first full-length release, The Frenzy of Renown, in early 2005, the album being distributed by Universal Records. The executive producer was Anonymous Twist from Toronto. Arabesque's first video, for the album Bellyache (directed by Cazhj) received rotation on Much Music's Rap City, shortly after shooting a video for the single "Stardust" (directed by Marc Andre Debruyne).