Classified gets personal with new album Greatful

It only made sense that Canadian rapperClassified would record his new album, "Greatful," in his homestudio in the rural backwoods of Enfield, N.S.

The 38-year-old Juno winner says his 15th album is his mostpersonal yet, tackling issues such as fatherhood and marriage ontracks like "Having Kids Is Easy."

"I kind of realized that's what people relate to in my music, isthe personal stuff. The stuff I usually wouldn't write about ormight second guess about," says the father of three young girls,ages two, five and seven.

"I've always talked about personal stuff in my music, but it wasmore so stuff about me. This album is talking about my personalrelationships with other people. That's the biggest difference."

A faint smell of marijuana lingers in his humble musicalworkshop, where the rapper whose real name is Luke Boydworkssurrounded by dozens of gold and platinum records.

Seated in front of a computer monitor and mixing table, loungingin socks and sandals, loose-fitting sweatpants and a grey T-shirt,Classified looks relaxed. It's clear the veteran MC and producer issitting on his throne.

"I've always worked out of my own space on my own time," hesays of his home studio Halflife Records."I just wanted to build a place like this that I could get awayfrom the kids but still be close enough to run back in and have some
lunch with them."

Classified's brother and father live nearby and were often calledupon to lay down guitars or piano for this album, he says.

And although "Greatful" is very much a family affair, therecord also boasts a number of other collaborators, including DJPremier, formerly of Gang Starr, and Ria Mae.

And the"Greatful"debut single "No Pressure" features hip hopheavyweight Snoop Dogg, who travelled to a hotel room in Truro, N.S., to record the part.

The 16-track album also includes an upbeat ode to Canadianoilsands workers many of whom commute to Alberta from AtlanticCanada.

"My bags are packed, my favourite hat, I work away to make itwork at home," he raps on "Work Away," which features vocals,guitar and horns by frequent collaborator and fellow Maritimer DavidMyles.

"I work away because there ain't enough work where I come from,but honestly I love where I come from."

Classified, who has been making music for nearly two decades,says he wanted to write an anthem for Canadians who are away fromtheir families often three weeks out of a month.

"A lot of people in Canada have to travel for their jobs, theyhave to leave their families to make ends meet," says Classified.

"It's a tribute to those people who have to work away."

Classified will embark upon a 26-date cross-Canada tour on Feb.6.