09/04/2026
Sometimes you really should meet your idols.
I've been following Merkules for almost a decade. I watched him come up through YouTube, followed him from the Stompdown Killaz days, and watched his career grow all the way to signing with Death Row Canada and beyond.
But his music has always meant more to me than just being a fan.
Merk has never been afraid to talk openly about mental health. He can make fun of himself one minute and be completely real about his struggles the next. Through some of my own rough times, his music and his message have genuinely helped me figure some s**t out. A reminder that you're not alone, that everyone is fighting something, and that everyone has a purpose.
So getting the opportunity to finally meet him at Mudfest and actually thank him for years of musical medicine meant a hell of a lot to me.
And the experience couldn't have been better.
When he first walked into the room, he actually walked past me, stopped when he noticed my OG Stompdown Killaz gear and goes, "Oh s**t brother, you got the throwback swag on. I haven't seen that s**t in years." Then shook my hand before heading over for the meet and greet.
After everything was finished, Lynn asked if he'd take one last picture with me on her phone.
"For this boy? Hell yeah, he's OG. He earned this s**t."
Man... I was buzzing.
He was genuine, appreciative, down to earth, and exactly the kind of person I'd hoped he'd be.
People always say you should never meet your idols.
They were wrong about this one.
Thanks for the music, the laughs, the honesty and the reminder over the years that none of us are doing this s**t alone. 🤘
