Q052 on his Heritage, Hip-Hop as a Weapon of Resistance, and More [Interview]

Mi’gmaq rapper and activist Q052 (aka Quentin Condo) has returned with ‘Space Invaders’, a hard-hitting new single out May 6 via Musique Nomade — the first glimpse of his forthcoming album, due in October 2025. Known for his electrifying live shows and fierce advocacy for Indigenous rights, Q052 channels a potent blend of hip-hop, grunge, and spoken word into politically charged soundscapes rooted in resistance and raw truth.

Hailing from Gesgapegiag and now based in Sherbrooke, the award-winning artist uses music as both weapon and witness, confronting cultural appropriation, systemic injustice, and the urgent need for Indigenous sovereignty. With ‘Space Invaders’, Q052 offers an unrelenting, post-apocalyptic anthem aimed at those who exploit Indigenous identity — a brutal, cyberpunk-infused callout wrapped in blistering beats and uncompromising bars. 

Stream ‘Space Invaders’, while reading our exclusive interview with Quentin below:

Paint us a picture: what sparked your passion for the arts in the first place? Was there a single moment or experience that solidified your decision to pursue this path?
I loved art ever since I was a child and I’ve always been drawn to it. My mom is an exceptional visual artist and my dad was a very accomplished musician and basket maker. Art has always played a vital role in Indigenous culture, identity, and economics and because of this, we become multi-disciplinary artists at a very early age. It’s very natural.

When you create, what leads the way – a feeling, a story, or the sound itself?
The story always leads the way for my creation process. Our people are fantastic orators. We come from Nations who have relied on oratory history for millennia to transmit important information. I like to create in that same spirit.

What’s in your toolkit? Share the gear, gadgets, or software you can’t create without.
To be honest…I’m a “nature boy.” I need fresh air and sunlight to write. When it’s time to create music, I’ve got the greatest musical weapon that exists…Emmanuel Alias.

What’s your go-to ritual or trick for getting into the creative zone?
How do I get in the “zone”? I wake up before everyone else, I wash up and have coffee with the rising sun. While I sip in silence, I listen to the memories of old conversations with friends and family members who have crossed over.

What’s the one item you always keep within arm’s reach while creating or performing?
Full disclosure…absolutely nothing. I don’t have an attachment to any superstition, object, or device. BUT…I do take the time to be absolutely alone in silence to visualize how I will perform prior to getting on stage. I love this time to myself.

How did you ultimately end up defining your sound?
Defining my sound has been a process shared by myself and Manu Alias. He creates the music and I add definition to it. My stories are generally driven by anger and concern but this last album has something very different in terms of emotion. I recently had my heart broken and that emotion was used to deliver the stories. Oddly enough, I’m very happy about it!

How has your creative process or perspective shifted since you started your journey?
I don’t believe that my creative process has changed very much in comparison to when I started my artistic journey to now, but the perspective definitely has changed in terms of intentions. I used hip-hop primarily as a weapon in the past, whereas now, I’m trying to use it as a tool to find solutions. Make no mistake, I’m still utilizing it to address important issues.

Walk us through a recording session: what’s the most memorable moment you’ve had in the studio?
here are no wasted movements when Manu and I are in studio—we work fast and efficiently. Studio time is expensive and the only way to save time, money, and energy is in preparedness. So, we both arrive ready to work! That doesn’t mean that we don’t have fun! The sounds of clinking glasses in the song ‘Coffee, Beer & Cigarettes’ is actual recordings in the studio that afternoon. We created that song from start to finish in 15 minutes… including lyrics and structures!

Are there any unexpected or dream collaborations hidden in your work?
I wasn’t even expecting to record another album! One and a half years ago I told Manu and Jo that I was done creating music. Manu pushed me to keep on and here we are now. Manu even features on a track!

Any side projects you’re working on?
I am the king of “side questing”! I’m currently working as a writer/consultant for the franchise Bon Cop Bad Cop: The Series that will be coming out on Crave in 2026. I’m working on a musical called Evangeline that is being produced by Quebecor. I’m also writing for two docu-series (that I can’t mention yet) and another feature film. And I’m designing clothing in collaboration with Jean-Claude Poitras that will be presented on the catwalk in Montreal and Quebec City this summer.

Who’s an emerging artist you think deserves more recognition right now?
The absolutely incredible Sensei H.

See also

What’s the strangest or most surprising song currently on your playlist?
I think that the song on my playlist that would probably surprise some people would be ‘House by the Sea’ by Moddi.

Which song, album or playlist do you never get sick of no matter how many times you listen to it?
I’ll never get sick of Ice-T’s Original Gangster LP!

Are there any unexpected hobbies or projects you’re exploring outside of your main work?
Look…I sing, dance, write, cook, design clothes, act, and own businesses…I don’t believe that anything should be considered unexpected.

If your life and career were an album, what would its title be, and what’s the hidden track only your fans would know?
Album name: The Sun of War
Hidden track: ‘Lost Anger’

Give us a glimpse into the future – what surprises or milestones are coming up for you this year?
A glimpse into the future? I’m just really looking forward to getting on stage with my team and having a great time with the crowd!

Famous last words?
Come on…one last drink!

Follow Q052:

Instagram – Facebook – Soundcloud – Youtube – Spotify