Maestro Fresh Wes began writing his own poetry and raps while still in elementary school in Toronto. He studied under such names as Grandmaster Flash, Spoonie G. and Kurtis Blow, and formed the Vision Crew with Ebony MC (aka Marlon Bruce). After the duo split up in 1987, Fresh Wes recorded several demos and signed with independent LMR Records. His first album, Symphony in Effect (1990), was followed by Black Tie Affair (1991) and Naaah, Dis Kid Can't Be from Canada?!!