Heads are trippin' all over their kicks about how Choclair's Virgin debut, Ice Cold, is more "sexual chiznocklate", less "ill flo'a". First off, let's look at the facts. In his native Canada, Virgin has pushed the album like no urban release before it, resulting in Juno nominations - Great White North equivalents of Grammys - and gold status. Here in the States, his blistering Flagrant garnered top 10 debuts on Soundscan, Gavin and Urban Network.

Most remember him from the serious and personal 21 Years, the Primo-sampled Just A Second and the classic Internal Affairs, each cracking heads open to the rider from Rexdale. He followed with a Juno for his contribution to The Rascalz Northern Touch single before finally dropping Flagrant, the initial promo for Ice Cold.

His debut features the likes of Guru, Tony Touch, Memphis Bleek, K-Cut (formerly of Main Source) and Da Grassroots. And no Choclair album could be without his crew - The Circle - who handles the lion's share of the production and vocals. The only thing missing is the much-fiended-for collab with ODB, which is shackled under label house arrest. "It's the politics," sighs the Chiznocka, who is doubtful they will be able to release it. Not bad for the former daycare worker who started rapping at house parties and talent shows. Kareem Blake has matured since the timeless 21 Years though he admits "it may not seem so on the album."

"You learn how to treat people properly," states the Chiznock.

He has learned to remain close to his supporters and show appreciation to the crowds. "I'll be out there and I'll sign a million autographs just because those people are here to come and check me out."

The US release of Ice Cold was preceded by a monster push by Priority with a well-received spot on the Lyricist Lounge tour, full page ads in all the major hip hop publications and the first single, Let's Ride, receiving rotation on stations east to west. "The response has been off the hook; they know the songs," says the avid wrestling fan after the final stop of the Lyricist Lounge tour (New York), which has taken him to Atlanta, Washington, Boston and Philadelphia.

"They were definitely feeling it, " he says, "we got a nice underground buzz and we're building ourselves to the mainstream." He has a daunting task ahead of him, to say the least. There are major expectations at Priority for Ice Cold to blow up. Blake recognizes he must insert himself among the Redman's and Ras Kass' and establish a new haven for the general hip hop buying public. He feels he can present "a different vibe of music not experienced yet," and is not intimidated. "I'm more anxious than intimidated." Recent reviewers have made his lyrics a topic of concern. Some ponder how come from exemplary cuts like 21 Years, Just A Second or Flagrant and then spit out a very commercially viable Let's Ride.

"Some people have to realize it's the first album...there's a lot more coming," assures Mr. Blake. Back to the "sexual chiznocklate" vs "da ill flo'a". Just what is the deal with homestretch and sex? "I realize my raps are not for everybody and that's why hip hop is so diverse," states Blake. "I heard some gripes about it from the mainstream media but a lot of them don't really get into the music and are just there to critique." He points out that sometimes heads want something they can just have fun with, especially with all the serious ghetto tales currently being peddled. "You want music to pick you up, make you feel good and that's what we're trying to do, " says the 24-year old about his Circle bredren.

For the uninitiated, his inner perimeter includes Kardinal Offishall and Saukrates, two fellow Canadian mic emissaries makin' noise down here. Choclair realizes there are haters, but he pays them no mind. "I don't care about all the naysayers because they're not buying my record." On the flip side, he is passionately convinced he has something to offer American audiences. "I think a lot of people are goin' to get a different vibe and that's gonna be the hook for them...that's what's gonna catch them." Circle production is indeed unique. Chalk it up to influences from their West Indian heritage, their defined and established flow and a collective decision to veer away from samples. Being outside of the US is just as much of an advantage. Even with New York right under them, The Circle have managed to construct music not easily filed under typical "east coast" definitions.

Cultivating their talents in the underground scene of Toronto was no easy feat considering the lack of infrastructure for urban music in Canada. "There's not really an industry for it." In fact, many in the music industry up north regard Ice Cold as the measuring stick for whether major labels can and will support urban music. The album is regarded as the "be all to end all", unfair as it is on Kareem Blake. Nothing like having the "weight" of a nation on your shoulders - he tries not to pay too much attention to the pressure.

"The hardest thing I have on me is always trying to excel and make my music comparable with other artists."

At the end of the day, Choclair is not on some heal-the-world, CNN-type shit. He is the "sexual chizknocklate" and "da ill flo'a" all rolled into one and his main concern is providing a record that can bump. With Ice Cold, he only has one aim: "We want people to put the record in, wash away their problems and just ride with it." Ice Cold is out now on Priority and the follow-up single is looking to be Rubbin' (feat. Saukrates). He is currently on tour with Mixmaster Mike and Rahzel.