Socalled (aka Josh Dolgin) is an eclectic Montreal-based rapper, musician and producer known for blending klezmer, hip hop and funk.
Socalled was born in Ottawa, Ontario and raised in Chelsea, Quebec. He attended McGill University. His family is Jewish with Ukrainian, Romanian and Russian roots.
Socalled plays piano and accordion; he is also known as a rapper and producer. In addition to his solo career, he performs with his band, Shtreimel, and frequently collaborates with other musicians (Sophie Solomon, Chilly Gonzales, Fred Wesley, Killah Priest, etc.). He has performed and given workshops on “hiphopkele” at venues around the world, including KlezKanada and KlezFest London. He also written two musicals, The Season and Tales from Odessa.
In addition to being a musician, Socalled is a magician, photographer, cartoonist, animator, choirmaster, filmmaker, beatwriter and visual artist. He was profiled in the 2010 National Film Board documentary, The “Socalled” Movie, directed by Garry Beitel.
