TESTIMONIALS
BUBBA SPARXXX
“Man, I gotta say this joint "Champion" right here’s got that get-up-and-go energy. Production’s clean, them drums hit like a Georgia dirt road after the rain, solid, no slip. Optikz keeps it tight on the mic, real purposeful with his words, like he’s BEEN through some things and came out swingin’.
Ain’t no wasted bars, just straight grit and grind.
It’s one of them tracks you throw on when you need to remind yourself why you’re still in the fight. Salute to Optikz, keep pressin’, champ”.
D-SISIVE
"Optikz is the type of artist every artist should aspire to be. He’s raw, honest, and unafraid to tell the truth, even when it hurts. In a time when so many artists play it safe, he leans all the way in. One song he’s pulling you into the darkest chapters of his life, the next he’s lifting you up with “Champion”, reminding you that no matter what you’ve been through, you can still come out on top. That kind of emotional range isn’t just talent, it’s courage. His vulnerability isn’t for show…it’s real. And people experiencing things similar to him need to hear that kind of truth.
“Love The Child In Me” is a perfect example. It’s one of those rare songs that cuts through everything. Honest, emotional, and beautifully written. It’s not just a Hip Hop record…It’s a reminder of who we are underneath all the pain. The kind of record that makes you stop what you’re doing and feel. The kind of track that stays with you long after it ends. Hearing it made me want to get back in the studio and tell my own story again. Great artists inspire, and Optikz is one of them, and it’s only up from here".
THRUST
"The game has seen so many artists claiming that they are teflon, that it's refreshing to hear an artist like Optikz. He has definitely put together a great body of work here. From the onset you can feel his pain and life story through his clear delivery and flow. He also has a keen ear when it comes to choosing what tracks to choose to get his message across to the people. His sharp and witty punchlines on these tracks paint a picture of the pain struggle and adversity he has survived and continues to deal with.
SWITCHBASS
"Optikz new album is the kind of project that reminds you why Guelph has always quietly punched above its weight in hip-hop. There’s a real evolution in his sound here, sharper writing, tighter production, and a confidence that comes from somebody who has clearly lived what he’s talking about.
What hits hardest is how personal the record feels without ever slipping into clichés. Optikz balances storytelling with raw honesty, and you can hear the work that went into every bar. The album moves between heavy, reflective moments and tracks that straight-up bang, but it never loses its identity. It’s cohesive, intentional, and easily his most polished release yet.
If you’ve followed Guelph’s music scene for any amount of time, you know Optikz has always been grinding. This album feels like the point where all that experience, hustle, and talent finally locks into place. It’s not just a strong local release, it stands out against anything coming out of Canada right now.
Optikz deserves the spotlight for this one. This is his best work to date".
STEPHANIE WALLER
As I sit down to pen this review, I find myself reminiscing about the incredible journey I've had the privilege to witness alongside my friend, Darren, known in the music realm as Optikz. It's been 21 years filled with ups and downs, but through it all, Darren's unwavering dedication to his craft and his fans has been nothing short of inspiring. From the very beginning, Optikz' music has possessed a certain drive, a raw energy that ignites passion within his listeners. His beats pulse with an infectious rhythm, his lyrics weaving tales of resilience and determination. What started as mere admiration for his talent soon transformed into a lifelong friendship and unwavering fandom.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Darren's journey is his refusal to succumb to the challenges he's faced. Instead, he's embraced them, using them as fuel to propel himself further. It's this relentless pursuit of excellence that sets him apart in an industry often fraught with obstacles. As I listen to his latest tracks, I can't help but feel a surge of excitement for what the future holds. Darren's music continues to evolve, each composition a testament to his growth as an artist and as a person. There's a palpable sense of anticipation in the air, a feeling that we're only scratching the surface of his potential.
But perhaps what truly sets Optikz apart is his genuine connection with his audience. He doesn't just create music; he creates experiences, moments that resonate deeply with those who listen. It's this ability to touch the hearts of others that ensures his legacy will endure for years to come. So here's to Darren, to Optikz, and to the next 21 years of incredible music. May your journey be filled with continued success, boundless creativity, and the unwavering support of fans like myself. I, for one, can't wait to see where the music takes us next.
MATT DUCHESNE
"I enjoy your tunes, I really like the lyric and melody in your song
'Love The Child In Me', and love that bridge transition to man.
I look forward to more music from Optikz!”
TINA ROBERTSON
"I've been listening to Optikz since him and I were both in high school. His music is catchy, uplifting and has made me cry. I'm lucky enough to know him as a person and as an artist. He writes all his own music and if you’re not already listening to him, you’re missing out."
STEVE STODDART
“Optikz is a very talented artiste with deep passion. His music comes from a real place and that’s what makes it so special!”
JORDANA FOXX
"Your music should have way more credit!! I love how you change your style up, unique to each track but still keep true to you! Also, being able to relate to a lot of your music as a person who has also dealt with addiction and mental health I find it extremely relatable, powerful & inspiring!! BLESS UP"
MICHAEL AUSTIN HARRIS
"Darren is one of the best emcee's I know. He is not just a rapper, but
a lyricist. Every song we've done together, he's made better.
One of Canada's finest!"