Quinton Armani Gardner (born May 10, 1996), professionally known as Pressa, is a rapper and singer from Toronto.
Early life Quinton Armani Gardner was born on May 10, 1996, in Toronto, Ontario to a Filipino mother and a Jamaican father. He was five weeks old when his father was sentenced to 15 years in prison for second-degree murder, which left his mother to care for him and his older brother. He grew up in an area known as Driftwood in the Jane and Finch neighbourhood of Toronto.
Career 2016–2018 Gardner rose to prominence after the release of his hit single "Novacane", which was produced by frequent collaborator Murda Beatz. In 2017, he opened for Drake on his Boy Meets World Tour despite being on bail for kidnapping allegations, and was featured in 6ix Rising, a Canadian documentary film about the hip hop culture in Canada. Later that year, he gained significant attention for his unique flow on his single "Canada Goose" featuring Tory Lanez, which was released in December. Pressa has also worked with overseas artists including British rapper Giggs, releasing the single "Sexy" in April 2017, and he was featured in K Koke's single "D Ting Set" in the same year. In October 2018, Pressa released the single "420 in London" featuring Lil Uzi Vert. He was featured on the song "Up & Down" by 6ixBuzz alongside Houdini, which amassed over 1 million views on YouTube within the 1st month of release.
2019–present In 2019, Gardner released Prestige, an album named after his father, which debuted at the number 1 spot on the iTunes Canada hip hop music charts. It featured appearances from Burna Bandz as well as Lil Richie. Pressa collaborated with British rapper Russ and Taze on the single "Vida Loca", released in July 2019. Pressa's latest single, "O.T.M. (Out The Mud)", was released on February 7, 2020, via WorldStarHipHop.
In May 2020, he signed with Sony Music Canada, in conjunction with Blue Feathers Records, coinciding with his release of his single "96 Freestyle".
Personal life As of 2019, Gardner is currently living in Los Angeles, California, having been relocated from Toronto. In April 2021, he began a relationship with Coi Leray, daughter of Benzino.
Discography
Studio albums 2019: Prestige 2021: Gardner Express (Deluxe) 2025: Press Machine II
Mixtapes 2017: Press Machine 2017: Press a Brick
Extended plays 2020: Gardner Express
Compilation albums 2018: southside Jane (by UpTop Movement Inc.) 2018: 6ixUpsideDown (by 6ixBuzz) 2019: NorthernSound (by 6ixBuzz) 2021: Canada's Most Wanted (by 6ixbuzz)
Singles + List of singles, showing year released, peak chart position and certifications Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications CAN "Canada Goose" ft. Tory Lanez 2017 —MC: Platinum "Up & Down" ft. Houdini & 6ixBuzz2018 —MC: Gold "420 in London" ft. Lil Uzi Vert —MC: Gold "96 Freestyle"2020 —MC: Gold "O.T.M (Out the Mud)" —MC: Gold "Attachments" —MC: 2x Platinum "Head Tap " ft. Sleepy Hallow & Sheff G —MC: Gold "Blackberry Zap" ft. Jackboy —MC: Gold "Mansion" ft. Houdini & 6ixBuzz —MC: Gold "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
Guest appearances + List of non-single guest appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name Title Year Other performer(s) Album "Thump Chronicles Vol. 1" 2021 Goldlink HARAM! "Chrome Hearts" Drakeo the Ruler The Truth Hurts "Pressure" 2022 Jim Jones, Mack 11 We Set the Trends "Make It Happen" OhGeesy, Bun Dog GEESYWORLD (Deluxe) "401" 2023 Top5, 6ixbuzz Pedro Activated "Kill Switch" Tony Yayo The Loyal "DWTD" 2024 Coach, NorthSideBenji –
Awards and nominations
| 2022 | "Attachments" (feat. Taliban Glizzy) | Juno Award for Rap Single of the Year
Filmography Film and Television Year Title Role Notes 2017 6ix Rising Himself Documentary of Toronto's rising hip-hop scene featuring numerous Canadian rap artists. 2019 Remember Me, Toronto Short film by Mustafa the Poet
References