Boi-1da, Producer Behind Eminem’s “Not Afraid”, Receives Global Impact Award in Toronto

Canadian hitmaker Boi-1da picked up the Global Impact Award at this year’s SOCAN Awards, celebrating a career that includes hits with Eminem, Drake, and Rihanna.

The SOCAN Awards returned to Toronto’s Rebel concert venue on September 29, 2025, honouring dozens of homegrown songwriters, composers, and music publishers. One of the highlights of the night came when Boi-1da, one of Canada’s most successful producers, accepted the Global Impact Award.

Born Matthew Samuels, Boi-1da thanked his family, longtime collaborator Drake, and his Toronto roots: “One of the most cultured, most accepting (cities), one of the most culturally rich when it comes to music”, he told the crowd. “This award isn’t just about me. It’s about the culture that raised me”.

Boi-1da’s track record is impressive. He has worked with Rihanna, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, and Busta Rhymes. However, Eminem fans know him best for three huge moments: the “Forever” collaboration, Em’s chart-topping anthem “Not Afraid”, and “Lucky You”.

The producer once explained that it was Drake who first connected him to Eminem for the all-star “Forever” track. Eminem liked what he heard so much that he later asked for more beats, one of which became “Not Afraid”, one of Em’s defining songs.

From Toronto to the world, Boi-1da’s impact has truly been global, and now officially recognised at home.