Kardinal Offishall Biography: Wife, Age, Kids, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Songs, Albums

Jason Drew Harrow, better known as Kardinal Offishall, is a Canadian rapper, record producer, DJ, and record executive celebrated as Canada’s “hip-hop ambassador” for his reggae and dancehall-influenced style.

Rising from Toronto’s 1990s underground hip-hop scene, he gained international fame with his 2008 hit “Dangerous” featuring Akon, which peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100, a first for a Canadian rapper.

A multi-platinum artist and multiple Juno Award winner, he also serves as a Global A&R Executive at Def Jam Recordings, shaping the careers of artists like Drake and Rihanna.

Profile

• Full Name: Jason Drew Harrow
• Stage Name: Kardinal Offishall
• Born: 11 May, 1976
• Age: 49 years old
• Birthplace: Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian
• Occupation: Rapper, Record Producer, DJ, Record Executive
• Height: 6’4″
• Parents: Mr. Harrow, Mrs. Harrow
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Tashi Harrow
• Children: Dela Harrow
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $6 million

Early Life and Education

Jason Drew Harrow was born on May 11, 1976, in Scarborough, Ontario, to Jamaican immigrant parents, whose names are not publicly known.

Raised in Toronto’s Flemingdon Park from ages 2 to 13, he grew up immersed in the city’s Caribbean-influenced culture. Information about his siblings is unavailable.

He briefly attended York University, studying mass communications, but left to focus on music after being inspired to write his debut single, “Naughty Dread.”

His ethnicity is Jamaican-Canadian, and his religious beliefs are not publicly disclosed.

Career

Kardinal Offishall began rapping at age eight and won competitions by 12. At 14, he performed for Nelson Mandela during Mandela’s 1990 Toronto visit.

In 1993, inspired by Cardinal Richelieu, he adopted the stage name Kardinal Offishall and co-founded The Circle with artists like Choclair and Saukrates.

His 1996 single “Naughty Dread” earned a Juno nomination, followed by his debut album Eye & I (1997), which, despite critical acclaim, faced distribution challenges. His production work, including Choclair’s “Let’s Ride,” bolstered his reputation.

Signing with MCA Records in 2000, Kardinal released Quest for Fire: Firestarter, Vol. 1 (2001), featuring “BaKardi Slang,” which popularized Toronto’s “T-dot” nickname.

After leaving MCA, he released the mixtape Kill Bloodclott Bill (2004) and Fire and Glory (2005) via Virgin Canada, with hits like “Everyday (Rudebwoy)” earning Juno nominations.

His 2008 album Not 4 Sale, under Akon’s Kon Live label, marked his global breakthrough with “Dangerous,” a triple-platinum hit in Canada, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. Collaborations with Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Drake followed.

Currently, Kardinal Offishall balances artistry and executive roles as Global A&R Executive at Def Jam Recordings, mentoring artists and shaping urban music.

His 2025 single “Let Em Out” from the EP Everyday, Sometimes blends hip-hop, dancehall, and grime, showcasing his signature sound.

A judge on Canada’s Got Talent since 2022, he also received an honorary doctorate from York University. His philanthropy, including Free the City for Free the Children since 1998, and cultural advocacy keep him a pivotal figure in Canadian music.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @kardinalo
• Facebook Handle: Kardinal Offishall
• Twitter Handle: @KardinalO

Personal Life

Kardinal Offishall is married to Tashi Harrow, though details about their marriage date are private. They have a daughter, Dela, named in honor of Nelson Mandela.

Kardinal is deeply connected to his Jamaican roots, often reflected in his music and philanthropy. He has organized Free the City, a Christmas fundraising event for Free the Children, since 1998, and has traveled to Kenya to support school-building initiatives.

Discography

• Eye & I (1997)
• Quest for Fire: Firestarter, Vol. 1 (2001)
• Fire and Glory (2005)
• Not 4 Sale (2008)
• Kardi Gras, Vol. 1: The Clash (2015)
• Everyday, Sometimes (EP, 2025)

Net Worth

Kardinal Offishall, has an estimated net worth of $6 million USD. His wealth derives from his music career, including album sales, hit singles like “Dangerous,” and collaborations with artists like Akon and Rihanna.

Additional income comes from his production work, role as Global A&R Executive at Def Jam, and appearances on Canada’s Got Talent.