This week, Wheels braves the elements and treks to Canada to check out a hot hip-hop group in a cold town. Additionally, we track the progress of a pair of top acts previously touted in this column. Keep feedin the inbox: jesse.beer@hitsmagazine.com

SPOTLIGHT
Down With Webster (www.facebook.com/downwithwebster) is a six-piece hip-hop/rock hybrid from Toronto. The group, which is unsigned in the U.S., has performed on the Warped Tour and opened for 3OH3! The band members have been together since the eighth grade, when they formed for a class project—after which they decided to stay together and pursue a career. On Jan. 31, Down With Webster will cross the border to tour the Midwest and East Coast in support of their much-buzzed-about full-length debut, Time to Win, Vol. II, released in the States on Halloween and available now on iTunes. Known for raucous live shows, The group’s energetic, loud and gleefully chaotic performances have attracted the likes of Sir Richard Branson, Timbaland, The Roots and Gene Simmons. Already a major act in their native Canada, Down With Webster have sold north of 500k singles and more than 60k albums and amassed a Facebook fan base of 400k+. Off the strength of their early EP and prodigious touring across Canada, the rapidly rising outfit has amassed three Juno nominations, six MuchMusic Video Awards nods and logged countless national broadcast performances, including the MuchMusic Awards alongside Lady Gaga, and the Junos, hosted by Drake, in 2011. Ryan Armes and Jordan Jacobs of Spybox Media manage them.

ARTIST UPDATES
Of Verona is partnering with MTV for the release of their debut album, The White Apple, through Hype/Sony. MTV will also be featuring their songs and videos throughout their TV shows and online platforms. There are rumors of a major jumping on board. Keep it locked to Wheels as we continue to watch this band closely.

Azealia Banks: We touted the young Harlem-based rapper as the #1 artist to break in 2012, and she’s off to a fast start indeed, inking a deal with UMG U.K. through David Joseph. Kudos to manager extraordinaire Ron Laffitte.