April 26, 2019

Kevin Vincent, also known as High Klassified

My Laval
by Tourisme Laval

From the barbershop to the local restaurants, the public market, the neighborhood microbrewery, and the exciting local scene, discover the favorite spots of proud Laval residents who are passionate about their suburb.

Take a trip into their world and explore—through reading and video—their “Laval side.”

Hidden treasures, discoveries—are you ready to explore Laval?

Kevin Vincent, also known as High Klassified, is a young beatmaker from Laval who produces tracks for the New York-based label Fool’s Gold. Known for his big glasses and his always well-maintained high-tops, his beats can be heard on songs by Mick Jenkins, Zach Zoya, Future, and The Weeknd.

Who is High Klassified?
I'm a hip-hop composer/producer, a Quebec-based "beatmaker" who still lives in my mom's basement…where my studio is!

Credit: Ludovic Photography

What’s your hidden gem in Laval?
Definitely D1 Barbershop. It’sa warm, welcoming, family-friendly barbershop (yes, kids are welcome!) with classic yet modern decor and a laid-back atmosphere. Here, you’ll quickly become friends with everyone—a member of the family, so to speak.

Danny, the owner, and his team of barbers all have an eye for detail and customer service ingrained in their very being. In fact, one day when I was scheduled to be on a film set, three barbers were on my case to make sure my hair looked perfect! That’s the spirit of D1 Barbershop. It’s more than just a place—it has a soul.

Would you say you’re a “regular” here?
I’d be lying if I said no, because I come hereat least every 10 days. And when I have to attend “jet-set” events, I come even more often. Sometimes I even stop by just to say hi to the gang, have a good cup of coffee, and chat.

Why do you keep coming back to D1 Barbershop?
It’s because of the whole package: the experience, the cozy atmosphere, the precision, the attention to detail, the staff, and the friendly vibe. It might be a more male-dominated environment, but Danny still took the time to create a “princess” corner for the shop’s one and only female stylist. She has a pink barber chair and a more “girly” mirror. That’s what I call being thoughtful toward your employees!

Tell me about Danny, the owner?
I’ve known Danny since high school. When he opened his barbershop about a year and a half ago, it was clear I was going to become one of his regulars. His professionalism and attention to detail set him apart. For example, even if my haircut is finished and I’m about to leave, if he notices a small flaw, I’ll have to go back in the chair so he can fix it and make sure everything is perfect.

If you had to introduce your hidden gem to someone, what would you say?
It’s simple! If you want to get a great haircut at an affordable price in a classic barbershop setting, D1 is the place to go. The attention to detail is evident everywhere… even in the barber chairs that date back to 1910. Plus, it’s easy to get to.

If you had to describe Laval to a visitor in just a few words, what would you say?
Laval is a comforting city. It’s like Montreal, but quieter. No need to wait in long lines to get into a restaurant. It’s great! It’s the perfect balance… not too hectic and not too quiet either. We also have everything we need to meet everyone’s needs: restaurants, entertainment, shows, and sports.

Credit: Many Mainichi

Some highlights:

High Klassified's favorite hair styling tool is his heated comb
He produced a song on American rapper Future's album, *Comin’ Out Strong*, featuring The Weeknd
He has his own clothing line, Laval ou Rien, and he popularized the hashtag #LavalouRien on Instagram