Nova Scotia energy minister quits cabinet over decade-old rap lyrics
Marco MacLeod resigned after facing weeks of criticism over songs containing misogynistic language and references to drug use.
Nova Scotia Energy Minister Marco MacLeod has resigned from cabinet following controversy over rap songs he recorded more than a decade before entering politics.
Premier Tim Houston accepted MacLeod’s resignation Wednesday evening and announced he would take over the energy portfolio himself.
MacLeod, the Progressive Conservative MLA for Pictou West, had served as energy minister since May 27.
The controversy erupted after music MacLeod recorded under the stage name “Meadowville” resurfaced online. A song recorded in 2013 contained derogatory language about women and references to cocaine use.
NEW - Nova Scotia Energy Minister Marco MacLeod has resigned from cabinet after his rap album titled Meadowville has surfaced
— Tablesalt 🇨🇦🇺🇸 (@Tablesalt13) September 3, 2026
This is my fav banger: "Cocaine in my brain, two sl**s in my truck/Now, those h*es…She’d jiggle in LuLus" pic.twitter.com/BFDuoWAkJl
MacLeod apologized in August and acknowledged that he did not disclose the recordings to Progressive Conservative officials before becoming a candidate.
Women’s advocacy organizations subsequently called for his removal from cabinet, arguing that the language could not be dismissed as youthful indiscretion. MacLeod was an adult when the music was recorded.
“The past couple of weeks have had a significant impact on me, as I’ve met with women’s groups and individuals who have taken the time to share their experiences and perspectives,” MacLeod said in a statement announcing his resignation.
He said he had participated in training, read relevant literature and would continue working to broaden his understanding of the issues raised by the songs.
Houston said MacLeod concluded that the controversy had become a distraction from the government’s work.
“Marco has expressed to me his regret for publishing those songs,” Houston said. “Ultimately, he feels his actions have become a distraction from the work of our government, and he wants to spend more time focusing on learning and growing.”
MacLeod will remain in the legislature as the MLA for Pictou West. He was first elected in a May 2024 byelection and retained the riding during the provincial election six months later.
Sheila Gunn Reid
Chief Reporter
Sheila Gunn Reid is the Editor-in-Chief, Alberta Bureau Chief, member of the board of directors, and host of The Gunn Show at Rebel News. Sheila also serves as President of the Independent Press Gallery of Canada. A mother of three and longtime conservative activist, Sheila is the author of bestselling books, including her most recent release, Independence Blueprint: What Alberta Can Learn From Quebec.
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