In 2003, Kardinal released "Belly Dancer", featuring Pharrell Williams, which was originally the lead single from his album Firestarter Vol. 2: The F-Word Theory.[1] The album was scheduled for a summer 2003 release on MCA Records, and was supposed to be his big-budget commercial breakthrough. However, the album was delayed numerous times, and MCA was absorbed by Geffen Records in May. Kardinal lost his chance to release the album, and it was shelved.[2][3][4]
Fire and Glory, the follow-up to Quest for Fire: Firestarter, Vol. 1, featured collaborations with popular artists, such as Busta Rhymes, Vybz Kartel and Estelle.[5] Three songs from the album — "Whatchalike", "All the Way" and "Mr. Officer" — were supposed to appear on the Firestarter Vol. 2 album.[6] The album produced three singles and music videos in Canada: "Heads Up", "Feel Alright" and "Everyday (Rudebwoy)", the latter receiving heavy rotation on MuchMusic. In June 2006, Kardinal won three MuchMusic Video Awards for "Everyday (Rudebwoy)". A remix of the song "Last Standing Soldier" was released as a single in 2006, featuring Bedouin Soundclash.
Kardinal explained why he chose Fire and Glory as the name of the album:
You have to walk through the fire, to get to the glory. Having your ex-label dissolve, and then trying to get a priority release on Geffen/Interscope with Jadakiss and Eminem in the picture means my eyes are wide open now.[7]
RapReviews.com gave the album an 8.5/10 rating, stating "Fire and Glory is a better album than Firestarter Vol. 1," and "aside from having better lyrics than most of his counterparts, Kardinal's unique style also sets him apart."[9] The album was nominated for Rap Recording of the Year at the 2006 Juno Awards.
