JUNO-nominated rapper Solitair releases debut single “Right Here” from forthcoming album Dangerous Art
JUNO Award-nominated artist Solitair releases the debut single “Right Here” featuring world-renowned DJ Grouch, from his highly anticipated forthcoming album Dangerous Art. Most credible music industry insiders have witnessed the world-class multi-hyphenate (songwriter, producer, artist) work above ground and in the shadows over the years writing, crafting, and producing some of your favorite timeless Toronto rap music anthems; he produced Kardinal Offishall’s groundbreaking “Bakardi Slang” single in 2001, and that same year released “Easy To Slip”, his first solo single to be nominated for a JUNO Award for Rap Recording of the Year in 2002.
“When was the last time you felt REFRESHED and INSPIRED by some new Hip Hop energy? That’s the FEELING I intend to inject back into the music culture of the city, country, and worldwide, beginning with the release of Right Here,” says the prolific producer and songwriter whose first taste of commercial notoriety came as a result of producing four tracks on JUNO-winning rapper Choclair’s gold-selling Ice Cold debut album, while being featured on a few other tracks. “Just as Batman reacts to the bat signal, my new single is a nod to all my hardcore fans to remind them that not only do I have a lot left in the creative tank, but I am ready to showcase new music to an even broader audience with this new project.” He adds: “I also wanted to highlight more of my producer and songwriter side, along with my obvious hip hop lyrical prowess!”
In the early aughts, Solitair toured the world with Choclair and Kardinal Offishall and spent five years moving between New York and Toronto while working with notable American and international artists including Nina Sky, Lil Wayne, Trey Songz, Busta Rhymes, Estelle, Rick Ross, Elephant Man, and Jim Jones. Back home in Toronto, Solitair had also established an impressive track record of producing and co-producing songs for a laundry list of iconic award-winning Canadian rap and R&B icons including Jully Black, Melanie Fiona, Glenn Lewis, k-os, and The Rascalz. Likewise, in 2010, Solitair had already carved out his musical unicorn status by crafting the pop-influenced, alternative smash “Come True” featuring Kardinal Offishall, which was nominated for a Juno Award for Best R&B/Soul recording of the year, an accomplishment that placed him in the rare company of artists who’ve been nominated for Juno Awards in more than one music genre. But don’t call it a comeback, as he’s been here for years, and “Right Here” picks up where he left off, boasting his unique production style of island music sensibilities combined with gritty urban soundscapes that has captured the imagination of genuine music lovers. This high-energy track also features a spanking new music video directed by London Rich. With the release of “Right Here“ listeners get a sneak peek into the diversity of hip-hop-infused urban music sounds that Solitair has seamlessly innovated for many years, and this new single and video quite simply signifies yet another marker in his consistent track record of releasing strong commercially palatable music that features a potent multi-genre blend of soul, hip hop, and R&B sensibilities and influences. So take the plunge…and stream that!
Watch the video for “Right Here” below and learn more about Solitair via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Solitair. One of one, the one and only! My motto is, “Nothing you expect and everything you don’t!” Yes, I am a Hip Hop artist and producer, but my resume also includes singer/songwriter, recording and mix engineer as well as a community leader. I have produced for many different artists from all genres because as a creative I don’t place limits on where my musical inspirations and influences come from. I have produced and performed with the most legendary Canadian Hip Hop artists from Kardinal Offishall and Choclair, to Canadian R&B queen Jully Black, to the Rascalz, and the list goes on. My brand of music is about good energy, insightful and inspiring lyrics, and making your body move while feeding your mind. On a personal tip, I am also an avid foodie and fitness junkie!
Tell us a bit about your most recent release.
“RIGHT HERE” was a song I wrote as an ode to my most diehard Hip Hop fans who’ve always supported my music and career. With the sea of new and established artists releasing music every day, as an independent artist, it’s easy to feel like your music is being left behind. This song is also a calling card to put my city and the music industry in Canada (because that’s home) and worldwide that I’ve always been RIGHT HERE creating music and sharing my gift with others. Not only have I been right here, but I will CONTINUE to be putting out the vibes as long as I have life in my body.
Where do you tend to pull inspiration from when writing?
The inspiration for my lyrics comes mostly from my experiences in my life and vicariously through the experiences of my chosen family and friends. I have made a lot of music, performed in hundreds of shows, and done a lot of community outreach. Each of those areas of my life informs the things I talk about in my music. The inspiration for my flow and wordplay while writing definitely comes from a mix of Jay Z, Black Thought, and J Dilla.
Do you have any upcoming shows you’d like to tell us about?
Yes! I am releasing volume 1 of my latest project DANGEROUS ART on Friday, August 18th, and will be doing a performance and listening party. The venue is TBA. DANGEROUS ART vol. 1 features guest collaborators Rich Kidd and Shantel May. This project is basically me paying homage to my early career when I released my first songs back in the late 90’s early 2000s, as well as a dedication to all of my longtime supporters and fans. At the show, I will also be doing a Q&A as well as previewing tracks from volume 2 in the series.
What’s your goal for 2023?
My goal by the end of 2023 is to reestablish my presence in the evolving music scene in Toronto and Canada both as an artist and as a songwriter/producer, so that I can continue to contribute to the music scene to help change the status quo for quality artists and music. The music scene, for many reasons, has frequently become a recycled version of playlist type of music with very little substance or meaningful intentions beyond being ‘famous’ or popular. Also, in 2022 I did the score and sound design for a popular award-winning documentary called “PATTY vs PATTY”, so I would like to do more film, television, and video game work as well.