Here's something fresh for your hip-hop rotation this week.
Bijaan is a Calgary-based MC with roots in East Africa and India, whose artistry bridges continents and cultures. From releasing mixtapes in high school to performing at major festivals such as NXNE, Do It For The Culture, Sled Island, the JUNOs, and Aurorapalooza, Bijaan has carved out his place as a rising voice in Canada’s hip-hop scene. Blending introspection with bravado, while taking inspiration from his varied cultural roots, he stands at the forefront of a new generation of artists redefining what it means to be global in hip-hop.
"Andale" is his 4th single, produced by Canadian hip-hop heavyweight Junia-T and featuring live instrumentation from Abhi The Nomad (guitar), The Chmst (trumpet), and Jamie Quiring (keys). The song discusses the importance of authenticity and originality in hip-hop, while taking aim at some of the genre's current tendencies. Combining dynamic flows with bouncy, Southern-influenced production, "Andale" impressed me with its clever lyricism, unapologetic delivery and laid-back jazzy live horns and keys. Definitely one to keep on your radar.
