TOBI

TOBI TOBI TOBI TOBI

102

Q+ A

I see you’re from the Toronto area, but you

grew up in Brampton to be specific. Another artist that’s blown up from there is Tory Lanez, but he caught a little flack for just saying he’s from Toronto. Do you feel growing up in a smaller town a little outside the big city shaped your development as an artist or even a man?

Growing up in Brampton wasn't like we were so far away from the big city. I would be in Toronto almost every other day working with other people, so there was always an overlap. When I was growing up, I used to be on the GO Bus/train from Brampton to Toronto, to Sauga, Vaughan etc every week for studio time, photoshoots and parties to give DJs my music. I won't say I'm bred in Toronto, Brampton definitely raised me. It's suburbia with low to high income families in the same schools, so it was filled with interesting experiences. I'd gotten into some potentially dangerous situations as a teen because I was moving around so much, solo even, but that's all part of the growing process and that informed my music and personal development.

For me it’s hard to listen to your vocal manipulation and rhyme schemes without hearing an André influence. Is 3 Stacks an artist you look up to and draw inspiration from? "Inslumnational underground, thunder pounds when I stomp the ground. Like a million elephants or silverback orangutans you can't stop a train." One of my favorite verses of all time is Andre's verse on Bombs over Baghdad, and love his discography as part of Outkast in addition to his standoutguest appearances. I think there are similarities in our temperaments, eclectic

103

natures and worldviews. On a song I wrote called "Ride" I found that my cadences, delivery and approaches were very Andreesque. "a sensitive thug". I'm not afraid to lament and be emotionally transparent on record. I think of the clan "divergent" in the movie Divergent when I think of me and Andre and I think that's where we belong artistically. Everywhere but nowhere at once.

"I'd gotten into some potentially dangeroussituations as a teen"

104Q+ A

Which other artists past or present do you consider inspirational to the music you make, and why? Past inspirations: Curtis Mayfield!! Gil-Scot Heron, Rakim, Marvin Gaye, Cam'ron, Jadakiss, Imogen Heap, Outkast, Santigold, Kanye West Present: Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean, Tyler the Creator, Anderson .Paak, noname, ASAP Rocky, Florence Welch, Jungle Pussy.

Not only are they dope artists, who are lyrically sharp and melodically gifted, they are also self and socially aware without stuffing their views down your throat. That's what I call Unapologetic Soul Music! I ain't a preacher man.

One thing that strikes me about your music is the meticulous blend of instrumentation you use in your beats. Could you tell me about your production process? Because the music I listen to is so diverse, I tend to go over a myriad of production styles and find the one that sonically fits my mood. The benefit to that is I'm not restricted to a sound, so I can play on different sound beds without confusing fans. The drawback is, I’m difficult to categorize in terms of style but that’s OK. Some of my favorite artists are hard to describe sonically. Kendrick, ASAP, Frank Ocean, Kanye West.

you featured your mother on the song “conflict, still” on your most recent album. How has she, as well as your Nigerian heritage, shaped you as an artist and a person? My mom is one of the most important people in my life. She has many of the traits that I admire in a human, and I would genuinely be her friend if we weren't related. She seeks to learn, is justice oriented, open minded, and is a "listens twice and speaks once" kind of person. Also, she makes the world a better place everyday within her vocation and through her personal actions. I find all that very inspiring. Growing up in Nigeria was very difficult. Living in a post-colonial environment rife with corruption and a government that was hard to hold accountable, there were a lot of challenges that I remember. I remember stress being aperennial part of life. I remember electrical

105

power being off as much as it was on, armed robberies, health issues... I could go on. I think these experiences deepened my appreciation for life and made me especially grateful for the little things after moving to the West.

-

106You are one of the few, if not the only, artist creating this beautiful fusion of boom-bap and soul. In a time where a lot of music seems to be becoming increasingly similar in sound, do you view being in your own lane as an advantage or an obstacle?

I'd say artists like Smino, noname and Anderson .Paak orbit this sphere as well, although we have our unique approaches. It's an advantage because it exposes fans and listeners to something fresh and give them a break from the usual. Also, its advantageous because it’s a world that we create as musicians that we are inviting people into and I believe we must uphold it with integrity. The only way you can look at individuality in artistry as an obstacle is if you're looking from a consumerist behaviour standpoint. It may be more difficult for somebody to listen to a sound that they haven't previously explored, which means it'll take more time for your style to catch on, or reach the masses.

“City Blues” has gotten very popular since its release, and it’s a good showcase of all you can do. Aside from this one, is there any other song in your discography you feel first time listeners should check out as an introduction to you? Why?

Absolutely! City Blues is one of my favorite songs, but Caged Bird Sings as well.. It’s what I'd call my most well rounded song. I wrote it essentially for the disappointed idealists of this world, myself included. Also, when I was writing those songs, I wasn't chasing a sound or doing anything out of the ordinary. I was just being me on record and letting my subconscious take the wheel. I don't like to force things.

-On your latest album you sing aboutchanging the world. Could you elaborate onwhat this would look like to you, and the impact you hope to have?

I believe we change the world with every action that we make, whether for good or bad. Before I likened it to some grandiose action like eradicating disease or selfsustaining agriculture for all communities all over the world. I still believe those things need to happen but those are goals for humanity that I would love to champion, for now I do what it takes within my power. Things like raising awareness to causes that better humanity, destigmatizing bodies and identities through my music and my art. Bringing people of all walks of life and creeds together with the powerful medium of art.

107

Who is an artist out right now that it would bea dream to collaborate with, and why?

Pharrell because he produced "Hell Hath NoFury" and the "Despicable Me" soundtrack.GOAT level.

-What’re some milestones you hope to havehit as an artist five years from now? How doyou plan to ensure your longevity?

108

Headline world tour. Multiple Billboard 100 entries. Sought after songwriter across genres as well as a multi-disciplinary artist (production and composition as well). Now that coach has put me in the game, it’s time to do what I've been shouting from the rooftops for years. Bringing artistic integrity into music and connecting with as many human beings as possible. Inspire and bring hope to the older and newer generations through my work! I plan to work hard, listen to constructive feedback, find my voice, innovate and collaborate. If I’m doing that, nothing can stop me in my goals. I want to keep creating with love and good intentions. You'll see me again, same time next year. Rrrrrrrrr

109110TOBI TOBI TOBI TOBI

111

PHOTOGRAPHER LANSCINE JANNEH

WRITER TYLER GREEN