Over these last few years, Canadian rapper Chris Emmanuel has been quick to establish himself as one of the more progressive names on the hip-hop scene. And with his debut EP on the horizon, he returns once again to deliver his pulsing new single ‘Letting Go’.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and where his journey is taking him next.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
Sure! While growing up in Georgetown, Guyana, I’ve always had a love for music and the way it made me feel. During high school in Ontario, Canada, I remember freestyling in the hallways to random beats with my friends, even heading to the music room during lunch breaks, picking up a mic, and practicing my flow.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
That would be 50 Cent, Drake, and Jay-Z. 50 Cent influenced me with his catchy hooks that instantly pull you in as a listener. Drake inspired me with his vulnerability, singing his own hooks, and making listeners reminisce about the past. Jay-Z’s influence comes from his flow, wordplay, and bravado he records with complete confidence and control, and that stuck with me.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
After reaching out to a producer, Devin Cruise, in California for a recording session, I was given the opportunity to record some songs at Universal Music Studios. Seeing plaques on the walls and recording in the same rooms as Adele and Justin Biebe it was surreal. I was on cloud nine. You could feel the energy that other artists had left behind.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
I usually start by playing beats and seeing what emotion they spark. From there, I record myself humming melodies or freestyling ideas before I begin writing. I operate strictly off the feeling of the beat. Once I capture that vibe, I start writing pulling from current or past experiences. Imagination plays a huge role too. Sometimes I create scenarios in my head and build lyrics around them. It’s like writing a story inspired by a visual art piece.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
Life experiences fuel my music. My friends and I often talk about our past mistakes, where we want to go in life, or that one girl we still think about. I take pieces of those conversations and include them in my songs. I believe it’s important to be relatable, you’re never the only one going through something. I also like stepping into someone else’s shoes and asking, “If this happened to me, how would I feel? What would I do?”
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I want listeners to know it’s okay to express yourself and speak your truth in relationships, friendships, or just in general. Be 100% you. Even when life gets tough, keep your goals and ambition front and center.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
Some challenges I’ve faced include lack of email responses, callbacks, and working with creatives who don’t take their craft seriously. Finding the right producer to help shape my sound has also been tough. But I view these obstacles as part of the journey; it just means I need to work harder and stay consistent. That way, I’ll get those callbacks, acceptance emails, and be surrounded by people who truly love what they do.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
Creating a genuine connection with fans is everything. When someone feels something from listening to my music, that’s the most rewarding part. If you like my music, it means you understand me and we’ve made a connection. Seeing people’s reactions when they hear my songs for the first time brings me joy. I’ve had people say, “This is you? Wow!” and that means everything.
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
It all starts at the ground level surrounding myself with genuine people who keep me accountable. I stay creative and true to myself in my music. I understand the power of my voice and set boundaries with people who don’t align with my vision. I want to evolve on my own terms. The last thing I want is to get lost in this industry.
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
I currently have an EP on the way it’ll be available before the end of summer. I’m also in talks for a few local shows in the coming months.
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
I see everything amplifying, more music, more content. I want to keep building my name as an artist and developing my brand. I’m defining my sound while continuing to learn and grow as a student of the game. My goals include earning Canadian music nominations and doing my first city tour.
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Listen to Chris Emmanuel’s new single ‘Letting Go’ below.
