Saheer’s latest album Soul Purpose was released on July 20, 2017 exclusively distributed by DesiHipHop.com. Music videos like “Trapt” and “Green Venue” have already grabbed eyeballs. In this exclusive interview, Saheer opened up like never before about his ambitions and his expectations from this album. Without further ado, let’s get to it!
How did you get into hip-hop. What inspired you?
I grew up listening to Bollywood music. I’m a 90s baby, so my house always had Rahman, Lata-ji, Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Kumar Sanu etc. playing in the background. In junior high, my cousins introduced me to the Slim Shady LP by Eminem and Country Grammar by Nelly.
Shortly after I heard Dr. Dre’s Chronic 2001, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ by 50 Cent, Trap Muzik by T.I. and various acts in the early 2000’s. Looking back, I had little idea as to what they were speaking about. However, their energy and attitude came off without any need for translation. Their music was ‘in your face’ even when it was edited for the radio. So I was naturally drawn to it!
Tell us more about your album Soul Purpose.
This album is divided into three categories I function by. The order of these categories loosely reflects the journey an artist like me would take through the years to find their purpose in life. As a creative, the possibilities are endless and navigating that endlessness can be overwhelming if certain principles aren’t established. ‘By Nature’ (and the songs that follow) speak to an environment/family/story that you have no control of being in. How you choose to react, however, is totally for you to determine. Which leads to ‘By Practice’.
‘By Practice’ is taking the craft to your metaphorical workshop and honing it into a science. So that it can be distributed and be used as an inspiration for others in similar or completely different situations. ‘By Faith’ speaks to that unseen/indescribable force that gets you up in the morning. To seize each and every opportunity for yourself and your family. These three points help me identify my reason for existing and in turn, I hope it helps others recognise their own calling.
What’s in store for the future?
Right now, we just want to get Soul Purpose in the hands of as many listeners as we can. I’m proud of this album and I think it’s a strong body of work that showcases me as a primary artist as well as a producer. Growing up as a first generation American Indian immigrant, I feel like our story isn’t represented enough, even though it’s such a relatable one and I want to be the one to tell it. Hip-Hop has primarily spoken for the inner cities in the US but now it speaks for the entire world and how similar/diverse we all are. I believe our movement is one – to showcase hip hop’s reach and its potential for evolution.