Amityville-based Hip Hop and Soul artist Olivier Laurent has made a striking statement with Solin Anj, a concept EP tied to his forthcoming illustrated children’s book of the same name. More than music, this project is a meditation on parenthood, vulnerability, and transformation, told through the imagined voice of a child preparing to be born. Laurent’s style—rooted in lyrical sharpness and laid-back confidence draws from icons like Mos Def, Phonte, and Digable Planets, yet carries its soulful clarity. His delivery is calm but weighty, words falling with purpose. The production favors warm, jazzy textures and understated beats, grounding his narratives in earthy rhythm and reflective space. “Solin Anj” was released on September 5, and I’m more than happy to dive in with you. Stay tuned!
Starting with “For A Long Time Pt. 2,” The album’s opener feels like a deep inhale before the dive. Built on a steady beat and mellow instrumentation, Laurent unpacks perseverance and the trials that shape identity. His flow is measured, filled with a knowing patience, like someone who’s walked through storms and come out stronger. This sets the tone for an EP that balances pain and hope with delicate honesty.
The title track, “Solin Anj,” doubles down on the concept, embodying the vulnerability of a child about to be born and the immense love of a parent waiting to welcome them. Laurent’s vocal delivery here is tender, bridging rap with spoken-word intimacy. The production leans toward the cinematic, with subtle layers that feel like a lullaby for the soul.
“Out of Spite” ft. Kaeson Skrilla sharpens the edges, bringing in a featured artist who matches Laurent’s reflective bars with raw energy. This song captures frustration, resilience, and the choice to push forward regardless of external noise. The beat has more grit—tight hi-hats and a bassline that rumbles low—giving it that classic boom-bap energy.
A shift in mood, “I Like It” brings in Mister Yoos for a playful yet soulful vibe. It celebrates the joy of connection, the affirmation of finding something (or someone) that feels right. Laurent’s delivery is smooth and relaxed, while the instrumental sways with groove-heavy charm—think Rhodes keys and a bassline that glides effortlessly.
In “If You Ask Me,” the EP returns to reflection, with Laurent exploring vulnerability and the quiet truths we only admit when asked directly. His voice carries a confessional intimacy, almost like a conversation whispered late at night. The production is stripped-down and deliberate, letting the words take full center stage.
Translated as “compliment,” “Konpliman” radiates gratitude and affirmation. Mister Yoos’ feature adds melodic balance, intertwining with Laurent’s verses in a celebratory call-and-response style. The beat leans soulful, its groove underscored by warm keys and gentle percussion.
Closing the EP, “Sold Out” hits with resolve and reflection. Laurent uses the metaphor of being “sold out” not for commercial gain, but for authenticity—for investing fully in the battles, growth, and truths that make us who we are. The performance is more assertive here, his cadence carrying a quiet defiance. It leaves you not with finality, but with momentum.
The concept of “Solin Anj” is exceptional not just because of its concept, but also the way Olivier Laurent executes it. His vocals are laid-back but commanding, never rushed, always intentional. His lyricism strikes a balance between poetic abstraction and everyday realness, the kind of words that stay with you long after the music fades. The production is soulful yet grounded, carrying the DNA of classic hip hop but infused with emotional clarity.
Laurent’s approach is radical in its sincerity in a world where many artists chase virality. He’s building brick by brick, verse by verse, reaching “100 true fans at a time.” This project proves that his art isn’t about spectacle—it’s about connection, growth, and legacy. This is music for thinkers, dreamers, parents, children, and anyone who’s ever stood at the threshold of change. With “Solin Anj,” he has officially arrived on our radar, and I think he deserves to be on yours, too.
Listen to “Solin Anj” on Spotify
Follow Olivier Laurent on Instagram
