SOL Gets 40 Bars & A Mule

Unlike most 10-year-old boys who spent their free time riding bikes, playing ball or picking on the girl next door, SOL, Seattle based MC on the rise, was penning his own lyrics to the instrumental track of “Ghetto Superstar” featuring Old Dirty Bastard Pras and Mya. A decade later he can add an album “The Ride”, and his first video to his resume of accomplishments. Inspired by no one genre or coast, 1990’s hip-hop and his blend of Eastern Europe with Haitian roots SOL’s sound is one that I can only describe as uniquely familiar. I recently had the opportunity to ask the young MC about how it all got started, his recent video and upcoming projects via twitter. See what he had to say below.


Hello hello! First I'd like to find out how you first got on the scene.

@Solzilla: Hey. I been working at the studio since I was only 12.My people @Undercaste in Seattle took me in and put me through the ropes for 4 years.

So from 12 to 16? That’s some apprenticeship, what was the biggest lesson learned from that time?

@Solzilla: The importance of being an artist, not a rapper and I spent years learning music's rules, [because] once you know them you can break them

Yes few understand the importance of being an artist first. Now what about these rules, can you share one with us?

@Solzilla: learning the structure and groundwork that was laid before us (as artists) so that we have the tools to create something new. A simple example is being able to rap on beat, so that u then can choose to move "off" beat and navigate your space more freely.

OK so you recently filmed your first video. Tell us a little bit about the song.

@Solzilla: Right. It’s called "40 Bars & A Mule". It’s a mix-tape joint I did to the Jay-Z's "Say Hello". It will be a free download.

A play on 40 acre's and a mule, what does the song deal with?

@Solzilla: It’s an introduction of myself as an artist, its display a clever, but also sincere side of me. It’s a favorite of mine.

So how challenging was it to go from the studio to the set and put images to the words & music?

@Solzilla: I would say it was more rewarding than challenging. To be able to add another medium to my music is an exciting way to expand.

The song centers you the artist, in what ways do re-create that story for the video?

@Solzilla: The song talks about paying dues both as an artist & w/in the scene. We tried to recreate that w/ the shots and locations.

Right, right. So who worked with you one the video?

@Solzilla: This multimedia production duo called Made Media. Really talented young dudes who are just starting to get the work they deserve.

There's a lot of shared business going on these days. It’s refreshing that new faces are on the rise. So any premier plans?

@Solzilla: Thanks. I'm planning on launching the video along w/ my website.

Oh a website as well - is there a launch date yet? We will be watching out for that! What other projects are you working on?

@Solzilla: After doing shows and promoting “The Ride” for six months, I am now in my most productive writing stage in maybe years. So with that said, I have projects “on deck and in the
hole". I'm in love with this new music I'm making.

@Solzilla: Most Definitely not cultivated. Something I’ve always made sure is to be myself. If I could not longer be me, then I would stop making [music]. That’s why I go by Sol.

Elaborate on "SOL".

@Solzilla: Sol is my full, god given name. I chose to go by SOL [because] I don't need any alter ego or gimmick to make music.

Authenticity is always appreciated.

Many thanks to SOL for his time and participation, we wish him luck in his new ventures and will be looking forward to upcoming projects. For more about SOL check him out at www.myspace.com/solzilla.