Your new album Motherland draws heavily from your heritage. What inspired you to create such a culturally rich and personal project?
It’s something I’ve been dipping my toes into for years. I always loved hearing Indian samples in hip hop growing up, and was ecstatic when I found out the rap scene was emerging in India. The Indian/Desi hip hop scene has grown immensely over the past decade, and so it was the perfect time for me to create a project that blends the worlds I grew up within. For me, it was a natural progression in my career. My first album was focused on showcasing my skills as a rapper who can speak on deep topics. This album was about more than just myself.
How did the collaboration process with artists from Canada, India, and the US come together for this album? Were there any challenges blending different cultural influences?
These are the countries that I’ve grown up within. I’m of Indian descent, born in the US, and grew up in Canada. Because of that, I’ve naturally focused my attention on these markets and have grown there the most. Through that, I’ve built connections, and collaborating with all of these artists came very organically. I honestly didn’t find any challenges either because each song was crafted very intentionally. Everyone fit in and added to the song they were on in a beautiful way.
The track “Mom” offers a personal glimpse into your relationship with your mother. What was the inspiration behind writing such an intimate song, and how has she influenced your music career?
When I reference my music career I usually speak on when I first discovered hip hop back in elementary school. But, my initial love for music was probably instilled through my mom. She’s always listening and singing along to music while cooking, cleaning, and doing all sorts of other work, and it’s been that way since I was born. That joy of music was passed down to me, along with that hard work ethic, and I carry both in everything I do.
“Rodeo” marks your first official Punjabi collaboration. How important is it for you to blend South Asian music with modern hip hop, and what was it like working with Yuvy and Roze?
That’s what this album is really all about, so it was fun to finally make one. I’m not Punjabi, but I grew up in Brampton which has a heavy Punjabi population. I’ve definitely been influenced by the culture, and so this song was pretty seamless to create. Roze had already connected Yuvy and had the demo, and then we restructured it out, added my verses, recorded it all and polished it up. One thing Roze did do that was great was translate the lyrics for me which really helped keep everything I was saying in theme with him as well.
You’ve been gaining attention both in Canada and India, especially after going viral on Instagram. How has that international recognition impacted your career and approach to music?
Seeing who is paying attention lets me know who I need to be targeting and focused on. I already went to India for 2 months last year to tap into the scene out there. Now I know for sure I’m heading in the right direction, and am working to continue growing both markets.
As a Brampton Artist Ambassador, you’re deeply involved in your local community. How do you balance your music career with your community leadership roles, and why is it so important to give back?
They’re intertwined for me. I’ve had many big wins in my career through my involvement with the city of Brampton, and in return I continue to push Brampton in a positive light, working to change the narrative around our city. There is incredible talent in Brampton, and I want to create opportunities for the people that don’t always have them.
Your previous album Full Circle was praised by Rolling Stone India and Much Music Canada. How has your music evolved since then, and what new themes or sounds did you want to explore with Motherland?
I’ve performed over 100 times since then, and that’s really allowed me to see how new audiences react to my music, especially with what is working and what isn’t. My sound is much more evolved and polished now, while still holding true to my original values and goals as a music artist. Motherland also is heavily South Asian influenced, and while Full Circle had some of that, this album really crafts out a unique Spitty sound that maybe didn’t exist before.
With Motherland, you’ve incorporated a lot of diverse sounds and collaborations. Is there a particular track that stands out to you or was especially meaningful to create?
Every song was honestly made with its own intention and to live in its own space. Each song is a different vibe for that very reason. I didn’t want the songs to compete with each other. But if I had to pick one that was meaningful to create, it was definitely the final song, Mom. That’s a personal song, and there are no features or crazy heavy production to hide behind. But, the response has been unreal on that song, and that truly hits home.
You’ve been hosting open mic events and giving motivational speeches at schools. How do these experiences shape your music, and what messages do you hope to leave with the next generation of artists?
It reminds me what and who I started making for. I was in high school when I started making music, with the hopes to motivate and inspire people around my age. So now that I’m older, I’ve realized I am the role model that I wanted when I was young. There’s probably kids looking up to me from all around the world. And I want to show them what’s really possible through hard work, perseverance, and positive intentions.
Looking ahead, what can fans expect from you in the near future? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations we should be excited about?
Right now I’m focused on pushing this album because I see big potential with it. I’m doing my headline show in Toronto on October 25 at Drake Underground, and am planning further shows after that. 2025 I’ll be back with some big tunes though. I want to give this album the shine it deserves, and then keep that momentum going for a global 2025 takeover.
Spitty headline show in Toronto at The Drake Underground on October 25th
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Twitter: @Spitty_
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