By Michael Hicks
Solomon A. Chaison, also known as Solo, a 20-year-old second-year graphic design student, recently released a solo album, titled “Solo.” He is inspired by artists like Big L, Tupac, The Lost Boys, Heavy D and Ra-Kim. He has won second place in the first annual SCAD talent show, along with his band.
He’s performed in Washington D.C. at the San Kofa, Howard University in Atlanta, The Playhouse and won first place in New York amidst the unforgiving crowds at the Apollo. His next performance will be at the Apache Cafe next month.
Solomon described his work as unique. He said his work is conceptualized, aggressive, and fun.
“It’s real; it’s about life, nothing that I don’t got and something that people can relate to.” Following the lines of his style, the message of his work is, “It is what it is, if you are a gangsta, live that life, if you’re a student live that life, if you’re a preacher, be who you are, understand being true to what I do.” He said that his delivery has to be aggressive so that his audience will listen. “All great speakers have a great voice,” and, “to be the best you gotta follow the best.”
He said his lyrics are also fun because the root to hip hop is exciting and more upbeat and that’s something he’s trying to get back to. He continues to sharpen his lyrical skills by, “living life,” and he said that, “regardless of my ups and downs, it gives me something to write about.”
In five to ten years from now, he said he can see himself working at Nike, designing shoes and making music on the side. He continued, “Wherever I go, I keep my music with me. That’s what keeps me focused and breathing and sane. Regardless if my music is put out there on the radio, I’m still going be making music.”
Solomon was born in Geneva, New York and raised in Harlem. Solomon plays sports as his leisure activity besides perfecting his rap skills.He has also been a part of SCAD’s past two intramural football and basketball programs. He said that coming to Atlanta from Harlem was a major lifestyle transition. “The people in Atlanta are friendly and really perceptive of who you are and what you’re trying to do.” His album, self-entitled “Solo,” will be available in the SCAD bookstore as well as the newly opened shopSCAD, located at the second floor front entrance to the building.
CORRECTION: In the April 25 issue, the location of Howard University was printed incorrectly in the student spotlight on Solomon Chaison. It is located in Washington, D.C.
