Olivier Laurent’s Solin Anj is a remarkable fusion of storytelling and music, where the realms of hip hop and illustrated children’s literature collide. This powerful, emotionally resonant concept album is an exploration of the emotional journey parents undergo while welcoming new life into the world. Inspired by his forthcoming children’s book of the same name, Solin Anj offers a deeply reflective perspective, framed from the imagined viewpoint of a child preparing to be born. The album addresses the vulnerability, hope, fear, and love that accompany the life-changing experience of becoming a parent. Olivier Laurent’s unique artistry shines through in every track, capturing the nuances of parenthood while providing a soulful, musically rich listening experience.
The EP flows like a story in seven chapters — each track a different shade of expectation, doubt, resolve, and hope. According to the official tracklist:
| Track | Mood / Themes | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | “For A Long Time Pt.2” | A quiet, reflective opening — a soft nudge into self-reflection and the beginning of inner turmoil or longing. |
| 2 | “Solin Anj” | The title track: soulful piano-backed, brimming with emotional weight and the core of the EP’s concept — birth, identity, anticipation. |
| 3 | “Out Of Spite”(feat. Kaeson Skrilla) | A deeper, grittier exploration — relationships, conflict, and the darker corners of fear and resilience. |
| 4 | “I Like It” (feat. Mister Yoos) | A more intimate track — love, longing, and the tension of expectation; Haitian-Creole and English lyrics intermingle, grounding universality in personal roots. Folded Waffle+1 |
| 5 | “If You Ask Me” | Vulnerable yet honest — a moment of confession, self-questioning, and emotional vulnerability amidst uncertainty. |
| 6 | “Konpliman” (feat. Mister Yoos) | A dual-voice reflection: hopes, promises, dual perspectives — capturing the complexity of relationships, parenthood, and human connection. |
| 7 | “Sold Out” | A concluding statement — perhaps disillusionment, resolve, or acceptance. It’s a closing of the EP’s emotional arc, leaving the listener with the weight of everything felt before. |
Olivier Laurent’s Solin Anj is a concept album that speaks to the soul. The deeply personal nature of the project, combined with its universal themes, makes it resonate with anyone who has experienced the beauty and complexity of becoming a parent. The album’s ability to blend Afro-beat rhythms, hip hop, and soul into a cohesive and emotionally charged narrative is a testament to Laurent’s artistic vision. Each track offers a unique emotional tone, creating a rich and layered listening experience that will stay with you long after the final note fades.
Solin Anj is more than just an album—it’s a journey, one that will continue to touch the hearts of listeners and leave an indelible mark on the world of music. Laurent’s combination of introspective lyricism and mature production makes this album a standout work, one that invites deep reflection on the transformative nature of life, love, and parenthood.
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