Interview: Oakland CHH Artist Solachi Voz Talks About Her New Video "Right Nah"
Major thanks to Oakland based Christian Hip-Hop artist Solachi Voz who connected with us for an exclusive interview to discuss her new music video, “Right Nah”, featuring Miles Minnick. We also got a chance to learn more about why Solachi Voz decided not to become a secular rap artist, why it is important for her to use her music as a tool of testimony and evangelism, what she’s got cooking musically this year, and much more.
After reading our Q&A with Solachi Voz, be sure to connect with her on social media, and stream the “Right Nah” single on Spotify.
You started your musical career at 12 years old; at what point did you decide that Christian Hip-Hop was the path you wanted to take as an artist instead of secular music?
I got my first dose of the culture of hip hop in the summer of 2005. I remember being super attracted to BET and VH1 because I loved studying the culture, watching 106 & Park and such. What I realized is that while these artists were talented, they were a bit hypocritical. They would do interviews that directly conflicted with their music, and at that point I realized I needed to reflect my faith in my music. I wanted my life to match my calling, and even though I’m not perfect at all, I’ve turned down major deals because they wanted me to switch over to the sex and money image, and I refused. Talent with no message is the worst waste of a human gift. If I can’t profess Jesus in what I do, then there’s no reason for me to do it.
When someone listens to a Solachi Voz song for the first time, what do you want them to take away from the experience?
The message is crucial. The first thing I want them to grab onto is hope. No matter what someone is facing, I want them to be encouraged and invigorated every time they hear a SV song.
I also want them to appreciate the quality. Hip-Hop is super saturated and people are putting out less than quality music videos, cover art, and singles. I want the listener to be able to tell that I value my craft, and their time, by providing quality work.
Congratulations on the release of your new single and music video "Right Nah". How did you connect with Miles Minnick who is featured on the song?
It’s crazy how we connected. We actually linked up at a huge comedy show put on by a mutual friend of ours, comedian Chelle T. She was shooting her debut comedy special that night in Vallejo, CA in December 2018. I was one of the openers for the evening, and I was able to link with him because he came out to support the production. We spoke and he said he was down to link up with me for the song. After that we just kept building and working, even though it took almost a year from when we met to when it came out. We knew God’s timing was best.
Why is it important for you to use your music as a tool to evangelize and give your testimony to the listener?
Music is such a powerful tool. It breaks barriers that simple words and gestures cannot. It’s so personal and so intimate. I’ve literally met people before shows who I could tell couldn't care less about me as a person, and after I perform they are initiating conversation and wanting to know more about my faith and my music. Those are the moments where it stops being about music, and it starts being only about creating a lasting connection with that person. It creates an opportunity to show love to people around me, and to spread the truth about who Jesus is to a hurting world that needs him. Hip hop is the trendsetting culture of the world. What we do, the world follows. Imagine if we could influence the world with Christ like this.
What are some things that you are most excited to work on musically this year?
I have a deep vault of unreleased music. I’m also going to be trying A LOT of different styles this year. I’m moving away from the traditional sound and creating my own lane.
I’ve been listening to a lot of fusion bands lately, like Empire of the Sun and Miami Horror. I found I’m actually a decent singer, so I’ll be exploring that lane as well.
My focus is on creating valuable unforgettable experiences for my listeners. I don’t want to be limited to one sub genre. Pop, funk, retro, boom bap, trap, futuristic, etc. This is the joy of independent artistry.
How would you describe the Christian Hip-Hop music scene in Oakland? Is there a vibrant community for this sub-genre there?
The art scene is Oakland is crazy both on the Christian and secular lanes. I think here there isn't so much of a split per se, because everyone supports everyone regardless of the genre.
In CHH specifically, the culture in Oakland is lit, but most of the CHH artists I know and work with live in the Sacramento area. I go to a lot of secular events and I’m usually the only CHH artist performing, but the amazing part about that is the secular scene still supports and values what I do, so it’s been an effective ministry and networking tool. I got major love for The Town.