Jai Nitai Lotus

Ian Steaman is the author of the Different Kitchen music blog. He believes Jai Nitai Lotus' Something You Feel should win the 2013 Polaris Music Prize.

Hip-hop albums that can hold together, not only as a cohesive, single body of work but also stand up to repeat listens are few and far between in this modern era of throwaway "Tumblr rap." But Montreal-based rapper Jai Nitai Lotus's debut solo and independently-released Something You Feel album manages to do both.

I first discovered Something You Feel shortly after its release back in November of last year and immediately knew it would be a contender for one of the five slots on my Polaris Prize Long List ballot. Upon revisiting it recently to make sure I still felt the same way, I was happy to learn that the album excited me just as much as when I first heard it.

Most hip-hop albums tend to fall into either the progressive/conscious, weirdo/forward-thinking "creative" school, or some tired, nostalgist attempt at "banging" hip-hop referencing the sounds and feel of classic Golden Era "boom bap" hip-hop. Things tend to get interesting when those conventions are flouted and MCs venture beyond the boundaries around those paradigms. Unfortunately most MCs either don't have the talent or courage to do that, but Lotus is not most MCs. From his name, which is a combination of his first two given names, of Sanskrit origin, and the Lotus moniker he was blessed with by his mother, to rhyming about “zoning out like a Sufi poet" on opening track “Mingus Clap," it's clear we're probably not going to be subjected to the same ol' guns, gals 'n' ghettos lyrical tropes.

By his own description, Lotus does not follow trends and made it his goal to record an album, which is largely self-produced, of timeless music on this years-in-the-making collection. Taking what he calls a very "jazz" approach to how he made the album means more than slavishly appropriating jazz samples to construct his production sound, referencing Charles Mingus, or paying tribute to another of his artistic inspirations, Alice Coltrane, on closing track, “Alice Piece Peace." It also means tapping into the spirit of spontaneity and improvisation that embodies the jazz ethos, from taking a brainstorming approach to his songwriting process and keeping a lot of vocal first takes on the record to show what he calls the “true vulnerability [in the] creative process."

The Surviving The Golden Age blog described Lotus's sound on Something You Feel as “Something of a tripped out blend of Dilla, Flying Lotus, and Odd Future..." and that's not far off the mark. It's a testament to Lotus's vocal personality and production prowess that he's able to take tracks as disparate in sound as the sunny gospel-soul and live flute (the latter played by his father) that powers lead single, “Hard Times & Bless" featuring Georgia Ann Muldrow and Declaime, the minimalist sci-fi soundtrack-sounding menace of “Get Gone," the understated brass brand boogie dirge of “The Heat Stew" (complete with a sly Juvenile-inspired N'awlin's flow he lays on top of it) and the vintage rock samples on “Love Won't Be" and makes them feel like a singular listening experience instead of the hodgepodge mess they could have been. “Hard Times & Bless" certainly stands out and is likely the reason many paid attention to this album to begin with, but as great as that song is, Something You Feel would more than stand on its own merits if that track was removed. Beyond that, the album also makes a compelling case for Lotus being an important new creative voice to watch for, not just in hip-hop, but Canadian music as a whole.
- polarismusicprize.ca

Montreal rapper Jai Nitai Lotus' latest album Something You Feel, has been a breakthrough of sorts. Lotus brings golden age hip-hop topics such as overt self-improvement and respect for others up to date with more contemporary production and delivery. Most importantly for this context, he's found a way to present his complex sound.

His band consisted of sax, trumpet, keys, drums, bass, backing vocals and laptop/DJ and hit hard because of attention to detail — perhaps because Lotus was not only the producer but engineer on his own album. Little details like having a tambourine mounted on the hi-hat made sure that made beats cut across the open air environs loudly and clearly. The brass front line was used for more than simple accents and riffs, too: sometimes they laid down a continuous textural element to the beats, and they also indulged in collective improvising. Guest vocalists kept the energy level up, but, as has been the case more than once during this festival, onstage dancing is what really gets the crowd into it.

Best of all were Lotus's vocals, strong and commanding like festival rap ought to be, not mush -mouthed and mumbly (which has its place, but not in a parking lot in front of thousands of people). One particular high point was when the band laid into a groove based on a Dilla sample of soul group Motherlode: the crowd picked up on the reference, while Lotus' lyrics picked up on the themes in the original song.

It was a subtle and powerful presentation of Lotus' knowledge, and also how to get over to a jazz festival audience. There should be more Dilla references at jazz festivals (BadBadNotGood lead the way in this regard) because he was the kind of virtuosic beatmaker that impresses music lovers of all ages. Though Lotus has been at it for quite a few years, maybe his well-considered live show will help him to achieve this kind of Dillappeal in due time. - exclaim

Jai Nitai Lotus = Brother Ali/Slum Village
Something You Feel’s appeal is due to JNL’s balance as an emcee. His self-praise is rare and clever when done, which is rare in hip-hop these days. On “Hard Times And Bless,” JNL boasts that rap is a blessing to him and not the other way around. JNL’s voice is commanding and his lyrics are distinguishable. “Originality rules everything around me,” says JNL on “Get Gone.” His beats knock hard, too. I can’t help but bob my head to the drums JNL laces with big band instruments and quality guest appearances. CeasRock’s verse on “The Barrel” had me attempting to memorize the lyrics after my first listen. From the revival intro with soul claps, to the legendary samples on the last track, Something You Feel proves to be a much-needed addition to underground hip-hop. –Justin Gallegos - Slug Magazine

Jai Nitai Lotus = Brother Ali/Slum Village
Something You Feel’s appeal is due to JNL’s balance as an emcee. His self-praise is rare and clever when done, which is rare in hip-hop these days. On “Hard Times And Bless,” JNL boasts that rap is a blessing to him and not the other way around. JNL’s voice is commanding and his lyrics are distinguishable. “Originality rules everything around me,” says JNL on “Get Gone.” His beats knock hard, too. I can’t help but bob my head to the drums JNL laces with big band instruments and quality guest appearances. CeasRock’s verse on “The Barrel” had me attempting to memorize the lyrics after my first listen. From the revival intro with soul claps, to the legendary samples on the last track, Something You Feel proves to be a much-needed addition to underground hip-hop. –Justin Gallegos - Slug Magazine

"Montreal emcee and producer Jai Nitai Lotus is about to release one of the most interesting hip-hop albums of 2012, Something You Feel. Raw, gritty, and heartfelt, Something You Feel is rare in part because the music comes across authentic, Jai, unaffected. The record has a few guest features, Georgia Anne Muldrow and Dudley Perkins being two on the track called “Hard Times & Blessed.” From hip-hop vet to newbie, Dudley asked Jai a few questions about his album and the state of black music and as always, it got interesting fast." - URB Magazine

"Montreal emcee and producer Jai Nitai Lotus is about to release one of the most interesting hip-hop albums of 2012, Something You Feel. Raw, gritty, and heartfelt, Something You Feel is rare in part because the music comes across authentic, Jai, unaffected. The record has a few guest features, Georgia Anne Muldrow and Dudley Perkins being two on the track called “Hard Times & Blessed.” From hip-hop vet to newbie, Dudley asked Jai a few questions about his album and the state of black music and as always, it got interesting fast." - URB Magazine

"Montreal rapper-producer Jai Nitai Lotus has made an introductory album that caters only to it's own standard" - Hash Magazine 43-45

When you run into an animated discussion here in Belgium, there's two subjects you're gonna talk about: crisis and language. Being an independent, English-speaking MC/producer from Canada, Montreal, Jai Nitae knows all about it. Being creative, expressive and spiritual helps him to tackle these issues. ‘If you can tap into your own timing and personality and move forward fearlessly, you can create innovative music’. Proof? His latest self-made album ‘Something You Feel’… - platform8470.com

When you run into an animated discussion here in Belgium, there's two subjects you're gonna talk about: crisis and language. Being an independent, English-speaking MC/producer from Canada, Montreal, Jai Nitae knows all about it. Being creative, expressive and spiritual helps him to tackle these issues. ‘If you can tap into your own timing and personality and move forward fearlessly, you can create innovative music’. Proof? His latest self-made album ‘Something You Feel’… - platform8470.com

Jai Nitai Lotus was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. Lotus was brought up in a musical house with a father that played multiple instruments and was in a rock/fusion band. These early influences are apparent on his LP, Something You Feel. As soon as the album came on, it made sense that two of the albums that sparked his interest in hip-hop were Nas’ Illmatic and Slum Village’s Fantastic Vol. 2. Something You Feel is full of basic beats that play up the bass in an Illmatic style.

In the opening song, ‘Mingus Clap,’ the combination of claps and the marching tempo create the basis for an epic beat. These themes of power and strength continue throughout the whole album, like in Bailout, which sounds like it could be the theme music to a James Bond film. To contrast the bass in the songs there are flutes, cellos, pianos, violins, and other miscellaneous instruments that create a whimsical feel. Each of the different instruments also manage to take the listener through a different era. In ‘Hard Times & Blessed’ the flute melody fashions a 1930s Jazz vibe, but in ‘Get Gone (Feat. Karma Atchykan),’ it appears the era has jumped into the future with sounds that resemble hovercrafts. There are songs that have the groovy sense of the seventies, and others with the swanky style of the fifties, yet he of course combines these sentiments with a modern style that forms a unique beat for each song. Another way Lotus appears to tone down his rugged beats are through his samples and features. The Joss Stone like voice of Sarah Linhares adds a soulful Jazz element that softens the rough edges. Her melodies add a new depth, as most female vocalists do, but her raspy, and almost deep whisper amplify the meaning behind the chorus. In accordance with the James Bond style beat on ‘Bailout,’ it seems only fitting that Lotus talks about the lavish life of other rappers.

…Clouds in the rooms and sins in her womb…star studded platinum chain, cross around they neck they love it and hug it. Me… no diamonds on my playlist.

Alluding to a more basic lifestyle, he offers a contrast to his peers who
would rather hustle and spend racks, while there’s still poverty. This Robin Hood point of view was also taken in Lupe Fiasco’s: Food & Liquor II, and is what the rap industry needs. This new popular theme is also seen later on the album when Lotus speaks on the lagging economy.

-Jeneba - Metro Jolt

Arriba derche!! The world of hip hop has, once again, and at long last, arrived at its paramount supplication. In the midst, we have at our fingertips something so good you’d be lining up around the corner in the middle of January just to get yourself a copy. Bearing the cold you’d be thanking you lucky stars through the brisk frost as Jai Nitai LoTus‘s highly sought after new album Something You Feel has finally dropped… Indeed, ’tis the creme de la crop. The aftermath was just starting to take effect when we began to recoil into that providential starstruck moment of clarity. As the doors of the badlands brothel doors swing open, tearing free from their hinges (too many Dr. Pepper’s), we are faced with the proverbial wildebeest of formidable allegiances. Like I said, this album has enough catchy hooks to make Larry Flynt spring to his feet. In fact, it is crippling. Should we fork over the cash for this teeming legion of hard pressed rowdydow. The hard-nosed approach of Jai Nitai serves its purpose and fires off on all cylinders. The say when it rains it pours. Well this gale force lyrical prodigy is the typhoon of alliteration and broke-down fixer uppers. And in this case it does. Off-kilter drums and scintillating lyrics is as I like to call it- hip hop as soul food. Aunt Jemima get out of the way this album is all shades fading to gray. Indeed, this is the end all and be all. Tightly knit grooves in “Mingus Clap” and “Get Gone” are voraciously heeded conjectures that espouse the savvy of a man that is more of a delicacy than not just Spaghetti Bologna but more of the Swedish Meatball. Feast your ears on an album that will edjumicate as well as satisfy your deep-seated needs as food for thought. The good Lord will provide. - New Musical Releases

Arriba derche!! The world of hip hop has, once again, and at long last, arrived at its paramount supplication. In the midst, we have at our fingertips something so good you’d be lining up around the corner in the middle of January just to get yourself a copy. Bearing the cold you’d be thanking you lucky stars through the brisk frost as Jai Nitai LoTus‘s highly sought after new album Something You Feel has finally dropped… Indeed, ’tis the creme de la crop. The aftermath was just starting to take effect when we began to recoil into that providential starstruck moment of clarity. As the doors of the badlands brothel doors swing open, tearing free from their hinges (too many Dr. Pepper’s), we are faced with the proverbial wildebeest of formidable allegiances. Like I said, this album has enough catchy hooks to make Larry Flynt spring to his feet. In fact, it is crippling. Should we fork over the cash for this teeming legion of hard pressed rowdydow. The hard-nosed approach of Jai Nitai serves its purpose and fires off on all cylinders. The say when it rains it pours. Well this gale force lyrical prodigy is the typhoon of alliteration and broke-down fixer uppers. And in this case it does. Off-kilter drums and scintillating lyrics is as I like to call it- hip hop as soul food. Aunt Jemima get out of the way this album is all shades fading to gray. Indeed, this is the end all and be all. Tightly knit grooves in “Mingus Clap” and “Get Gone” are voraciously heeded conjectures that espouse the savvy of a man that is more of a delicacy than not just Spaghetti Bologna but more of the Swedish Meatball. Feast your ears on an album that will edjumicate as well as satisfy your deep-seated needs as food for thought. The good Lord will provide. - New Musical Releases

Top Albums of 2012
Robert Glasper – Black Radio
Bizarre Tribe: A Quest to The Pharcyde – Gummy Soul
Jai Nitai Lotus – Something You Feel
OC & Apollo Brown – Trophies
Frank Ocean – Channel Orange
- Music Is My Sanctuary

Top Albums of 2012
Robert Glasper – Black Radio
Bizarre Tribe: A Quest to The Pharcyde – Gummy Soul
Jai Nitai Lotus – Something You Feel
OC & Apollo Brown – Trophies
Frank Ocean – Channel Orange
- Music Is My Sanctuary

Killer Mike, R.A.P. Music (Grind Time Official/Grand Hustle)
Big K.R.I.T., Live From the Underground (Def Jam)
Homeboy Sandman, First of a Living Breed (Stones Throw)
P.O.S., We Don’t Even Live Here (Rhymesayers Entertainment)
Roc Marciano, Reloaded (Decon)
Jai Nitai Lotus, Something You Feel (independent)
BadBadNotGood, BBNG2 (independent)
Frank Ocean, Channel Orange (Def Jam)
Brother Ali, Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color (Rhymesayers Entertainment)
Loud Lary Ajust, Gullywood (independent) - Cult MTL

Killer Mike, R.A.P. Music (Grind Time Official/Grand Hustle)
Big K.R.I.T., Live From the Underground (Def Jam)
Homeboy Sandman, First of a Living Breed (Stones Throw)
P.O.S., We Don’t Even Live Here (Rhymesayers Entertainment)
Roc Marciano, Reloaded (Decon)
Jai Nitai Lotus, Something You Feel (independent)
BadBadNotGood, BBNG2 (independent)
Frank Ocean, Channel Orange (Def Jam)
Brother Ali, Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color (Rhymesayers Entertainment)
Loud Lary Ajust, Gullywood (independent) - Cult MTL

Jai Nitai Lotus In a city ripe with hip hop talent that struggles to find both direction and an audience, Montreal producer/MC Jai Nitai Lotus’s path – which, musically, stretches way, way behind his 2012 breakthrough LP, Something You Feel – has been a serendipitous one. Something he feels is something you feel, something we all feel, and that surely accounts for his hard-earned success, but that ain’t all. Nitai has a drive to create that won’t break, and so as he gathers together new material for his next full-out studio venture, he’s keeping the momentum going with a new mixtape project, a new take on his acclaimed, Jazz-Fest-approved live-band show, and a new video, all launching tomorrow night at Petit Campus with guests Vox Sambou, Andy Williams & Scott C and KenLo. These are extremely busy days for one of the city’s hardest grinding, and so despite the fact we live mere metro stops away, we caught up fast by email this week to get you in the know with Acknowledgement. Darcy MacDonald: You’ve told me that the amazing reception for Something You Feel was beyond your expectations. What sort of motivations and pressures did that present with the new project, Acknowledgement? Jai Nitai Lotus: Yes, I’m very grateful for the positive response. It’s motivating when you release something like the SYF project, which was really uncompromised art. For it to be received well is a testimony in itself. But the biggest pressure usually comes from within. I’m really particular about having a complete vision for things, so it requires a lot of effort. It’s a life work of mine to try not to have high expectations, but aim high. I’m learning those expectations can cloud your vision from what’s really going on. Hopefully I can apply this realization this time around. DM: Why a mixtape concept this go-round? JNL: The idea of doing a mixtape has grown on me, due to the evolution of what a mixtape is nowadays. Cats are dropping mixtapes that sound better than their albums. I started being interested in crafting one, and already had a couple tracks in the bank from feeling inspired some late nights in the studio. While looking at the Coltrane A Love Supreme record on my wall, the title Acknowledgment connected with the idea that I would be acknowledging other artists that I draw inspiration from, and the source of inspiration, the Creator. It came about very naturally. DM: Who were some of the local contributors on the beat and vocal tip, along with the mixtape-style sources? JNL: There are lots of local heavyweights on this project! On the productions: Shash’U, Kenlo and Chris RT. On vocals: Sam I Am Montolla, Karma Atchykah, CeasRock, the Narcicyst and Vox Sambou. I also flip songs from a range of artists: Georgia Anne Muldrow, Stalley, Thundercat, Hiatus Kaiyote, Kanye West, Pusha T and Flako. DM: I was unaware until you mentioned it that you had given up most of the beat duties here to collaborators as opposed to self-producing. Why? And how did that free you up, or tie you down? JNL: I actually still produced three songs for this project, and it still required a lot of chopping and arranging. But yes, compared to Something You Feel, I produced a lot less. Again, it happened very naturally in that I just wanted to rhyme on this, or had an idea for that. It did free me up in terms of being so involved in every aspect of each song. Ultimately it was a lot of fun. DM: What are your standouts or favourite jams on Acknowledgement, and why? JNL: That’s a hard question. Every song matters to me, and serves equal purpose. But I’m gonna mention two that were a big challenge for me, so they hold a different sense of accomplishment. One is “Honest,” a flip of Pusha T’s “Numbers on the Boards.” This song is one of the reasons I put out this project, in that it’s possible to make dark, aggressive, non-corny-sounding positive music. The other one is a Thundercat flip I called “Ends in Transition” and the time signature is a bit crazy. I expressed a lot of different emotions and injustices on it that I think about often. The type of ish you see when looking in your daughter’s eyes and they tell you, “Daddy, look out for the children of the world. They so damaged by the ways, it’s outlandish…” DM: Tell us about the new show. What can we expect Friday? JNL: I’m launching the Acknowledgement project, as well as premiering a new video “Noir,” featuring Vox Sambou, Sam I Am Montolla, produced by Kenlo. I will be performing the new project with my live band, made up of incredible Kalmunity musicians. Vox Sambou will be also putting on a killer set with his live band. Then we got the Goods, Scott C & Andy Williams holding down the music for the night. You’ve got to be there, it’s going to be beautiful, and hopefully life-changing! ■ Jai Nitai Lotus launches Acknowledgement with opener Vox Sambou and DJs Scott C & Andy Williams at Petit Campus (57 Prince-Arthur E.) on Friday, Sept. 5, 10 p.m., $12 - See more at: http://cultmontreal.com/2014/09/jai-nitai-lotus/#sthash.to56R0BV.dpuf - Cult MTL

JAI NITAI LOTUS
Something You Feel
Self-released 2012
Since the 1980s, jazz and hip-hop
have made beautiful bedfellows. But
fully integrating the two genres can
often feel hokey and forced. Luckily,
Montreal fixture Jai Nitai Lotus avoids those pitfalls on his
debut album, Something You Feel. The self-produced record
screams raw enthusiasm from the start, with opener “Mingus
Clap” combining church chants and a fiery testament to the
legendary jazz bassist, while “Bailout” beats its chest in honor
of those on the shit end of the current economic stick.
Lotus gets spacey on tracks like “Hard Times & Bless,” “Love
Won’t Be,” and “Get Gone,” but his lackadaisical vocal delivery
is outshone by imaginative beats and sumptuous samples.
However, firespitting is elevated on the Digable Planets-esque
“The Barrel” and the stuttering, strange “The Heat Stew.” Duds
do exist on Something You Feel. But for every clunker like
“Simbreaker,” off-kilter gems like “80’s Heart” and “Moon And
Star” justify Jai Nitai Lotus’ hype. Best of all, they also point
toward the potential for a fascinating future. –NM - Eastern Surf Magazine

JAI NITAI LOTUS
Something You Feel
Self-released 2012
Since the 1980s, jazz and hip-hop
have made beautiful bedfellows. But
fully integrating the two genres can
often feel hokey and forced. Luckily,
Montreal fixture Jai Nitai Lotus avoids those pitfalls on his
debut album, Something You Feel. The self-produced record
screams raw enthusiasm from the start, with opener “Mingus
Clap” combining church chants and a fiery testament to the
legendary jazz bassist, while “Bailout” beats its chest in honor
of those on the shit end of the current economic stick.
Lotus gets spacey on tracks like “Hard Times & Bless,” “Love
Won’t Be,” and “Get Gone,” but his lackadaisical vocal delivery
is outshone by imaginative beats and sumptuous samples.
However, firespitting is elevated on the Digable Planets-esque
“The Barrel” and the stuttering, strange “The Heat Stew.” Duds
do exist on Something You Feel. But for every clunker like
“Simbreaker,” off-kilter gems like “80’s Heart” and “Moon And
Star” justify Jai Nitai Lotus’ hype. Best of all, they also point
toward the potential for a fascinating future. –NM - Eastern Surf Magazine

Jai Nitai Lotus: Something You Feel

Different is good. Jai Nitai Lotus and his album Something You Feel definitely present something different from your everyday hip hop music. Something of a tripped-out blend of Dilla, Flying Lotus, and Odd Future, Jai Nitai Lotus presents himself as an amalgamated mixture of sounds with a common foundation in hip hop. Handling the beats and all the raps (with assistance from a variety of instrumentalists and other fellow experimental hip hop musicians), Jai Nitai Lotus really puts himself into this project and gives you a bigger and better reason as to why his music is truly something you feel.

“Hard Times and Bless” which features Georgia Anne Muldrow and Declaime is the first real track on the album. A soulful, sped-up sample flip hangs a note in the backdrop as Jai rhymes diligently about the come-up in life–from childhood to adulthood–as well as working in the world of hip hop. Some jazz-kit snares resound alongside fat kicks and some hazy cymbals giving the track a very fuzzy, mysterious feel. Even though the sounds may be complex and hard to reach, they are like yoga for your ears as they quell all harsh sounds in everyday life with the vocals of some talented emcees and singers over a chill instrumental. This song does a great job of reeling you in, hook, line and sinker.

Tracks like “The Barrel” and “Moon and Star” continue that trend of hazy, yet soulful sounds behind some pretty solid lyrics by Jai himself. Then there are others that stray away from a consistent theme, such as “Bailout” and “Simbreaker” which feature heavy synth elements along with booming drums and other-wordly electronic noises. Lasers and such permeate the background of the song as Jai Nitai Lotus amps up the volume, mood and feel of the project into a high-rolling burst of energy that courses through the veins of the music.

The dynamics explored on this project are quite varied which really elevates Something You Feel into a new level of sonic dimension. By changing things up through sound and volume, Jai really keeps the listener on their toes in a good way. From rock-infused songs like “Love Won’t Be” to ambient, smooth joints like “Alice Piece Peace,” the stylistics of Jai’s sound are juggled around in just the right way to make this album interesting.

While Jai ever changing sound might be his signature, one can not help but sometimes lose sight of the songs as they almost leave you drifting. The music puts you away somewhere while you try to crawl back and pay attention to Jai’s lyrics–which are great–but are taken away from by the beautiful curse that is his production. It makes you yearn for Something You Feel: The Instrumentals.
- Surviving The Golden Age

On “Hard Times and Bless,” Montreal experimental MC/producer Jai Nitai (pronounced Thai Nee-tie) Lotus details the struggles of balancing life and music, especially in times of financial instability, as a lot of people are experiencing these days. ”When life is its roughest, music has always been there to help me confront those realities, or momentarily escape them,” Lotus says. “I hope that listeners will feel the intention in the music and be somewhat comforted by it.”

“Hard Times and Bless ” carries an airy gospel vibe, with organ stabs and faint wind instruments atop scant drums. The track also features guest vocals from Georgia Anne Muldrow and Declaime and comes from his debut solo album, Something You Feel. “My album is an ode to raw, unfiltered hip-hop expression,” Lotus says. “There is no one over my shoulder, telling me what to create and how to create it. I think people are ready for this type of experience.” Despite the bleak nature of “Hard Times and Bless” Jai Nitai Lotus’ future appears bright.
- MTV Hive

On “Hard Times and Bless,” Montreal experimental MC/producer Jai Nitai (pronounced Thai Nee-tie) Lotus details the struggles of balancing life and music, especially in times of financial instability, as a lot of people are experiencing these days. ”When life is its roughest, music has always been there to help me confront those realities, or momentarily escape them,” Lotus says. “I hope that listeners will feel the intention in the music and be somewhat comforted by it.”

“Hard Times and Bless ” carries an airy gospel vibe, with organ stabs and faint wind instruments atop scant drums. The track also features guest vocals from Georgia Anne Muldrow and Declaime and comes from his debut solo album, Something You Feel. “My album is an ode to raw, unfiltered hip-hop expression,” Lotus says. “There is no one over my shoulder, telling me what to create and how to create it. I think people are ready for this type of experience.” Despite the bleak nature of “Hard Times and Bless” Jai Nitai Lotus’ future appears bright.
- MTV Hive

Après 15 ans passés à rapper, 12 à composer ses propres rythmes et autant d’années à collaborer avec d’autres artistes hip-hop, le MC et producteur montréalais Jai Nitai Lotus explique la philosophie derrière Something You Feel, son premier album complet.
Autodidacte, Jai Nitai Lotus (ou Lotus tout court) aime toucher à tout : la production musicale, l’écriture et la performance, bien sûr, mais aussi l’enregistrement, la réalisation sonore et la création vidéo. Son nouvel album est l’aboutissement d’une grande aventure Do It Yourself qui laisse place à l’improvisation, la spontanéité et l’amitié. Pour lui, le hip-hop doit avant tout être porteur de sens : c’est une tribune privilégiée pour transmettre un message constructif, et, surtout, authentique. «L’idée derrière le projet est assez simple, finalement. La sincérité, l’émotion à l’état brut… c’est ce que je recherche en musique et chez les gens. Un rappeur a beau être super bon, si je l’invite à participer et qu’il se met à parler de guns, ça n’a aucun sens avec ce que je fais.» Disons que Lotus est du genre à se tenir loin du rap de fanfaron et de la surproduction, quitte à se montrer plus vulnérable. Pourvu que sa musique soit honnête et lui ressemble.
Au fil des ans, quand il collaborait entre autres avec Karma Atchykah (The Notice), Sikh Knowledge (Nu High) ou Troy Dunnit (Anti-Cupid), Lotus a mis de côté certaines créations. Soit parce qu’elles cadraient plus ou moins avec ses projets en cours, soit parce qu’elles semblaient avoir une personnalité autonome. Elles sont maintenant rassemblées dans Something You Feel : «Je les ai toutes peu ou pas retouchées, pour préserver le feeling. Le fil conducteur du projet, c’est l’énergie spontanée derrière les chansons, la place de l’improvisation. C’est dans ce sens-là que l’album est raw ou « jazz », même si ce n’est pas du hip-hop jazzy.» Inspiré par l’«esprit» du jazz, il rend hommage à Charles Mingus («Mingus Clap») ainsi qu’à Alice Coltrane et Bill Evans («Alice Piece Peace»). «J’ai grandi entouré de musique. Dans les années 70, mon père faisait partie d’un groupe fusion, mais il a ensuite abandonné pour se concentrer sur la musique spirituelle orientale. Il avait une énorme collection de vinyles de jazz… mais il a tout donné avant que je naisse!», raconte-t-il avec une pointe de déception. Lotus a reçu à 11 ans son premier kit de drums, quelques années avant de découvrir Nas, Wu-Tang Clan et plusieurs autres. Depuis ce temps, il n’a jamais cessé de composer et d’écrire.
Something You Feel compte sur la participation de The Narcicyst, Sarah Linhares, CeasRock et Karma. Le MC et producteur a aussi invité le couple Georgia Anne Muldrow/Dudley Perkins (Declaime) sur «Hard Times and Bless» [ndlr : Écoutez la pièce, en fin d'article] : «Je l’ai composée pour une soirée Knowledge Hop de Monk.e, et j’ai tout de suite pensé à Georgia Anne. Première femme signée sur le label Stones Throw, sa musique me touche d’une manière inexplicable. Sans vouloir être quétaine, je dirais qu’elle m’a vraiment aidée à traverser des moments difficiles, littéralement», révèle Lotus, qui a ensuite décidé d’en faire une affaire de famille en sollicitant la participation de Declaime, reconnu entre autres pour ses albums avec Madlib. «Je leur ai envoyé la piste et ils ont tout de suite compris le message, l’intention. Ils me l’ont retournée le soir même avec les voix. C’était magnifique!» Le disque fait également appel au talent du producteur montréalais Simahlak, qui signe le seul titre non conçu par Lotus, «Simbreaker». «Simahlak a été un vrai mentor pour moi. Plus jeune, j’allais le voir au magasin de disques et il me disait de continuer à pratiquer. Tous les collaborateurs que j’ai choisis sont des artistes sans peur, ils foncent avec leur musique. Tout ce qu’ils font a de l’âme.»
Jai Nitai Lotus
Something You Feel
Indépendant - BANG BANG/ VOIR Magazine

They just don’t make ‘em like this anymore. Jai Nitai Lotus is a rare breed, especially in rap music, and we’re happy to have listened to his new Acknowledgement mixtape, praising the most high as well as the fellow artists who have helped forge who he is today.
This month, Jai Nitai Lotus had an amazing launch party for Acknowledgement, a mixtape that carries the weight of a full feature album. The launch was one of this year’s best shows I’ve seen so far this year, and part of it was thanks to the talented musicians in his entourage who helped build up a great vibe on stage. Lotus’s raw energy was constantly being challenged by the artists around him, but he kept raising the bar until the show was over. That says a lot about the rapper/producer’s humility, the fact that he could let others bring something significant to the table without feeling threatened by their presence.
Acknowledgement, inspired by a song from John Coltrane bearing the same name, is at the crossroads between jazz and boom bap, and it carries a message of spiritual emancipation. Some of the productions are his, while other come from legendary producers such as Kanye West, Madlib, Haitus Kaiyote and Alaclair Ensemble’s Kenlo. The first single, Honest, takes Pusha T’s Numbers on the Boards and gives it value, not monetary but spiritual. - Elementality

For the past 4 months I’ve been a hermit living under of cave of University books, which drastically limited my access to world of music especially good music the kind that wakes up your soul and really makes you feel something. During that time I made a handful of exceptions to my study pact and indulged in a night of soul food. The most memorable of those nights was November 21st at O’Patro Vys for Jai Nitai Lotus’s album launch for “Something You Feel”.

Just thinking about it brings back the surge of emotions I felt that night. Lotus had such strong pervasive presence and was backed with one seriously epic band including Montreal greats such as Jahsun on the drums, DJ Simahlak, Nik Brovkin on the visuals, and even a guest appearance by dance sensation Sikk. I could go on about the launch itself but I want to focus on the album so feel free to check out a glimpse of the night on Lotus’s Youtube.

Now I know it may come as a shock to many that this is actually Lotus’s debut album because he’s been an influential member the scene for over a decade, but I can tell you the wait was well worth it cause the maturity, history, and truth in this album could not have been manufactured. “It’s just a feeling” is the first line of my favorite track on this masterpiece “Hard Times and Bless” ft. the power duo Georgia Anne Muldrow and Declaime. That line perfectly describes the entire album. I mean I could go on about how Lotus’s production is in a class of its own or how his rhymes slice sharp in your mind like samurai swords. I could also go on about how he perfectly selected his team and made history by putting Ceas Rock, Simahlak, The Narcicyst, GAM, Declaime, Sarah Linhares, Jesse Maxwell, L.E.S, and Karma Atchykah on the same album. I could even go on about how Lotus’s sample selection and tracks like “Mingus Clap” showcase true music knowledge and are examples of the kind of respect I would like to see all artists show to their forefathers. All that being said, when it comes down to it, the reason I truly adore this album is cause of the way it makes me feel and my limited eloquence can’t describe that, you’ll have to pick it for yourself. Go on get yourself the physical, it’s part of the feel. - Music Is My Sanctuary

Après 15 ans passés à rapper, 12 à composer ses propres rythmes et autant d’années à collaborer avec d’autres artistes hip-hop, le MC et producteur montréalais Jai Nitai Lotus explique la philosophie derrière Something You Feel, son premier album complet.
Autodidacte, Jai Nitai Lotus (ou Lotus tout court) aime toucher à tout : la production musicale, l’écriture et la performance, bien sûr, mais aussi l’enregistrement, la réalisation sonore et la création vidéo. Son nouvel album est l’aboutissement d’une grande aventure Do It Yourself qui laisse place à l’improvisation, la spontanéité et l’amitié. Pour lui, le hip-hop doit avant tout être porteur de sens : c’est une tribune privilégiée pour transmettre un message constructif, et, surtout, authentique. «L’idée derrière le projet est assez simple, finalement. La sincérité, l’émotion à l’état brut… c’est ce que je recherche en musique et chez les gens. Un rappeur a beau être super bon, si je l’invite à participer et qu’il se met à parler de guns, ça n’a aucun sens avec ce que je fais.» Disons que Lotus est du genre à se tenir loin du rap de fanfaron et de la surproduction, quitte à se montrer plus vulnérable. Pourvu que sa musique soit honnête et lui ressemble.
Au fil des ans, quand il collaborait entre autres avec Karma Atchykah (The Notice), Sikh Knowledge (Nu High) ou Troy Dunnit (Anti-Cupid), Lotus a mis de côté certaines créations. Soit parce qu’elles cadraient plus ou moins avec ses projets en cours, soit parce qu’elles semblaient avoir une personnalité autonome. Elles sont maintenant rassemblées dans Something You Feel : «Je les ai toutes peu ou pas retouchées, pour préserver le feeling. Le fil conducteur du projet, c’est l’énergie spontanée derrière les chansons, la place de l’improvisation. C’est dans ce sens-là que l’album est raw ou « jazz », même si ce n’est pas du hip-hop jazzy.» Inspiré par l’«esprit» du jazz, il rend hommage à Charles Mingus («Mingus Clap») ainsi qu’à Alice Coltrane et Bill Evans («Alice Piece Peace»). «J’ai grandi entouré de musique. Dans les années 70, mon père faisait partie d’un groupe fusion, mais il a ensuite abandonné pour se concentrer sur la musique spirituelle orientale. Il avait une énorme collection de vinyles de jazz… mais il a tout donné avant que je naisse!», raconte-t-il avec une pointe de déception. Lotus a reçu à 11 ans son premier kit de drums, quelques années avant de découvrir Nas, Wu-Tang Clan et plusieurs autres. Depuis ce temps, il n’a jamais cessé de composer et d’écrire.
Something You Feel compte sur la participation de The Narcicyst, Sarah Linhares, CeasRock et Karma. Le MC et producteur a aussi invité le couple Georgia Anne Muldrow/Dudley Perkins (Declaime) sur «Hard Times and Bless» [ndlr : Écoutez la pièce, en fin d'article] : «Je l’ai composée pour une soirée Knowledge Hop de Monk.e, et j’ai tout de suite pensé à Georgia Anne. Première femme signée sur le label Stones Throw, sa musique me touche d’une manière inexplicable. Sans vouloir être quétaine, je dirais qu’elle m’a vraiment aidée à traverser des moments difficiles, littéralement», révèle Lotus, qui a ensuite décidé d’en faire une affaire de famille en sollicitant la participation de Declaime, reconnu entre autres pour ses albums avec Madlib. «Je leur ai envoyé la piste et ils ont tout de suite compris le message, l’intention. Ils me l’ont retournée le soir même avec les voix. C’était magnifique!» Le disque fait également appel au talent du producteur montréalais Simahlak, qui signe le seul titre non conçu par Lotus, «Simbreaker». «Simahlak a été un vrai mentor pour moi. Plus jeune, j’allais le voir au magasin de disques et il me disait de continuer à pratiquer. Tous les collaborateurs que j’ai choisis sont des artistes sans peur, ils foncent avec leur musique. Tout ce qu’ils font a de l’âme.»
Jai Nitai Lotus
Something You Feel
Indépendant - BANG BANG/ VOIR Magazine