Eman, a veteran who makes the next generation shine
Eman.
Eman, veteran rapper from Quebec City and member of the group Alaclair Ensemble, is releasing a new solo album this Friday, The power of the mind is infinite, on which he advocates resilience and shines light on young talent in his city.
In an interview with Métro, the 39-year-old rapper says he has lived a very difficult last year and a half, marked by “a package of extremely intense ordeals”. Hard knocks still too fresh and painful for him to discuss in detail, although he evokes the departure of his good friend Karim Ouellet on the last track of the album. For the rest, “if it gets sorted out, maybe I'll be able to talk about it,” he says.
But Eman prefers to focus on the positive, hence the title The power of the mind is infinite. “It's something I teach my kids. Resilience. Even when you're in a terrifying or demanding situation, if you keep a cool head and the right attitude, you'll get through it. »
Making music, for the artist, is like a meditation, it is what helps him to keep moving forward. He hopes his can do good and bring happiness to other people as well.
Making youth shine
The guest list on Eman's new album is well-stocked. But you won't recognize many names. In addition to Jai Nitai Lotus, Modlee and Valérie Clio, artists of her generation, all the other guests are young rappers from Quebec City who are between 16 and 25 years old and who are just starting out in the profession.
“I have a lot of super well-known, well-established music friends that you always hear about. But as an artist, at my age, I feel like it's a good time to pass the torch,” Eman says.
He continues, “I noticed talented young people who work hard and look hungry. I find it funto open a door for them, to give them a push to start”. he believes that the presence of these young people on his album can help them to be known.
Remember their names: ISMA, Amen Deniro, Kevin Kevin, Melvin and A$ujet. You'll probably hear them first on Eman's The Power of the Mind Is Infinite album.
Eman acts as a mentor for ISMA, his 16-year-old nephew, who we hear rapping on two tracks from the opus. With his uncle, the teenager has been recording songs since he was 12 years old. “I really believe in his talent. I can't wait to see how it will develop. »
Far from being the end
Even if it encourages the next generation, it t is far from over for Eman, however. “At the dawn of my 40th birthday, I still have a lot to explore musically”, he says.
In addition to this solo album, he announces the upcoming arrival of a new album by Alaclair Ensemble.
“It's going to be a big album with a lot of text”, he promises, adding that if the group has been less present in the media during years, we can expect to see a lot of it in the next couple of years.
