Solitair

Solitair is one of Toronto's most established hip-hop veterans. As a member of the Circle crew, which boasted Choclair, Saukrates and Kardinal Offishall, Solitair may be most recognizable for constructing the beat for Kardi's "Bakardi Slang." But with tracks such as "Easy 2 Slip" and the mid-'90s classic "Silver Surfer," Solitair proved his mic prowess. On this "prelease" collection, Solitiar shows off what he's been working on behind the boards over the past few years. If anything, YYZ: T1 proves Solitair's versatility. While his production style of the past was more akin to the gritty and reflective "Dreams," Solitair's synth-laden beats here indicate he's expanded his sound considerably and has most likely taken some notes from Pharrell and Chad. "Summertime" marries the futuristic feel to a hard-knocking beat and "The Flyest," a track Lil Wayne took from Solitair and co-producer Cipha Sounds that was widely mistaken for a Dr. Dre beat, is reworked to satisfying effect. YYZ: T1's lack of an overarching concept is forgivable because it's presented as a prelease to Solitair's official upcoming album. But it proves true to its airport referencing title, jet setting to a number of varied and interesting destinations.