DijahSB Is Effortlessly Rising in the Hip Hop Scene

Toronto-based rapper DijahSB is an emerging standout artist on the precipice of international stardom. Quick-witted, agile, and inspirational without being preachy, their music is a raw look into the mind of a Black nonbinary hip hop musician rapping their way through hope, heartbreak, and breakthroughs.

DijahSB cites Kid Cudi, Pusha T, and Lupe Fiasco as some of their main influences and idols, but their emcee style is so unique and fun, it is hard to compare. They recently announced the news about their forthcoming album, Head Above the Waters, which will come out April 23, and they are also sharing their new single, “By Myself,” which is now available to listen.

“By Myself” is an honest look at what it takes to survive with DijahSB laying verses over a mellow, slowed-down tempo.

OFM caught up with DijahSB to talk more about their music and what they hope to accomplish as an artist.Hi, Dijah! Thank you for taking some time to chat with me about your music. Can you begin by telling us more about your aesthetic and style?
My style is streetwear based, so you are looking at the 2000s when things like The Hundreds and Stussy & Supreme were very popular. They are still popular, but when they were really moving units. Nike SB, I love sneakers, that is why my name is DijahSB. Just very masc presenting and streetwear has been the reason why I have been able to be comfortable being masc presenting. I never really put a label on clothes. I just like what I like, and it gave me my identity.

Have you always had a passion for singing-songwriting?
Always. Since a kid, more so in my teenage years. I had to kind of discover music on my own. A lot of artists have their moms and dads put them onto certain genres of music, and they kind of work from there. For me, I had to go about it on my own and I found out about rap. I remember always loving West Coast music first, and then when I got into high school and started listening to more East Coast music. That is when I did a deep dive and fell in love rap and hip hop. That is when I wanted to be an artist.

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“Throw That Back” is your first single of 2021. How has it been received?
Very well! I knew I wanted to put out something that was a little bit more uplifting and happier for people because of all the things that are going on right now with the pandemic. Picking that song as the single out of all the songs on the album was very intentional, and it has been received so well. People love it. I am enjoying the feedback that I am receiving.

You wanted “Throw That Back” to set the tone for the year?
Yes, because it has been difficult for a lot of people. I know music has always been kind of an outlet for people, but now more than ever because we still can’t really go anywhere, but we still have our devices. We still have whatever it is that can play music, so that has been a lot of people’s only escape.

What can you tell us about your new single, “By Myself?”
Yes! It is being produced by Harrison, and I am a little bit concerned because it is a slower song. It is still uplifting, but kind of on the slower side, which is not what I usually put out. I am excited for it to come out and maybe introduce my fans to a different side of me.What is the overall message you hope your music conveys?
I am really looking to represent the people who feel like they are an outcast. It sounds kind of cliché, but these people are different and know that they are different. Everybody else thinks they are weird or that they are going against the grain, but I want to be representative of them. I like to make sure that I use terms such as masc presenting because I can understand how a lot of teenagers and kids growing up may not understand the meaning of gender or the difference between gender and sexuality.

They may not understand why they might enjoy things that are deemed for boys or girls and feel different about it or feel like an outcast about it. That has really been my whole story as a teenager and kid, so that is what I want my main representation to be, but other than that, I want people to be themselves. I try my best to present my most authentic self. I hope that inspires others to be themselves and know that they can still be successful. They do not have to put out.

Where do you draw musical inspiration from?
Every time I hear a really good album, I am inspired to write and create. A lot of times, inspirations come to me randomly, which can be frustrating because sometimes I will have to write something and won’t be able to because I don’t have it in me. So, it is very random, but if I hear a good beat and I am inspired at that time, I will write, and I will not stop writing. I just need that initial spark, and it has to be natural and organic. Otherwise, I will not be able to get anything out.

Has being Black and nonbinary affected your career in any negative way?
I don’t like to think it has. I like to think that I have been a great representation for other artists who are trying to make it and be successful, and for people that listen and relate to what I am saying. Again, I am just trying to help people understand gender identity and how it impacts a lot of kids and teens growing up. Adults as well, to be honest. I want to help them understand why certain people feel uncomfortable being themselves.

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Do you believe the hip hop and rap scene is starting to become more accepting of LGBTQ artists?
I would love to say yes, and only because there is no way you can deny how great our music is and how much of an impact we have had on pop culture. So, I feel like we are becoming undeniable, and it is like, okay, we can’t ignore them anymore. Like, we need to make space, and the thing is, a lot of LGBTQ artists make their own spaces. They do not have to conform or sell themselves out to bigger spaces so they can be recognized. They have their own little comfy communities where they make their own money and have support. They are okay with that, and I love that for them.

What are some goals you would like to accomplish in 2021?
I would like to collaborate with some of my favorite artists and see my fanbase and support grow. I would really like to solidify this as a career for me, and I want to keep on improving my music and art.

Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming projects or anything else you would like to mention or plug?
I have another single coming out March 19 called “Overtime,” and it features a fellow local artist. His name is Chris Costello. Also, Head Above the Waters comes out on April 23. Then from there, we will see where it goes!

To stay up-to-date with DijahSB, follow them on Twitter and Instagram, or visit their official website. Download and listen to their music on all digital streaming platforms.

Photos Courtesy of Marius Jadion