Following the release of their Polaris Music Prize-shortlisted second LP Head Above the Waters, Toronto-based rapper DijahSB today shares their latest single, ‘New Balance’. Listen HERE.

Produced by JUNO-nominated producer Harrison, whose previous credits include working alongside Jon Hopkins, Cashmere Cat, Ryan Hemsworth and more, ‘New Balance’ marries wobbling synth chords and shuffling percussion with DijahSB’s agile, Anderson .Paak-like flow and witty bars, casually tossing off complex rhyme schemes, rhythmic switch-ups and an embarrassment of buoyant, smile-inducing hooks.

Of the track, DijahSB shares: “‘New Balance’ is my way of being clever and playing on the brand name but also highlighting not always being balanced but still keeping it together”.

Ever earnest and open about their struggles with depression, mental health and financial instability, DijahSB balances their candid and frank storytelling with lyricism that is always playfully dexterous – an abiding belief in continual growth and the potential of life’s small victories – that is inspirational but never didactic. Their music serves as a balm; a friend bearing battle scars, talking you through all of their myriad hopes, breakthroughs and heartbreaks in the hope that it might soothe your own. To this end, ‘New Balance’ feels like a victory lap of sorts, DijahSB finding acceptance and contentment in their capacity to continue carrying on. 

DijahSB has good cause to feel victorious, too. Long an emergent star of Toronto’s hip hop scene, the release of their second full-length, Head Above the Waters, delivered the emcee to wider international attention, garnering praise from Clash Music, Complex, Exclaim, NPR, Fader, OkayPlayer and more for their innovative, free-form approach to genre and quick-witted, honest depiction of everyday life of a Black, non-binary artist.

“New Balance” is out now, buy/stream it here.

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