Biography
Fueled by greats such as J-Dilla, Raphael Saadiq & Pete Rock, Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist and performing producer, Beatchild & The Slakadeliqs’ (aka Slakah the Beatchild) music is often described as a breath of fresh air. Soulful chords, warm harmonies & intricate progressions are the root of this unique feel good sound. Slakah first appeared around 2007, producing for Canadian R&B and hip-hop artists including Arabesque, Ayah, and Drake. Entering the business through audio engineering, Slakah earned respect with his hard work ethic, gaining the trust of artists along the way.
Raised on the finest old school soca, calypso, reggae & classic ...
Fueled by greats such as J-Dilla, Raphael Saadiq & Pete Rock, Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist and performing producer, Beatchild & The Slakadeliqs’ (aka Slakah the Beatchild) music is often described as a breath of fresh air. Soulful chords, warm harmonies & intricate progressions are the root of this unique feel good sound. Slakah first appeared around 2007, producing for Canadian R&B and hip-hop artists including Arabesque, Ayah, and Drake. Entering the business through audio engineering, Slakah earned respect with his hard work ethic, gaining the trust of artists along the way.
Raised on the finest old school soca, calypso, reggae & classic soul, Slakah the Beatchild has a true appreciation for writing styles, musicianship, recording & mixing techniques of the early analog years. At an early age his Grenadian born parents would give him 8 track tapes from the Fat Boys to Bobby McFerrin. In no time the Beatchild wanted to learn how to play the music he loved listening to and his parents enrolled him in drum, piano, violin & vocal lessons. His natural talent, coupled with the music theory all helped build a strong foundation for Slakah’s unique sound.
His first international release, Soul Movement vol. 1 on BBE Music showcases Slakah the Beatchild’s skills as an artist, writer and producer. Initially slated only for European release, Soul Movement vol. 1 quickly flew off the shelves as an import in the U.S. leading BBE to secure North American distribution through Sony/Red. Soul Movement vol.1 features tracks with Drake, Shad, Ayah, Divine Brown and many more. With lyrics mentioning artists like De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest, the album’s soulful single “Enjoy ya Self” explained the old-school spirit Slakah was striving to capture leading Soul Movement vol. 1 to quickly win the praise and respect of a wide variety of music lovers around the world, and leaving them in high anticipation for more.
Since then Slakah the Beatchild has released the 7-track digital EP Something Forever, to which he added 4 new tracks (including the timeless love song “The Cure”) for the physical CD release Something Forever – Special Edition. Slakah has worked with artists around the world producing everything from R&B to rock, earning 3 Juno nominations and 1 Juno Award (Canadian Grammy equivalent).
In January 2012, Slakah the Beatchild digitally released a new project by his alter ego “The Slakadeliqs” entitled The Other Side of Tomorrow. Vastly different from his previous hip-hop and soul focused work, The Slakadeliqs showcases Slakah the Beatchild’s range and musical diversity drawing inspiration from an eclectic mix of artists including Neil Young, The Guess Who, The Zombies, The B-52’s, UB40, Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, Andre 3000, The Beatles and Lenny Kravitz. Recently long-listed for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize in Canada and critically acclaimed by numerous media outlets, The Other Side of Tomorrow by The Slakadeliqs features stellar collaborations with Justin Nozuka, Shad, Tingsek, Ebrahim, Ayah, King Reign and Tanika Charles. The Slakadeliqs signed a deal with Do Right! Music to release The Other Side of Tomorrow on CD and limited edition vinyl, on September 18, 2012.
Most recently, Slakah The Beatchild unleashed Soul Movement Vol. 2, a groove-driven collection that includes the retro delight “Byram’s Groove (Cut A Rug)”, the smooth-talking “Something About Her”, and Source magazine favorite, “Stompthatflo”. Positive reviews and radio support have abounded since the album’s release, including these votes of confidence: Devon Daley, BBC Radio Derby: “Wow! Very nice. Hints of A Tribe Called Quest”; DJ Harv, Point Blank Radio: “Absolutely brilliant, smashing!!”; Ryan B. Patrick – Exclaim! hip-hop blog: “Soul Movement is top rate”; Steve Jobs, Solar Radio: “One of the most consistent albums I’ve heard for a while! Lovin’ it from beginning to end.”