Experience The Vibe

Ayah – 4:15 (Ayah Music)

If Ayah’s name doesn’t ring a bell, it’s probably because she’s spent more time rocking them. Put simply, this soulful r&b crooner beats a hip hop heart.Prior to releasing her debut LP 4:15, she worked extensively with Toronto emcee Tona, including knocking out two videos, one with each artist featuring the other. She’s also collaborated with underground notables eLZhi (of Slum Village) and Skyzoo (and speculation says she may be featured on a Dr. Dre Detox cut?!), further adding to her boom bap resume.

Perhaps it was all just a necessary tactic to get attention in a hip hop-centric urban community such as Toronto’s. Because when it comes to her solo effort, the focus is placed on the Problem Woman herself. On 4:15 she combines hip hop tendencies with neo-soul groove to produce an eclectic yet comprehensive soul-funk rhythm so uniquely Toronto it could only be conjured this side of Lake Ontario.

Her T-Dot representation is evident in a tradition she carries on with her music videos, as singles “In My Lifetime” and “Believe” take you down the corridors and alleyways Degrassi won’t expose. The same must be said for her lyricism. “Might Not Be” is a raw expose of unattainable demands too often made in relationships, while “He Don’t Want It” is a witty narrative on the flip side. The title track explores her most creative time slot, a quarter past four in the AM. Here it’s not just the concept and the production, the tone and emotion are striking. On the slowest song of the album, instead of letting the listener’s imagination veer, she draws you in.

The singer of Palestinian descent also displays unprecedented versatility on her bluegrass-style bonus track, which I personally think should be put out there for the world to hear instead of tucked away in the back pocket. But that’s just me. An area the album could have been stronger in is length – 9 songs leaves the listener fiending for more and increases the replay value for certain. Then again, a couple more songs would have allowed her to delve deeper into the zone she finds herself in at the wee hours of the morning.

Still, for a debut release 4:15 is more than respectable. It’s the commencement of a movement. It’s the warning shot alerting the world to keep their eyes on Toronto because while Melanie Fiona’s in the spotlight now, Ayah’s waiting in the wings all the same.

By Alborz Mohtashami