Souldia

A self-proclaimed “voice of the street,” French-Canadian rapper Souldia rose to prominence by writing about the violence and systemic oppression that shaped his world. • Souldia oscillated between child protection centers and the streets of Québec City and began rapping at 15 to cope with his trauma. • A few years later, Souldia partnered with rapper Infrak to form Mafia 03, which they renamed Facekché after adding rappers Crazy8, Die-On, and Le Dangeroux. • In 2009, Souldia delivered his debut album Art kontrol. However, a month before its release, he was sentenced to two years in prison. • Post-release, Souldia dropped 2014’s Krime grave, a pivotal album that hit No. 11 on Billboard’s Canadian Albums chart and convinced him to pursue music full-time. • In 2018, after Facekché disbanded—Crazy8 was deported, Le Dangeroux was imprisoned, Die-On fled from Canada, and Infrak died from an overdose—Souldia released his aptly titled Survivant. • Survivant peaked at No. 22 on Billboard’s Canadian Albums chart and earned two ADISQ nominations: Rap Album of the Year and Album of the Year (Best Seller).