N.S. rapper returns with new album and a new perspective

Hop-hop artist PJ Smith releases new album with a new perspective.

More than a decade after he burst onto the rap scene, Nova Scotia artist PJ Smith – better known as Ghetto Child – is back with a new album and a new perspective.

“The album is called ‘Memoirs’ and memoirs is more or less, like, your deepest thoughts, your diary,” Smith told CTV News Atlantic’s Katie Kelly. “I’m a little bit older now so it’s like Ghetto Child 2.0. It’s grown folk music, but heartfelt music.”

Smith’s early song “Welcome to Nova Scotia” captured the struggle of African Nova Scotians throughout the decades.

“It’s just about the community of Africville, how the government came to the community and forced us off our land,” he said.

Smith has released the single “Time Out” in support of his new album.

“We live so fast in the modern world with the digital ties,” he said. “We never take a step back and enjoy the moment of life.

“So, time out, take a step back and enjoy the moment.”

Smith was scheduled to perform much of the album at the Toothy Moose in Halifax on Thursday at 10 p.m.

“I’m being vulnerable on this album,” he said. “I never was really vulnerable on albums before. It’s time to let it all in. If it’s relatable to you, then take it in and enjoy it.”

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