artist spotlite: colin munroe

It tastes like a trend — you know, the street label that signs the young, blue-eyed crooner (see Chester French on Star Trak or Mr. West’s new butt-boy, Mr. Hudson), in hopes of capitalizing on Kanye’s famed emo/indie-rap formula (you’ll find Chris Martin play hook man on more mixtapes than Lil’ Wayne, second only to the almighty autotune). Yet with most trends, there are exceptions to the rules of ephemera: see Colin Munroe. The 28-year-old, Toronto-native (big ups), knows his place. He realizes he’s of the trend (he was recently signed to the urban subset of Universal-Motown, Rowdy Records) and plays the part of token, pianist slash hook boy almost jokingly; screwing with his vocals to sound like an infant beside Jim Jones on “Piano Lessons (Remix)” (posted below). He’s recorded recently with Black Milk, Brick and Lace, Drake, and 88-Keys, but has yet to release anything more than a mixtape.

This is the remix to “Piano Lessons.” Produced by Colin alongside Black Milk, the song speaks of Munroe’s upbringing. The beat evokes something street yet suburban. It’s an interesting listen…and the screwed vocals are strangely attractive. I bet a million to one you’ll agree.

Next up is “Last Cause,” featuring a phoned-in verse by 88-Keys (another little-known breakthrough M.C.). The beat sounds like a tweaked version of Angie Stone’s “I Wish I Didn’t Miss You Anymore.” Again, his screwed vocals are in place and sound incredible (without them the track would sound like Ben Folds).

Lastly, it’s the reason the kid’s gotten any mention at all. Featured here on Drake’s “Cannonball” (off mixtape Heartbreak Drake), Colin demonstrates indie-hooking 101. Consider it a lesson in swimming in Olympic pools of money.