Andre Waithe: From NDG to Some Soul Shit Vol. 2 – Montreal’s Next Soulful Rapper

I got the opportunity to ask the Montreal-born artist, Andre Waithe a few questions about his latest album.

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Sometimes the things we need most in life arrive unannounced, slipping quietly into our orbit like they were always meant to find us. That’s how it felt for me, at least, the moment Andre Waithe’s Some Soul Shit Vol. 2 drifted into my world.

“Heaven Wit U” was the song that broke through to me from the endless depths of Spotify. There was something nostalgic about listening to Andre rap about spending five grand on a setup and creating something you can’t wait to show your friends after work. I mean anyone who has chased their passions has surely felt the same way. Andre describes the track as his personal tribute: “Heaven wit u is a love letter to Music growing up,” he said. “It was difficult to speak on how I felt just because I was concerned on how other people would perceive me, but as soon as I got connected to music, it opened a different type of vulnerability in my mind for me to not be afraid to speak about certain emotions.”

Andre Waithe, the Montreal-born (Notre-Dame-de-Grâce native) artist, stands out for his skill in rapping over self-produced soul-sample beats with a confidence and polish reminiscent of 2004 Kanye West. When you come across someone with such talent, it is natural to ask, what is his story? In my short Q&A with Andre, he details his influences and what inspired him to chase his musical passion. “Learning music from a young age definitely shaped me to the person I am today,” said Andre. “Seeing my mom and all my families influences in their life always made me want to chase for mine, so I’ve always done the research on different types of genres since I was a young kid and ever since then I’ve fallen into music.”

Some Soul Shit Vol. 2 is only Andre Waithe's second album—and it's a genuine masterpiece. Over timeless soul-infused beats, he vividly paints scenes from his everyday life while unflinchingly opening up about the grind, doubts, and sacrifices of chasing his dreams. This project builds directly on his earlier three-song EP, Some Soul Shit Vol. 1, where he first experimented with this soulful sound, refining it here into something deeper and more assured. “For some soul shit volume one I was really just trying something new,” Andre says. “I was always a fan of soul samples, and the soul feeling growing up. Also producing soul samples was an important piece on why I became a producer. Some soul shit volume two I really wanted to speak more on my journey and where I came from. A lot of this project's inspiration is based on the music I listen to on a day-to-day basis.”

One of the most striking things about Andre Waithe is his unwavering dedication to uplifting and representing his community—both the Montreal scene he's deeply rooted in and the broader network of rising talent that shares his soulful, introspective vibe. Rather than going solo on his sophomore project, Some Soul Shit Vol. 2, he deliberately opens the door to three standout features, turning the album into a collaborative celebration that amplifies voices he genuinely admires. These aren't just guest spots for leverage and authority; they're thoughtful pairings that enrich the project's emotional depth and sonic texture, showing how Andre builds bridges in an often individualistic genre.

He brings in Tony Stone from the acclaimed Montreal trio Planet Giza on "Heaven Wit U," channeling the same innovative, groove-heavy energy that's made Planet Giza a standout in the city's hip-hop landscape. Then there's Cami G, whose powerful vocals elevate "Whoever You Are" far beyond its original demo, adding layers of vulnerability and soul that make the track one of the project's emotional highlights. Rounding it out is Spaceman Dela on "Dirty Work," where their chemistry shines through sharp lyricism and mutual respect.

When asked about these collaborations, Andre's pride and gratitude come through clearly:

“I was really proud to accomplish the features that I got on this project.

Tony Stone from Planet Giza is a huge inspiration to me based on the fact that he is from Montreal doing incredible things. I’ve always appreciated his sound he created with Planet Giza and I’m very grateful to have him on the project.

Cami G is an incredible vocalist and she made “Whoever You Are” stand out a lot more than the original version. We discovered each other from social media and it’s been an honour to work with her.

She’s also on the rise so PAY ATTENTION!

Spaceman Dela has become someone I really appreciate and I cherish the friendship and wisdom he’s passing down to me. He’s an incredible lyricist and his work definitely inspires me to do more and chase for more!”

In wrapping this up, it's impossible not to see Andre Waithe as one of those rare artists on the cusp of something bigger. With Some Soul Shit Vol. 2—his confident second full-length, released just weeks ago in January 2026—he's not just dropping music; he's planting roots in his hometown scene while inviting listeners into his unfiltered world of introspection, hustle, and soul. That kind of authenticity doesn't go unnoticed. Local outlets are already calling it a shining example of Montreal's rising talent, and streams on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music are starting to reflect the buzz. Andre Waithe is poised to become a name that pops up more and more in playlists, feeds, and conversations—not because of hype machines, but because his work feels real, relatable, and relentlessly soulful. He deserves every bit of that growing spotlight, and if his trajectory so far is any indication, his dedication is about to pay off in ways that surprise even the skeptics. Keep an eye (and an ear) on him—this is just the beginning.