Pencacola Pioneer ~ Solja Da Money Man Secures the Bag:
Han Vance recently caught up, damn pandemic-style, with emerging Florida Panhandle rapper Solja Da Money Man of Platinum Camp Records, on the heels of his hot new release debuting.
Been a minute. How’s it going for you down there in Pensacola?
Solja: You know, it’s all magic for me right now.
I see that. Congrats! I was just cranking “Run Up the Bag” earlier today on my patio here in Historic Druid Hills ATL. Is securing the bag the full-on movement right now?
Solja: I wouldn’t say it’s the movement, but my frame of mind is staying on my process. It’s all happening. The future still holds a lot more growth for me as an artist.
Since we last spoke, I was down in the Panhandle area myself for a couple of weeks working on projects. Decent economy, it seemed maybe more stuff going on down there than here now. We’re just not back yet.
Solja: I’m grinding hard in Florida. Getting money and ready for everything to open back up all the way in America. Love to get back out on the road doing full house shows as soon as possible. You should’ve hit me up to show you Pensacola. Come back on down here soon, Han.
My bad. I was swamped, pardon the pun. What was it like working with Cassidy on the other single I heard a sneak preview of, that was a fun one?
Solja: Dope. The song is hot, bars are awesome. He’s a legend in the game.
It’s a catchy track, too. You’re definitely a tell-it-straight cultural commentator who can paint a picture of the hustle. Platinum Camp Records CEO Daddy BIGG$ was talking to me recently about having signed you because you sounded so South to him, almost a Southern twang. Him coming from New York to Atlanta and wanting to crush a Platinum Camp South.
Solja: I love how Platinum Camp Records lets me be myself. Always true to my people and where I come from, forever repping The Great 8Fifty [Pensacola’s nickname and area code].
They say the farther South you go down Florida, the more North you get. Talk a bit about your gritty upbringing in Pensacola. People may know Miami, but not everyone knows much about the Deep South feel of Northwest Florida, beyond the prominent beaches.
Solja: In my city, it’s always violence. Drug violence and guns. My mom worked two jobs, and I first started rapping in 7th grade. When I could, I left the streets to go work in the oil industry. My rap game was funded by sweat and hard work. I got a job to better myself and better my life. Of course, I’m still street at heart. …I’m a family man, too. I have two sons. Always: God first, family second, money third. In that order.
~Solja Da Money Man is one of our music acts to watch for; editor-in-chief Han Vance is a nearly lifelong Hip-Hop fan and former mediocre-at-best break dancer but decent popper.
