In this 11 track project, the Brampton-raised rapper Spitty doesn’t simply nod to his roots; he challenges and redefines what it means to belong. As the world witnesses one of the largest shifts in migration and identity crises in recent history, Spitty uses this album to navigate what “home” truly means, for himself and for anyone caught between multiple cultures.
This is an album that blends cultures, fuses sounds, and creates a new identity from both the familiar and the foreign. In Motherland, Spitty tackles the duality of his South Asian heritage and his upbringing in the West—two worlds that are often seen as opposing forces, yet here, they merge into one cohesive narrative.
The State of Home
At the core of Motherland is an understanding that home isn’t tied to a specific place—it’s an internal landscape, a state of being. The title track, featuring the haunting vocals of classical music singer PRII, delves into the complex emotions tied to the concept of “home.” Spitty makes it clear: “Culture is embedded in the people, not the place.”
The title track sets the tone for the entire album. Here, Spitty unpacks the burdens of migration, touching on themes of heritage, identity, and the idea of losing connection with one’s origins. But it’s not entirely melancholic—Motherland is also an anthem of resilience. By emphasizing that culture isn’t confined to geography, Spitty reclaims his heritage as something fluid and alive, no matter where he is in the world. The beats on this track reflect that fluidity, blending traditional South Asian elements with modern hip-hop rhythms, producing a sound that feels like a borderless celebration.
Femininity and Power
Spitty weaves personal stories into the album, offering a more intimate glimpse into his relationships, particularly with the women who’ve shaped him. “Mom” stands out as a beautiful, emotional letter to his mother. Closing the album with this track was no accident; it’s a strategic move that leaves listeners reflecting on their own connections to home and family. The song is layered with soul—a simple but evocative production allows Spitty’s words to cut through.
There’s a rawness to “Mom” that takes us back to the album’s larger theme: identity. Spitty isn’t just paying tribute to his mother; he’s anchoring his entire identity through this personal relationship. By ending the album on such an intimate note, Spitty blurs the lines between the personal and the universal. His mother becomes a symbol for all the mothers, all the matriarchs, who shape us but also give us the freedom to define ourselves.
Local Twist to Global Sounds
Where Motherland truly shines is in its sonic diversity. Spitty collaborated with artists from Canada, India, and the U.S., creating a project that is as global as it is personal. Each track carries a piece of these distinct cultures, while also reflecting the universal experiences of migration, longing, and homecoming.
The song “Rodeo,” featuring Calgary-based producer Yuvy and Punjabi artist Roze, is a perfect example of this fusion. It’s lighthearted and carefree, with Roze’s romantic Punjabi lyrics floating effortlessly alongside Spitty’s playful English verses. It’s not just a collaboration; it’s a cultural conversation happening within the beats. Spitty is no stranger to bridging worlds, and “Rodeo” stands as an example of how he can balance tradition with modernity, creating a track that feels both rooted and refreshingly contemporary.
“I Feel So Amazing” takes a different approach, paying homage to the early 2000s era of rap that shaped Spitty’s love for the genre. The song feels like a sonic time capsule, with production that echoes the beats of legends like Timbaland and Just Blaze—producers who seamlessly infused hip-hop with Indian samples back in the day. Here, Spitty brings that same energy, reminding listeners that hip-hop has always been about cultural exchange. It’s a throwback that doesn’t feel dated; instead, it’s a reminder that these influences still shape the sound of today.
The Weight of Expectations
Spitty’s connection to his hometown of Brampton runs deep, and it’s evident throughout Motherland. But his community work goes beyond mere shout-outs or lyrics about the streets. It’s woven into the very fabric of his music. In tracks like “Too Many Indians,” Spitty navigates the stereotypes and assumptions that often accompany his South Asian identity in the music industry, addressing them head-on with sharp lyrics and punchy beats.
More than just a rapper, Spitty uses his platform to inspire and uplift those around him. His involvement in Brampton’s artistic community shines through in the album’s ethos: empowerment. Every track seems to remind the listener that culture, identity, and music are tools for change, and Spitty is wielding them with purpose.
In many ways, Motherland is as much for his community as it is for himself. “It’s always been about empowering people,” he says, and this sentiment drives the album’s message forward. The title itself—Motherland—isn’t just about Spitty’s personal journey, but about giving others permission to explore their own roots, no matter how far those roots stretch.
Where Spitty Goes From Here
While Motherland serves as a powerful statement about identity, it’s also a stepping stone for what comes next. Spitty is already looking toward the future with plans to take this album on tour and eventually release new music. But more than that, Motherland positions Spitty as a cultural ambassador—not just for Brampton or South Asian hip-hop, but for the larger global conversation about what it means to belong.
Spitty has carved out a lane that feels all his own, and Motherland is the album that solidifies his place in it. As he pushes forward, this album will be remembered not just as a musical achievement, but as a cultural one—something that redefines the boundaries of what hip-hop can be when it’s infused with a deep sense of identity, heritage, and purpose.
Motherland is an album that wears many hats: it’s a personal letter, a cultural manifesto, and an invitation to look inward and redefine where we come from. With this project, Spitty doesn’t just explore identity; he reclaims it, making it clear that home is not a place but a feeling—one that exists in the beats, the words, and the culture we carry with us wherever we go.
