On his first solo album, the rapper-singer brandishes his skills

Indo-Canadian rapper-singer Gurinder Gill found fame thanks to his star-making verses on hits for labelmates like AP Dhillon and Shinda Kahlon. But on his long-awaited solo album, Hard Choices, the Punjab-born artist revels in the opportunity to be front and centre—doubling down on the easy flow and entertaining wordplay that made him a standout on ensemble cuts like “Brown Munde”. The MC’s got range: “Wake Up”, about putting the work in, was made for gym sessions. “Network” is a proud anthem for Gill’s immigrant community. And “Breathe” is a salve for any heartbreak.