Kevin Olusola opens up about Jay-Z while talking of debut solo album

Pentatonix’s Kevin Olusola is striking out on his own with Dawn of a Misfit, a deeply personal debut solo album inspired by identity, evolution and a lyric from Jay-Z.

In an interview with People, ahead of the album’s release on Friday, the 36-year-old singer, cellist, and beatboxer shared that a line from Jay-Z’s 2009 track On to the Next One helped shape his approach to the project.

Moreover, Olusola said, “If you like me in Pentatonix, then watch me in Pentatonix,” while paraphrasing the lyric. “But the evolution of me as a man and a father… you’re going to get the full extent of that [here].”

Known for his work in the Grammy-winning a cappella group Pentatonix, Olusola says Dawn of a Misfit explores a more intimate and raw version of himself, which may come as a surprise to longtime fans. 

In regards to this, she said, “It may make you feel uncomfortable — and that’s okay as long as I’m being truthful to who I am,” as per the outlet. 

He hopes the album’s message resonates with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. 

Additionally, he said, “It’s okay for you to not feel like you fit in. Those things that made you feel different are exactly what will help you change the world.”

Featuring everything from instrumental covers of Gnarls Barkley’s Crazy and Sam Cooke’s A Change Is Gonna Come to classical samples from Beethoven and Vivaldi, plus a playful track for his daughter Kaia, the album blends Olusola’s passion for cello, beatboxing, and genre-defying storytelling. 

The lead single, Dark Winter, showcases his signature classical-meets-contemporary style.

Reflecting on the journey from Yale premed student to global performer, Olusola said, “I journaled through the process, and it really became a healing journey for me.”