Sam-r is a Toronto-based hip-hop and blues artist known for his rare ability to rap while playing drums — a captivating performance style that has become his signature. Of Lebanese-Syrian heritage, Sam-r transforms his lived experiences as a student refugee into powerful narratives of resilience, identity, and community. His music blends the grit of hip-hop with the soul of the blues, offering a sound that’s both raw and deeply human.

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Driven by an unshakable belief in music’s power to connect and heal, Sam-r uses his art to tell stories of struggle, growth, and unity. His latest single, Dystopia, captures the tension between hope and despair in today’s world, weaving vivid imagery and introspective lyricism into a soundscape that’s emotionally charged and socially conscious. The song earned him recognition in Exclaim! Magazine’s “Eight Emerging Canadian Artists You Need to Hear (January 2025)”, where journalist Sarah Jessica Rintjema described Dystopia as “a warm but painful display of solidarity with the people of Gaza, Sudan, and Congo.”

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Sam-r has performed across Toronto’s live music circuit, including NXNE 2025, Tapestry Valentine’s Special, and his own sold-out showcases, Sounds of Solidarity and Unscripted — community-driven events highlighting Arab and multicultural artists while raising over $11,000 for humanitarian causes. These events reflect his core mission: using music as a force for empathy, representation, and social change.

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Backed by his five-piece live band, Sam-r delivers dynamic performances that merge rhythm, poetry, and soul. His shows often evolve into collective experiences — part concert, part conversation — where the audience feels both seen and inspired.

Whether behind the drums or on the mic, Sam-r stands as an artist unafraid to be vulnerable. His work bridges cultures and generations, reminding listeners that through honesty and connection, art can be a vessel for healing and hope.