Hey, my name is Isadore, and I’m a Toronto-based R&B artist. My latest single, “Hold Up,” is a track that really embodies where I am in my life right now — a celebration of independence, confidence, and living life on my own terms. It’s a bit of a shift from the more introspective and reflective themes I’ve explored in my previous work, but it felt like the right time to lean into a lighter, more carefree energy.
The inspiration behind “Hold Up” came from wanting to capture that feeling of being completely in control of your own life. You know, those moments when you’re out with your friends, enjoying the night, and not really thinking about anyone else’s opinions or expectations.
It’s about reclaiming your space, your time, and your energy, and having fun while doing it. I wanted this track to be an anthem for anyone who’s been through challenges—whether in relationships, self-doubt, or life in general—and has come out the other side stronger and more confident.
The theme of personal freedom is central to the track. I think we all go through phases where we’re figuring out who we are and what we want. For me, “Hold Up” is the sound of that realization — when you stop worrying about other people’s expectations and start living for yourself. It’s not about being selfish; it’s about prioritizing your happiness and understanding that you don’t need to rely on external validation to feel good about yourself.
Creatively, the process behind “Hold Up” was really exciting. I wanted the production to match the energy of the song, so I worked with my producer to create a blend of R&B, pop, and hip-hop elements. We wanted the sound to feel fresh and energetic but still rooted in that smooth, confident vibe that defines R&B. The beat has this upbeat, head-bopping feel to it, and I knew right away that it had to be a song that celebrates having fun, being independent, and living in the moment.
Writing the lyrics came naturally because they reflect exactly where I’m at in my life. I remember sitting down and just letting the words flow, “Yo, yo, yo, hold up / Not thinking bout you, hold up / Do what I wanna do, hold up.” Those lines set the tone for the whole song. It’s all about setting boundaries and being clear about what you want and what you won’t tolerate. The hook, in particular, is all about standing firm in your independence: “Single and my girls are too / Stop while you ahead, hold up / Don’t need you in my bed, hold up.”
The verses dive deeper into this idea of enjoying life on your own terms, especially with the support of your friends. In the first verse, I wanted to paint the picture of a Friday night out, where you’re surrounded by people who make you feel good, and you’re not interested in anyone who’s going to disrupt that vibe.
This line in particular, “Run it up like you owe a fee / Poppin bottles in front of me / Just when you thought you had it / Find out she worth more than your Patek,” speaks to the idea of self-worth—knowing that you bring so much more to the table than anyone realizes.
The second verse expands on that confidence with lines like, “Icy, that’s all over me / Don’t touch, that’s the policy.” It’s about setting those personal boundaries, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. The process of writing these lyrics felt empowering because I wanted to convey the message that it’s okay to enjoy yourself and still maintain your independence and sense of self-worth.
Production-wise, we really focused on making the track feel like a summer anthem with ’90s elements. We added layers of upbeat percussion and synths to give it that head-nodding, feel-good vibe. I wanted listeners to feel the same energy I was feeling while making the song—carefree, empowered, and ready to take on the world.
Overall, “Hold Up” is more than just a fun, celebratory track. It’s a statement about independence, self-worth, and the joy of living life on your own terms. I hope when people listen to it, they feel empowered to do the same—whether it’s dancing with their friends or setting boundaries in their own lives.
It’s a reminder that you don’t need anyone else’s approval to feel confident and fulfilled. This song is all about celebrating who you are, right now, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with the world.
Listen to “Hold Up” below and stream it everywhere else here.
