The clues had been visible and audible for some time. With Sewaside IIIMike Shabb confirms that he can deliver an album worthy of the American rappers with whom he collaborates, whether Tha God Fahim, Estee Nack or Boldy James.
The latter two also contribute to two of the best songs, Ben Wallace And Big Pirahnas. The brilliant AnkhleJohn, Da$h and Lord Sko were also invited to the microphone. The most successful collaboration is that with Naby Blue, Free Jesus, composed by Mike Shabb’s compatriot and friend Nicholas Craven. On it, they take turns describing, in a humorous way, who Jesus really was.
Three other high-quality songs, produced by Shabb, feature “ Free » in the title. On the penultimate, Free Jazzthe Montrealer from Magog urgently declaims a text felt to a rhythm, you guessed it, jazzy. The epilogue which follows, and which precedes the magisterial Echoes (Outro)confronts the taboo subject of suicidal thoughts, a theme addressed in the first piece.
Despite everything, the rapper is not looking for pity. His remarks are moreover immodest, an almost essential trait for practicing this profession. Mike Shabb demonstrates his talent as an author on a few occasions, particularly on Autumn & Fall, in which he takes a nostalgic look at the past. Halfway through, a rhythmic transition completely changes the mood and allows the MC to deploy a flow jerky of circumstances.
His arsenal is vast. Placed on the authentic boom-bap of Doghouseimpassive on the hypnotizing Grinchydetermined on the thunderous Hurry Up(“I ain’t quiet I’m just mad focused”), bouncing on the festive Hey Young World Pt II.
The remarkable variety of cadences is certainly attributable to Mike Shabb’s ability to craft beats which suits him well. He produced almost all of the 17 pieces from samples with multiple sounds which, without artifice, express pure emotion. Julie is a good example in this regard.
Sewaside III is without a doubt the most accomplished work in Mike Shabb’s young but already impressive discography. He has just set the bar very high for his next project and those of other local rappers.
We can’t wait to see the result on stage, which will be at the Quebec Summer Festival on July 9. A few days before, on June 20, he will participate in the fifth episode of the quiz Red Bull Rap Game QCwith Kevin Na$h, Lou Phelps and Naya Ali, broadcast on Montreality’s YouTube channel.
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Rap
Sewaside III
Mike Shabb
Independent