The Audacity of Dope

The homey, and still my vote for the best writer in the game, Shad, just dropped a new EP with Skratch Bastid (one of the dopest DJ’s in the world, if you’re sleeping).  Download the quickstrike right here:

The Spring Up is the result of fortunate timing, grapefruit Perrier, a shared high school obsession with Outkast’s Aquemeni, and a couple of sessions at Skratch Bastid’s Toronto studio this April. The 5 track collection marks a moment in time for the pair; embodying the spirit of Spring and also serving as a sort of prelude to Shad’s upcoming full-length, to which Skratch Bastid also contributes. The collection features a production assist from DJ Jazzy Jeff, and a turn on the mic from compatriot Cadence Weapon.

Slow day here at the office for my day job, so I figured I’d catch up on some Hyphen emails and then BOOM. I see the new video from my homey SK in the inbox!  Another great one off his old school inspired EP, Melancholy and the Infinite Shadness, which you can download here.

Quick strike EP from the homey Shad as he celebrates his birthday.  5 tracks, all sampling classic songs from his childhood.  Along with Lupe, SK is my favorite writer in the game.  Shout to my guys G and T-Lo as well.  Download this immediately!

Alternate download here.

I’ve been meaning to post this up for a bit, but as usual, better late than never.  Besides is a collection of Shad’s recent guest appearances and remixes, all seamlessly blended by the one and only DJ T-Lo.  The best writer in the game, IMO.

Download here.

Seattle: Come to Sol’s Yours Truly release party on Friday, January 20th, at Neumos to see Shad perform live!  (and cop Sol’s new album too!)

A few weeks ago, Shad performed at the Capitol Hill Block Party here in Seattle and his super talented DJ, T-Lo, sadly wasn’t able to make the trip. I was honored to step behind the tables and help keep the show moving in his absence, though I don’t think I’ll ever get used to being on stage. Just not for me.

Shad, on the other hand, is a natural. Above is a quick clip of him performing “Compromise,” a great record off his classic The Old Prince album.  If you missed the official video for the track, peep it here.

Anyone who has visited TAOD before knows that I’m a huge fan of Shad.  Not only is he one of the most gifted MC’s around, but he’s also putting his heart and soul into his music and discussing deep, genuine emotions.  I’m not sure you can ask for anything more from an artist and I’m elated to see the United States finally starting to catch on to his music.

Fresh of the American release of TSOL, Shad came to Seattle with K-Os for the first stop on their Born To Run tour.  It’s only right that we recorded a little something for y’all, though I do apologize for the poor lighting and video quality.  Hopefully you still enjoy our discussion covering the tour, the TSOL project, how it compares to his previous work, the intricacies of his lyrics, and more.  It’s not often that I get to discuss the finer points of artistic expression/responsibility with our guests, so this was an especially fun interview to conduct.  There’s much more that can be said about the issue though, so we’ll have to rekindle it when Shad’s back in town.

In the interim, enjoy the interview and be sure to cop TSOL and The Old Prince ASAP!

Yessir!  It’s been a long time coming, but Shad and crew are bringing one of the best albums of the year, TSOL, to the US for an official release on Decon Media on October 5th.  Here’s a little video they shot to introduce SK to the US, but I mean, if you’re on TAOD, you’ve been up on him…right?

Support real art and good people!

Shad K is back with the second video off his stellar TSOL release, this time around “Rose Garden” gets the visual treatment.  As usual, another great piece.  Check out all things Shad related on his site, including tour dates, and Canadians can cop the album here or here.

Northwest people: Shad will be performing at the Biltmore on June 3rd in Vancouver and I highly recommend you come through if you can make it.  For my fellow unlucky Americans, I’ll probably bring back a couple CD’s for y’all…so if you want a copy of the album, place your order before the trip…