The Audacity of Dope

One of the best writers in hip-hop, one of our favorite artists, and one of our best friends, the incomparable Shad, visited Sound Session to speak with J. Moore and I recently. We discussed a variety of topics, exploring what it’s like coming up in Canada making his style of music, winning the Rap Juno Award (Canadian Grammy) over his countryman Drake, and how he chooses to promote himself in the US market. He also spoke about his last album, Flying Colours, and his plans to take the follow up project in a new direction, before running through a lightning round of questions covering 90’s sit-coms, left handed basketball players, his favorite sneakers, and more.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Shad represents everything I love about hip-hop and I cosign literally every song/message he’s put out into the world.  Very talented, very humble, and very intelligent, I wish more artists would follow in his footsteps.

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.

A few days ago, we all watched in agony as the Black Eyed Peas performed during half time of the Super Bowl and following that debacle, I had numerous debates with friends centered upon the notion of authenticity and “selling out.”  Without rehashing those conversations and instead to take it another direction, it’s safe to say that Shad represents everything that I look for in a MC in 2011.  Obviously, the skills are there, but lots of people can rhyme.  It’s another thing to not just speak on “real” issues, but to do so in an intelligent, thought provoking, and positive manner.

“Be the change you want to see in the world,” and take pride in the music you create, consume, and generally identify with.  Would you be comfortable playing the music you listen to for kids in your neighborhood?  Your parents?  Your coworkers?  If not, you should reevaluate your consumption.  This isn’t to say that you have to listen to nothing but positive music, but you must be able to explain why you appreciate the art you associate yourself with, at least on some level.  Assuming, of course, you consider yourself a music lover.  If you’re just a listener and not a lover, carry on.

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!

ManifestoTV caught up with Shad for his recent Toronto performance and also shot a quick interview with the dopest MC out right now.  Stop sleepin’!

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…

As I mentioned during this week’s SNSS recap, there’s no MC in the game today that makes me wear out the rewind button like Shad.  His music represents pretty much everything I look for as a listener: skills, quality production, intelligence, and above all, truthful and genuine expression through this art form.  His last record, The Old Prince Still Lives At Home, is a classic album and his new project, TSOL, drops on May 25th (at least in his native Canada…and I assume online at the least for us Americans).

I’ve been lucky enough to vibe with TSOL for a minute and it’s another flawless release from Shad.  Now you can listen to it in its entirety thanks to Spinner, complete with a track by track breakdown from the man himself.  What are you waiting for??? LISTEN HERE!

Oh, and if anyone out there isn’t convinced, I don’t know a soul who wasn’t an instant fan after seeing this:

Oh hell yes.  As referenced here, Shad’s new album, TSOL, is on the way and I couldn’t be more excited for a project this year.  I think the only other rapper that makes me rewind for lyrics as much as Shad is Lupe, and y’all already know I’m a Lupe Stan.  If you aren’t up on Shad, don’t worry, there’s room on the bandwagon.  But um…get on NOW.

Shad – “Yaa I Get It”

Spread the mp3 to your people and share the good word on Shad…

That’s right y’all…Shad, aka one of the top 5 MC’s doing it today (no hyperbole), has a new album on the way.  You’re not ready, so get ready.