reviews
FILE UNDER: Hip-hop
Shad - The Old PrinceAlternative Press - Scott Heisel on 7/22/09 @ 7:00 AM - altpress.com
Canadian hip-hop artist Shad is the most entertaining when he's having fun. On "The Old Prince Still Lives At Home," he raps about living with his parents and doing everything he can to save a buck. When he rhymes, "If you're happy when you save two dollars a week/And steal your neighbors' empty bottles and keep all your receipts/And only treat your girl yearly to McDonald's to eat/Don't be ashamed, pop your collars, man, holler at me," it summons up memories of Del Tha Funky Homosapien and Kanye West. He's not afraid to poke fun at himself, either, such as on "Out Of Love Pt. 2" when he sings, "Shad's back on that emo tip, oh good/The scarf and the tight jeans complete the whole look/Why don't you go cook some vegan food and rent The Notebook/We all need a good cry Shad, you so should/Then maybe you'll feel better and wont put together another lame long love song with no hook/Go sniff a rose bush and learn how to rap again."
Playful lyrical delivery is consistent through the album, but on a number of songs, Shad takes on a more serious and sometimes spiritual approach, similar to Common. On "Compromise," he reflects on his own lack of action for things he cares about when he raps, "I know it's so cliché but I'm angry that some can't eat/Meanwhile I'm letting a damn feast of pastas and canned meats rot in my pantry/Like, 'Lord, please, can we speak on this frankly?'" It's his broad range of topics that makes Shad's music appealing to people across the board. Those who don't really like hip-hop can laugh at his jokes, while serious fans of the genre will quickly pick up on just how tight his flow is. (BLACK BOX) Ben Conoley
GO DOWNLOAD: "The Old Prince Still Lives At Home"
Official Website: http://www.weareblackbox.com
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