MR SHAODOW – CUT THE BULLSPIT (DiY Gang
Entertainment)
Bullspit?
How coy is that? OK, swearing
isn’t always clever, but prissy self-censoring bowdlerisms never look good. Luckily, it’s about the only criticism we can
make about Shaodow’s outstanding new album (which is really a glorified single,
padded with alternate versions, old favourites and skits, but for four quid on
pre-order we’ll not complain). The new
material reveals Shaodow’s maturation into an artist of true stature, finding
an alchemical blend between the erudite witticisms of his early tracks, and the
roof-igniting ringmaster he has become live.
Built on a loop from Bizet and some barefaced party-down handclaps, the
title track should be a kitsch mess, but underneath the frothy fun of the hook,
and winking lyrics about minotaurs and Slimer, the rhythm kicks like a wild
Pamplona toro. A nice alt take featuring
reggae star Serocee is fitting, given Shaodow’s dancehall-like tendency to
strip mine single rhyme schemes in a way that differentiates him from the
fanciful balletic flow of most other literate, theatrical rappers, from Flava Flav to MF Doom.
The real jewel here, though, is “Posh
Boy”, a hilarious riposte to those who say that Oxford Law graduates can’t rap,
over a brilliant econostep beat that sounds like a broken Xerox. “Real” is a complex word in hip hop
mythology, but in being honest about his background, Shaodow embodies it better
than most UK rappers. Aside from “Actin
Up”, a collaboration with Zuby that dilutes both performers’ skills, this
record is a must. Shaodow’s sold over 10, 000 records by gigging and working
constantly; his ceaseless dedication should be an inspiration to any number of
weak-kneed, moaning musicians who can’t see beyond their last bad review or sparse
crowd. Have hard work, self-belief and
sincerity made Shaodow a better artist?
No spit.
