Mike Shabb has been struggling. The Montreal rapper has dropped eight projects over the past four years, including the first two installments of the SEWASIDE series. These albums put shimmering light into hazy and often unfinished song ideas. Schaub’s talent is undeniable, but he’s still a step or two away from being completely smooth. Fortunately, Mike Shabb has already made progress on SEWASIDE III. The latest installment is an improvement on every front.
The first song on the album, “Intro,” sets an appropriately moody tone. The rapper’s performance was filled with a quiet confidence that was reminiscent of mixtape-era Joey Bada$$. Of course, it helps that the instrumentation is a jazzy, propulsive earworm. The instrumental music of “SEWASIDE III” is spectacular from beginning to end, with more emphasis on uneven rhythms and irregular vocals. They’re a musical bed that most rappers would have a hard time navigating, yet they bring out the best in Mike Shabb. The most obvious example of his verbal skills is album cut “Free Jazz,” where he glides over a beat that sounds like it was improvised live.
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Mike Shabb is passionate about jazz instruments
That’s not to say Mike Shabb eschews “boom-bap” entirely. “We Live in Montreal” and “Free Cars” are grimy street stories with vibrant harmonies. The latter benefits from a scene-stealing guest verse from ANKHLEJOHN. All the features of SEWASIDE III are excellent, giving it an edge over its predecessors. Da$h glides along on the stuttering “Free YSL,” while Boldy James sounds right at home on the slow-burning “Big Piranhas.” Shabu’s ability to recruit artists of this caliber is a testament to his heat and lyrical talent. If the kid doesn’t have a lot of talent, guys like Da$h and Boldy won’t bother.
What do you think of Mike Shabb’s new album “SEWASIDE III”? Will the Montreal rapper drop his latest release? What’s your favorite song? Which guest poem stole the show? We want to hear from you, so be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section. Also, be sure to follow HNHH for all the latest news about Mike Shabb. Finally, stay tuned with us to stay updated with everything happening in the world of music.
“SEWASIDE III” track list:
We Live in Montreal Doghouse Introduction (Interlude) Grinchy Autumn & Fall Free Cars (featuring ANKHLEJOHN) Ben Wallace (featuring Estee Nack) Free YSL (featuring Da$h) Hurry Up Hey Young World Pt. II Milk Crate (featuring Lord Sko) Julie Transmitting Live from the Real World Free Jesus (featuring Navy) Big Piranhas (featuring Boldy James) Free Jazz Echoes (outro)
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