As much as I love, what my mate described the other day to be ‘crack music’ (hood rap for all those baffled souls out there) I must admit it is quite thought provoking to hear a rapper as young as this one commentate about much more than the very ins and outs of being a product of an inner city lifestyle. 19 year old, South – East London rapper Shaz Rahman seems to share the same educational ethics as some of the most recognised UK rappers in the game right now; Black the Ripper, Akala etc. Using a positive approach to influence young urban music fans he reflects upon issues such as; poverty, knife crime and drugs through his lyrics and the concept behind each autobiographical tale seems to be making the most of the opportunities that come along, despite race, ethnicity or social background.
Growing Up – the recent instalment produced by Shaz’s South London indie label Lunakidz Music, features the very track that generated a huge buzz around his talents – Dream. With the video making its debut on WorldStarHipHop.com it did exceedingly well, managing to populate a viewing of 10,000 only in its first 2 weeks. From learning this I could only anticipate to hear great things from this budding rappers mixtape consequently sharing with you, my fellow readers my 5 favourable tracks….
04. Breathe ft. Santa Fe
Loving the melody, the catchy chorus and Shaz’s sharp hitting flow on this track. I’m sure we have all had those days when, (not to sound suicidal at all) but we just wake up and think, I just can’t do this, I just can’t possibly go on living this s*** life. Or is that just me then? *sighs* nevertheless life can get a bit on top of us and we do just need that space away from it all where we can just take it all in and exhale…
…is life worth living when you get fed to the hunters, is life really worth it when brothers are dying in numbers…
…I need a little space for me to breathe, just take a step back away from me, this life’s got a hold of me, it’s taking over me…
11. One Chance
This track I think is especially dedicated to the youth of today. I won’t morph into a reverend at this point and begin to preach about what’s wrong and what’s right because it simply won’t mean anything coming from a crazed grime/UK rap writer such as myself. However from the likes of Shaz a young man who has experienced the ‘struggle’ it only makes sense for him to be the voice of morality for the youth of today.
…this one’s for the young thugs, there’s no love but you still got heart…
….stay in school ‘cause you don’t want to be a fool in the job centre, waiting at the queue, waiting by the blocks in the cold for a cue…
15. Dreams ft. Adele
As disclosed previously, this was the very track that catapulted Shaz Rahman into the spotlight. With a Hip – Hop rendition of Adele’s platinum selling ballad – Someone Like You it was inevitable that Shaz would have our ears and our hearts open from the sentiments of this track…
…it’s hard to make cash, you try to get a job but yet you still can’t adapt…
…within this system is kinda hard when your black, I rap so I can be respected and that…
…you was that kid that everyone didn’t like ‘cause you turned around your life and you did what was right…
…why every time I gotta pick up the knife, not ‘cause I think I’m bad it’s ‘cause I wana survive, but still I put it down and sit and think ‘bout my life, like is this life what I want or am I living to die…
You know when an artist just spits out so much relevant content you just get carried away because there’s so much you want to highlight but then you realise this article is not entitled – Song Lyrics for ‘Dreams ft. Adele’; so you just have to wrap it up and say this track speaks for itself. It’s truly deep and I doubt anyone who listens to it and takes it in will not be remotely moved or inspired to follow their dreams.
16. My Emotions
I’m sure you would have guessed that this track would feature on my rundown, just look at the title alone. Males are just that species who find it overwhelmingly difficult to show emotions, I think they feel it might be seen as a sign of weakness or some kind of nonsense like that. So as a female when I do get wind of any form of a male ‘tapping into their feminine side’ as it were, I just have to pin point it out…
…you bredders can never witness my struggle; I lived the street life…
…some man will live to die, while others are dying to live…
…some man will look a man and hate man for the stuff he owns, some man will grab a man and vigorously stab a man…
18. This is the life
The old skool Hip – Hop vibe on this track is exactly what Shaz Rahman’s style is all about. Cool, easy listening for a chilled out effect whilst also still implementing his much loved ethical values. He simply describes the reality he lives in…
…this one is to my peeps on the streets who scream nothing but war, but nothing ever seems to happen to change in this war…
…that’s why my brothers on the strip and they gripping and sticking, that’s why they pitching man and bitching and ditching and snitching…
…you either live the trap life or you’re stuck in the kitchen, you’re either just a good yout or your bucking and spliffing…
As the newest and youngest signing to LunaKidz Music, 19 year old Shaz Rahman brings an educated perspective to rap music. His desire to impact positively on the lives of young urban music fans growing up in inner city areas, as he did, is reflected strongly in his meaningful lyrics.
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