It should be no surprise to anyone who knows me personally that I’m a sucker for a wrestling-themed album (still yet to find a NJPW-themed one), but I still hold out hope. Now, this one features an MC I talk with day and a producer I respect above most! Combine that together, and you get a recipe that can’t fail! Let’s talk about it!
This is the brand-new album by MC Sha-Elemental and producer BoFaatBeatz, and together they drop seven fresh tracks with the likes of
– Tone Spliff
– Honey Dinero
– Dirt Rustle
– Poe Mack
– Len-Dor
– Barbaric
– Alverez Masterminded
– Mickey Bourbon to lend their hand on the record!
Now, as this is a BoFaat production, I had some idea as to how it would sound, and I was right. We are talking in the realm of cinematic takes on the underground Boom Bap genre.
I’m talking heavy drums, theatrical vocal snippet loops, intricate piano keys, and thick bass lines that go through your whole soul and out!
For an album with only seven tracks, it’s masterfully done. Each song not only flows into one another like water but also stands out individually as a handful of unique and memorable songs that can be enjoyed on their own and as a full listen!
As seems to be commonplace in underground albums these days, this album ends with a cypher-style track. I don’t know if this is coordinated with each other, but I swear this is my fourth or fifth I’ve come across this year alone that has the perfect instrumental for that type of track!
Those long chord progressions going in and out with those 90’s drums. Such a minimal yet effective way to keep the vibe and cypher format going! This is the kind of beat you could listen to for an hour straight and not get sick of it! Fantastic choice!
Also, have to shoutout my main man Tone for his incredible work on the cuts! A pure legend in the industry!
Onto the MC side, Sha does his job well at complementing those harsh and raw beats with his own brand of in-your-face, no-nonsense bars that are equal parts unforgiving and introspective!
He has a deep and raspy vocal style that makes his verses that much more gutter and gritty to further complement the beats!
I love the fact they decided to have him start right after that infamous wrestling shoot (based on the album cover), such a badass moment that is forced to be followed by its own badass track and Sha does just that!
Across the seven tracks, he showcases his diversity in rhyme manipulation, flow execution, and rhythm. His bars are always on point and stand strong!
As far as the features go, he seems to have found men and women who complement his style well. From the various names in the finale track to the few spotted on the rest of the album. He does well in holding his own and maintaining a strong presence while also letting the guests do their thing and drop pure fire on their respective parts!
Overall, another dope collection to a vastly growing number of wrestling-themed albums. The production is obviously banging, the cuts incredible, the features on point, and Sha himself has proven why he deserves to be recognised as a top-tier MC in the game!
https://sha-elemental.bandcamp.com/album/if-it-bleeds-vol-1-kayfabe-is-dead
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