Reznet

(Pronounced Shadow-Wise)

By Jason Salter

A bachelor’s degree in anthropology is not something you expect to find on a rapper’s résumé, so when I read Shadowyze’s biography, I knew I had to have a listen.

Shadowyze Shadowyze's Myspace page

Shadowyze (pronounced Shadow-wise), a Muscogee (Creek) Indian, has released three solo albums: “Spirit Warrior” (2001), “World of Illusions” (2003) and his latest self-titled album, released last year. The Texas native, who resides in Pensacola, Fla., has worked with well-known names in the industry, such as UGk, Paul Wall, Chamillionaire and Baby Bash. He has been featured in such magazines as Rolling Stone, Vibe and XXL.

Shawdowyze’s song, “Powder,” is a rendition of Eric Clapton’s “Cocaine,” in which he personifies the drug and breaks down the consequences, singing: “She’s a fatal attraction with the looks to kill / She likes to ride high if your whip appeals.”

The beat is sampled, and the hook’s melody is basically the same as the original, except that whoever sings it says “powder” instead of “cocaine.” The song provides good imagery. Shadowyze takes a heavy subject and, using the funk of the seventies, creates a song with a positive message. Not bad.

James Culbertson

“Belong” is another standout. The production is bangin’, and Shadowyze demonstrates his political and social awareness. His raps are more mindful than lyrical, but he can still ride the track with passion and keep you listening.

An educated man, zealous activist and average rapper—put all this together, and you have a Native album worth a listen. I wouldn’t call any of his albums classics, but I urge hip-hop heads to check this guy out.

Reznet rating: two out of four frybreads.

Jason wrote his first computer program in 6th grade, designed and built a computer before finishing high school, and then went to MIT to become... a molecular biologist. The move from computers to molecular biology makes sense when you think about DNA as "programming code" and recombinant DNA technology as the means to reprogram organisms.

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