Two decades later, rapper Shad continues to seek ways to engage in meaningful dialogue within the music scene.
When Shad speaks, his words resonate with a rhythm akin to his rap performances. At 43 years old, this Toronto-based artist uses expressive hand gestures to amplify his profound insights, whether discussing music, artistic resilience, parenting, or the evolution of Canadian hip hop. His infectious smile adds warmth to his reflections, making his thoughts not just informative but also approachable and relatable.
It's easy to envision him commanding the stage with the same vibrant energy he brings to his conversations. This talented performer is currently on a winter tour celebrating 20 years as one of Canada’s leading rappers, stopping at various cities from Calgary to Toronto. The tour kicked off just last week and promises an exciting experience for his fans.
"I strive to make my performances exhilarating. Sometimes I’ll throw in spontaneous moments and pause to connect authentically with my audience," Shad shares. He’s even leveraging social media to gather fans' input on which songs to include in his setlist for each city, highlighting his desire to create a personalized experience.
His latest album, "Start Anew," doesn't merely focus on its title's implications of fresh beginnings. Instead, Shad views it as a celebration of "embracing endings." He elaborates, waving his hands expressively, "It's about examining our world—the existing tensions and conflicts—and fostering curiosity about moving away from outdated systems and venturing into uncharted territories."
He thoughtfully pauses before adding, "This album isn’t solely about trending issues. On a psychological level, it's about understanding the struggles we all face and exploring how I can add to that conversation."
Even after spending two decades in the music industry, Shad, who resides near Bloor and Lansdowne in Toronto, remains grounded and avoids being consumed by ego. He remarks, "In my new album, I have a line where I repeat, ‘Don’t listen to this in 40 years; pay attention to what it inspires.’ I’m not fixated on my legacy; instead, I aim to be part of a continuum where my role is to inspire others in some way.”
Shad, originally from London, Ontario, began his musical journey while attending Wilfrid Laurier University, launching his career with the 2005 album "When This Is Over." His subsequent albums showcased his signature wit and playfulness, as exemplified in tracks like "The Old Prince Still Lives at Home," where he humorously parodied the introduction to "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."
His passion for basketball shines through in his song "Real Game," while his sharp lyrics and catchy chorus in "Rose Garden" highlight his lyrical prowess. As a critically acclaimed artist, Shad has been nominated five times for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize.
Over the years, he has witnessed the transformation of Canadian hip hop. "Toronto was among the first cities outside New York to cultivate a genuine hip-hop culture, yet many overlook that fact," he notes. "While there are notable success stories like Drake, we must also recognize the indie artists grappling with substantial challenges. There were promising years when Drake’s rise brought more attention to Canadian music, but currently, it seems increasingly difficult to achieve success in this industry."
Teaching has become an appealing avenue for Shad, allowing him to share his knowledge with students ranging from hip-hop enthusiasts to classical music aficionados. He has conducted courses on various aspects of hip hop, including its craft and the broader industry, at institutions such as the University of Toronto, Wilfrid Laurier University, and the University of Alberta.
"I aspire to introduce students to alternative perspectives on music," he expresses, "and to inform them about musical traditions that might enrich their lives in some way."
Shad's personal life has been deeply enriched by his two daughters, aged seven and five, who have inspired him to adopt a more structured schedule—"I now work from nine to five." This newfound routine encourages him to maintain a balanced outlook on his music-making process.
"I no longer engage in marathon studio sessions like I used to," he chuckles, flashing that trademark grin. "And I want to avoid burnout for their sake. It's been demotivating, but in the most delightful way possible."
What do you think about Shad's journey and his contributions to hip hop? Do you agree that artists should focus more on inspiring future generations rather than chasing legacy? Share your thoughts in the comments!
