Shad (rapper)
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Shad | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Shadrach Kabango |
Also known as | Shad K. |
Born | 1982 Kenya |
Origin | London, Ontario, Canada |
Genre(s) | Hip hop |
Years active | 2005–present |
Label(s) | Black Box |
Website | Shadk.com |
Shadrach Kabango (born 1982), known professionally as Shad, is a Canadian hip hop musician.
Born in Kenya, of Rwandan parents, Shad was raised in London, Ontario.[1] His mother worked in London as a hospital lab technician; his father, as a machinist.[2]
His debut album When This Is Over (2005) was self-made, financed with the $17,500 he won from 91.5 The Beat's Rhythm of the Future talent competition during his time as an undergraduate student at Wilfrid Laurier University.[3] The album is recognized for lyrics deprecating the typical rap scene[4] and focusing on social causes—for example, the track "I'll Never Understand" examines the Rwandan genocide and includes poetry written by his mother, Bernadette Kabango.[5][6] In 2007, he was signed by Black Box Recordings and released his second album, The Old Prince, on October 16, 2007. In 2008, The Old Prince received a Juno Award nomination for Rap Recording of the Year. Music critics have compared his style to that of K-os and of Common, and also to a "London (England) sound circa 1990".[1]
Shad is bilingual, speaking English and French. He holds a business degree from Wilfrid Laurier University.[7] He is studying part-time towards a master's degree in liberal studies at Simon Fraser University.[1][8]
[edit] Discography
- 2005: When This Is Over
- 2007: The Old Prince
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Dixon, Guy. "Echoes of hip hop's heyday", The Globe and Mail, 2007-10-29, p. R3.
- ^ Kaplan, Ben. "'He knows who he is': And you should, too: Why Shad K is Canada's best rapper", National Post, 2008-01-16, p. AL1.
- ^ Perlich, Tim. "Six-string rap: Canadian hiphop threat Shad sticks with guitar", Now, 2006-02-16. Retrieved on 2008-01-12.
- ^ Juicy Stuff - Articles - Music - Just Being Himself - Shad K
- ^ Quinlan, Thomas. "Shad: When This Is Over", Exclaim!, October 2005. Retrieved on 2008-01-12.
- ^ http://www.thevarsity.ca/news/2006/11/28/ArtsAndEntertainment/Shad-Above.The.Slim.Shady-2510321.shtml
- ^ Shad K : Shad K Is Just Beginning In Never Ending Talent : Soul Shine Magazine
- ^ Reaney, James. "Our prince of rap", London Free Press, 26 January 2008. Retrieved on 2008-03-06.
[edit] External links
- Shad official site
- Shad at MySpace
- Shad at CBC Radio 3
- Juno Nominees 2008 Juno Nominees
- Interview with Shad K mindyourmind.ca