Shad

Written by Tyler Hakes. Published: Thursday, September 9, 2010.

Shad, a Canadian MC Who knew Canada produced anything more than Mounties and toothless hockey players. Even before Drake hit the scene with So Far Gone, Shad began making a name for hip hop up north. From his debut album When This is Over (2005) to The Old Prince (2007), Shad’s lyrically-driven music spoke for itself, displaying intelligence and humor. Shad even declared himself “the biggest thing out of Canada since Pamela’s double d’s”.

If you’ve been sleeping on Shad, it’s time to wake up. Go get Shad’s new album, TSOL, as well as both of his prior releases When This Is Over (widely hailed as his best work to date) and The Old Prince and catch his live show as he rolls through the states with fellow-Canadian MC, K-os. You’re in for a treat.

1. Tell us something no one knows about you.

I’m pretty open in my music, so if there’s something left that no one knows, I dunno what it is, but I probably want to keep it that way.

2. What do you want people to take away from your music?

Anything positive: a new idea, an honest laugh, some inspiration.

3. What is one of your biggest regrets?

Half the times I wasted a day sleeping in. Not all the times, but probably about half of them.

4. What’s one of your greatest hip-hop memories?

Hearing The College Dropout for the first time. I was having a really bad day and it was so inspirational at that point in my life.

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

At 33…hopefully still doing something I love. Hopefully a better person than I am now.

Shad’s tour dates with K-os:

10/08 Seattle, Wa – Nectar
10/09 Boise, Id – Promenade Music Festival
10/11 Portland, Or – Berbati’s Pan
10/13 San Francisco, Ca – Slim’s
10/14 Los Angeles, Ca – El Rey Theatre
10/15 Solana Beach, Ca – Belly Up Tavern
10/16 Scottsdale, Az – Chasers
10/18 Denver, Co – The Bluebird Theater
10/19 Fort Collins, Co – Aggie Theatre
10/21 St. Paul, Mn – Turf Club
10/22 Madison, Wi – High Noon Saloon
10/23 Chicago, Il – Lincoln Hall
10/24 Detroit, Mi – Magic Stick
10/25 Columbus, Oh – Skully’s Music Diner
10/26 Baltimore, Md – Sonar
10/28 New York, Ny – Highline Ballroom
10/29 Philadelphia, Pa – North Star Bar
10/31 Cambridge, Ma – Middle East Downstairs