BOY ( Vic Shadez Go - Illa Productions 2016 )

9/16/2016

Brand New Tattoo

Enamored with music since an early age, Vic Shadez has been immersed in the industry for 30+ years. From playing Latin percussion in his father's salsa band live on stage as an adolescent, to rubbing elbows with some of hip hop's current artists, he always knew music was his calling. Whether he's creating album cover artwork, producing tracks and/or directing videos for local unsigned artists to established artists such as Chris Rivers, Joell Ortiz and Styles P, Vic Shadez has surely paid his dues. After numerous albums with his Kin and Go-illa affiliates, he embarks on his first solo endeavor and debuts his highly anticipated EP album "Uncontaminated." 
     The album's prologue introduces new and old fans alike to Shadez lyrical proficiency. Always known for his ingenuity when producing beats for other artists, Shadez  emerges from behind the curtain and showcases his own wordplay ability. A student of hip hop, Shadez stands on the shoulders' of all the rap giants that came before him and doesn't disappoint. 
     Seeing the evolution of hip hop and it's culture from the days of "boom-bap" rap into the "golden age" of rap of the early 90's and into its current state, Vic pays homage to all those that came before him and paved the way for artists such as himself with tracks like "lessons." The aforementioned track serves as an ode to New Jersey's contributions to hip hop with shout outs of some of the notable artists and local unsigned artists that have called Dirty Jersey home. 
     Coming from an era where biting was akin to stealing, Shadez was never one to assimilate and conform just for the sake of spins or sales. Touching on topics that aren't considered commercially viable today are enough to make most rappers stick to the formula and imitate the current flavor of the week. Topics that many can relate with, such as the daily stresses of life that people encounter to tolerance of others' religious beliefs or lack of, are talked about in depth on tracks like "Bad Whether" and "Perspective." 

     "Empty" demonstrates his passion for music and is reminiscent of Common's "I Used To Love H.e.r" where he speaks on the current state of hip hop and the direction it's going. Whereas some of today's artists emulate other rapper's flows or style, Shadez has always distinguished himself from the rest with his fervent delivery and distinctive voice. Singles like "Boy", "Preface", "Lost" and the title track "Uncontaminated" demonstrate this clearly in braggadocio rap that would make any hip hop enthusiasts' head nod. 

      Whether he's creating artwork, playing congas or timbales, producing beats, writing rhymes or recording music videos, Vic Shadez is in his comfort zone... And putting everyone on notice. With a high musical aptitude and an uncompromising penchant for being original, he's able to construct an album that's untainted by today's "hip-pop" sound to show the audience why he's truly "Uncontaminated."

VIC SHADEZ

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