Tao
Secret City, 2021
8/10
The Toronto rapper Shad delivers an album that’s all substance and no flash, as each track highlights a different facet of human life, and he’s got some exceptional guests to help him flesh out his diverse song craft.
“Out Of Touch” starts the listen with help from pHoenix Pagliacci for the playful, beat friendly opener where the soulful backing vocals make a big impression, and “GOD” follows with warm keys and cautious instrumentation that’s met with Shad’s swift rapping prowess.
In the middle, “Slot Machines” buzzes with a lively energy that even welcomes R&B moments, while “Body (No Reason)” offers a dizzying display of frisky percussive sounds and flowing linguistics, “TAO Pt 2” then moves with infectious grooves and background talking as Shad makes some insightful commentary about today’s culture amid some East Coast nods.
As we enter the end of the record, the hypnotic bass of “Garcon” complements the quick flash of the soft hip-hop, and “TAO Pt 3” exits the listen with no lack of beats, melody and, of course, the fascinating wordplay he’s most known for.
A strong lyricist who has already picked up a Juno Award, this is Shad’s 6th album, and it again balances humor with clever observations, where his modern hip-hop doesn’t shy away from soul influences. Though he might not be the most famous rapper from Canada, Shad is certainly one of to the best , as TAO clearly illustrates.
Travels well with: Homeboy Sandman & Edan- Humble Pi; Doomtree- All Hands