Image credit: 2UP WorldWide

Toronto is ground zero for some really dope music, even outside of Drake‘s OVO camp. Case in point: check out ShaqIsDope‘s new self-titled EP, which sees 7 tracks and production from Daniel Worthy, Jay 808, Cardiak and more. The project is available via all streaming platforms (below).

Suggested Articles:

RESPECT. The Track: ShaqIsDope – “Power”

ShaqIsDope Delivers an Effortless Flow on His Newest Track “I Want 2 Win”

The post Stream ShaqIsDope’s New Self-Titled EP appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Photo from Shaqisdope

When it comes to talent, specifically in the urban genre market; Toronto has been on the up and up lately. Of course, mainstays and heavy hitters like Drake, The Weeknd and even Justin Bieber are to be noted, but I’m speaking about the cats like Jazz Cartier, River Tiber, and yes… even Tory Lanez. Somebody who’s well on his way to carrying the maple torch with the aforementioned artists is fellow 6 native Shaqisdope. After tearing up the Spring last year with the tape, Black Frames, as well as keeping it fresh with freestyles like his XXL proclamation of disgust — seriously, c’mon Vanessa — the kid is back with the aggressive new single, “Power.”

Produced by Andreonthebeat, the track is an ode to the 50-Cent produced show by the same name, and you can feel that exact energy. While the Tdot emcee sticks true to his melodic approach that has execs seeing crossover appeal, Shaq takes the opportunity to address the wannabees and the posers with the lines, “Who you know come off the bench, drop double digits all season. That’s Shaqisdope, got the scoreboard uneven,” and my personal favorite, “Fingers up to my enemies/ They made a list of Toronto rappers, only thing y’all ever be.” With Shaq releasing tracks like this along with completed his self-titled project, it looks like the 4th Quarter of 2017 is gearing up to be a fun one for Shaq & co.

Check out the single, “Power” below and get hip.

Suggested Articles:

ShaqIsDope Delivers an Effortless Flow on His Newest Track “I Want 2 Win”

Toronto’s ShaqIsDope Drops “Falling (Freestyle)”

The post RESPECT. The Track: ShaqIsDope – “Power” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

As the rapper gears up for his SXSW music appearance, he gives us a new track that adds onto catalogue of hard-hitting records. “I ain’t into making friends now/I’m into making ni**as forfeit.” Toronto Canada’s diligent rap artist ShaqIsDope is back again with some dope music of course. He is always recording new music that keep us excited and looking forward to his upcoming self-titled EP. After dropping his track “King Push” just last month, he is back with his 3-minute track titled “I Want 2 Win” that features super producer Neenyo of PartyNextDoor’s OMO.

Back in December 2016, ShaqIsDope revealed his self-titled project is on the way. In the midst of him putting the finishing touches on the EP, he still makes time to satisfy his fans with some new SID heat. There is a lot anticipation for the project and the 24-year-old spitter is just getting started. Be on the lookout for the release of his EP as well as catching him at SXSW this week.

https://soundcloud.com/shaqisdope/i-want-2-win-prod-neenyo-itsashleetho

Suggested Articles:

Don Trip and Starlito Drop “Good Cop Bad Cop” [WATCH]

Joey BADA$$ Reveals “ALL AMERIK-KKAN BADA$$” Tracklist

The post ShaqIsDope Delivers an Effortless Flow on His Newest Track “I Want 2 Win” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Toronto Canada’s ShaqIsDope is an open book on his latest freestyle titled “Falling (Freestyle).” Counting down the days until the release of Shaq’s self-titled project, he shares profound words in his freestyle over Kur & Dave East’s instrumental for,“Fallen” off their collaborate project, Born Broke, Die Rich. On the track, you can hear SID speaks from the heart as he spits lyrics about the beauty behind the struggle. As the rapper reflects on life before his career he comes to terms with the lows in his life and becomes even more grateful for all of his success.

Ever since the rapper announced to the public that his self-titled EP is set to release early this year, SID has been keeping rap fans on their toes. Now that Shaq is back with the first release of the new year he leads us to believe his EP’s release date is approaching. As we wait for the release of the ShaqIsDope EP, listen to “Falling (Freestyle)” below.

Suggested Articles:

#MusicMonday: Lee Mazin – “Na NANA”

Raekwon Reveals Artwork for Upcoming Album ‘The Wild’

The post Toronto’s ShaqIsDope Drops “Falling (Freestyle)” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Toronto, Canada’s ShaqisDope is back with some new heat and this time he is more candid than ever. In his new track “Falls Down,” he proves he has the rap game on lock while he unapologetically flexes his impressive lyrical flow and revealing he is unbothered by the haters surrounding him these days. The Toronto rapper comes harder than ever spitting the lyrics “got the game on lock you rocking with me or not either way I’m gonna get it just don’t expect me to stop one day they gonna flock because they know my sh** knock.” The single offers innovative production from Chicago, Illinois producer Jay 808.

A few weeks prior to the release of “Falls Down” the rap artist revealed to the public that his self-titled EP will be released very soon. In the meantime, he is receiving a lot of love from the vigorous track. Through his hard work in the music game SID is making it known he has rightfully earned the title ‘Best rapper in Toronto’. If you don’t believe him just watch his success by checking out the new single below.

Suggested Articles:

Tupac Shakur to be Inducted into 2017 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Nicki Minaj Announces A ‘Pinkprint’ Tour Movie Airing New Year’s Eve

The post Toronto Rapper @ShaqisDope Takes the Crown in New Track “Falls Down” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

What a week in hip-hop it’s been! We got to see Gucci Mane bask in the glory of freedom at his “Homecoming” show, we got to hear a FIRE new track from Kendrick Lamar and Big Sean and let’s not forget finding out that Nas‘ album is finished… Shoutout DJ Khaled for the key. But nothing dominated the rapsphere quite like the petty feud between Drake and his off and on buddy Joe Budden. At this point, Joey has hit The Boy with about 60 diss songs while Drizzy has responded only with a couple uninspired lines about Joe being a one hit wonder. Then of course there was Joe getting ambushed by some fans at his house which followed in him issuing death threats to the kids. No seriously, he really did that check it out. With all that wonderful tomfoolery occurring, I’m pretty sure you missed out on some dope tracks that are bubbling in the pipelines. Don’t even trip, we got ya covered. Check out this weeks version of With All Due RESPECT.: 5 Songs You’ve Been Sleeping On below!

Black Bag Brothers – “Fritz”

Consisting of Las Vegas local juggernauts Trade Voorhees and Rob Falco, the Black Bag Brothers creep into the list with the dark but informative track, “Fritz“. “Regurgitating lines/ Yeah it’s fine but like save it hoe” raps Voorhees over wavy synths and relaxing cymbals. The track gives off an eerie vibe, while conveying a tale of two partners who are beginning to find themselves in the often deep waters that is the ocean of the music industry. Featuring top notch lyricism from both artists, “Fritz” is the perfect track to throw on while you light one up and ponder the intricacies in life… See, the lyricism has rubbed off into my writing with words like “intricacies”… Don’t miss out on the dynamic duo, check out the track below.

Profane – “No Return”

Keeping it in the City of Sin, we check out the man who is the definition of slept on in Hispanic torch bearer Profane and his track, “No Return“. Produced by Profound, the track is a lyrical assault on whack rappers and posers. Lines such as: “There’s no surviving for the whack and the weak/ I’m underground in the trenches where I’m happy to be” give you an idea of the overall vibe of the song, while bars like: “Peeps asking who the best and does he need ammo?/ Like an instrument with keys, the answers P and No (Piano)” show off his wavy wordplay abilities. Profane has been heating up in the west coast scene for a while, but has had trouble breaking out of the “Hispanic Rapper” category that has plagued artists such as Bodega Bamz over the years. With tracks like this one, he won’t be slept on for much longer. Check it out below.

Trill Soulutionary – “Whatchamacallit” 

From the absolute jump, Little Rock native Trill Soulutionary kills this inspiring track produced by Buddy Freeman. Utilizing a childhood favorite phrase, Trill flexes his lyrical chops with lines like, “Things aren’t as they was but I change as change does/ and it’s all cause I was born to make change cuz” while flowing over soothing pianos keys and a consistent drum break. The track, which is off his project, SupaDupaFrizzle and is a groovy track that you don’t want to sleep on for much longer. Check out the track below and be sure to give a listen to Trill’s tape, SupaDupaFizzle.

ShaqIsDope – “Innocent Youth”

At this point, it’s not even fair. Toronto has been taking a strong choke hold over the rap game for a minute now with artists like Drake, The Weeknd, Jazz Cartier and plenty more making waves in the states. Well it looks like they’ll be running up the score as they have another one — Khaled voice — with 6 native ShaqIsDope. Specifically the track, “Innocent Youth” which is off of his fantastic new project Black Frames. Utilizing clever wordplay, original flow structures, and a surprising on key singing voice, “Innocent Youth” takes you on a journey through the mental of Shaq while refreshing you with soothing hymns in the chorus. Shaq has been buzzing lately and fortunately, we decided to stop sleeping. You should too. Check out the Toronto native’s track below and be sure to give a listen to Black Frames, out now.

GABRL – “Too Much Left”

I know, I know, I know — Mick Jenkins voice — this whole list has been full of lyrical prophets and thought provoking jams. At this point, you must be thinking, “Where are the bangers?” Well enter in Broward County native GABRL and his BANGING new track, “Too Much Left“. Produced by Tyshane & 8X8, “Too Much Left” is a hyphy track from the Florida native that features him showing off his high pitched flow over hard hitting synths and 808’s. Mark my words, you’ll be hearing this song EVERYWHERE soon. Check out the thumping track below and be sure to keep your eyes and ears on the Florida native who’s sure to blow.

There you have it! Let us know how we did, did we get it right? Are we still sleeping on your favorite local artist? Let us know in the comment section below!

Suggested Articles: 

With All Due RESPECT.: 5 Songs You’ve Been Sleeping On (7/11)

With All Due RESPECT.: 5 Songs You’ve Been Sleeping On (7/5)

The post With All Due RESPECT.: 5 Songs You’ve Been Sleeping On (7/25) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Lately, if you’ve been paying any attention at all, Toronto is solely responsible for a lot of the new mainstream talents we have on the musical playing field today. Excited to tell you the following and share his new music with you, ShaqIsDope is an artist from the same pool but the solemn and sincere Downtown-Toronto native seems to strive for commercial success, especially on his latest single “My Time” produced by Pitt Tha Kid. The last I heard, the young musician is working hard on “Black Frames”, a new project of his which is set to release sometime this year.

Sounding much like a young or “early” Drake on the track, SID proves on the erethreal record that he’s worth our time. Stream the introspective and inspiring “My Time” below and let me know what you think:

The post New Music: ShaqIsDope – “It’s My Time” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.