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West Londoner singer/rhymester gave PinBoard the first exclusive listen of his new concept mixtape, The Shakka Crown Affair. Loosly based on the story of The Thomas Crown Affair, the collection of songs and skits centres around the concept of Shakka ‘stealing’ some of the best instrumentals from the music world. Borrowing J Dilla beats, Common, Calvin Harris, Coldplay and Jay- Z among others.
And honestly, I love this…
Not a major fan of skits, (unless executed by Chris Rock – can anything beat “Yeezy taught me”?) but Shakka has swayed me. The comedic interludes comfortably piece the concept together intertwining the soulfulness of songs with Shakka’s sheer honesty. Once past the these interludes, the eleven songs bump pretty hard, they take us into Shakka’s world. Despite most of the beats originating from familiar songs enough originality shines through to keep you interested.
Shakka openly explores his voice, something which has intrigued me ever since the first time I saw him live early last year. He sings, he wails, (Marley style) but also switches it up with rap. His vulnerable verses on songs like ‘Chicken Legs’, which he deliveres with a British/West Indian twang works brilliantly against the Sleepy Brown instrumental, it also gives us a taste of his flow. But then tracks like ‘Drivin”, stripped down to just a piano gives a welcoming variation from everything else. Shakka’s ability to switch his vocal stylings with such ease is something which not only demonstrates the strength of his talents, but also keeps for an interested ear. Combine this with the personality in which he wraps it all up in and you have a winning concoction.
It is a pleasing deviation from what my ears usually fall upon on these shores. I personally can’t wait to hear more. Download it, bump it in your speakers, in your ears, in your car, wherever. It works.
Check Shakka out here. PinBoard is most definitely watching.
