Rapper and artist ShineDope captures attention with the artwork and old school melodies and bars of his latest album Same Old Shine.
Kicking into gear with the evocative production and gritty, motivational bars of Keep Up Wit Me, the project is off to a distinct and emotionally loaded start. Elements of drive and Faith intertwine throughout a story that’s personal but relatable in its inspiring status.
Get Back follows and quickly brings out the big guns production-wise – think of the horn sections and anthemic hooks that made up much of the old-school hip hop scene. The flow is fresh, the story too, but the voice remains unmistakable for its energy, tone, and theatrical performance flair. The lyrics feel genuine here, honesty and engaging for their rawness and authenticity in reflecting on life. It’s a clever and captivating listen, and a definite early highlight.
After this, Song That I Sing switches gears entirely – a mellow ballad of a single, a breakaway from intensity, with a central theme of gratitude and realism that’s incredibly refreshing. A personal favourite. Versatility is clearly a value to ShineDope, and the conceptual themes of this project consistently intertwine throughout a clear display of that quality.
Other highlights include the heavy bass and piano contrast of Idgaf, another shift in style and mood depicting a diverse approach and a vastness of influence from throughout Hip Hop’s history. Then for Over Me, we continue down the personal and intimate pathway, an anti-romantic story with subtle twists of Eminem-like grit to help build up yet another side of the eclectic ShineDope rap style.
Beautiful Life is another highlight, both for its catchy hook and the inspiring, appreciative sentiments at its core. The track offers a mellow groove, soulful vocals, and a strong sense of songwriting ability that helps further elevate the unique style of ShineDope. Don Fresh and Block ZoHeavy feature for a brilliant dynamic that helps raise the bar all the more so for this one.
Fifteen tracks in full make up the contemplative and creative album Same Old Shine. One final highlight worth mentioning is the rise and fall melodic rap and story of Letter Jacket – a retro, hazy production and fuzzy beat maintaining a chilled-out vibe, as ShineDope underlines the best of his wordplay and storytelling throughout a thoughtful and memorable mix.
Somewhat nostalgic but impressive increasingly as you delve into the highs and lows of its set-up, Same Old Shine is an easy rap project to appreciate and enjoy, from an artist with a breadth of influences to his style, and a clear wealth of stories to share.
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