Croydon Baby

Still Shadey/ Croydon Baby
South London-based Still Shadey (real name Luke) describes himself as “a Poet with Rhythm, technically making me a Rapper,” but he doesn’t like to be put in a box musically. Instead he prefers to offer a unique blend of sounds and melodies, favoring slower beats that lend themselves to showcasing his poetic emphasis. This makes for a real chill, contemplative sound. The album has a great variety that makes you want to groove to all 17 tracks, and then listen again to absorb all that he’s got to say. Genre: Rap, Trap, Hip-hop, Grime, Soul, Gospel. RIYL: KB, Kirk Franklin, Stormzy, Kanye West, Chance the Rapper. No FCCs. Favorites: 12, 13, 15. Reviewed by DA of Lift Jesus Higher!

1.(4:42) Shadey’s Sermon, Smooth, slow jam with surprising sax accents and some spoken word
2.(2:40) I Will Follow You (feat. Eikon) Dramatic, trippy sound; percussion behind lead vocals at first, then BG vocals and more instruments add in
3.(3:16) Spiritual Mode Trap that still feels kinda old-school
4.(3:16) Speak It Slow, with melodic BG vocals
5.(4:01) Consecration heavy sound with lots of electronic sounds and distortion; one of his faster beats
6.(3:42) Self Respect slow, deep bass, funky sound
7.(3:45) G.A.N.G. (feat. Namesbliss) Medium-fast beat with some of his faster rapping
8.(3:08) Pavarotti extra-slow, very chill and contemplative
9.(3:27) Motivate extra-slow, very chill and contemplative
10.(4:23) In Control (feat. Asha Elia) medium-slow; sweet, melodic female singing vocals blended with rugged male rap
11.(3:06) Oily one of his faster jams with a little bit lighter, bouncier beat
12.(6:20) Cry Sometimes (feat. Sharelle McCalla) Eerie, soul-stirring BG vocals behind a smooth, mellow jam
13.(5:00) Rainbow (feat. Naje Busia) Acoustic guitar adds a unique dimension; emotional and contemplative
14.(3:56) Look Inside Slightly faster, punchy, poppin’ sound; good to bump to, playing with tempo
15.(3:21) Never Enough (feat. CalledOut Music) Old-school/retro R&B sound blended smoothly with contemporary sound; this is my jam!
16.(3:53) Chapter 23 Personal reflection/ snapshot of his journey; spoken word at end
17.(3:33) Hasta la Vista Maybe the most danceable track;