Since returning to the game in 2005, Shabaam Sahdeeq has been putting in some serious work on tour and in the booth. Today, we have the honor of premiering his fifth studio album to date. The Brooklyn emcee originally recorded around 40 tracks and condensed it down to the 23 you see above. The former Rawkus Records emcee has not only enlisted an impressive roster of features and producers but holds his own on the mic as he creates a project that can serve as a testament to future generations of what Hip-Hop really stands for. We had the opportunity to also ask him a few questions about the album and how different or similar the game is now compared to years ago. Check out the stream above and the interview below.

You can buy your CD copy HERE and your digital copy HERE.

How has the game changed and stayed the same since you started releasing albums?

SS: The game has changed simply because we have more outlets than in the 90s. The internet makes the playing field bigger, but it also makes the game saturated. So it’s a gift and a curse. Before it was about going to big studios to record, mix and master, but now you can do a lot from home if you have the equipment and master your craft. Before it was about mailing vinyl and CDs off to press outles and DJs, but now you can send off an MP3 and have it heard by a large audience in a matter of seconds. I can go on and on with the differences (lol).

A lot of younger rappers now are trying to recapture the sound of the 80′s and 90′s with their production and rap style. But you are straight from that era. How do you feel about the younger rappers of
today’s generation, is it annoying or are you glad they’re a part of the game?

SS: I would never want to be an older bitter artist who don’t embrace the youth, but at the same time younger artists got to show respect and pay homage to those who paved the way. When I was young, I had older people who told me Hip-Hop wouldn’t last and that it wasn’t really music. So I’m cool with young artists doing 90′s style rap and doing new style rap, just make it good. Hip-Hop is four generations deep, but I represent for people in my age range who want to hear a more Grown man rap style. 

You have a track with Harry Fraud. How did that come about? Who are some other producers or rappers that you co-sign who weren’t around when you first started rapping?

SS: I actually have a whole album with Fraud and his artist Eddie B. We just used songs from it and scattered it on our different projects. I rock with those who rock with me. I’ve worked with new artists and produces who wasn’t around or wasn’t popular in the 90′s era like Skyzoo, REKS, Spit Gemz, Bekay, El Gant, Harry fraud, Red Eye, Chaundon, Torae, DJ Wonder, Kyo Itachi, Alterbeats, Sha Stimuli, Mic Handz, Skeezo, Rusty Juxx, Blacistan, J57, DJ Skizz, NUTSO, Innocent?, and so on. I really work with a lot of overseas producers as well, but I also rock with a lot of my go-to-produces and artist from the 90′s like DJ Spinna, Nick wiz, Lewis Parker, Tragedy Khadafi, Royal Flush, Apani, Smif-n-Wessun, Chino XL, Thirstin Howlm F.T., etc.

Since Shabaam Sahdeeq has “Done It All,” what’s next for him?

SS: Next for me is going back to school to learn graphics, film, audio engineering. I’d also like to continue to travel and perform, and help develop new artists and put them out through my imprint. I want to write scripts, produce, create scores for films, act, etc… I got plans.

Bryan Hahn (@notupstate)