Montreal, QC-based hip hop artist, and DJ, Shades Lawrence unveiled the brand new single, “Pass The Rock” on May 3, 2019. Check out the single below, and find out more about Shades in our brand new segment of Five Questions With!
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Shades Lawrence. I am a Montreal born and based queer Hip Hop artist and DJ. My music has strong themes of social justice.
Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.
I am a lyricist. I write on subjects that draw from my personal experience and my observations of the world and the dynamics around me. I write on topics such as pipeline resistance, queer identity, the right to water, mental health and homelessness, belonging and roots.
The production I like varies, I have incorporated Dancehall rhythms, R&B, and Soul into my most recent project, the EP titled Second Life.
My flow and lyricism have been compared to Jean Grae, Rapsody and Shad.
Do you have any upcoming shows? For someone who has yet to see you live, how would you explain your live performance?
Show-goers can expect lyricism first and foremost. Additionally, my live performances involve quite a bit of interaction with the audience.
If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?
One of my two most recent releases off my upcoming EP; the 90s Hip Hop and R&B inspired Turn My Head (feat. Emma Maryam), and Pass The Rock, the hard-hitting, emotive comment on the privileges and prejudices reflected in modern society.
Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists?
Desiire, a fabulous Congo-born R&B artist based in Toronto. Also, Janette King, an R&B gem based in Montreal.
Karen Chung, an Alternative Pop/Folk singer/songwriter here in Montreal. Also, Emma Maryam with her R&B/Folk/Soul vibes.
Vibing too with the Latin Hip Hop offerings of Mai, and Gioco.
Finally, I appreciate the music of Missy D out of Vancouver.