Reviewed by Tony Cummings

If you've read the Cross Rhythms article about this extraordinary rapper and human dynamo entrepreneur then you'll know that Shaodow has forged out a sizeable following for himself on the crowded hip-hop scene by force of will and sheer hard work. In fact track two here, "Independent People", is a withering attack on the record industry gatekeepers who keep talent away from the public eye. Elsewhere there is a brilliant put down of "the guy in the club" who lies to impress, "Liar", while the somber "Can You Help Me" with some delicious guitar work is a confessional as the rapper admits that "deep down I'm crumbling" with the sung hook surely a prayer to God. Christian faith is glimpsed here and there but there's also a few swear words from some of the guests - including Stylah & Smartz, Sam Harrison, Zuby and Serocee. Production-wise 'Kung Fu Hustler' is a head-spinning tour do force, like the way the rapid delivery "Shaolin Mode" is suddenly interrupted with the phrase "what's wrong with you man?" or the use of everything from classical music samples to belching electro sounds while Shaodow's flows are clever, witty though possibly too obsessed with his own struggles as he fights against the music industry monolith.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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