Shadcore knows that, sometimes, the days are long, and, sometimes, Naomi can be phony. And that’s why the St. Petersburg-based emcee is offering his king-sized memory foam to help relieve some stress.
“I am not a real chiropractor,” Shadcore — whose real name is Rashad Harrell — wrote when asked about “Pillow” from his new full-length, AUX Tales (released April 6). Shadcore is also a member of longtime CL faves TRC (formerly known as The Real Clash), a fun-loving, multifaceted unit that’s been on the cover of our newspaper and on the bill for our annual GASP! event at the end of Gasparilla Arts Month. Shadcore has never been afraid to joke around, and on “Pillow” he reminds listeners that his are not the regular kind.
“Designed to help you get the best rest you can find,” he boasts as TRC bandmate J-Walk lays down some West Coast bedroom synth. Also on the track are Shadcore’s TRC bandmate Jay Ack and yet another CL favorite, Joshua Cruz, who sings harmonies and the hook.
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Aux Tales was recorded at J-Walk’s studio and co-produced by Shadcore. The rapper’s own son, Jai on The Beat, also provided production for three tracks.
Shadcore even looked north to give AUX Tales listeners a surprise appearance from Big Rube — a member of Atlanta’s legendary Dungeon Family crew — who appears on the “AUX Tales (Tenderlude).” Dungeon Family is, of course, the collective whose production and attitude birthed a host of legendary southern hip-hop personalities, including Andre 3000 and Big Boi of Outkast.
The album’s reach has actually extended beyond the Peach State and into the Big Apple. “AUX Tales (Tenderlude)” was picked up by Public Enemy’s Chuck D, who played it as part of the playlist for a recent edition of a 120-minute Friday-might radio show, And You Don’t Stop, which airs on New York City’s 99.5 FM. In 2005, Shadcore participated in VH-1’s Freestyle 59 contest, an online competition designed to find the best undiscovered hip-hop artist in the country. He made it to the finals, where Chuck D was one of a handful of celebrity judges.
“So 13 years later, to know that he remembers me, follows me on Twitter and is a genuine fan of my music is almost unfathomable,” Shad told CL. “I’ve been a fan of Public Enemy since I was 12 years old.”
AUX Tales isn’t all slow jams, Shad’s soft side and Tony! Toni! Toné! homages, though.
“This album features many sides of Shadcore. Soft, hard, no-nonsense emcee, emotional, spiritual, storytelling, you name it,” he said. “After a few setbacks it feels really good to finally get the music out to the people — the response has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Bay area fans of homegrown hip-hop can listen to AUX Tales’ future vibes (“Two Commas”), distorted choruses (“Crock-Pot”) and nursery rhyme silliness (“Black Don’t Crack”) via cltampa.com/music. Check out Shadcore when TRC plays alongside Sick Hot and Atlanta pop outfit Pzzyfoot on May 11.
This article appears in May 10-17, 2018.