Hip-Hop & Bullshit: EMCEE OF THE WEEK

This week's "EMCEE OF THE WEEK" is Sha Stimuli. I don't think I've ever put an emcee as deserving as Stimuli in this weekly feature before. His thought provoking, introspective, insightful rhymes are just so scarce in this industry lately, that when I heard his debut album "My Soul To Keep," I researched it to make sure it wasn't a reprint of an album from the '90s. His abilities on the mic very well may be limitless because there isn't a topic, style, or flow he hasn't been able to perfect yet. Not to mention, his stage presence is inspiring for all upcoming emcees, just don't try to battle him - you will get BODIED.

Sha's been involved in Hip Hop since being featured on the Masta Ace Incorporated album "Slaughtahouse" when he was just an early teenager right out of elementary school back in '92. He always had a passion for music but went on to college in Iowa to play Division 1 NCAA basketball. After one year ballin', Stimuli's older brother Lord Digga signed a deal with Atlantic and went on to produce for Biggie Smalls' "Ready To Die" album. Sha was able to chill with his brother and Biggie during the '90s Golden Era of Hip Hop. After Biggie's passing, Sha moved on to intern at Roc-A-Fella Records, learning that solo artists could indeed blow up without being signed to major labels.

This gave birth to Sha Stimuli, the EMCEE. In 2002, he released his first mixtape "Let Me Show You The Way" and The Source Magazine named him in the then coveted "Unsigned Hype" section of their publication. Stimuli subsequently got signed to Virgin Records, but left due to issues between Def Jam and Virgin that created a situation where he was without a management team. This may have been a blessing in disguise though, considering the downhill spiral we've all witnessed with Hip Hop music sales during the latter half of this past decade.

Sha Stimuli released 12 mixtapes in 2008, one for every month. His ability to write is unmatched in my opinion. The ease at which he delivers such witty, intelligent, and meaningful lyrics is quite special in this age of "dumbed down," gun clapping, and booty clapping themes in Hip Hop. He was recognized for his skills at the Underground Music Awards in 2007 and 2008, winning "Best Lyricist" and "Best Male Rapper" respectively. What I personally couldn't wait for was his official solo album "My Soul To Keep" which came out at the end of October last year. If you don't have this album, I strongly suggest getting it. It's a modern day classic. Read HipHopDX.com's review here: My Soul To Keep REVIEW

Sha Stimuli is a rare breed of emcee who can literally do it all... and do it all better than all of your favorite rappers. From braggadocio to story telling, hardcore street to light-hearted comedy, political to romantic, Sha Stimuli has perfected all emceeing styles. He's a fuckin' Shaolin Master when it comes to the martial art of rhyme and if you don't believe me, just peep the video below. This clip is from the Statik Selektah Record Release Party I went to a couple weeks ago. There were about 20 other emcees to hit the stage that night, but I think Stimuli crushed all of them. See for yourself...

PURCHASE "MY SOUL TO KEEP" ON iTUNES HERE