Montréal’s prolific emcee, producer, and engineer Mike Shabb has returned with his eighth overall project, The Lost Tapes. This surprise EP marks his second release of 2026, further cementing his reputation as one of the most consistent and technically gifted artists in the underground scene. Since his 2018 debut Northwave, Shabb has meticulously built a discography defined by sharp lyricism and a deep understanding of hip-hop production, bolstered by his high-profile engineering work for artists like Boldy James.
A Collaborative Shift
While Mike Shabb is widely respected for his own production prowess, The Lost Tapes sees him stepping into the booth to focus entirely on his craft as an emcee, handing the production reins over to Drega33. This decision proves to be a masterstroke, as Drega33 provides a diverse sonic landscape that allows Shabb to showcase his versatility. The production spans the spectrum of hip-hop history, incorporating elements of drumless loops, classic boom-bap, chipmunk soul, jazz-rap, and psychedelic textures.
Breaking Down the Soundscape
The project opens with the jazz-infused “Don Gargon,” a track that immediately establishes Shabb’s lyrical dominance and unwavering confidence. He follows this with “Nike Tech,” a boom-bap anthem that serves as a direct response to critics who overlook his contributions to the culture. The EP’s mid-section shifts into more experimental territory; “Kiss & Tell” leans into a psychedelic aesthetic, while “Evidence Flicks” utilizes a sparse, haunting saxophone loop to create a menacing atmosphere.
The latter half of the project maintains this high level of quality. “Dudududu” is a standout, blending soulful, funky production with introspective bars about the artist’s dedication to his craft. The project concludes with “World Go Round,” a track that masterfully combines chipmunk soul samples with jazz instrumentation, providing a fittingly grand finale to the EP.
The Future of the Sewaside Movement
With The Lost Tapes, Mike Shabb has once again proven that he is operating at the peak of his powers. Despite the recent success of Vrai Rap Keb!, which stands as a high-water mark for contemporary French-language hip-hop, Shabb shows no signs of slowing down. With rumors of Sewaside IV and Hood Olympics 2 on the horizon, the momentum behind the Montréal artist is undeniable. By allowing Drega33 to curate the sound, Shabb has successfully expanded his artistic palette, resulting in a project that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
Score: 9/10