The fourth studio LP from Montréal-based emcee, producer, and engineer Mike Shabb has arrived. Since his 2018 debut Northwave, Shabb has consistently solidified his presence in the underground scene, gaining recognition for his engineering work on Boldy James’ Fair Exchange No Robbery and his production contributions to Hitler Wears Hermes X. Following a string of EPs and mixtapes, including Shadow Moses and Hood Olympics, he now presents Sewaside IV.
The album opens with the “Fiya Fi Dat!” intro, leading into “Montreal!,” a soulful, jazzy tribute to his hometown. Shabb quickly shifts gears on “Jack Mode!,” trading jazz elements for a funkier aesthetic. Tracks like “1,2,1,2” showcase his lyrical prowess over old-school production, while “Tell ‘Em Again” incorporates reggae influences to honor his New York connections. Throughout the project, Shabb demonstrates a mastery of sampling, particularly on “Disco Duck III,” which continues a trilogy established in his previous works.
A Homage to Hardcore Hip Hop
The middle section of Sewaside IV finds Shabb leaning into his gangsta rap roots on “Mr. Triggerman” and delivering 90s-inspired hardcore East Coast lyricism on “Conehead!” and “Tales from da Hood.” The project maintains its momentum with “Boom It Up!” and the reggae-infused interlude “Mike Shabb Getting Married.” The track “Leflaur Leflah!” serves as a direct homage to the legendary supergroup The Fab 5, while “Ring-A-Round!” featuring Obijuan and “85.5FM” featuring ANKHLEJOHN and Rvlr Magz provide gritty, hardcore highlights.
The latter half of the album features “Buckshot ‘26,” a spiritual successor to “Buckshot Flow ‘93,” and the jazzy “Bastard Child!,” which pays tribute to the Boot Camp Clik. The single “Dontsweatit!” featuring MIKE explores themes of self-identity, while “Flowers!” offers a smoother, appreciative tone. The album concludes with the reflective “Reminisce!” and the aggressive bonus track “Imnotakilla!.”
Final Verdict
While many listeners assumed Sewaside III would conclude the series, Sewaside IV proves to be the most refined chapter yet. Mike Shabb’s production draws heavy inspiration from the iconic Bomb Squad sound, mirroring the energy C-Doc brought to Public Enemy. Combined with lyrical nods to the golden era of Duck Down Music Inc., this project is a triumph.
Score: 9/10