This is a brand new extended play and the fourth overall from San Diego, California emcee Sham Blak. Releasing his full-length studio debut Money Well Spent back in 2013, he has since built a consistent catalog, including the ShamRock EP, the D Day Project, and The Evolution of Sham Blak: As Lucc Would Have It. Following his sophomore effort Gratuity and last summer’s Red October, he returns with a clear vision on his latest project, Man of My Word.
“Power & Capability” featuring K4NO finds the pair linking up to assert their authenticity, while “Deebo’s” shifts toward a classic boom-bap aesthetic, allowing Sham to dive into his conscious bag. “Principle, Loyalty, Legacy” featuring Destruct emphasizes the importance of maintaining a focused vision when carrying on tradition. The project continues with “Ain’t Nothing Like San Diego,” a tribute to his hometown, and “Out the Window” featuring Mischif, which highlights his dedication to his kinfolk.
Lorde Sims appears on “Tap In,” setting a sharp tone for the second half of the EP. This is followed by “Intentions” featuring Navy Jonez LKR, which confronts external objectives with raw honesty. “Round the City” featuring Mischif focuses on collective success, while “Shadowboxing” featuring Mr. Brady brings an aggressive, battle-rap energy to the forefront. The project concludes with “Farewell,” a reflective outro that brings Man of My Word to a grounded close.
Documenting the mindset required to stay authentic, Sham Blak blends gritty, introspective lyricism with hard-hitting production. Man of My Word is a testament to his core values, exploring themes of ambition, self-belief, and the complexities of community and internal growth.
Score: 7/10