Sha Money XL's third studio album, "Message to the Streets," opens with the explosive line, "The streets is death row aka the belly of the beast," setting the tone for a profound exploration of street culture. Across 22 tracks, the legendary music producer collaborates with some of Hip-Hop and R&B's most promising talents, creating a sonic masterpiece that feels like a cinematic journey through the gritty realities of life.
Born Michael Jean Clervoix, Sha Money XL, with over two decades of experience as a hip-hop record producer and executive, has left an indelible mark on the industry. Known for launching 50 Cent's career and executive producing his iconic debut album, "Get Rich or Die Tryin'," Sha Money XL's influence extends to artists like Mac Miller, Bobby Shmurda, Tony Yayo, and Lil Kim. His previous compilation album, "Chain on the Bike," released in 2020, showcased his prowess as a producer under his Teamwork Music imprint.
"Message to the Streets" boasts an impressive roster, featuring lyricists and vocalists such as Domo Genesis, Prodigy, Styles P, and Marco McKinnis. The album's expansive yet concise nature reflects Sha Money's production, drawing inspiration from Jazz samples, 90s Boom-Bap, and live instrumentation. Grounded in the concrete jungle's influence, especially evident in the New York native's earlier work, the album captures the essence of rap and Hip-Hop. The narrative of the album, akin to an audio screenplay, unfolds the story of street dreams, hustle, and the quest for a way out. "Higher," one of the standout tracks, sets the stage early in the album, combining the impactful verses of iamJMARS, Mississippi's Big K.R.I.T, and vocalist Dria Thornton. The song serves as a powerful expression of frustration and despair, yet carries a divine force that watches over those struggling in the streets. "Bodmon," featuring Brooklyn's finest new school rapper Joey Bada$$, adds an aggressive and confrontational dimension to the album. The track, reminiscent of Joey's breakthrough mixtape "1999," injects energy into the expansive 22-track effort, showcasing the essence of Hip-Hop.
"Message to the Streets" earns a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars. The album is a remarkable display of Hip-Hop composition and storytelling, maintaining a perfect balance despite the multitude of featured artists and tracks. Each contributor serves a precise purpose, adding layers to the overarching narrative of street life. The album neither glorifies nor pities its subject matter but provides an authentic exposé, masterfully produced by Sha Money XL. "Message to the Streets" is a clear and resonant message that needs to be heard by many—an authentic portrayal of life's complexities delivered with sincerity and authenticity. Sha Money XL's production, coupled with the compelling storytelling of the diverse cast of contributors, creates an immersive experience that captures the essence of Hip-Hop at its finest.
Sha MoneyXL's's Instagram: @shamoneymotivation
Eric's Instagram: @ericseansmith
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