Shaya - "Thinking Cap"
05.29.2008
"They say this is my best sh!t / But I don't really know / Maybe writing what I feel / Gave me character to grow."
The Song:
"Thinking Cap" is the latest single from Shaya's debut album Fallen Awake. Under the manifesto of resurrecting "thinking man's music," Shaya's track is an open palm to his listeners; a chance to lay rest the pains of his own life and come to terms with a new mentality that is rooted in clarity and honesty. Discussing his recent record deal, Shaya writes about his anxieties about releasing his first album and the simultaneous recognition that he has something intelligent to offer to the hip-hop game. He rhymes, "They say this is my best sh!t / But I don't really know / Maybe writing what I feel / Gave me character to grow." His lyrics are set over a relaxed beat that is a throwback to the underground gems of classic 90's hip-hop from the Bay Area. It's evident when listening to Shaya that he is not trying to project a certain image or conform to a specific niche; he just lets his words and life story speak for themselves.
The Background:
Prior to signing with Interdependent Media, Shaya spent nearly ten years hitting the pavement in his native Bay Area slanging handmade CD's and mixtapes at shows and on street corners. Shaya's lyricism, determination, and charismatic personality caught the attention of many industry leaders but personal obstacles often prevented him from taking his craft to the next level. He did, however, perform regularly and opened up for Bay Area luminaries such as the Hieroglyphics and the Living Legends. Shaya is currently under the mentorship of iD, the same A&R guru who introduced the world to Little Brother. Now, backed with the support of Interdependent Media, home to Canibus, K'naan, Tanya Morgan, Eyezon, J*Davey, and other artists, Shaya and iD are proud to finally release the fulfillment of the potential that others in the industry have always seen in Shaya with Fallen Awake. The album features production from Jake One (50 Cent, Freeway) and The ARE (Lords of the Underground, K-Otix). Under the manifesto of resurrecting “thinking man’s music,” Shaya considers Fallen Awake to be not only an open-palm to his listeners, but a chance to lay to rest the pains of his own life.
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Please contact Michelle if interested in talking with Shaya.
Streams:
"Thinking Cap"
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Shaya/Shaya-Thinking_Cap.mp3
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Shaya/Shaya-Thinking_Cap.asx
"Fall Back"
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Shaya/Shaya-Fall_Back.mp3
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Shaya/Shaya-Fall_Back.asx
"Industry Life"
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Shaya/Shaya-Industry_Life.mp3
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Shaya/Shaya-Industry_Life.asx
"Proud"
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Shaya/Shaya-Proud.mp3
Bio, pictures, and streams available here:
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Shaya
Shaya MySpace page:
http://www.myspace.com/theroyalseal
Label site:
http://www.imculture.com/