In a time when many rappers seem to be preoccupied with flesh, material things and thug life, it is refreshing to hear a rapper express concern for current and future generations. Shadowyze, of Cherokee and Creek descent, expresses his concern for Indigenous people on his latest release "Spirit Warrior".

     His current CD addresses everything from Native American political prisoner Leonard Pelletier to Chiapas. Many African American rappers have been expressing community and global concerns through their music for many years. Here, we have a young Native American stepping up to the plate and expressing his concerns. Shadowyze lets the world know that Indigenous people are still here, struggling and surviving, and that it is not just about having a harem or a Mercedes Benz. Like a traditional storyteller, In a time when many rappers seem to be preoccupied with flesh, material things and thug life, it is refreshing to hear a rapper express concern for current and future generations. Shadowyze, of Cherokee and Creek descent, expresses his concern for Indigenous people on his latest release "Spirit Warrior".

     Extremely well produced, the cd has an old school vibe which encompasses many musical styles, from the chanting intense rhythms of "Spirit Warrior" to the reggae and lovers rock influenced "Pedigree". Musically inclusive in content, this CD offers the listener intelligent and honest rap to a melodic and funky soundtrack. His vocal approach is expressive and at times, laid back. It will be interesting to watch and listen as this artist develops his work and his style further.

     On this CD, Shadowyze offers us, and especially our youth, a chance to have our many voices heard. To non-Natives, Shadowyze may serve as an introduction to contemporary Native life through hip hop. To Indians, he offers an affirmation of our place in both modern and traditional society. As he says, "From my rez to your rez and your rez back, from Shinnecock streets to Floridian Creeks" - Shadowyze indeed puts us on the hip hop map.

     Standouts on the disc are "My Rez to Your Rez" (quoted above), "Code Talkers" and "Ancestral Spirits" - all with a laid back funky flow. I'm looking forward to hearing more from this young man.

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