B.I.G SHADOW

BIG Shadow
No Mo'

Detroit is a major Gospel music city, producing such music legends as The Clark Sisters, The Winans and Commissioned, to name just a few. There's also a growing hip-hop presence in the Motor City.

Enter BIG Shadow, who makes a noteworthy debut with his solo project titled No Mo'. Shadow, also known as Claude Bevier, drops an eleven-track project that runs the gamut of musical and lyrical appetites throughout the hip hop world.

BIG Shadow does things in a BIG way, hence his moniker. The project begins with a spoken word intro. Strictly from a poetic presentation, the emcee speaks about the responsibility that artists have to make music that will positively impact lives. The track serves as a powerful intro into the heart and purpose of Shadow, which is apparent throughout the project.

Shadow doesn't shy away from speaking candidly, as the title track indicates. With this cut, Shadow declares in a funky way that the game will change with his entry, and that the status quo will no longer be accepted. The funky West Coast, head-noddin' vibe on this one can't be denied.

The project has no shortage of star power. Shadow enlists the assistance of Commissioned alumnus Marcus Cole on the track "Bounce", allowing him to lend his trademark vocals to the hook. This pairing works well, as they effectively encourage everyone from every coast to get their bounce on.

Jazz guitarist Tim Bowman joins Shadow on "Keep Your Head Up", a mid-tempo tempo track that also features Darren Patterson on background vocals. The combo does a great job of reminding everyone to be encouraged and keep their heads lifted above their situations.

Holy Hip hop veterans L.G. Wise and DCP join with Shadow on "If It Was You", which really avoids the fashionable question of "What Would Jesus Do?" and instead asks "What Would You Do ...if you were in my shoes?". It's relevant and thought provoking and also marks a worthy return for the hip hop veterans.

Not afraid to tackle deep issues, Shadow offers the intriguingly titled "Red Shoes". Here, Shadow takes the role of narrator rather than flowing emcee, sharing several stories outlining the importance of red shoes. He shares that red shoes represent many of the overlooked things in life that often represent treasures. Presented in an unconventional manner, this is one cut with big time impact.

Add two hidden tracks to the mix, and you have a noteworthy debut project from Big Shadow. Time to check this one out!

- GOSPEL FLAVA/ GERARD BONNER