Waasi Shade Discusses His New Album "Soulo II"
By: Omar Cook
Florida rapper Waasi Shade dropped his new album Soulo II, a solo project aside from his group WaasiKeso. From the second the project pops off with the track “1995”, you get hit with genuine, raw lyrics. “The project was intended for people to learn more about from what I have experienced and how I have grown as an artist. I drew inspiration from a variety of different outlets but most improved day to day life.”
The project features 8 tracks with only 1 feature coming from his counterpart Jiggy Keso on “Ma$e”. “The entire project is a must listen honestly, but if people want to hear me talk my talk...definitely play ‘Jig Is Ova’ first.” Each track has a different feel but what’s consistent is the dope delivery of conscious lyrics and you can run through the entire project with no skips. In today’s mainstream hip hop industry, we see a plethora of artists promoting messages of violence and drug culture but Waasi Shade gives us hope that their are still true lyricists out there who create music with real messages.
Waasi Shade addresses the journey of being an independent artist in the album as well the process of entertaining industry offers without selling him self out of being a true artist. “At the end of the day as an artist, you are a business yourself. As an independent artist you have to build everything from the ground up and find different avenues to promote yourself. It’s definitely a experience coming up but well worth it.”
When asked about remaining an independent artist, Waasi Shade says “All depends on the situation that’s out in front of us. Bringing leverage to the table is important for any negotiation and the need to have complete control of the art put out and owning your masters is super important as well.” Being able to maintain creative control over your work while maintaining ownership over your masters is a major issue in the music industry and artists such as Kanye West, Taylor Swift, and Tory Lanez have recently addressed some of the issues surrounding signing with major labels as well.
Waasi Shade has more coming from with his group WaasiKeso but this project will definitely keep us occupied in the meantime. “I want fans to know that WAASIKeso are dedicated to bringing you all the best music possible & connecting with each and every one of you. ALBUM COMING SOON”. Listen to the album below!