Shad Signs Deal And Prepares To Record Second Album

London, Ontario hip-hop artist Shad has signed with Universal Music Canada-distributed indie, Black Box Recordings.

The Kenyan MC (real name Shadrach Kabango) was raised in London and released his When This Is Over debut album independently last year. Shad is the first hip-hop act signed to the Milton, Ontario-based Black Box label, which has a roster comprised of punk-leaning bands Ten Secod Epic, Rosesdead, Sydney, Summer Hero, The Wolfnote and The Fullblast.

Shad will enter a London studio next month and expects to spend two months working with various producers on the album, which is tentatively scheduled for an August release.

Shad's live performances include a band and DJ T-Lo, while he plays acoustic guitar on some songs. The conscious rapper has shared stages with Common and Lupe Fiasco and will play select festival dates across Canada this summer.