Shad @ CMW 2006

Hometown: London, ON

Background/Composition: London battle-rapper mixes live instrumentation with razor-sharp rhyme skills.

Grade: 96

Comment: Shad scored top marks in virtually every hip-hop skill set, proving he could think on his feet with deadly freestyles, rock with a live band or backed solely by a DJ. He drew huge ovations from the crowd and had some of the best merch of the festival. By the time he was done, you felt sorry for anyone who had to follow him on the Holy Joe's stage.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: E
Pronounciation: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Shad had an easy smile and friendly, aw-shucks demeanour, having fun with both the audience and his backing band. To look at him, you'd never guess his rhymes would be so deadly, but he left no doubt that he's capable of assassinating fellow MCs. His combination of talent and approachability made him an instant hit with fans, who continued to mob him long after his set was done.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization:G
Audience Participation: E
Sound: E
Composition: G
Songs: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Shad mixed things up the entire night, busting out three solo freestyles, a medley of hip-hop covers and, of course, several of his own tracks. The live instrumentation, especially his own acoustic guitar work, was somewhat reminiscent of K-OS, but with his densely-packed verses Shad definitely has his own unique style.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E 
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: G
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: A true hip-hop scholar, Shad demonstrated his love of the old school while pointing the way to the future. He's the kind of artist who could bridge the gap between dedicated rap fans and those who don't normally pay attention to the genre. Between this triumphant show and a recent opening slot for Common, he's well on his way.