An Album & A Prayer…

Shane Eagle opens his fifth full-length project, AKiRA, with a prayer for others, but it’s the promise that follows which sets out the South African rap star’s vision for the album. AKiRA is an ode to healing, personal growth, overcoming adversity, and storytelling of his life and journey. In his opening song, Shiru’s Interlude and other songs like Ali, Shane dedicates his verses to praise God for his journey in this life. Shane uses his storytelling ability to connect with his audience and embed deeper messages behind his lyrics. Not only does Shane’s lyricism act as a compelling way for him to connect to his audience, they also act as a revelation and testimony. In AKiRA, elements of 90’s beats are combined with modern production techniques, creating nostalgic yet fresh sounds.

Honing in on the details of the album’s makeup, there are plenty of unique sampled sounds and instruments that create a diverse mix of songs giving the album a complex feel. The album features a mix of samples and original beats, showcasing Akira’s versatility as an artist. His music can be described as thought-provoking and catchy, with a mix of introspective lyrics and infectious hooks. Through the combination of his lyrics, beats, flows, and sampled tracks, the audience is transported to another world that is full of nostalgia and leaves one deep in thought. When initially listening to the album, I was reminded of J Cole’s style as a hip hop artist as he similarly uses creatively curated beats and flows coupled with introspective lyrics full of passion.

The beauty of Shane Eagles’ album is that through his artistry, he is connecting to his audience on a level that’s deeper than the surface. His music is full of motivation and inspiration for anyone in this life and ultimately encourages people to reflect upon their own lives. From topics such as money, dating, self-love, and more Shane Eagle speaks to relatable life experiences for all to connect with.