Mike Shabb's 'Sewaside IV' Blends Golden-Age Production with East Montreal Grit
On 'Sewaside IV,' Montreal rapper Mike Shabb reinterprets 1990s hip-hop with a contemporary twist, fusing dusty drums and warm bass with festive samples. The 21-track project expands the golden-era conversation to East Montreal, balancing upbeat production with tales of peril. Shabb's production fills negative space with jazz, funk, and dub influences, avoiding mere tribute-band imitation.
Sewaside IV marks the fourth installment in Mike Shabb's ongoing series reinterpreting 1990s hip-hop through an East Montreal lens. The self-released project spans 21 tracks and features guest appearances from MIKE, ANKHLEJOHN, and Obijuan. Shabb's production draws on dub, jazz, and funk influences, with specific tracks like "Conehead!" and "85.5FM" showcasing his sample-based approach. The album balances gritty street narratives with warmer interludes, including the "Mike Shabb Getting Married" segment.
The project deliberately bridges eras, pairing traditionalist boom-bap drums with contemporary cadences and modern references. Shabb nods to 2026 culture through mentions of Telegram, Nike Tech, and "bippin'," while his vocal delivery on tracks like "Jack Mode!" incorporates current rap flows. The album also includes genre experiments, such as the drum'n'bass-inflected "Disco Duck III," which reviewer Andre Gee notes doesn't always succeed.
This album could influence how younger hip-hop audiences engage with golden-era sounds, potentially bridging generational gaps in music appreciation. By situating 1990s production techniques within a contemporary Montreal context, Shabb may encourage other regional artists to explore historical styles while maintaining local identity. The project's self-released status also reflects the ongoing shift toward independent distribution, which could inspire emerging rappers to pursue similar DIY approaches rather than waiting for traditional label support.