Canadian hip-hop veteran, Shad, is set to start a bold new chapter with the announcement of his seventh studio album, Start Anew, and the release of its first single, “Bars and BBQs,” available worldwide today. The album will be available across all platforms, and in vinyl format, on October 31 via Secret City Records.
“Bars and BBQs” showcases Shad’s signature wit and lyrical dexterity serving up food for thought with clever pop culture alliteration and confident swagger. Produced by Los Angeles’ Sndtrk (Larry June, Rapsody, Pharoahe Monch) it is a lyrical exercise Shad pursued a few summers ago that turned into a fun, yet deeper concept.
The first verse is all playful lyricism, but the second adds layers of meaning. From the positive aspects of bars (lyrics) and BBQs (food and community) to a contrast in language: “Sickness in every CELL and there’s more addiction/From what’s stored in kitchens to us stored in prisons/That’s BARS and BBQ’s.”
At the heart of Start Anew lies the deeply human challenge of letting go of the past to embrace fresh beginnings. Shad explains:
“I decided against calling the album Fear of Death – a phrase that appears throughout the record – because it wasn’t very approachable. But Start Anew captures the same idea, the difficulty we have embracing endings even though that’s often the only way to arrive at something new.”
He adds, “The new start that positive fresh new life is right there, but it is often on the other side of risk, or even, loss.”
Musically, Shad took a more straightforward approach on this album drawing on playful soulfulness reminiscent of his early work while incorporating experimental sounds sampled from his own unreleased archives ranging from house to psychedelic pop. This melding of vintage vibes and studio experimentation creates a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly accessible. As Shad puts it: “I wanted to make something kind of simple and easy on the ears and very listenable.”
Start Anew by Shad
Lyrically, Start Anew balances incisive social commentary with optimism and personal reflection. Tracks like “Slanted” address systemic inequality with sobering candour (“The land is slick and slippery and slanted / Few fully notice how a few takes advantage”), while the album’s centerpiece – the two-part “Look” – encourages listeners to celebrate small victories and chart their own path forward.
The new album includes many collaborations including Toronto vanguards, Jon Kabongo, Raz Fresco, pHoenix Pagliacci, and more, highlighting a collective spirit throughout the record. Guest appearances also feature Queens, NY’s underground stalwart, Homeboy Sandman, and Atlanta’s Chantae Cann.
This year marks 20 years of Shad in music – a milestone celebrating two decades of artistic growth impact and innovation. Known for his sharp wit, socially conscious lyricism and versatile sound, Shad (Shadrach Kabango) continues to redefine himself with Start Anew, a project about embracing change, challenging comfort zones, and seeking renewal amidst uncertainty. This album follows a trilogy of socially conscious works including 2018’s A Short Story About a War and 2021’s TAO, furthering Shad’s commitment to thoughtful storytelling and musical exploration.
Shad’s career spans two decades marked by critical acclaim including a 2011 JUNO Award for Rap Album of the Year and an unprecedented five Polaris Music Prize shortlist nominations. Beyond music, Shad has made a significant impact as a radio host on CBC’s Q, Emmy and Peabody-winning TV host on Hip Hop Evolution on Netflix, new wave singer alter ego, Your Boy Tony Braxton, and academic professor at the University of Toronto and Wilfrid Laurier University.
Start Anew will officially release on October 31, 2025, marking another special chapter in Shad’s ongoing journey of evolution, renewal and impact. You can pre-save Start Anew here, and pre-order the vinyl here.
Press release submitted by OM Media
