Sho Ur Skillz Featured Artist: Shaqisdope

Being that there is a buzz on Shaq as the number one draft pick for the new face of Canadian Hip-Hop, it’s only right that you get to know the man behind the music…

Born November 16th 1992, Shaquille “Shaq” Baptiste was raised in St. James Town Community located in the downtown core of Toronto. Being of West Indian and Latin descent, Shaquille’s lyrical ability should not come as a shock. He often credits his early exposure to Hip Hop and RnB music for teaching him the logistics of word play and rhythmic flow.

But Hip-Hop music obviously remains the biggest influence in Shaquille’s life. A kid of the ninety’s, Shaquille grew up at a time when Hip-Hop was becoming a major contender in the music world. Witnessing what Hip-Hop music could do made Shaquille not only want to be a part of the movement but become a leader. At the age of twelve Shaquille began writing lyrics and rapping; continuously developing his flow and subject matter in order to have a signature sound to go with his signature image. Influenced by “new school” Hip-Hop heads like Big Sean, Ransom, Cory Gunz, Wiz Khalifa and Hip-Hop heavy-weights Jay-Z , Big Pun and Fabolous, it’s no wonder why Shaquille’s sounds is described as the collision of ninety’s and the millennium.

With so many rappers claiming to be quote on quote “The best rapper alive”, Shaq want his talent to speak for itself. But being the best is definitely an aspiration for him; a title that he will not rest until he gets. And he’s got the whole city behind him.

Check out Shaqisdope‘s new video “Varsity Jacket” which is on his upcoming mixtape “Sophomore Season”

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