Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
Living in the moment can be tough sometimes, especially when taking into account just how crazy the world has become in recent years, but in the new single “S.T.E.M., S.T.E.a.M., and S.T.R.E.a.M.” rap duo Shaheed and DJ Supreme reminds us that a simple melody can work wonders – even in times like these. “S.T.E.M., S.T.E.a.M., and S.T.R.E.a.M.” is a song that celebrates education as well as creative ambitiousness in more ways than one, and in some ways, it encapsulates the energy that its creators work to impart to anyone who gives it a spin this spring. Shaheed and DJ Supreme prove themselves to be much more than two doctors of beats here; they’re doing big things with their harmonies, and in the year 2023, their gifts are not going unnoticed by fans and critics of all ages and stripes. If you’re looking for a quick but hearty rap pick-me-up, then this could well be just the single you need to hear before the month is out.
The beat in this song is hard to shake, even after a casual listening session, but I wouldn’t say it’s overtly commercial in tone, nor does it seem particularly geared towards making us think of a particular artist or tune from the past. There’s a great use of compositional contrast with regard to the relationship between the lyrics and the bassline, and I love the triangular interplay that ensues in the chorus once the vocal steps in to take over the limelight once more.
Shaheed’s rapping is far more virtuosic here than it has been in their last couple of singles, but I wouldn’t say that it’s the most surreal performance he’s given since coming onto the scene a few years ago. He’s learning to refine his skills, and even though this act is only knee-deep into their career, I think they have made more progress than almost any other duo in their peer group has – at least when it comes to making consistently engaging melodies.
There’s a lot of demand on Shaheed and DJ Supreme for a proper album at the moment, and it’s easy to see why after listening to “S.T.E.M., S.T.E.a.M., and S.T.R.E.a.M..” Although I would encourage them to not rush back into the studio at the pace many of their most loyal fans would prefer, I do think it would be wise for them to get started on a new LP before 2023 has come to an end. They show a lot of potential for making more dance-oriented material in the future, and if they can duplicate the chills that they produce in this single, I think they’re going to see even more growth in their fan pool than they have in the time that’s passed since releasing their debut.
Anything could happen at this stage of their career, especially given the way that hip-hop has been changing in so many different dimensions over the past decade or so, but no matter what they make next, I’ll be listening for positive. After all, with the chemistry they bring to the set, it’s hard not to pay attention to what this pair has to offer us.
Alisa Garza
