‘I.D’ is the debut album from South London singer, songwriter, producer and lyricist Shantéh, and is a culmination of the sounds she was exposed to growing up, from Hip Hop to Grime, Dancehall and Reggae. The eight-track LP features songs such as ‘Black Nectar’, featuring heart-rending, harmonic vocals from Shantéh, with deep, sombre undertones on the production from Danya Fisher and André Fisher. ‘Have You Ever’ follows in the same vein, exploring the deepest, emotive thoughts and feelings that Shantéh experiences in love and relationships, yet this one is more empowering for her as a woman, as she looks within herself, to realize that she is and deserves more. Shantéh refers to herself from a second-person perspective, revealing her insecurities and self-doubt, especially about herself, when in a relationship, referring to love as crazy.

‘Take Time’ flips the vibes, as Shantéh takes to hard-hitting, bass-driven trapesque beat, produced by André Fisher, with a hypnotic melody, delivering heavy vocals and superb, effortless flows, the lyrics touching on the slow, sensual mood that Shantéh likes to set when she is with her man, or her ride or die. The chorus displays Shantéh’s brilliant melodic singing ability, as well conveying her as leader, a confident, empowered woman who knows what she wants. ‘In My Lane’ features a breath-taking range of flows from Shantéh on another bass-booming trap production, who is brimming with confidence as she boasts of her superiority, declaring she is in her own lane, feeling untouchable. She drops some clever, witty bars too, displaying her wordplay capabilities.

‘Like Me’ is a rhythmic Drill-influenced trap banger that harnesses Shantéh’s Jamaican roots, as she delivers lyrics that flit between both her London accent and Jamaican patois. The melodies that she lies down, especially for the hook, are infectious. Shantéh really gets into the vibes on ‘Good Thing’, a wonderful Reggae track, produced by 4am Kru, with blissful vocals that glide effortlessly on the rhythmic guitars and thumping bass. She unveils herself as a woman of faith, as she pleads with God to forgive the wrongs that her ex-boyfriend has done to her.

‘Legendary’ is as a celebratory song from Shantéh, metaphorically raising her hands for the achievements on her musical journey so far. Along with her splendid harmonious vocals and precise rap flows on a Reggae-infused Hip Hop production by 4am Kru and Andrew Hickey, you can sense the smile that she must have on her face, which is infectious to hear, motivational & inspirational even. ‘No Ceilings’ closes out what is a enjoyable listening experience from start to finish, and features Shantéh linking up with Tinyman on a heavyweight Drill track, with Dancehall undertones, as both lyricists drop potent bars, bringing much energy and heat.

Shantéh is an undeniable talent who spans many genres, which reflect her upbringing. She comes from a musical family, her grandad and his twin brothers were part of sound systems back home in Jamaica as youths. Her mother played the drums as a kid and is now a radio DJ, and her younger sisters are also following in their musical footsteps. Shantéh grew up in church and joined a prominent gospel choir at the age of 11, called IDMC. She started performing with them doing shows around the country and around Europe, adding to her experience and knowledge of the music industry at such an early age.

Shantéh would soon get the opportunity to go to Denmark in 2015, a trip that in a few years would change her life. Fast forward to 2020, Copenhagen was the location that Shantéh was offered a publishing deal, during a global pandemic. She decided to move out there earlier this year, leaving behind Brixton, South London, making the move on her own, without her family and friends. Everything happens for a reason, and you’re meant to be where you are when you are, and ‘I.D’ is a beautiful creation from Shantéh, albeit accidental, that was spurred on by her journey. The project embodies the roots and culture, her heritage, faith, confidence, her city and art, all tied together and delivered to all her friends and family with love.

Shantéh has provided vocals for the likes of Emeli Sandé, Jahméne Douglas and Ann Nesby as well as playing support for Lukas Graham’s 2018 tour of Denmark. She has sold out shows in London with the release of her two previous EP’s, with her most recent EP, ‘Sunshine’, released during the 2020 lockdown. She has also released the joint EP ‘The Lovers’ Tape’ alongside artist and producer Joshua James. With all the accolades and achievements she has amassed so far, ‘I.D’ is a monumental moment for Shantéh, and marks the end of the beginning for her, as she can look forward to much more success from this release and in the future.

Leaving you with a final word from Shantéh, “If you didn’t get to know me before, you will now… And I’m just happy that I get to share who I am with you. It’s a privilege.”

Follow Shantéh:
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Soundcloud | Spotify | Website: https://www.shanteh.com/

Stream/Purchase ‘I.D’ now: https://linktr.ee/_shanteh_

 

 

 

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