Shawn Smith: It's all 'History' with Rayven Tyler in the new lyric video

Sometimes you just want to learn the lyrics to a fire song - fortunately Shawn Smith and Rayven Tyler deliver in the clutch with their new ‘History’ anthem and every word from the song being put on full display.

The song hits hard but it’s even harder when you know the bars. Peep the details and get lost in the audio fire.

Music and art have always played a vital role in the life of Shawn Smith. A product of Southwest Philadelphia, the birthplace of The Roots, Jill Scott, Teddy Pendergrass, Eve, Musiq Soulchild, Jazmine Sullivan and the city where John Coltrane established his sound, the innovative and prolific rapper has carved out his own niche merging all things cool, audibly and aesthetically.

With an ability to lyrically craft intricate stories about practically any subject under the sun Shawn Smith’s single “History” alongside vocalist Rayven Tyler proves that the Philly MC can even wax poetic about his love life. “History” is a record about expressing remorse for a past relationships gone wrong and wanting to rekindle the flame. The track begins with Shawn sending the object of his affection a text message acknowledging mistakes but begging for another chance. “I shoulda been expressive that I’m describing what you meant to me, Showing these emotions, I don’t like it when you ghosting me, Barely could explain that shit, I put it in my poetry, Put you back beside of me, And be like it’s supposed to be.”
 
Rayven is a burgeoning young vocalist best known for her collaborations with Atlantic recording artist Symba. Recorded in Los Angeles “History” is the third single off his forthcoming EP Hope Dealer produced by Jay the Great whose credits also include 2 Chainz, Symba and Yella Beezy. “History is such an instant classic feel from the very beginning - especially if you’ve been in a relationship where the love was strong but it didn’t end up as you plan. The feel of the record is almost nostalgic with the beautiful guitar and the vulnerability in the poetry,” says Shawn.

“History” comes on the heels of Shawn’s freestyle for On the Radar and internet buzz surrounding last month’s release of “Up If You Need Me” and “Chain Gang” featuring legendary mixtape DJ Don Cannon.

Shawn Smith: State Property's alive again with 'Chain Gang' freestyle

So Beanie Sigel and Freeway might not be touring the country with Chris and Neef again but the essence of what made State Property so iconic is felt all over again coming courtesy of hip-hop artist Shawn Smith and his ‘Chain Gang’ freestyle.

It’s all types of Philly vibes from start to finish. Get lost in the witty wordplay and cinematic flexing.

If hip-hop history has taught us anything, it would be that amidst a lyrical drought a unique voice always seems to arise. Refracted through the prism of beats and rhymes, the disparate experiences of this voice informs our constantly evolving worldview while restoring our wavering hope in the genre. Pushing the boundaries of hip-hop’s infinite possibilities, it’s safe to say that Philly wordsmith Shawn Smith fits this description. And considering the anticipation surrounding his new music one thing is for certain: Shawn Smith’s got next.

With an ability to spit voracious freestyles while crafting intricate stories the Philly MC chose “Chain Gang” as his first single because “The Chain Gang video is a soft launch to what I'm kicking off this year. The mixtape era is my direct inspiration to pick up a pen in the first place. This record is all of those moments wrapped into a new musical mural — an appreciation to hip hop and what this feel has done for the streets of Philly.”

The latest music video finds the young virtuoso on the streets of his hometown paying homage to state property and waxing poetic about everything from his admiration of Michelle Obama to questioning why Congress still hasn’t passed anti-lynching laws. Directed by 12vy of the Midnight Collective, Shawn can be seen decked out in a Marcus Garvey inspired Pan-African flag poised underneath Artist Miguel Horn’s latest alleyway sculptural project ContraFuerte. In “Chain Gang” Smith paints his rhymes in cinematic detail pushing the boundaries of hip-hop while also paying homage to the OG’s that paved the way. Describing the raw and gritty record with intricate punch lines as a “State Property flip,” Philly inflections pepper everything from the bars to the beat. Smith recently debuted “Chain Gang” at Freeway & Friends Live - Philly Freeway 20 Year and the updated track is exclusive to Youtube and Audiomack.

Long before his lyrical gift attracted the attention of some of the industry’s most recognized and respected figures (Black Thought, Meek Mill, Jay-Z), Smith honed his craft as a brotherly love hip-hop hopeful opening up for rap elites like Rick Ross, Jeezy, DMX, Juelz Santana, and Ice Cube. His debut album Sink or Swim: A Shawn Smith Story was released in Fall 2018 to acclaim. From memorable appearances on Sway in the Morning to his 2018 BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher freestyle, Smith is a modern day renaissance man, crafting narratives ranging from urban struggles and politics, to art and fashion, showing how diverse he is as a young, black man.