Album Review- “Uncle Shooter.” by Shooter McShootem

Since emerging from the streets of Shooterville, firmly pistol fit, trigger finger itching, and savvy-slick talking, Shooter McShootem has savored every moment of his relentless ill-will tour, happily taking calls to “Rid the world of busters and expose wack hoes.” Penning two critically acclaimed albums, and generally being a social media phenomenon. Between his trademark dickie outfit, raw takes that border on humourous, and flow that rivals anyone in the current state of rap, his album releases now feel like a big deal when they are announced. This was much of the case for his latest release “Uncle Shooter.”

Highlighted by the album’s prominently featured single “Big Dummy.” a song that sees McShootem flexing his flow prowess over a trap-styled Sanford and Son instrumental, this is very much the formula for “Uncle Shooter.” 

To summarize this album would be to label McShootem as a hip-hop contortionist of malformation.  He constantly finds ways to highlight himself as an appreciator of iconic samples while making each song twist and manipulate his deadly-serious ambiance. One of the best examples of this is “Summertime.” McShootem preaches “Aye the crime-rate doubles when the heat rise, if you don’t want no smoke, make a B-line.”  Sampled from the iconic “Summer Madness” by Kool & The Gang. McShootem, instead finds himself speaking glowingly about causing harm, all while showing appreciation to the 1974 classic sample.

“Uncle Shooter” in terms of a standardized album is comparable to that of a Pusha-T project. Not in subject matter but in pure writing talent, annunciation, and cadence. You’ll find no line missed and no wordplay mumbling its way to the finish. For someone who represents himself as a certified shooter, his rapping acumen is stellar from top-to-bottom. 

Production-wise, this album is chalked with fantastic production and instantaneously recognizable samples. From the E-40 classic “Captain Save a Hoe” to Rick James “Mary Jane.” This album is worth the listen for the sampling talent alone. However, McShootem takes his time with subject matter and underrated bar-manship to make every line worthwhile. 

Overall, this album is handcrafted for the streets while being great enough for all music lovers to appreciate. As an emcee, McShootem is only getting better, and this album, if nothing else, is hard evidence.