Album Review “Certified Shooter Shit.”
History looks fondly upon artists who prove themselves commercially yet seek to occupy more underground grit. And while no one has ever confused Shooter McShootem as a commercial diva, his debut album had songs that reached viral success, including “ISTBU.” Which one could argue is his claim to fame. Since then, we’ve heard only musical teasers from the Shooterville native, that’s until the release of his latest album “Certified Shooter Shit.” An album that, if anything, proves McShootem’s artistry is as legit as they come.
McShootem is an entertainment acrobat. One which can speak on a multitude of subjects without seeing a single sweat drip from their brow. On Certified Shooter Shit. McShootem occupies a fine space by pulling no punches on the album. Creating songs that are violent, salacious, and yet still funny. His hoarse, guttural voice doesn't possess any of the relaxed menaces of classic West Coast rappers; he sounds more like Method Man with a sore throat, accompanied by a flair for being equal parts, thoroughly entertaining, and threatening no matter the topic.McShootem has appealing confidence and an unforced lyrical toughness, though a signature underlying comedic presence: "Out of respect, I have her $40 that was all she was worth/ I ain’t gone lie, before I left I took it back out her purse.” He rhymes on the dramatic and brutally hard banger "Big Shit." Fortunately, these gems of verbal jewels are scatted throughout the project, as Shooter takes moments to remind his listener that his gift for witty one-liners is as present as his ever-faithful pistol.
The ten tracks on “Certified Shooter Shit run like a good book that you want to get through immediately, but because you need to savor each moment, you force yourself to take your time. It’s filled to the brim with entertaining yet, enthralling stories that capture the imagination of McShootem’s back-story. Whether it’s stories of lover’s remorse, as detailed in the appropriately titled “Bomb Ass Pussy” Or the post-pandemic-club-ready single “Watch Yo Step.”
The message implicit in the album’s title details that it’s bold and clear what the subject matter would be, so if you’re playing this album with expectations of hearing a verse by Jessica Care Moore, then you’d be foolish and unreasonable from the album’s start. This album is artistry that any emcee would appreciate for its artistic value.
This album is well written, and his delivery is a bit more varied than you might expect, too, particularly when McShootem is rapping about criminal activity. Far-removed from blasé underground acts which sound unfinished or lacking key elements. This album, in every sense, sounds complete, with tracks that you’ll find yourself playing on repeat.
