Shordie Shordie is a rapper snug enjoying each casanova and jilted ex, typically in the identical music. He acquired his begin because the hook man for Baltimore rap trio Peso Da Mafia, turning tracks like “Cash Man” and “About Us” into anthems for the hustlers and romantically downtrodden. As a solo artist, Shordie has leaned extra aggressively on the romantic facet of issues, delivering dispatches from the nebulous corners of situationships like a raspier model of fellow DMV vocalist Brent Faiyaz. Chameleonic Canadian producer Murda Beatz was a periodically attention-grabbing foil for Shordie on their first collaborative album, 2021’s Reminiscence Lane, however his beats typically blended into the background. This yr’s Reminiscence Lane 2 is sort of a DLC pack for the primary venture, tweaking the muted sound of the unique and extra fluidly displaying Shordie and Murda’s chemistry.
As a producer, Murda Beatz is a jack of all trades who can come throughout bland, a type-beat producer watering down distinct regional flavors. The Reminiscence Lane initiatives follow the guitar melodies and 808s that typify Shordie’s catalog. Roughly two-thirds of Reminiscence Lane 2’s manufacturing is string-based; most of it’s serviceable, however some songs have extra persona and finesse than common. Early spotlight “Me Too” options skittering hi-hats that play double-dutch with guitar strums and Shordie’s full of life hums. “A Good Time” teases out a flamenco shuffle, turning a story of interstate love right into a nervy and seductive dance.
Shordie has all the time been the animating power behind his and Murda Beatz’ greatest songs, his melodies, tales, and trademark “ayeee-yeah-yeah” adlib bursting with colour. Solely he may croak-sing to a lady about having intercourse together with her sister, like he does on the hook for “Drink,” and make himself sound extra endearing. Move-wise, he’s dexterous and unpredictable. “Trip With Shordie Pt. 2” chronicles a drug deal, celebration, and anxiety-riddled drive with a girlfriend over the course of an evening; Shordie brings it to life with a rat-a-tat supply in the beginning, then raps verses seemingly in a single gulp of breath. His voice can talk concern (“First Kiss”), pleasure (“Sin Metropolis”), and remorse (“Farmers Market”) effortlessly.
Reminiscence Lane 2 actually revs up in moments the place Shordie and Murda Beatz go offscript. “WYO” turns the cliche sidepiece narrative right into a dialogue, with visitor BlakeIANA simply as right down to creep as Shordie is: “I’m so P, will not inform your bitch, however I would put it in my music.” “Don’t Overlook Me” dwells on a drug-fueled fling over a jaunty hyphy beat, the melancholy lyrics contrasting with the peppy environment. You’ll be able to inform Shordie and Murda are getting extra snug round one another, determining easy methods to flip foibles into ear sweet.
Whether or not he’s dodging enemies or linking with a brand new girl for the night time, Shordie is continually grappling with a number of issues concurrently. If he’s with one woman, he’s enthusiastic about one other; if one drug commerce or shootout ends with him alive, he’s occupied with a unique one that just about went south. There’s stress and unease in even his most relaxed songs, and that multifaceted strategy appears to be rubbing off on Murda Beatz. The manufacturing, although nonetheless principally leaning on dependable tropes, is a bit more difficult and curious than earlier than. Extra collabs collectively is perhaps what it takes to get Murda Beatz to completely loosen up.
