SheekLouch NiGGa

Shame on you for ever underestimating Sheek. Shame on you for thinking that his membership in the LOX is all he had and all he’d ever be. After dropping two LOX albums, 1998’s platinum debut Money, Power & Respect, and 2000’s chart topping follow up We are the Streets, Sheek became a business man. First, he bought a recording studio in his hometown town of Yonkers, NY. Then, he founded the record label D-Block with lifelong friends Jadakiss and Styles P. Sheek has been quietly focused. While Jadakiss and Styles were busy making guest appearances with everyone from Mary J. Blige to Jennifer Lopez, Sheek was planning and securing the foundation for what will undoubtedly become one of hip hop’s greatest classics, “D Block.” As the first artist signed to D-Block, Sheek’s debut Walk Witt Me takes hip hop back to the good days when MCs rapped with the kind of passionate power that could move entire coasts. After listening to Walk Witt Me, you’ll never sleep on Sheek again. In fact, you’ll be excitedly waiting for the next 16 bar ride through his life. “This album is all me,” says Sheek. “With the LOX, I have to write about the topic agreed on by all three of us. But on my album, I can get deep into it and let you understand me.” Mixtape DJs like Kay Slay, Clue, and Whoo Kid understand Sheek. For months, the streets have been buzzing with his highly sought after freestyles. But when Walk Witt Me drops, the buzz will stop and the raucous will begin. Super lyrical songs like the standout “How I Love You,” take listeners on a mental journey through Sheek’s ups and downs in the hip hop game. “I’m explaining everything that has happened to me,” he says. “How I was chillin with the LOX, got comfortable, and then this hip hop thing left me alone because I got so comfortable.” Tracks like the bonafide hit “Don’t Worry,” featuring legendary DJ Kid Capri, samples the Jackson 5 Motown classic “Don’t Worry.” Sheek’s cocky declaration of his triumphant return to the spotlight will keep kids rapping along to “Don’t Worry” for days. Hardcore cuts like “Love You” and “Don’t Mean Nutin’ featuring Jadakiss, Styles, and J-Hood remind LOX lovers that Sheek will never loose his grimy touch. While the happy, carefree vibe on “Good Day” with the memorable hook “White tees, white airs, TK/Benz coup, rims spinnin, jake hatin me/ But that’s my life, my life in the sunshine” guarantees a summertime bass knocker. Spin queen Cocoa Chanel produced “Ok” the party anthem which is one of Sheek’s favorite album singles. And when the club closes and cats take a minute to focus, the title track “Walk Witt Me” will show a deep, intellectual side of Sheek that will make listeners stretch their eyes wide with amazement. “When I got into this solo project I was in a zone,” he says. “ A lot came out. And I’m still in a zone right now.” But Sheek has always been focused. As 11 year old Sean Jacobs, he rapped with childhood friend Jayson “Jadakiss” Phillips and started the group Lil J and Shawn Ski. Years later, after signing with the LOX to Bad Boy, fighting for release, and eventually signing to Ruff Ryders, Sheek has only thought about one thing. “I was always the cat like, “Let’s get a label and sign to ourselves,” Why don’t we get our own artists and put ourselves out there? he says.’ Years later, Sheek’s focus paid off. As the first MC set to drop from D-Block, Sheek is concentrating on the task at hand. “I have to blow up this album and take this label to another level,” he says. “I can’t dance on stage forever.” So although you may’ve doubted Sheek, he never underestimated himself. Because the stellar work on Walk Witt Me is all about confidence and focus. “This is mental. All soul and very carefully thought out,” he says. “Run with it.” And after people witness Walk Witt Me, they’ll be running with Sheek for life.