Shawn Mics Delivers His Groundbreaking Album “Shawn 3:17”
By: Chris Buxton IG: @chrisbuxtonllg
Over the last few years, we have seen a shift in the music industry. With algorithms and streaming services, I have felt like it has become harder & harder to find genre-defying artists that are pioneering the next generation. However, I recently came across a rapper that has all the qualities to become a burgeoning star. His name is Shawn Mics. Hailing from Massachusetts, Shawn has continued to develop a cult-like following due to his ability to craft music that evokes raw emotions out of his listeners. His vulnerability and his exceptional penmanship have made him relatable for anyone that listens. After losing his mother in 2022 to cancer, the rapper took his pain, depression, and drug abuse & found a way to channel it into his groundbreaking new album “Shawn 3:17”.
“Shawn 3:17” is a 13-track masterpiece that takes listeners on a sonic journey of one of the most polarizing rappers in Hip-Hop. From a name standpoint, it takes a spin on the Bible verse John 3:17. For context: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” Shawn Mics delivers captivating songs that are carried by dynamic sonics, captivating melodies, and well-toned vocals to round out his overall sound. I loved his vocal execution, and his delivery was memorable on each track. The reason I fell in love with this album is because I loved the honesty. Shawn has been through so much over the last few years, and his ability to convey those feelings makes him strong. Over the album’s duration, he discusses his battle with drug addiction, his personal isolation, and the grief that followed the death of his mother. For me, the album is a triumphant story of a man that found his way through the darkness. We see a man that is hurt but uses that pain to reinvent himself into something much more.
My favorite songs from the album were “All In”. Although I loved the whole album, “All In” was the most complete song for me. Shawn checked off all the boxes in terms of performance, sonics, and lyricism. If I were to show someone that hadn’t heard of him, I would start with that record. Overall, “Shawn 3:17” is more than an album. It’s a story of retribution, forgiveness, & triumph.
