House Shoes lineage is proven and unlike that of any other Motor City DJ. He helped introduce the world to J Dilla and played dot-connecter for numerous other artists from the D and other cities. His move to L.A. several years ago has raised his profile, but still, life as a hip-hop DJ with principles ain’t easy.
This year saw a very personal triumph. Aside from the birth of his daughter, House Shoes finally released a solo album. Not a single, not an EP, not a mixtape, but a full motherfuckin’ House Shoes album, Let It Go. It featured some of the best MCs you know and don’t know, all over Shoes’ original production.
Now, less than a year later, Shoes drops what he calls his true solo album, the instrumental version of Let It Go. Sans MCs, one can better appreciate the gritty soul that permeates most of the tunes. As someone who has had the privelege of knowing Shoes for years, I can hear his personality in the beats. From the tough, stubborn drum-and-synth combo on “Sweet” to the bittersweet honesty of “Modern Family,” Shoes poured his heart out over his MPC to make this.
In celebration, enjoy “Empire Reprise,” featuring Sam Beaubien of Will Sessions. As an added treat, if you happen to be on the Western seaboard this week, check out House Shoes live on the Blisswave tour with Guilty Simpson, Samiyam, and Indie Shuffle favorite, Knxwledge:
Wed 12/05 – LA @ Low End Theory
Thursday 12/06 – SF @ Public Works
Friday 12/07 – Sacramento @ Harlow’s
Saturday 12/08 – Portland @ Rotture
Sunday 12/09 – Seattle @ The Lo-Fi