9 March 2026 - Shad - The Old Prince Still Lives At Home

Shad is just a great guy.  Born in Kenya, but raised in London, Ontario, Canada, he has built a fun and engaging style.

You may remember we've featured Shad once before.  That time, I were really there for Lights.  

This time, I'm here because, as part of my 1000 albums listening project which is quickly turning into a 2000 albums listening project, I listened to Shad's acclaimed second album, The Old Prince, which is far less Kanye and far more Big Willie Style than his later work that was previously featured.  

And, I posted on Instagram that I loved The Old Prince.  And, to be fair, several other albums. 

I got one response.  Guess which London, Ontario based rapper was the responder?

To be fair, Lights liked it, too. But she didn't respond

So, yeah, that day, I said to myself, "Next March, we are telling all TWELVE blog readers about The Old Prince and how great it is."  Because it is. 

It's a fun, modern hip-hop classic that sounds timeless, with an award-winning video that seems inspired by a trip to Bel Air or something.  The song is very much about... well, still living at home. 

The Old Prince was very much short-listed for the 2008 Polaris Prize, and although he didn't win, he did perform this song at the gala. 

And the performance is a classic.  He does it LIVE, with instruments.  In the lead-up, you can hear he credits Common and Lauryn Hill as influences, and I definitely hear it.