Let’s Laugh at Anyone Who Sleeps on Shane Eli’s “I Can Do Better” (Mixtape Listen & Download)

Am I going to open this post by both simultaneously talking shit and asking rhetorical questions? Yes, yes I am. I always find it funny when other publications (I won't name names, but...) come out with their best new artist lists considering those artist are almost never "new" to anyone who truly follows hip-hop. Instead of supporting an artist from day one, they'd prefer to wait for other sites to do the hard work, than jump on the bandwagon once they've been widely accepted as the next big thing.

Take a listen to Shane Eli's new album, "I Can Do Better". Consider that the L.A. rapper/producer/songwriter wrote every word, made every beat on that album himself. Consider that he's only been putting out music for a year (his first mixtape dropped last summer). Consider that it's hosted by DJ Skee, presented by the mothership and Flud Watches, and that it contains features from Rittz, Playboy Tre, Aleon Craft, Jason Caesar and more. Then consider that he's literally the biggest rapper I've ever met (seriously, dude's the size of a NFL tight end.)

Frankly, I'm convinced that in a year everyone's going to be saying "there's this dope new artist Shane Eli", but we'll both know that he's only new to those who didn't read this post. I'm looking forward to laughing at all the late comers along with you.


Download "I Can Do Better" via DJBooth