DAVID SHABANI
Alternative hip-hop with the sounds of Texas soul and R&B
Shabani's sound brings together early 2000s-style hip hop with classic soul and R&B. The lyrics are poignant and optimistic all at once, delivered as fast-paced bars over soulful melodies. The result dually satisfies the late night thrill seeker with club pounding rhythms, and the idle listener with lyrics that flow in a story-like format.
Born to Congolese parents in Paris, Shabani immigrated to Canada before launching alternative hip-hop artistry in Texas. Never idle, his sound has taken over stages at home and abroad alongside The Lox, Ashanti, Blxst, Asher Roth, D Smoke, and others with his band, The Nu Leopards, a tribute to his Congolese roots.
His catalog includes collaborations with Texas rapper and producer Kydd Jones, Grammy-winner Bobby Sessions (Megan Thee Stallion), Cody Acosta (Miguel, Ty Dolla $ign, Hit-Boy, Normani), and Grammy-winner Malik Baptiste (Snoh Aalegra).
Shabani has captivated fans at iconic venues from Paris to London, Austin, NYC and LA, and festivals including South By Southwest, AfroTech, ESPN X Games, and more — sharing stages with The Lox, Ashanti, Blxst, Asher Roth, Shwayze, D Smoke and others with his band, The Nu Leopards, a tribute to his Congolese roots.
Watch : “Sarcelles City.”
Winner of the 2020 Lake Travis Film Festival
