Brooklyn, New York native Sha Stimuli has been an independent force to be reckoned with for more than 15 years. He was a presence around the Roc-A-Fella Records movement, before signing as an artist to Virgin Records (under Jermaine Dupri). When that deal stalled, Stimuli released a major label quality LP in 2009’s My Soul To Keep. He’s worked with Astro when he was a minor, cut several memorable tracks with Just Blaze, and elevated the culture since through freestyles and a la carte songs.

Stimuli, who once showered the digital world with a plethora of mixtapes, has taken his time with Lazarus (October 2). Quite obviously, the MC sees himself as back from the dead. “The Wake, Part 1” plays with that concept, serving both as an alarm clock and an apparent gathering after a funeral. In either scenario, Sha is rising, and his spirit is abundant in his verses. Here is a lyricist who loves his craft.

Sha Stimuli Returns With An Exploration Of American Racism Throughout The Years (Video)

With a peppy delivery, Sha Stimuli resuscitates his Rap career, while telling everybody else to start living to the fullest. Every day he’s getting better, and you should be too.