Before we start discussing this song, yes, Shemy is a white man from Flint, Michigan. And yes, he’s an artist who does hip-hop. However, unlike some, Shemy seems to actually love and respect the art. He’s a bit Stuck in the ’90s (in a good way; the track is fire), but he got me to pay attention to what he put down. And I think I’m starting to get my journalism pen game back up.

But y’all aren’t here to hear me say “expect longer posts from SOTB,” right? RIGHT?! You’re here for music, so let’s talk about Shemy’s “Citizens Arrest.”

“Citizens Arrest” is Shemy calling out the white rappers and artists who use and abuse hip-hop. You know the types: the ones who don’t really give a damn about the culture or Black people. They just want to rhyme in front of Confederate flags or sell a million records. They also just want to use a Black artform to try and garner attention from Black people. Shemy is not here for the bulls***. He’s like me when it comes to culture vultures.

I love the energy on this, because it’s so raw, so real, so “f*** these culture vultures.” I am here for that. I’m also here for the fact that this man RAP RAPPED (a common occurrence in today’s posts on SOTB) about the topic.

Namechecking culture lovers like Mac Miller and Eminem, Shemy goes on the attack for two minutes straight. He’s on that real “respect the game and the art” s***. You know he’s really serious about it because, well, he’s a man from Flint, Michigan. He’s probably dealt with a thing or two that some of these white (and probably a few Black and POC) rappers only dream about.

I absolutely love everything about this track. The message is one that I also believe in. The beat thumps on my speaks. Most importantly, the bars are solid with quite a few moments of intricate rhyme schemes. If you’re tired of straight white men (who don’t actually rock with Black people) making a buck off of an art created by Black people? This one’s for you. Check it out above and remember: support dope music in all its forms.