You all know my thoughts on C.Shreve by now. One of my favorite rappers, one of the realest white rappers I’ve ever come across, a man who’s a dope lyricist, a bright mind, an amazing family man, etc. In other words, him sending me “Break It Down” and me posting about it was already written in the stars. However, all these years and songs into our friendship, I still find new things to get excited about when it comes to Shreve’s approach to hip-hop.

“Break It Down” finds Shreve reminding his listeners that “they are enough while laying to bare the difficulties of being an ambitious human who has to come to grips with limitations and the realities that obstacles can feel insurmountable.” The third of three recent releases, “BID” is a self-produced jam that finds Shreve going back to his roots, specifically with the production leaning towards minimalistic boombap. Lyrically, Shreve showcases his lyrical fortitude while also showing his ability to make a hit without “making a hit.”

Shreve’s best work, for me, is when he leaves his comfort zone in terms of content and falls into his groove sound-wise. This one aligns with that concept, because it’s a song that finds Shreve being quite vulnerable and (even more) honest (than usual) about his flaws and humanity. I love it, plain and simple. As someone who’s also trying to consolidate reality with my dreams, I struggle making them come true at times, specifically because of my own restrictions. However, I keep pushing because you’ve got to break it down before you can build it up. This is something our rhymesayer touches on within the track as well.

If I’ve piqued your interest, check out the song above, be on the lookout for Shreve’s Shreve Got Lost project, watch the brother find himself while also being different than before and support dope music in all its forms.