Finally we have in our hands The Spring Up, the 5 track EP from Shad and Skratch Bastid. A solid, no filler, thought provoking piece of work with production from Skratch Bastid himself, a co production by the legendary Jazzy Jeff and a verse by Montreal based Cadence Weapon.

The spring up sounds exactly like the title, it is refreshing, relaxing and energetic. The retro styled soundscape by Bastid and Shad’s highly precise lyricism go hand in hand. This is what I call half short and twice strong.

Get with the program.

The Spring Up is the result of fortunate timing, grapefruit Perrier, a shared high school obsession with Outkast’s Aquemeni, and a couple of sessions at Skratch Bastid’s Toronto studio this April. The 5 track collection marks a moment in time for the pair; embodying the spirit of Spring and also serving as a sort of prelude to Shad’s upcoming full-length, to which Skratch Bastid also contributes. The collection features a production assist from DJ Jazzy Jeff, and a turn on the mic from compatriot Cadence Weapon.