Acclaimed rapper, singer, songwriter and podcast host Sy Ari Da Kid presents The Last Shadow In The Shade, the deeply personal and introspective conclusion to his album trilogy – listen here. The album is a testament to resilience, passion and the determination to carve out space in an industry and a reminder that true artistry shines beyond the spotlight.
“This album marks the conclusion of a classic trilogy, created for those who’ve often felt overshadowed in this industry,” says Sy Ari Da Kid. “I want everyone to connect with my passion and experiences—navigating a competitive landscape where the spotlight isn’t always on us, yet we persevere, forging our own paths and overcoming the challenges ahead. From the soulful samples to the carefully chosen features, every artist contributes a story that resonates with the struggles and triumphs we all share.”
The latest single, “Quote Unquote,” featuring Freeway and Nick Grant, has Sy describing the track: “Freeway and I tried to bring back that real Roc-A-Fella sound with this one—full of pain, culture, bars, and cadence! This was one of my favorite collabs on the album. Word for word, quote unquote.”
While previous single “Rebellion,” featuring hip-hop heavyweights Benny The Butcher and CyHi, is an unfiltered anthem of authenticity, resilience, and defiance in the face of adversity—a hard-hitting track that resonates with the heart of hip-hop. “Benny, CyHi, and I vividly depict our journey from poverty, where defying laws and rules was necessary for survival and providing for our families,” explains Sy Ari Da Kid. “Despite the struggle, pain, and challenges, we persevered in an environment designed to hold us back. This story highlights the risks young Black individuals face to escape poverty, while also portraying the harsh realities that can result from the paths we choose to take.”
The Last Shadow In The Shade is the third installment in the series, following The Shadow In The Shade and The Shadow In The Shade 2. Each project showcases Sy Ari’s personal growth and raw, authentic storytelling, with Rolling Out calling the first release an “instant classic” and RapReviews recognizing his “decade-long independent grind.” The series has featured collaborations with Jadakiss, T.I., Big K.R.I.T., Lloyd Banks, Raekwon, EARTHGANG, and more, earning widespread praise for its creativity.
Sy Ari Da Kid, alongside Lord Owen, co-host a podcast and YouTube series titled Sy Ari Not Sorry Show. The show covers a wide-range of topics, including music and culture, delivering authentic and engaging episodes that often feature celebrity guests. In the latest episode, they sit down with Mal of the Rory & Malpodcast and discuss topics ranging from rap’s Big 3, Future and leaving Joe Budden TV. And CyHi joins another recent episode and performs their single “Rebellion.”