Thug Life Army

Hip-Hop stylist DJ Shadow spent his teenage years in Davis, California and was a DJ at the community radio station KDVS. He has also collaborated with several hip-hop and rap artists, including Blackalicious, Zack de la Rocha, Keek Da Sneek and Keane.

Now finally getting his shine on Universal Records has signed the acclaimed hip-hop stylist DJ Shadow; who is currently putting the finishing touches on a new album scheduled to be released later this summer.

“I’m thrilled to join the team at Universal. Finally, after years of feeling like an orphan I feel like I finally have a home,” says DJ Shadow (Josh Davis.) “As someone who has been a fan of DJ Shadow for the past 10 years, it’s an honor to have him join the Universal Motown family. We are delighted that Josh feels comfortable enough with us to allow us to be his partner, and we are incredibly excited for the launch of his new album this summer,” countered Universal Motown Records General Manager, Andrew Kronfeld. Known for his experimental blend of styles and hip hop-tinged production innovation, the new solo disc will be Shadow’s third full length hip-hop album, but the first to be produced under his own name featuring guest vocalists.

Born in San Jose CA, DJ Shadow first rose to prominence developing the California based hip hop style forged on Solesides Records, melding a variety of genres into mix-culture masterpieces that would eventually garner the attention of London’s trend setting Mo’ Wax Label.  The enigmatic producer became an underground legend in the early-to-mid 1990’s with his contributions as writer/remixer and production stalwart to a host of indie classics, including groundbreaking stints with DJ Krush, Dr. Octagon, and the hi-profile collaborative effort, U.N.K.L.E, featuring cryptic guest appearances by Thom Yorke (Radiohead) and Mike D (Beastie Boys), among others.  Shadow’s first album, Endtroducing, was released in 1996 to rave reviews which was followed with numerous acclaimed projects (including noted releases with Cut Chemist) released across the globe before his second album hit the streets, 2002’s Private Press.  In 2004 Shadow’s feature length DVD, In Tune And Out Of Time also drew praise, capturing the provocative artist/producer’s mesmerizing live show.

DJ Shadow’s upcoming third album, which the artist described in a recent interview as ‘one of the most fun things I’ve ever worked on’ features underground hip-hop and rap stars Keak Da Sneak and Turf Talk, as well as hip-hop rap artists Q-Tip and David Banner among other guests.