“THERE’S A PARTY ONBOARD WITH HIS ORIGINAL YACHT-FUNK-HIP-HOP”
CINCINNATI | SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 – The Rap, Hip-Hop guru, B. Shields releases “El Capitan”, a funk-infused single crammed with infectious rapid fired lyrical humor on Friday, September 10th.“El Capitán” is not your average celebration of freedom on the water, but a celebration of his new life as a newly licensed riverboat Captain, a goal that he set for himself before releasing this track. Shields’ lyrics express the euphoria felt while on the water, away from the land and away from the world’s troubles.
Shields explains,
“While out there, you don’t get to escape work, your crew, your home, nothing. You live and breathe the job. That boat is my life. There are not many times where I would find myself alone. Writing became my escape from tribulations at sea or a tough shift on the vessel.”
Despite his new title of Captain, Shields has a long history in the rap scene from touring in festivals such as Vans Warped Tour, TEDX, SXSW, The Cincinnati Red’s All-Star Weekend, and sharing stages with names like Mackelmore, Flobots, Ghostface, LeCrae, Matisyahu.
With a sound that is uniquely his own, B Shields combines elements of R&B, rap, and soul to bring his uniquely captivating sound to life. His funk-centric Rhodes keyboard is augmented by his work with collaborators such as Ill Poetic (Foundation, Beat), Nick Costa ‘My Mynd’ (Guitar), and Sunfiend (Engineer, producer, vox). The true genius of the track and what sets it apart is his incorporation of old-school R&B instrumentation by the artist Jesse Audelo on Alto & Tenor Sax & Flute, and Andy Geib on Trombone & Trumpet.
“My love for soul and funk music was heavy in this song. I was at a late and dear friend’s house years ago and was playing his Rhodes piano. I came up with the riff on this and simultaneously asked my friend illPoetic to spice up my idea with this track. After the first few ideas of instrumentation came to fruition, I was sailing up the coast of California and immediately came up with the idea to write this as a Captain. But I told myself, I’ll write the song once I get my Captain’s license. Got that shit and here we is!”
– B. Shields
ABOUT:
“It was in my blood instantly,” B. Shields says on getting into music. Music was around the Cincinnati artist from childhood. His father had a drum set, a guitar, a keyboard, and had a deep interest in Classic Rock and Blues. As an instrumentalist and writer, B. Shields is completely self-taught.
From 2009 to 2017, the Price Hill artist released 4 albums, all diverse and eclectic under different artist names, and now has begun a new chapter in releasing solo projects under his own name. In the past Shields toured in the Vans Warped Tour, TEDX, SXSW, The Cincinnati Red’s All-Star Weekend with names like Mackelmore, Flobots, Ghostface, LeCrae, Matisyahu.
FOLLOW B. SHIELDS: SPOTIFY INSTAGRAM
REVIEW AND INTERVIEW REQUESTS TO: [email protected]