Rider Shafique is a lyricist, poet, MC and recording artist from Gloucester, UK.
A prolific and versatile MC at both live events and recording, with countless features across Drum & Bass, Dubstep, Dub & Dancehall.
Lending his lyrics & flow to producers & labels in Bass music including; Critical Music, Shogun Audio, Deep Medi, Playaz, Born on Road, Young Echo, Navy Cut, Sam Binga, Om Unit, Kahn, J.Sparrow, Sub Zero, VROMM, QZB, Selecta J-Man & more.
Across those releases, though immediately recognisable as Rider Shafique, his style can vary massively, whether it’s a spoken word passage laid over minimalist dubstep, or a waist winding, repeating vocal over a dancehall track.
“I’ve got lots of different aspects to my personality. I don’t just listen to reggae, I don’t just listen to dubstep. UK music borrows from lots of different elements, so as a vocalist there are lots of different elements that inspire me. It’s like a melting pot and that’s why my style is how it is, it’s a reflection of who I am.”
Supplying the first release for Young Echo Sound record label, with his spoken word double single, I-Dentity / Freedom Cry. Boomkat reviewed; “Sterling first volley from Bristol’s Young Echo Records, featuring Rider Shafique’s incisive, intimate reflections on I-Dentity in modern Britain. In both parts Shafique presents his thoughts in a rooted, low- key style that resonates with the delivery and impetus of classic dub poetry from Linton Kwesi Johnson and Mutubaruka. Highly recommended!”
Working with Swindle on his album for Brownswood Recordings – No More Normal, Rider Shafique features on two tracks alongside Kojey Radical and D Double E. ‘What We Do’ featured on Apple’s advert “Behind the Mac”, approaching 4 million views on YouTube.
Rider Shafique is a round the clock artist, creating visual & performance art to educate & inspire for his project I-DENTITY in collaboration with Khali Ackford. This has included photography exhibitions, films, interviews & workshops.
