Entertainment

Shemar Childs: A Rising Force in Hip-Hop with a Message of Light and Growth

NY Weekly Staff

February 18, 2025
12:35 pm

Hip-hop has always been more than just music—a movement, a voice for the voiceless, and a vessel for storytelling. Few artists embody this spirit with as much authenticity and depth as Shemar Childs, a rising MC and record producer whose latest album, Presence, showcases his artistic evolution, deep-rooted faith, and passion for uplifting his listeners. With a blend of smooth hip-hop, jazz, funk, and groove, Shemar is carving out a unique sound that resonates with audiences on an intellectual and emotional level.

The Inspiration Behind Presence

Shemar’s latest album, Presence, is a seven-track journey through self-discovery, perseverance, and spiritual enlightenment. The 21-minute project is a testament to his growth in faith and life, encapsulating his struggles, triumphs, and the wisdom he has gained along the way.

At its core, Presence serves as a message to his listeners—a guiding light through the complexities of life. Shemar aspires to inspire before he expires, a philosophy permeating every album bar and beat. His standout tracks, “NEEDU” and “Mental Enterprise,” perfectly encapsulate his ability to balance peaceful introspection with grounded, high-energy resilience, making them must-listens for new and long-time fans.

For Shemar, music is a profoundly personal and spiritual endeavor. His creative process is rooted in solitude and reflection, often spending time alone with the Lord to gain clarity and insight. Rather than simply writing lyrics, he crafts his songs to reflect his life’s journey, asking himself, “What have I learned?” His goal is to create music that makes people rewind and say, “Wait, what did he just say?”—a testament to the thought-provoking depth of his lyricism.

His approach to music is meticulous yet organic. Shemar aims to tell stories that transcend time, whether behind the mic or writing lyrics, offering knowledge that listeners can carry with them long after the song ends. His work isn’t just about catchy hooks or beats—it’s about providing wisdom for the spirit.

Musical Influences: Honoring the Greats

Shemar’s sound is a fusion of influences from some of hip-hop and R&B’s most legendary figures. The lyrical transparency and storytelling mastery of Rakim and Nas have deeply shaped his writing style, inspiring him to craft thought-provoking rhymes that elevate listeners to a higher level of awareness. He also finds inspiration in the smooth, honey-like essence of Sade’s music, admiring its timeless quality and ability to resonate across generations. In addition, the genre-blending production style of Sam Gellaitry has encouraged him to push the boundaries of his sound, embracing innovation while maintaining authenticity. Much like these icons, Shemar aspires to create music that stands the test of time—tracks that remain just as impactful at age 20 as they will be at age 70.

Overcoming Challenges: The Path to Success

Like many independent artists, Shemar has faced many challenges in his music career. Balancing work and music proved difficult early on, and finding the right team of supportive individuals was crucial to his growth.

Despite the hardships, Shemar never allowed doubt to cloud his vision. His faith has been his guiding force, and he firmly believes that believing is seeing—a mindset that has helped him push through obstacles. Surrounding himself with the right people—those who genuinely support and believe in him—has been a key factor in his journey.

For Shemar, every song he creates represents a new journey of self-discovery. Each track is a lesson learned, an emotion felt, or a realization uncovered.

As his music continues to reach a wider audience, one of his most exciting prospects is the opportunity to travel, perform, and connect with listeners on a deeper level. He views every performance and interaction as a chance to spread his message of peace, love, and growth.

Staying Inspired and Motivated

Creativity is not something that can be forced—it must be nurtured and fueled by real-life experiences. For Shemar, his motivation comes from his visions for the future, both for himself and the world at large. He sees music as a vehicle for change, an opportunity to inspire others to find their own paths and grow spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.

The Message Behind the Music

At its heart, Shemar’s music is about peace, love, and growth. He isn’t interested in chasing trends or superficial success. Instead, he wants his music to uplift, educate, and resonate with his listeners. Whether it’s through a smooth, jazz-infused beat or a hard-hitting lyrical verse, Shemar’s message remains the same:

Peace – Finding tranquility within oneself and spreading harmony to others.
Love – Expressing genuine care and compassion through music.
Growth – Encouraging continuous self-improvement and enlightenment.

What’s Next for Shemar Childs?

Fans can stream Presence now on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and other major platforms. But this is just the beginning. Shemar noted that more music is coming sooner than you can comprehend—a statement that keeps his audience eagerly anticipating what’s next.

As an artist on the rise, You’ll want to remember Shemar Childs. With unwavering faith, undeniable talent, and a purpose-driven mindset, he is set to make a lasting impact on the hip-hop scene and beyond.