Shub’s Musical Journey: Heritage (Part Two)
Shub, a prominent figure in the Indigenous music scene and a founding member of the JUNO-winning group A Tribe Called Red, returns with his new album Heritage (Part Two). This release symbolizes the concluding chapter of Shub’s most ambitious project to date. Following the narrative arc established in Heritage (Part One), the new album serves both as an autobiography and a celebration of Indigenous culture, capturing not only Shub’s roots but also his forward-thinking vision for the future of Indigenous music.
Bridging Generations Through Music
In discussing his work, Shub emphasizes that Heritage is about “bridging generations.” He explains, “It’s about taking what our ancestors passed down and making sure it continues to evolve.” This ethos resonates throughout the album, where he embraces the idea that culture is not static but is a living, breathing entity that thrives when shared on global stages.
From One to Two: Expanding the Narrative
Originally envisioned as a single album, Heritage transformed into two parts, a decision Shub made to allow the music “to breathe and tell the full story.” While Part One introduced an exhilarating fusion of genres such as hip-hop, ‘90s IDM, dub-infused trip-hop, and drill bass, Part Two sharpens and expands upon his distinctive sound. The album melds electronic production, hip-hop, and the vibrant powwow energy that has been foundational to Shub’s musical identity.
Personal Reflection and Cultural Forward Motion
Heritage (Part Two) delves into where Shub comes from, allowing him to “bring [his] culture forward.” This exploration introduces Indigenous music to contemporary settings while maintaining his personal connection to it. The album’s collaborative spirit is particularly noteworthy, featuring contributions from various artists including DJ Paul, Natasha Fisher, Aysanabee, Drezus, and Sebastian Gaskin. Shub shares that “hearing these artists step onto these tracks and take them somewhere [he] never could have on [his] own… was the most rewarding part of making this record.”
The Heart of the Album: “Rise”
At the core of Heritage (Part Two) lies the standout track “Rise,” an emotionally poignant collaboration with Aysanabee and Drezus. Shub describes the creation of this track as “nothing forced, nothing overthought, just real energy.” It speaks to themes of solidarity, resilience, and mental health, blended together through soaring vocals and deeply personal lyrics.
Aysanabee articulates the essence of “Rise,” stating, “The song to me is community. Indigenous people rising together.” Meanwhile, Drezus underscores the importance of mental health, remarking, “Success doesn’t mean anything if your spirit is still suffering… this one’s for the people fighting battles no one else can see.”
The accompanying video further enriches the song’s message, featuring performance clips alongside archival images of children in residential schools, weaving together a narrative of history and survival.
A Legacy in the Making
Shub’s rise to prominence can be traced back to A Tribe Called Red, where he helped define the powwow-step movement. Their track “Electric Pow Wow Drum” not only fused electronic dance music with Indigenous rhythmic traditions but also garnered over 30 million streams globally. As a solo artist, Shub has released acclaimed projects like PowWowStep and War Club, and even composed the award-winning soundtrack for The Grizzlies. His contributions to Indigenous music have earned him accolades, including the 2022 JUNO Award for Contemporary Indigenous Artist of the Year.
Raised in Fort Erie as a Mohawk and a member of the Turtle Clan of the Six Nations of the Grand River, Shub’s signature sound is a testament to his ability to connect the rhythms of traditional grass dance songs with modern electronic music. This fusion laid the groundwork for powwow-step and continues to inform his artistic journey.
A Celebration of Identity and Future Vision
With Heritage (Part Two), Shub not only delivers a powerful musical statement but also reaffirms his commitment to celebrating Indigenous culture. The work stands as a testament to his identity, collaborative efforts, and a clear trajectory toward the future of Indigenous music, inviting listeners to join him on this compelling journey.
