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Gabriel Night Shield presents 'Kataztrophik'
Posted: August 05, 2004
by: Wilhelm Murg / Indian Country Today

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Straight out of Rosebud, underground Lakota rapper Gabriel Night Shield has just released his first solo CD, "Kataztrophik" (Night Shield Entertainment). While a lot of Native rap is brilliant, Night Shield's intense, hard delivery about the raw emotions of Indian youth give him an edge that is impossible to ignore. His sound is blunt and his message is unfettered. "Kataztrophik" is an outstanding debut from one of the strongest young voices in contemporary Native music. The CD contains productions from Mr. D-Sane, Mobius Suntzu, Chad Sharp and Big Ice (Baby Bash) along with guest performers, including Haystak, Triple Crown, Young Nobles and Native rapper Shadowyze. The CD offers a mix of classic tracks, including "Ride With Me" (with Shayla Day) which was a big hit in South Dakota and "Call Me a Savage" from the "Savage Alliance" compilation, along with new pieces. Night Shield's hard sound, macho stance and total lack of self-censorship give him an air of self-assurance that few others can offer in the Native music scene. A lot of Native rap is neutered in order to get a broader acceptance on the reservations; outrage over the politics is often substituted for the sheer rage that is burning just below the surface of the music. Night Shield cuts through all of the politics and offers a state-of-the-art album that is competitive with any rap in the nation. Ironically, his message of success and takeover is very in tune with the current battles over Indian gaming. "Natives on the question; some call me cocky; but it's using truth, you know; preaching to the youth; no; sack of clich?s, no; represent to Custer; this is marking days that sh? is played out ?" Night Shield received his degree in Audio Production in 1999 and returned to South Dakota to pursue his lifelong dream of starting his own music label. This is the sixth release on his label. Like most rappers, his life is the inspiration for his rhymes. Groove-wise, Night Shield is unapologetically retro and in your face. His musical backdrops have the funk of a Pam Grier action movie from the 1970s and his style of rapping hits low and fast. "Kataztrophik" is a great testament from a young artist. Even if you are not a fan of hip-hop, Night Shield is someone to watch. You get the feeling that whatever happens is going to happen here first. For more information and free downloads of his music, visit www.nightshield.net.