Avg Rating: 
3.7 ( 60 total votes )
By my estimation, Kanye West has said some of the dumbest and some of the wisest words ever spoken; falling squarely into the latter category is the statement, “Everything I’m not made me everything I am.” Knowing just how hard it can be to put what makes you you into words, Booth newcomer Shane Eli nonetheless gives it a go on Grey Area, the latest single off his forthcoming street album. Flowing over his own up-beat, piano-string instrumental, the L.A. emcee discusses his conflicted relationship with his race (“They say I talk white / wondering my whole life, how I talk like a color.”) and his anger at the father who abandoned him, ultimately expressing his determination to transcend all labels that have been placed upon him. Insightful, lyrically astute, and pretty damned catchy, this cut will undoubtedly earn its share of praise in the Booth. For more food for thought, grab a copy of The Push when it drops in June.
This song first appeared on the
Independent Chart
on April 19, 2010
Listen to More: Shane Eli , Alternative Written by richard
More From Shane Eli
Submit a Review and/or Rating
Member Reviews and Ratings
|
DJ Booth Crew  Total Ratings: 11866 |
Rating:
Welcome to the Booth, Shane Eli! A multi-faceted artist with some production chops - I'm impressed. Heavy lyrics, delivered in an enjoyable and catchy manner.
The hook could be a bit stronger, but overall I like "Grey Area." 
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 127 |
Rating:
Not feelin' the hook on this. Production is above average but that's about all in my opinion. Still, I'm looking forward to hearing more from Shane.
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 247 |
Rating:
not really feelin' this one as much,it's kinda missing something for me..rotation status for now,it'll have to grow on me
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 1222 |
Rating:
I immediately thought banger before that hook kicked in. Definitely needs work, but the verses and the production make up for it IMO.
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 613 |
Rating:
Damn, awesome introduction 2 the booth! Gotta say I'm feelin this.
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 476 |
Rating:
If "Garbage" and "Classic" are the DJ Booth's "Black" and "White"; this track certainly lives up to it's title. Welcome to the Grey Area.
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 306 |
Rating:
i think ive said this before but ill say it again, piano intros in instrumentals are the ultimate emotional power behing great beats intern creating great songs.
i like how he builds up his flow and just goes of. i love the topic and im digging this song only thing im disspointed about is how short it feels but production, rhythm and delivery are on point so no hatin over here. damn im giving this a banger (oh my god i must be on drugs or sumthin) i had just gave an earlier song( j the s patriot) 5 spins but eyy wtf i feel generous today, hey maybe i should jump out this grey area im livin in and find myself a pile of rainbows |
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker Total Ratings: 306 |
Rating:
PHANTASTIC hey your right on the whole black and white, but im definilty feeling this track has a lighter shade in that grey area if you know what i mena.
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 54 |
Rating:
Absolutely phenomenal lyrics in my opinion, especially because I can relate to them. I am very proud of who I am, even if the color of skin has stopped some very ignorant people from appreciating what I mean. I hope everything goes well for this guy.
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 97 |
Rating:
Dude, I think everyone who gave this below a 3 rating needs to re-listen.
His lyrics are ON POINT. And this beat is crazy dope. I love the hook, creative and catchy. Wow I'm very impressed, im an instant fan and am going to post this now. Thanks DJ BOOTH for introducing me to Shane Eli. |
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 639 |
Rating:
Artists who can really spit some good lyrics AND also bring it on the boards get my full respect!!
Good overall track but nothing special.... |
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
good flow. good flow
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
hook is ok decent song.
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 221 |
Rating:
I love this song. I would not play it in the club but very meaningful lyrics to me and a simple but good beat.
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
Lyrics are alright, but the instrumentals are great. It's worth a listen, not sure about replay value though.
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Definitely relatable! To produce a catchy beat and have dope lyrics ain't easy. This guys got mad talent! I wanna hear more of his songs...the songs stuck in my head. Good stuff Booth!
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 76 |
Rating:
I'm a big fan of simple production. The slow piano that permeates this song defines the mood as one that strays from boasting and spitting venom, and the strings in the background work well with the piano and are smartly utilized to raise the energy a bit at key points and add depth to the track.
The lyrics speak to the downtrodden and neglected. We've all been there, and Shane knows it. Earnest rhymes and , again, minimal vocal production make it a simple, catchy tune with a great message thrown in for good measure. Definitely give it a listen, and keep an eye out for Shane in the future. |
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 83 |
Rating:
“They say I talk white / wondering my whole life, how I talk like a color.”
this line alone makes this song really damn innovative. thats like really deep. shit that involves a whole lot of thinking. this dude has a future. content is right up there as he discusses his abondonment with enough emotion that yu sympathise with him. "i am living in the grey" perfectly encapsulates all his thoughts and again im saying this dude is real thoughful. the production partners well with his flow to produce what my grandmother would call music for the soul |
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
im just a sucker for pianos . loving this song!!! awesome!!
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 55 |
Rating:
Shane Eli...hmm im gunna have to remember that name cuz damn this was a great song. Heartfelt, deep, emotional, and catchy.
The piano intro is great it sets the tone for the whole song. I just sat back and enjoyed this song. It put thoughts into my head...it was deep is what im trying to say. Congrats on that. On another note I have to disagree with some of you I think the hook was perfect for the song and rounded out a great introduction to the booth. |
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 198 |
Rating:
very good
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 2065 |
Rating:
Nice introduction! The hook is a little weak, but i can over look that, I'll throw this in rotation for sho.
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 44 |
Rating:
This seems like a love it or hate it song based on other folks comments. I'm with those that love it. I do think that the hook could have been sung a little tighter (adlibs could have been better in the hook) but overall the emotion and the sincerity are there.
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 407 |
Rating:
This track only has one "Grey Area" which is the hook...but other then that it's a nice song. I like artists who produce their own music because that gives them credit either way if the production is what makes the song. The piano is a plus to this song and he raps over it successfully.
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
hiphop i really like the new wave of artists.
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
Alright song but a little too soft for my taste.
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 178 |
Rating:
Loving the production off of this right off the bat, but I am a sucker for a good piano driven song. I am impressed with what Shane Eli has laid down on this track. Some really strong lyrics and overall its a pretty upbeat song.
The hook was not all that strong but still did its part in keeping the song together. I would love to hear more from him going into the future. I feel like he can get his name out there if put on the right track. |
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 20 |
Rating:
Nice Tune. Better lyrics. The hook is simple but still catchy.
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 42 |
Rating:
Excellent track with the exception that the piano is a little sad, any 3 year old could have played that part.
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
I personally like songs that tell a story and thats exactly what Grey Area does. I love the contrast of the clean beat with the depth of the song. This one is a winner. Definitely keeping an eye out the next arrival from Shane
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
Simple, smart, a strong debut.
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 877 |
Rating:
Love the piano in the beat. Production is nice. Rapping is good too. I like how he sings his own chorus; adds more to the song.
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 432 |
Rating:
Solid effort from Shane Eli, but he overshadows himself as an artist on this one with his dope production(or maybe the vocals are just too low).
|
| Posted on Apr 16, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
Great production, feeling the words and I like the flow. I like the hook too.
|
| Posted on Apr 16, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
This one's in the rotation FOR SURE and then some. Cool beat and flow along with outstanding rhymes and delivery. An extra star here for tackling some subject matter that is thoughtful and emotionally-charged. This guy is using his talent to rap about something that is obviously relevant on both the personal and social levels. The only thing holding this one back is that it's obviously heavily influenced by some stuff we've head before (kanye, etc.), but that's not unusual for a young rapper. All the more reason to follow this guy's development and see if he can find his own distinctive style over time as the great ones do.
|
| Posted on Apr 16, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 394 |
Rating:
Deep-Lyrics. It's like a lesson to be learned listening to his words. The hook isn't as bad as some people are, it speaks truth and I enjoy this song. Good song Shane Eli.
|
| Posted on Apr 16, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
Its Kinda Like Listening 2 Jayz
|
| Posted on Apr 16, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
i liked the production the most....almost like empire state of mind lyrically he was good but i feel if he would redo the course or even feature someone to do it he could improve the song
|
| Posted on Apr 16, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
I like this track. He just speaks his mind and keeps it real all the way with some good production to complement his style. Look out for Shane Eli
|
| Posted on Apr 16, 2010 |
|
Professional  Total Ratings: 295 |
Rating:
The music is def on point. I agree the hook could be better. I think the hook is missing a small change-up in the beat. It needs a bass line just in the hook to set it apart from the rest of the track. Overall nice joint. I could hear it on the radio for sure.
I am B=mc2. Music is featured on MTV's Washington Heights, Kourtney and Kim Take Miami, Bad Girls Club, and more. Check out the music profile at the links provided. Make sure to leave a comment. I hope you enjoy! Management and Beat Inquiries: @MrBentonJ Check out our profile for new music! Follow on Twitter for the latest music updates! |
| Posted on Apr 16, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 484 |
Rating:
Nice song, i'm feelin' it
|
| Posted on Apr 16, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
A great piece of songwriting and arranging. Simplicity wrapped around complex and well thought out themes.
|
| Posted on Apr 16, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 217 |
Rating:
Respect the lit for ya mind, hook could use some ummm melody but since its the new thing for rappers I'm goin to mark it equal and jam off the production because the piano notes are nice!
|
| Posted on Apr 16, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
up-and-coming for sure!
|
| Posted on Apr 16, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker |
Rating:
Feeling a lot of potential here looking forward to more releases HOOK is TIGHT!!!
|
| Posted on Apr 17, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 214 |
Rating:
Not something I find great, but he has some potential and I would give another track another spin.
|
| Posted on Apr 17, 2010 |
|
|
Rating:
|
| Posted on Apr 17, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 4267 |
Rating:
Nice switch of flows, good backdrop and definitely shows complexity with his lyrics. Capable of plenty, need more!!
|
| Posted on Apr 18, 2010 |
|
|
Rating:
|
| Posted on Apr 18, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 6 |
Rating:
not really feeling it.....production is ok....
|
| Posted on Apr 19, 2010 |
|
|
Rating:
|
| Posted on Apr 19, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
Great song love it
|
| Posted on Apr 20, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
strangly I love this track...and I even like this hook str8 fire...
|
| Posted on Apr 28, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
Not Bad would be open to hear more from him
|
| Posted on May 04, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 1309 |
Rating:
Let me push this to it's deserved 4*!!!
Damn!!! This guy is gold for Hip Hop!!! Unbelievable! Kanye West better put him on G.O.O.D. music, anything less is an insult! Pure talent put to an excellent effort on production, songwriting and delivery! |
| Posted on May 06, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
i agree the hook could have been a lil stronger but still a hit
|
| Posted on May 06, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
Straight Banger keep up the great work Shane.
|
| Posted on May 10, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 101 |
Rating:
My favorite of Shane's tracks so far. His best production too.
|
| Posted on May 10, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
really feeling this song... feeling the beat and the lyrics are down... could be better but its good
|
| Posted on May 12, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 225 |
Rating:
im feelin this this song takes thought
|
| Posted on May 17, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
Easily my favourite Eli Track I can relate the lyrics come hard the production is simple yet great.
|
| Posted on Jun 04, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
This is beautiful, beautiful song. It's spinning in my head days later as a catch myself singing it. Beautiful!
|
| Posted on Feb 28, 2011 |
|
|
Rating:
|
| Posted on Jan 05, 2013 |
FEATURED ARTIST
FEATURED ALBUM
TOP 20 MUSIC CHARTS
The top rated new Hip Hop & R&B songs on DJBooth, updated every Sunday.
