“Some people learned to bake during the pandemic. Austin hip-hop artist David Shabani spent his time in isolation building what he calls a “super team”—his band, the Nu Leopards. The Observer spoke with David Shabani about the many facets of his identity and how it influences his music.” - Texas Observer

“Hip-hop artist David' Shabani’s lyrics explore issues of inequality. At this year’s SXSW festival, issues of social justice are center stage. Shabani sings of immigrants and working class people struggling to survive.” — Al Jazeera

“Through his ability to combine calypso-vibe beats with personal worldviews, Shabani creates life-focused hip-hop, courageous and steadfast. Topics such as social injustice, immigration, and travel flood the Paris-born artists’ lyrics over club-like rhythms, forging an empire both relatable and worth listening to.” — Austin Monthly

“With deeply personal and introspective lyricism juxtaposed against energetic beats, the track is brooding and catchy all at once as Shabani's penchant for storytelling takes centre stage.” —Earmilk

“Amidst a flourishing and rapidly evolving music culture, Shabani's unique sound sets the pace by seamlessly blending deeply personal lyrics with energizing beats that work in perfect harmony.” — Wordplay

“One of the core pieces of SXSW is local artists breaking out at the festival and what it means to them. Austin-based musician David Shabani spoke with us on what it means to be an official SXSW showcase artist opening for iconic singer Ashanti.” — CBS Austin

“Charismatic and captivating, with addictive cadences that occasionally evoke Kid Cudi and Theophilus London, David Shabani has refined a sound and aesthetic that appeal to mainstream sensibilities without bending backwards to them.” — the Deli

“Put aside any definitions or expectations reserved for hip-hop. David Shabani is here to blow it up and reshape it for the collective fearlessness. “Doin’ Better,” today’s featured AMM track, is from Shabani’s Smooth Sounds of the Summer.” — Austin Music Minute

“Hip-hop was the order of the day for our second day at the festival (15 Mar) featuring the likes of Austin-based artist David Shabani and Brazilian rapper Bivolt, who by far our favourite discovery thus far.” — The Skinny

“One of the music festival highlights of the year, SXSW in Austin, Texas is finally back in person – after 3 long years. Here are the top ten must see performances that we can’t wait for from some of our favorite artists. See y’all there! At #1, don’t miss David Shabani, Wednesday March 16th, at Pour Choices” — Jukebox Times

"With homages to his native French and Lingala, [Shabani] blends bouncy club beats with spacious soundscapes to let lyrics lead." — Austin Chronicle

"[Shabani] dives headfirst, unflinchingly, into deeply personal narratives that connect and resonate on a universal level, elevating his voice through an intertwined texture of R&B, hip-hop/alt. hip-hop and pulsating electronica. There is love, and there is hope, but no small talk and no delusion.” — KUT Austin

"Get to know the 300+ new Showcasing Artists from around the world joining our already stellar lineup of performances set for this March." — SXSW

“The music in this song is simple yet powerful. With a moody bassline and subtle percussion, it sets the perfect mood for Shabani's incredible storytelling to shine through.” — Fame Magazine

"[Shabani] is not rapping about money and yachts, but about the every day things every day people are going through." — Good People, Cool Things

“Shabani skillfully combines a brooding atmosphere with an infectious catchiness, showcasing his storytelling abilities at the forefront of the profound new offering.” — Dope Hip-Hop