Shi 360
Shai was born to a Tunisian Jewish father and a Moroccan Jewish mother [1] and his childhood was spent growing up in Haifa, Israel until his family moved to Montreal when he was eleven years old. The move was difficult for Shai as he faced a new language and some anti-semitism which he describes within his lyrics of his first album. During a 1997 visit to Israel, Shai met Kobi Shimoni another young adult interested in rap music. The two struck up a friendship and during Shai’s visits back to Israel he DJ’d at Shimoni’s club during the summer months. He also gave Shimoni his stage name, Subliminal.
After completing his undergraduate degree at Concordia University in Canada, Shai released his first underground single called “Linguistiks”. He was performing in underground hip hop venues in Montreal. Soon after he released a full album in English entitled Chapters. He then decided to make aliyah back to Israel, after a visit made through Birthright Israel.[2] His name SHI 360 derives from his music legacy in North America and the Middle East. Starting in the underground hip hop scene in Montreal (where he spent his childhood), he was given the name SHI short for Supreme Hebrew Intelekt. He later affixed “360” to symbolize the full circle he completed by returning to his homeland.
SHI 360 continues to deliver his fans thought provoking and meaningful music, performing in hip hop venues, college tours and festivals throughout North America, Europe and the Middle East. SHI 360’s passion for the Middle East and world Jewry is resolute in his lyrics that project his multi-lingual culture of English, French and Hebrew.
SHI 360 hit singles include “Linguistiks,” “Kabel,” “Break the Silence,” “Yasoo,” and “Tribal Dance.” His collaboration in Israel’s ground- breaking TACT All-Stars album was a commercial triumph, driven in part by the hit singles “Ha’Sod” Remix, “Peace in the Middle East,” “Tinanai” and “Rak Benadan.”
As the ongoing conflict in the Middle East grows, SHI 360 confronts these topics and cultivates a positive message drawing appeal and global respect from diverse hip hop fans. His message is one of “unity” and conscious global hip hop.
Along with his music, SHI 360 advocates giving back to the community and is a mentor for children who come from disadvantaged and broken homes. He also prides himself on his culinary skills, enjoys reading and playing street ball.