The Shadow (rapper)
Yoav Eliasi (Hebrew: יואב אליאסי; born November 22, 1977), commonly known by his stage name The Shadow (Hebrew: הצל, Ha-Tzel) is an Israeli rapper, blogger, and right-wing political activist. He was part of the roster of artists on the label TACT Records.
The Shadow | |
|---|---|
 Eliasi in 2009 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Yoav Eliasi |
| Born | November 22, 1977 |
| Origin | Safed, Israel |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1994–present |
| Labels | Unicell |
Background
Yoav Eliasi was born in Safed, Israel. His parents are of both Ashkenazi Jewish (Romanian-Jewish) and Mizrahi Jewish (Persian-Jewish) descent.[1] His family relocated to Tel Aviv two years later. By his teenage years he had formed a deep bond with Kobi "Subliminal" Shimoni, and the two began performing together at hip-hop shows.
After finishing his mandatory military service in the IDF, he decided to stay on. This is where his rap name allegedly derives from. The official TACT Records profile says that Yoav Eliasi was in an elite undercover unit where he could not show his face, though in an interview with Yehoram Gaon on Channel 1, Eliasi claims that he was a M'faked Mishma'at ("Discipline Officer").
He was featured with Kobi "Subliminal" Shimoni and their colleague, Tamer Nafar in the documentary Channels of Rage.
In July 2014, Eliasi was a central organiser of a right-wing confrontation on a demonstration by Israeli left-wing anti-war protesters opposing Operation Protective Edge against Gaza.[2][3] An editorial in the left-leaning Haaretz described him as "the dangerous product of incessant incitement by extreme right-wing elements."[4]
In 2014, he officiated a wedding ceremony in Israel of two gay men.[5][6]
In 2023, he reunited with Kobi "Subliminal" Shimoni. The 2 released a song: VATOS LOCOS, (lit. hands in the air). Eliasi and Kobi performed together a few times after the reunion.
Discography
Solo
- Lo Sam Zain (Hebrew: לא שם זין, "Doesn't put a dick" Non-literal translations: "Don't give a shit" or "Don't give a fuck" or "Don't give a damn" [official translation by TACT] ) (2008)
With Subliminal
- Ha'Or Ve'HaTzel (Hebrew: האור והצל, "The Light and the Shadow") 2002
With TACT (Tel Aviv City Team)
- TACT All-Stars (Hebrew: תאקט אול סטארז, "TACT All-Stars") (2004)
From Lo Sam Zain
- Meantezet 2007 (Hebrew: מענטזת 2007, "Moves Her Ass 2007") (2007)
Non-album singles
- Shir Shel Rega Ehad (Hebrew: שיר של רגע אחד, "Song of One Moment") (2005)
Collaborations
Ha'Tzel has worked with Israel house duo "Knob" on a re-work of Haddaway's song "What Is Love".[7]
References
- "מילים לשיר לא שם זין - הצל".
- Skop, Yarden (13 July 2014). "Right-wingers attack leftists in Tel Aviv demonstration". Haaretz. Retrieved 15 July 2014.
- Hartman, Ben (13 July 2014). "Following assaults on anti-war protesters in Tel Aviv, parties on Left demand answers". Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 15 July 2014.
- "Police are obliged to protect every Israeli citizen". Haaretz. 15 July 2014. Retrieved 15 July 2014.
- "זוג הגייז ש"הצל" חיתן נותרו לבד עם הקשיים שמערימה עליהם המדינה". 10 September 2014.
- ""הצל" יחתן זוג הומואים: "אהבו את המסר שלי"". 31 August 2014.
- Dvir André Tzanua (9 September 2009). "Niv & Meital (knob) Vs. הצל - What Is Love". Archived from the original on 2021-12-19 – via YouTube.