"My life is in Shambles" These opening lines spoken by San Diego Hip-Hop artist Lew Salem exemplify feelings that many have felt when life hits its hardest. Financial hardships, heartbreak, unsatisfactory careers; we've all been there at one point or another. It is at those moments that we feel as though everything we've ever worked for has been shattered into thousands of pieces; our dreams crushed by the weight of reality into shambles. "Shambles" starts with an ominous warning and reality check from Salem's conscious, before switching gears into the off-kilter beat that comprises the "Thunderous Introduction". From there, songs like the hometown ode "Mecca," the swagger-filled "Do it," and the lustful "SAST" keep the subject matter relatively light and lively. "The Most Beautiful Interlude" shifts this tone into a much darker setting. "The Jerk" tells the story of a jilted lover, dealing with unfinished feelings from a previous relationship. "Last Boat" explores the darker side of emotions felt from a rough break-up. "Okay" finds Salem lamenting on previous relationships, trying to justify the feelings of both his lovers and him. "Black" is a powerful anthem detailing social injustice and police brutality, as well as the current status of Hip-Hop. "Shambled Man (Interlude)" finds Salem finally freeing himself of the pain of his shambled past, free now to stand tall and finally spread his wings on the bombastic and electrifying "Thunderhead." "Live Low" the album's bonus track, is a tribute to Salem's love of modified vehicles, specifically those in the "stance" scene. It's blasting horns and southern-style drum patterns make it a perfect song to cruise to on your way to the local car meet. "Shambles" is Salem's debut album, and serves as the highly anticipated follow-up to his 2014 mixtape, "I Dream of Dino" which was released under his previous alias, Dino Brown.