How did your dad's success as a Grammy-winning blues singer affect you as an artist? Did you feel like going out there and doing your own thing, and not rely on his popularity?
Well, I wanted to rely on his popularity. [Laughs] We lived in the best homes, went to the best schools, he didn't want us going to less-advantaged areas. That's what I mean by sheltering your kids, you can't keep them away from the real world, because once they're in it, they have to deal with it.
Why do you think it's difficult for women to break into the rap game?
I don't think it's so hard for women to break out right now. I think it's just taking time, because the more I go out, there's more females than males and that's something new. I didn't see that in my previous years while doing shows. They're more aggressive, grinding harder. Before, the attitude was "will you pay my bills," now they're holding their own. I'm cool with several female rappers...Remy Ma, Chyna White.
Have you heard of Jean Grae
Oh yeah, her sh*t is hot to death, but I haven't met her yet. I can't wait to meet her. Once I get with her, it's going to be a network of communication type of thing, that's what I do. As soon as I approach the women, they're open to suggestions like Remy Ma. Before you know, it's not going to be as hard for women to get into the game. It might be hard 'cause you know [feigns a masculine voice] men don't want us to be taking over. Laughter
You've been in the game for about 10 years if I'm not mistaken. What's the one thing you've learned so much?
One thing I've learned so much is that the industry does not care about you.
The labels, the promoters, the radio, they don't care about you. They only care about that hit. Once you understand that, and you care about yourself, and just give them that hit, there wouldn't be so many artists ending up on drugs, or ending up taking bad routes. It'll give you a better peace of mind.
That also affects the music, wouldn't you agree?
It does. You've got to give the people what they want, not what you want. Once you develop your fan base, and you've got their attention, you can then give them what you want.
Is there anything else you'd like your fans to know?
I just want them to know that I love them for holding onto me. That's the only reason I'm still able to put out Block Music, even though, things weren't going so good. I want them to know that I love them and that's the only reason I'm still here.
Shawnna's Block Music drops on June 27th, 2006.
Well, I wanted to rely on his popularity. [Laughs] We lived in the best homes, went to the best schools, he didn't want us going to less-advantaged areas. That's what I mean by sheltering your kids, you can't keep them away from the real world, because once they're in it, they have to deal with it.
Why do you think it's difficult for women to break into the rap game?
I don't think it's so hard for women to break out right now. I think it's just taking time, because the more I go out, there's more females than males and that's something new. I didn't see that in my previous years while doing shows. They're more aggressive, grinding harder. Before, the attitude was "will you pay my bills," now they're holding their own. I'm cool with several female rappers...Remy Ma, Chyna White.
Have you heard of Jean Grae
Oh yeah, her sh*t is hot to death, but I haven't met her yet. I can't wait to meet her. Once I get with her, it's going to be a network of communication type of thing, that's what I do. As soon as I approach the women, they're open to suggestions like Remy Ma. Before you know, it's not going to be as hard for women to get into the game. It might be hard 'cause you know [feigns a masculine voice] men don't want us to be taking over. Laughter
You've been in the game for about 10 years if I'm not mistaken. What's the one thing you've learned so much?
One thing I've learned so much is that the industry does not care about you.
The labels, the promoters, the radio, they don't care about you. They only care about that hit. Once you understand that, and you care about yourself, and just give them that hit, there wouldn't be so many artists ending up on drugs, or ending up taking bad routes. It'll give you a better peace of mind.
That also affects the music, wouldn't you agree?
It does. You've got to give the people what they want, not what you want. Once you develop your fan base, and you've got their attention, you can then give them what you want.
Is there anything else you'd like your fans to know?
I just want them to know that I love them for holding onto me. That's the only reason I'm still able to put out Block Music, even though, things weren't going so good. I want them to know that I love them and that's the only reason I'm still here.
Shawnna's Block Music drops on June 27th, 2006.