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With
his production company, Beat Bangers, his recording career and his gig
as an A&R for Universal Motown, Shawty Red could be one of the
hardest working men in music. As he gets ready for a big ’09, ro
sat down with heat-seeking hitmaker Shawty Red to discuss music, style
and his outlook on the industry.
Shawty Red ON….
…Music as His Way Out
“Basically, I always wanted to do music. [But], I came to Atlanta
[it was] in a messed up situation. I got locked up and had some charges
pending. When I beat the case, I went into music because it was the
only thing I could do at the time. It was something that I really
wanted to do that could take me away from everything negative. Music
was my move.”
…His Big Breakthrough
“Drama’s ‘Left-Right.’ It was crazy because I
didn’t know it was gonna take off like it did. That opened the
door for me.”
…Atlanta’s Music Scene In Recent Years
“I think it’s a good thing going on in Atlanta [musically],
but a lot of producers are sounding alike. Once all the music starts
sounding the same, you’ve got to go to the next level–you have
to create a new sound and a new style—don’t just do what
everybody is doing. But I love Atlanta music.”
…The “Sexual Eruption” Phenomenon
“I knew it was gonna take off because of [Snoop Dogg.] Whatever
he touches, it’s gonna jump off. I thank him for using my
record.”
…His Early Days In the Business
“Young kids need to find out about the business side first;
you’re going to need that before you need anything else. When I
was young, I just wanted the money and the fame and I didn’t
worry about the business. A lot of cats come into the game and get
taken advantage of and it takes a while for you to come out of that
situation.”
…His Fave Music
“I’m a huge Prince fan–I always liked his music–and
Quincy Jones. I love Pharrell’s music, also. That’s my Big
Three.”
…His Style
“I shop at Wal-Mart and Target—real talk! Get me some
Dickies and some T-shirts and I’m good! And I hit Athlete’s
Foot for my kicks—Nikes and Chucks.”
Stay
tuned in 2009 as Shawty Red’s star continues to shine as he steps
in front of the mic and behind the boards. With his track record and
reputation, Red’s only scratched the surface. You’ve been
warned. –dusty culpepper
