Parlé: Was it anyone’s idea for him to be on “Bo Jackson” or was it just one of those things that just fit and happened?
Fashawn: It’s kind of like tradition for Exile to rhyme on the albums he produces. He wanted to do one for Boy Meets World and I welcomed the idea. “Bo Jackson” was pure freestyle raps inspired by the old Nike motto “Just Do it”. I love that record.
Parlé: What are some of your earliest memories with music? I read about your older brother’s old cassettes playing a role.
Fashawn: I remember dancing in my Uncle Roy’s living room as a kid uncontrollably to Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, etc. My mom always sang around the house and kept the radio up loud. Those are my earliest memories of music. I got introduced to Hip-Hop through my older brother’s cassette collection, which was filled with everything from Ice T to Ice Cube.
Parlé: I’ve read you started writing at the age of twelve. Do you remember the writing of yours that you were content with?
Fashawn: I laugh at all of my old rhymes – especially the ones I wrote when I was twelve. I can’t remember any old lines at the moment. [Laughs]
Parlé: Do you ever listen to your old recordings and see maturity in your style today?
Fashawn: Yeah, sometimes I listen to some of my old material and I just smile. It’s kind of funny hearing puberty take place. From the topics I write about to the tone of my voice… I can say I’ve grown a whole lot.
Parlé: How was recording the “Life as a Shorty” video?
Fashawn: It was the most fun video shoot I got to be a part of. We shot it at the actual school where I had my first fight at too. One of my favorite videos off the album.
Parlé: After “Life as a Shorty” came out, some people started referring to you as a West Coast Nas because of your positive feedback to kids. Any comments on that?
Fashawn: I think it’s great to be compared to someone like Nas. His music had a
positive impact on me growing up. I’m glad I can do the same for my generation.
Parlé: What about being referred to as an early Kanye West?
Fashawn: I actually never heard that one but, that’s fine with me. Kanye West is a phenomenal artist that also inspired me. It’s never a bad thing to be compared to great artist like Nas and Kanye West.
Parlé: Any artists you’re looking to work with in the future?
Fashawn: I want to work with Esperanza Spalding, Salaam Remi, The Neptunes,
Chucky Thompson… the list goes on. My 2nd LP will be filled with surprises.
Parlé: How did the endorsement with Orisue come into play?
Fashawn: I put their name in a rhyme after one of the reps from there company came to the studio one night. The song was never released but, after that night they would start sending me clothes by the box. They have been supporting me since 06-07.
Parlé: Who else endorses you?
Fashawn: Etnies Shoes.
Parlé: Any advice for upcoming artists?
Fashawn: Make sure you’re making the kind of music you want to make. Work hard
and keep a strong team around you and you’ll go far. You put God first and anything is possible.
Parlé: Any final words you want to put out there?
Fashawn: Ode to Illmatic coming Spring ’10. Dangerous Minds coming ’10. And be sure to look for me on tour with Brother Ali from March 29th to May 2nd.
Written by Aaron Shirazi for Parlé Mag