Lyrics & The Lab: ShawnieB

Solid & Sizzling- Set the record STREET with ShawnieB.

In the entertainment industry, it is a proven proverb that “confidence is key”. Like fresh air, it can alchemize a crowd of weeds into a field of thriving life. That’s the vibe of St. Louis native MC, ShawnieB. Assured in his abilities. Affirmed in his aspirations. An optimistic “hard knock kid from the block” who brings his A-game to all that he stands for. Catch a whiff of his confident drift as we chat it up at Kre8 Place in south city.

“I come from rough times. Most people that come from rough times listen to rap music to connect with the struggle.”, the rapper shares. “Younger artists were coming up at the time, that Chief Keef and Lil Durk era.” This era of younger rappers inspired Dushawn Blakely, aka “ShawnieB”, to strive for stardom for his skills–and not social status. “I focused on being LYRICALLY talented. I gained success from it. My first show was a paid show.”

Blakely credits his early childhood inspiration to the former NFL linebacker, Ray Lewis. “I played sports as well, and he inspired me to go hard.” He also credits legendary MCs, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, the group Wu-Tang Clan, and neo-soul singer, Lauryn Hill. “I tap in with music from the soul. I was more into people that were pushing a message, rather than people who were just talking.”, he says. Shawnie says his artistic style can be described as “lyrical and diverse.” “I’m diverse with how I make music. I don’t just rap, I write R&B songs. You can put me with people like Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Method Man, more so in that lane of lyrical people. Not so much as “rappers”, but emcees.”

ShawnieB’s lyrical messages can be described as “street, spiritual, and conscious”. “Even though I’m transitioning from out of the low vibrational stuff, I can only rap about what I’ve experienced. I’m a “reality rapper”. Now, I push more conscious messages in my music to wake people up.”

In December 2020, ShawnieB released his first album, “Fameless” on streaming platforms, including hit singles, “No Remorse”, “Bout Me”, and “Up”. “I named it that because I kind of gained fans for the wrong reasons prior to my music, so when I came in, I wanted to be strictly about my music.”, he explains. In October 2021, he followed up with his sophomore album, “Still Fameless”. His “Built 4 This” album was released in September 2022. In late 2023, ShawnieB released his latest hit singles “Bad Idols” and “The Biggest B”.

ShawnieB- “The Biggest B”

ShawnieB is the CEO of his label, County Boy Records. He is currently collaborating with local and mainstream talent and promoters, performing, and producing new music. A proud and prominent “son of the Arch”, ShawnieB is on the gateway to greatness. Solid stardom on the horizon.