Shawn Chrystopher

Last updated

Shawn Chrystopher
Background information
Birth nameShawn Christopher Garrett II
Born (1986-07-22) July 22, 1986 (age 37)
Origin Inglewood, California, United States
Genres Hip hop, alternative hip hop, neo-psychedelia, synthpop
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • record producer
  • songwriter
  • music video director
Years active2009–present

Shawn Chrystopher Garrett II (born July 22, 1986) is an American rapper and music producer. He first gained major attention with the release of his debut mixtape I.W.G.: I Wear Glasses in 2008, which was sponsored by urban-clothing powerhouse LRG. [1] Chrystopher also worked with artist Timbaland, Yelawolf, MANN, XV, Mike Posner, Big Sean, N.O.R.E., Owl City, Dom Kennedy and many other artists spanning a variety of different genres. [2]

Contents

Shawn released three albums in 2014; the first, Summerlove, was released on LiveMixtapes on August 12, 2014. [3] For the new music, Shawn worked with GRAMMY Award winning producer Timbaland, who executive produced his debut commercial album "The Lovestory LP" that dropped on July 23, 2013, via Shawn's label Honour ROLE Music, LLC. [4]

Early life

Shawn Chrystopher was born and raised in Inglewood, California. His mother, a hospital secretary, raised Shawn as a single mother while his father, a barber, worked odd jobs until his son was on the basketball team. In 2009, Shawn's father, Shawn Garrett Sr., died.

In grade school, Chrystopher skipped from kindergarten to 2nd grade, resulting in him graduating high school at the age of 16. Upon graduation, Shawn was awarded a 4+1⁄2-year scholarship to the University of Southern California where he would major in political science.

Music career

2008 to 2011: Music beginnings

Whilst in grade school, Shawn perfected his ability to play over 5 different instruments. During the summer following his second year of high school, Shawn's God-brother used his first paycheck from his summer job to buy Shawn a YAMAHA QY-100 and urged him to begin producing his own music.

After a few years honing his own sound and point of view, Shawn Chrystopher released the "I.W.G." mixtape series, beginning with the first installment "IWG: I Wear Glasses" in November 2008.[ citation needed ] Over the course of the next year, Shawn would release two more IWG installments ("IWG 2: I Told You So," I.W.G. 3: Third Time's a Charm") reaching over 300,000 downloads collectively to date.

In the fall of 2009, Shawn released his debut LP "A City With No Seasons" via his website, Honourrolestudent.com. With the majority of the production done by Chrystopher, Okayplayer.com and HipHopOfficial.com both co-signed the project, calling it one of the "most artistic projects of the year". [5]

In March 2010, Shawn released his follow-up project "The Audition EP", hosted by world-renowned DJs Mick Boogie and Terry Urban. Continuing where his previous project left off, "The Audition" garnered over 35,000 downloads within its first week of release.

After two nationwide tours, in December 2010 Shawn released his third full-length album, "You, And Only You" to critical acclaim. Led by his hit single "Catch Me If You Can", which premiered on BET's 106 and Park as the New Joint of the Day on January 5, 2011, [6] it received features in all of the music industry's top magazines and television networks (including VIBE Magazine who covered Shawn's album release event in Times Square New York. [7] In the months following, viral interest grew world-wide, garnering over 4.5 million viral internet views/plays of his music videos, songs, and interviews. [8]

Interest in Shawn continued to grow with several top-selling artists expressing interest in collaborating with him on various projects, most recently with the artist Adam Young of Owl City with whom he recorded two verses on the lead single Alligator Sky on his album All Things Bright and Beautiful which was released on June 14, 2011.

On October 3, 2011, Shawn Chrystopher released his 4th free album "Silent Films for the Blind". This 15-track project was sponsored by Xbox.com and has features from Ashly, El Prez, Mann, and more.

2012 to Present: The 'Lovestory." Series

Lovestory. (mixtape) is a precursor to his debut album, Lovestory LP, that was released July 26, 2012, via livemixtapes.com independently under Shawn's Honour Role Music. The mixtape features guest appearances from GLC, Dom Kennedy, Kris Kasanova, Mann, Stunnaman and Phil Ade. Production includes productions with longtime collaborator Zaire Koalo and was executive produced by record producer Timbaland. As of December, the mixtape has garnered over 100,000 downloads. [9]

Inspiration for Shawn's mixtape includes UK artists like James Blake, Gang Colours and Tinnie Tempah. The singles "One of My Homies" and "Situation" featuring American hip hop recording artist, Dom Kennedy were the sure-fire standout songs off the mixtape. Shawn on the Lovestory., "the mixtape is not solely about the love between a man and a woman, but the love between friends, family, love and passion for a dream." [10]

On May 7, 2013, Shawn released his first single "Minding My Business" on iTunes and all other major digital marketplaces. [11] The Lovestory LP released on July 23, 2013, to critical acclaim from hip-hop blogs such as: HipHopDX & DJBooth. [12]

After a hiatus from music and social media for several months during the winter of 2013/14, Shawn began dropping new music on his SoundCloud page in June 2014. His first two tracks were over classic hip-hop beats, which were then followed by original material. During his hiatus, Shawn recorded several albums worth of material, and announced he would be releasing three albums before 2014 was over. The first album, which will be released for free, is called "Summerlove," and is executive produced by Timbaland. It was expected to drop for free on LiveMixtapes on August 12, 2014. [13]

Endorsements

LRG clothing

In 2009 Shawn Chrystopher inked an endorsement deal with clothing company LRG. After sponsoring and showcasing Chrystopher's first two mixtapes, LRG featured Shawn Chrystopher in a full-page ad in July 2009 during their 10th-anniversary campaign. The ad not only promoted LRG's Fall 2009 line, but Shaw but digital album "A City With No Seasons." The ad was printed in August issue of XXL magazine and used online advertisting on many well known music and fashion blogs throughout the internet. [14]

Xbox

On May 12, 2011, Xbox introduced Shawn Chrystopher to the gaming world by letting Chrystopher 'takeover' their social networking accounts. [15] [ non-primary source needed ] Shawn answered questions from fans spanning from games, upcoming music releases, touring, etc. Both sides hinted at a much deeper relationship in the following months including more cross-promotion and Shawn Chrystopher personalized Xbox items.

Discography

Studio albums

Mixtapes

Singles

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timbaland</span> American record producer (born 1972)

Timothy Zachery Mosley, known professionally as Timbaland, is an American record producer, songwriter, record executive, rapper, and singer. He has received widespread acclaim for his innovative production work and distinctive "stuttering" rhythmic style. In 2007, Entertainment Weekly stated that "just about every current pop trend can be traced back to him—from sultry, urban-edged R&B songstresses [...] to the art of incorporating avant-garde sounds into No. 1 hits."

Moses Barrett III, known by the stage name Petey Pablo, is an American rapper from Greenville, North Carolina. He is best known for his 2003 crunk hit "Freek-a-Leek".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Wall</span> American rapper from Texas

Paul Michael Slayton, better known by his stage name Paul Wall, is an American rapper and DJ. He has spent much of his career affiliated with Swishahouse, and has released several albums under the label and collaborated with numerous other rappers signed to the label. He began his career performing alongside fellow Houstonian Chamillionaire, with whom he released several albums, including 2002's independently released Get Ya Mind Correct. By 2005, he was signed to Atlantic Records and became successful with his major label debut The Peoples Champ, which was followed up by Get Money, Stay True followed in 2007. He has been nominated for one Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance as a Duo or Group for the song "Grillz", his collaboration with rapper Nelly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skillz (rapper)</span> American rapper

Donnie Shaquan Lewis, better known by his stage name Skillz, is an American rapper. He first became known for his debut album From Where??? (1996), titularly in reference to his origins in Virginia, contrary of the prototypical New York City- or Los Angeles-based rapper at the time. He is also known for his yearly "Rap Ups," which he has done annually since 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">9th Wonder</span> American record producer (born 1975)

Patrick Denard Douthit, better known as 9th Wonder, is a hip hop record producer, record executive, and DJ from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, who is also teaching faculty at North Carolina Central University and Duke University, where he collaborates with Professor Mark Anthony Neal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Put You on the Game</span> 2005 single by the Game

"Put You on the Game" is a single by American rapper and West Coast hip hop artist the Game, released as the final single from his debut album, The Documentary. Written by the Game himself and produced by both Timbaland and co-produced by Danja, the song was the album's fifth official single, and it was released on August 30, 2005. This was the first single released by the Game after a beef with former fellow G-Unit member 50 Cent fell apart and after the Game released the mixtape titled You Know What It Is Vol. 3. Also failing to match the popularity of his previous singles, and failing to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, the song peaked at number 96 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song was placed 44th on About.com's Best Hip-Hop Songs of 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pusha T</span> American rapper (born 1977)

Terrence LeVarr Thornton, better known by his stage name Pusha T, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record executive. He rose to prominence as one-half of the Virginia-based hip hop duo Clipse, which was mainly active from 1994 to 2010, alongside his older brother No Malice. As Clipse, the two released three studio albums upon signing to Pharrell's Star Trak Entertainment; the albums spawned hit singles including "Grindin'" and "When the Last Time".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">T.I. discography</span>

The discography of American rapper T.I. consists of eleven studio albums, one compilation album, one remix album, four extended plays (EPs), 13 mixtapes, 110 singles and 11 promotional singles. He has also released one music video album and over 60 music videos, the details of which are included in his videography.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DJ Mehdi</span> French DJ and music producer (1977–2011)

Mehdi Favéris-Essadi, better known by his stage name DJ Mehdi, was a French hip hop and house music producer and DJ. He was signed to the label Ed Banger Records, founded by his friend Pedro Winter, in which he released in 2006 his album Lucky Boy, also the label's debut album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crooked I</span> American rapper from California

Dominick Antron Wickliffe, better known by his stage names Crooked I and Kxng Crooked, is an American rapper from Long Beach, California. He is best known as a former member of the hip hop supergroup Slaughterhouse with other members Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz and Royce da 5'9". He is CEO of his own record labels, Dynasty Entertainment and C.O.B. Digital as well as Senior Vice President of Treacherous Records. Before starting his own label, he was also signed to Virgin Records and Death Row Records. He is currently one half of the rap duo Crook and Joell with his former Slaughterhouse bandmate, Joell Ortiz. Together, they released three studio albums.

John R. Austin II, better known by his stage name Ras Kass, is an American rapper. He is a member of the hip hop supergroup The HRSMN, along with Canibus, Killah Priest, and Kurupt in 2014. He is also a member of the group Golden State Warriors with Xzibit and Saafir. About.com ranked him No. 30 on their list of the Top 50 MCs of Our Time (1987–2007), while Pitchfork Media called him "one of the best rappers of all time."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Naledge</span> American rapper

Jabari Miles Evans, better known by his stage name Naledge, is an American rapper and one half of the hip-hop group Kidz in the Hall. He is also an assistant professor of Race and Media at the University of South Carolina in School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Say Something (Timbaland song)</span> 2009 single by Timbaland featuring Drake

"Say Something" is a song recorded by American producer, songwriter and rapper Timbaland, for his third studio album Shock Value II (2009). The song features vocals from Canadian rapper Drake. It was written by Mosley, Jerome Harmon, Graham, Timothy Clayton and John Maultsby. The production was helmed by Mosley under his stage-name Timbaland while Harmon served as the assistant producer, under the stage-name Jroc. The song was tailored to Drake's sound and when the rapper wrote to it, he contacted the producer about the lyrics. Despite the verses feeling more like Graham's record, Mosley gave his blessing and went the product. The song was solicited to digital retailers on November 3, 2009 in the United States as the album's second single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Will Made It</span> American music producer (born 1989)

Michael Len Williams II, known professionally as Mike Will Made It or simply Mike Will, is an American record producer and rapper. He is best known for producing trap beats for several Southern hip hop and pop artists on various commercially successful singles, including "Black Beatles" and "Powerglide" by Rae Sremmurd, "Mercy" by Kanye West, "No Lie" by 2 Chainz, "Bandz a Make Her Dance" by Juicy J, "Pour It Up" by Rihanna, "Love Me" by Lil Wayne, "Body Party" by Ciara, "We Can't Stop" by Miley Cyrus, "Formation" by Beyoncé, and "Humble" by Kendrick Lamar. He has released six mixtapes and one solo studio album, Ransom 2.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brianna Perry</span> American rapper and actress

Brianna Perry, also known as Lil' Brianna, is an American rapper and actress from Miami-Dade County, Florida. She was the youngest act signed to Missy Elliott's label The Goldmind Inc. Perry made her debut on Trina's album Diamond Princess (2002) on the track "Kandi". Since then, she has released several mixtapes and starred as a regular cast-member on the reality-television series Sisterhood of Hip Hop. In 2016, Brianna left major label Atlantic Records due to low promotion and moved forward with her indie label Poe Boy Entertainment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Webby</span> American rapper

Christian Walcott Webster, better known by his stage name Chris Webby, is an American rapper from Norwalk, Connecticut. Chris Webby has released many mixtapes such as the DJ Drama-hosted Bars On Me (2012) and his EP There Goes the Neighborhood (2011), which peaked at number 101 on the Billboard 200. He has worked with various artists such as Freeway, Mac Miller, Joell Ortiz, Big K.R.I.T., Method Man, Apathy, Prodigy, Bun B, Tech N9ne, Jarren Benton, and Kid Ink. In 2013 he and his label, Homegrown Music, signed a deal with E1 Music. He then released Homegrown, another EP, in November 2012. Webster released his debut studio album Chemically Imbalanced on October 27, 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jon Connor</span> American rapper from Michigan

Jon Kevin Freeman Jr., better known by his stage name Jon Connor, is an American rapper and record producer. Connor has released various mixtapes and an album effort during his career including the Jay-Z inspired The Blue Album, and the Eminem inspired The People's Rapper LP. His debut studio album, Unconscious State was released in 2013. Shortly thereafter, he was signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment from 2013 to 2019, where he did not release an album. In 2015, he garnered notoriety for being featured on Dr. Dre's album Compton (2015) as well as The Game's album The Documentary 2.5 (2015).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tink (musician)</span> American rapper and singer

Trinity Laure'Ale Home , better known by her stage name Tink, is an American rapper and singer from the Chicago area in Illinois. She is best known for the single "Treat Me Like Somebody" and for the collaboration with singer and producer Jeremih on "Don't Tell Nobody". Since 2012, she has released seven mixtapes and has gone independent due to label issues regarding the release of her debut album. Her 2014 mixtape, Winter's Diary 2: Forever Yours, was featured as a top 10 R&B album in both Rolling Stone and Billboard magazines.

Travis Miller is an American rapper, singer and record producer from Richmond, Virginia. He has recorded under multiple aliases in various genres since his first known released project in 2005, including Lil Ugly Mane, Shawn Kemp, Vudmurk and Bedwetter.

<i>Back on My Baby Jesus Sh!t Again</i> 2021 EP by DaBaby

Back on My Baby Jesus Sh!t Again is the second extended play by American rapper DaBaby. It was released through Interscope Records and South Coast on November 12, 2021. The EP features guest appearances from Kodak Black and 21 Savage. It serves as the sequel to DaBaby's tenth mixtape, Back on My Baby Jesus Sh!t (2017).

References

  1. ↑ "LRG Presents Shawn Chrystopher". LRG Clothing. Archived from the original on May 19, 2011.
  2. ↑ Garrett, Shawn. "Shawn Chrystopher Bio".
  3. ↑ "Timbaland: Shawn Chrystopher to Release 'Summer Love' on August 12th".
  4. ↑ "Shawn Chrystopher - the Lovestory LP | Stream | DJBooth". Archived from the original on October 5, 2015. Retrieved October 5, 2015.
  5. ↑ "Shawn Chrystopher – A City With No Seasons [Free LP]". Okay Player. Retrieved November 12, 2018.
  6. ↑ Campbell, Mia. "Shawn Chrystopher Parks his Video on 106". My Pink Grasshopper. Archived from the original on August 22, 2011.
  7. ↑ Fresh, Mikey. "Shawn Chrystopher 'You, And Only You' Album Release Party". VIBE Magazine.
  8. ↑ Kennedy, Gerrick (March 14, 2011). "Inglewood rapper Shawn Chrystopher not hung up on any label deal: 'I'm happy where I am'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 14, 2011.
  9. ↑ J, Julie. "Shawn Chrystopher Lovestory Mixtape". Archived from the original on August 14, 2012.
  10. ↑ Milner, Iman. "Shawn Chrystopher Lovestory Mixtape".
  11. ↑ James, Jess. "Shawn Chrystopher – Minding My BusinessNew Music".
  12. ↑ "Shawn Chrystopher - The Lovestory LP | Read Hip Hop Reviews, Rap Reviews & Hip Hop Album Reviews | HipHop DX". Archived from the original on August 3, 2013.
  13. ↑ "Shawn Chrystopher - Summerlove Mixtape".
  14. ↑ Lady, Boss. "Shawn Chrystopher Talks Album, LRG Campaign + More" . Retrieved October 11, 2009.
  15. ↑ Facebook, Xbox. "Xbox's social Feed". Microsoft.{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  16. ↑ Chrystopher, Shawn. "A City with No Season on iTunes". iTunes Store.
  17. ↑ Fresh, Mickey. "Shawn Chrystopher's "You and Only You" Album Release Event". VIBE Magazine.
  18. ↑ D, Nigel. "New Single Catch Me if You Can". RealtalkNY.net. Archived from the original on March 23, 2014.
  19. ↑ D, Nigel. "New Single Catch Me if You Can". RealtalkNY.net. Archived from the original on March 23, 2014.
  20. ↑ D, Beware. "New Single Catch Me if You Can". smokingsection.net. Archived from the original on June 7, 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.