We sat down for an interview with the rising star to talk about her new song, and all things hip-hop.
The rap scene is currently the most popular genre in the world, filling a music sized hole only hip-hop and its sub-genres can stock.
GB Records, responsible for developing UK trailblazer Teezandos, is a fast-rising platform for unmapped music. They recently discovered the London-based talent of Shann, quickly signing her to their expanding roster of artists. This is a testament to the talent radar of the label’s acute scouting record. Noticing a gap in listener interests, they’re quietly taking over with a vested interest in the obscure flair of lesser-known musicians.
Based in South-West London, her breakout single Young and Fly, is a relaxed production enhanced by the lyricist’s instantly recognisable vocal timbre. Her signature flow and penmanship are equally sharp and idiosyncratic, as she gingerly locks in katana-like bars, leaving other rappers wondering how to approach this.
READ MORE: Thrilling New Hip-Hop Music from Shann, ‘Goat,’ Drops
Having just dropped a vibe of a tune in Goat, we got together for an exclusive interview with the up-and-coming emcee, to find out what drives her work and what she has up her sleeve next.
Growing up in London, what part of the city do you feel raised you, and how did it shape your sound?
“Growing up in south east London, Lewisham raised me real, raw, and ultimately authentic; it taught me hunger and hustle from a young age. Aside from music, some of my role models were my older brother, uncles, grandma, etc. All they ever knew was hustle, man or woman, so they definitely helped shape my mindset to this day, and reliving certain life experiences from back then–in my mind–has made me able to regenerate my new sound, that’s the real me.”
How did you discover you wanted to rap?
“I’ve always loved music. As I grew up, I found myself studying it like scriptures, valuing lyrical ability over just beats and feeling like it resonated with me more than the average person. So it definitely hit different when I first started writing my own; I rapped to the family, naturally, they all gassed. It’s when I knew, not only did I want to live everything music, but it also became my therapy.”
What themes or messages do you find yourself returning to in your music?
“As a young female artist with a lot of life experiences that I’m currently still facing, I always come back to themes like independence, self-worth and grind, because who will help you if you don’t help yourself? I rap about persevering through the struggle, it’s about showing females they can be fierce and feminine, strong and soft–all at once”
How do you perceive the industry now compared to when you were a listener?
“Back when I was a listener, the industry felt distant and male-dominated, with only a few women breaking through if they had a certain “look.” Now that I’m in it, I see both progress and pressure, I see the amount of work and hardship that actually goes into music. I used to think it was a lot easier than it actually is.”
You’ve dropped three tracks, including a freestyle. Is there an album or EP in the works?
“Most definitely in the works!
Your cadence is relaxed but assertive and distinct from other acts. What or who influenced your style?
“I would say this is because I have two sides to me. My early influences consist of neo soul artists like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill. But where I grew up was home to many drill artists, and that’s what I would hear depending on who I was with. Being around my elders, I feel as though my style is a blend of all of it trying to remain tranquil through the chaos”
The UK scene is booming. Considering your flow, do you think its oversaturation gives you an advantage?
“Yeah, the UK scene is booming right now — mad talent everywhere. But amongst that, there’s also a lot of facades. For me, the oversaturation is a blessing — it pushes me to stand out by being unapologetically me. My flow, my message, my energy — it’s different. Some like to blend in; I’d rather break through. In a crowded room, real ones still get heard.”
What are your favourite genres of music aside from drill, hip-hop or grime?
“I love neo soul/RnB !! If I wasn’t making rap music, I would definitely still be creatively involved with neo soul.”
How do you explore and develop motifs in your songs?
“I build motifs from lived experiences, real moments, real emotions, and real thoughts that won’t leave me. Once I find that core idea, I flip it from different angles that could mean turning a sad idea into a happy one, pain into power, etc”
What’s one line you’ve written that still gives you chills?
“‘If you wanna fly with the eagles you can’t hang with the crows, never surprised when they switch up I promise I know how it goes.’ This line has many meanings to me, but it mainly reflects self-awareness and elevation. Flying with the eagles means aiming high and levelling up mentally, spiritually or in your grind. You can’t hang with the crows, warns that keeping low energy will hold you back. Second part never surprised when they switch up, just shows that I’m someone who has seen loyalty fade and learned never to expect it, protecting my space all in all.”
What places and vibes make you feel at home creatively?
“Being in a room surrounded by other talented individuals makes me feel so at home. Whether that’s rap cyphers, art exhibitions, I love seeing people do things that I resonate with.”
What’s something people might not expect from you outside of Music?
“Something people might not expect is how spiritual and grounded I can be nowadays. I’m heavy on protecting my peace, reading, staying connected to energy and intention. People see the grit and bars, but don’t always see the soft reflective side that helps fuel that inner work.”
What three artists would you like to collaborate with?
“From any genre, I would have to say my queen, Erykah Badu, Brent fiyaz.
This question really depends on when I’m asked – there’s so many artists I think are super colddd, But right now, I’m really loving UK rap\drill mixed with R&B music, so for now, I’ll leave it at that.”
Leave a Reply