Westleaf Staff
What's up Leafers? Welcome to the latest edition of On the Rise where we interview upcoming music talent. Today's guest is Afro-Beats artist MPR Shawn. Shawn is straight out of New York by way of Trinidad. His sound is vibey and aa mix between Soca and Afro-Beats. We can definitely see J selling out shows on major international stages.The NY based MC has been on our radar for a while so we had to tap in with him! Check out the interview below.
Westleaf Staff: What's up, Shawn? Your sound is dope. When did you start making music?
MPR Shawn: I started making music as a child back home. When I first moved to New York it grew crazy as I was taking in more different sounds. I moved to New York when I was ten. It was a challenging and comforting experience for me.
Westleaf Staff: That's dope! What city do you represent?
MPR Shawn: I was born in Trinidad and raised New York City mostly Brooklyn.
Westleaf Staff: Shout out to Trinidad and NY. So how did you create your stage name?
MPR Shawn: My brother Nemo P gave me the name but I was MPR from the start.
Westleaf Staff: That's a dope name! So how did your early life shape your interest in music?
MPR Shawn: Well I was born in Trinidad so my music style is something you would hear in the islands. I make music to be reminded of home. Every time I make a song I just go back to me in Trinidad. So to answer your question, it shaped life tremendously.
Westleaf Staff: Dope! Music runs through your veins. So who is your biggest Musical influence?
MPR Shawn: I have a few musical influences from all genres including dancehall pop And hip hop. As far as artist Dexta Daps, Vybz Kartel, Burna boy, and Fivio Foreign. My Brother Nemo P as well, It’s a mix as you can see because yes I’m an Afro Beat artist but I also make different type of music.
Westleaf Staff: Dope choice! They're all legends. What's been the defining moment in your music career thus far?
MPR Shawn: Landing my deal with Most Prolific Records LLC I started off as a A&R for the company and then I started showing my brothers my music and I started recording music so they could hear it. When I got their approval MPR Shawn the artist was born.
Westleaf Staff: That's dope! Congrats on signing! So what makes you a unique artist?
MPR Shawn: What makes me a unique artist is that I created this sound on my label. I am the first Afro Beat artist on my label, and also I’m adding to a new sound in New York City. Reggae and soca are strong solid sounds here. The fact that I’m mixing all of them together is a musical gumbo which is unique in its own way.
Westleaf Staff: Dope! So what does art mean to you?
MPR Shawn: Well it means a lot to me bring that I was a tattoo artist.
Westleaf Staff: That's dope! You're super talented! Where do you see your music career going over the next few years?
MPR Shawn: Growing and glowing showing steady growth while crafting my sound and leaving my mark on this music thing here.
Westleaf Staff: I wish you much success! Before we go, describe music in three words.
MPR Shaawn: Inspiring, Important, and Healing.
Follow MPR Shawn:
Tik tok: @mprshawn
Instagram: @mprshawn2020
Facebook: MPR SHAWN
