Shawn Jackson is a hip hop recording artist who has clearly preserved his ‘88 hip hop admiration, while balancing it with the relevance of today’s culture. An aspiring MC for years, Shawn was truly introduced to the hip hop community in 1999 as Soul Kaliba, one half of the Rhode Island based group Roolette. In 2002, Shawn quickly bounced back to release his debut solo project, “Soul Searching” catching buzz in the college radio market, followed up by the 2004 release, “Opium,” a ‘demo,’ which caught fire among Rhode Island hip hop fans.
In 2005, Shawn returned back to his home of Southern California to release the experimental 12” called “GO!” Produced by Newman of Giant Panda. Shawn and Newman, went under the moniker of New Jack Hustle, receiving critical acclaim from Portisthead’s own DJ Andy Smith, Urb Magazine, and other important tastemakers.
Shawn Jackson’s latest project, “First of All…” is a highly anticipated album that aims to satisfy true fans that feel a void within quality hip hop music. The album is a wonderful balance of sounds which features artists such as Guilty Simpson (Stones Throw Records), Ty of Ty & Kory, Double K (People Under the Stairs), Ta’Raach (C.R.A.C.), Beloved, and Comel of the group Time Machine. It’s balance and well rounded features give listeners something that is often missing from hip hop, and further proves that Shawn Jackson is one of the strongest MCs in the game to date. His swagger, rhyme play, and well thought out content, sets a high standard for those that choose to follow. |
