I recently got a chance to briefly interview legendary Chicago Hip-Hop artist and emcee, Shawnna. Backstage in the media area. While attending this year’s Hyde Park Summer Fest in Chicago’s famed Midway Plaisance Park on the Southside. Talking with her after her very amazing and energetic performance as part of the historic Chicago Hip-Hop 50 Performance late Sunday afternoon during the final day of the festival. We talked about a few different topics. Ranging from her place in Chicago Hip-Hop, working with Ludacris and his Disturbing Tha Peace label/crew and what it was like to be a part of the historic Chicago Hip-Hop project that legendary Chicago producer, The Legendary Traxster recently released.
Nello for TheHipHopDemocrat.com: Hey Shawnna, nice to talk you. I’m Nello Rubio with TheHipHopDemocrat.com I have actually followed you since the beginning of your career when you started out with Ludacris and his Disturbing Tha Peace. How was it to get started with somebody as big as Luda and really jump off your career?
Shawnna: While we really started together, if you really think about it. They didn’t really know Luda and they didn’t really know me. Luda just called me and had me join him on, What’s Your Fantasy and the chemistry was just so good. The record was just such an on time record for the year we dropped it. It kinda just boosted us both to where we supposed to be. So I am very thankful for being a part of that project and Luda reaching out to me for that opportunity.
Nello: Kinda playing off that you guys ended up eventually doing an album together, Battle of the Sexes. Do you think there would ever be a possibility of you doing an album together again?
Shawnna: I would absolutely love to, but as you can see Luda is busy. He has got this cartoon, Karma’s World, he has got toys, he has got hair products. He has got Fast and Furious. So whenever we can slow him down and get him in the studio. I will be right there.
Nello: You have always been a big part of Hip-Hop here in Chicago. You had mentioned during your performance about, The Legendary Traxster, putting out his most recent album, Chicago. Where Traxster was able to get a lot of you guys together.
Shawnna: Yeah cause we all love Traxster.
Nello: How was it working with him and being able to be on such a big project as that?
Shawnna: Working with Traxster is something that I have been wanting to do for a very long time. But I believe he ended up going on a little bit of a hiatus. Whatever he did I am glad he did it and came on back. Cause I call him the architect of Chicago sound and for him to come and invite me on such a project. I am just so honored and elated by the reception of the song. Shout out to Tia London. She did her thing and she is an exceptional artist. Who is also here from Chicago. So I am happy she is finally getting her flowers and people respecting her as a great artist too.