Movies and Music

October 2, 2010 at 7:37pm

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Movies and Music

Interviewee: Ohshawn

Ohshawn is an underground artist competing on the Toronto entertainment scene, with GSX Music an Indie Label (WhoIsGSX.com) and management under Linykie Nix for That'sMySong! Music. Ohshawn is an experienced multi talented (Actor and Rapper) who has a resume of: mixtapes, videos, singles, and has had major roles in stage productions across Ontario. In 2009 he peaked at the #1 position with eight straight weeks on 93.7 WBLK for the hit single “Smirnoff Ice”. He just released another mixtape “The Book of Ohshawn” as a gift to the people. The Mixtape has 23 tracks that focus on different aspects of life from Ohshawn’s experience – and it has something for everyone (“The Book of Ohshawn” is available for free download at http://usershare.net/1r3ts2w0ahnv). Ohshawn used movie samples from the film “The Book of Eli”- that actually inspired his projects for Fall 2010. Drama is definitely shown in his most recent professional video called: “Glass of Grenades” similar to a movie trailer with a military vibe (watch here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_BNeud4SRE). Both the mixtape and the video are of high quality and creativity. He has combined both his acting and passion for music in his latest projects, giving him a competitive edge. Ohshawn and HOOKEDUPB came together to bring fans and future fans the news on what Ohshawn has been up to:

What caught my eye first was “Glass of Grenades” which is like a movie trailer, where did you get the idea for that video?

Um ya, I worked with an up ‘n coming director (JT Customatic) we both liked the idea and wanted it to be authentic- apocalyptic. A lot of the images and ideas come from “The Book of Eli” we wanted to keep integrity of Denzel Washington in the film and something to my self. Hence, why I am out there getting dirty in the sand and stuff!

Why did you decide on making it lengthy (7:42) since the average video is about 3.5- 4 minutes long?

We figured, ‘cause I’m an actor… so we said why not hit them with a little acting; so I gave a little bit of a story, with some of the music, wanted to hit both genres and ideas at the same time- a combination of both talents that I have.

In “Glass of Grenades” you say “kill ‘em all” what are you referring to, competition in the music industry?

Ya, that’s a part of it! It’s your demons- things that slow you down: friends, money, and laziness ect. it’s a term that is used. It inspires people to “Kill ‘em all” (lol)- its not about violence. Everybody goes through something that slows them down there’s been a lot of things that i have been trying to slow me down so that’s what it’s basically about.

You have just released a mixtape called “The Book of Ohshawn” you used samples to add to the feel of the ‘tape, can you tell us what movie sample and background songs you used?

Sounds coming from “The Book of Eli” that’s how I came up with “The Book of Ohshawn” (Mixtape)…in “The Book of Eli” Denzel (Washington) is in a post nuclear place; basically bringing a book of civilization to the people who want that emotion that creation! So that’s what the journey is about…plus it’s a damn good movie!

Does your musical talent and ability to be actor give you leverage over other artists who focus on the music only?

Oh for sure. I think it allows me to think outside the box, and not be trapped inside a box! ‘cause I don’t have to be this…I adapt into whatever I want to be: it could be controversial, educational, serious, fun, love! Music should have no boundaries and I’m in acting and they teach you not to have any boundaries. Hence, “The Book Of Ohshawn” can appeal to any type of person. You can definitely take back for your self (take something from the mixtape). An older lady came up to me one time and she said there are tracks on there she could definitely feel!

Your tracks have been played on radio before, what do you think the “trick” is to making a hit Hip Hop radio tune?

I don’t know if there’s a trick. As an artist you should be true to yourself and if you can deliver something that you feel good about. I don’t think anybody can say in the studio: “that’s a radio hit”!? It’s like rolling the dice and the feeling you get- than let management do the rest!

Which song off “The Book of Ohshawn” do you think is a radio banger?

Oh that’s simple- the track: “Coup D’etat”! That track is produced by Xxpress- my brother. The singer is an up ‘n coming singer Haley Small- she’s unstoppable! That’s the most original song off the mixtape.

Give us your thoughts about the GTA’s (Greater Toronto Area) underground industry today?

Wow, well Generally people don't know about people until they pop up – people are so underground that you don't really know about it! Thank God for internet though so Hip Hop and other genres are making a push. There is a lot of unknown talent. I am working with some of the best I've heard. The GTA’s underground Hip Hop is still trying to create our own sound. The States heavily influences us. We are trying to create our own sound and it is becoming successful! ... Of course there is Drake, Melanie Fiona, Kardinal Official but also we gotta look at Kim Davis, Rich Ridd, the pioneer Maestro and the homie Shad I really love everything he is doing right now.

What are your current career related goals for the future?

I want everyone to hear: “The Book of Ohshawn” (the mixtape)
First actual album coming out early to mid 2011!
Continue to persue acting career on stages and on camera, definitely next year. I was on a TV show called “DISS”… we traveled to schools across the GTA! I played the main character!

Shout outs/ last comments?

Thank you God for everything you have ever given me, GSX Music and Xpress, WhoisGSX.com, Linykie Nix, That'sMySong!, Niche (ACCENT but cant on this PC), Haley Small, Big Brotha C, Gcredible, Dracula, The Don, Terinafaye, Mr. Dez, Couture, Cheff, JT Customatic, Shauna.com, S.Scott, Mica, Xpense, Chinn Chilla, Aristotle & Rocforte, Free Dre!!!!!!!!!!! My people for showing me love, and all who downloaded the tape – more to come!

Contact Ohshawn:

Facebook Page:

Ohshawn Fan Page

Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/user/WhoisGSX

Twitter:

IAmOhshawn

Myspace:

http://www.myspace.com/ohshawn

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