For all the kids dreaming of fame and fortune while watching MTV videos, and practicing their air guitar techniques; a new group has emerged on the scene. But this isn’t your average Rock & Roll band, in fact, they’re way on the other side of the musical spectrum. Upon hearing them perform for the first time, it’s easy to point out the Rock & Roll-esque influence they bring to the table; while still keeping it ‘hood. That’s right people, these rockers have been born in bred in one of the toughest urban areas in the country. Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you Demetrius “Meanie” Hardin, Richard “Fat” Stevens, and Rasheed “Sheed” Hightower. The Atlanta based trio, better known to the world as The Shop Boyz.
These natives of Hot-Lanta are adding heavy guitar riffs to their repertoire, while abandoning the the traditional sounds of modern day Hip-Hop. Their current single, Party Like A Rock Star has transformed the usual head nodders, into today’s head bangers; reminiscent of Beavis & Butt-Head. Hailing from the Bankhead side of Atlanta GA, these life long friends have arrived to put their own special twist on our ever evolving genre.
Now the only question is: How do they plan on staying around, and not turning into tomorrow’s fad? Well, that’s just what we intend on finding out.
HHDX: So what can we expect from your album, Rock Star Mentality?
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Sheed: Basically just a whole lot of Hip-Hop man. Just a whole lot of different sounds, and with a lot of energy. We’re not like nothing you ever heard before.
HHDX: So how did you guys first come together as a group?
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Sheed: We grew up together, back in the projects of Atlanta. So basically we came up together, and we all decided to rap. This was like three years ago, and here we are now.
HHDX: How do you think you guys will stand out more than most of the acts currently coming out of Atlanta right now?
Sheed: Well you can already tell, because “Party Like A Rock Star” is a different kind of song. It’s not like anything you heard before, so basically our whole avenue if different. So that’s what’s going to differentiate us from all the others groups that already took off. So as soon as someone tries to copy our style, we’re already focused on what’s next. Because it’s going to be different from what we just did.
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HHDX: Since the whole Don Imus controversy, a lot of rappers are cleaning up their lyrics. Has that ever been a thought in your minds?
Sheed: We really try not to comment on the whole Don Imus thing. He voiced his personal opinion, and if that’s how he feels; then that’s how he feels. But we just try to stay out of it.
HHDX: Do you guys ever bump heads when coming up with song ideas?
Sheed: For the most part, we’re usually on the same page. We never argue about what should go here, and what should go there. We always think things out. So we’re always on the same page as far as getting this money.
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HHDX: Your current single, “Party Like A Rock Star” is a big hit. Do you feel any pressure to keep that momentum going?
Sheed: No, not really. Because we already been doing this, and it feels so right, and its so different. So we’re not too worried about that.
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HHDX: What would you say is the worst thing about being in the music business so far?
Sheed: The timing, and probably just being away from my family. Like my little brother, but I know he wants me to do this for him.
HHDX: So it’s tough on your family huh?
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Sheed: Yeah, that’s the hardest part. But it’s fun when the fans come out and tell us they love our song. That’s what makes it better.
HHDX: Do you think lyrical content has taken a back seat to beats and hooks? Or is it still a major factor in Hip-Hop?
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Fat: We think its pretty much in between, because some people don’t like to sit down and listen to what you’re saying. Some people would rather go to the club just to hear music. There’s always going to be different types of people, you know.
HHDX: A lot of new groups debut every year, then you never hear from them again. How are you guys going stop that from being your fate?
Meanie: I feel like this; we’re here to make music, and we love doing it. So we’re going to keep doing this, so I know that we are going to be around for a while.
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HHDX: Do you think there’s any particular reason why Atlanta Hip-Hop has been in the spot light lately?
Meanie: My personal opinion is, because our music so fresh and different, know what I’m saying. For so long, people been making the same kind of music, know what I’m saying. Atlanta comes with a different type of sound, whether it be the snap music or whatever. But our sound is different, so that’s why we are going to keep making different kinds of music. Like when The Game came in, he came with a different sound to L.A. music, know what I’m saying. It’s just different music.
HHDX: With your freshman album behind you already, do you think there are any areas you need to improve on for future projects?
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Sheed: Uh.. We’ll let the people decide, but like everything else you only get better. We just keep on growing and getting better everyday. Look at artists like T.I., his music now, is a lot better than when he first started. The same with Jay-Z and Jadakiss. Even withLil Wayne; listen to his older stuff, then come listen to him now. That happens with everybody, you know what I’m saying. So we got plenty of time to grow because we’re new.
