The Rundown: OG Shyne
Written by Waylon O'Day
The Rundown has laid the groundwork for artists to express themselves and share their music to the followers of Modern Life Mag. Covering artists from coast to coast, we land back in the homestead of the MLM headquarters and stumble a brash yet witty sound that's coming from the Houstock camp.
Seeing the creative collective from their humble beginnings, ByBreezy has single-handily created a lane where the indie acts of Houston can prosper, unite, and ultimately create a revolution amongst themselves to provide a refreshing versatile aura to the Houston music scene. Throughout the collective, it's many artists to offer, but OG Shyne stands out as one the lead general of the camp with her upfront attitude and will to win by any means.
During the midst of 2016, she released her critically acclaimed project, "Shyne Worldwide", performed at SXSW, and has been on a roll with loose singles, visuals, and packed shows. We feature the rising Houston star and gave her the chance to speak on the Houston music scene, her influences, what's next for her, and more.
Read below.
How is your Modern Life?
It's pretty dope ! I can't complain you know
What inspired to start making music?
Vh1 documentaries on NWA and 2pac. Just their stories and how they impacted not only hip hop, but the world. And how they we're all characters, in charge of themselves and not scared to be themselves. It made me wanna give it a try out of curiosity, and also how they were respected in hip hop. I thought that honor of respect they got was prestigious. I wanted to earn that for my self thru music
How did you choose the name OG Shyne?
OG comes from NWA. Like I said, how they were just in charge of themselves and didn't care what anyone thought of them, and where just full of originality. They were just themselves with no apologies. And Shyne is my last name. Spelt that way too, with a "Y".
What is it like being a female rapper? Hip-hop has largely been a man’s game, do you feel as though you have been overlooked because of who you are? Do you feel like you’ve had a harder time getting to where you are than most of your peers?
It not even necessarily harder just because the world is more accepting now. And there are a lot of females coming up right now and receiving their kudos too. It's just annoying as fuck because people wanna pull the "dyke think she can rap" bullshit lol. I don't let it determine my future though people gone talk shit regardless that's what I've learned. As long as I keep moving forward Ima be fine.
Who or what are some of your musical inspirations?
PHIFE DAWG. RIP to him he's forever my favorite MC. Biggie, Drake, Future, Metroboomin And every one coming on this new wave, Uzi Vert, Tyo and etc. just because they create and bring great vibes without giving a fuck about what people say.
What do you look for in a beat before you hop on it?
Bass lines. I love a live ass bass line. And I like switch ups and variation in a beat.
"I've thought about it; moving to LA or ATL, but I love my city. Houston is definitely going to help me grow. Hell it already has. I don't mind staying down in Houston for my come up because I feel like if I can make it here, I'll be fine anywhere."
Houston is a great city to be in if you’re in the hip-hop industry, but some cities have gotten more love here recently. Do you feel as though if you came up in an Atlanta or a Los Angeles, things would be different for you? Or are you glad that you came up in the H?
I've thought about it; moving to LA or ATL, but I love my city. Houston is definitely going to help me grow. Hell it already has. I don't mind staying down in Houston for my come up because I feel like if I can make it here, I'll be fine anywhere. Houston a tough city but they show respect to hard work dedication and consistency.
What did you grow up listening to?
Oldies. Marvin Gaye, Toni tone tony, jagged edge, missy elliot, tlc. And whatever was one MTV jams and BETs Rap City and 106&park.