Fashawn is huge.  Famously discovered at the age of 17 by Planet Asia, he has been touring the world since.  A full on Central California phenomenon.  On top of it all Fashawn in down to earth and can still be seen around skating the parks.  This interview is from Early October 2009 when he played at Howie and Sons.

So I hear you've been pretty busy lately, a new album, and upcoming tours?

I'm going on "The Wizard Of Poetry Tour" with Ghostface this fall. We're traveling all over America in 45 days. In the mix of all that i got my debut album title "Boy Meets World" coming October 20, 2009. I've never been so nervous in my life. I'm more excited than anything.
   

How did growing up in Fresno affect your music, do you think you would even be into Hiphop if you had different circumstances?

I think i'd still be involved in the culture even if I had grew up in Beverly Hills. i believe the content of my music would be totally different. I would've never made a record like "Our Way" with out the experience of growing up in a place like Fresno.

 

What artists have you been working with lately?

I have'nt been working with too many artist, but i'll name a few: Strong Arm Steady, AC, Bravo, J.cole, Amp Live of Zion I, U-N-I,The Alchemist. There is so many artist i have yet to collaborate with.

How did you make the transition from living in Fresno, being a kid, to working with all these big time people doing something you love?

I knew I had talent and so did everybody else around me. I went from recording mixtapes in my freinds closet  to catching the ear of rap legends . I knew all i needed was to be put in the right hands, so I reached out to Hecktik who was managing an artist by the name of Diego Redd at the time. 2006 was the beginning of that relationship. We've been making history ever since.


Do you have to leave Fresno to make it big?

I saw the rise of Planet Asia and noticed how he had to get out of this little city to really get his name known worldwide. I'd say you definitley have to make the move because the world is bigger than Central California.

 

You're music doesn't sugar coat anything, but at the same time seems real positive, is that just you're personality, or is it a conscience decision?

That's just a part of who i am. I can't help it honestly. I feel like that form of communication is the most effective.

When did you start skateboarding?

I started skateboarding when I was Ten years old.
When I met you you said you skated with Jesse Paez and Ryan Johnson, those dudes are infamous for sure.

Ryan Johnson is from my hometown. I'd always catch him skating at the park. Jesse Paez is from Visalia, so every time i'd go to Redwood High to skate he'd pop up out of no where. I miss those days.You really had to grow in that era to know what i'm talking about.


I read on your website that you like to read.  What books have you read lately?

Outliers by Malcom Gladwell is what i'm reading these days.


Any thank you's or shout outs?

I wanna thank every one who came to my shows this summer. All my fans around the globe and everybody reading this.