#FreshJuice: FM Exclusive: Shabetti Bashazz Sits Down with E (Audio)

What a blessing it was to sit down with infamous artist “E” The R&B Hip-hop Rockstar. E actually gave me a great deal of hope that there are good men, who still care about the essence and feelings of women, walking this planet. I found myself very intrigued during the entire interview. Aside from being a gentlemen, E is certainly making a musical impact as he climbs his way up the success ladder. While born in Philly, raised and currently based in the nation’s capitol, DC, you can expect that the “#Team ThicknCurvy” crooner definitely has a really cultured vibe about him. From the seasoned streets of DC to the big screen, he’s refreshing. His idea is to bridge the gaps between trendiness and timelessness, and this is surely apparent in his music. To start the interview, we sailed smoothly into a little bit of his background. I asked,

“E” is such a bold stage name. How did you decide that you’d just go by one letter?

“E is the first letter of my real name. Everyone just started calling me E and, it kinda stuck. I started out as a DJ, I was DJing at a bunch of major clubs in DC and would go by DJ E. And, one day after spinning, DC broadcaster, April Watts was like,

“Hey, DJ E,  you’re like an R &B, hip-hop, rock star.”

And, of course such an introduction like so stuck with me.”

What effect did your childhood environment have on you becoming an R&B artist?

“My childhood environment was always filled with music. I really appreciate DC, because it’s a political town it hold so much culture; there’s a very eclectic feel to the city. One of my favorite records of all time is The Whispers, in the mood. It’s the most beautiful record I’ve ever heard. You know what he’s talking about but it’s tastefully done over a great beat. As a lover of music and artist,  I’ve always made it a point to add that subtle, very original sound in my work.

My grandmother would say all the time “You could sing before you could even talk.” 

And, My aunt really introduced me to good music, she introduced me to Michael Jackson. I was absolutely in awe. My aunt was the one that the put the cap on my love for Michael Jackson, period. I will never forget her showing me MJ videos and being so intrigued. 

 

How could you not be a Michael Jackson fan? How could you not like what this guy does with music? He’s just so incredible at what he does!”

What was your favorite part about being featured on BET’s Rap It Up Campaign mixtape?

“My favorite part about the BET Rap It Up mixtape was being a part of such a influential project that can reach the community. And, for me it hit home because I lost my mother to that illness. Being a part of something so inspirational was huge for me. All thanks to Jeannie Jones, she put that together. “

Back in May, you had a show at the House of Blues. Now, booking a performance at the House of Blues is a huge deal, how did such an experience for your career make you feel? 

“You know what? I felt so invincible on that stage. I literally felt like my heart was gonna burst outta my chest. It was like one moment I was trying to push my campaign in DC and the next I was performing at the House of Blues. I went absolutely nuts, I couldn’t believe it.”

In your music you speak gently and very highly of women, what makes you such a gentlemen? Now-a-days, people don’t care about how they speak to or treat women, how’d you miss the derogatory train? 

“I owe that to all the women in my life, my mother and my sisters, who I simply adore. Also, my nieces and my daughter. I’m a really shy guy. So, its hard press for me to walk up to a woman and start talking, on stage I’m totally different. But, the women in my life have always been role models of how I should treat women. Anytime I’m driving my niece and daughter I make sure to get out to, both, open and close their car doors.

One time my niece asked “Uncle how come you always open my door?”  

Now, I tell my niece and daughter that if a guy doesn’t treat you like a queen then you don’t need to be with him. A gentlemen should always open your door.”

So, at the top of the year, you have an album “Rise of an Artist” set to drop. What type of vibe can we expect from this project?

“‘Rise of an Artist’ is scheduled to drop at the top at the year, January or February, and is produced by Nate Jolley. You can definitely look forward to some great songs that’ll make you feel good.

I released a previous project called Prelude; It’s like my evolution introduction as a writer and singer and overall growth. And, to this [ Rise of an Artist] we can chill a little bit, we can dance a little bit, and we can get a little sexy. A little bit of everything.

On this album, I’ve worked with some greats. Kelly Nicole and I both wrote the song “Sex Language” on the record; and, I had a great time with that one. I loved what she wrote, lyrically; Its female friendly and I always make sure I take that type of care when I make my music. A lot of women like those [filthy/vulgar] songs. And, it’s so weird to me. It amazes me how women sing these songs in unison like kumbaya. So, I try to offer something different. “

Tell me about your “Pop-Up” visits to fans. 

“My ‘Pop Up’ is a fun little marketing tool we came up with. Actually, Jeannie came up with the idea. I pop up on a un-expecting lady, give gift certificates to their favorite stores, and sing to them. My most recent pop-up was in Burbank where, I presented her the gift card then sang happy birthday on behalf of her husband. She almost cried.  The best part is, you never know when or where I’m going to pop up on you. I attack it like a performance. It’s almost like do or die for me. Before every performance I am a ball of nerves. So, I treat the pop up like a mini show, for me. I walk up and introduce myself, present them with the certificate and sing like I’m on a stage.”

How has Ready, Set, Impact influenced your career?

I couldn’t ask for a better media team. I’m officially a bi-coastal being now, I’ve been traveling back and forth between DC and Los Angeles, really working hard at accomplishing some of my dream goals. I always wanted to do things on a grand scale. Things that can really reach the people. I just really want to cater to my female audience, I was feeling like I was disconnected from them. So, I get in the studio and try to do just that. And, Impact has been a strong sense of support. 

The promotion for my song, Thick n Curvy is going very well, thanks to Jeanie and Impact. When she heard the record, she believed in it. An, “I believe in it”, from Jeannie, means the world to me; Because, Jeannie doesn’t get involved with a project unless she believes in them.

Everyone can be like “Yo, I don’t like this” but the fact that she’s like on board really means my work can make a real IMPACT! 

You’re working with some pretty big corporations while finishing up your album, Dove’s Full Figured Beauty Campaign, Under Armour’s Progressive Moves to celebrate the power of strong built women, and Lane Bryant’s #PlusIsEqual movement. How did this happen for you? 

“It’s a bit of prayer. Faith. And, having a strong support base around me. Impact is literally sphere-heading all of those names you mentioned. And, it really stemmed from #ThicknCurvy. These endeavors are me helping woman all over know that there are some guys out here that do love woman of all shapes and sizes. It empowers woman to be healthy and confident. #PlusIsEqual is really cool to me because it shows a sense of  equality and love for every women, not matter her build. As long as you’re healthy that’s all that matters.”

E’s last words to the FM audience and all his fans and listeners:

“I wanna tell everyone to be happy, love yourself, and live your life. Also, all the ladies go get my single #ThickNcURVY at my site; and to be on the lookout for the video, coming soon. 

And I want to thank everyone for their undying support of my music and  thank all of you FMhiphop readers. I am eternally blessed and thankful for this opportunity.”

You may find more music and all things “E” at his website www.RnBHipHopRockStar.com

Instagram: RockStarLife01 Twitter: TheRockStar16

When I first heard the song #Team ThicknCurvy, I fell in love with the beat, primarily. Then, the words. I mean it’s an all women’s anthem, right there. Although the songs speaks about curvy women, there are also lines that show love to the petite beauties. It’s a feel good, boost your confidence, embrace your sexiness type of song.

Thanks, E for loving the ladies. I can’t wait to bump my autographed copy.

Shut up, Shabetti Bashazz

Shabetti Bashazz| IG: Shabetti Bashazz

 “I really feel sorry for the newer generation because on the radio, there is no balance. Having a variety of music on the radio would help expand the minds of our young people. Thanks to Kendrick Lamar, too, for being a great artist. 

Kendrick Lamar set the tone, he shows that Hip-hop can be be melodic.”- “E” The R&b Hip-hop Rockstar

Listen: #TeamThickNCurvy- “E” The R&B Hip-hop Rockstar

FM Exclusive: Shabetti Bashazz Sits Down With E