Quick Info:

• Shin B has been rapping for over 5 years!
  
• She's from the Korea-town area of Los Angeles
• She calls herself a "Neo Asian" which she explains below

AZNRaps - Shin B, you're Korean, which is also where your name derives from, meaning "mystery." How suiting do you think the name is for you?

Quick story... I was in New York around May and I was chillin' with J-Zone. He was telling me how I don't look like I'd be this rapper. He said I sound so different from how I appear. I like being different and unpredictable like that. In a world of billions, why wouldn't you wanna stand out? I wanna be Waldo, find me suckas! Hah, or rather, WaldA, ey?

AZNRaps – Interesting take on things, haha. Being from LA, have you had the chance to travel abroad to places like Korea?

Shin B - Yeah, I was in Korea in '06 promoting on tour. I was part of a big concert series featuring a lot of the top hip hop cats in Korea. It was promoted by a popular online Korean hip hop site called Hiphopplaya. I was also on a popular radio show called MBC Music Camp hosted by legendary MC, Bae Chul Soo. I'm supposed to be going back this winter to do some features. I really hate the politics there though. As a female, I have to put up with extra bull. It really took a toll on me emotionally, mentally, and physically. I actually got physically sick while being there from being under so much pressure and stress. I was rushed to the ER and hooked up to an I.V. Dramatic… I know.

AZNRaps – That must’ve been intense, not only rushed to the ER, but having it done in a foreign country. You've performed at Kollaboration before, which originated as a talent showcase for Korean Americans, but has expanded year after year. Have you been able to check out some of the new acts?

Shin B - I've performed twice at the LA Kollab. First time was with my dance crew. Second time was for rap. Then, I performed at the NY Kollab, which was also for rap. I haven't been able to keep up with it in recent days, but I think it's a great event with lots of talented acts. I'm glad there's an outlet like this for Korean Americans. It helps give us some visibility in an arena where we're usually overlooked. Shout out to PK!

AZNRaps - How long have you been writing rhymes besides performing the last 7 years?

Shin B - I've been writing rhymes since Mother Goose days. I was always a tomboy. I never played with dolls or dressed up in little frilly dresses. I was the one hanging out with the boys and climbing jungle gyms. I really got into hip hop around the time Snoop was spittin' Gin and Juice, Queen Latifah was spittin' U.N.I.T.Y., and Coolio was talkin' about his Fantastic Voyage. This was all before CD's and Ipod's! Man, I loved my Sony Walkman and buying cassette tapes at the Wherehouse and Sam Goody.

It's sort of embarrassing looking back, but I would memorize all these songs and record them on friends' beeper intros as their greeting. I swear I knew Coolio's Gangsta's Paradise like it was the Lord's Prayer. Then, in 8th grade, I started getting into battling and writing punchlines. It was so unlady-like. What was I thinking? It must've been that awkward teenage transitional phase. It wasn't until end of high school where I finally began writing legit songs.

I began studying the history of hip hop to help build some foundation to it. Where it all came from, who started it all, who were all the greats? I don't think you can call yourself an actual MC until you know its roots. If you can't at least tell me who Afrika Bambaataa, Kurtis Blow, or even who Sugarhill Gang is, then you need to really check yourself. There's nothing more annoying than an MC who claims to be "real," yet knows squat. I'm not trying to be all elitist here; it's just some food for thought. Would you want a chef who knows nothing about cooking, serving you food?

AZNRaps – What inspired you to write rhymes?

Shin B - By nature, I'm sort of on the shy side. I don't like expressing my feelings and being all touchy touchy, open open, yoga buddy style. I keep a lot of things to myself. Rarely, do I open up to people. Because of this, a lot of people say I'm kind of intimidating and unfriendly. I don't mean to be though! I'm just a thinker. I'm not a chatterbox. (Ok, maybe I am when I'm drunk, but that's another story for another time). So, that's why I like to write. I like to write whatever I'm feeling. It's sort of like a therapy session for me. I have so many thoughts running through my mind where if I don't manifest it somehow, I'll explode. Writing is my way of letting you get to know me. It's my icebreaker. Sometimes, I'll be driving and if I get inspired, I'll pull over and write it down. If I don't have a pen or pad on hand, I'll text the basic gist of it to my cell. It's almost an obsession. I need help!

AZNRaps - You call your musical style "Neo Asian." Can you elaborate on the distinction?

Shin B – “Neo” meaning new and “Asian” meaning me. So I'm basically saying I'm a new type of Asian. Someone that's not the typical Asian stereotype. I'm part of a new breed that's trying to make changes. I'm trying to break the monotony. I'm trying to break from the mold. My music is a blend of all different genres. I used to be SO elitist and backpacker status where I'd only stick to hip hop sounding sounds, but now, I listen to all types and like to blend all different genres into one. I love electro, house, jazz, rock, and even some country. I'm not embarrassed to admit it. Rascal Flatts is pretty damn amazing (this editor agrees). If you stay in one comfort zone, you'll never allow yourself to grow. You can't develop to your full potential if you're stifling yourself. You learn how to make melodies and catchy adlibs by listening to other genres.

AZNRaps – How do you feel about your new album, “Outside the Box?”

Shin B - It's been a long, long process. This is the first album that I'm actually taking the time to make worth it. Previously, I used to just pump out albums and tracks like it was nothing. I didn't care if it wasn't perfect. I didn't care if it didn't have much substance. And that's exactly where I went wrong. You have to take time and care when you're putting something out because that's what leaves a lasting impression. People can tell when an artist has rushed on a project. People can sense half-assness. I want to be able to be proud of this album. I want to be able to strike a chord with the non-believers. I want people to be able to hear my effort.

I'm still working on it, but I assure you, it will come out soon. It will definitely be worth it. I hate delaying it, but I have to. I want to make sure it's close to perfection. This is what symbolizes someone who's doing it for the love of it from someone who's doing it just to make a quick buck.

AZNRaps - You've said, I quote, "In the end, just stick to your guns and be you. I can't stress that enough. You might be tempted to switch your vision to accommodate others, but really if you're not doing music that truly expresses you, then you won't get that satisfaction. That sense of feeling complete. I do my own kind of music – music that represents me." With your new album, do you think that you stuck to your previous statement? Did you feel pressured by any outside influences?

Shin B - I definitely know I've stuck with it. I always wanted to try to please others. If all but one person hated me, it would stain my brain like grape juice. That one person would affect me in ways unimaginable. So, I would constantly sacrifice my integrity just to satisfy others. By doing this, I began forgetting who I really was. I was so lost and so miserable inside. I would let the thoughts of others get to me so bad that it was unhealthy.

When I was in Korea, they were trying to pair me up with this slutty female singer and make us a duo. I barely got any parts in our songs and it would basically be her running the show. I had to learn slutty dance moves and would be forced to act like a ditz. I hated it, but I did it because I didn't care what it took as long as I got there. The record label told me that the kind of music I wanted to do wasn't going to sell and that I was trying to be too "hip hop" (whatever that means). I felt suffocated. I felt trapped. I felt like I had to dumb myself down. Not to mention, I was put through nonsense diets and exercise just to get rail thin. I was eating like an apple a day and running for miles in monsoon summer heat. This eventually got me so sick to the point I had to be rushed to the hospital (mentioned above).

That was the last straw for me. I knew I had to change now! I realized life is too short to be focusing on others more than you. Who cares what somebody thinks. Who cares if someone hates you. They're just ONE person out of BILLIONS in this world. I shouldn't let bull like that get to me. You're never going to be able to please everyone anyway. That's unrealistic and impossible. I'm so much happier and content nowadays. I live life with a nonchalant attitude. I do what I want to do. I am who I am. Accept it. With every struggle, there's a success story.

AZNRaps - A hot single from your new album is "Tug of War ft. Braille." Like you, Braille also has a unique style. How did you two cross paths?

Shin B - I was always a fan of Braille. I always respected what he represented. He's honest with his lyrics and extremely humble. There is nothing more admirable than that. I love cats that are talented, yet remain humble. Sure, it's good to have swagger, but no one likes arrogance. It always catches up to you. You won't be at the top forever and that's fact. Anyhow, so I would talk to Braille here and there. One day, I got this dope beat from a producer from the Netherlands (shout out to DaShin), and I immediately thought of Braille. I wanted him on the record with me. I told him the direction I wanted the song and that was that. Braille is good peoples. No doubt.

AZNRaps - Can we expect more collaborations on the album?

Shin B - Tis a secret. Stay in touch to find out! I gotta live by my name of Mystery, know what I'm sayin?

AZNRaps – Alright, I’ll let that one slide! How do you view hip-hop being dominated by mostly men?

Shin B - I won't front, it is a struggle, but I'm not gonna sit here and mope about it. It is what it is. I wish there were more females doing hip hop, but unfortunately there isn't. It's kinda sad seeing female MC's like Jean Grae quitting. It's kinda sad that there's no Best Female Rap for the Grammy's anymore (but MC Lyte is fighting to bring it back). But, that's just the nature of it. Females get downplayed because hip hop itself is largely masculine. They can't take us seriously. This is where the double standard plays in. You know what though, if labels spent more time on marketing them, then I think it can work again. It's all about promotion, promotion, promotion. You don't have to like a song, but if you hear it all the time, you'll begin noticing it.

AZNRaps - Are you inspired by any femcees or strong female role models?

Shin B - Most definitely. I love MC Lyte, Queen Latifah (before she became a spokesperson for Jenny Craig), Da Brat, Bahamadia, Jean Grae, basically all the strong independent femcees. I can't stand high pitched, girly sounding, female rappers. No offense! It's just a personal pet peeve of mine.

I'm also inspired by all the females that have come up against the odds and made way to a male dominated field. For example, Amelia Earhart and Danica Patrick. I really respect that. They are what I strive to become in life. Whether it be in music or just life itself. To never give up to societal standards and to always fight for what I believe in. I refuse to be that cutesy type waiting for their husband at home in an apron slaving away in the kitchen. I want to make a difference. I want to make an impression. I want to serve my purpose in this world. Hmm, I would've said Hillary Clinton if she became president. Oh well, that's too bad Hillary.

AZNRaps – Is music and rapping a 24/7 thing for you?

Shin B - For the most part, it is. My work schedule is flexible so if I need to fly out of town for a gig, then I can. I try to record after work or on weekends. It's all about time management. You can do it all if you set your schedule right.

Aside from music, I'm also really into photography, art, and independent nonfiction films. I like scary horror films that are based on real life events. I also love the Food Network and reality shows like Survivor, Amazing Race, The Biggest Loser, and Forensic Files. I was a fat ass growing up, so shows like The Biggest Loser help keep me in check.

AZNRaps - Are you planning on touring after the new album is released?

Shin B - Most definitely I'll be doing an extensive tour all throughout the States and in Korea. So stay in touch and hopefully, I will see you all.

AZNRaps - Where can we find you on the web?

Shin B - Myspace: www.myspace.com/shinb, Personal email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.shinb.com (coming soon)

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