INTRODUCING SHAUNTA:
Aftermath Music is proud to introduce former Aftermath artist Shaunta to the fans. Shaunta was first female rapper on Dr.Dre’s The Aftermath. She is coming straight outta Compton / California, home of gangsta rap. Long time the fans didn’t know about Shauntas great voice, so the hardcore rap that was fit perfect to the emotional Aftermath sound. With Shaunta, Dr. Dre, who’s one of the main persons responsible for Hip Hops worldwide success, just found another upcoming star! But she left the math…

Aftermathmusic.com:
1st off, thank you for taking the time to give Aftermath Music & Westcoast Aftershock this long-awaited interview. Which mood are you in at the moment and what have you been up to recently?

Shaunta:
My mood right now is excitement….i”ve been working on my new LP as well as a mixtape with DJ Eque.. so I’m just grinding finding my zone..

Aftermathmusic.com:
A lot of people only know your name. At the moment we are working on a new section @ Aftermath music and we have planned to put all the former Aftermath artists on the website, too. Maybe you can tell the fans a little about you.

Shaunta:
I’m str8 outta Compton. I moved to La at 15, which was very difficult for me. I never imagined the world much different for niggas. but when I moved to La man it was so different as far as opportunity goes…the people up this way are detached.. I just love the streets cause that’s where the truth is…Shaunta just loves to have fun, with the realest of folk.

Aftermathmusic.com:
What about the violence there?

Shaunta:
That’s never gonna change until we start at the top. With the mayor and our Compton Alumni’s. My City and Family are changing Compton. DR Amen Rahh is my uncle we always give, clean, etc., but..we need help. There’s a lot of violence there. Not black on black as much as it used to be. It’s more devided racially what’s goin on there now.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Is Shaunta your real name?

Shaunta:
Yes shaunta is what my family named me, but the hood call me Nuki.

Aftermathmusic.com:
When is your birthday?

Shaunta:
September 26.

Aftermathmusic.com:
How did you started in music?

Shaunta:
I used to play in a school band when I was In the 1st grade and then a kinda elevated once I started to get in high school. But I started really getting into music when I met my boy KC (rip) He forced me into a studio session with Montell Jordan

Aftermathmusic.com:
Even before your time on Aftermath you performed Songs by Paris Davis, Rodney Jerkins und Jean Bryant. Right?

Shaunta:
Yeah. But, what checked my career off was Cool J, I toured with him in 1996. I mean, I was pretty much trying to get my hands into, whatever I get my hands into. Whoever was loving Shaunta that’s what I was doing. I was pretty much trying to make a name for myself, because its really hard here on the Westcoast.

Aftermathmusic.com:
You also worked with Chino Xl in the past. You worked on two songs of his album “I Told U So”, which was released in 2001. These two songs are titled “Baby Momma” and “Sorry”. You was also featured on Da Brat’s “We Them Bitches”, Brandy’s “U don`t know me”, Montell Jordan’s “Let’s Ride (Remix)” from the Dr. Dolittle Soundtrack or Shae Jones “Bad Boy (remix)”, just to name a few.

Shaunta:
Yeah. It was great.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Montell introduced you to the game! “Introducing Shaunta” Montell Jordan featuring Shaunta from his 1996 album! How did you get hooked up with him?

Shaunta:
His wife managed me. He had ask me to go to the studio, but I didn’t wanna go, because I made more money than most rappers. Somehow I ended up in the studio. People liked it, so that was really made me to stay in the game. So, I moved forward in my career.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Do you still have contact with Montell Jordan?

Shaunta:
Yes, with his wife.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Can I ask you why you weren’t signed with Def Jam… Because if Montell introduced you and he was on DefJam. What happened with that?

Shaunta:
They signed Foxy at that time when I was introduced to DefJam. They were pretty much exited on that project. But it wasn’t really an option, I knew I wasn’t lyrically ready for a record contract. I needed to get experience, back then I was just rapping and get on mixtapes. I love the eastcoast they have a sound and so do we, I just prefer homegrown shit.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Would you ever work with Montell again?

Shaunta:
Absolutely.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Do you still have contact with Timbaland and Magoo, the song you did with them a few years ago was off the hook. Timbaland & Magoo f/Shaunta “Luv 2 Luv U”!

Shaunta:
We all have eachothers numbers, but we don’t have a reason to talk really.

Aftermathmusic.com:
You was in Timbaland’s crew and did songs with Missy and Aaliyah … is that right`?

Shaunta:
I worked with them yes. Timbland is cool.

Aftermathmusic.com:
What can you say on Aaliyah? Did you record a track with Babygirl?

Shaunta:
No music, videos and show we did together. She was a fair person inlight of a lot of bullshit, (with the crew) we remained real cool.

Aftermathmusic.com:
OK … cool, you had luv 4 Babygirl … she was the RnB princess for me. … I can’t listen to Beyonce. Same goes to Ashanti

Shaunta:
She was the heart to it…most of the bitches just Diva the fuck outta themselves…ego bullshit. Not her she was real. Fuck Ashanti that sounds like Shaunta…not to mention doesnt she sing thru a walkie talkie? Computer shit.

Aftermathmusic.com:
What about Mary J or Aretha Franklin?

Shaunta:
I love them both!

Aftermathmusic.com:
Yeah … absolutely. That’s what I´m talking about. Ok, who are you feeling female wise emcees wise Digga, Remy, who?

Shaunta:
Lauren Hill, Bapps, Foxy, Rah Digga, Jackie O … and Shaunta.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Is that right … FOXY?

Shaunta:
Hell yea Foxy that bitch is hard. She is just a dumbass fuckin with me! Next to me she comes next. l boogie than me than Foxy.

Aftermathmusic.com:
What has been your best career decision and why?

Shaunta:
All my decisions have been the best one for me. I have no regrets.

THE TIME ON AFTERMATH

Aftermathmusic.com:
You split with Atlantic Records and signed with Dr. Dre’s Aftermath. You’ve probably answered this question over a million times, so let’s just get it out of the way. How did you hook up with Dre and Aftermath and why?

Shaunta:
Actually, I really wanted to meet Dre and I prayed on it. I met Dre in a restaurant, we changed numbers and we tried to hook up 2 or 3 times. And I took my demo and my album, that I did on Atlantic Records which was like 9 songs. He listened to the CD and I was signed the next day.

Aftermathmusic.com:
When did you sign your contract and when did you leave?

Shaunta:
I signed in 2001 and I left in 2003.

Aftermathmusic.com:
You just told Dre “I’d be down with you if you’d let me”. That’s the kind of artists Dr. Dre is searching for. He doesn’t have to watch and correct what all his artits are doing. Is that right?

Shaunta:
When I worked in the studio, Dre never had to come in and correct. He came in and listened to it. He never had any problems with my work at all.

Aftermathmusic.com:
We all know, every artist needs some time for developing and this time was over for you. Right?

Shaunta:
In 2002 we still pretty much working on the album. But I donut think there was any artist development there. I think you have to have an idea who you are once you go to Aftermath.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Rumors goin around, that the track “Good Lovin’” on the “The Wash” Soundtrack was produced by yourself. How does it come? How many songs did you produce?

Shaunta:
I didn’t produced “Good Lovin.’” It was Hi-Tek.

Aftermathmusic.com:
The soundtrack for the movie “The Wash” was released in 2002, on this album you even performed two songs. I´d say, with this songs you brought your own style a little closer to the fans. Your lyrics combined and your soulful voice seem to be made for each other. Do you agree?

Shaunta:
I agree. I use my voice for whatever mood that I´m trying to entertain at that moment. But I donut think that those particular songs make up entire make up of Shunt. I think those songs giving people a little of a taste how deep I can go in to whatever the subject I´m talking about.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Dr. Dre said at the end of 2002: “Along with The Eminem Show and Truthfully Speaking, I hope to release the debut album from Shaunta next year. We just didn’t want to put together a regular show with turntables and mics. We put together a real show, and we kept it gritty. I think people really appreciated that. And we kept the audience’s attention, so there was no time for trouble to start.” So my question – what really happened?

Shaunta:
I cant say what happened, or what went wrong, but it had noting to do with my music must of it was i brought myself to Dre. And I should have kept it that way. Certain people they got jealous, i dont run for office so i dont give a fuck about their politics. It was a blessing and a curse.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Yeah, but if you say a blessing and a curse … how’d you describe your time on the math?

Shaunta:
I think it was the best education I could receive in Hip Hop. Working with Dre is demanding u have to concentrate on your work. I never went in my lounge’s outside. You stay working, because you want the best music out, you want the best sound. You just want the best type of environment. that was a blessing.. The curse was watch what you pray for, I forgot to ask God to remove a snakes…I have to be more detail now when I pray.

Aftermathmusic.com:
You was signed on the math, but we ain`t never heard a lot from you. Why did it take that long and what were the reasons ?

Shaunta:
We were pretty much waiting on a single in the meantime, but the time, when we trying to get into the studio they signed 50. So its like, you gotta go with what’s hot at that particular time. And I continued working, but I just never had the chance to get into the studio with Dre to Finnish my album.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Damn. I remember the day the Shady / Aftermath sampler came out with Shaunta and “California”. That was the last time we heard a track from you. Everyone was like I have to listen to more Shaunta songs. How many songs did you record on the math?

Shaunta:
I recorded about like 30 songs.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Your style was sounding soulful even for Hip Hop. How would you say it’s changed since the beginning of your career?

Shaunta:
I`d say, I think in the beginning I had no one to show me how to enjoy making music. Dre taught me how to bring niggas into my world. I own over 1000 records so the soul has been there now I’m on top of my game. The Victory Label is Fire. You gone hear me exploit my ability from JUNE 04 n until infinite.

Aftermathmusic.com:
The work with Dre, Focus or Mel Man on the math … how’d you describe their styles production-wise?

Shaunta:
Focus is a musician first he can play guitar and keys not to mention the nigga is jus hard, Mel is a street nigga so u gone have some heavy bass driven shit..and Dre he is classy when he works his work is cleaned and detailed.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Politics on the math – good or bad?

Shaunta:
(laughs) … Bullshit! You know … nigga shit. If you having a problem with me, talk to me. And if you can’t talk to me, we don’t need to do business together.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Would you like to say, Aftermath is a label where’s no set-up for young talented artists?

Shaunta:
Aftermath is set up whoever wants to win at Aftermath. You just gotta learn how to suck dick and politic. You gonna get your Monica Lewinsky on in that Camp. I’m from Compton I’ll feed you your dick before i suck it!

Aftermathmusic.com:
Looking back to when you were signed to Aftermath up until now, are you satisfied with your status and position in the game?

Shaunta:
I´m very much satisfied. I´m very much grateful for the opportunity. So, I´m just happy I was there.

Aftermathmusic.com:
If you could, would you change anything that happened during that time?

Shaunta:
My manager.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Looking back at the time on the math … Whats’s your most important impressions from the start till the end?

Shaunta:
As I have looked back in the past I have lost sight on what my future has for me. So I choose to not ever look back that shit was painful.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Oh .. that’s hard.

Shaunta:
That’s what it is.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Do you still in contact with Dre?

Shaunta:
Uuum, no. But with Big Foc.

AFTER THE MATH

Aftermathmusic.com:
Have you learned from the experiences on the math of what to do and what not to do?

Shaunta:
I used to let people speak for Shaunta not anymore, I left my manager talk to Dre to express how I felt. Never left someone between your business. Stay on your business people say I just wanna make music and not worry about the business. Take it from me – dumb move! know your shit. Like ya’ll fuckin!

Aftermathmusic.com:
What type of feedback did you get from people about your work with Aftermath?

Shaunta:
Nobody’s opinion mattered to me, except for Dre’s. So, if Dre love something, they loves something. If Dre dislike something they dislike something. I never gave a fuck (Dre cuts my check.)

Aftermathmusic.com:
Since you left the math we ain`t heard nothin from you. What happened?

Shaunta:
They (the Math) took my shit and burned it for the G units fire video. (laughing) I had to get myself in order now I am back…

Aftermathmusic.com:
Why don’t you get your name out on mixtapes at this time?

Shaunta:
That’s what I´m working on now. THE DIAMOND LANE I have my mixtape with DJ EQUE. With my artist the GENTZ (kid Sean and D-nice) and 6 artist from all over mainly the hood. Plus a feat on the COMPANY records mixtape they have. I have 2 more DIAMOND LANES before the year is out. enough to start really getting prepared for next year.

PERSONAL QUESTIONS:

Aftermathmusic.com:
How did your most recent collabs come about? I remember you hooking up with Truth Hurts, Da Brat, Chino XL and Brandy, too.

Shaunta:
Usually they call me and we make it happen from now. I´m working on collabs with Too Short right now for his next album.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Speaking on Truth Hurts: The song “Benefit of the doubt”. Your thoughts on it?

Shaunta:
It’s a cool song.

Aftermathmusic.com:
You also appeared in the video to “Addictive” with Shari & Rakim. Did you ever recorded a track with the Mic God?

Shaunta:
Truth and I did a song. It was gonna be her 2nd single when she was on Aftermath. But she’s currently on my new project. But I never recorded a song with Rakim.

Aftermathmusic.com:
If you could make a dream collaboration with yourself and 3 other artists, who would they be and why?

Shaunta:
Beyonce, she is a hard worker. Mary J Blige, so much soul and Lauren Hill, just a real bitch. They all are strong women.

Aftermathmusic.com:
In the studio: did you study what’s goin on in the studio before you started getting in to it?

Shaunta:
Yes i did. I have a studio in the crib I have for 5 years.I am self taught and studio broken. (laughs)

Aftermathmusic.com:
How much of your music do you write?

Shaunta:
Pretty much all of it.

Aftermathmusic.com:
How many different sides are there to Shaunta?

Shaunta:
Just one side, the real side do kick jokes tho.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Where do you see Hip Hop right now?

Shaunta:
I love Hip Hop, its my world.We need a hug. HIPHOP is gone be alright. I´m glad Mase is back.

Aftermathmusic.com:
In an interview you was asked about Foxy. Your answer was: “Fuck her. She is an insecure, immature little bitch and she is just mad because her man wanted to fuck me”. Tell us more please?

Shaunta:
Ha ha (laughs loud). No, it was a situation where Kurupt got on a radio and was saying that he wants to meet me, you know. This stuff, on the radio. And Foxy Brown wanted to threaten me and say she’s gonna slash my pretty face. But that was so long ago, you know. Its just like, if I see her, you know, I don’t know how I might react, but uuum, this was just a situation where she couldn’t take the new kid on da block.

THE UPCOMING ALBUM

Aftermathmusic.com:
You said you launched your own label.

Shaunta:
Yeah its called Victory Inc.! We got Tom Gist and we got the Gentz. They are 15 and 16. CO-t on beats outta LBC

Aftermathmusic.com:
You told me about your mixtapes, but what projects are you working on right now? Is an album in plans?

Shaunta:
My album is in plans right now. I´m working with Focus on it. I´m working with Rockwilder, Co-t and so on.

Aftermathmusic.com:
What about Dre?

Shaunta:
I haven’t reached out to Dre, but I will before my album is complete.

Aftermathmusic.com:
What are you hoping and expecting for your album? When do you hope to drop it?

Shaunta:
I hope to drop it at the top of the year. I expect Compton to stand up for their homegrown Queen. After that do my best to spread that love and myself around.

Aftermathmusic.com:
What should people expect from you lyrically on the new album?

Shaunta:
But you gonna hear more lyrics than anything else. Songs that you can dance to, more songs like happy feeling type of music. social topics everythang man

Aftermathmusic.com:
Are there messages to the industry?

Shaunta:
Yes, There’s a lot of stuff being on my mind. I have a diverse album.

Aftermathmusic.com:
How many songs are ready for the album?

Shaunta:
I have 7 right now.

Aftermathmusic.com:
When people listen to your album, what do you want them to get from it?

Shaunta:
I hope they feel good. I hope they can dance to it or whatever they can do to it (laughs). I just hope they can enjoy it. I want an album that you can put in and you enjoy it. That you are satisfied. There’s not just 3 singles on their. Its a whole album that make sense with the concept.

Aftermathmusic.com:
What makes you different from any other artists?

Shaunta:
I think a lot of artists rely on the names that they roll with. That’s not just me. A lot of artists will take whatever publicity they can take and exploit it just to get into the news. That’s just not me. If I´m gonna use the media for anything its gonna be for the music and not for myself. How bad I’m or how cool I´m.

FUTURE PLANS

Aftermathmusic.com:
Are there any other business ventures you’d like to be a part of?

Shaunta:
I have just received my Real Estate Lic. I’m goin for my Brokers now so when I’m 75 I can still spend like I am 30yrs old.

Aftermathmusic.com:
How many more albums would you like to put out within those 5 years?

Shaunta:
4 LPs

Aftermathmusic.com:
Let’s take it back to the beginning, Shaunta. Let’s talk about what has been some of the highpoints and low-points in your career so far?

Shaunta:
High point was Dre. I dont believe in a low point.

Aftermathmusic.com:
You showed up on LL Cool J’s “Doin it” Tour. When are you goin on tour?

Shaunta:
Asap when my mixtape is done and I have new material.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Aftermath Music Mixtape Vol. 2 hosted by Proof of D12 is coming real soon. Would you like to be featured on the mixtape?

Shaunta:
Yes, Proof is a nuts.

Aftermathmusic.com:
I just asked lots of artists this question: The Hip Hop game is kinda built on hype. If you got that hype around you, you don’t have to be the best rapper or singer. Do you agree?

Shaunta:
Yes, it helps but, not always look at Beyonce and her sister, Roc, Snoop, Puff they have took L”s on their label. It depend on the artist.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Aftermath is on top right now. Do you think we can be prepared for a hot year of 2004 or 2005? But, what does it hold for Shaunta?

Shaunta:
All I care about is Shunt and Victory Inc.

Aftermathmusic.com:
And your final words for those reading this?

Shaunta:
Thanks to Chris for finding me and doin this interview. Holla at you gurl.

SHAUNTA Q&A’s

- Dr. Dre: Cool
- Jimmy Iovine: Never met dude
- Favorite album of all time: All Eyez on me
- Shaunta: un matched
- Something you hate about the music industry is: loyality doesn’t exist