Shawn Smith is a superstar in the making - but that's not exactly surprising.
After all, he's been rolling with big names for a hot minute now.
From Ice Cube to Meek Mill, Shawn has had some incredible opportunities over the years - and he's walked away inspired, every time.
We sat down with the Chain Gang rapper to hear more about the artists he's worked with in the past.
Plus, he reveals who's inspired him since the very beginning of his career.
Shawn Was Blown Away By Ice Cube
"I've had the privilege to open up for a few OGs in the rap game who I truly respect," Shawn smiles, his excitement palpable, years later.
One such star is Ice Cube - and Shawn gushes that he was blown away, seeing the crowds pooling in.
"I remember thinking, 'To be able to do this, this far into your career, even after doing movies and other stuff ...' It really inspired me."
For Shawn, who has long had aspirations of getting into film, himself, it was a sign of things that were possible.
"I really picked that up from somebody like Ice Cube, who's been able to branch off into so many new avenues."
Ice Cube is still just one of many icons he's had a chance to meet and work with, over the years.
In addition to opening for Rick Ross, he's also worked with none other than Meek Mill - an honor in itself for the rising star.
"Meek Mill is one of my favorite hometown rappers - and rappers, in general - of all time."
He's Loved Every Opportunity To Work With Other Rappers
Opening for big names is an amazing feat, in itself - but over the years, Shawn has also worked with a number of big names, behind the scenes.
"A lot of mainstream rappers, I've met and had hopes of working with, and even created music with them," he shares, keeping hush on names.
Unfortunately, not everything has gone all the way - though Shawn has only reveled in each experience.
"Even when projects haven't happened, all those experiences have helped me learn to make different types of music."
"Hopefully, for the future" he beams, "I'll have an even longer list of people I've worked with."
Shawn Shares His Influences, Over The Years
It's safe to say, Shawn is committed to learning from and understanding the creative processes of other creatives - something he chalks up to a genuine, childlike curiosity.
So, on that note, who were the artists who inspired him, as a child?
"It's a tie between Pharrell Williams and Kanye West," he muses - citing their dual focus on innovative music and fashion as the reason why.
Shawn adds that their willingness to be creative in spaces that might not have welcomed it - especially in the early stages of their careers - resonated with him.
"In my environment, where I grew up, it's like a 'follow-suit' type thing. It's a tough neighborhood, and to even like something that was kind of different [like art and fashion] was going against the grain."
The same goes for another two artists who had, and continue to have, a major impact on him: Jay-Z - another legend he's honored to have met - and Jean Michel Basquiat.
In the case of Basquiat, he explains, "He's my favorite artist."
"Basquiat's work is raw, straight from the streets, and connects his personal life and his art. His love for anatomy, his messages and his voice is in his art. It's created straight from the heart. It's not overthought. It's, 'Give me eight canvases, and I'll get it done."
The common thread between all the influences mentioned?
Unabashed, unrestrained innovation - and there's a good reason.
"I appreciated that, from a young age - and I like to think I'm willing to be that innovative, as well," he smiles.
He's certainly off to a great start, there.
