March 28, 2024

In today’s interview we’ve had an honor talking with Boss Major aka Shawn Gotti.

Born Bobby Taybron, Boss Major SG was raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn.
Also known as Shawn Gotti, SG has been rapping since the age of nine.
Developing a strong following in his home town SG grabbed the attention of a local rap group called A.W.O.L (A World Of Lunatics) and was quickly made a member.
The six man group made a name for themselves battling other groups and and performing at open mic venues like The Ark, Trafalgar Square, and The Tunnel.

The group soon ran into trouble with the law and a series of conflicts in the streets.
SGe found himself facing a 5 to 15 year sentence for manslaughter where he served 8 years.
During his incarceration, he studied the music business and began making beats.
When released, SG formed a production company named WorldLeaders Music.
He then began writing and producing for artist in his neighborhood earning him the reputation of a young entrepreneur. After a series of let downs and sour business deals, SG began producing and writing for his step daughter RockStar JTB. SG and JTB began performing at venues like Tammany Hall, Black Thorn 51, Sullivan Hall where JTB developed a strong following. Considering this a success SG decided to devote all of his time to JTB.
SG soon reconnected with long time friend Lord Maj, CEO of Tha Impozzible Entertainment. After reuniting with Lord Maj, SG merged his WorldLeaders Music with Tha Impozzible Ent. signing on under Lord Man’s management.

With a powerful management team behind him, SG jumped back into performing where he quickly developed a following. Performing at venues, like Pure Lounge, The Black & White Lounge, Black Thorn 51, The Ramada Inn in Virginia, and various showcases throughout the country. SG has now begun to really make a name for himself by appearing on satellite radio
stations such as DTF Radio, Desert Storm Radio, and Elegant Hoodness, rapidly becoming an underground hip hop name.
Releasing his first documented mixtape, F.O.E (Family Over Everything) SG continues to build his brand. So far he has the attention of several indie record labels and has plans to release another mixtape before working on an album. Two successfully produced videos, Tha Take Ova and Family Over Everything has SG in high demand. With over 152 songs recorded and over 1,500 self produced beats SG is more than prepared to make a mark in the music industry.

Lisa: What first got you into music?

Boss Major: I began writing rap songs at a very young age. I believe I was around 8 or 9 years old. I love the way music makes me feel. Once I began creating it that love grew. So I started learning to format music, and also playing the keyboard. Soon I was able to make my own beats. But the art of spoken word was my passion. After years of practice, and studying the business I started my own pre-production company called WorldLeaders Music. Soon I linked with longtime friend Lord Majesty and merged with his Independent record label Tha Impozzible Entertainment. 

Lisa: How would you describe the music that you typically create?

Boss Major: I describe my music as real hip-hop/rap. Some may call it underground or gangsta rap; but to me those are just words to describe a particular style of rap music. I have those kinds of songs, but I also have songs that are very conscious as well as songs that may be considered love ballots. But my main concern when it comes to my music is word play. Metaphors and a great flow play a part in the music I make. It has to make sense no matter what. A lot of artists make music that I have no idea what they’re talking about and I try to always make sure that my message can be understood. 

 

Lisa: What is your creative process like?

Boss Major: My creative process is not anything super special or unique. I write what I feel. Some artists get the beat or music and come up with a concept or theme. I write what the music tells me to write. If I can’t feel the music, I won’t write to it. I can’t force out a song. It has to come to me through the sound. Most of the time I get a vibe from the music instantly, and that is how my ideas come. 

Lisa: Who would you most like to collaborate with?

Boss Major: There are a lot of great artists out there that I admire and would love to work with. All it takes is a great creative process and energy for me to want to work with someone. If you make great music I will be willing to work with you. But to name a few I’d say Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Jadakiss, Styles P, Jay-Z, DMX, M.O.P. There are a ton more; but like I said if the artist is great at what he or she does, and the vibe is right we can work. 

Lisa: Can you tell us a bit more about TMN (TAKE MONEY NATION) that you’re leader of?

Boss Major: TMN (Take Money Nation) is a neighborhood crew/gang that I was a part of growing up. It started out as a clique of young men and women that were always around each other and involved in the same things. We were bad kids and in my neighborhood of Brownsville, Brooklyn and many of us did things that got us in trouble with the law. But like I mentioned earlier, I have always loved music so I began focusing on creating and making a name for myself doing that. A few of my friends have the same passion for music so we decided to take the negative energy and put it toward something positive and fun. The group consists of myself and a few people that are close to me. It’s still growing and I take the group seriously, so to become a member your work ethic has to either match or supersede my own. TMN is all about the music now. The street life is just part of our story. The goal now is to make an impact in the music business and make money doing what we love to do.

Lisa: If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?

Boss Major: If at all possible I would love to open a show up for The Lox, M.O.P, WU Tang Clan or Jay-Z. These artists are great performers and lyricists; and have played a tremendous role in the way I do my music. It does not have to be a hip-hop artist though. If you are a great artist and make great music I can work with you. 

Lisa: What is one message you would give to your fans?

Boss Major: The message I would give my fans is to never give up on your dreams. Also for aspiring rap artist I would say learn how to separate your personal life from your job as an entertainer. Remember this is a business so treat it as such. Too many hip-hop artist find themselves in legal problems, or allow the street life to interfere with the music. This is entertainment and it’s important to remember that people can hear your music and take it literal. So it is our responsibility to let fans know that this is only entertainment. Even though many of us have been or are involved in what we call the street life, the goal is to tell our stories and eventually make it out of that lifestyle. 

Lisa: We had an honor to hear your upcoming single “Jungle Juice” that is coming out on May 14, can you tell us something about that?

Boss Major: Jungle Juice is my latest single. It wasn’t planned. I heard the beat, a thought came to me and I started writing. Once it was finished, and after a few people got to hear it I decided to release it as my next single. The vibe is right. So we started a campaign and are following through with it. The sound itself is different from many of my projects because of the catchy jingle. It’s one of those songs that I say has the 3 Elements of a hit record. A dance worthy beat, lyricism/word play, and a catchy hook. These elements are important to me because I feel that it’s worthy of radio play, the beat is great for a club banger, and the lyrics are on point. 

Lisa: Where have you performed, or have plans in the future?

Boss Major: I have performed a number of places over the years. NYC’s Tammany Hall, and Sullivan Hall. I have also performed at Harlem Nights, Nuyorican Cafe, in New York City as well. The H20 Lounge in NYC, The Blue Room Lounge in Secaucus, New Jersey. The Ramada Inn in Williamsburg, VA. Radio appearances on DTF Radio, Desert Storm Radio. Just released a free mixtape on SugarWater Radio called Rap Atonement Hosted by DJ Franchise. Also one of my songs “Tha Take Ova” was aired on Power 105.1 by Drop On Top Entertainment and for their New Music Fridays segment. And Smack’em Radio Hosted by DJ Ill Will just premiered
Jungle Juice. We plan to do as many shows and appearances as possible in the near future. 

Lisa: How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business, and if you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

Boss Major: The Internet has had a tremendous impact on the way music is marketed and distributed. It’s easier to get discovered as opposed to doing all of the running around handing out CDs and flyers. An artist can sell millions of streams without ever having to do any real leg work these days. This is great, but it also takes away from a certain kind of experience I think all artists should have. Performing and attending events is a major factor in building your brand. It’s much more personal and hands on. You have to network and develope good relationships with other artists and executives, etc.

Lisa: Which musicians do you admire, past or present?

Boss Major: I admire the greats like Eric B & Rakim, Notorious B.I.G, Tupac, Mary J. Blige, Method Man, Redman and the artists that have impacted not only hip-hop, but music of all genres. AC/DC, Linkin Park, Sade, Bill Withers and a ton more. I get inspiration from all aspects of music, but hip-hop is my genre and my love. 

Lisa: What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Boss Major: The best advice I have been given is the same advice I would give. Never give up on your dreams. Things don’t always happen how or when we want them to, but if you’re persistent you will get what you’re chasing. And if you’re consistent you will keep it. 

Lisa: What do you hope to accomplish this year, and ​what’s next for you?

Boss Major: What I hope to accomplish this year is to have a great album out. To continue making good music. We are setting up to do the video for Jungle Juice and hitting the studio preparing for my EP/LP. I haven’t settled on a title as of yet, but I’m working on building a huge catalog of music. Once this pandemic subsides we can focus on touring and performing and doing music with other great artists. We are looking into doing other things in entertainment and fashion too. Music is just a stepping stone. I would also like to break into acting. Sky’s the limit, but music is the foundation. 

 

You can follow Boss Major on his social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and ArtistEcard (EPK) 

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