Shyheim: Back for More
SHINE EXCLUSIVE

Shyheim, one of hip-hop's first child rappers, is all grown up. A Wu-Tang Clan affliliate by the age of 14, he's done three albums and been featured on more than a dozen compilation albums and soundtracks. Since his return from a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence, the 26 year-old rapper just completed his fourth album, The Greatest Story Never Told, and started hip-hop's first online reality show, Real Talk.

Shine caught up with the Staten Island rap veteran to find out what he's been up to, and what's in store for the future.

Shine: When is your album comin' out?

Shyheim: The album is comin' out on my independent label, 101 Distribution and Bottom Up Records, on August 30.

Shine: Where did the name Bottom Up come from?

Shyheim: I had the label while I was incarcerated. At the time I was feelin' like I was at the bottom, spiritually and mentally. It's about always bein' at the bottom and strivin' to reach another level.

Shine: What can fans expect when they purchase your album?

Shyheim: Just me...I don't make music for people...I make it for me first. My album comin' out I wrote while I was away...about my inner self. Things I didn't know about myself...my thoughts and failures.

Shine: Any guest appearances on the album?

Shyheim: RZA produced on the album, and DJ Quik and Easy Mo Bee. I got King Just and a couple local dudes from around here on the album. I wanted to keep an underground feel to it.

Shine: What's your relationship like with Wu-Tang today?

Shyheim: We aight...but I just stand on my own two. It's time for me to handle my own business.

Shine: What's good with the online tv show? Does it mainly feature artist interviews?

Shyehim: I don't really want it to just be an interview spot, cuz' then it becomes corny...We'll be followin' my whole movement...the other artists on the label and what they're doin'. The main thing is to school youth about the community and the world.

Shine: Where did the idea come from?

Shyehim: The concept came about because computers...everybody's on computers. I was tryin' to figure out a way people could get up close and personal.

Shine: Are you working on any other projects aside from music?

Shyheim: I’m working on a fictional autobiography. The story touches on the streets and life in general. It's somethin' that everybody can relate to...a way of life.

Shine: Where can people buy the album?

Shyheim: The album will be in stores and on the web site.

Shine: Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Shyheim: I just hope alive...and really just to be happy. You gotta be successful and be yourself first.

Shyheim Discography:

1. "AKA The Rugged Child," Virgin Records (1994)

2. "The Lost Generation," Noo Trybe (1996)

3. "Manchild," Wu-Tang Records (2000)

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT SHYHEIM'S NEW ONLINE TV SHOW, REAL TALK!