From the quiet town of Eutawville, South Carolina—a place with fewer than 500 people—to the bustling stages of Charlotte, North Carolina, Shawn Connor is making a case for greatness with his new album The Best To Ever Do It. At just 28 years old, he’s already worked with iconic producers like Zaytoven, MaalyRaw, and Nard & B, and even sold out the Fillmore in Charlotte. Now, with his latest release, he’s taking things up a notch—not just sonically, but spiritually.
An Album Fueled by Nostalgia and Affirmation
The Best To Ever Do It isn’t just an audacious title—it’s a personal mantra. Rooted in the trap music of the mid to late 2000s, the project draws inspiration from a time when Southern rap dominated street corners, car stereos, and dance floors alike. “It was unavoidable for me growing up,” Shawn says. “It was playing everywhere around at such a young malleable age.” That exposure laid the foundation for the sound of the album—a blend of high-octane beats, street poetry, and internal monologue.
But it’s more than a nod to a genre—it’s a love letter to his younger self. One filled with words of encouragement, subtle braggadocio, and the grit it takes to keep believing in yourself when the world doesn’t yet catch on.
Writing Like a Puzzle, Creating With Intention
As a self-described writer before anything else, Shawn’s process starts with language. Sometimes it’s a single line floating around in his head that eventually snowballs into a full record. “It’s like putting pieces together on a jigsaw puzzle,” he says. He crafts hooks, then allows the beat to dictate how the story unfolds—forming a “symbiotic relationship between words and rhythm.”
This balance between spontaneity and structure gives his work a unique cadence. His influences—Kanye West and Drake—shine through not in mimicry but in mindset. Kanye’s audacity to experiment and Drake’s finesse with melody have each left a lasting mark on his creative DNA. “You really don’t have to conform to the popular sound to make great music,” he notes, reflecting Kanye’s rule-breaking ethos. Meanwhile, the melodic touch is pure Drake—and a defining element of Shawn’s artistry.
Recognition on His Own Terms
Despite accomplishments like headlining events and working with platinum-level producers, Shawn says one of his toughest challenges has been recognition. “It’s like—when will it ever be enough?” he admits, shedding light on the silent struggles that artists face in the journey toward visibility.
Still, the victories are real. Selling out the Fillmore in 2020 during a time of global uncertainty was a defining moment. “For someone from a town with less than 500 people, these things are just dreams,” he says. And yet, they’re now part of his reality.
Creative Bursts Over Consistent Output
Shawn doesn’t force inspiration. In fact, he leans into the lull between bursts of genius. “Sometimes I can go weeks or months without writing or recording,” he says. “And then when it’s time, I crank out 5-7 songs in one session.” This unconventional rhythm speaks to a larger philosophy—creating when it matters, not just for the sake of content.
Beyond Music: The Writer Expands His Reach
While fans can definitely expect more music, Shawn teases upcoming creative ventures outside of rap. “After all, I said I was a writer, but I never said it was exclusively in music,” he hints. Whether it’s books, scripts, or visual storytelling, it’s clear his artistry isn’t confined to a single medium.
At the heart of it all lies a powerful message: dreams are attainable. “If you honestly believe in yourself, no goal is unattainable,” he affirms. That belief system, echoed in both his lyrics and life, is what keeps him—and his audience—moving forward.
Follow the Journey
With a career rooted in resilience, inspiration, and raw Southern flavor, Shawn Connor is proving that authenticity and perseverance are a powerful combination. As he steps into his next era, fans and newcomers alike can keep up with his journey at:
👉 OfficialShawnConnor Linktree
Whether you’re riding to trap beats or reading his next penned masterpiece, one thing is clear—Shawn Connor isn’t just making music. He’s building a legacy.
© 2025, Variety Press. All rights reserved.
