Shawn Tuck Talks The Release Of His Mixtape "Product Of My Environment"
By: Omar Cook
West Coast rapper Shawn Tuck dropped his first project Product Of My Environment, and it certainly did not disappoint. Shawn hails from Orange County, California, born and raised and is a former collegiate football player who turned to music. This project features 10 songs that you can run through with no skips. It features a dope blend of vocals and real life lyrics that keeps you nodding your head all the way through. This artist has an original flow and sound that is unique and will definitely have you looking forward to the next project. If you’re needing something to vibe to, this is for you.
We talked with Shawn Tuck in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
QUESTION: What was your inspiration for the title of this project?
Shawn Tuck: I went through a number of title options actually. But, when I started getting closer and closer to setting a release date, I started thinking to myself that I wanted people to know me for me and what I am really about. When it comes to my stage name it’s just Shawn Tuck, there is no persona to hide behind, so all the way down to my name, i’m the Product Of My Environment.
QUESTION: What do you want people to know about your music and this project?
Shawn Tuck: What I want people to get from my music, is that it really is music that you can vibe to, something you can ride to, but at the same time turn up too. Being that this is my first project, I tried my best to give it an “album” feel as best as I could.
QUESTION: What do you feel is a song that people MUST listen to on this project?
Shawn Tuck: I got a few that I think honestly, but I’ve been getting the best response from ‘On The Low’. That’s definitely a rider right there.
QUESTION: How did you generate ideas for the songs on this mixtape?
Shawn Tuck: To be honest it kind of all just fell into place. I would just find beats and then write/freestyle to them and I just started to see a pattern of how the songs laid out and it just perfectly reflected my life to where I’m at right now.
QUESTION: How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Shawn Tuck: Shoot, I’ve been making music for about 9 years now. It all started when I was out at The University Of Idaho on a football scholarship. We would be parties and I would find myself tucked off in the corner free styling to beats. I wasn’t necessarily great but I could kind of tell it came with ease and sometimes would have people ask me if I had written what I just rapped.
QUESTION: What motivates you and how do you define success?
Shawn Tuck: My family, meaning my wife and my daughter. I just want to be able to provide the best way that I can. For me, success is seeing my daughter grow into this great human being with still being able to see qualities of myself in her. It’s a constant reminder to let me know I’m doing a good job. Especially when others vouch for me.
QUESTION: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Shawn Tuck: I would say passion! Just because I want this so bad and I feel like you can hear it in my music.
QUESTION: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Shawn Tuck: Man! A LOT!! From working 3 jobs, working at chipotle, currently working preload for UPS just to be able to have hours through the day to spend with my daughter AND to be able to get stuff done musically!
QUESTION: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Shawn Tuck: Just keep going, stay true to you, and stay genuine!