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This artist, who goes by the name “Brasco” actually sent over one song that I thought, was aiight. But I decided to do a little research on him and went over to his myspace page.
This cut “Playing with Words” was much better then the first! I mean it’s a jack beat but his flow was tight as hell, so I hit up his people and told them to send it over to me for y’all to hear.
From studio to studio dropping verses for mixtape features, and features on upcoming releases by other artists, to traveling the region for shows. Some may find this tedious, but for up and coming rapper Brasco, its much welcomed. Born October 9, 1980, Sheffie Monroe, a.k.a Brasco, is no stranger to struggle.
After granduating from high school, Brasco formed a partnership with another New Orleans rapper, Jon Doe. 2003 proved to be a productive year as Brasco and Jon Doe traveled to Los Angeles, CA to meet with Suge Knight of Death Row Records, who invited the duo after hearing their music. Although they ultimately did not get a record deal with Death Row, the occasion provided further motivation for Brasco, who continued to perform with Jon Doe, and then as a solo artist throughout the south.
Brasco - "Playin Wit Words"
Contact Brasco
Talk to you lata,
--SoHH Gyant
- sohh.com
How did you get started with your music?
I got into it after hearing Rakim. I remember seeing his video "In The Ghetto" on Yo MTV Raps, back when Dr. Dre and Ed Lover were hosts. The video motivated me. It was another level of hip hop. Rakim was so real. His whole aura or swagger . . . it was on another level. I started writing after that, but it was more of a hobby. I didn't really get serious about it until I graduated high school. During my first year of college I went to Texas. My friend had a label and I went to do a song with As'aad Regal. I ended up staying there for a couple weeks, and after that, I was like, I'm gonna do it.
What are you currently working on?
Right now, we're pumping the mixtape. It's actually a double mixtape, 2 for 1. Brasco's Way and Playin Wit Words. I'm also working on my first album, The Struggle Ain't Over. And, of course, rocking as many stages as possible.
What kind of music do you listen to and how does it influence your music?
I pretty much listen to everything – jazz, r&b, hip hop, soul. Anything that's inspirational is an influence. Kind of like with Lebron, looking at MJ. He was probably saying I want to be like that. On the music side, figures like Marvin Gaye, Nas, Jay Z, influence me.
What's your opinion on mainstream hip hop today? What do you like or not like?
What I like about hip hop is that it's about the South right now. I think mainstream hip hop is too flashy or flossy though. That's kind of what I don't like about it. You get a lot to dance to, and that's cool, but we're not getting as much stuff to listen to in the mainstream like back in the day. I think it needs to go back to what it was – like when Juvie dropped 400 Degrees. Or when Nas came out with It Was Written. Pac with Machiavelli; B.I.G. with Life After Death . It was something to listen to, not just something to dance to.
Who do you admire?
There's a few people I admire in the industry. C-Murder, cause of the fact that he was mainstream, but was still so down to earth and close to the community. He was rich, but not Hollywood. Scarface and KRS One. They definitely know how to rock a crowd. Scarface had a listening party for "Last of A Dying Breed." He had everybody in that bitch jumping, from front to back. Songs that the DJ didn't have, he did it acapella. And everybody knew all the words. Tupac. I saw Pac get like 20 people in a concert for free. People were standing in line and tickets were sold out. Pac walked up, and he got as many people in as he could til they cut it off. A lot of artists don't even get to their show on time, but Pac came through and got people in without tickets. The fact that he looked out was real admirable. Jay Z. He's like the new Russell Simmons.
Why would people want to listen to your music over someone else's?
For the simple fact that I give them something to listen to, not just dance to. My music gives you something to see. I like to think I paint pictures when I rhyme. It's refreshing to be able to listen to something and it's almost like going to see a movie. You get out of your world for a minute and get into something else.
Who have you worked with and how have they affected your work?
Nesby Phipps, he's straight New Orleans, but his style of production is just so different. A friend told me about him and we hooked up after a b-ball game. He played a track and I kicked something to it. The energy was kinetic. His tracks brought me to another level as an artist. It was like, I was seeing in tunnel vision until I heard his production. Also, A.D. Future, his production is like the new era of New Orleans producers. He's kind of the new Manny Fresh. His production brings me to Orleans and Claiborne. It's me, but it's a whole 'nother me.
What is your local hip hop scene like?
Well, I'm from the N.O. Before Katrina, the local hip hop scene – there were only like 2 open mics in the city. Niggas were into hip hop, but it wasn't as widespread. Niggas was really just doing it for their hood. It wasn't like majors coming to listen, or prizes for winning. In Atlanta though, for an indie artist, there's something to do every night. Atlanta is hip hop, even at the NBA games they have hip hop shows.
Where do you see yourself in a year from now?
In a year, I see myself working hard probably on tour, promoting my first album. Still doing features, getting ready for the second album, and working on my first movie and soundtrack with someone like a John Singleton or Spike Lee. And also mentoring and helping my first protégé.
Any additional information you would like us to know?
If you don't already have it, check out the double mixtape – Brasco's Way and Playin Wit Words. You can get it at 985 Urban Wear in Bogalusa, La. and Conrad's Music in Kenner, La. If you're in Atlanta, you can find it at Indie Outlet in South Dekalb Mall, Earwax Records, Rebel Muzik on Auburn Ave., and Muzic Sity. You can also get it directly from us online at myspace.com/brasco5plus4. Thanks to Big Will and WWS. - WWS Mag
Straight from the dirty N.O. - New Orleans that is – comes Brasco. Transplanted to Atlanta as a result of Hurricane Katrina, Brasco has been making waves on the independent scene. He’s rocked stages throughout the Atlanta area, New Orleans, and several places in between. Brasco’s racked up a number of mixtape features, released two mixtapes of his own, Playin Wit Words and Brasco’s Way, and has music featured in an independent film entitled Chip Factor.
Brasco’s determined to keep his name ringing. With the recent release of his new single “Baaaby,” produced by Nesby Phips (Lil Wayne, Mack Maine, Curren$y), and the upcoming release of his new mixtape, Mo ‘Betta Brasco, we’ll definitely be hearing more about Brasco.
- Hot Block Magazine
Discography
G. Baby Records Presents . . . Brasco Playin Wit Words
DJ Quest Presents . . . Street Hustle Special Edition - Brasco's Way
Photos
Bio
From studio to studio dropping verses for mixtape features and features on upcoming releases by other artists, to traveling the region for shows. Some may find this tedious, but for up and coming rapper Brasco, it’s much welcomed. Brasco, née Sheffie Monroe, is no stranger to struggle. Raised solely by his mother, the effects of little to eventually no contact with his father proved to be all too disappointing, and, as a result, the New Orleans streets was the teacher of many lessons for Brasco.
Turning the frustration with his father into inspiration, Brasco found the love of music. This love affair with music coupled with his introduction to the hard beats and lyrical styles of Eric B. and Rakim in the late 80s piqued a strong interest in the originality and freshness of hip-hop. With the additional influences of New Orleans-based artists such as DJ Jubilee and Pimp Daddy, Brasco jumped head first into the New Orleans music scene. At the age of 14, Brasco and four other friends formed a group called the “Ganja Boyz”. Having honed their skills in basement rehearsals and impromptu ciphers, the group hit the streets and stages of New Orleans, starting a buzz all their own. The Ganja Boyz gave deliverance to Brasco and gave everyone else a glimpse of his lyrical skills.
In 1998, Brasco not only got a chance meeting with “Cash Money Millionaire” Baby, but was also given the opportunity of spitting a few bars. Baby validated Brasco’s talent with a personal pledge to keep his eye on him, and, as a result, Brasco caught fire, recognizing the chance to pursue a career in rap music had come. Still, Brasco found it hard to ignore the call of the streets. With little to no strong male guidance and mounting frustration and anger towards his estranged father, Brasco began to travel the proverbial road to self-destruction that had already claimed many of his peers. After racking up some legal troubles, Brasco knew that something had to change, and he decided to concentrate on one of his first loves – music.
2003 proved to be a productive year as Brasco and another original member of the “Ganja Boyz”, Jon Doe, traveled to Los Angeles, CA to meet with Suge Knight of Death Row Records, who invited the duo after hearing their music. Although they ultimately did not get a record deal with Death Row, the occasion provided further motivation for Brasco, who continued to perform with Jon Doe, and then as a solo artist throughout the south.
Then came August 29, 2005 – the day Hurricane Katrina struck. The storm left nothing behind except a test of everyone’s reliance and strength. Going from pillar to post, from New Orleans to Houston and eventually landing in Atlanta, Brasco found solace and knew that while one door was closing another was opening. Brasco hit the ground running once he relocated to Atlanta. He began performing at several venues across the city and has been invited multiple times to perform during the Best of the Best show of the popular ATL’s Most Wanted Talent Showcase, which is responsible for breaking artists such as Yung Joc. Capitalizing on the momentum built through his live performances and on the strength of songs such as “Roc Wit A Soulja,” produced by Win (DG Yola), and “How It Gi-zo,” produced by A.D. Future (Juvenile), Brasco released two mixtapes in 2006, Playin Wit Words and Brasco’s Way, both mixed by DJ Quest, member of Slip N Slide DJs and the Legion Of Doom (LOD). With the release of his latest single “Baaaby,” Brasco continues to earn the respect and recognition of fans and industry insiders alike.
Currently prepping his debut album entitled “The Struggle Ain’t Over,” Brasco is determined and destined to become a powerhouse with enough inspiration and originality to last a lifetime and beyond. He says, “I don’t want to be remembered as just a commercial artist, but known for the realness that I bring in every verse of my songs.” It was Fredrick Douglas who wrote, “without struggle, there is no progress”, and if struggle is the indication of potential victory, then not only will Brasco’s skills of being a lyricist shine through, but the reflection of his humility will as well.
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