Monay
Los Angeles, California, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
PRLog (Press Release) – Oct 15, 2009 – LOS ANGELES – Teen rap prodigy Shanavea Brown wasn’t even born in the 1980s when Afrika Bambaataa was throwing down beats in the South Bronx and becoming the true godfather of the hip-hop culture and the father of the electro funk sound. But she is drawing from the inspiration of the early hip-hop, funk and rap musicians; mixing in the pop music muse of Michael Jackson; stirring in the throw down beats of a traditional rap battle and combining them all in a song to make them popular again.
“I really love the old school hip-hop artists and rappers and grew up admiring them on television and imitating what I saw,” Brown said. “Tacoma, Washington wasn’t really the ‘hood, but I still learned my music and beats on the street and took on some choice rap battles of my own.”
In a rap battle, two rappers throw down beats trying to “diss” or “out rhyme” the other rapper. Brown always got excited about her ability to take on her opponents and win. The practice helped her find her way into an up-and-coming girl group and finally record some of her beats.
“I was excited to record some music and really have the opportunity to learn more about the business and follow in the footsteps of the old school stars I watched on television,” she said. “I really wanted to work to take my hobby to the next level and start my music career.”
Shanavea has since connected with a music producer who took her under a wing and inspired her to write and record more music. Featuring a rhythmic beat; hip-hop and pop sounds; background techno-funk; and the high-pitched teen voice of Brown, the tunes remind listeners of a young Neneh Cherry who cut the single “Buffalo Stance” in 1988.
Shanavea continues to advance the old school style of her inspirational muses while making sure rap battles, early hip-hop, techo-funk music and the Afrika Bambaataa tradition never dies.
“I’m very excited about how far I’ve come so far in my musical career and look forward to making more great music for all of my fans,” she said. “I look forward to becoming the next big teen artist.”
To check out her tunes, listen to her song Perfect Picture, and keep up with her career by reading her blog, please check out Shanavea’s MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/shanaveabrown.
Contact:
Anna Brown
Email:lclentertainment@aol.com
- PR
Discography
Perfect Picture
Aim Away
Thats Wassup
Roller Blades
Type Of Girl
Time To Cry
Photos
Bio
Born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, Shanavea Brown had an eye for the spotlight from an early age. Shanavea began modeling at the age of six and soon after was dancing and competing in dance competitions. A quiet girl off-stage, Shanavea realized her love of performing and embraced the confidence it gave her to come out of her shell and gain respect from other school girls. In fact, Shanavea’s stage transformation created an alter-ego, "Monay" – a more outspoken and brash version of herself. This alter ego later helped Shanavea through her difficult high school years, fighting peer pressure. In addition to being on stage, Shanavea found strength in writing – rap lyrics, in particular – and embraced music as a savior from her life as a teenager. As a musician, Shanavea drew inspiration from early hip-hop, funk and rap musicians – particularly Afrika Bambaataa - as well as the 80s r & b pop sounds of Michael Jackson. She sat in front of the TV, studying and imitating hip hop artists and rappers. Before long, she was engaged in “rap battles” in the schoolyard and gaining the attention of talented producers who urged her to record.
Shanavea’s studio work resulted is an old school hip hop sound, complete with throw down beats. Her tracks feature high-pitched vocals, infectious hip hop beats, pop hooks and techno-funk synth accents. Incorporating old school stylings of her hip hop heroes, Shanavea’s forthcoming single, “Time to Cry” (due for release in January, 2010) showcases her rap battle skills and love of hip-hop and techno-funk music.
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