Fashawn, known to his biggest fans as the more accurate sounding The Phenom, is a Fresno, CA, emcee who, despite not having yet released his own debut opus, is already taking the rap world by storm.

In 2006, Fashawn dropped his very first mixtape, Grizzly City, catching the attention of fellow Fresnan, Planet Asia. Since then, he's had the privilege of working with deejays; Mick Boogie and Terry Urban, on the Orisue clothing sponsored One Shot One Kill, as well as internet giants; OnSmash.com and NahRight.com, on his Higher Learning street tape. Both of these mega-popular offerings garnered Fashawn nationwide praise.  

The man born Santiago Leyva has also been fortunate enough to collaborate in the studio with such heavyweights as DJ Muggs, DJ Khalil, Evidence, The Alchemist, Aloe Blacc, U-N-I, and his mentor, Planet Asia, in addition to sharing the stage with legendary Hip-Hop collective, The Roots.

Yo! Raps touched base with the 20 year old Central Californian as he was busy finishing up the recording process of his highly anticipated, Exile helmed, debut outing, Boy Meets World...

When did you first start getting into Hip-Hop?

When I saw that I can make an actual career out of it. I was twelve years old when I first stepped foot in a recording studio, and I've been making music ever since. I always wanted to have a career, opposed to being just a "one hit wonder."

So, from that age forward you knew that music was your calling?

Yeah, the first time I grabbed a mic when I was 12, I knew this was something I was going to do. There was no doubt in my mind that I wouldn't be doing this professionally. 

Oh, okay. Well, growing up, whose music did you listen to?

I'm from Fresno, California, so growing up my local influences were Killa Tay, Planet Asia and Diego Redd. They all put Fresno on the map one way or another. I like to say that I'm a native of the Central Valley though, because that's what Fresno represents. 

Being a fan of Asia's music, how did you actually end up becoming his protege, so to speak?

I did my first mixtape with Hecktik Management back in 2006. I had no major features, just other young artists who were unsigned at the time. We were shouting Grizzly City over every record, and eventually began to get a following throughout Central California. I laid my own foundation down first, then Planet Asia stepped in 2007, 2008, and took me on the road with him. That meant a lot to me because he was one of my favorite emcees growing up. Having that co-sign alone did a lot for my career.

Who's responsible for dubbing you Fashawn The Phenom?

It's always been simply Fashawn. I got crowned with The Phenom by a deejay in my hometown back in 2006. A lot of expectations come along with having a name like that, so I don't use it much. My true fans still call me that though.

What type of Hip-Hop do you create and perform?

I would describe my sound as progressive. I'm inspired by many genres of music; from Rock to Jazz. To say my music sounds one particular way would be wrong. Thanks to Hip-Hop, I can throw in all these elements and create a sound that's my own.

You opted to sign with an indie in One Records opposed to that of a major label -- How come?

I chose to sign with One Records, which is an independent label, because they have an amazing situation over there. They were passionate about taking on Boy Meets World, and that's what I needed. I felt if I had signed to a major label with a huge roster, my album probably wouldn't come out until next year -- One Records was the best move. 

Boy Meets World -- Why that particular title?

I once heard that when you're born into this world your mind is like a blank sheet of paper. It's not until you meet the world for yourself that you gain your own perspective on things. Boy Meets World is the story of a young man trying to realize a dream. He grows up and discovers the real world is nothing like it is on television. It's not just about the boy it's about the events that led to the boy becoming a man.

Very deep concept! So, sonically what's to be expected from Boy Meets World?

The album is entirely produced by Exile, who is a monster on the MPC! He did Below The Heavens, with Blu, which I feel is an amazing body of work. Exile knows how to gel with an artist, and bring out the best out of them. I let him create the backdrop, and I just penned it. 

Speaking of "penning it" -- Your lyrics seem to come from a very personal place...

My life upbringings inspire me. I mean, when I get a beat, I lay what inspires me and what gives me the energy to do it. Fortunate for me is I've seen so much in my life that I can write about so many different things. 

What are some of your favorite joints on Boy Meets World? And, what's the reasoning behind those particular selections?

I have a song called Sunny CA, featuring Mistah FAB and Co$$, which is like my anthem for the West Coast. That's one of my favorites on the album. Another is a song called Stars, featuring Aloe Blacc. Exile and I actually got to build on that song together. That's arguably my favorite song on Boy Meets World. It's truly a musical novel with fifteen chapters in it. It has different stories, an abundance of different characters, etcetera. Still, it's based around a main character, and that's me!

What do you believe it is that'll keep you around in this business of music?

I believe if you stay true to yourself and to your art, you'll be around forever. I've always done that, and I think that's what has kept me around for as long as I have been -- Me having the sincere hunger to get better creatively, and add something new to music.

In addition to your music, do you have any other aspirations?

You might think this is odd, but I always wanted to have my own skateboard shop. I love skating and started when I was real young. I stopped as I got older, and started doing more music. I also want to act, write different genres of music, etcetera. You're probably the first person I've told this to.

Let's talk Hip-Hop...

I think Hip-Hop is in good shape. There's emcee's from all over stepping up to the plate right now. I'm just glad I can be a part of it.

How do you feel all this illegal file sharing, bootlegging, and downloading are affecting Hip-Hop?

I think it's been good for me personally. It's given me an outlet to put my music out and let the world know about Fashawn without a having a major label backing me. I think it can be a positive for anybody, if they use it properly and responsibly. It's when fans start abusing that freedom that it becomes a problem.

Yeah, that makes sense! Tell me something about yourself that your fans would be surprised to know?

A lot of people don't know it, but I'm a huge fan of Futbol. I caught a game last time I was out in Germany with Evidence. I've been hooked ever since. I had to pronounce it right, because those Europeans love clowning on us for calling it Soccer! 

Besides Futbol, what other things do you enjoy partaking in?

You'll probably catch me skating on Venice Beach, harassing pretty girls, or eating at the nearest Pinkberry. 

Sounds cool! What has been your career high so far?

Between the Rock The Bells Tour 2009, and the Layover Tour, it's hard to choose just one. I'm just getting started with my career. I still got a long way to go. My debut album hasn't even dropped yet, and you're asking me that question? Imagine a year from today!

I could only imagine! Forget one year from today -- What about 5? Or, even 10?

I'll be grateful if my career even lasts that long. I just want to grow and continue to get better at what I do. I see myself evolving into something greater than just a guy who could put words together.

Well, you're definitely well on your way! So, when does Boy Meets World actually come out?

The album drops October 23th, 2009, so make sure to buy three copies. One for the car, one for the house, and one to keep in the plastic, because it's a classic. Look out for the video for Life As A Shorty, directed by Punit Dhesi who also shot the Our Way video, and Evidence The Far Left video. That's the first single off of Boy Meets World that we're dropping to start our campaign off to get the world prepared for Boy Meets World! 

Is there a Fashawn tour mapped out yet?

I actually haven't got off the road yet, so I don't know how to answer that question right now. I'm just messing with you. Honestly, this past year I've been on the road a lot just paying dues, but I'm excited to get on the road on my own tour. 

Oh, okay. Well, what have those shows been like for you?

Expect a roller coaster of different emotions in my set. I like to give it my all on the microphone, and really get the crowd involved with my performance. I'm still waiting for the right crowd to stage dive into!

In the meantime, is there anything else to look out for? Is there any additional mixtape(s) coming up? Cameos on others' works? And, is there anything that I just may have forgotten to ask or left out?

I've been in the studio with The Alchemist working on a new mixtape. It's coming out crazy! And, working with him one on one is something else. It's not like sending MP3s back and forth. It's really us two in the lab creating the best music we can do. For Alchemist, it's something different, too. So, look out for that! The homeys at LRG are gonna put it out, and it's been a blessing to get support from companies I admired growing up. Besides my own stuff, I also just shot a video with U-N-I for a song called Pulp Fiction, off their album A Love Supreme, so look for that debut real soon.

- By Todd Davis