Teen Phenom Fashawn From The "Grizzly City" - By : Eddie Gurrola - September 9, 2007

Those of you who have followed any of our "Central Cali" updates, including a release from Diego Redd and the Hecktik Soprano presented The Factors project, will have seen the name Fashawn.

The name is the moniker of an 18 year old Fresno teen sensation that is already being touted for success. His latest mixtape "Grizzly City 2" is available today for free download on Dubcnn and if by the time we've told you a little about him you aren't convinced - the first 52 bars on the CD’s intro will have you admitting; "That kid is a beast!"

Fashawn, although still only young, already has ferocious rhymes, killer flow and importantly the ability to craft songs. Coupled with his raw talent, charisma and versatility he is well on his way to proving his "Teen Phenom" status. "I was born into the culture, so it’s second nature to me," Fashawn explains simply.

As a ’90s baby, he’s got all the style and charisma of a modern-day emcee, but the rhymes of a veteran beyond his teenage years. When asked to name the emcees he looks up to, he’s quick to answer with Rakim, followed by Nas, Snoop, 2Pac, Ras Kass and Pharoahe Monch.

Within his short time in the industry Fashawn has already convinced many of his ability, already being recognized as a leader in Fresno’s rap scene, steering a vibrant pack of young hip-hoppers adorned with purple bandanas and T-shirts marking their Grizzly City movement. With his streetwise persona, borne from this upbringing in rough East Fresno, he can deliver street knowledge as well as kickin' it with the skaters who listened to Hieroglyphics. That combination yields a street-smart rhymer who can deliver content. "A lot of people can rap and spit bars," Fashawn says, "But I want to write songs."

Already with three mixtapes under his belt as a solo artist and two with his crew Section 8 (Grafik, Bravo and Night), Fashawn is a busy young man - we are giving you the chance to get ahead of the game as in a few years everybody will saying what people in Fresno already know. Fashawn? That kid is a beast!

Dubcnn Presents: Fashawn - Grizzly City 2 (Free Mixtape Download)

Enjoy the new music and ensure you stay tuned to Dubcnn for the latest news and media from Fashawn over the coming months. In the meantime, check out Fashawn on MySpace and check out the video of him on the Wake Up Show and most recently, his "Come On Baby" remix video with Planet Asia.

Discuss This Topic