From Memphis to the H: Shun Gawd on Authenticity, Southern Roots, and the Arrival of “PHASES”

Artist Name: Shun Gawd

Hometown: Houston (& More)

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From Memphis roots to the streets of Houston, Shun Gawd is a product of his nomadic journey. Blending East Coast technicality with a distinct Southern drawl, he has spent years refining a sound defined by pure authenticity rather than social media trends. Now, as he prepares to drop his highly anticipated project, “PHASES,” the Houston-based artist opens up about his college-era beginnings, his “secret weapon” collaborators, and why staying grounded is the key to his rising momentum.

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Q: Can you tell us about your background? Where did you grow up, and how has that influenced your music?

A: Man, I grew up moving around a lot. So I’m originally from Memphis, TN, but I moved to Santa Barbara, CA after 2nd grade. I stayed there for a few years, then moved to the East side of Houston till middle of 7th grade then I moved to Long Beach, California till end of the 8th grade then from there is where I land in Houston at the start of my 9th grade year of school. I’ve been in the H ever since. I’d say moving around a lot definitely influenced me to actually find the type of music I personally liked because I had minimal cultural/ regional influence since I wasn’t in places for long periods of times. As a kid who was from the South, I naturally took a liking to a more East Coast style. That’s why today people tell me I rap like I’m from the east, but just with a slight southern accent. 

Q: What was your early introduction to music and hip-hop? Do you have any specific artists or experiences that inspired you?

A: My early introduction to hip hop that I remember the most as a kid was Three 6 Mafia, being from Memphis, and The Hot Boys. I was a HUGE Hot Boys fan as a kid. I wouldn’t say they influenced me musically but as far as the first thing that comes to my mind thinking about music as a young kid is definitely those two groups right there. 

Q: When did you start making music, and what was your first project? 

A: Man, I didn’t start making music officially until I was in college. This was around 2015. All of my homies were doing it, and kind of persuaded me to write a verse. Once I did that, I never stopped. My first project came in 2016 when we released “The Rough Draft”.

Q: How would you describe your style and sound? What sets you apart from other artists?

A: I’d describe my style as authentic. I know that can seem kind of a broad answer, but I believe that’s the feeling that people get when they listen to my music. You can tell that I’m in my comfort zone doing EXACTLY wtf I want to do and not chasing any gimmicks or trends. I feel like you can sense that through the music as well as everything else that I do. I tell people all the time, everything you see that I’m into on my socials is shit I’ve been into for my entire life, pretty much. I just now have a homie with a camera that’s able to capture it all. 

Q: Who are some of your favorite local artists or collaborators you’ve had the chance to work with?

A: Man, we have a lot of talent here in Houston. I’d have to say my favorite artist from the city to collab with would be my homegirls Keara Alyse and Kylea’. You hear them on a lot of my tracks. I feel like they are my secret weapons, man, lol they help me round out a lot of those ideas that need female energy to em and I’ve always felt like my collabs with vocalists are my favorite collaborations 100%

Q: How do you promote your music and connect with your audience? Do you have any tips for other independent artists?

A: It’s a few different marketing tactics I use to get the music out there, man. Some work better than others, and some cost more than others, of course. I’d say my most impactful marketing scheme is really touching the people virtually. Because of social media, I’m able to stay in contact with a lot of my fans personally through DM and even sometimes interacting I their page to show them some love in return. I always reach out to Day 1 supporters with early links to the music, early links to the merch, all that. Just really touching my supporters virtually as much as I can.  Ever tryna be too Hollywood or mysterious with them. 

Q: Are there any upcoming events, shows, or releases you’d like to share with our readers?

A: Yessirrrrrrr, we’re about to start rolling out some new music real soon. We got a crazy project we working on this year called “PHASES”. That’s all I’m gonna say right now lol just be on the lookout. We about to start flooding with some loosies & freestyles too. A lot of heat coming 100%.

Social Media Links:

Instagram: @shungawd

Twitter: @ShunGawd

Website: https://linktr.ee/ShunGawd