HYPE REPORT: Young Sha

"It doesn't matter what you do, but strive to be the best at whatever it is." With the words of his now deceased grandfather reverberating in his mind and his memory embedded in his heart, each day Young Sha, aka Shane Russell seeks to live out this philosophy. Born on May 4, 1987, in Terre Haute, Indiana, the now 21-year-old always had a penchant for sports and music. However, after transferring from one local high school to the other on the Southside of town, Young Sha found himself surrounded by peers involved in freestyle battles, and quickly fell head over heels for the rapid fire, impulsive, and creative competition, quickly moving up the ranks and gaining the respect of those around him.

He began to officially pen rhymes at the age of 17, and spent the next few years in a collaboration with a friend, as 'Young Sha and D.H.', with the duo performing locally, as well as recording numerous tracks together. After more than a year together, Young Sha decided to follow his dream of becoming a solo artist, and spent most of 2007 and the early months of 2008 cultivating his work.

The past year has been one in which has involved a great deal of blood, sweat, and tears, but not without Young Sha's vision beginning to come to fruition along with his labor. May 2008 saw the release of the budding rapper's first official mixtape, entitled "Experimental Mindset." Since release, the 23 –track showcase of Young Sha's hard-hitting, relevant rhymes, vivid metaphors, and quick wit has spread by word and airplay across his hometown and surrounding areas, with his single "I Shouldn't" finding itself in rotation on local radio, including 89.7, WISU, the official radio home of Indiana State University. Young Sha credits Kanye West, Cassidy, Elzhi of Slum Village, Eminem, Lil' Wayne, and Lupe Fiasco among his musical influences.