TallBoy.us The Tall Boy Experience!
“You ain’t let nobody knock you off your square.”
Talent can be found everywhere in America, but representing Milwaukee, WI is a proud accomplishment for Shonn Hinton. The guitarist who is currently touring with Mary J. Blige as part of her band, reflects on his second solo EP “I’m Gooche” and what has transpired during his long journey from his hometown to his success.
Being a little-known talent to the masses is no fun but hard work seldom is. “The Shonn Hinton Experience” has become the industries best kept secret but it also is a prime example of how you can get it if you work for it. Coming from a family of musicians, Shonn emphasizes his grandfather, father and uncle played guitar while his mother played piano. So, it was a natural transition for him to pick up and start playing guitar at the age of 12, literally suffering for his art. He was serious when he stated he would get “whoopings” because he never wanted to go to bed, just wanted to play his instrument all day.
Even though Shonn often gets chided about Milwaukee, the land of beer Bucks and cheese, he explains there is a pool of talent that still resides in his hometown. He says that Eric Benet and Speech from Arrested Development are originally from there. After perfecting his craft over the years, it was 2004 when he was contacted by Mary J. Bilge’s then musical director to audition for Dave Hollister. Since that association, he has played with Patti LaBelle, Avant, Lil Wayne, 112, Michelle Williams, Jill Scott are just a few recognizable names. Twice he has been on the Grammy Awards stage with Mary J. Blige and Lil Wayne.
Shonn’s unbounded energy affords him the respect he gets from his music and people he has played with and says it’s no accident. He loves to work, doesn’t take breaks, and always likes to stay busy since this is his gift and ability. Presently, the end result has been his latest “I’m Gooche” which was a recording he did in his living room. Believe it or not, there are some in this world who don’t know the meaning of being gooche – sometimes spelled gucci. Not a new terminology but it still means you’re good.
“I know that people know things could definitely be worse but it’s better ‘cause if we alive, you gooche. You in your comfort zone and won’t allow anybody to knock you out that zone.”
There have been lessons Shonn learned as a solo artist, and there’s a difference between the 2-albums he’s recorded.
You don’t have to be too deep or the greatest singer. The goal is that people get the message of what you’re trying to do. Be honest with how you feel and people will resonate with it and you’ll grow from there. “
Hey, I’m Gooche,
- Joseph Walker