We caught up with the brilliant and insightful ShawnDon Damarko a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

ShawnDon , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

🎤 **The Awakening of ShawnDon Damarko: A Journey from Brooklyn, New York Streets to Artistic Legacy

In the heart of Brooklyn, where rhythm pulses through the pavement and stories echo from stoops and subway stations, a young ShawnDon Damarko began to absorb the world around him—not just as a boy growing up in Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant, but as a future storyteller with a voice destined to resonate far beyond his block.

🌆 Early Influences: The Soundtrack of Survival

Raised amid the gritty realities of urban life, ShawnDon’s earliest memories were steeped in the sounds of Biggie Smalls, Tupac, KRS-One, Busta Rhymes, and Nas. These weren’t just artists—they were prophets, painting vivid portraits of struggle, triumph, and truth. Their music became his compass, guiding him through adolescence and planting the seeds of lyrical expression.

ShawnDon Damarko spent part of his youth in California with his great-grandparents—a grounding presence during turbulent times. At just 15 til 19 years old he was incarcerated in the California Youth Authority, a system notorious for its harsh conditions. But even behind bars, he found his voice. He began rapping in the CYA, turning pain into poetry and survival into sound. Those formative years didn’t break him—they built him.

🎙️ The First Spark: Radio Waves and Real Talk

In 2016, ShawnDon stepped into the creative world behind the mic at *Unapologetic Radio*, a New York station where underground met mainstream. As a host and media personality, he curated culture, amplified voices, and learned the power of platform. This experience gave him a front-row seat to the industry’s inner workings and ignited a deeper desire—not just to support artists, but to become one.

🎧 The Defining Moment: “Konrad Red” and the Shift to Center Stage

The turning point came in June 2024 with the release of his debut single, *Konrad Red*. Raw, reflective, and unapologetically personal, the track captured the duality of his upbringing between Brooklyn and California. It wasn’t just a song—it was a declaration. Listeners connected instantly, drawn to his unfiltered storytelling and lyrical depth.

🎬 Beyond the Mic: Acting and Advocacy

ShawnDon Damarko’s role in the series *Foster Sin*, which aired on Tubi TV & Amazon Prime, revealed another layer of his artistry. The show, focused on the mistreatment of children in the foster care system, aligned perfectly with his mission: to use art as a vehicle for truth and change.

🔥 Today and Tomorrow: A Legacy in Motion

Now a respected figure in hip-hop and entertainment, ShawnDon Damarko continues to evolve. His recent single *Gab The Gift*, featuring Bloxkz and produced by Money Da Don, showcases his collaborative spirit and lyrical sophistication. As a radio host, actor, and public figure, he’s building bridges for others while carving his own path.

But it all traces back to that moment—when a young man from Brooklyn realized his voice could move people, and decided to use it with purpose.

ShawnDon , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

📰 **Meet ShawnDon Damarko: From Brooklyn’s Blocks to Entertainment’s Brightest**

In the ever-evolving world of hip-hop and entertainment, few figures embody authenticity, resilience, and creative versatility like **ShawnDon Damarko**. Born on June 27, 1984, in Brooklyn, New York, Damarko’s journey from the streets of Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant to becoming a respected rapper, actor, media personality, and artist manager is nothing short of remarkable.

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🎤 **How He Got Started: From Survival to Soundwaves**

ShawnDon Damarko’s early life was shaped by the raw realities of urban living and the lyrical wisdom of legends like Biggie Smalls, Tupac, KRS-One, Busta Rhymes, and Nas. These influences planted the seeds of storytelling that would later blossom into his signature sound—gritty, introspective, and deeply personal.

His first major industry break came in 2016 as a radio host on *Unapologetic Radio New York*, where underground met mainstream. This role gave him a front-row seat to the music industry and allowed him to amplify emerging voices while sharpening his own.

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🎧 **Creative Works & Services: A Multifaceted Force**

ShawnDon Damarko wears many hats, each with purpose:

– American Rapper & Recording Artist**: His singles like *Konrad Red* and *Gab The Gift* (featuring Bloxkz, produced by Money Da Don) showcase his lyrical depth and East Coast grit.
– **Actor**: He starred in *Foster Sin*, a series on Tubi TV and Amazon Prime that raises awareness about the mistreatment of children in foster care.
– **Radio Host & Media Personality**: Through *Unapologetic Radio*, he’s bridged underground talent with broader audiences.
– **Artist Manager**: Damarko supports indie and mainstream artists, helping them navigate the complexities of the music business.
– **Activist & Public Figure**: He uses his platform to advocate for social justice and uplift marginalized voices.

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💡 **What He Solves: Real Stories, Real Impact**

ShawnDon Damarko’s work addresses several key challenges:

– **Representation**: He gives voice to stories often overlooked—whether through music, film, or radio.
– **Mentorship**: As an artist manager, he helps creatives build sustainable careers.
– **Healing Through Art**: His music is a vessel for emotional release and community connection.

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🌟 **What Sets Him Apart**

– **Authenticity**: ShawnDon Damarko’s art is rooted in lived experience—from incarceration in the California Youth Authority to rapping behind bars and rising through adversity.
– **Versatility**: He’s not confined to one lane—his impact spans music, media, film, and advocacy.
– **Purpose-Driven**: Every project he touches carries a message, a mission, and a movement.

🏆 **What He’s Most Proud Of**

ShawnDon Damarko takes pride in turning pain into power. His ability to transform personal struggles into creative triumphs—especially through *Konrad Red* and *Gab The Gift*—is a testament to his growth and grit. He’s also proud of mentoring artists and using his platform to spotlight social issues.

📣 **What He Wants You to Know**

ShawnDon Damarko isn’t just an artist, he’s a brand built on truth, transformation, and tenacity. Whether you’re a fan, collaborator, or client, he wants you to know:

– He’s here to **build**, not just perform.
– His work is **rooted in reality**, not industry trends.
– He’s committed to **uplifting others** while evolving himself.

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What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely, ShawnDon Damarko’s creative journey is deeply rooted in “authentic storytelling, social impact, and cultural elevation”. His mission is to use music, media, and performance as tools to amplify voices that are often unheard and to spark meaningful conversations around resilience, injustice, and transformation.

Here’s what drives him:

🎯 Core Mission*
– **To preserve the purity of hip-hop** by emphasizing lyrical depth and real-life narratives over commercial trends.
– **To empower communities** through stories that reflect urban realities, emotional struggles, and triumphs.
– **To advocate for change**, especially around issues like incarceration, foster care, and systemic inequality—drawing from his own experiences in the California Youth Authority.

🎙️ **Creative Purpose**
ShawnDon Damarko sees his art as a **vehicle for healing and truth**. Whether it’s through a track like *Konrad Red* or his role in *Foster Sin*, he’s committed to creating work that resonates emotionally and socially.
– His music blends **classic hip-hop influences** with modern innovation, crafting a sound that’s both timeless and fresh.

🔥 **What Sets Him Apart**
– **Authenticity**: Every lyric is lived, not imagined.
– **Versatility**: He’s a rapper, actor, radio host, and artist manager.
– **Community Focus**: He uses platforms like *Unapologetic Radio* to uplift emerging talent and foster dialogue.

💬 **What He Wants You to Know**
ShawnDon Damarko isn’t chasing fame—he’s building a legacy. His brand is about **truth, transformation, and tenacity**, & he wants fans and collaborators to know that every project he touches is driven by purpose.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One powerful story that illustrates ShawnDon Damarko’s resilience comes from his time in the California Youth Authority (CYA). At just 15 years old til he was age 19—he was incarcerated in a California correctional system known for its harsh conditions and limited rehabilitation. But instead of letting that environment define him, Damarko used it as a crucible for transformation.

🎙️ **The Birth of a Voice Behind Bars**
While locked up, Damarko began rapping—writing verses that reflected his pain, his past, and his hopes. These weren’t just rhymes; they were lifelines. In a place designed to break spirits, he found a way to build his own. His lyrical talent became a form of resistance, a way to reclaim identity and purpose when everything else was stripped away.

That experience didn’t just shape his music—it shaped his mission. He emerged from CYA not only with sharpened skills but with a deeper understanding of how art can heal, empower, and connect. It’s this foundation that fuels his work today, whether he’s dropping tracks like *Gab The Gift*, mentoring artists, or starring in socially conscious projects like *Foster Sin*.

ShawnDon Damarko’s journey proves that resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about creating something meaningful from the struggle.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tr.ee/2TxgP8d5E3
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damarko_000_wave_b_illy?igsh=MTR1eDQ3b3R2c2w5aQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp0pH0Qk8YW9ylkCbfhPWCA
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/shawndon-damarko
• Other: https://tr.ee/qPXvFAE80C

Image Credits
Photo taken at The Spot Recording studio located in Richmond, Virginia.