Interview with Shonlock

2011 Dove Awards Interview with Shonlock

    
     The Christian music industry over the last five years has witnessed the birth of many R&B and hip-hop artists rising to the number one spot on the Christian music charts. Recently slaying this arena is long time choreographer, lyricists and dancer, Mr. Deshon Bullock. Better known in the playing field as Shonlock and his crew Da Monsta.

     You may see his footprints through many platforms, like in the production of Mandisa’s hit song Love Somebody, which he co-wrote. Shonlock has also worked on projects and shows with Aaliyah, Arrested Development, Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, and Nicole C. Mullins to name a few. His most talked about involvement has been with Christian music veteran Toby Mac, who hired him to travel with him and be a show choreographer and dancer.

With a fan wearing something in your eyes t-shirt

     This warm spirited and gifted young man has created many wonderful messages for a generation of youth and adults that are geared more toward the message with a bass beat and lyrically challenging groove. Arrow/Universal records knew what they were doing when they signed Shonlock in 2009. His #1 single Something in your eyes has made him a strong contender for a nomination in the 2012 annual Dove Awards. I found out during our interview he will be alongside two of the 2011 Dove Award nominees  on tour this fall, which is a treat you don’t want to miss!

     If you are curious what CD this multi-gifted hip-hop artist chooses to listen to, this interview will be very eye opening for you. You will learn what inspires this young man to stay true to his faith and yet still show the world you can have fun as an artist. A person just trying to stay straight or simply a teenager facing the difficult scenarios surrounding them on a day to day basis.

Me: “So, tell me how you guys came up with the name of your group?

Shonlock: “Oh, yeah, Da Monsta. Our band name kind of signifies what I feel the body of Christ is as a whole. You know that needs to be our mentality. We are a massive army for Christ”

Me: “So, how many members make up Da Monsta team?”

Shonlock: “Let’s see we have Monte, Robert, Shatier and Dakari. Really great guys to work with. We always have a lot of fun.”

Me: “Yeah, I was watching a video you had where you and one of the band members were working on a song, he was playing his guitar part.”

Shonlock: “Yeah, that was Robert.”

Me: “He seemed like he was really laid back is he always like that?”

Shonlock: (Laughing) “Oh Robert, no that was very unusual.”

Me: “Who would you say your musical influences are or anyone that influences you and what CD are you currently listening to?”

Shonlock: “Really, Toby Mac has been a great influence on me both musically and spiritually you know, he is always there for me if I need to talk you know. No matter if it’s about music or not. As far as what CD I am listening to right now, (grinning with hesitation) Taylor Swift.”

Me: “Really? (grinning myself) I really did not expect that for some reason kind of threw me off on that note.”

Shonlock: “Yeah, I know a little strange huh? A Christian hip-hop artist listening to a country girl. But you know I am big on lyrics and I can just relate so much to the stuff she sings about. It’s really a great album.”

Me: "It’s obvious that God gifted you musically in many ways, how long ago was it that you surrendered your gifts to Him for His purposes?”

Shonlock: “Well, let me see, it was about ten years ago. You know I traveled a lot and worked with a bunch of different artists. I moved out and away from those positive influences and stumbled a bit and wasn’t really living it you know?

However, about eight years ago when I moved back to Nashville I started working with the Katinas, and some other great groups. You know God just pierced my heart. Toby Mac just so happened to be at a show where I was working with Nicole C Mullins and he seen me just flipping off the speakers and he said, “I got to get that guy”.

Me: “That is awesome, what would you say your favorite scripture is, if you had to pick one?”

Shonlock: “Wow, there is just so many. I guess I would have to say John 10:10 comes to mind. You know He wants us to live life to the fullest. Loving Him and having fun doing it. You know and share that happiness with others.”

Me: “So how often do you and the band practice and do you all struggle with each other at all?”

Shonlock: “Right now we usually try to have rehearsals at least twice a week. You know we have been together for nine years so you know struggles yeah. But prayer really helps with all that. You know we try to keep each other accountable. Especially when we are out on the road, we will not leave each other alone. Not everyone has the same abilities and weaknesses so we just keep each other’s back. But prayer really is a lot of it.”

Me: “So speaking of struggles. What do you think as a Christian you feel you battle with the most?”

Shonlock: “Funny you should ask that cause it recently happened to me again. You know when God tells you to do something or talk to someone and you feel insecure cause you don’t really feel like they are going to want to hear you?

Then God keeps putting that person in your path and you still keep shying away from it? I would say that is my biggest struggle, cause later I always see that if I am not obedient He will send someone else to do it and I need to just start doing it because it’s a window of opportunity that He is opening.”

Me: “So, what are your plans for touring this year? You got any big plans? You think you will swing through Ohio?”

Shonlock: “Actually yes, we are getting ready to do a fall tour with Group 1 Crew and Rapture Ruckus. I think we are going to be hitting the mid-west too. If not on that tour then we will be coming through I think for the Alive Festival.”

Me: “Music has a huge impact on the youth today that are facing so many different struggles, as a role model, what advice do you have to encourage the future generations?”

Shonlock: “Wow, you know follow the passion God has put in their heart. Whatever passions they may be turn them over to God. He will take them and mold them and use them for good. Just because you give your heart to God it does not make you a square. You can still have fun as a Christian."

Me: “Have you been a part of a ministry in your local church?”

Shonlock: “Actually yes, I saw a lot of young men coming forth quite a bit and they really did not have anyone to talk to them about the real struggles they would face you know as a young man. So I started this group up called NOTASIN. That actually stands for Nobles Out To Achieve Something Incredible Now. It gives them someone to talk to and helps them succeed in life.”

Me: “As an artist, how would you define success?”

Shonlock: “You know I think it is the impact that you leave with people. You might have missed it if all you do is talk about yourself. It comes down to the impression you leave of God with that person.”

Me with Deshon at the end of the interview

     The Father of two boys a six-year old and a 19th month old and married to a Pastors daughter, Deshon comes across as a very fun loving southern young man. I doubt anyone who has the blessing of crossing paths with him will not feel the love of Christ from his spirit. Don’t forget to check out Hello, which was released to radio stations on April 20, 2011 it is bound to be an incredible addition to his already chart topping creations! When this Monsta shows up, the only mashing that is going to be happening is on the face of the devil.  

Shonlocks Words of Wisdom 

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.

Check Out His Website Here

    Watch the Official Video For Hello.