In an industry often oversaturated with short-lived trends and fleeting virality, a few artists stand out not just for their sound—but for their substance. One such artist is Shawn Connor, a multi-talented creative whose latest album, The Best To Ever Do It, isn’t just a declaration of greatness, it’s a vivid snapshot of an artist’s internal dialogue, struggles, and belief in the improbable.
Hailing from the quiet town of Eutawville, South Carolina—a community with fewer than 500 residents—Connor has been steadily carving out his place in music’s competitive landscape. Now residing in Charlotte, North Carolina, he’s pushing forward with a sound rooted in Southern influence, personal growth, and lyrical craftsmanship.
The DNA of The Best To Ever Do It
Connor’s latest album is not simply a project—it’s a testament to his journey and self-empowerment. The title alone carries weight, and it isn’t said with arrogance but rather with affirmation. “It’s truly inspired by my words of encouragement to self and trap music from the mid to late 2000s,” he explains. That era—defined by artists like T.I., Jeezy, Gucci Mane, and producers like Zaytoven and Lex Luger—dominated radio airwaves and laid the foundation for today’s trap-influenced soundscape.
But Connor’s homage goes beyond mimicry. He doesn’t just echo the cadence or flow of that era—he builds upon its architecture. Through his lyrics, listeners can trace his roots, hear the echoes of his past, and watch the emotional growth that’s occurred since he first picked up a pen. His work is equal parts autobiographical and aspirational—a blend that makes The Best To Ever Do It feel simultaneously nostalgic and urgent.
A Creative Process Built on Patience, Not Pressure
While some artists create out of obligation, Connor creates out of instinct. “Most things start off as an idea or maybe just one line that I have in my mind,” he says. “From there I build around it, kind of like putting pieces together on a jigsaw puzzle.”
This approach reinforces the idea that creativity, for him, is more spiritual than mechanical. He doesn’t force inspiration—it arrives when it’s ready. “Oddly enough I don’t stay motivated but I think that’s the key to my process,” he admits. “Sometimes I can go weeks or months without writing or recording and then when it’s time I crank out 5-7 songs in one session.”
It’s this ebb and flow that gives Connor’s music its depth. Unlike artists who rely on quantity to remain visible, Connor trusts his process—and the results speak for themselves.
Influences That Molded a Multi-Dimensional Artist
When asked about his biggest influences, Connor doesn’t hesitate to cite Kanye West and Drake. These two names—each game-changers in their own right—represent opposing ends of a spectrum: Kanye, the genre-bending visionary unafraid to defy norms, and Drake, the emotionally introspective melody-maker who blurred the line between rapping and singing.
“Kanye’s grand scale production showed me you don’t have to conform to the popular sound to make great music,” he says. “Drake was the melody king and that alone is what I model myself after.” You can hear both influences in Connor’s music—not in a derivative way, but in how he’s taken their best traits and applied them to his own artistic evolution.
From Small Town Dreams to Sold-Out Shows
For someone from a town most people can’t locate on a map, Connor’s accomplishments are extraordinary. One of the standout moments in his journey was performing at the Fillmore in Charlotte—a major milestone for any independent artist, let alone someone from Eutawville. “These things are just dreams to people where I’m from,” he reflects. And perhaps that’s what makes his story so magnetic. He’s not just chasing a dream—he’s living proof that it’s possible.
Earlier in his career, he also had the rare opportunity to work with super-producers like Zaytoven, Maaly Raw, and Nard & B—names synonymous with hit records and trap anthems. These collaborations didn’t just validate his talent—they fortified his belief that he belongs in the same rooms as hip-hop’s elite.
Recognition and the Reality of Independence
Despite these milestones, Connor admits the journey hasn’t been without frustration. “Not being respected & recognized… that really takes a toll on me mentally,” he says candidly. It’s a sentiment many independent artists will find relatable. In a world where talent alone often isn’t enough, the lack of acknowledgment—even after proven growth—can feel defeating.
But Connor isn’t one to wallow. Instead, he transforms that pain into purpose. Every beat, every bar, every performance is a reminder to himself and his audience that recognition isn’t always instant—but it’s never out of reach.
Looking Beyond Music: The Next Chapter
What’s particularly exciting about Connor’s trajectory is that music might only be the beginning. “My fans can expect for me to bring forth new artistic endeavors that aren’t necessarily connected to music,” he reveals. “After all, I said I was a writer but I never said it was exclusively in music.”
This evolution hints at an even broader creative future—possibly writing books, screenplays, or other forms of storytelling. Given his introspective nature and articulate storytelling, the transition feels not only natural but inevitable.
The Message Behind the Music
At its core, Connor’s message is simple yet powerful: “Dreams are achievable if you honestly believe in yourself.” In a world of noise, distraction, and self-doubt, that message cuts through with clarity. Connor’s story isn’t just about music—it’s about resilience, vision, and staying true to your path even when it feels like no one is watching.
And with each project, each performance, and each pivot into new forms of creative expression, Shawn Connor proves that being “The Best To Ever Do It” isn’t about being better than others—it’s about being the best version of yourself.
Follow Shawn Connor: https://linktr.ee/OfficialShawnConnor
Connect with him across all platforms and stream The Best To Ever Do It now.
Written by Variety Press
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