For all the kids dreaming of fame and fortune while watching MTV videos, and practicing their air guitar techniques; a new group has emerged on the scene. But this isn't your average Rock & Roll band, in fact, they're way on the other side of the musical spectrum. Upon hearing them perform for the first time, it's easy to point out the Rock & Roll-esque influence they bring to the table; while still keeping it 'hood. That's right people, these rockers have been born in bred in one of the toughest urban areas in the country. Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you Demetrius "Meanie" Hardin, Richard "Fat" Stevens, and Rasheed "Sheed" Hightower. The Atlanta based trio, better known to the world as The Shop Boyz.

These natives of Hot-Lanta are adding heavy guitar riffs to their repertoire, while abandoning the the traditional sounds of modern day Hip-Hop. Their current single, Party Like A Rock Star has transformed the usual head nodders, into today's head bangers; reminiscent of Beavis & Butt-Head. Hailing from the Bankhead side of Atlanta GA, these life long friends have arrived to put their own special twist on our ever evolving genre.

Now the only question is: How do they plan on staying around, and not turning into tomorrow's fad? Well, that's just what we intend on finding out.

HHDX: So what can we expect from your album, Rock Star Mentality?
Sheed: Basically just a whole lot of Hip-Hop man. Just a whole lot of different sounds, and with a lot of energy. We're not like nothing you ever heard before.

HHDX: So how did you guys first come together as a group?
Sheed: We grew up together, back in the projects of Atlanta. So basically we came up together, and we all decided to rap. This was like three years ago, and here we are now.

HHDX: How do you think you guys will stand out more than most of the acts currently coming out of Atlanta right now?
Sheed: Well you can already tell, because "Party Like A Rock Star" is a different kind of song. It's not like anything you heard before, so basically our whole avenue if different. So that's what's going to differentiate us from all the others groups that already took off. So as soon as someone tries to copy our style, we're already focused on what's next. Because it's going to be different from what we just did.

HHDX: Since the whole Don Imus controversy, a lot of rappers are cleaning up their lyrics. Has that ever been a thought in your minds?
Sheed: We really try not to comment on the whole Don Imus thing. He voiced his personal opinion, and if that's how he feels; then that's how he feels. But we just try to stay out of it. Continued on page 2 »