During one of the last stops on Rhymesayers “Breakin’ Dawn” tour, HipHopDX’s 2009 Rookie of the Year, took a second to reflect on his past success and provide a brief update on some upcoming projects. In addition to getting verses from the likes of Talib Kweli on “Life’s A Bitch,” Fashawn also got an assist from DJ Green Lantern, who serves as Nas’ touring deejay while remaking the Queensbridge emcee’s classic album.

Despite being about five-years-old when Illmatic originally debuted, Fashawn said he took Nas’ command “buy my whole collection” literally upon hearing “Got Urself A Gun.”

“I did the history, unlike a lot of people,” Fashawn explained when asked about his initial memory of Illmatic. “I guess that was like a return for Nas as well, and Jay-Z was at his height. I remember being on the bus to school [hearing] all the arguments about if Nas or Jay was iller.”

HipHopDX | Rap & Hip Hop News | Ad Placeholder
AD

AD LOADING...

AD

After receiving instrumentals from Green Lantern as well as supportive fans, Fashawn says he’s only one song away from wrapping the project up.

“The only joint I can’t get is ‘One Time For Your Mind,’” Fashawn added. “It’s like it’s hiding from me. I already have the rhymes for it.”

HipHopDX | Rap & Hip Hop News | Ad Placeholder
AD

AD LOADING...

AD

Not that Ode To Illmatic is holding him up, as shown by the fact he keeps a Blackberry full of instrumentals, which he writes to constantly. He added that he still has designs on naming his sophomore album The Ecology. The non-stop writing coincides with an almost year-round touring schedule. While the “Breakin’ Dawn” tour is set to wrap up on May 2 in Des Moines, Iowa, Fashawn will have less than a week before heading out on another tour.

Remaining Breakin’ Dawn Tour Dates:

April 29th – Mojo’s – Columbia, MO
April 30th – Otto’s Nightclub – DeKalb, IL
May 1st – Turner Hall Ballroom – Milwaukee, WI
May 2nd – Vaudeville Mews – Des Moines, IA

HipHopDX | Rap & Hip Hop News | Ad Placeholder
AD

AD LOADING...

AD

For more information about the “Breakin’ Dawn” tour, visit the Rhymesayers Web site. To keep up with Fashawn, follow his Twitter feed.

Purchase Music by Fashawn