HHV Exclusive: Shawn Archer talks “Swag & 808s” EP, “No Lames Allowed,” and more

Although the Philadelphia hip hop scene is not growing the way it was during the Roc-A-Fella era, it continues to grow. There are a flock of rappers coming up and working together, with Shawn Archer being one of them. Currently, he has a lot of music in circulation.

Shawn Archer is currently working on the Swag & 808s EP, which is coming soon. The new project has a strong lead with “No Lames Allowed” making a big impact on the internet. Recently, Shawn Archer aided this project with his “Mic Check” freestyle.

Recently, Hip Hop Vibe had the chance to talk to Shawn Archer about his new music. His focus is currently on the Swag & 808s EP, but he has goals that extend outside of this new project. During the conversation, however, Shawn Archer discussed the “Mic Check” freestyle, his upcoming project, and his singles.

Read the entire interview below:

Can you talk about your recent “Mic Check” freestyle video? Well, “Mic Check” is basically me showing my lyrical ability no concepts or song structure just bar for bar going in and showing the world why I’m here to stay. I was always the guy jumping in the rap cyphers as a kid, so with the videos I shoot like “Mic Check” is basically me going back to that. As far as the visual goes, I shot the video in front of a Big Pun mural in Philly. I chose that location because I feel Big Pun is a legend and was known for his lyrical skills I know he was looking down with a smile on his face when he heard me!

In the past, you have credited Jay-Z, Mase, Biggie, Tupac, and more as your inspirations, what parts of their style have you adapted to your own style? Their truth! Each of the individuals that inspired me in the rap game are all unique, so that’s the one thing that I will always take with me. I feel we are all different for a reason and, yes, a lot of us go through the same things but nobody can do me like me so I will always stay true to who I am.

Speaking of inspiration, what inspired your upcoming project, Swag & 808s? The things that I go through and see. Swag & 808s  is one of the many layers of who I am as a person so for my introduction to the world I’ma give you Swag & 808s. I came up with the title because the word “Swag,” which a lot of people use loosely is not who’s the coolest or the flyest, but it’s your character your perspective on things and that’s what you’re getting, my outlook and how I see the world and the 808s is the beat, so that’s how I came up with Swag & 808s, like I said this is just my introduction so get you some popcorn and get ready for this movie cause its gonna be a good one!

Do you think “No Lames Allowed” will become a breakout single? Most definitely. I do a lot of shows and no matter the venue or crowd I always get a reaction from that song its one of those records. The hard hitting bass and high energy on a subject matter that anybody from the party scene can relate to I feel is most definitely something to remember, shout out Platinum Sellers for the production.

Your home city, Philadelphia, has a rich hip hop history, what do you feel you have to do to get on the level of such names as Will Smith, Eve, and Beanie Sigel? I feel like I have everything they got and everything they don’t got, like I said before, can’t nobody do me like me, but to answer your question I have the lyrics, the songs, the charisma and the hard work it will take to get me on the level of the people you mentioned who I am a fan of as well. So, shout out to them and all the artists from Philly that’s keeping the light on the city.

Which track do you see yourself dropping next in promotion of the Swag & 808s EP? Honestly, I’m going to drop the whole project its well over due, so I’m in the studio working on that as we speak, but I will also continue to drop freestyle videos like “Mic Check” to build the anticipation for the project and heat the streets up so be on the look out for Swag & 808s its coming real soon!

Can you let the people know where they can find you on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram? Follow me on Twitter & Instagram: @iamshawnarcher and to check out my videos go to www.youtube.com/shawnarchertv  Swag & 808s coming soon and I really appreciate the interview Salute to the whole Hip Hop Vibe Staff!