Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine / Stage Name : Dawnsha G
Hi Jasmine / Stage Name : Dawnsha, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born in NE DC and grew up in the DMV area until age 18. I was brought up around music & musicians. My father was a rapper, in a group & was on a label which they released an album in 1997 called “wicked city”. I also grew up with the likes of those in GOGO music (which is very popular in the DMV area). I actually lived with one of the members in the Gogo group called “mambo sauce” that was very popular for their song “welcome to DC” which still gets played at sports stadiums till this day. I was always into music and was in choir & theater majority of my school years. My first love was art which quickly grew into dancing, shifted to writing poems and ended to writing songs. I been writing music since I was about 8/9 years of age. By my early teen stage 15/16 I felt writing songs (such as r&b) just didn’t do enough for me and I felt I could truly express my authentic self within rapping. I love WALE a famous rapper from the dmv scene. I always admired his rap style and it played a big part outside of my father. I would have notebooks & mp3s filled with my music. I started getting a name for myself when I lived in Frederick MD in 2012. I got the chance to record a mixtape with another artist named “Y.Ry” and my first mixtape was released on Datpiff called “Callosity” in 2013. That built my buzz a little more out there in Frederick. I ended up visiting Memphis in March of 2014 for a boyfriend at the time (which was a week before my 19th birthday). The relationship was very destructive and ended with me being put out on the street. I decided to stay in Memphis because of the opportunities I saw. I had a job, was saving up money & lived with others until I got my own spot a couple months later. I then made the sole decision in 2015 to invest in my music 24/7. I would go to open mics to support others and network with other well known artist in the area. I settled with my rap name “DAWNSHA”, & released my first single “Bird” which turned a lot of heads my way. From that point on I got on interviews, started growing my fanbase with other Memphis rappers such as “Lil Scooter Tha Best”, and even some that’s on the radio now. Just doing what ever I can with putting my name out there. I aimed everyday to network with those like minded or in the field already. I been on GO since and as of 2025 have not let up. I just released my new EP in Jan. 2025 called “No Emotions”. Music is my genuine passion & I often feel like my dad gifted me with his talent to finish what he started. He passed back in 2003 when I was only 8.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In my opinion the road is never smooth no matter what direction you take in life because life has a way of teaching you valuable lessons (Rather good or bad). I had beautiful, memorable moments that I will always be grateful for. I also had moments when I took a break, questioned myself & my purpose. Being an artist critique is a given and a right that I had to learn to overcome and at times accept. I had plenty broke nights from investing & paying bills solely. Plenty nights McDonald’s and Arby’s $1 sliders was my dinner. Plenty nights I’ve cried because I felt like even my “enough” wasn’t enough. I grew to overcome my insecurities just to help show others to be more secured with themselves. I knew being myself, being very knowledgeable, not moving with society norms would be a bumpy road. Being an Aries warrior it shows in every aspect of my life & in my music. I also appreciate my family and close friends for always being there by my side.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an Artist, rap artist. My stage name is “Dawnsha” pronounced (Dawn-Shay) Which is my middle name. I wanted my rap name to be authentic to me & one of a kind for others.
I lean more towards creating story telling music. I always tell people if they want to know me … just listen to my music. It expresses not only myself or my thoughts but what I’ve witnessed in life. I have my “fun” songs but I mainly write music that requires you to think, resonate with or simply feed your mind.
I’m proud of every small or big milestone I’ve accomplished (this interview being one as well). I’m also proud of the fact I never gave up. I think the most memorable moment is my interview with DJ Smallz. I say that because the ex boyfriend I spoke on earlier we actually used to watch his interviews together. I would always say how I wanted to get on and hope that I would. So I remember when I did get the interview I unblocked my ex after years of being blocked just to send him the link of the interview. It was an empowering moment for me because with him I was so belittled and put down. It reminded me how much power I have & how much music was on my side.
What sets me apart is my raw determination. I don’t need fancy studio time, a high priced video made or anything. I’ll wake up and record music on my phone if I want to. I do not box myself in when I’m creating music. I am an artist therefore I have the freedom of creating what I want and that’s the beauty of it.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Outside of consistency, I’ve learned that being true to yourself takes you further and secures longevity. So many people live in lala land and believe social media is reality. Plenty people that lack drive or content with being stagnant do not like to see others win or succeed. Those are the same people that need to remain far away because they soak up your energy and disturb your peace. As the saying goes “misery loves company”.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdawnsha
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dawnshamma?si=z3XfIbbub4xDnm3H
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/USxB3quagw9r2hcx9
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5YWQkVkCVeRTd7K7KjQGdp?si=bMBMdO1CTOimtdurCEL8_g
