“To navigate complexity, you need people who not only believe in the same change you do, but bring experience so deep and unique, it fast forwards your ability to see clearly,” I wrote this note about my brother, Little Shawn, after finding an intrinsic connection within myself that equally matches who he walks with inside himself. 

That deeper relationship we carry within our being creates room for our witnessing and connection with those who see (and KNOW) what we’re really about. Seeing yourself is that unique gift from the universe saying, “You’re right where you need to be. Don’t move. But make MOVES.” 

That’s what Shawn Pen, aka BEHIND THE SMOKE, is doing right now. He’s already written the documentary of his life, the book, the words. Now he's moving it to screen (documentary, that is) for us to see what’s really “behind the smoke.” 

If you know, you know. 

If you don’t, this episode will open windows into the rap scene in a way you’d only dream possible. Remember: hip hop and rap is the spine of culture. It’s the body. It’s the blood, And it influences everything around us. It influences everything I care about and everyone I care about. Peep the list (below) of Shawn’s WORKS, history, and the tools you’ll get from listening to this one-of-a-kind episode from a one-of-a-kind person.

WORKS:
I could list it. But it's better I don't. Let's start here:

On Wikipedia, it says “Tyrone Shawn Wilkins, (born December 21, 1969) better known as Little Shawn and Shawn Pen, is an American hip hop artist, rapper, songwriter and producer from East Flatbush, Brooklyn." 

Then it says, "Little Shawn released the single "Dom Perignon" (Uptown Records) featuring fellow Brooklyn rapper The Notorious B.I.G. on 20 July 1995. The music video also featured Busta Rhymes, another rapper from Brooklyn. It peaked at #5 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 as well as #87 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and #23 on the Hot Rap Tracks charts. The song was featured on the soundtrack to the Fox TV crime drama New York Undercover."

It's rumored that Tupac Shakur was on his way to record a verse for Shawn when he was robbed and shot 5 times in 1994. We get into this. And much more. (See the list of TOOLS below) And make sure to follow @behindthesmoke to stay plugged into WHERE HE'S GOING. Not just where he's been.

TOOLS:

- Tools to stay clear-headed when the world wants you foggy
- Unmatched tips for how to stay truly dedicated to your truth and knowing of self
- Tips that remind you how to present yourself in a way that honors your integrity
- Reminders that empower you to ensure your influence isn’t overtaken by outside influences
- Helpful guidance to uplift your image when others see you in a way that differs from your own knowing of who you are
- Inspiration for cultivating your clarity and sticking to it

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

BETTER is recorded on the unceded and ancestral territory of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking peoples, the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and has been stewarded by them since time immemorial.
 

BETTER with Mark Brand is produced by Pamela Rothenberg of I HEAR YOU STUDIOS and Adam Karch with Orbyt Media