Born April 23 1992, Rashawn Able was born in Jamaica Queens, New York. Days after his birth, his mother went into a coma after a severe fall down a flight of stairs on the day they were released from the hospital. After 5 years of being in a coma, Esther Able passed away on January 2, 1998. Ca$hon was brought up by different members of his family and was often moved from family member to family member, living in Brooklyn, Bronx, and Long Island. Growing up in a house full of people, Ca$hon was exposed genres of music ranging from Hip Hop, Reggae, Dance Hall, Gospel, Calypso, and Alternative Rock. Hip Hop hands down became Ca$hon’s music of choice. Hearing his siblings, cousins, and aunties listen to artist like Jay Z, Nas, DMX, Biggie Smalls, TUpac, Big L, Big Pun, etc. At age 8 Ca$hon learned he had a natural talent for Free styling. Although basketball was his true love, he enjoyed freestyling along with songs he would hear on his favorite radio station, Hot 97. In 2009 one of Ca$hon’s older brothers “Akil” was killed in a hit and run accident. Akil had a true passion for making music, he and Ca$hon would rap together as often as they could. It was the passing of Akil that sparked the flame in Ca$hon that drive him to pursue music and aspire to be one of the best to do it. Ca$hon’s oldest brother Otis gave him the name Ca$hon because his jump shot was like money. In 2011 Ca$hon recorded his first song with his high school rap group Hellaspit. The track was named” The Code”. “The Code” later became known as a classic amongst their student body. Since then Ca$hon and his crew “Hellaspit” have made countless hits. Ca$hon has one mission and one mission only, and that’s to dominate the Hip Hop industry and take over the game with his team, and that’s exactly what he plans to do. Interview: What city and state are you from? CA$HON ABLE : I was born in Jamaica Queens, New York. Due to passing of my mother shortly after my birth, I was forced to live with multiple different family members at a time causing me to live in Brooklyn, Bronx and lastly be raised in Long Island, NY (Bay Shore). What is your music background? CA$HON ABLE: I come from a Jamaican background, so naturally I was exposed to different genres of music ranging from Hip hop, Reggae, Dancehall to Calypso. I often reminisce living with my grandparents and waking up to a house full of music (laughs), with my cousins blasting Nas in one room and aunty listening to DMX in the other and grandpa listening to Dennis Brown, Beres Hammond, Bob Marley, etc. Why do you want to record and release your own music? CA$HON ABLE: Being in control of the music I record and release, gives me a sense of empowerment. It also does a lot for my conscious, and by that I mean when I’m writing a song, 99% of the time it’s coming from my heart and soul. If I write a song with lyrics that I truly don’t believe in then it can really take a toll on my conscious causing me to question my true motivation when making music. What are your songs about? CA$HON ABLE: My songs are often about my life and sometimes the lives of others. My songs paint vivid pictures. I love thinking of my note book as a canvas that I paint my timeless portraits on. My music speaks on the journey and struggle of life. I always do my best to give all praises to God in my music because without him I wouldn’t be where I am today. Last but not least my songs are about letting the young boys and girls know it’s ok to come from the bottom, because the bottom is where you learn to be the most humble and appreciate the simple things in life that so many people take for granted. Who is your fan base directed towards? CA$HON ABLE: I would have to say my fan base is targeted towards genuine Hip hop lovers. I don’t like to think of my music as being focused on a certain group of people. I have fans who listen to my music who all come from different walks of life. If you’re just a fan of Hip Hop period, whether it’s west coast, mid west, east coast or down south, then my music is for you because I listen to and love it all. Who are your musical influences? CA$HON ABLE: My musical influences are Stefanello, Buju Banton, Sizzla, Biggie, Dmx, Jay-z, Capleton , Nas, J-cole, Dipset, Vybes Kartel, Kendrick Lamar, Cold play, Maroon 5, Nickle Back, The Fray, Green Day, Linkin Park, Adele, Sanchez, Joey Bada$$, Beres Hammond, Dennis Brown, Drake, Mac Miller, Ace Hood, Cyhi Da Prince, School Boy Q, LL Cool J, Heavy D, Krs-One, Rick Ross, The Game, 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Lil Wayne, Tupac and the list goes on. As I said before I love it all, I’m a ‘music head’. How would you describe your music to people? CA$HON ABLE: I would describe my music as an authentic and genuine biography/documentary of a God fearing person who has been through a lot and is not scared to take life head-on. I’ve often been told that my music is like a breath of fresh air, so far from todays usual. When you listen to my music you can get a clear understanding of what I represent and who I am. What makes you stand out from other artists? CA$HON ABLE: What makes me different from other artists is that I love being different. I am not afraid to be told that my music isn’t hot enough to play in the club. Even though club play is a goal of mine. I don’t allow myself to compromise quality for a quick buck or instant gratification. In the long run, I want my music to be known for its substance and not its temporary effect on a listener’s mood. I am an artist not a side show act. My art needs to be and will be known as ‘timeless.’ IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: What are some upcoming projects you are currently working on? CASHON ABLE: I recently released a mixtape with a brother of mine who goes by Stefanello, called Cashmere Thoughts N Silk Dreams; you can find that on www.Coast2CoastMixtapes.com or www.Datpiff.com. I am also featured on a couple of tracks on Stefanello’s upcoming mixtape, Cabernet Sauvignon, dropping early August of 2014. Also be on the lookout for my first solo mixtape, Who’s Ca$hon? and date TBA. What are your career goals? Where do you see yourself in 10 years? CA$HON ABLE: My career goals are simple; I plan on being the best at what I do and sustaining dominance and relevance in the industry. Going places that others have been but doing things that no one has ever done, in ways no one could have ever fathom. In 10 years I see myself as an innovative icon, but still the humble man I am today. Just as hungry, determined, focused, motivated and ‘God fearing.’