SHAKYM This musical prodigy began playing the piano at age four, the violin in middle school and the drum set for the church choir. A passion for great music was prominent in all that he did. Born Thomas Mclauchlin Jr., in a small town in California, USA. At a young age he moved to Virginia, a state that is responsible for bringing the world music sensations such as Teddy Riley, Missy Elliot, Mad Skills and Clipse, and producers such as the Neptune's and Timbaland. In 2002, Thomas was on the "Blowin' up in Virginia" album, under the assumed name of "Tommy K." That project was a collection of the best platinum and up-and coming, musical artists that Virginia had to offer. He was featured for his single "Inseparable." Being album-mates with accomplished artist such as Chauncey Black (Blackstreet), and Bernard Jackson (Surface), Thomas is decisively looked upon as Virginia's most promising artist. That album received a Grammy nomination. The track "Inseparable" later showed up on his Insight "Eye Of The Street" album. Early hip-hop musicians such as LL Cool J, Run DMC, Tupac and the Wu-Tang Clan are his strongest influences. He was able to take their inspiration and his talent and create an original sound. On stage this golden child would stir up audiences like none other with intelligent and positive undertones in each of his songs. Building an underground fan base was a task he took seriously; it was there that he coined the name "Shakym"(sha-kim. Shakym made his name as a highly skilled rapper by selling Cd's from the trunk of his car, random radio play and live performances with groups such as Digital Underground. His performances and radio play stretched from Virginia to Kansas to Washington State. Like many before him, Shakym knows for a certainty that his style is appealing and unique. He has consciously initiated a 'no plan b' type of attitude and has decided to be successful in this music business. Many comment that Shakym's current album is being crafted with a degree of subtlety and forethought often absent from the rap genre. Shakym understands the music business is "A Business" and ensures that an investment in any of his projects will be profitable. Shakym is an artist's artist, a producer's producer and showman's emcee. Discography (Blowin' Up in Virginia) 2001 - received Grammy nomination Insight - Eye Of The Street 2002 No Plan B 2004 Da Real One 2005 Hurricane Relief tracks: Through The Storm & Third World America Managed By: Homegirl Productions, LLC Dawn M. Simms, CEO P.O. Box 746 Manhattan, KS 66505 785-341-4367 / all4papa@earthlink.net / Website: www.homegirlproductionsllc.com