Shaun Mecca

WITH: Nino Gee & Woozie of Studio Head Music, Texas Most Wanted, Trust Nobody Studios, DemBarrioBoys, Pebbles, YoungMex, LimboThugs, LilT
WHEN: 10:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2
WHERE: Brewski’s Beer Bar, 204 S. 17th St., McAllen
COST: $5 cover (21 and older); $7 cover (minors)
CALL: (956) 223-5627
MORE ON BEAT MECCA: http://www.themonitor.com/articles/santos-42979-hop-disney.html - The Monitor

When Shaun Santos was in pre-kindergarten, he performed a Disney song with the rest of his class. As an audience of teachers watched and applauded, Santos pushed in front of his classmates and took over.

“I was the very last one off the stage, and I grabbed the mic and I was like ‘Hey mom, what’s up?’” Santos says.

Santos is 22 now, and nothing has changed. Fans of local hip hop know him better as Beat Mecca, one of the area’s most prolific producers and rappers.

He has also become one of a growing number of artists who distribute their music online for free. In fact, if you have a computer you can listen to his music as you read this. And you don’t have to pay a dime.

Go to his MySpace page to hear his most recent music, complete with a link to download his newest mix tape. (http://limelinx.com/files/093e5da6b9c5a8be61408d850aa9fdba )

So where did his name come from?

Santos, who lives in Donna, has been making music since high school. Back then, he used to make beats and sell them to classmates and other aspiring rappers. For $10 or $15, they’d get a track to rap over.

He had a few regular customers that would buy from him on a regular basis. At the time, he was calling himself Authentic. Then he learned that someone else had already claimed that name.

He needed a new alter ego, one that could describe a headquarters or source for beats. He settled on Beat Mecca.



Q: What was the first album you ever bought?

A: The first CD I ever had was the “Space Jam” (soundtrack). I remember listening to that CD. There were a few rap songs on there, and I would memorize the songs and pretend I was the one rapping it.



Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?

A: Taking it to the next level, besides doing what I’m doing right now. Basically, now I’m promoting and just trying to make it. In five years, I see myself with a record deal or owning my own company. I’ve been with a few labels down here, and it doesn’t work out.



Q: What’s the best experience you’ve had in music?

A: Opening up for Lil’ Wayne in Corpus (Christi). We got to hang out with Young Money in the back.



Q: What was the worst experience you’ve had in music?

A: Nothing negative, just dealing with bad labels down here. They try to take advantage of you.



Q: Who are your musical idols?

A: I really don’t have any idols, but for inspiration I would have to say Pimp C. I listen to a lot of UGK, and UGK is Bun B and Pimp C.



Q: When do you do your best work?

A: It’s basically any time. The best time is late night, for some reason. Either that, or when I’m out of town somewhere in big cities. I like going to San Antonio a lot, and I record over there sometimes. Just the feeling of the big city and going downtown, I guess it kind of inspires me. - The Monitor