We recently caught up with Shazam of the legendary R&B group H-Town for an exclusive interview to discuss the group’s legendary career, his journey as a solo artist and some of his favorite records from the H-Town discography. Shazam reflects on the group’s early days, the massive success of “Knockin’ Da Boots,” working with DeVante Swing on “Part Time Lover,” collaborating with Jodeci and Pretty Ricky, and the influence H-Town has had on Houston’s music scene. He also opens up about losing his brother and group member Dino and how the support of H-Town’s fans motivated him to continue making music and carrying on their legacy. We also talk about his current solo journey, including his Billboard-charting singles and his new direction blending country, Southern soul and blues. Shazam also reveals his favorite H-Town record and song to perform, “Emotions,” his pick for a song that deserved to be a bigger single, “Treat You Right,” and why the group’s debut album remains his favorite. He also previews his upcoming seven song EP and new music including the single “Back It Up”.
YouKnowIGotSoul: Now, let’s get started. As I said earlier, I’ve always wanted to talk to you. You have such a legendary career, both as a solo artist and as a member of H-Town. For the past few years, you guys have continued making music, working hard and putting out new material. You’ve been in this industry for a long time, so you don’t have to do this anymore. But you’re still here, still working hard and still doing it the right way. Can you tell me about where you are right now and what keeps you motivated to continue working?
Shazam: Well, it really starts with the fans. About 21 years ago, I lost my older brother Dino, who was one of the main members of our group. For a while, I thought I didn’t want to sing anymore. I didn’t sing for about two or three years. But the fans started saying they wanted me to come back. So I released a couple of independent albums. I think I released about three of them. Sometimes when you’re independent, you don’t make a lot of money and you don’t have a big budget. But even if I release an album and it reaches a million people, that means a million people listened to my album. My last H-Town project was streamed more than 15 million times around the world. So, you understand, it was worthwhile for us to come back. It wasn’t necessarily mainstream, but even if we reached 100,000 or 200,000 people, those were loyal fans. That brought us back to the forefront, and people started appreciating the music again. And the old hit songs don’t go anywhere. They don’t go anywhere. The fans want to continue the legacy of my brother Dino, and they give me the will to continue what I’m doing.
YouKnowIGotSoul: Yeah, I understand. I think it’s really cool that you still appreciate your fans and supporters so much.Let’s talk about some of the solo work you’ve been doing recently. When I talk to other groups, one of the interesting things about being in a group is that each member brings their own musical influences to the table. Was it personally important for you to explore solo projects and sounds that you couldn’t necessarily explore with H-Town?
Shazam: Yes, definitely. It’s always been my dream to do something solo. So I’m on a solo journey right now. I’ve released about five singles, and all of them have charted in the Top 20 on Billboard. Everything with Shazam is independent, but that journey has been wonderful. I’ve been able to reach No. 1 on Billboard and No. 1 on iTunes several times. Now I’m trying a new genre. It’s kind of a combination of country music and Southern soul. The music industry is moving toward that middle ground between country and Southern soul, and I’ve been experimenting with that as a solo artist. I also released a Billboard charting dance single called “Pac Man.” So working solo has allowed me to do things that I couldn’t necessarily do with H-Town. I’ve been able to explore dance, country, pop and different genres. It’s been a wonderful journey.
YouKnowIGotSoul: I think it’s really cool. This new single has a country feel to it, which isn’t necessarily what people would expect from H-Town or Shazam. You’re from Houston, Texas, but let’s talk about moving in that direction. Has exploring this sound brought new energy to you creatively? At this stage in your career, do you feel like you need to find new influences
Shazam: Oh, absolutely. People don’t realize how much effort it takes to go into the studio and record a song. But this new journey, adding a little Southern soul to country music, is really giving me motivation right now. A lot of people are feeling it. I just shot a new video for the song “Back It Up,” and we remixed it a little bit. The video has real horses, dancing horses and some amazing visuals. That’s what gives me my drive. I feel young again. I feel like I’m 28. And it’s also an opportunity to reach new fans who may not know much about H-Town or Shazam.
YouKnowIGotSoul: Yeah, absolutely. Now let’s talk about the hard work that comes with being an independent artist. You’re obviously not new to the independent world. H-Town started as an independent group. But the industry is completely different now because everything is digital. As you said, a lot of the younger fans may not know H-Town the way older fans do. What has the independent grind been like for you in today’s industry?
Shazam: The biggest thing is that the marketing is different. You have to figure out how to market yourself in this era. When I made my debut, I was selling CDs. You could go to a record store, meet your fans and sign CDs. Now you have to find the right team to market you on Spotify, Instagram, TikTok and all these different platforms. So I’m always looking for new marketing methods. I’ve been touring around the world with H-Town, and I’m always trying to connect with the younger generation. It’s hard just keeping up with all the new technology. So what I’ve been doing is working with people who understand today’s trends and helping them introduce my music to younger audiences.
YouKnowIGotSoul: Back in the early days of H-Town, you guys worked extremely hard as independent artists before eventually reaching Platinum status. Are there any lessons from that era that still apply to what you’re doing today? Looking back, are there things you learned then that you still use now?
Shazam: What I can say is: go out into the streets. When you’re doing a concert, go out and talk to your fans. Meet them and greet them. I used to do a lot of in-stores. When a new project came out, I would go to the hottest record store in the city, hold a big event, and meet the fans. They would buy CDs and I’d sign them. Nowadays, when I have a concert, I still try to talk to my fans. I get messages from them and I respond to them. If somebody leaves a comment on my post, I can respond directly. It’s about building a personal relationship with your fans. Today, it’s digital, but it’s still about that same personal connection.
YouKnowIGotSoul: Right. And what’s crazy is that people didn’t really have the opportunity to communicate directly with artists like you back then. Thinking back to the early days of H-Town—when you were a group that nobody really knew, and then suddenly the hits started coming one after another and you became a legendary group, what do you remember most about that time
Shazam: I remember when we were recording independently. When we recorded “Knockin’ Da Boots,” Luke was involved, and he told us that was the single. We probably had another song we thought should be the single, but Luke had been in the industry for years and he said, “No. This is your single. It’s ‘Knockin’ Da Boots.’” He told us, “Listen. In two weeks, you’re going to be famous all over the world. This is going to be a big hit.” I think he said two weeks because Luke had his own radio connections and knew how to get the record played. Once the record started getting radio play, H-Town became a big hit all over the world in a matter of weeks. Not just in London or the UK or Germany, it was everywhere. So when “Knockin’ Da Boots” came out, that was one of the most memorable moments of my career.
YouKnowIGotSoul: That’s amazing. If “Knockin’ Da Boots” wasn’t the single, was there another song you would’ve wanted to put out?
Shazam: There was a song called “Treat You Right” on the first album. There were definitely other songs that could’ve been singles. But what’s important is that we wrote most of our own material. Probably 95 percent of our songs were written by us. We wrote and co-produced them. Our last album, *Ladies Edition*, we wrote and produced the entire album. All of our albums were written by us, even if you want to say 95 percent. There were a few songs outside of the albums, like soundtrack records, but H-Town’s albums were created organically by us. We created our own dance style, our own costumes and our own singing style. We wrote a lot of our own music, and I was heavily involved in vocal arranging, vocal production and production.
YouKnowIGotSoul: At that time, who were some of the groups or artists you looked at as influences? H-Town had such a unique sound and presentation. I can’t really think of another group that had exactly what you guys had.
Shazam: We studied everybody. The Temptations, Jackson 5, New Edition, Teddy Pendergrass, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Prince, all of them. If you listen closely, you’ll hear a lot of those influences. The Temptations had members who could sing really high and use falsetto, so you hear that in our music too. New Edition had a huge influence on H-Town. We had a song called “Pick You Up.” Johnny Gill had that deep, rich voice, while Ralph had a lighter voice. So we kind of flipped that concept around. I would sing in a lighter voice while another member would take the deeper parts. We also looked at what New Edition was doing visually. They had choreography, so we said, “We’re going to do something different.” We wanted to make our performances more adult-oriented. After Jackson 5, a lot of groups were doing music that was geared toward younger audiences. Our first two songs were “Knockin’ Da Boots” and “Pick You Up.” We wanted to take what we saw happening and flip it into something more mature.
YouKnowIGotSoul: That’s interesting that you mentioned DeVante. “Part Time Lover” is one of my favorites. Let’s talk about working with DeVante on that song for the soundtrack and how it became such an important record for you guys. I know DeVante was a big fan of H-Town as well.
Shazam: DeVante was like working with a genius. He was a great musician, composer and producer. And H-Town was one of DeVante’s favorite groups. Actually, we were going to sign with DeVante. We were supposed to meet him in Houston and have him sign us, but he was too busy at the time. Then “Knockin’ Da Boots” came out. DeVante heard the song and said, “That’s the group from Houston.” He recognized us immediately. Working with him was like working with a genius. His approach to the studio was very creative. At that time, people didn’t necessarily know it, but Timbaland was part of DeVante’s camp. He was one of DeVante’s protégés, and he was also involved around that time. It was really great working with DeVante.
YouKnowIGotSoul: That’s amazing. In the 2010s, you guys also did “Knockin’ Your Heels Off” with Jodeci. I have to give you guys credit for that one. At the time, I don’t think that record got the attention it deserved.
Shazam: Yeah. We remixed “Knockin’ Your Heels Off” and Jodeci participated. DeVante, Dalvin and everybody. But you’re right. It didn’t get as much attention as it should have. The industry was different at that time, and I didn’t have the marketing budget that I needed. In the end, the record kind of got overlooked. But a true fan like you picked up on it. You know what I mean?
YouKnowIGotSoul: Absolutely. I remember that H-Town, Jodeci and Pretty Ricky connection as well.
Shazam: Yeah. I did a record with H-Town and Jodeci, and then later came back with H-Town, Jodeci and Pretty Ricky. Pretty Ricky are like my little brothers—Baby Blue, Pleasure P, Spectacular, everybody.
YouKnowIGotSoul: Yeah, that’s an underrated record. And considering H-Town’s legacy, Usher recently praised you guys. He said H-Town was one of his favorite groups. What does it mean to you when other legends say that H-Town was one of their favorite groups?
Shazam: It’s very exciting. It’s a great honor, and I’m very grateful. I always tell people it’s important to give people their flowers while they’re alive. So I was really happy to see Usher give us our flowers and say that H-Town was one of his favorite groups. He didn’t have to say that. Usher is now at a level where he’s considered one of the symbols of our generation. So for somebody like him to say that H-Town influenced him means a lot. Maybe he studied us. Maybe he got some ideas from us. I’m just happy to be able to see and hear that while I’m alive. I don’t want somebody to wait until I’m gone and then say, “Oh, that person was the best.” Give people their flowers while they’re still here. Exactly. While we’re alive and can actually appreciate it.
YouKnowIGotSoul: There’s another artist who really loves H-Town: Bobby V. You guys have worked with Bobby V, and whenever I talk to him, he brings up H-Town records. He’s a real fan.
Shazam: Yeah, Bobby V is always singing “Knockin’ Da Boots.” That’s like a part of his show. He always sings it when he’s performing. We talked about going on tour together and doing something together. He said, “Send me the record.” So I sent him the record, and the song actually made the Top 20 on the Billboard chart. That’s how that collaboration came together.
YouKnowIGotSoul: That’s dope. Now I have to ask you about another legendary moment: Black Men United. What was it like to be involved in that movement?
Shazam: It was amazing. It was kind of like “We Are The World”. You know what “We Are The World” was? A group of celebrities coming together for a cause. Black Men United was a brotherhood. Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie had come together for “We Are The World” to support the AIDS crisis, and Black Men United felt like a smaller version of that. It was a great moment for all of us. It was a real honor. The record went Gold, and I still have the commemorative plaque from that record.
YouKnowIGotSoul: It’s also clear that H-Town has had a huge impact on the artists who came after you. You can see it with Destiny’s Child, Megan Thee Stallion and the whole Houston movement. Talk about the influence of H-Town and how the music that came out of the city helped make it possible for Houston artists to reach the level they’re at today. Houston is a huge city, but it’s obviously not New York or Los Angeles. Before groups like H-Town came along, it wasn’t necessarily known as a major music center. What does it mean to you to see what’s been born out of Houston and what continues to come out of Houston?
Shazam: Well, H-Town is from Houston, Texas, and I’m honored to be one of the first groups from Houston to sell more than a million albums around the world. We named ourselves H-Town because we wanted to put our city on the map. At that time, there were really only a few major acts representing Houston. You had the Geto Boys representing the rap side, and H-Town representing the R&B side. Then I started seeing groups and artists like Destiny’s Child coming out of Houston. Now you have Megan Thee Stallion, Slim Thug, Lil Flip and so many others. You also have groups like Ideal, who came out of Houston. There’s a new generation of young artists and groups coming out of the city as well. So as H-Town, we helped put the city on the map. To see other artists grow and succeed and represent Houston and Texas makes me proud. I’m glad I was able to contribute to that.
YouKnowIGotSoul: That’s great. For my last major question, I have to talk about Dino and G.I., your group members. Dino was obviously your brother, and G.I. was a longtime friend and brother as well. Looking back at everything you went through with them, what are you most proud of when you think about the journey you shared?
Shazam: I remember the hard times. My brother and I would be walking around, and I would say, “Someday we’re going to succeed.” I remember we released our first album when I was around 13 or 14 years old, and it didn’t do well. We were embarrassed. We didn’t want to see our friends. We even moved to a different school because we were pretending to be successful when, in reality, we weren’t. Sometimes we’d take the bus and go the long way around because if we went straight, we’d run into our friends and they’d ask us, “Didn’t you guys make it?” You know what I mean? But my brother and I would walk together, and I’d say, “Someday we’re going to succeed. We’re going to make it happen.” And that dream, H-Town’s dream, really did come true. We actually made it happen. I’m just really grateful for that.
YouKnowIGotSoul: What are the plans for the future? I know you’ve released a new single and a remix. Can we expect an album?
Shazam: Yes. Get ready for Shazam. I’m working on a project with six or seven songs. It’s going to be a seven-song EP, and it’s going to be a hybrid project. It’s going to have a little bit of country, Southern soul and blues. The remix of “Back It Up” has been released, so everybody should check that out on the streaming platforms. A new video is also coming soon. I’m also going to be working with country radio. I’ve already been working with Urban AC, but I’m going to do something big with country radio. So everybody, pay attention to Shazam.
YouKnowIGotSoul: Absolutely. Let’s finish with a few quick questions. Just tell me the first thing that comes to mind. Nothing too complicated—just some H-Town questions. What’s your favorite H-Town record?
Shazam: “Emotions.”
YouKnowIGotSoul: That’s a great one. What’s your favorite song to perform?
Shazam: “Emotions.”
YouKnowIGotSoul: What song do you think should have been a bigger single?
Shazam: “Treat You Right.”
YouKnowIGotSoul: What’s your favorite H-Town album?
Shazam: The first album.
YouKnowIGotSoul: Why?
Shazam: Because that’s where it all began.
The post Shazam Talks H-Town Legacy, Solo Music & Favorite Songs From Discography (Exclusive Interview) appeared first on New R&B Music, Songs & Interviews | YouKnowIGotSoul.com.