As a creative lyricist, talented in the art of storytelling, Shame is bringing Hip-Hop back to its roots, while still keeping up with the evolution the genre has experienced. His inspirations come from artist such as Q-tip, Biggie Smalls, A Tribe Called Quest, Tupac, Big L, Nas, Mos Def, Eminem, and Rakim. Like many these artists, Shame got his start to fame by competing in rap battles and distributing his music through local college radio stations.