John Robinson aka Lil Sci is known for making things happen as one half of What's The Science? Turns out this talented lyricist makes even bigger moves behind the scenes as President of Shaman Work Recordings. A true hip-hop fan to the core, this Bronx, NY native has truly found his life's calling. After he joined the label in 2003, he quickly became the face of Shaman Work and has been instrumental in positioning the label as a force to be reckoned with in the hip-hop industry.

Q: What the motivation for Shaman Work?

The motivation for SW was all of the passion that we all felt for good substance filled quality music. Along with dreams to one day run a company of our own that would be a force in the industry realms we all followed coming up.

Q: What's the primary goal of the label?

To continue to build a roster/catalog of quality, substance and integrity and be that choice to the listeners out there who are tired of the same ol'.

Q: What's been the biggest struggle?

The greatest obstacle in my opinion has been matching the overall passion with the monetary resources. We are well on our way. The bottom line is the moment we give up the dream is the same moment we lose the battle.

Q: When did you know this was worth pursuing?

The day I left school after 2 years of college to pursue a career in music. At this time it was only from the perspective from an artist but as things grew and I grew as a person I began to develop a great passion for the business as well as creative side of this business.

Q: What role do you serve as an executive?

As President of Shaman Work, I'm the face man who is doing most of the face to face networking and pollying. I deal heavily in artist affairs and communicate directly with all of our artist to assure all is being handle in a professional timely manner.

Q: Explain the dynamic between you and your partners.

It's a supreme balance. We all play our roles and naturally work well together. It's definitely good chemistry between us and we only get better and wiser with time. Although we're all in different states, we communicate as if we see each other all the time. It's a great space to be in when dealing with something you love and have passion for.

Q: What do you value in an artist?

I value drive and vision! Take me somewhere I can't easily go with your music. Not really a fan of the straight away everyday thing that your used to. I value true passion in order to go far in this you must truly have genuine passion and love for the music.

Q: Who are you looking for?

I am looking for the Illest female emcee, I truly feel that there is a void in quality female emcees in hip-hop right now and I want to fill that void and show the world that the female perspective on the mic is very powerful!


Q: What can artists get from you?

Experience, insight and motivation, I have a great deal of experience throughout the U.S and internationally. I can speak as both an artist and an executive and understand each vantage point. I am very open minded to great ideas and visions. I offer artists guidance on how to navigate this business. As they say, experience is the best teacher.

Q: What do yu provide fans that other labels don't?

A direct true love perspective of the music. Very rarely do you find a label whose executives have created music and sincerely love music itself. Although this is a business we are diehard fans of a lot of different styles of music and keep in tune with who's who and what's what? This outlook and respect for the art itself is what's missing in the game today.

Q: What can the world expect from Shaman Work?

Always expect pure quality entertainment as well as a purist perspective of integrity and substance. It is extremely important that the music we release and support is of next level quality and adds dimension to the listener's catalog of music. Also know that we are positive driven professionals who come together for a common cause to manifest our destinies and all that we set out to do by any means! We are ideas manifested!

Q: Describe your international fan base.

We've got worldwide love baby!! I have been traveling internationally since 1998 and have performed in London, Tokyo, Paris, Amsterdam, Switzerland, Rome, Belgium and more. Shaman Work Recordings has released music internationally for five years and we are gearing up to take what we have built to soaring new heights! The brand that we have built is a lot more popular and respected abroad than here in the states.

The beautiful thing is we are just really getting started!!

Let's GO!!