SHAME SEASON | Shame Gang

INTERVIEW TERRELL “REALIFE” BLACK PHOTOGRAPHY @WXNDYFOTOS

From the D.C. area to the heart of North Carolina’s hip-hop scene, Shame Gang has been quietly building a reputation as one of the South’s versatile and authentic voices. Known for his sharp lyricism, relentless work ethic, and cinematic approach to music, Shame Gang has carved out a lane that balances introspection, storytelling, and undeniable energy.

Whether he’s touring with legends like Wu-Tang Clan, collaborating with Dreamville’s Lute under the Slum County imprint, or dropping projects like Oil Stains & 808s, Shame Gang approaches his craft with precision, passion, and a vision that extends beyond music. In this exclusive interview, he breaks down his journey from open mics in North Carolina to national recognition, sharing insights on his creative process, his family-driven motivation, and what fans can expect from him in 2026.

VALIDATED: You’re originally from the D.C. area but have become a staple in North Carolina’s hip-hop scene. How did that transition shape both your sound and your perspective as an artist?

SHAME GANG: Living in North Carolina played a huge role in shaping my skills as a rapper and MC. Attending open mics, participating in cyphers, and constantly developing my craft—it was like iron sharpening iron.

I still believe North Carolina offers some of the best underground opportunities out there.

VALIDATED: Your music is known for sharp lyricism and an undeniable hunger. Where does that relentless grind come from, and what life experiences fueled it early on?

SHAME GANG: My grind comes from wanting to be a better version of myself and continuing to grow as a songwriter. I’m always challenging myself to explore new creative territory and do things musically that I haven’t done before.

My family is also a major source of support in my life, and I use that as motivation every single day.

VALIDATED: Touring with Rapper Big Pooh and opening for Wu-Tang Clan are major milestones. What lessons did you take away from sharing stages with artists who represent two different eras of hip-hop excellence?

SHAME GANG: One of the biggest lessons I learned early on is that you have to stay ready at all times, because your number can be called at any moment. Touring and watching greats like Wu-Tang Clan and Little Brother helped me become a better performer and pushed me to raise my own standards.

VALIDATED: No Safe Haven and Better Late Than Never both received critical acclaim and placements on platforms like 2DopeBoyz and Revolt. Looking back, what did those projects represent for you creatively and mentally at the time?

SHAME GANG: No Safe Haven was a turning point for me—it was the moment I finally found my sound and my voice, and truly felt comfortable in it. Coming up as a younger artist, I struggled with defining my sonic identity and recording in environments where I felt at ease.

By the time I got to Better Late Than Never, I was confident as a songwriter. I wasn’t as focused on being overly lyrical—I just wanted to make better songs and actually enjoy the process.

Around the time of No Safe Haven, I was also recovering from the loss of my brother, which put me in a very different mental space. It was hard to even record music. I don’t know how I pushed through it, but thank God I did.

VALIDATED: Your music being featured on Madden 23 introduced your work to a global audience outside of traditional hip-hop spaces. What did that moment mean to you, and how did it change the way you viewed your reach as an artist?

SHAME GANG: Being featured on Madden was a dream come true. I grew up playing games like Madden and NBA 2K, so having my music included was a major milestone. I felt overwhelmed—in the best way possible.

VALIDATED: You’re part of Dreamville artist Lute’s Slum County imprint. What drew you to that camp, and how has being under that umbrella helped sharpen your artistry or business approach?

SHAME GANG: What drew me to Slum County was the relationship between my manager and Lute’s manager, who made music together years ago. That connection is how I first met Lute.

From there, we built a genuine friendship that naturally evolved into a musical partnership and eventually led to me becoming part of the Slum County imprint. It’s been a dope journey watching him up close and learning every step of the way.

VALIDATED: Collaborating with artists like Lute, Conway the Machine, and The Game puts you in conversations across regions and styles. What do you look for in a collaboration before you ever step in the booth?

SHAME GANG: When it comes to collaborating, I still love sparring with lyrical artists in my lane, but my focus now is on creating great songs—records that can truly stand the test of time.

VALIDATED: In 2023, you were crowned Shade 45’s Best New Artist and named Raleigh Tribune’s Artist of the Month. At what point did you realize your work was truly cutting through the noise?

SHAME GANG: I realized my music was truly cutting through when my peers and people around the city began consistently showing love and acknowledging what I bring to the culture. It’s been a blessing and an incredible journey.

VALIDATED: The “Million and One” video surpassing 280K views and premiering on Revolt TV was a major look. What story were you trying to tell visually, and why was that record important to you?

SHAME GANG: I’ve always considered myself a cinematic artist. When I create music videos, I aim to paint vivid pictures and operate in a film-like space, largely because I’m a huge movie fan.

Shooting the “Million and One” video was an incredible experience, especially working with Kent, the director. Watching and studying his process inspired me. Once I eventually hang up the mic, I’d like to transition into more work in television and film.

VALIDATED: From Wu-Tang Tour 2019 to SXSW 2025 and Dreamville Fest 2025, your live performance résumé keeps growing. How has your approach to performing evolved over the years?

SHAME GANG: I take performing very seriously—it’s all about your presentation. I believe you should always be ready. When I step on the mic, it’s like LeBron James stepping onto the court: I’m ready to take over the game and showcase everything I have. Whether it’s 10 people or 10,000, I give the absolute best performance I possibly can.

VALIDATED: Being a Spotlight Artist for WRAL First Night NYE put you in front of a diverse, non-traditional hip-hop audience. How do you balance staying true to your roots while still being accessible to new listeners?

SHAME GANG: The first night show was an amazing experience. I try not to overthink things like diversity when I perform—I just focus on having fun and letting that energy resonate with the audience. Staying true to myself is how I connect with any crowd.

VALIDATED: Your most recent project, Oil Stains & 808’s, dropped in August 2025. My favorite record is a toss-up between “Never Relate” and “Drop,” but which song has resonated most with the fans?

SHAME GANG: From Oil Stains & 808s, my favorite records are “Drop” and “New Choppa.” I love the vibe of both. “Drop” gives me a nighttime energy, while “New Choppa” feels like cruising in an old-school car with the top down on a sunny day.

VALIDATED: How long did it take to put the EP together, and who did you collaborate with during the process?

SHAME GANG: It probably took me about a month to put Oil Stains & 808s together. Many of the songs didn’t make it onto my upcoming project, so I wanted to create something to pregame what’s next. While making the EP, I collaborated closely with my in-house production team, The Mercenaries. They constantly push me to think outside the box, and I rely on them heavily for creative support.

VALIDATED: Your catalog often reflects perseverance, timing, and patience. What does “success” look like for Shame Gang today compared to when you first started?

SHAME GANG: To me, success looks like being able to retire my mom through music and take care of my family so that no one has to struggle. I also want respect from my peers and to become a staple in North Carolina’s music scene—that’s the dream.

VALIDATED: North Carolina’s hip-hop scene has been gaining national respect. How do you see your role in pushing the culture forward in the South?

SHAME GANG: I believe I can help push the culture forward in North Carolina by staying consistent and continuing to be myself. Everything I’ve built so far has come from being genuine and authentic. I want to show the artists coming up after me that you don’t have to play a role or embrace negativity to carve out your own lane.

VALIDATED: When it’s all said and done, how do you want your name and music to be remembered within hip-hop history?

SHAME GANG: Point blank, I want my name to be remembered as a hard worker, a legend, and someone who never gave up. I gave everything I had.

VALIDATED: What can we expect from Shame Gang in 2026?

SHAME GANG: In 2026, expect more from Shame Gang—more music and way more consistency. In the past, I dropped just one project a year. In 2026, you’ll definitely get more than that. This is Shame season.