Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn McDonald.
Hi Shawn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Shawn “Hazz” McDonald. Alot of people call me S1- Hazzardous because “S” was short for Shawn the ”1″ was added because I was always the Fresh One, The Wild One, The risky and brag-o-do-shis One. With my talent and rap skills, I became Hazzardous to the competition. My name was known in the streets of Southside Jamaica-Queens growing up. My childhood was different. I grew up well off, privileged & very entitled. They could have literally called me the “Fresh Prince of Jamaica Queens”. Because of my upbringing, overtime l developed big pride & ego which got me in doors others couldn’t walk through.
Coming from the birthplace of Hip Hop, I was inspired firsthand by my uncle, producer Larry “King of the Beats” Smith. He went on to produce hits for Run DMC, The Fat Boys, Curtis Blow & The Beastie Boys. I was just a young kid watching these artists become legendary Hip Hop icons, so I had no other choice but to be inspired! By the age of 15, I’ve been involved in the hip hop culture. I took it seriously & became a Ghostwriter at the age of 19. When l moved to Atlanta, Georgia it became a career goal for me.
In 1995, without mentioning the greats I’ve written songs for global R&B and Hip-hop artist then shortly after that I started writing Music and recording for myself, all because I was raised around executives like Russel Simmons, I knew the music industry was shady and fickle, so I turned down many opportunities on signing record contracts back then.
In 1997, I wrote the rap for Keith Sweat & Kut Klose in the song, “Twisted”. Shortly after that, by the age of 21, I was traveling with the legendary rap duo Whodini going out on the road. I was the opening act, performing my own music to the crowd while they got ready to come out and rip the audience.
In 1999, I signed with Infa-Red Entertainment as a ghostwriter. Deb Antney, at the time was the road manager. From 1997-2000, I continued to be a ghostwriter. But in 2001, my friend Micheal “Juno” Irvin, became my manager. He helped me realize that I was not properly credited for all of the songs I wrote because I was uneducated on paperwork and how the industry truly works when it comes to dividing assets & split sheets. He made it possible to finally receive all my royalties that I was owed. I was forced to walk away from all this, which was a major influence on why I took the independent route. My name was originally spelled “Haz” with one Z, but since the label owned my name, when I walked away, I added another Z. That’s how it became “Hazz”.
In 2003, I completed my independent album called, “Inside of Me”. In 2004, it was released in Tower Records. I eventually opened up for NAS and Monica on tours in Atlanta. I seemed to be growing in the industry. My album somehow landed in the hands of a representative of Interscope Records.
I got a call in the Winter of 2005, from Interscope Records to come to LA and meet with Jimmy Iovine & The A&R at the time, Chuck Black. They already knew about my album that l put out independently and they heard my demo and wanted to sign me. But l didn’t follow through with the deal because I wasn’t that pressed at the time with them, knowing that I already had publishing money & royalties coming in from my ghostwriting work in the past. I also soaked up so much knowledge & became aware of the do’s and don’ts in this business. Especially when it came to contracts. It didn’t work out but it was such an experience.
While there, I met a guy named Roger McAfee at the record label who plugged me with an acting audition. I nailed my audition, and suddenly work started coming in. I was featured in many TV shows such as BONES, GIRLFRIENDS and THE SHIELD, Two years later in 2007, I landed a supporting role with Regina King in the hot TV series SOUTHLAND. That same year, I became a SAG UNION ACTOR. This was the same year, I made my movie debut in the comedy parody movie called “EPIC MOVIE”.
In 2009, I landed an international commercial titled “EDUCATION CONNECTION”, where I wrote and rapped about going back to school and getting your degree online. Life was good and l spent about 17 years in Hollywood doing what l love.
In 2021, I decided to move back to Atlanta, Georgia. The city looked different upon my return because it suddenly became “Black Hollywood”. As l am still working on new music, I have transitioned from an Actor to a Film Producer. I’m actually working on a film under my own imprint founded by me called Hazzari Entertainment/131 Media Group, LLC. This film is co-written by myself and my business partner Ramsey Hill. It all started from a song that l created years ago called KARMA. Then one day in 2019, I said to myself that I needed to turn this into a motion picture. Now years later in 2025, I’m sitting here producing my first feature film with an amazing cast & staff. Not to mention, in October of 2025, I landed a feature role in Tyler Perry’s new film titled “The Gospel of Christmas” Please stay tuned for that. I’m grateful and appreciative because I’m alive and still here.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Well back then, I was a Ghostwriter, meaning I wrote songs & made contributions to songs for artists without getting paid for my work the way I was supposed to, more or less getting my credits that I was entitled to. I wish l took things more into my own hands & had the knowledge and wisdom of what I was actually involved in. Learning more of the business would have allowed me to have my name on credits and songs that I contributed to. My biggest mistake in my career is not being able to understand contracts at a young age but it made me who I am today, so I have no regrets.
Also it was challenging moving 3000 miles away from my kids to pursue my dreams and goals. I lived with the guilt of not watching them grow as I made sacrifices for my family on the West Coast. The biggest obstacle was balancing the entertainment life business and trying to be a father from a distance.
Another challenge was me trying to breakthrough the “Southern rap style” and being accepted in the South as a New York artist back in the early 90s.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am known for giving back to the community & less fortunate. This is how l developed my Non-profit organization called “Champion World USA”. We strived for a “big brother mentorship” and the goal was to build & inspire champions and leaders. I plan to redevelop the organization in Atlanta, GA shortly. Hazzari Entertainment/131 Media group, LLC was founded in 2020. It’s a Film/Tv/Music Production company that I’ve created. It acts as the engine that transforms a creative idea into a marketable, finished piece of Art and Entertainment.
My goal is to be just as big as Tyler Perry Studios one day. I’m in the process of building a professional staff and team to help me achieve those goals. I handle everything from writing scripts to hiring, casting actors, budgets, etc.
I’m most known for being relentless, passionate and driven. People say I give them hope because everything I said I would do in this business actually became a reality. My TV, film, music and stunt man acting credits that are on IMDB.com speaks for itself. What sets me apart is knowing how to build solid relationships in the industry. My hustle is unmatched, mixed with pure talent, making me hazardous to the competition. Not to mention, I created an Actors’ Workshop class called “ACT UP” in Atlanta. Everyone is welcome to have a safe space to be creative. I’m officially an acting instructor now as we speak so calling all creatives to join now!!
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My honesty, integrity, courage, resilience & professional skill sets all contribute to my success. Being a natural at live performing, writing songs & movie scripts added to my achievements. As a highly trained improv method actor, I was able to achieve Industry Leadership Awards & a Vanguard Award, which was my biggest award to date. I’m big on “Teamwork making the dream work”. That’s my motto. I was born to lead.
Pricing:
- 125 for drop-in clients to join class
- 275 for 8 week acting course
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ShawnHazzMcdonald.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/shawn.mcdonald_Hazz
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ShawnHMcdonald
- Youtube: Www.Youtube.com/@ShawnMcDonald_Hazz
- soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/ShawnHazzMcdonald
- Other: www.IMDB.ME/Shawnmcdonald
