DISCOVER.

Who Is Shelavon

Multi-talented Entertainer Shelavon is best known for her contributions to Hip-Hop culture in The Carolinas. When she began her career in the late 90s as a teenager, music was the foundation- the first love and the original chapter of the journey we call purpose for the young powerhouse. Over the span of the next 15 years, the voice that became solidified as “The Queen of The Carolinas” grew significant influence in the Southeast Region.

The artist and the brand that was known as Shelly B. would go on to rock stages with performance energy that many called an experience never to be forgotten. Her body of work~ including various music projects, visuals, collaborations, community contributions and concept-style events~ set standards, paving the way for not only the local female rapper, but for many up-and-coming artists developing themselves into brands. She made a mark in Independent Music history as the first female Hip-Hop artist from NC to feature in major publications such as Vibe Magazine, Allhiphop.com, XXL and VLAD.TV to list a handful. Her story could later be followed up and down the east coast as she claimed 12 award wins in 5 states out of 21 nominations for her musical works.

The evolution took flight somewhere between 2005 when Shelly B. was named “Unsigned Hype” by The Source Magazine, and 2015 when Shelavon can be seen credited in The Source Magazine as a contributing writer. Media became a passion and the next chapter. Known to always have a talent for creative writing and storytelling, Shelavon embarked on her journey into media while continuing to gain national exposure as an entertainer. Her personal brand website was transformed into a platform to share the stories of her peers making an impact on the culture. In addition to writing for her own entertainment segment-The 25/8 Grinder-Shelavon contributed for various media brands including Play Magazine, YO! Raps, Her Source, Beyond Race, Rebel View, and QC Exclusive Magazines.

Throughout her professional path, shedding light on others walking in their greatness was always a foundational goal. Determined to achieve that in more ways than one, Shelavon organized platforms for artists and entertainers to give back through community outreach and created opportunities for exposure through an online internet radio segment and regional entertainment TV show that she co-hosted for several years. In addition to MCing major event productions including The Carolina Music Awards and NYE @ The RBC's Rip the Runway, Shelavon organized the Carolina Chapter of Hip-Hop for the Homeless, The Fleet DJ’s ‘Rise to Power Panel’ - An all-female conference panel of industry Influencers, and pioneered concepts like ‘A Christmas Wish’ - adopt-a-family drive, ‘The 12 Divas of Christmas’ charity concert and ‘All Diva Everything’ – A lifestyle brand designed to empower women.

In the years to follow, Shelavon dedicated her time to Women That Care, a family-operated non-profit organization of women whose mission is to support communities of people in need. As a student of the game and never limiting the skill set, she also went on to study Broadcasting and Digital Media Technology after retiring her music mic. This chapter of learning led to contributing opportunities of script writing and videography for various news outlets such as Spectrum, Fox and WSOC TV, further broadening the scope of her talent into content producing.

The transition from music to media, from being the interviewee to the interviewer, from the cover story to the curator of the content, has given Shelavon depth in perspective of what one can become. Interviews with the likes of Taraji P. Henson, J. Cole, Rev Run, Laila Ali, Russ Parr, Jadakiss, Hill Harper, Common and many others has strengthened her abilities as a Journalist. With a passion for storytelling, the future is focusing on continuing to give back through her voice and building a brand that serves as a platform for those who #DoLifeDifferent , becoming who God designed you to be.