"My music is definitely a reflection of who I am. I am a young teen in L.A. who is addicted to having fun. I love women, fashion, and partying. That's where I am in life being an 18 year old, so that's what I talk about."

Meet Mann, aka Boy Wonder, an eighteen year old rap wunderkind, currently signed to super-producer J.R. Rotem's Beluga Heights imprint. Presently hard at work on his soon-to-be released debut outing, Mann's World, which the Los Angeles, California, based emcee describes as, "A mixture between Chronic 2001 and (Kanye West's) Graduation," Mann, nee' Dijon Thames Shariff, is definitely about to turn the Hip-Hop world upside down with his fresh faced rhymes backed by Rotem's superb beats -- Take heed!

Tell me your whole inception into music...

I was originally an actor. I enrolled in a theatre school for teens that taught acting, dance and singing. I then fell in love with dancing; like "Clown" dance as seen in the movie Rize, and the other teens in the group were all into music. Me being the youngest wanted to do everything they did, so I started writing music. Then, eventually fell in love with this.

I see. So, whose music did you gravitate towards?

Definitely West Coast artists such as Snoop, Eazy-E, and Cube. But, as far as my sound and style, I have to say the L.A. culture cultivated that, not really the artists.

How then do you classify your sound and style?

My music is definitely a reflection of who I am. I am a young teen in L.A. who is addicted to having fun. I love women, fashion, and partying. That's where I am in life being an 18 year old, so that's what I talk about.

Where does your moniker, Mann, originally derive from?

Mann is from the family nickname "Lil Man." I've always been an old soul in a young man's body. So, when searching for a rap name, I didn't want anything corny, I wanted something real and different. So, I took out the cliche "Lil," and added a "N" to make it more of a name. And, Mann happened.

How did you even come to the attention of producer Jonathan “J.R.” Rotem, and eventually ink to his label, Beluga Heights?

In November 2007, I was a special guest at my homeboyz, the Fly Guys', show at Hollywood's Knitting Factory. Jamie Adler, my present day manager, happened to be in the crowd, and loved the reaction I got, plus the energy of my live show. He brought me to Steve Lobel, who was Sean Kingston's manager, and Steve brought me to J.R. Rotem. And, it's been nothing but A2Z/Beluga Heights ever since.

Mann's World is the title of your forthcoming solo debut, and, although pretty self-explanatory, still why did you opt on naming the record this?

Originally, I tried to run from the title because it was cliche to me. But, after really thinking about it, my first album has got to be an introduction to who I am, my sound, and show my purpose in this industry. Mann's World is the ideal name for the type of first album I want to present.

Aside from, of course, J.R., who else are you enlisting, or have you enlisted, in regards to the album's production?

Rob Knoxx, Ollie, Fingazz, The Runners. But, the majority is J.R.

Are/Will there (be) any other special cameos to look out for?

Right now just Jason Derulo [Text]. I'm not sure if we are going to add anybody else yet.

 So far, do you have any personal fave track(s)? And, why that one/those specifically?

My favorite track off my album is MVP. That's a song that really embodies me and my whole feeling.

But up first though is your brand new mixtape, Near Life Experience -- What's the meaning behind that title? And, for someone like myself who hasn't heard anything from it yet, what's to be expected?

Near Life Experience is a mixtape that basically introduces my sound. It's actually part 2 of a 3 part series called West L.A. Diaries. This one is real mixtape O.G. style, with beat jacking and straight rapping.

You just dropped a video for the mixtape's title track -- How was that experience for you?

It was cool. I think it was a good look for the title track of the mix-tape. No girls, no crew behind me, just me rapping, which is dope to me.

Was that your very first time doing a video?

Nah, I did a couple videos prior -- Some still yet to be released, and some just weren't dope enough for me to put out! [Laughs]

What do you feel will be the ultimate key to your longevity?

The key to my success is loyalty and humbleness. I make sure that I stay on the good side of karma.

Do you have any other (outside) future aspirations?

I really want to make a transition into an actor when there is nothing left for me to say in music. I don’t wanna force music. I love doing it, but I know that the older I get, the less fresh my ideas will be. Acting will always be there for me.

[Mann has had roles in film; Ghosts Of Mississippi, television; Married With Children, as well as stage plays]

On a more serious note, how do you view the current state of Hip-Hop -- Are you content with it? Specifically West Coast rap, or the lack thereof?

In terms of Hip-Hop, I feel there is a revolution that's happening that's working for sure. I'm a fan of a lot of new artists out. Far as West Coast, we are coming back! There are a lot of new artists emerging with a brand new sound. I don't think there will be a lack of the Westside in a year or so.

Everyone either knows your music already, or will become familiar with it soon, but who exactly is Mann?

I'm a 18 year old dude out of L.A., and my music represents a young man in L.A.

And, what do you like to do in your spare time completely away from this music?

I love to go to movies and kick it. I love to just kick it at friends' houses and stuff. I also just picked up skateboarding.

Predicting, what is your 5 to 10 year plan in entertainment?

I plan on becoming a full fledge actor at one point. But, I'm not sure my journey to getting to that point, and how long it will take. I also plan on having my own stadium tour.

As for now though, your "official" lead single, Text, featuring labelmate Jason DeRulo, as well as the Near Life Experience mixtape and title track video, are circulating now! Is there a second single for it in the works?

Yeah, definitely! I'm not sure what it's gonna be, but we have plenty contenders.

The album, Mann's World, is due out when exactly?

This summer. No date put on it yet.

And, are there any plans to tour behind it all?

Not yet, but I hope they do come into action. I love performing.

What's that "live" show element (been/gonna be) like?

A lot of energy and fun. Me and my hype man really wilding out! A lot of dancing, jumping, screaming, and everything that makes a great show.

Are there any other mixtape(s) and/or cameos on others works to look out for from you in the meantime?

Yeah, the third and final mixtape in the West L.A. Diaries. It is named The Birthday Philosophy. And, I plan on dropping and releasing new music every week.

Is there anything else that I may have left out or forgot to ask about?

The movement I have called BDB which stands for Birthday Boyz. It's a whole movement behind me, with living life like everyday is your birthday -- Celebrating life every day.

Any message for our readers?

Follow me on Twitter, @mann, myspace.com/mann, facebook.com/mannsworldmusic. I always respond.

- By Todd Davis

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