Shawn “Hazz” McDonald Recalls Watching Run-DMC Record Raising Hell and His Road to Hollywood

Actor, songwriter and hip-hop artist Shawn “Hazz” McDonald joined WorldWide Entertainment TV Media for a wide-ranging conversation about growing up around hip-hop royalty in Queens, developing his craft in Atlanta and eventually pursuing acting in Hollywood.

Hosted by Ms. Goldi, the interview revealed how McDonald’s proximity to figures such as Jam Master Jay, Larry Smith, Russell Simmons and Run-DMC gave him an extraordinary view of hip-hop history before he was old enough to understand its significance.

“I Was Raised Amongst the Legends”

McDonald’s story begins in South Jamaica, Queens, where he was originally known as DJ S1. He started DJing at approximately 14 or 15 after watching family members perform at neighborhood block parties.

His father also brought him around Russell Simmons and other emerging figures in the music business. Those early experiences convinced McDonald that entertainment would remain part of his life, whether or not he became a famous recording artist.

“Coming up in Queens, I was raised amongst the legends,” McDonald told Ms. Goldi.

His family connection to legendary producer Larry Smith placed him especially close to hip-hop’s development. Smith produced influential recordings for Run-DMC, Whodini, Kurtis Blow and the Fat Boys.

McDonald recalled sitting at Smith’s home and watching Run-DMC work on their landmark Raising Hell album.

“I seen Run-DMC recording the Raising Hell album,” he said. “I didn’t even know what I was seeing at the time. I’m around the hip-hop Beatles.”

The comparison captures how McDonald now views those sessions: not simply as childhood memories, but as moments from a cultural revolution unfolding directly in front of him.

Growing Up Inside the Queens Hip-Hop Explosion

McDonald described Queens during that period as a place where musical inspiration existed in nearly every direction.

He remembered 50 Cent coming from nearby South Jamaica, Ja Rule representing Hollis, Nas emerging from Queensbridge and artists such as Kool G Rap, Capone-N-Noreaga, Marley Marl and the Juice Crew contributing to the borough’s growing reputation.

Mr. Cheeks of the Lost Boyz is also McDonald’s cousin, giving him another personal connection to the borough’s musical legacy.

“Everywhere you turned, it was inspiration,” he explained.

McDonald also recalled LL Cool J living in a basement apartment on his block and watching Russell Simmons evolve from a street promoter and manager into a major force behind Def Jam Recordings.

Those experiences allowed him to observe both the creative and business sides of hip-hop from an unusually young age.

Queens Also Taught Him How to Survive

The same environment that inspired McDonald creatively also exposed him to the dangers surrounding young people in South Jamaica during the crack era.

He spoke candidly about carrying weapons, encountering the street economy and believing that simply reaching the age of 25 would represent an accomplishment.

McDonald also witnessed addiction dismantle families and transform people who had once appeared successful within the neighborhood.

Rather than romanticizing that period, he described it as an education in awareness, consequences and survival.

“Southside Jamaica, Queens really taught me to keep my head on a swivel,” he said.

Today, McDonald defines himself through faith, family, character and personal evolution. He described himself as a father, grandfather and “man of integrity” who refuses to dim his confidence to make other people comfortable.

From DJ S1 to Songwriting in Atlanta

Music entered McDonald’s life before the turntables. He began playing drums at approximately five or six years old before becoming a DJ, making blend tapes and eventually writing rhymes.

His professional direction became clearer after moving to Atlanta during the mid-1990s. Through a production team called Infrared, McDonald says he was introduced to Keith Sweat and began writing for other artists.

He recalled contributing ideas and material during sessions involving artists and producers connected to major labels. That experience taught him about publishing, split sheets and the business behind songwriting.

McDonald also revealed that comparisons to Nas initially discouraged him from pursuing his own recording career. Instead of abandoning music, he redirected his strongest ability toward writing.

“That’s when I knew you can make some money doing this,” he said of seeing his writing help other artists secure opportunities.

His musical influences include Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One and Kool G Rap—artists known for lyrical skill, substance and commanding delivery.

Taking His Talent From Atlanta to Hollywood

After releasing his independent album Inside of Me and promoting it through record stores, billboards and direct sales, McDonald began considering a move into acting.

A potential music opportunity brought him to California, but an unexpected conversation at Interscope Records redirected his path. Someone suggested that he looked like an actor and helped connect him with casting opportunities.

McDonald subsequently appeared in television productions including Bones, The Shield and Entourage. Although a speaking line from Entourage did not make the final broadcast, the opportunity helped him qualify for membership in the Screen Actors Guild.

His entertainment background later helped him secure a memorable commercial opportunity. McDonald said he wrote and performed the well-known Education Connection rap after being given the basic concept during an audition.

His ability to combine acting with authentic musical delivery made the performance believable.

McDonald later appeared in the comedy Epic Movie, portraying a parody inspired by Sean “Diddy” Combs. Although he initially questioned the exaggerated costume and prosthetics required for the role, he eventually recognized that committing to the character was part of becoming a professional actor.

Live stage productions further strengthened his improvisational ability and confidence as a performer.

Ownership and the Next Chapter

McDonald believes his defining acting role is still ahead of him.

He discussed developing a film called Karma, a project he says has been in progress for several years. His goal is to create something with greater depth than a conventional crime story and to maintain control over its intellectual property, characters and production.

“We live in a time where you could just create it,” he explained. “Ownership means a lot to me.”

McDonald also discussed an upcoming production he identified as The Gospel of Christmas. According to McDonald, the project includes performers such as Tank, Fantasia and Chanté Moore, and gave him the challenge of portraying a choir member despite not considering himself a traditional singer.

For McDonald, the larger goal is no longer simply appearing on screen. It is creating meaningful work, preparing for the right opportunities and helping younger people avoid some of the mistakes he witnessed growing up.

He wants his experience to become a source of guidance for the next generation.

“I still believe in pouring into somebody,” he said, describing the importance of mentorship and showing young people what they can become.

From witnessing Run-DMC make history to building a career across music, television, film and stage, Shawn “Hazz” McDonald’s journey represents more than proximity to famous names. It is the story of someone who absorbed the lessons around him, survived the environment that shaped him and continues working toward ownership of his legacy.

Watch Shawn “Hazz” McDonald’s exclusive interview with Ms. Goldi on WorldWide Entertainment TV Media.

Watch the six-minute Queens hip-hop chapter

Watch the complete interview: https://youtu.be/nYCRW9UkGIU