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Much like the brawny Pit Bull on display in his latest music video “I Know” shot in downtown Atlanta, rapper/ D4L Records, Inc. CEO Carlos “Shawty Lo” Walker has gotten a bad rap.
Mirroring his canine companion in short stature, stocky build and fearless attitude, Shawty Lo (comparable to his breed of choice) can be just as compassionate, caring and at times bashful as a pampered house pet. Born and raised in west side Atlanta’s infamous Bankhead section, this bustling businessman overcame dire poverty, a drug-infested neighborhood and the everyday dangers of living on the other side of the tracks to transform his dreams into reality.
In June 2007 Walker partnered D4L Records Inc. with Asylum Distribution for the release of his highly anticipated solo album Units in the City. And most recently, he signed a joint label deal with music mogul Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s G-Unit Records this past summer.
But when he’s not in the studio recording, on tour or signing momentous deals, Shawty Lo can either be found at home with his feet kicked up or spreading the love amongst the inhabitants of his beloved Bankhead. Surrounded by a dozen or so of his closest associates, he is quick to peel off crisp bills to area homeless, stop and take a snap shot with giddy teen girls and shake the hands of admiring fans.
UnleashMagazine.com caught up with this man of the people on the same streets that watched Shawty Lo transform from a mischievous little boy into the man he is today.
UnleashMagazine.com: What’s your favorite breed?
Shawty Lo: My favorite breed…I got to go with the Pit Bull.
Have you ever owned any other dogs before?
Yeah, I owned several Pit Bulldogs. My uncle used to raise Pits when I was younger.
 What were the names of some of your favorite ones?
Uhhh…Butch, Cleo and Ruff.
Was there anything special about those dogs?
Well, Butch was the one that I was attached to the most. I had him for about two years. He was special. Right now though I just don’t have time for them. I love them to death, though. My baby girl is a dog lover too.
Does she have a dog?
Oh yeah, she has a Pitt!
Really? Your little girl has a Pit Bull? That’s different. Most girls like the smaller dogs like Pomeranians or Poodles.
Yeah, she got a Pitt. She had a Yorkie.
What was the Yorkie's name?
Prince. She thinks she’s a Princess.
(Laughs)
Do you have plans of getting any more dogs?
Yeah, probably when I slow down a little bit (and) I’m doing the house thing with the family and kids. Right now, due to my schedule and travel, I don’t have time. I am a big dog lover, though. I love dogs.
Speaking of Pit Bulldogs, what do you think about the way Michael Vick has recovered from his situation?
Well, you know; Mike’s a good person. The only way you can bounce back is be successful and he came back doing his thing and being successful.
Your fondness for Pit Bulls is evident, especially in your latest video “I Know” with Pit Bull, Bishop as your co-star. Tell us about him.
Bishop is a nice dog. His bloodline is Razor's Edge. He belongs to my man Mike, who’s also my jeweler. He got him from Big Boi; you know from Outkast. He’s 90 pounds on a good diet and very well taken care of. Mike is also a big dog lover.
How was your experience shooting with Bishop for UnleashMagazine.com today?
I always have a good experience with Bishop. He has been in the “I Know” video and now he’s with me today in Unleash. So you know; Bishop is trying to sign autographs too! (Laughs)
This video is not currently available. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Photography by: Lorenzo Smith Fotography
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