In 2009, Fashawn introduced himself with an impressive showing, Boy Meets World, a project released via One Records. The album, which was entirely produced by Exile, championed Fashawn’s lyrics and made him one of the most critically acclaimed up-and-coming rappers of the year, certainly one of the most acclaimed out of Fresno, California since Planet Asia. Since then, Fashawn has quietly continued a consistent display of lyrical dexterity and he added range to his arsenal. In 2012, Fashawn released two projects, his own Champagne & Styrofoam Cups via The IAN Group and This Generation, a collaborative album with Murs released through Duck Down. Both projects helped Fashawn grow as an emcee, helping his upcoming The Ecology, his official sophomore studio album, become one of 2014’s most anticipated.