Conversations with Karine Sho-Time Thornton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karine Sho-Time Thornton.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Karine “Sho-Time” Thornton began his journey in the DVD era, long before social media became a real platform for exposure. With a camera in hand, he was outside documenting the raw essence of hip-hop culture—battle rap, cyphers, underground showcases, neighborhood legends, and rising talent. He was in the rooms before they became rooms. Sho-Time built his name through consistency, presence, and genuine respect, with no industry plug, no manager, and no co-sign—he created his own. As the culture shifted from DVDs to YouTube, he evolved and launched Sho-TimeTV, transforming footage into interviews, media content, event coverage, and personality-driven hosting. This move solidified him not just as a cameraman, but as a media personality, platform owner, connector, and promoter of culture. He expanded into battle rap league ownership, industry mixers, film acting, podcasting, PR, casting, and independent film production. Sho-Time didn’t wait for opportunities—he built them, creating his own lanes and opening doors for others. He is not just part of the culture; he has actively helped shape it. In short, Karine “Sho-Time” Thornton started as a young documentarian of real street culture and evolved into a multifaceted media brand rooted in authenticity, consistency, and community.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. I didn’t come into this with funding, connections, or someone opening doors for me. I had to build everything from the ground up. In the beginning, I was doing everything on my own—carrying my equipment, pulling up to every event, chasing opportunities, and documenting people who didn’t always believe in themselves yet. I dealt with people trying to take advantage, situations where I wasn’t respected, and times where I was supporting other people’s careers more than they were supporting their own. There were moments when I was overlooked, doubted, counted out, and even copied. I’ve had to learn business the hard way—through mistakes, losses, and lessons.

But every setback sharpened me. Every door that closed forced me to create a new one. The struggle taught me consistency, patience, loyalty, and how to move with purpose. It taught me not to rely on validation, not to chase clout, and not to compromise who I am for placement in any room. So no, the road wasn’t smooth—but the rough road is what made the foundation solid.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the founder of Sho-TimeTV, a media platform that originated in the DVD era when documenting hip-hop meant being outside in real culture. I built my reputation in the battle rap community, working alongside and covering legends such as SMACK/URL, Charlie Clips, Math Hoffa, DNA, Arsenal, and many more. This led to the creation of Sho-Time Battle Rap League, where I developed new talent and helped shape the modern battle rap media landscape. Over time, I expanded into film, television, talent development, and entertainment production. I starred in OPPRESSED, the battle rap film, appeared in the movie Viral, and acted in the urban soap opera Perate Rodent, all while continuing to build my brand presence. I also host the Chicken Sho-TimeTV Podcast and produced the independent film Hit Boy’s Redemption, with a new reality show currently in development.

In addition to my own work, I manage actress Shanna T, supporting her career growth, public presence, and film opportunities. Through strategic branding, media positioning, and industry connections, I helped her secure roles and build credits in multiple independent films and streaming projects. I currently serve as the President of the Hip Hop Fraternity (HHF) New York Chapter, where I work to create opportunities, networking pipelines, and economic support for rising artists and entrepreneurs.

What sets me apart is that everything I’ve built came from authenticity, consistency, and real cultural roots. I didn’t rely on industry co-signs — I created my own infrastructure. I am not just part of the culture; I am one of the people who has helped document it, preserve it, elevate it, and continue to push it forward.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The industry is shifting towards ownership. For a long time, artists, media personalities, and creators were relying on big platforms, labels, streaming services, and gatekeepers to validate them. But now, the power is in the hands of the people who can create, build, brand, and distribute independently. I see a major rise in self-owned platforms—more creators launching their own channels, podcasts, media outlets, streaming spaces, and independent studios. The middleman is slowly disappearing.

The battle rap world is also evolving. It’s becoming more mainstream, but it’s also becoming more business-minded. You’re going to see more artist development, more documentary-style storytelling, more branding, more collaborations with film, sports, and TV. Battle rap is moving from a subculture into a documented part of American entertainment history, and those of us who were here early are the ones shaping that narrative.

Independent film is growing the same way. With the rise of Tubi, Prime Video, and independent streaming networks, people are realizing they don’t need Hollywood to create impact. We are writing our own stories now. And audiences want authenticity more than production polish.

Overall, the biggest shift is that culture is going back to the creators. Real talent, real voices, and real storylines are being valued again. I see myself continuing to help build those platforms, develop talent, and create spaces where the culture stays authentic, documented, respected, and profitable for the people who actually built it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shotimetv.com/sho-timetv
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotimetv?igsh=MWtmc2t3aDh4dGdwaA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JbFg6imQN/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JbFg6imQN/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
SHO-TIMETV