Shawn "Solo" Fonteno, the actor and rapper who portrays Franklin Clinton in Grand Theft Auto V, has released a memoir detailing his journey to the streets of San Andreas. Rockstar Games' 2013 open-world adventure features three distinct protagonists, with Franklin joined by retired bank robber Michael De Santa and the unhinged Trevor Philips. Fonteno recently returned in a GTA Online update featuring Franklin, which sees the lovable criminal search for Dr Dre's missing phone.
Eight years after the launch of GTAV, the Contract update saw Franklin return to the mean streets of GTA Online's San Andreas. The expansion sees the gangster team up with legendary rapper Dr Dre to find a phone filled with unreleased music, and Franklin brings along supporting characters like his dog Chop and friend Lamar Davis. The Contract brought new music to GTA Online, composed by Dre himself, as well as a new radio station and new weapons. The narrative allowed players to catch up with Franklin following the events of GTAV, and it also revisited Lamar's roast of Franklin to homage one of the game's most iconic moments.
Now Shawn Fonteno has released a memoir titled Game Changer: My Journey From the Streets to Your Video Game Console. This introspective autobiography tells Fonteno's life story, from his time as a real-life gang banger to his appearance in Grand Theft Auto V. A description of the book reveals that Rockstar Games saw value in Fonteno's street credibility, and his life experiences allowed him to bring authenticity and realism to the role of Franklin. Shawn Fonteno has also shared the memoir on Twitter, and it is available to purchase now from his website.
GTA Online saw Franklin return after an eight-year absence, and Fonteno recently hinted that the character could return again. A recent tease from the actor on Instagram suggested that Franklin could be making a third Grand Theft Auto appearance, though details were kept cryptic. Rockstar Games has confirmed that Grand Theft Auto 6 is currently in active development, though there are no details about when the next open-world crime simulator may actually arrive. Given his return in GTA Online, it is certainly possible that Franklin Clinton could come back yet again for a role in GTA6.
Franklin Clinton is one of Grand Theft Auto's most beloved protagonists, and Shawn "Solo" Fonteno's real street experience brought the character to life. The actor and rapper's criminal background has allowed him to produce amazing works of art, and Game Changer promises to tell the whole story. For those interested in gaining insight into Fonteno's history and the creation of GTAV, the fascinating memoir is available now.
Grand Theft Auto V is available on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Source: Shawn Fonteno, Shawn Fonteno/Twitter
