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Home , Bad Boy Records, Black Rob, Bone Crusher (rapper), Clinton Sparks, Craig G, DJ Clue

HAWK PLUS: COLLECTOR’S EDITION XAVIER AEON XAVIER REVIEWS MIXTAPE CONRAD DIMANCHE

ADDS $TREET VALUE ADDS $TREET VALUE TO POPS OFF A MILLION ROUNDS THE BUTCHER CUTS IT UP G-UNIT’S GENERAL BACK 2 SCHOOL FASHIONS SCHOOL 2 BACK JAE MILLZ JAE VLAD DJ DJ WHOO DJ KID

Re-Defining The Mixtape Game VOLUME 1 ISSUE 2

>DJ WHOO KID On the cover and this page: (“Street Value” Pg. 44) Photographed Exclusively for Mixtape Magazine by RON WEXLER

FEATURES CONTENT VOL.1 ISSUE 2 44 DJ WHOO KID $TREET VALUE

G-Unit General or G-Unit Soldier? Crown the kid king if you call him anything. DJ Whoo Kid in his most upfront story to date alerts the game about his strategy and formula for worldwide, not just domestic success.

By Kay Konnect

70 Xavier Aeon 74 DJ VLAD 80 Jae Millz THE BUTCHER

Rhythm and Blues new Mix it up. Blend it up. Jae Millz, the lyrical sharp- boy wonder from the CT, Whatever you do, make shooter steps to the streets to be exact, sure to cut it up. DJ Vlad in a Mixtape Magazine explains in an uncut manner “The Butcher” slices the exclusive. He drops bullets the difference between a mixtape game in half with regarding his demeanor and typical artist and one with exclusive compilations from operation in the mixtape rap an edge. Shaken with a the east-south-mid-west. world. Ready as ever, Jae feel, Xavier Aeon DJ Vlad’s story plugs the Millz pops off a million exposes his sharpness. world to his sword-like rounds easily. approach in the game. By Isegoria By Kay Konnect By Suvadip Bose

6 www.mixtapemag.com

COLUMNS

26 Awesome 2: Beauty and CONTENT VOL.1 ISSUE 2 Beats Special K and Teddy Ted mix beats and beauty with the world renowned femme fatale DJ Eque.

DEPARTMENTS

16 Editor’s Letter Champ in the Ring of Kings, Mixtape Magazine battles it out with their second hit issue.

18 Feedback This month’s featured mixtape: A Tribute Mixtape To “The Punisher” by DJ Suss One.

20 Corporate America Profiting on Urban Community: An inside look at those profiting from minorities being held in prison…

32 Executive On The Run Conrad Dimanche, Senior Director of A&R for Bad Boy Entertainment, runs down the daily grind of an executive in charge.

34 Industry Profiles

52 MixTech Gadgets, gadgets, and more gadgets! Peep our exclusive Back 2 School technology section.

56 Reviews Industry professionals step into the ring to access the latest , , and DVDs on the streets.

66 West to East Reputable DJs nationwide report the top 5 songs and local talent on their play list.

84 The DJ Vault Pt. 2 Open the vault. Take a glimpse at DJ hot flashes!

>DJ VLAD 87 On this page: (“DJ VLAD” Pg. 74) Back 2 School Fashions Photographed Exclusively for Mixtape Magazine Mixtape Magazine walks the corridors of autumn by RON WEXLER with the hottest gear wear.

11 p l a n B v o l u m e 1

Founder, Publisher and Luigi Agostini CEO

Co-Founder and CFO Richard “Ricstar” DelGiudice

Editor-In-Chief Karen “Kay Konnect” Hudson

Art Director Max Lora

Music Editors plan B

Staff Photographer Ron Wexler

Contributing Photographer Felix Natal Jr.

Fashion Director Damarko GianCarlo

Marketing & Circulation E. Entertainment Group Management and Publishing

Street Team Management Rissa Entertainment & Promotions

Contributing Writers Suvadip Bose, Charles Hairston, Dave House, Lindsay Whitney, Special K & Teddy Ted, J. Daspin, Isegoria, Frankie Boy, Joshua Stalsworth, Urban Connects

Editorial and Advertising Information 244 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2371 , NY 10001-7604 TEL: (212) 340-1999 EMAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.mixtapemag.com

All content of this publication and subsidiary web site content, including photographs, images, and illustrations are the exclusive property of E. Entertainment Group & Publishing/Mixtape Magazine, LLC and its contributors. Therefore, any reproduction in content without the express written consent of E. Entertainment Group & Publishing/Mixtape Magazine, LLC is strictly prohibited. E. Entertainment Group & Publishing/Mixtape Magazine, LLC reserves the right to edit or refuse all material and listing submissions and it is not responsible for errors, edits and or omissions. E. Entertainment Group & Publishing/Mixtape Magazine, LLC assumes no liability for, nor endorses any products or services advertised herein.

© 2004 E. Entertainment Group & Publishing/ Mixtape Magazine, LLC All RIGHTS RESERVED

EDITOR’SLETTER

CHAMP IN THE RING OF KINGS...

Armed with the leather rounded weapons, the glove pen and glove pad, Mixtape Magazine made it through the first round issue without any life threatening injuries. We are just happy to be here yanno! The first stage of the magazine brawl was bagged and hemmed up like an underground fighter snatching up a champ. We fought to get a buzz, and my goodness did we punch the living daylights out of the mixtape media scene. The little six by four glossy magazines with palm trees and spring breeze on the cover, snuck in the game dominated by big boy publications like a thief jamming off “Thief’s Theme” by . Mixtape Magazine virtually sat alongside the big boys in the VIP ring side section without any fear. Is this seat taken? Whether it is or not, Mixtape Magazine is in the building. Knuckle up before you get knocked out! Rewind and Review... Miami, Florida Memorial Day was memorable, and the high-time temperature was boiling point blank. The fact that The Bottom’s hottest DJs Khaled, Irie, Epps, and EFN graced our first cover in a sheer and positive union proves how much Mixtape Magazine respects and recognizes the hustle and success of the dirty south. With praise out the way, set on deck, Mixtape Magazine is proud to note the vision of our second focus. Leaning Forward... Without second-guesses, the hottest commodity holding down Mixtape Magazine’s second issue is: beat bang and please!!! DJ Whoo Kid, the music movement master. Second Issue Installment... Touch bases with sharp-shooter rapper Jae Millz. Profile with new profile producer R-LES and unsigned profile rap artist Hawk. Mix the party scene up with DJ Tafari. Get social with key promoter Medina Styles while getting familiar with sultry R&B star Xavier Aeon. Staff writers The Legendary Awesome II catch up with femme fatale DJ Eque to converse about her position as a female . DJ Vlad brings the east, mid, and west coasts together with his themed mixtapes. Conrad Dimanche, our comrade and Senior Director of A&R over at Bad Boy Entertainment plugs the game to his role as a major executive on the run. Networking crew Urban Connects preps cats about The 7 Industry Sins to stay clear from. Peep our mixtape and feature reviews. Preview our MixTech special on the latest and hottest gadgets to complete the hip hop image. Mixtape Magazine would like to introduce our new Fashion Director, Damarko. Flip through our fashion styling and hood profiling section. Check out all the industry folks Mixtape Magazine rallied to welcome in the autumn season. Big shout out to Babs, Ness, Gloria Velez, Paul Cain, Peedie Crack, Nicole Ray, Lazy K, , Joe Buddens, and all who came out to the shoot. History! Mixtape Magazine would also like to send a special shout-out to Blackhand Entertainment’s own , who blessed our first issue. He successfully inked a deal with The Roc army. Congrats also goes out to the PaperBoyz who signed an exclusive recording agreement with NextSelection Lifestyle Group. Mixtape Magazine continuously aims to thank our supporters. We could not have moved in this deadline-driven magazine game so slick without you all plural. Grassroots marketing is Mixtape Magazine’s tool for success. Mixtape Magazine is a small team with big dreams. Build with us. Grow with us. Do remember that We Break Artist By Words.

Please note: because of the size of our magazine, articles and artist stories have to be short and concise. For full coverage visit our website at www.mixtapemag.com!

Signed, Sealed and Delivered By,

Kay Konnect Editor-in-Chief

16 www.mixtapemag.com Let me start by saying that Big Pun is one FEEDBACK up my fav lyricists, right up there with KRS ONE… Overall DJ Suss One made an impressive mix of Big Puns hits, that really makes the mixtape worthy of being called a TRIBUTE TO BIG PUN. I recommend anyone to go pick this tape up. The tracks are really quite impressive; right from track one, with smooth transitions, and impressive cuts. Not too many shout outs on the mix tape (I really hate “DJ Clue’s” shutouts for ex.) DJ Suss One takes it way back on track 14… with a striking blend of old school and new school, with many more mixtures that will leave you grooving from start to end.

DJ Golden Groove Hoboken, NJ A Tribute Mixtape To Big Pun “The Punisher” By DJ SUSS ONE This mixtape suffers from the ailment plaguing most of its kind – excessive noise DJ Suss One hit the nail on the head with from the host DJ. The focus on this tape this tribute album. Every track shows the is mostly Pun’s lyrics – as it should be. lyrical prowess of the one and only Big Most of the cut and pastes are either his Pun. From “ Shatterer” to “Punish album highlights or one of his MANY guest Me,” Suss One takes every verse Pun ever appearances. One of my favorites was ripped it on (by rhyming multiple times in the effortless blend of “Dream Shatterer,” between bars on numerous tracks), and Suss One was able to go back and forth mixes it in, with clean cuts and blends. between the original instrumental and the This is a true tribute to the greatest Latin one found on the LP. Some of his blends rapper, and one of the greatest emcees with “How We Roll” aren’t as up to par of all time. You can’t listen to this album and border on the annoying side. Most if without realizing that Pun was supreme: not all of these cuts you will find on Pun’s “Ay-yo | shatter dreams like Jordan, assault Endangered Species album or his first two and batter your team | Your squadron’ll CD’s. There is nothing brilliant about this be barred from rap like Adam & from mixtape and most of the songs in their the garden | I’m carvin’ my initials on your entirety can be fou nd elsewhere. The forehead | So every night before bed you blend of “Dream Shatterer” isn’t worth see the “BP” shine off the board head.” copping this mix. Do yourself a favor and go out and buy the albums.

Jonathan Malavé Jose Gonzalez Rochester, NY New York, NY

DROP US A LINE... Write us on By Mail: Mixtape Magazine either your favorite or least favorite mixtape. Attn: FeedBack Please include your Full Name, Address, 244 Fifth Ave., Suite 2371 and Phone Number. Mixtape Magazine New York, NY 10001-7604 reserves the right to edit feedback for clarity and/or word count. By E-mail: [email protected]

18 www.mixtapemag.com Corporate America Profiting On Urban Community: An inside look at those profiting on minorities being held in prison.

By Charles Hairston

Crime doesn’t pay! Or does it? The prison population is at an all time high climbing well over the two million mark. And despite Spanish and African American’s only making up a combined 25% of American population according to 2000 U.S. Census Bureau Population by Race, they are registering close to 70% of those in prison. Not to mention that they make up close to 80% of those who return to prison for a second bid (U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Prison Statistics, 2003).

For the past several years there have been several firms profiting from the majority-dominated prisons. Sodexho- Marriot Services, Lockheed Martin, and Corrections Corporations of America (CCA) have been making substantial profits for the past couple years. For an example, CCA, which is a publicly-traded company, generated $202.8 million in net cash from operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2003, compared with $101.4 million for the same period in the prior year and $92.8 million in 2001 (Corrections Corporations of America Annual Report, 2003).

Unfortunately, the equation seems to be working against the urban community. The more individuals incarcerated, the greater the percentage of minorities makes up these numbers; consequently, yielding substantial profits for corporate America.

20 www.mixtapemag.com 1. Grinding Solely for the Dime Point blank, do not enter the entertainment game if you are not willing to grind tirelessly for free, because guess what? Chances are you are going to have to do a host of grinds without a coin in the can before you see a dime back (and that dime is not guaranteed). Chasing the dollar is a deadly industry sin! True, many artists have gotten rich focusing on the dollars in their raps. However, they had a raw and uncut game plan before the world witnessed their financial results.

Advice: Money is attracted to heat like bees are attracted to honey. The harder you grind, the more money will find its way into your pockets.

2. Moving in Slow Motion with a Premium Connect Follow through is the key to additional business opportunities. If you receive a message from a reputable industry professional from a major situation to holler back, guess what you do without that ego that drapes you? Holler back and advance on the potential opportunity. Do not let opportunities to shine slip because of the idea that you can tread water alone.

Advice: Link, learn, and connect with people in the game. If not, you could be missing the opportunity of a lifetime. Even if the phone conversation does not guarantee a deal, it may lead to a connection that may prove vital to the livelihood of your career. Slow motioning the business because you think you can survive without premium connects will make you sink, not swim above the game. 3. Running with an Ink of Certainty Go ahead man! I dare you to and think it is all gravy because your ink has dried on a dough-driven deal with I Finally Got On Records. Yeah, I know you have finally nailed the deal that you have been dying for since “DWYCK” was rocking on regular rotation. However, do not get confident in a dream come By Urban Connects true deal of a lifetime. If so, next week you will be on the charts as another tax write-off story.

Advice: Get off your high horse dreamer and make yourself a priority at your label! Please note that your position aligns with twenty-two other acts signed and confirmed. The game traditionally focuses on artists with platinum potential. Make yourself that next potential by creating an image and sound that will last. pproach the bright walkways of the entertainment game blindfolded and you are sure to get lead down the wrong grim and dark alley. Approach 4. Ignoring the Power of Branding FYI, most artist rosters are lined up for the four time gold selling Rhythm and the dollar like a thief and sooner, if not later, you will get your mighty dollar A Blues quartet, link the sexy model chick that the Chief Executive Officer of the pawned like rare jewels in a jeweler’s district. To avoid the aforementioned label put on for reasons other than talent, and the cat with knack. So, who is downfalls, Mixtape Magazine is here to advise cats eager to align with the game the cat with knack? Homie that could be you! of fame about the 7 Industry Sins to watch out for:

22 www.mixtapemag.com www.mixtapemag.com 23 Advice: Show the labels that you want to win by grinding non-stop in the studio so you can perfect your craft. Push out endless heat bangers. Promote yourself on the streets to solidify a real buzz. Basically, force your label to put you out as a credible artist by creating a demand for your material. That’s the name of the game! Getting a deal is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of the mission! Instead of putting down 30K of your advance on that ‘Lac, use it to bomb the streets... lets go! 5. Limiting Your Potentials Don’t box yourself in a hole with one grind because you are trying to master your hustle. That is an industry sin that will make you go somewhere up nowhere fast. Who cares that you had aspirations to be the next Dr. Dre on the boards since day one? In reality, you may be better at coordinating the studio session than hitting the keys on the ASR-10.

Advice: Do not limit yourself. Possibly create artwork vital to your music business operation so you can generate revenue to promote yourself or your team. Get paper in as many ways as you see fit, without losing sight of your strongest talents. If would have stuck to with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde instead of running , we may never have had a with key artists such as Puffy, Mary J. Blige, Biggie, etc…. The sky is the limit. You have to be able to adapt to survive. 6. Ignorance Eagle Not educating yourself yet flying around the entertainment game like the wisdom master is the deadliest sin of them all. There is nothing worse than a person trying to succeed in a field they clearly do not understand. That is like calling yourself an official MC, but ignorant to the works of The Treacherous Three. How can you coin yourself the Chief Executive Officer of your own independent record company, but can not separate the difference between a LLC and an S-Corporation?

Advice: Become a student of the game. Fallback for once in your life and learn from the Original Gangsters that already walked your path. When you go to a , study the acts’ performance. Check out the stage props. Eye the primary contact down to the color shoe laces of his or her kicks. Simply, pay attention and observe the game that surrounds you. 7. Rejecting Advice The last and possibly the most slept on sin of them all could only be rejecting advice. Advice is our best teacher, even if all elements don’t apply to our given situation.

Provided Are Words of Advice: Rely on yourself to succeed, remain focused on your goals, give back to the unfortunate struggling to come up, and stay clear of the 7 Industry Sins.

24 www.mixtapemag.com Awesome 2: Awesome 2: What does EQ stand for? I understand you left Texas to pursue your career? DJ Eque: When I was a 5 Percenter my name DJ Eque: was Equality. EQ is short for that. Yes. It got to a point where I had did all rap radio but Hip Hop wasn’t as large in Awesome 2: Texas as it was on the east and west. I So where are you from? really wanted to learn the music. There was only soo much you could learn DJ Eque: in Houston, because you were soo Houston, Texas. limited. I wanted to learn and do more. I knew I had to make a decision. One Awesome 2: day I met these girls that were on tour What made you want to be a DJ? with the Geto Boys. They were called the Geto Girls, Unique and Candice. DJ Eque: We hooked up and I recorded my first I was away at college on a basketball album with the Geto Girls “My Man scholarship. I would go to parties, Playing Tricks On Me.” and from that I just started to know the college DJs. I thought DJing Awesome 2: looked very interesting and wanted to Then you moved on to radio? do it. That was about 90, 91, and DJ Casanova was willing to teach me. DJ Eque: Right, Poetess called me and said she Awesome 2: had an opportunity to do all female So were there any other female DJs at hip hop show and wanted to put me that time? down. I was the only female DJ out there working at the time. The show DJ Eque: was called the G- Spot and it was me, Nah, back then there was never any Poetess, and the Lady of Rage on The girls doing what I wanted to do. The Beat. It lasted about a year. only girls DJs knew about were in New York. They were like Jazzy Joyce and Awesome 2: Spinderella. Didn’t you DJ for the Soul Assassins show? Awesome 2: Who was the first DJ you ever heard DJ Eque: spin that made you say “damn that shit Yes. The Soul Assassins show came is dope?” on right before the G-Spot on Friday nights, but a lot of times The Beat DJ Eque: Junkies were on tour so they would ask Greg Street. Reg in Effect, he used to me to sub in for them. DJ at Jamaica Jamaica. It is like one of eauty and Beats within Hip Hop’s perimeter makes a perfect marriage, the oldest clubs in Houston. It went on Awesome 2: especially when the stick of dynamite dime packs enough energy and for like 20 years. Peter Parker too. I You are also part of Clark Kent’s innovation to move crowds from the domestic land of the to looked up to Peter Parker. I was raised Supermen Entertainment? B on local acts. Local DJs were heroes. over seas. DJ Eque, the pioneer DJ with a new school feel is respected by the game because of her turntable and party popping skills. DJ Eque is embraced by The South always supported their own. the fame because of her ability to balance beats and beauty simultaneously.

26 www.mixtapemag.com www.mixtapemag.com 27 “I’ve been Djing

for over 10 years, -DJ Eque maintaining, surviving, and taking care of my family.”

28 www.mixtapemag.com www.mixtapemag.com 29 DJ Eque: month, so that’s about 200 gigs a year. Yes I am. Clark used to invite me to I always say I am fortunate, and I also parties when he would come out to feel I don’t work hard enough. I feel I L.A. One time I said “You need to put can work harder. me down with these parties.” He didn’t know I wanted to DJ. He let me open Awesome 2: up for him at this party. I Who are some females you think got rocked it. P. Diddy and Andre was like it? “Who is this girl” and I started doing parties for them. DJ Eque: Lazy K, I think she is dope. Co Co Awesome 2: Chanelle, I love her. Cutting Kandy and What is the hardest obstacle for female DJ Pam, she has been DJing for a while DJs? and she is from the Bay Area.

DJ Eque: Awesome 2: I feel like I always have to prove myself. You are in a documentary called You can never relax. If one person Mistress X about female DJs? didn’t like what I did, that would kill my spirit. I wanted everybody to love me. DJ Eque: Yeah, so are the girls I just mentioned Awesome 2: and female DJs from around the world. What do you think is the difference It is about the struggle and how we live between a turn-tablist verses a party our lives. Some have kids and some DJ? are married, single moms, etc.

DJ Eque: Awesome 2: There are so many aspects of being So what’s the next step for you? a DJ. When I first started, that’s what I was doing, but I had a kid and that DJ Eque: wasn’t paying the bills. I mean there I am working on production, following in are not too many people that can make my girl Co Co Chanelle’s footsteps. I money with that. You have to do other am also doing mixtapes. things like production and parties. Awesome 2: Awesome 2: What kind of advice would you give a How did you land the BET gig? DJ coming up?

DJ Eque: DJ Eque: I auditioned and I got it. Clark Kent also Just study the music and practice. If put in a good word. I also auditioned you do those things everything else for this other show called Dance 360, will come. I’ve been DJing for over but they told me they wanted someone 10 years, maintaining, surviving, and not of color. taking care of my family.

Awesome 2: How many gigs do you do a year?

DJ Eque: Well let’s say I do about 12 gigs a

30 www.mixtapemag.com Mixtape Magazine: Mixtape Magazine: EXECUTIVE ON THE RUN What is the role of a Conrad Dimanche Can you plug Mixtape Magazine to Bad Boy’s Senior Director of A&R and over at Hip Hop’s most label some of the released albums that you Hip Hop 101 Executive Producer Bad Boy Entertainment? were behind the success of? CONRAD DIMANCHE Conrad Dimanche: Conrad Dimanche: I am the Senior Director of A&R for ’s, Biggie’s Born Again Bad Boy Entertainment. For the album, Puff’s Forever album, Carl most part, I produce music albums, Thomas’ Emotional album, ’s not in the sense of a beat-maker, Double Up album, ’s album, The but I produce music and make sure Bad Boy II soundtrack, and I was the everything comes out hot. I am a Associate Executive Producer for music executive who has been in the 8Ball and MJG’s album. game for a while. I have been working Mixtape Magazine: for the last six years As a music executive at Bad Boy on over on top of the game, fifteen releases plus what do you look additional projects. for in producers? What do you look Mixtape Magazine: for in artists? How So you administer do you distinguish projects? what is hot and what is not? Conrad Dimanche: Yes, the sound. Conrad Dimanche: The sound is what It is hard to articulate I concentrate on now. Harve Pierre that… It is really a feeling. The was the Vice President of A&R and hotness definitely comes from the he has moved on to run the company. sound, but the hotness also comes Puff and Harve are always involved in from the attitude and work ethic of the the projects, but a lot lies on me. artist. When I do find a lot of hot cats, I find that some are assholes. And by By Kay Konnect Mixtape Magazine: being an asshole, you are not going to With a position such as your own I have longevity in this game. So what know that you spend a lot of time I look for is definitely a great attitude ecite the name Conrad Dimanche with as much working constructively behind the to start with, because I know cats that clarity as fresh clear water. “Rad” the tag that the scenes. Why the interest to move are mediocre, yet I know exactly what Rdynamic music industry often addresses him by to the front? to tell them, and how to sit with them, runs the music executive game with the same flame as and make them hot. When it comes the Bad Boy foundation that he hails from. Rad, officially titled as the Senior Conrad Dimanche: to the sound, it is about originality and Director of A&R for Bad Boy Entertainment, pounds the talent in constant I just feel like there are so many cats uniqueness. development arena like the platinum selling albums that he has produced for that just don’t know my day-to-day from a management perspective. Seated comfortably next to powerful gurus responsibilities because I am working P. Diddy and Harve Pierre, Mr. Conrad Dimanche takes Mixtape Magazine in the studio. I would like to share that through the days of a major executive on the run. with them.

32 www.mixtapemag.com www.mixtapemag.com 33 Although DJ Tafari is a party DJ PROFILE: DJ newcomer, his freshness captivates audiences. “I want them to know “If they’re that if Tafari is at a party, it’s gonna be hot.” For the last two years, the cold feeling the New England weather hasn’t stopped DJ Tafari from sizzling. He has held dirty dirty, DJ Tafari: Circuit down the hottest clubs in , I’ll hit them Breaker and yonder. To his blessings, DJ Tafari has even rocked with it. I’m crowds in Asia, showcasing his style for the faithful in Japan. not afraid Secure the panel roof when DJ Tafari lights the party premises. Turntables In an industry where the power of to try new heated up… there are only a few the dollar is questionable, DJ Tafari cats on the social circuit that can proclaims that his genuine interest shit. I just maneuver clubs. Ever since DJ is in the music. While other DJs are Tafari smashed the New East, short sometimes motivated by the bottom go with it.” for New England, he has thrown line and the fastest route to paper, DJ flame darts out. Simply, DJ Tafari Tafari lets the music dominate things. aims to motivate crowds the way fully “I’m not gonna play garbage because charged batteries pump products to it can make me some cash, I’m only move. “I like to feel the atmosphere, going to play what’s hot and that’s it.” the energy, and just out. Give There is no question that DJ Tafari them something to tell their friends puts his heart into each set. With a about.” wide range of knowledge, DJ Tafari orchestrates his shows according to the crowd. “If they’re feeling the dirty dirty, I’ll hit them with it. I’m not afraid to try new shit. I just go with it.”

In conjunction with his party flair, DJ Tafari has reached forward to operate his own graphic design and digital printing company.

Look out for huge party mixtape releases from DJ Tafari. In the works is a massive twelve tape box set. Log on: www.djtafari.com for more info. However, the DJ Name: best way to connect is to Tafari cruise by one of his shows.

34 www.mixtapemag.com 35 PROFILE: ARTIST “The streets are what I know. I Hawk: Hood’s Eye of Hawk’s lyrical content places him grew up in the View on a pedestal among his peers, and establishes his credibility in a game hustle, and that has seen its share of street poets. that’s what I “The streets are what I know. I grew up in the hustle, and that’s what I “I’m gonna make it happen, you am—a hustler. am—a hustler. My rhymes speak know, big things are gonna happen.” My rhymes the truth.” Indeed, rapper Hawk had Industry executives are saying the spent years engulfed in the struggle, same thing. “The buzz is definitely speak the truth.” barely making ends meet while trying out there,” notes Hawk confidently, to stay afloat in the face of street who really got his voice heard in adversity. “It makes my music what Miami by way of his unique and it is, my experience is everything.” powerful flow. Though currently Rising in the northeast culture of Hip unsigned, it should only be a matter Hop and urban influences, Hawk took of time before Hawk makes a splash in the experiences of his upbringing somewhere near your radio. With the and cultivated a flow that is both growing number of industry hopefuls ear-catching and mind-grabbing. out there, it has become increasingly Although, the industry is flooded difficult to separate the pretenders with supposed hood figures and from the true cats. But with Hawk, street corner hustlers, the freshness you know what you’re getting—a fiery and creative lyricist who flows with a sense of urgency, pushing the card with stories about the hood and the tribulations of a rough urban upbringing.

For a cat straight out of the hustle, Hawk has no anxiety over what the industry has in store for him. “I know I can perform, you know, I just feel the situation and do my thing.” It is this kind of confidence that has really gotten some people in the rap industry excited about the emergence of Hawk. Undoubtedly, it will take Artist Name: Hawk only a second before the game starts to hear more from the once street- oriented rapper.

36 www.mixtapemag.com www.mixtapemag.com 37 from Harvard. Now with life moving Me” and “Relax Your Mind.” “Those were like my first real PROFILE: PRODUCER at the speed of electric red lightning, releases” cheers R-Les. R-Les is tapping through the music game with his keyboards and lyrics. As the resume stacks up like dollar bills, Ryan’s R-LES: Electric His first stab at the music structure brightens. Producing the first single Hot2Nite for old came after working with friend Corey school Boston group , Rich in texture, R-Les, producer and Williams also known as Latif, a R-Les praises the new line of increased credit. He artist extraordinaire is not your typical vocalist who went on to be signed notes that the work he has been getting over the last talent run of the mill. A premium with the legendary Motown Records. two years has been remarkable. He has observed product of Harvard University, actually “After we won the Teen People talent some of the best producers from Puff to Younglord, and let’s review that statement, a graduate search, opportunities opened up,” R- clearly wants to cement his name like the mentioned. of Harvard University by the age of Les confides. “I went on to produce However, the positive milestones that R-Les has faced nineteen years old, it’s almost given four additional albums on the Motown are only the start of an empire. He plans to drop that the gifted was roster.” a solo album. He also is producing tracks for destined for success. “I left home rappers such as Ali Vegas and Corey Gunz, to be a surgeon by the age of 16,” Presently, R-Les is the name which the world knows as Peter Gunz’s son notes R-Les in confidence. His ability attributed to co-production on the on Casablanca/Universal. With this kind of to pioneer and lead is just another sexy-gal pop star fire, R-Les is too hot to stop. Presently he is check in the ballot box regarding R- international remix album. The song putting the finishing touches on his group Les’ future. “The Answer” created a major buzz. the PaperBoyz, under his company Next Recent work with P. Diddy has also Selection Lifestyle Group. Education married to a creative become a blessing for the Bad Boy mindset gave R-Les the drive to II official soundtrack. He produced pursue the royal music industry with songs for hot-diva Beyonce Knowles, the same stroke of luck, and streak “Keep Giving Your Love to Me,” and of determination that he inherited slick street-rapper Loon, “Down For

Recent Resume Eye Popper: production for upcoming R&B Group, One More Chance; New Edition, Loon, PaperBoyz, Latif, Britney Spears, Game, Beyonce, Ali Vegas, … need we say more! “I left home to be a surgeon by Producer: R-Les the age of 16.”

38 www.mixtapemag.com www.mixtapemag.com 39 PROFILE: PROMOTER

biggest cats in the industry—Jay-Z, Medina Styles: Memphis Bleek, , De La Social Set Soul, and others.

Medina started the promotional run In an industry by which promotions while he attended school in Rhode and publicity plans play huge roles Island. Sharply, he cultivated in the development of the rap icons his grasp on the music that we see and hear, the game industry by learning is aware that promoters are an about every part of integral part of the process. No the business. one knows this process better than “ P r o m o t i o n s Shawn Medina, who has established lets you see it himself as the premiere promoter in all, from the DJs the New East, also known as New doing their thing, to England. Situated rather cozy in the the performers laying game, Medina has handled some of it down, right down to the biggest events in the area. “If the kids handing out flyers.” something is going down around Clearly, Medina knew his place here, I’m involved,” notes Medina was along the social compilation. with a fierce stare. His company, Medina Styles Entertainment, has If an event is coming through the been involved in the promotion of Boston area, Shawn Medina is events headlined by some of the definitely going to have something to do with it. “If there’s a buzz on the streets, we created it,” quotes Medina Styles Entertainment confidently. Most certainly, the promotion squad lives up to their slogan. If you need a hot DJ to handle your event or you need booking help, Medina is the go see guy. With access to almost all the top DJs in the New England area, he arranges some of the hottest events going down.

“I got involved in the game a while “If there’s a buzz back and now it’s what I do. We like to establish the hype, get the word on the streets, we Promoter: out, and get people moving.” There’s created it.” Shawn Medina definitely a buzz on the street. It’s about Medina Styles Entertainment.

40 www.mixtapemag.com 41

By Kay Konnect

otion picture shhh… The industry losing pints of credible juice ignition pumped by , because of numerable overdoses MThe Rap Don of Mixtapes, of gloss-rap and glamour ooze. DJ on one of the most notorious hood Whoo Kid and his jagged edge gave soundtracks put out by the master the game air after hood rap choked of music movements, was, and is because of repetitive and suffocating a sheer reminder to grime fanatics lingo themes. DJ Whoo Kid, along about the power of the DJ. The with his thorough bred guerillas gave power of DJ Whoo Kid, the man the game life by moving lyrically parallel to the man taller than Many driven artists, as-well-as the direction Men in the gritty rap game, tattooed of the DJ, from a negative angle of the an invaluable impression of just how roster, to an infinite angle beyond the influential a DJ could be when artistic decimal. visions collide. The street value of DJ Whoo Kid’s The power of DJ Whoo Kid, the work and worth exceeds millions. humble Haitian from the borough of The movement that DJ Whoo Kid , state New Yitty energized an electrified may actually impact billions.

44 45 The ca-ching financial stain that DJ society heard music. Starting new Whoo Kid smeared will continue to trends was me. These guys were just imprint streets, avenues, crossways, playing what the wack A&Rs from the through corporate parks worldwide. label gave them. DJ Whoo Kid is the Music Movement Master of the Millennium. Mixtape Magazine: And then calling it hot? So you don’t Mixtape Magazine: base everything around exclusives? What sparked your interest to get into the mixtape game in the first place? DJ Whoo Kid: I mean before 50 Cent? What made Everything on my CDs is exclusive. It you look into that arena? is the stuff that I did.

DJ Whoo Kid: Mixtape Magazine: To get cash! I saw (DJ) Clue doing it. A production edge? He was making money for no reason, talking shit on songs and playing it. DJ Whoo Kid: Press and play. So I told my dogs, if Yeah. I also work with Red Spyda. my Haitian uncle could do this, I could We both team up. We got our own do it. Anybody could do that. But I studio. We bring artists through and just got creative. Pro- they chill. I will give you an example: Tools came into effect, and a studio, today Monica came through. We did which a lot of DJs didn’t use… well a freestyle. I mean come on you don’t they probably do now, after what I did. see too many DJs doing that. I had But back then, they just used to get Alicia Keys here, Brandy, I mean you exclusives and play it off a DAT, which name it. I mean like every singer. I really was a no-brainer. The fact that even had the old school guy that did a the song was new was the only thing lot of songs with . that was hot about their CDs. Mixtape Magazine: Mixtape Magazine: ? “My CDs were more into Well what made you differ? DJ Whoo Kid: my personality, creativity, DJ Whoo Kid: Yeah. I just basically promote My CDs were more into my everybody from my own direction, star power, original personality, creativity, star power, my own way, for the fan base that is music, changing the way original music, changing the way exclusively mine. society heard music.”

46 47 Mixtape Magazine: story. But the fact that he came back Exclusive fan base? from getting shot, and still didn’t give a fuck, was a story on its own. He had DJ Whoo Kid: deep history in the gangster shit in the Yeah. That’s why I don’t hood. He had a perfect really care what other “The way story that once told, the DJs are doing, running world would wake up. competition with each I started 50 Cent’s story is just other. This is an illegal too ill. The fact that business. Why you want the 50 he was determined to have competition in an Cent and knowing him illegal business? I steered personally, because away from playing label thing, I back then DJ Clue was songs, where they would always representing try to sue me. I would would like Roc-a-Fella, Philly, rather make my own put like , . music. The artists would He was from Queens, rather hang with me, than Jay at but he never really the fat guy with a tie who represented Queens’ doesn’t know shit about number artists, so my edge music. 14, and was to get the Queens artists on my side. I Mixtape Magazine: 50 would promoted , You have been putting Nas, you name it, 50, out mixtapes for ions. At be like 1 LL, Nore, everybody what point did you see the or 2.” from Queens. I made vision of 50 Cent? Was it sure I had relationships from the jump? Or did it with all of them, and all stumble in? of them got represented on my CDs.

DJ Whoo Kid: Mixtape Magazine: It is just like the stock market person Plug us to your 50 formula? that knows the inside story on a stock trade and then puts their money in DJ Whoo Kid: early, because they know it is going to The way I started the 50 Cent thing, pop off. I already knew the situation I would put like Jay at number 14, with 50 Cent. The guy already had an and 50 would be like 1 or 2. Next, ill story. Getting shot was part of the controlling the south was the first

48 49 thing that I needed to do. I really to China, I’ve DJ’d everywhere, didn’t care about New York, because , Africa, you name it, I’ve New York was on Nas’ dick, or Jay’s DJ’d at every god damn club. dick. Every DJ was playing the same shit Mixtape Magazine: that everyone was “From London Damn! politically following. I to Iceland, wanted to create my DJ Whoo Kid: own circle, by starring Japan to Bootlegging works, my own rapper. I China, and if you got quality couldn’t get freestyles music, original from Jay-Z because I’ve DJ’d music, we treat it as Clue had it on lock. everywhere, a mixtape here, but Everything was Clue, over there, it is like an Clue, Clue! It came Australia, album. to a point where back Africa, you then I was just like Mixtape Magazine: fuck it. Let me start name it, I’ve Last question what my own situation does success feel by promoting a new DJ’d at every like? rapper. It took time. god damn 50 was a hard worker. DJ Whoo Kid: I was a hard worker, club.” I don’t know yet, I so it made sense. think I’m chilling. I brought two houses, which is what Mixtape Magazine: you should do. You are supposed to So what are the future plans for DJ work to buy a house, a car, and save Whoo Kid? money to survive. I will be saying success like five years later when DJ Whoo Kid: I’m considered not so much a DJ, The future plans would be heavy but a marketing person. Five years marketing, television, product later will be success, when I saved placement, artist placement, up everything and when I am just clothing lines, DVD production, DVD hanging with . He distribution, a worldwide distribution, is the one that really taught me all this because I think the US is local, every marketing stuff. time I drop a CD I go overseas and then study what’s going on out there. Mixtape Magazine: From London to Iceland, Japan That is street value.

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ra tings:

AHEAD OF THE 5 Headphones: Flawless COMPETITION 3.7 DJ ENVY & BIG MIKE 4.5 Headphones: Street Hit Ahead of the competition? Questions and doubts linger... Ahead of the Competition S O U T H E R N F R I E D G U M B O starts of f with fuel driven live radio interviews with Mase, 4 Headphones: Cam’ron, and Cardan from the ill faded W orld group. Smash DJ Q UEST The introduction was nothing more than the normal he said… she said. Jay-Z’ s joint “Arrogant Shit” wakes the game up. Got hunger? Southern Fried Gumbo is served Fans will understand why Jay can’t hold onto the concept of for appetites. DJ Quest fills the tummy with 3.5 Headphones: retirement. Remy Martin “Remy’ s Theme” laced an acrobatic Turn It Up southern exclusives by ’ s , , 8Ball & MJG, and Lil 16 bars, which creates hunger for more hooks and verses. Scrappy. Caution: do not burn your tongue while eating of f this hot and flaming “Stretch and Bend” gives the game a sneak CD. Prepare to chuckle as Tom G lays a humorous track called “Put That preview of what to expect from his solo debut. Unfortunately, 3 Headphones: Rubber On First,” which outlines where not to get burned. Also, memorable are this mixtape isn’t production driven, but it is loaded with W orth Listening the skits by Jessie & Cross Eyed Willy… extremely funny. DJ Quest on this CD exclusives and fresh music from Hip Hop’ s heavyweights. definitely serves the game healthy portions; eat up. Don’t forget to check out Southern Fried Gumbo Vol. 2 appearing at a menu near you. MIXTAPE MAGAZINE’S 2.5 Headphones: RATING SYSTEM: A verage Mixtapes, DVDs, and album reviews are ranked by The Plan Building (plan B) who are a sub-committee 2 Headphones: of active music industry professionals from all genres Turn It Down of the game. Opinions vary regarding the overall ranks SOUTHERN SMOKE 12 and weight of given products. However, the judging parties which rotate from issue-to-issue try their DJ SMALLZ FEAT. 1.5 Headphones: hardest to rate mixtapes, DVDs, and albums without Clearance Item AND UTP bias by ranking DJs for creativity, blends, exclusives, production quality, and cover art as their final decision. Ratings should be taken as critical reviews not as The southern coaster will not derail as long as DJ Smallz continues to drop the mockery. All in all, Mixtape Magazine supports the 1 Headphone: southern highs and dips he is known for. All aboard!!! Don’t miss out on DJ ef forts of every mixtape DJ in the game. Truly, we Turn It Of f Smallz latest ride. Known for his Southern Smoke Series, DJ Smallz continues respect the hustle. to gain more momentum on this mixtape. On Volume 12 expect to hear rare gems from the southern players The Geto Boys, , Juvenile, UTP’ s Wacko To submit a cd for review please send all materials and and Skip, and . For those seeking to know more about the T.I. versus contact information to: Lil’ Flip static, DJ Smallz conveniently provides a two minute explosive un-cut interview and freestyle by T.I. exposing Lil’ Flip. That beefy interview alone is Mixtape Magazine c/o plan B enough to cop the CD. 244 Fifth A ve. Suite 2371 New York, NY 10001-7604 56 www.mixtapemag.com www.mixtapemag.com 57 : IF I COULD START FROM SCRATCH DJ AND DJ RUKIZ TOUCH ME, TEASE ME VOL. 6 DJ KOOL KID Let the movement begin. DJ Rukiz and Clinton Sparks bring your favorite incarcerated MC Shyne to the front uncut. This documentary driven mixtape Mixtape mastermind DJ Kool Kid is back at the provides heat bangers that are new and old. Shyne delivers bars that are forefront with his latest Rhythm and Blues tape harder than the ones that surround him. He drops exclusive interviews after Touch Me Tease Me, Volume 6. Hosted by The Inc.’s fly star Lloyd, DJ Kool Kid every two joints or so. Shyne addresses 50 Cent, Foxy Brown, oh yeah and takes the game on a hood sweet and swept away journey. Bomb such Diddy too. Foxy lays her fire starter flow on two of the stand out tracks. With as Brandy’s featuring – “Who Is She To You,” makes fans wonder who the exception of a few shameless plugs, the production is about +20 strokes is DJ Kool Kid to the game? DJ Kool Kid is the DJ that moves his audience with above par for the mixtape course. With a multi-million dollar deal in place, the kind of R&B raw style exclusives drunk with a Hip Hop shot. Return Harlem and a wrapped Bentley to promote his new album, it seems Life After The man Mase shines through with “The Love You Need,” while Allure resurfaces Club Pt. 2 is worth jamming to. with “Me and Only Me.” Clearly this tape shows DJ Kool Kid knack for the up and coming. His track listing includes fresh names such as Ron Dealz, Senita, Deemi, and Sean Baker.

OUTLAW WARRIORZ DIRTY WORK DJ WARRIOR FEAT. MICK BOOGIE FEAT. DJ Warrior’s Outlaw Warriorz and the Makaveli trained Outlawz Apes, as they call themselves come together with a joint so heavy, that the CD itself could Ride the wave of the south. Mixtape DJ Mick Boogie offers the game a shotgun be doubled as a hot plate. Throw some heat bangers on and five minutes experience to preview. His latest mixtape Dirty Work: A Trip Thru the South later, ding! Pick up! Along with DJ Warrior’s crazy production and DJ skills, the helps south fans peep the scenery of rap music from an up north and mid-west Outlawz gun sling their way through original tracks and freestyles. Features? distance. Action packed with the games best from the dirty, as well as a few You want features! DJ Warrior got the sauce loaded with exclusives from east representatives such as Mobb Deep, DJ Mick Boogie puts , T.I., , , E-40 and more. On the stand out track artist’s skills on blast. Exclusives by Slim Thug, T.I, and Bun-B at the wheel with “Swear to God” featuring Petey Pablo, the Outlawz air out how real they ride. Three Kings, as well as new south comers Twip and Crime Mob who ignite the Point blank, shrink rap it, slap a barcode on it, proceed to check out, and call energy of the south; DJ Mick Boogie proves he knows how to blend like historic it an album. professionals. Dirty Work is hosted by G-Units own Young Buck, who blesses quite a few tracks such as “Stomp” featuring and T.I.

58 www.mixtapemag.com www.mixtapemag.com 59 CHECK OUT MIXTAPE MAGAZINE AS WELL AS THESE AND OTHER MIXTAPES AT THE FOLLOWING BEANIE SIGEL: LOCATIONS: PUBLIC ENEMY #1 DJ GREEN LANTERN

Green Lantern’s latest street tape Beanie Sigel Public Enemy #1 is an instant hit. Fans of Mack, the Roc star will not find a more pure cut of raw slab on a mixtape this year! After a small stint in the system, Beanie returns with an advanced pitch, new lyrics, more bravado, and self- indicting machismo. There are verses so insane on Public Enemy #1 Verse 1: that the Philadelphia District Attorney would croon to enter this tape “Come on my flows is insane | For into evidence. “Beanie kills the game!” His hunger is demonstrated from you to win you need lucky charms, bar-to-bar. Beanie proclaims, “Till Jigga returns its all eyes on me” over the Leprechauns, and Lil’ Flip Chain | My...to late ’s “.” Regarding production, Green Lantern hired a bimbo | Cause you look like the view with a city outta an airplane window dominates the mixtape slate with true exclusives. He lets emcees shine without | All that frontin’ is bad for your health forgetting to alert the game about the heat supplier. | And you ain’t got no yacht, you got a boat and you gotta paddle yourself | Now I’m hip about hevas | That’s why I don’t ride without a helmet | Cause those will have you pissing out peppers | When Yayo hit the bricks | he ran and got the six | with the bullet proof coat size 22 kicks | I’m planning new trips | Cause my money do flips | In and out of mana’ges, my honeys do chicks | I got a couple of haters, 100 new bricks | They’re grabbing them... Haha | Ayo, all you’re missing is the switch | Pair of fake STREET VIDEO MIX 4 tits and coloring on her lips.” VJ 9 DOUBLE

Verse 2: Just when music mixtapes thought they had the “Ayo, the mixtape champion in a rappers city game on smash, from left wing the industry’s most | Now I’m on TV more than Janet Jackson titties | You put a lot hard work in, that’s a pity creative forces moved into the new arena of DJ | Now if you got something to say, fax it to me talent-driven mixtape DVDs. With sharp visuals, | I got G-Unit dickies, G-Unit velour | G-Unit a true hip-hop-head can get down with the latest tank tops, G-Unit draws | Now is product moving out of G-Unit stores | I got indoor cuts from the games top cats while, watching pool, got a G-Unit floor | When you hot they styled interludes and behind the like to screw you | But remember I got more control over your life then you do | I’ll send scenes action. The range moves from The in the studio, doing red head all in your pe’lum | Everybody got a FOR INFORMATION what they do best behind the beats for the hood to watch. Street Video Mix vest, so I’m aiming for your lemon | Haha…” ON HOW TO BECOME 4 features hot video remixes and blends from Akon, , the late great A DISTRIBUTION Notorious B.I.G. and many more. The Street Video Mix 4 DVD gives the game Excerpts from Lloyd Bank’s Freestyle, PARTNER CALL: off the Welcome to the Aftermath Mixtape a new approach to the fl ows and sounds that we have come to love. Hosted by Stat Quo; Presented by Lights-Out. (212) 340-1999 Productions

60 www.mixtapemag.com 61 THE TIPPING POINT Geffen Records

Alert. Mature rap music. Advance listeners only. The Roots, exclusive classic The Tipping Point is the refresher after a long day in the Hip Hop mold. It is remarkable how a collective set of underground talents could put together a masterpiece like their latest LYFE 268-192 debut. The power of the instruments used on tracks such as “Duck Down” and Sony/Columbia Records “Boom,” or the fallback lyrics on “ Stay Cool” prove why The Roots operate so cool-like in a high stress game of impressions. The Roots classic drop “ Don’t LYFE “Say Nothing” keeps ears glued to the hook. For the sake of sakes, just “Cut the check” is what fans seek to repeat. Overall, The Roots project is packed with up For most of us, life is a defined and down tempos to keep the industry high strung. Mixtape Magazine advises period: alpha and omega. For those struggling to get the job done in this dirty game to play loud “Somebody’s others it can be expressed as an Gotta Do It” featuring lyrical underground star Jean Grae. Absorb the message infinite era that internalizes itself through because the Roots did with an A+ for effort. lyrics and melodies. Lyfe is one of those ‘others’. His self-titled debut album provides a tribute to the realities of living in the hood. The artistry is displayed in his unique ability to deliver ‘life’ as it is; raw and uncut. “Stick Up Kid” is the R&B equivalent to the envy, and hate found in a DMX song. The factuality of showcasing your goods amongst others who are less fortunate is simple; you get robbed. If you are among those who are tired of seeing twenty-three inch rims riding by, and diamond bracelets flashed in your face, while you ride around in a busted up Monte Carlo; you might find refuge in this song. He is a genuine artist, AMERIKAZ NIGHTMARE Jive Records true to his talent. His commitment to blueprinting life’s authenticity MOBB DEEP onto wax is consistent through out the entire album. In the remix of “Game Over” (Lil’ Flip), he doesn’t attempt to switch his style, Mobb Deep, the Records-Queensbridge representatives or get sweet and butter up the ladies. He rips the original party are simply the true heroes of street hip-hop. Their rugged edge and razor anthem, and re-assembles the track into a declaration of how it blade style has remained consistent, since their emergence onto the music should be done in the club; no games, No gimmicks, just real scene generations before. For 2004 Mobb Deep re-introduces the game to talk. In “Cry,” Lyfe vocalizes his embarrassment in going to a another ear pleasing album that even folks frantic about gangster tales can clinic because he had contracted a venereal disease… Attention feel. Amerikaz Nightmare clearly pushes the envelope when it comes to hood all fans: Rhythm and Blues has found its reality spokesperson. classics, don’t get it twisted. Slightly assisting urban music acceptance across There have not been many R&B artists that have the ability the pop-happy U.S., Mobb Deep carves out respectable street art by dropping to be hood, and still sound smooth doing it. Listeners will find underground sounds and lyrics on without folding to commercial trends. Their nothing diluted on this album, the only sugar coating that can be offering Amerikaz Nightmare, produced mostly by and Alchemist is really found, is Lyfe’s voice; sweet and soulful like candied yams. It’s no different from any past Mobb Deep outing to date. It is raw poetry doubled been said that “Real respects real”, so for those of you that are up with dark and edgy beats which offer no apologies. If you subscribe to hood real, pop this one in, and turn it up loud. rap, then you will embrace Amerikaz Nightmare. Get it or get haunted.

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4. Teedra Moses “Be Your Girl” 1. Terror Squad “Lean Back” 5. Lil’ Scrappy “No Problem” 2. Jadakiss DJ Biz “Why?” THE BUZZ FACTOR: Jamz 96.3 Dirty Dudez 3. “Color Wars” West 2 East is the section of our magazine dedicated to the top “Goodies” five picks from the HOTTEST DJs, as well as RECORD POOLs around the country. Not only are they going to tell you their top five songs, but also what unsigned artist is doing it up in their area ... something we call The Buzz Factor. 4. Jadakiss Feat. Anthony Hamilton 1. Terror Squad “Why?” “Lean Back” REMIX 5. Nas 2. Fabulous “Thief’s Theme” DJ RIP “Breathe” Hot 107.7 - 93.3 THE BUZZ FACTOR: 3. Young Buck- Vonchi Feat. Amir “Stomp” “Alright”

4. Grafh feat. Stat Quo “I Ain’t Playing” 1. I-20 “Break Bread” 5. Bone Crusher “Super Ni*#a” 2. 8 Ball & MJG DJ C Styles “Don’t Make” THE BUZZ FACTOR: Hot 107.9 Attitude 3. Guerilla Black “Laid Back” “Compton”

4. Lil’ Scrappy 4. Nas “No Problem” “You Like My Style” 1. L.L Cool J. 1. Beastie Boys “” 5. Mobb Deep feat. Lil’ Jon “Triple Trouble” 5. De La Soul “Real Gangsters” “Grind Date” 2. Yung Wun 2. Slum Village DJ C Styles “I Tried To Tell” THE BUZZ FACTOR: “Selfish” THE BUZZ FACTOR: Hot 107.9 Live Wire N/A 3. Miss B. “Hurt Em” 3. The Roots “Bottle Action” “Stay Cool”

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Artist. Self-taught producer. edge developed, and why it is shining . Rising star... Connecticut, brilliantly amongst the flanks of R&B stand up, it is your time to shine. artists. Speaking with Aeon, there Thanks to the focus and drive of is a great sense of where his talent F.I. Entertainment, a new face on stems from, and in what direction it the Rhythm and Blues music scene is growing in. has emerged. Xavier Aeon whose name translates into Music Forever Mixtape Magazine: has been involved in music since How long have you been involved the age of five. A native of Puerto in music, and who are some of the Rico and a long term resident of people that have influenced your Hartford, Connecticut, Xavier Aeon style? has proved his worth on some big name mixtapes. You might have Xavier Aeon: heard him on the mixtapes of DJ I have been singing since I was five. Famous, Big Mike, Finne$$e, and My mother was the Choir Director at Get Familiar DJ Clinton Sparks. He church, and ever since I remember, XAVIER has been nominated for Mixtape my mother put me in the church Artist of the Year amongst other big choir to sing. I have listened to so name Hip Hop acts such as Lloyd many different types of music growing AEON Banks and Peedi Crack; making him up. I listen to many older cats, and I the only Rhythm and Blues artist to listen to different people for different By Isegoria make the cut. reasons. I like Stevie Wonder for his melodies, and Marvin Gaye for his His style is unique because of the way ability to put his feelings on paper. I he spits his verses. He can jump on don’t really listen to a lot of the R&B a rap track, flip it, and maintain the cats that are out now. I enjoy Sam suave silver-tongue of an experienced Cooke. I listen to a lot of hip hop vocalist with a hip-hop edge. It is hard like G Unit, , and other rap to find this type of combination in R&B artists. That is where my music gets artists. Many are at a vertex between its street edge. That’s how I maintain becoming full fledged ladies men my style. crooning about their loves: lost and present; while others hit the opposite Mixtape Magazine: end of the spectrum, and are on the How do you feel about breaking the gangster lean. mold for R&B artists? Do you feel that by adding Hip Hop to your style Xavier Aeon has done collaborations you will tarnish your ‘ladies man’ with , Joe Buddens, qualities? and Jadakiss to name a few. His list of credentials helps distinguish his style. It makes one wonder how this

70 www.mixtapemag.com www.mixtapemag.com 71 “I am just Xavier Aeon: representative for Connecticut in the (Laugh) Artistically, I try to make music industry? How do you feel this trying to be music for whoever feels it applies to affects your music? them. I think when you make music it a leader in should not be for one type of person, Xavier Aeon: the new face gender, or race. Music is what you Connecticut is not a state that is feel, when you put it down on paper. represented in black music. I feel like of R&B.” I don’t lick my lips and try to make a it’s a big responsibility. There are a lot thousand women like me. If you feel of people who do not have a voice my story, you will like my music. I am in the game. It’s my responsibility to mostly a messenger. I give you a story be a voice for so many people that from my point of view, and you take love this music, but haven’t had their that song and play it for your mate to stories told before. It is not something express yourself. When you’re with I take lightly. We are not represented your girlfriend, wife, or sidepiece and in R&B or rap music, so I must can’t find the words to say what you represent correctly. want, pop on one of my songs, and I will do it for you. Mixtape Magazine: What should we look forward to in the Mixtape Magazine: near future? What are you bringing that is new or different? And how do you feel you Xavier Aeon: rank amongst other R&B artists? You can expect , as a producer I try to give you songs you Xavier Aeon: can chill and bounce to, as an artist I am trying to bring something I try to make lyrics that give you completely new to the game. There topics from a different perspective. I are some artists right now that are love performing, and I try to give one trying to give R&B a face-lift, trying hundred and fifty percent when on to bring R&B back to the forefront of stage. I feel if you come to see me black music. For the past few years, perform, you deserve your money’s hip-hop and rap have taken over worth. I look forward to collaborating black music. I think is doing his with a lot more people, this way my thing right now. I am just trying to be a album will have a broad spectrum of leader in the new face of R&B. I don’t slow joints and club hits. It won’t be really see the game as a competition. one-dimensional and it WILL be hot. Everyone is trying to bring something different to the table. I just want to be at the forefront.

Mixtape Magazine: How do you feel being the only

72 www.mixtapemag.com www.mixtapemag.com 73 DJ VLAD THE BUTCHER By Suvadip Bose

arkness covered the streets of a city buried Din the elements of the Middle East. From a distance, the world could hear a bumping melo - dy that provided the soundtrack for the night. Bahrain, a nation of less than a million, had become victim of a tornado—a tornado that goes by the name of DJ Vlad. “I was a little nervous, you know, there was some C4 missing, and I had a show to do that night.” Even a decade of experience as a DJ in production could not have pre - pared DJ Vlad for a show in the heart of military flooded Bahrain. However, like any confident char - acter, he rose to the challenge like a knight. Even more, DJ Vlad rocked a set that the crowd had never seen before.

74 www.mixtapemag.com 75 Truly an international icon these days, DJ Vlad has come a long way from his early hip-hop roots out on the west coast. He has really strangled the music industry with his mixtape format. One of the most prolific DJs around, DJ Vlad floods the streets with tapes on a regu- lar basis. He spends hours in his own personal in-house studio cutting up new material. “I like to be in the studio, late night sometimes, laying some things down, always working.” Having collaborated with some of the industries top cats, DJ Vlad has established himself as a force to be reckoned with. Efforts with DJs such as Green Lan- tern and Dirty Harry have placed him among the top contenders. That top status has led to DJ Vlad being acknowledged as one of the top 10 DJs of 2004.

DJ Vlad, who often is referred to as “The Butcher,” has worked with some heavy hitters in the game. “Working with Shaq was hot, you know, you have to appreciate the man for being down with the mixtapes and non-commercial shit out there.” From the most dominating force to hit the NBA to the rap industry’s top artists such as Wyclef and Jadakiss, it is fair to say that DJ Vlad has covered it all. His efforts have taken him overseas to Australia, where he did a string of hot shows. He has even surpassed his expectations by cutting up a show in Japan at The Garden in Tokyo.

It is no surprise that The Butcher likes to keep his recipes a secret. “I don’t really like talking about upcoming releases and other projects until they’re done and out there, you know. All I can say is to expect something hot.” DJ Vlad’s style has transcended the “Verse from this song, beat from that song” approach to mixtape production. This formula gives his cuts a freshness that we don’t hear often enough

An original innovator of the art of the internet mix tape, DJ Vlad has already cemented his place atop the industry. “I want to be a part of the legalization of the mixtape world,” he quotes with certainty. Will he is the question? There’s no doubt that fierce mixtapes and powerful “I want to be collaborations will continue to help DJ Vlad rock not just the streets, but all seven continents. Legalize that. a part of the legalization of the mixtape world.”

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ix an ounce of sharp-shooter lyrics with a dose of reality, and what you Mcreate is a vocally fierce rapper ready and willing to cross the perimeters of potentiality to embrace actuality. Jae Millz, that actuality is actually the notorious battle man from Harlem, hosted and toasted up to smash the rap game with verse-to-verse bullets.

www.mixtapemag.com 80 By Kay Konnect 81 Mixtape Magazine: Mixtape Magazine: Before moving forward, let’s rewind I think that is the problem with present day to last years drop “No, No, No.” rap, wanting to blow because of dollars Powerful single! What was the and not for the art. Are you concerned feedback from the street? If you about financial sales, because if you could do it again, would you have are trying to spit the truth, suburban pop released another track as your first culture is mostly responsible for record introduction? sales? How do we get the hood to buy Jae Millz? Jae Millz: Nah, if I could do it again “No, No, Jae Millz: No” would still have been my first All I need to do is be seen. If I get a chance release. If I could do it again, I to talk, the people are going to love me. would have dropped that song I’m sitting here talking no bullshit. I’m a earlier. I don’t have any regrets young nigga. I’m 21 years old. I finished with “No, No, No.” That song was high school, but I wanted to be a rapper. a good first single. That single was I wanted to be in the business. I wanted a good way for the world to see to one day have my own label. I want to Jae Millz for the first time. You saw be one of the greatest lyricists of all times. me in . You seen Right now I’m paying my dues. I don’t me battle just straight hooded out. really know the game. I ain’t the richest People loved that song. People nigga in the world, but I ain’t broke though. might say “Well I’ve heard you do It’s okay to talk about your money and better songs,” or “I wouldn’t want everything, but sometimes niggas don’t to play this right now” from DJs but want to hear that shit. What if that day everybody else basically loved the they are broke, or they are going through song as a whole. It’s an old school something? They can’t sit there and listen reggae joint so people from the to no songs about having money. What islands liked it. Some people liked if one of their niggas just got popped and the beat. Some people liked the they want to hear some real shit. I can way I performed it. talk. I’m open. I will put everything out in my music. This is my live diary. Once a Mixtape Magazine: “I want to person meets me, they are going to love How did you get the tag as a fierce me for the fact that I don’t hold anything battle rapper? And why did you be one of back. I could sit here and talk about shit enter the rap arena? I went through. I ain’t afraid to talk about the greatest all of that shit. That’s the shit that people Jae Millz: want to hear. I tell niggas all the time that I was lyricists of never the type of nigga to battle for all times. money. I was trying to get into the game because I was like “Damn Right now I’m hot,” and I just want to be one of them hot niggas at the end of I’m paying the day. my dues.”

82 www.mixtapemag.com www.mixtapemag.com 83 Carl Blaze Mix Master Ice

Photos courtesy of: www.djcarlblaze.com www.mixmasterice.com www.tonytouch.com www.djvlad.com www.djcraigg.com www.blord.com Vlad

1. Instant Love… Dj Carl Blaze and Recording Artist Sasha 2. Flash back with “The Ruler” and Dj Carl Blaze 2. Kool Herc and Dj Carl Blaze chop it up 4. Pharrell says Mix Master Ice

is da man! 5. Busta Bus and Ice live it up on the Craig G island 6. Russell Simmons and Ice…best friends for eva 7. Tony Touch and G-Unit’s 8. It’s the DOC and TOCA...what!!! 9. Tony Touch swaggers with Sway of MTV/Wake Up Show 10. West Siiiide... DJ Vlad “The Butcher” and Ice Cube 11. Throw your signs up…Young Buck and Vlad 12. Dj Quik and Vlad 13. The infamous DJ Craig with of the L.O.X. G Keith Murray 14. B Lord and Craig G 15. Akon out on bail….w/Craig G 16. Dirty South’s ambassador B Lord with Eve 17. B Lord and Big Gipp of 18. Beat maker extraordinaire Timberland with B Lord

84 www.mixtapemag.com www.mixtapemag.com 85 Styling By: Damarko GianCarlo

Styling Assistants: Mira Garrett James Ferrell Crystal

Photography By: Felix Natal Jr. Lighting Assistant: Mike Collado

Hair Stylists: Terrence Davidson Shawn Flice

Make-Up Artist: Timothy J. Smart

Jewelry By: Sol Rafael

87 JOE BUDDENS ; Stall & Dean AKON Hoody by Stall & White Tee by Ervin Shirt by Dean; Jeans by ; Sneakers by Indigo RedPolo Geoffrey ; Jeans by

Converse GLORIA VELEZ Sweater by Jewelry from Indigo Red Sol Raphael ;

88 89 NICOLE RAE SICKAMORE Dress by Ronsen C. ; Jewelry Shirt and Hat by by Sol Rafael Stall & Dean Shoes by: ; Jimmy Choo

90 91 BABS ; Indigo Red Shirt by Indigo Red Jeans by

NESS

Shirt by Jeans by Stall & Dean Geoffrey Ervin by Converse; Sneakers ;

92 93 BRISTAL ; Stall & PNB GLORIA VELEZ Shirt by ; Jeans by Dean Converse Jean Blazer by Sneakers by Red JAMES LEE Converse; Sneakers by ; from Indigo Team ROC ; Sol Rafael; Jewlery Jacket by Stall &DeanDNM Shirt byJeans by Converse Sneakers by 94 95

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DJ ROWDY DJ BABY YU DJ BOBBY BLACK DJ PRECISE (401) 413-4541 (416) 339-3742 (770) 995-2022 (877) CIN-8383 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] WWW.CINPRODUCTIONS.COM PROMOTE YOUR CD HERE!!!* $100**

1-800-.COM DJ DOO WOP (917) 892-4058 [email protected] WWW.1800REGGAETON.COM FOR ONLY MIXTAPE MAGAZINE’S CLASSIFIED SECTION DJ SNOYL DJ JOEY FINGAZ DJ FRANKIE KRUTCHES DJ RADIO (508) 733-4527 (888) 463-2973 (347) 628-6331 (917) 488-5984 WWW.SNOYL.COM WWW.JOEYFINGAZ.COM WWW.FRANKIEKRUTCHES.COM [email protected] FOR AD PLACEMENT CONTACT: - TEL - (212) 340-1999 - EMAIL - [email protected] DJ SWIFT DJ ARSON DJ KAY SLAY DJ KOCHECE (401) 255-6078 (718) 496-5298 WWW.INFAMOUSTIMES.COM (917) 295-5768 [email protected] [email protected]

*FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS **LIMITED TIME OFFER

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ADINDEX

To Our Readers: For more information on our marketing partners and affiliates, visit www.mixtapemag.com and click on MARKETING PARTNERS or visit their perspective web sites listed below.

Marketing Partners www.interscope.com Pg. 14 TVT Records www.tvtrecords.com Pg. 9, 25 Def Jam www.defjam.com Pgs. 54, 86 Jive Records www.jiverecords.com Pg. 69 Bad Boy Records www.badboyonline.com Pgs. 4, 32 Koch Records www.kochrecords.com Pgs. 64, 65 Miskeen www.miskeenoriginals.com Pg. 15 Mad Soul www.madsoulonline.com Pg. 17 Big Daddy www.bigdaddy.com Pg. 2 Drunknmunky www.drunknmunky.com Pg. 19 www.meccausa.com Pg. 8 Makaveli www.makaveli-branded.com IFC Blanco Blanco www.blancoblanco.com Pg. 96 Numark www.numark.com BC Avianne and Co. www.avianneandco.com Pg. 101 NuLife Entertainment www.nulifeentertainment.com Pgs. 97, IBC Apple www.apple.com Pg. 53 Toshiba www.toshiba.com Pg. 53 Hiptop www.hiptop.com Pg. 52 Casio www.casio.com Pg. 52 PNY www.pny.com Pg. 52 Motorola www.motorola.com Pg. 52 Intrigue N/A IBC LRG www.l-r-g.com Pg. 12, 13 Azzure www.azzuredenim.com Pg. 7 PNB www.pnb-nation.com Pg. 5 Ervin Geoffrey www.ervingeoffrey.com Pg. 10

Dj Affiliates Dj Clinton Sparks www.clintonsparks.com Pg. 55 Dj Whoo Kid www.shadyville.biz Pgs. 44, 101 Dj Tafari www.djtafari.com Pg. 34 Dj Vlad www.djvlad.com Pg. 74, 68 Dj Carl Blaze www.djcarlblaze.com Pg. 97 Dj Chubby Chub www.djchubbychub.com Pg. 79

Artist Affiliates Mobb Deep www.mobbdeep.net Pg. 69 Pibull www.pitbullmusic.com Pg. 9 Mase www.badboyonline.com Pg. 4 Shyne www.defjam.com Pg. 54 www.shawnnamusic.com Pg. 86 Xavier www.fientertainment.com Pg. 70 Young Buck www.youngbuck.com Pg. 14 Jackie-O www.jacki-o-music.com Pg. 25

Online Marketing Affiliates All Hip Hop www.allhiphop.com Sixshot www.sixshot.com Allmixtapes www.allmixtapes.com Mix Unit www.mixunit.com Da Mixtape Bully www.damixtapebully.com Mixtape Mob www.mixtapemob.com Mixtape Squad www.mixtapesquad.com Tape Kingz www.tapekingz.com Exclusive Hip Hop www.exclusivehiphop.com

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