LIL SCRAPPY 4TH ANNUAL OZONE AWARDS PATIENTLY WAITING & TJ’S DJ’S RECAP SPECIAL EDITION

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OZONE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE OZONE ISSUE #50: YOUR FAVORITE RAPPER’S FAVORITE MAGAZINE

LUDA!GETS PERSONAL

1st ANNUAL

RUNNIN’ CRE RUNNIN’ OZONE AWARDS LIL SCRAPPY &TJ’S DJ’s

DIT CHECKS WITH NO SHAME NOW NOW SHAME NO WITH CHECKS DIT SWISHAHOUSE: RECAP: PAUL WALL with UGK / LIL WAYNE MICHAEL WATTS TRINA / DAVID BANNER LIL KEKE & MORE LUDACRIS / SHAWNNA 8BALL & MJG / PITBULL YUNG JOC / RICK ROSS WEBBIE / CRIME MOB TRAE / TRICK DADDY YOUNG JEEZY / PLIES T-PAIN / PAUL WALL JACKI-O / LIL BOOSIE COOL & DRE / KHIA YOUNG DRO / B.G. & MANY MORE

PLUS: CHARLAMAGNE THA GOD’S “WHY IT SUCKS TO BE DIDDY” OCTOBER 2006 2006 OCTOBER ISSUE # 4TH ANNUAL PATIENTLY WAITING SPECIAL EDITION 50 ISSUE #50: YOUR FAVORITE RAPPER’S FAVORITE MAGAZINE

SWISHA

THEHOUSE: NEW GENERATION

LUDACRIS LIL SCRAPPY 4TH ANNUAL OZONE AWARDS PATIENTLY WAITING & TJ’s DJ’s RECAP SPECIAL EDITION

10 oct06contents PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Julia Beverly

MUSIC EDITOR: Maurice G. Garland

ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Matt Sonzala

ADVERTISING SALES: COVER STORIES Che’ Johnson (Gotta Boogie) Greg G Ludacris pg 52-54 PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR: Malik “Copafeel” Abdul SwishaHouse pg 46-50

MARKETING DIRECTOR: David Muhammad

LEGAL CONSULTANT: Kyle P. King, P.A. (King Law Firm)

SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER: Destine Cajuste

ADMINISTRATIVE: Cordice Gardner Nikki Kancey Tana Hergenraeder

CONTRIBUTORS: ADG, Amanda Diva, Bogan, Carlton Wade, Charlamagne the God, Charles Parsons, Chuck T, E-Feezy, Edward Hall, Felita Knight, Iisha Hillmon, Jacinta Howard, Jaro Vacek, Jessica Koslow, J Lash, Jason Cordes, Jo Jo, Johnny Louis, Kamikaze, Keadron Smith, Keith Kennedy, K.G. Mosley, Killer Mike, King Yella, Lamar Lawshe, Lisa Coleman, Marcus DeWayne, Mercedes (Strictly Streets), Ms. Rivercity, Natalia Gomez, Ray Tamarra, Rico Da Crook, Robert Gabriel, Rohit Loomba, Shannon McCollum, Spiff, Swift, Wally Sparks, Wendy Day

STREET REPS: Al-My-T, B-Lord, Big Teach (Big Mouth), Bigg C, Bigg V, Black, Brian Franklin, Buggah D. Govanah (On Point), Bull, C Rola, Cedric Walker, Chill, Chilly C, Chuck T, Controller, DJ Dap, David Muhammad, Delight, Derrick the Franchise, Dolla Bill, Dwayne Barnum, Dr. Doom, Ed the World Famous, Episode, General, Haziq Ali, H-Vidal, Hollywood, J Fresh, Jammin’ Jay, Janky, Joe Anthony, Judah, Kamikaze, KC, Kenneth Clark; Klarc Shepard, Kuzzo, Kydd Joe, Lex, Lil D, Lump, Marco Mall, Miguel, Mr. Lee, Music & More, Nick@Nite, Nikki Kancey, Pat Pat, PhattLipp, Pimp G, Quest, Raj Smoove, Rippy, Rob-Lo, Stax, TJ’s DJ’s, TJ Bless, Trina Edwards, Vicious, Victor Walker, Voodoo, Wild Billo, Young Harlem

DISTRIBUTION: Curtis Circulation, LLC

To subscribe, send check or money order for $11 to Ozone Magazine, Inc. FEATURES 1310 W. Colonial Dr. Suite 10 Orlando, FL 32804 UGK Live pg 114 Phone: 407-447-6063 Fax: 407-447-6064 Smart Ass pg 22 Web: www.ozonemag.com Chin Check pg 20 Cover credits: Ludacris photo (cover and this page) by Eric Johnson; Swishahouse photo by JB’s 2 Cents pg 17 Mike Frost; Lil Scrappy photo by Julia Beverly; D.G. Yola photo by Ray Tamarra. OZONE Feedback pg 12-14 Magazine is published monthly by OZONE Magazine, Inc. OZONE does not take responsi- Mathematics pg 18 bility for unsolicited materials, misinformation, typographical errors, or misprints. The views Lil Scrappy pg 42-44 contained herein do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or its advertisers. Ads appearing in this magazine are not an endorsement or Roland Powell pg 17 validation by OZONE Magazine for products or services offered. All photos and illustrations are CD Reviews pg 108-110 copyrighted by their respective artists. All other content is copyright 2006 OZONE Magazine, all Photo Galleries pg 19-39 rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any way without the written Patiently Waiting pg 57-101 consent of the publisher. Printed in the USA. OZONE Awards Recap pg 40-41

11 feedback

knowledge from Wendy Day) were as bustin’ as always. The pics were also thick and creamy! So besides the first sex issue and my personal favorite – the DJ issue – issue #49 is one of the best yet. As for Charlamagne da God – the clown that does all that hatin’ without a purpose – remember that hatin’ can only get you so far. Look what happened to that dude who used that have that magazine that everybody used to read. By the way, pay attention, all Southern female hip-hop artists: Mia X is still the Queen of the South! No disrespect to Khia – I’m feelin’ them light brown eyes and some mo’ thangs. – DJ Big BRD, [email protected] (Hattiesburg, MS)

What up JB, I remember when I first met you many years ago I was thinking you were going to have it hard. Then I watched you grind and hustle, calling me at 2 AM saying you were leaving Atlanta ‘bout to bounce through Duval to drop off some mags, and realized that not only was this your passion but your objective. Your goal seems to be not just to report history in the making but to become a part of the history itself. I feel proud to know you as a friend and acquaintance for so many years and to see you reach this landmark in your short career. The OZONE Awards is the epitome of everything you I love OZONE! You have the absolute hardest magazine in the universe! As a have accomplished and I was glad to see it go as good as it did. Keep it up and complete hip-hp fan and enthusiast, I was ecstatic when I picked up OZONE I can’t wait for next year. Thanks to you and TJ for so many years of shining mag at my job one day (I work at a 7-11). Then when I found out it was run the light on not just Florida but the whole South. by a woman, I was completely and utterly amazed. You definitely have the – Derek Washington, [email protected] (Jacksonville, FL) best rap magazine out there, even though it took an accident for me to find you. Keep doing your thing and keep putting whacks like Benzino outta busi- I’ve been a subscriber for almost a year now, which means two things: one, ness! I’m your biggest fan, holding down the West coast for OZONE mag. it’s about time to renew, and two, me and you have history. I know what – LaViola Ward, [email protected] (California) you’re thinking; you’ve got people that have been down since day one. But with me, it’s how I grew to love OZONE mag. For the record, I’ve never I just picked up the new issue of OZONE with Rick Ross on the front. I read even been to Florida. I was at the mall looking for Chamillionaire and Paul the Khia interview and I must say that she ain’t beautiful like she thinks! Why Wall’s first CD and I decided to see what mags they had. Of course, being a is she talking all that shit about Jacki-O and Trina to make herself look better? man, the first one I saw was KING, but what caught my eye was the thinnest Jacki-O got skills. Yeah, Jacki-O went bankrupt; I don’t know why she put one of them all. My first OZONE was your third anniversary edition. I’m the that out there so a bitch like Khia can throw it in her face. I read in another biggest Houston rap fan who’s never even set foot in the state of Texas, and to mag that Jacki-O didn’t have too much to say about Khia. I haven’t read any- see Pimp C on the cover, I swear I heard chuch bells. Now, many man mags where where Trina has even responded. Trina, if you are reading this, please and mini-mags of events I can’t go to later, and here we are. Now let me say don’t respond. It looks better when people don’t respond to stupid shit like what I have to say without sounding lame: JB, you truly inspire me, for real. Khia. Khia, what are you so insecure about? If you are doing so well, why are The fact that you’ve been able to turn your dream into respect means a lot. you so mad? Why don’t you just have your little success and enjoy it? Make I’ve been trying to do the same with my dreams. Everybody tells me, “Follow music, sell music, and shut the fuck up. It is so much fucking negativity in your dreams, don’t stop.” Well, I’m coming up on ten years now, so that’s hip-hop as it is. Then she says people say she is difficult because she is a strong pretty much out the door. The only thing that keeps me doing this is the fact woman? When will you black chicks get it: being a bitch with a bad attitude that I’m not doing it for me, I’m doing it for the family that has put up with is not attractive. You can have a nice face, nice ass, whatever, but if you’re a me trying since December 17th, 1995. I don’t sugarcoat anything and I know nasty woman, niggas ain’t gonna fuck with you. To all the DJs that don’t play you don’t either. I know I might not ever be interviewed in your magazine, Khia’s music: Please don’t start! I’m not a Trina fan. Jacki-O is okay. Khia is a but the simple fact that I could is enough motivation alone. You have to be bitch – not a strong woman, but a bitch! Khia, your new album only sold 593 signed to get interviewed in some of the other mags. Plus, your 600 words copies in its first three weeks. You’re the queen of the South? Really? Karma gives me power. I’ve read every one of your 2 Cents and even quoted you in stinks like a muthafucker. Print this shit! the past. I’m so many generations removed from famous that I’ll probably – Shaka Abdul, [email protected] never see Emil in your mag, but as long as it’s there I’ll forever read. - Emil Poe, [email protected] (Memphis, TN) I’m not the type of person to write back to mags like this all the time, but I had to compliment you on your excellent articles. I often find myself asking the I’m no hater, I just wanna bring the truth out a lil’. DJ Chuck T ain’t no DJ, question: What is good writing? After I read things like your 2 Cents editori- he’s a fake nigga. I’m from Charleston, SC. Many niggas are looking for this als, I was quite relieved to know that someone can actually document hip-hop fake nigga. He said in the magazine that rappers down here are whack and (my first love) in such a profound way. I just read one issue and that was it; I’m all of them are drug dealers. He’s a snitch. Before he started doing this fake hooked now to the point that I’ll be getting some back issues too. I know that DJ shit, he was rapping. He had a group called PCP, and their album is the #1 there are a lot of rap mags, but yours has really good content and great celeb most whack album of all time. Chuck T’s fake ass downs a lot of niggas; the photos. I gave up on The Source years ago when I found out Benzino was the same for Charlamagne. They ain’t nothin’ but some fake-ass 50 Cent wan- man behind it. I mean, just look at him. And you’re right, JB, Elliott Wilson is nabe ass niggas, and peeps down here don’t respect ‘em. Again, I’m no hater. a hater and an asshole. I met him once and told him I was trying to become a Contact me back if you are interested in checking out DJ Chuck T’s whack journalist with a focus in the hip-hop industry and he told me, “Think about album. a more stable profession.” Anyway, I was just hittin’ you up to let you know – Baby Gar Figuer, [email protected] (Charleston, SC) you’ve got the dopest mag on the streets. Holla! – Matthew LeSure, [email protected] (Chicago, IL) I’d like to congratulate TJ’s DJ’s and OZONE on a successful weekend. Me and the crew had a great time. The panels were unbelievable, and very Editor responds: Thanks! I think Elliott was trying to be funny. insightful. Hopefully you guys will keep it in Orlando for a little while. You are helping the Southern movement and I’m happy to be a part of it. I just JB and the crew have done it again. First off, I understand that TJ’s DJ’s and wanted to thank you for the opportunity to network with some people I the OZONE Awards was quite a weekend. Issue #49 is tighter than a 37-year- would probably have never got a chance to meet otherwise. old female virgin! I’m loving how y’all let the artists speak their part on some – DJ Mil, [email protected] (Orlando, FL) hot topics. It’s the first time I’ve seen a mag that was completely devoted to the artists’ opinions. Plus, y’all got so many artists. I know it’s at least twenty art- I had an amazing time at TJ’s DJ’s conference and the OZONE Awards. I ists I listen to on a regular basis featured in this month’s mag (shout to Magno think this will become the best annual event for Soutehrn artists, DJs, media – I was feelin’ you when you and Mike Jones was “hangin’ like two titties” and and music businessmen and women in general. I can’t wait til next year and I’m still feelin’ you now). I’m love the way you dropped the one line of flow I will make sure to spread the word. I can’t stop telling the people that didn’t’ at the bottom of each page – creative! You can never go wrong with an in- make it how much they missed. terview with da Snowman, and the usual sections (2 Cents, my nigga Roland, – Lady Dolla, [email protected] (New Orleans, LA)

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Congrats on the OZONE Award Show and TJ’s DJ’s weekend. Me and my fan myself, I’d definitely like to thank you for your hard work and dedication folks drove all the way from Birmingham to witness history, and it was every- in creating such a huge voice and outlet for Southern artists and businessmen thing we expected and more. Not to be a dick rider, but I went to The Source such as myself. Awards about three years ago and it was long and boring. I left early and we - Troy Jackson, [email protected] (Tampa, FL) got in the damn thing free. Keep it up, OZONE, ‘Bama is with you all the way. – DJ Stikuhbush, [email protected] (Birmingham, AL) I read JB’s 2 Cents in OZONE’s August issue and I respect your grind at a young age. Females in the industry don’t get enough respect, and you’re Thanks to TJ’s DJ’s and OZONE for giving indies such as myself a weekend changing that. Keep hustling! full of education for our artists. In this business, info is key. We took advantage - Jean, [email protected] (Herndon, VA) of every panel and our Saturday performance was great. The OZONE Award Show was fully loaded – Luda, Jeezy, Ross – like I said, fully loaded! – Tracey Smith, [email protected] (New Orleans, LA)

The TJ’s DJ’s/OZONE Awards weekend was a huge success! From the education to the entertainment, people walked away with more knowledge than they came to Orlando with. I’m already looking forward to next year’s conference and Award Show. – Big Al, [email protected] (Atlanta, GA)

What is going on with rappers these days? I don’t understand some of the things they say. I am a huge fan of rap/hip-hop music and have been listening to it for years. The first album I ever bought was 2Pac’s All Eyez On Me and I have loved the culture ever since. I don’t understand why publications like The Source Magazine, now 100% Benzino Free, will blast and try to ruin Eminem’s career and credibility over what some believed to be racist comments he made fifteen years ago, yet Black and Latino rappers can make comments about “crackers”, and “white bitches” and it seems to be overlooked. I was very agitated when I heard the new song by Clipse and Pharrell entitled “Mr. Me Too,” in which the rapper makes a reference to “crackers” while two white gentlemen are depicted in the video with targets around their heads. What the hell is going on? I think any level of racism is wrong and definitely has a negative effect on rap music. It causes tensions between races that both support and enjoy these guys’ music. I am just waiting on someone to step up and say that if it is going to be wrong for one rapper to do it, it should be wrong for them all. OZONE should take a stand and comment on these recent atrocities. – Blake Winchester, [email protected] (Jacksonville, FL)

Just showing some love because I have respect for OZONE. Keep doing what you do and always ac- knowledge the artists who rep their state and/or city right. I just wanted to say to the artist out there: you have to take this one step at a time and not give up. Success doesn’t come overnight, and grinding does take work. Sorry to the lazy rappers, but you’re gonna get passed up and left. - Cutta C, [email protected]

You got me doing something my junior high teachers could never do: sparked my interest in reading again! Yo’ mag is so gutta cause you ask all the right questions. Me being an artist myself, it’s giving me tips and contact info. If I ever see Benzino on the street, I’ll handle that for ya! - Kalikold, [email protected] (Jacksonville, FL)

Next time Khia tells y’all some bullshit about how she produced her new album by herself, could you please show her this production contract (attached) and remind her of when she was talking about bad business and treating people wrong in her last article with y’all? I wish her much success but I gotta eat too, and them lies she’s spraying around ain’t gonna help. So I must do what I have to do and get this shit straight. I love your magazine, though. I hope one day I can tell my story. John Aymos, [email protected] (Atlanta, GA)

I wanted to congratulate you on the extraordinary success of OZONE Magazine! You’ve definitely taken over the South and the rest of the world by storm with such a wonderful and extremely honest publication for all readers to enjoy. As a CEO, artist, dedicated reader, and

14 15 IN STORES NOW

16 jb’s 2 cents

’m very superstitious, or spiritual, or whatever you wanna call it. I don’t think things happen randomly. I believe in dreams, and Isigns, and karma. I believe God speaks to us, and I also believe the devil speaks to us. But it’s not always clear who’s speaking. When bad things happen to you, is it punishment or a blessing in disguise? When you do some shit that might be wrong but feels good as fuck, is it a blessing or something evil you’re gonna be punished for later? Bear with me here, I’ll get to the point... 10 Things I’m Hatin’ On In case you’ve been living under a rock, we teamed up with TJ’s DJ’s for a 3 day event. The fact that it even happened is a miracle. I By Roland “Lil Duval” Powell love when people mention that they didn’t see me much during the Disclaimer: This is really what everybody else is sayin’. event, as if I was lounging somewhere just counting cash, lol. They I know I’m dead wrong, but I’m hating anyway. don’t know that our host hotel, where we’d prepaid for all the rooms, bulldozed their entire lobby, entrance, registration desk, bar, and res- taurant two weeks before our event with no notice. Yes, bulldozed. If you’d 1. Up And Coming Rappers seen how the hotel looked 48 hours before our guests started arriving you Y’all wasted a lot of money passing out would’ve cried and flipped the fuck out like I did, and you would understand CDs at the OZONE Awards cause I saw why I say it’s a miracle that we pulled it off. They don’t know that 4 days before the event we had a surprise meeting with damn near the entire Orlando more CDs on the ground than anything Police Department. They don’t know that the person handling our insurance else. Stop giving CDs to people that don’t dropped the ball - trust me when I say that general liability insurance for a ask for them. Build your demand first. rap concert is not exactly something you can run to Wal-Mart and pick up on a Thursday afternoon, so I had to handle that. They don’t know all the drama we went through getting sponsors to even make the event possible (but we 2. Paying To Open Up For Big Rappers do love them all dearly, especially BME/Warner Bros. & Interscope :). There are niggas paying promoters to open Pimp C & I up for big rappers. Kill yo’ self! Dummy, They don’t know that I personally booked flights, hotel rooms, and ground you supposed to get paid to perform. transportation for hundreds of the busiest people in the music industry - plus 20+ artists and their entourages, which, I’m sure any promoter will tell you, The rapper you’re trying to impress ain’t is a nightmare in itself. They don’t know that Pimp C missed his first three thinkin’ about your ass, and nine times out flights (but thank you for catching the 4th - or was it 5th?). They don’t know of ten he ain’t gonna see your ass perform. that Trina’s - who was one of our hosts - dresses were stolen from the ward- robe room two nights before the show. They don’t know that as the other host - David Banner - was introducing the first presenter, Camron, Cam and 3. Flavor Of Love Season 2 his security guard were are the back entrance arguing with the police. They Makes me think that the first season of don’t know that T.I. and Too $hort cancelled 3 days before the show because hoes might have really liked Flavor Flav. of unavoidable West coast commitments (but both apologized, so I can’t stay Roy, me, & Sweetz mad). They don’t know that Bun B and Young Jeezy’s performances were un- expected (thank you). They don’t know that the fire marshall shut down our 4. Myspace (again) party the night before, and was about to shut down the award show for being A lot of you hoes take great pictures, cause over capacity and I had to beg them to allow Ludacris in. They don’t know y’all don’t look shit like y’all myspace that I didn’t sleep at all for 3 nights before the show, and my phone never pictures. This one girl looked fine as fuck stopped ringing. They don’t know that I actually did have a dress to wear and didn’t even have time to change out of my uniform white tee. They don’t in her pictures but when I went to see her know that 3 hours before the show, our video production guy - who had sup- I swear that bitch looked like Young Jeezy. posedly prepared all the video screens showing the award nominees - totally fucked us and we had nothing. They don’t know that I almost walked out at 5. New Rappers Swearing They’re Rich showtime and one of my best friends had to lock me in a bathroom for a very I’m tired of hearing this shit. If you’re rich serious pep talk to remind me that I’m a fighter and I don’t quit, ever. what the fuck are you rapping for? Lil Wayne & I And that’s just the short list. During the weeks leading up to the event, we went through so much shit I was really questioning if it was supposed to hap- 6. Princess & Diamond of Crime Mob pen at all. When there are so many obstacles in your path - is it God trying to I don’t know who did their hair for the send you a message that you’re moving in the wrong direction, or the devil trying to discourage you and prevent you from accomplishing something OZONE Awards, but they need to drink great? How can you tell the difference? In the case of the OZONE Awards some antifreeze. They looked like they (coming soon on MTV Jams and DVD), the fact that we pulled it off tells me went to the hairdresser and said, “Can you that God was clearly on our side. So here’s my new dilemma: make me look like a damn fool?” This is the hardest issue of the mag I’ve ever had to put together because I DON’T WANT TO DO THIS ANYMORE. I’m starting to really, really, really 7. Janet Jackson hate my job, for all the same reasons I loved it in the first place. I’m bored and After all these years, I just realized that she with 8Ball & MJG apathetic. I keep telling myself it’s a phase and I’ll wake up the next morning can’t sing. I feel used. feeling motivated and energized and ambitious again, but it’s been a month now and it’s not happening. No matter what anybody else says, I know I’m the shit and the award show was symbolic of something I’ve accomplished. I did what I, almost subconsciously, set out to do. Look at 8. Strippers That Don’t Know When It’s me. Do I look like someone you’d expect to represent the Southern rap community; the streets? And yet I Over do. No one thought I could do it but I did. I win. So if the game is over, what next? Is God trying to tell me If you and your daughter strip at the same to move on to something else, or is the devil trying to stop me from doing something even greater? club - QUIT! I don’t know, but I do know one thing for sure: you won’t see me go out like Dave & Zino. Whenever it is my time to go, I’ll make that decision and go gracefully. Please pardon this editorial for sounding so 9. Women Thinking They Gon’ Catch A pessimistic - there are dozens of people who contributed in many different ways to make the weekend a Nigga Wit’ Bread success, and despite my negativity I do appreciate every one of you. From the outside looking in, the TJ’s DJ’s/OZONE Awards weekend was a huge success, and it will be for years to come. And you know what’s A nigga sees you a mile away. It don’t really funny? Writing this editorial almost made me love doing this magazine thing again... matter how hard you try to make yourself believe that you ain’t like that – it shows. - Julia Beverly, [email protected] You’re gonna always get fucked in the end if you ain’t bringing shit to the table besides pussy and head. Go for that nigga that’s got less than you - he’ll kill for you. Lil Scrappy f/ Young Buck “Money In The Bank” Ludacris f/ Young Jeezy “Grew Up A Screw Up” 10. Niggas Sleeping On Me Trae f/ Z-Ro “No Help” jb’splaylist I’m the funniest comedian alive. Ain’t no The Game f/ Junior Reid “One Blood (It’s Okay)” other comedian speaking about what goes Too $hort f/ Snoop Dogg & Will.I.Am “Keep Bouncin’” Lyfe Jennings “S.E.X.” on in the streets like I do. Richard Pryor’s Ice Cube f/ Snoop Dogg & Lil Jon “Go To Church” Trae “Quit Callin’ Me” gone, so that makes me the funniest comic The Federation “18 Dummy” Pimp C “I Miss U” alive since the funniest comic died. Now Rihanna “Unfaithful (reggae remix)” Rick Ross “Push It” IN STORES NOW feel free to whoop my ass.

17 mathematics HOW TO GET RADIO PLAY by Rap Coalition’s Wendy Day www.WendyDay.com

have been consulting independent urban record labels and artists for Without a “hit record” today, they won’t get radio play. There are just too many years now, and the most misunderstood aspect of this industry is many other folks with bigger budgets, deeper pockets, and better connections Iradio. So few understand how radio really works, and an even smaller to fill the few slots available at radio today. It’s more competitive than ever. amount of indie labels and artists understand how to get their records played The main thing is stop looking at radio for what you WANT it to be, and see it at radio. Because of the lack of information and knowledge, radio promotion for what it really is - learn the game before stepping on the playing field! remains an area where one can lose a large amount of money very quickly. And most do. Back in the day, rap music wasn’t accepted on commercial radio formats, so no one worried about getting on the radio. Word of mouth was key for spreading I have a friend in Detroit who paid $25,000 to a radio promoter on the recom- rap music, and for a few hours a week, college radio played some. It was easier mendation of popular radio host at a local station there. My friend did not to get onto college radio back then, than commercial radio today. Somehow, receive one spin anywhere in the country. He was eventually told the single artists felt they were missing something if they could not get added to radio. did not research well and that it was not a radio single. It was too late in the This increased need for radio play has gotten out of hand today. Now a radio project to hire anyone else. Could he have been told that prior to spending station might have only 4 or 5 available slots to fill with new songs, but there the $25,000? Provided it was true, yes. My guess is that he was taken for a are 50 new records vying for those few spots - with budgets, with well-con- ride and that the radio promoter (whose name I never even heard before), nected radio promoters pushing them, and with established artists and well- and the guy who had referred the scam “promoter,” made a quick come up on known producers. How will you compete? $25,000 for no work. The best way to attract radio attention is NOT to head up to the station to Just last month, I got a call from a doctor in Texas who has invested in a proj- drop off a CD of your newest song. You need to blow it up in the clubs and at ect, but is totally clueless about the music industry. He name dropped some the street level first. Back the record up with other promotion and marketing people in the industry who are excellent at what they do at radio, but not for efforts. Let the radio DJs come looking for you because your song gets so hot people like him. When I tried to explain how it all worked, my answer did on the streets and in the clubs. If you have a truly hot record, it will end up at not fit his vision of how he wanted it to work and he disappeared quickly off radio. That is the definition of a hit record. the phone. I imagine he will soon be parted from even more of his money by folks who pick up on what he wants to hear, and tell it to him. What is it David Banner’s “Like a Pimp,” Webbie’s “Gimme That,” Webbie’s “Bad about this industry that makes folks act like idiots? As I pull up the BDS to Chick,” Magic’s “I Drank, I Smoke,” Acafool’s “Hatablockas,” etc, all started see what spins his artist is getting, I see he still hasn’t figured it out. Sadly, the out as songs that hit the clubs and streets hard (mostly because there were no artist has placed his career in this guy’s hands. Who really loses? The artist. budgets available for radio play initially). But the songs started to grow legs on their own, and radio embraced them. You can’t buy that kind of authenticity There are quite a few legitimate radio promotion people and companies out (and many have tried). But there is no way around the fact that if the radio there in urban music. I do not understand how the other bullshit names keep powers-that-be do not think your song fits their format, sound, or necessary coming up over and over again, attached to horrific stories of fools and their quality, you will NOT be getting any radio play. Period. money soon parted. Don’t people check references? Are they so new to the industry that they lack any resources to call and ask for opinions? Perhaps So, when you hear the more commercial artists getting spins, and you want there are just that many con-artists out there to make a quick buck, I don’t the same push for your music, you may have to go back and rethink your know. sound, your production, and/or your style so you fit the format. Also, it’s important to have a good reason why you are going after radio play. Many sta- Radio is a format that reaches hundreds of thousands of people, all day and tions are interested in knowing that you have a complete plan for your project night. Most markets have at least one urban radio station, and some key mar- rather than just wanting to hear your song on the radio. Learn the correct kets even have two or three competing stations for listeners and ad dollars. language and use it to communicate your intentions. Please understand that radio exists to sell commercials. It doesn’t exist to con- tribute positively to the culture, it doesn’t exist to inform the community, and Are you planning on dropping a CD with legitimate independent distribu- it doesn’t exist to break new and innovative music. In fact, it’s anything but. tion? If so, what is your release date? When are you going for adds at radio? Are you backing up your promotional efforts with a complete campaign? Or A grip of research has been done by all of these huge wealthy radio conglom- are you trying to secure radio spins to capture the attention of bigger record erates, and the research shows that when a listener hears a song where they labels? [In my opinion, this is a half-assed way to try to get a deal. If it was this can’t happily sing along, they change the station to hear a song where they easy, anyone with money could secure a deal for a $50,000 radio budget. In CAN sing along. When the listeners change the channel, they miss commer- my thirteen years of experience, I have yet to see someone become successful cials, and the station’s ad price drops because the amount of listeners drops. from getting a deal solely from radio spins - in fact, I have seen many, many, Simple economics. many fail. Because of this, I do not normally shop deals based on radio play. If you look at the SoundScan chart for any given year, not one of the top thirty Think about it logically for a minute. I have two words to say: “Laffy Taffy.” or forty rap artists got their deal from getting radio play, yet most did get good No one has enough money to have paid for that song to play as much as it deals from selling CDs regionally.] did. Yet the song was a hit record. Radio played it because kids requested it, it researched well, and ad sales went up. Downloads occurred by the millions. Is it possible for a regional artist or indie label to gain acceptance at radio? Yes. But it all depends on the song, the timing, and the reasons behind it. And most So how do you get your song played on the radio? importantly, it depends on your connections and whether or not you have done the proper research on radio. Every city or town with an urban radio sta- This isn’t an easy answer, because the truth is just that many will never get tion has people who understand how it works. Find the LEGITIMATE people radio play. If an artist does not make music that fits the format of the radio who can inform you. Do research on the internet. Ask people who have done station and is of competitive commercial quality, their music won’t get played this SUCCESSFULLY before you. It is my hope that this article serves as a on most radio stations. Without a real budget, they won’t get radio play. good starting point.

18 TJ’S DJ’S TASTEMAKERS & OZONE AWARDS PHOTO GALLERY:

01: Slim Thug, Webbie, Lil Boosie, and Slim Thug on the Artist Panel @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 02: T-Pain and Plies backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 03: DJ Nasty, The Runners, and Cool & Dre backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 04: Felli Fel, DJ Chela, 1st Lady El, and Brandi Garcia @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 05: Swirl, Tampa Tony, and Carlos @ Firestone for TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers afterparty (Orlanod, FL) 06: Haitian Fresh and Smilez @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 07: DJ Chuck T and his date(s) on the OZONE Awards red carpet (Orlando, FL) 08: Miss Info and Supa Cindy @ the Women’s Panel during TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Confer- ence (Orlando, FL) 09: Fiend and Dre @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 10: Kinfolk Nakia Shine and Grafh @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 11: Blak Jak and Michael Watts on the OZONE Awards red carpet (Orlando, FL) 12: Shawt and Jody Breeze @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 13: Julia Beverly and Trae @ Cairo for Interscope Records party (Orlando, FL) 14: Tarvoria and Ray Cash @ Firestone for TJ’s DJ’s Tastemak- ers afterparty (Orlando, FL) 15: Young Jeezy, Lil Keke, Paul Wall, and Pitbull backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 16: Karate Mac, Plies, and Coach on the OZONE Awards red carpet (Orlando, FL) 17: J-Kwik and Young Capone @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 18: Big Bank Hank, guest, Trae, and RawLT @ Cairo for Inter- scope Records party (Orlando, FL) 19: Lex, DJ Quest, J-Shin, and TJ Chapman on the OZONE Awards red carpet (Orlando, FL) 20: DJ Nasty, Green Lantern, and DJ Chino @ Firestone for Atlantic Records official OZONE Awards afterparty (Orlando, FL) 21: DJ Serious, Mannish Man, Chad Brown & CJ Tha Sticman @ TJ’s DJ’s/OZONE Award Show weekend (Orlando, FL)

Photo Credits: Chad Brown (21); DJ Chino (20); Edward Hall (04); J Lash (05,07,08,11,13,14,16,18, 19); Marcus DeWayne (12); Ray Tamarra (01,02,03,09,10,15,17); Terrence Tyson (06)

19 chin check IT SUCKS TO BE DIDDY by Charlamagne Tha God www.CThaGod.com

t sucks to be P Diddy. I know you don’t think wanted out, Loon wanted out, even New Edition! The curse of Bad Boy is real so because you see he’s worth an estimated 400 and has affected all these artists in some way shape or form. Imillion dollars. You see the jewels, the Sean John clothing line, the cologne, and the big-ass So I repeat, it sucks to be Diddy. Why, after all these years, can’t the man who billboard in the middle of Times Square, but discovered such greats comb the streets of New York and find that next dude? believe me, it sucks to be P Diddy. Never mind the He has a crib in Atlanta; why can’t he go out on his own merit and find that fact that he has to pay the average working-class next Jeezy or T.I.? The answer: because his ears are gone! Diddy also has the American’s annual salary in child support to his audacity, the unmitigated gall, to release another album. For what? To take two baby mothers every month. That’s chump credit for a bunch of beats he really didn’t produce and spit a bunch of bars he change to Diddy; he makes that kind of money in really didn’t write. The name of the album is Press Play he says because at the an hour. end of the day that’s what it’s all about he wants people to just Press Play and listen to his music. The reason it sucks to be P Diddy is because even with all that money and fame he’s failing at the one Well, Diddy being that it sucks to be you right now and considering your thing he loves the most (other than himself). He’s track record as of late, just Pressing Play would require people to actually failing at the one thing that laid the foundation for all things Diddy: music. take transportation to a record store or sit down in front of a computer to See, Diddy lost his ear as far as the music game is concerned. Music was the download then get the music and actually put it in something to play. That’s soul of that man and sometimes I wonder if he sold his soul to the hip-hop a lot to ask of people when they are really not anticipating your music on that devils in order to be successful in all his other ventures. Can you imagine level; and more than likely Pressing Play would result in skip to the next song, waking up in the morning richer than Richie, able to purchase anything you that’s whack, skip to the next record, and in less than 10 minutes the average want except for the one thing that has brought you all your success and that’s hip-hop consumer has gone through your latest weed plate and dismissed your ear for music? your record as whack because it sucks to be Diddy.

See, once upon a time Diddy introduced us to fresh new sounds by the likes I know it hurts not to have your ear anymore, Diddy, but look at the bright of Mary J Blige and Jodeci. Before he sold his soul, his ear was incredible! side: you still have your clothing line, your cologne, your restaurants and When he started Bad Boy he introduced us to Craig Mack (a great lyricist more money than most people will see in two lifetimes. The dark side is that who made solid records), Total (a bunch of hoodrats who Diddy made sure a man with no soul is a man who does not exist, so the next time you feel like got all the right singles), Faith Evans (who’s still in the game), 112 (still in the you’re not relevant in the music game, you know the reason why. Maybe the game), Mase (confused but still in the game), The LOX (still in the game), hip-hop devils will let you buy your soul back cheap? Naw, I doubt it. Karma Black Rob (if it wasn’t for this thing called prison he’d still be in the game), G is real. The hip-hop devils are going to make it hard for you to get back your Dep (not in the game, but was dope and very slept on), and who could forget soul the way you make it hard for people to get back their publishing. Hold the man some call the greatest emcee of all time, Christopher Wallace a.k.a. your head, Diddy. It sucks to be you. The Notorious B.I.G. a.k.a. Biggie Smalls. Sincerely, How do you go from Making Hits like “Can’t You See” by Total, Making Hits like “I Remember” by Faith, Making Hits like “One More Chance (Remix)” Cold Fingaz a.k.a. Charlamagne Tha God by Biggie to Making the Fucking Band? All the great R&B groups you have delivered over the years and Aundrea, Audrea, Dawn, Shannon, and Wanita - five no-talent, non- singing, making-themselves-throw-up-in-the-bathroom-after- every-meal, probably-blew-all-their-advance-money-in-the- local-mall-at-a-Charlotte-Russe is the best you can come up with?

Like I said, it sucks to be P. Diddy, and don’t even start talking about hip-hop! Diddy should praise god for Block and Bad Boy South, because without that Bad Boy wouldn’t exist right now as far as rap is concerned. The last hip-hop group I remember Puffy putting together was that whack ass Da Band: Fred, Chopper, Sara Stokes, Babs, Ness and Dylan. First of all the only hip-hop band I ever knew was the Roots. Second, “bands” play instruments. The only thing Da Band ever played was themselves by walking to Brooklyn for cheesecake on TV. Third – Puffy, the man who discovered B.I.G. - actually thought some of those dudes were dope! See what happens when you lose your ear and sell your soul to the hip hop devils?

I told you it sucks to be Diddy and not to mention the Curse of Bad Boy that has haunted the label for years. The curse got Biggie murdered and made Mase leave to find God, only to return even more confused. Shyne is in prison for 10 years, Black Rob is in prison for 7 years, the LOX had to leave and are just getting they business right, 112 wanted out, Faith

20 TJ’S DJ’S TASTEMAKERS & OZONE AWARDS PHOTO GALLERY:

01: David Banner, Trina, Julia Beverly, and DJ Khaled backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 02: Chill the Million Dollar Man, Pastor Troy, and Grandaddy Souf apparently have the same hairstylist (Orlando, FL) 03: Smitty, Trae, and Killer Mike backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 04: Carol City Cartel, TJ Chap- man, and Rick Ross on the OZONE Awards red carpet (Orlando, FL) 05: Lil Boosie, Webbie, and Da- vid Banner on the Artist Panel @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 06: The Runners on the Produc- er Panel @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 07: CRUNK!!! models with Young Jeezy, Chyna Whyte, and Stay Fresh @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 08: Jody Breeze and Khao backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 09: K-Foxx gives Young Jeezy a lil love backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 10: Cory Mo and DJ Wally Sparks on the OZONE Awards red carpet (Orlando, FL) 11: Fentz, Mercedes, and Tar- voria @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 12: Hen-Roc and Leo Getz @ the Intaprize/GTT Pool Party during TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers (Orlando, FL) 13: Deepside @ Firestone for TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers afterparty (Orlando, FL) 14: Plies and Chill the Million Dollar Man backstage @ the OZONE 15: Crime Mob’s Diamond and Princess backstage @ the OZONE Awards with Trina (Orlando, FL) 16: DJ Nasty, Rated R, DJ Khaled, DJ Ideal, and DJ Drama @ the OZONE Awards (Or- lando, FL) 17: Bigga Rankin and Roland Powell @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 18: Fiend and KLC @ the Producer Panel during TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 19: Killer Mike helping Webbie accept his award for Slept-On Artist @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 20: Tony Neal and Dirtbag @ the DJ Crews Panel during TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 21: Disco and Webbie @ Fire- stone for Atlantic Records’ official OZONE Awards afterparty (Orlando, FL)

Photo Credits: J Lash (02,04,05,07,11,13,20); Malik Abdul (14,16); Ray Tamarra (01,03,06,09,10,12,15,18,19); Sophia Jones (21); Terrence Tyson (08,17)

21 smart ass

HOW TO PROMOTE LIKE A PRO by Ms. Rivercity

o you got a million dollar idea ha? You wanna be a business man ha? You wanna drive a big Benz ha? Well guess what, your million dollar Flyers Sidea ain’t worth shit without the right promotional plan. Without This is the most common form of promotion and the most effective in my knowledge of the game and funds to invest, your futile attempts will fail. opinion. The best thing about flyers is they cost next to nothing. For less than But what if you’re not equipped with dope boy money or eight marketing a penny a piece you can have the same promo item as everyone else on the degrees? How can you compete when everyone else has it made? Stop being face of the planet. Call up that efficient student designer of yours and in about a cry baby cause I’ve got some fool-proof tips for all you wannabe P. Diddy’s. five minutes you’ll have the cleanest looking graphics the world has ever seen. A warning though, the capitalistic bastards of our society do not want you to If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you can just copy some standard clip art onto have this info. But I say screw that “game is to be sold, not to be told” motto. white paper at Kinkos. As for circulating the flyers, just send your street team Some of us spend days and weeks researching and investing thousands of to the most saturated parking lots in town, usually near the nightclub district. dollars in seminars, conferences, and workshops so that we can pass the info Most likely someone else has already covered the area, but you can just pile on to poor unfortunate souls like yourself. Pay attention bitches, this is the your material on top of theirs. Personally, I can’t wait to stumble out of the ultimate breakdown in promoting like a pro. club after five shots of Patron and un-wallpaper the most expensive thing I own. I’ll be honest though, no way in hell am I’m gonna read a flyer at 4 a.m., Your Team but they do make great street decorations. You never want to be seen promoting your own product, doing your own networking, or making your own phone calls. Your job is to be a superstar, Myspace not a workhorse. Get together a group of friends and supporters you can eas- The newest craze in promotion is of course the infamous, fun-filled world ily persuade to do your dirty work. It’s best to find some “interns” you don’t of Myspace. If you created a profile, congratulations, you’re now an official have to pay. Promise them you’ll help them up the ladder and put in a good member of civilization. There’s no special formula to creating a Myspace buzz. word for them. Once they’ve successfully built your brand, take over the Just make up a cut-and-paste message, approximately 2,000 words long, and empire. Get rid of anyone that can take credit for the work. Credit belongs to send it to everyone who’s still alive. If that doesn’t get you enough attention, you, you, you. It’s okay to step on those that help you along the way. That’s show off a bunch of half naked pictures you’ve cropped and angled to perfec- why they’re called “little people.” Chances are they’ll never reach your level tion. If you run into your Myspace friends and for some ridiculous reason and you’ll never need them again. they don’t recognize you, feel free to get offended. These You never want to be seen assholes should know who WWW you are by now. It’s been said that a website is the first promoting your own product, and most important tool for entre- doing your own networking, or preneurs to establish their image and making your own phone calls. Media Ad- get exposure. Actually, I’m not sure if Your job is to be a superstar, not anyone really said that, but it sounds vertising good. Anyway, most people will tell a workhorse. Get together a Actually, the whole concept you to include a bio and contact info group of friends and supporters of advertising is overrated so on your website. But nobody really you can easily persuade to do this will be brief. You could gives a shit about your life story and your dirty work. spend your whole budget on you damn sure don’t want people advertising alone but nobody having any real access to you. Feel free ever benefits from thousands to leave off the above information to of people seeing their product save yourself the hassle; everyone else does. As for the actual design of your or service in vibrant, eye-catching print. Radio, television commercials and site, professionalism is cool but costly. Find a college student willing to throw billboards are also pointless as they only serve to fatten the pockets of big together a web page for the low. Sure, half the links won’t work, the words corporations. As a matter of fact, you should make some picket signs and post “coming soon” will be plastered everywhere, and it’ll be hard as hell to update up outside of your local broadcasting stations. Shit, they might even give you it in the future, but at least you won’t get ripped off. some free press for having the balls to stand up to them. Or they might have you arrested, which takes us to the next topic. Email Campaigns If you don’t have an email address, don’t sweat it. People have only been using email for the past ten years so the concept is still kinda new. No one ex- Publicity Stunts pects you to be up on all this nerdy technology crap anyway. Email accounts There’s no quicker way to get your name out there than doing something are free, but it takes too much effort to get on a computer and type in www. completely off the wall and very controversial. For example: Stage a fake yahoo.com. So if you can’t get one of your handy interns to set up your email, arrest. Rob a bank. Attack a police officer. Shoot up a church. Start beef with just skip this section all together. If you do have an email address, you’re way someone more important than you. No matter which route you choose, just ahead of the game already. All you need now is ten email addresses from your be sure to do it big. The old saying is true, bad publicity is better than no tight circle of friends. Don’t worry about branching out just yet; remember publicity. you want your friends to do all the work. Okay, an effective chain email will look something like this: So, that pretty much covers all the basics of branding. These helpful hints were gathered from real life cases of pure marketing geniuses. Just follow their From: [email protected] simple formula and your million dollar dreams will become a reality. Subject: URGENT!!!!! Message: WUT IT DEW!!!!!!!! CHECK OUT MY [insert whatever the hell For more tricks of the trade, you can email me at… oh, wait nobody uses you’re selling here] IM THE SHIT STRAIGHT UP KNOBODY IS FUCKIN email. Well, visit my website at www.promotingforretardeddumbasses.com WIT ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SEND THIS TO TEWNTY OF YOUR FREINDS or send me a vulgar message at three in the morning to me at www.myspace. AND FAMLY!!!!!!!!!! com/msrivercity

22 TJ’S DJ’S TASTEMAKERS & OZONE AWARDS PHOTO GALLERY:

01: The Aphilliates’ DJ Drama, DJ Jaycee, Willie Da Kid, DJ Don Cannon, Jeanise, and Lil Larry backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 02: DJ Toomp and Khao @ the Producer Panel during TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 03: Trick Daddy and crew @ Firestone for Atlantic Records official OZONE Awards afterparty (Orlando, FL) 04: DJ Chill, DJ Chuck T, and DJ Jelly @ the DJ Panel during TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Confer- ence (Orlando, FL) 05: Guest, Marvyn Mack, JC CRUNK!!!, TJ Chapman, and DJ Nasty @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 06: Carol City Cartel, Rick Ross, and Pitbull backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 07: Big Teach, B.A.N.G., and DJ Ideal @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 08: Big Tuck and Trina @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 09: Ernest Clemons of Get ‘Em Magazine and Money Waters backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 10: Jibbs and Egypt @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 11: Supa Cindy and Big Teach @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 12: Acafool and Kid MOney KG on the OZONE Awards red carpet (Orlando, FL) 13: Guest, Yo Gotti, and All Star on the OZONE Awards red carpet (Orlando, FL) 14: Slim Goodye @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 15: Trae and David Banner on the Artist Panel @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 16: Big Tuck, Kinfolk Nakia Shine, and Ray Cash backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Or- lando, FL) 17: Lil Ru, Collard Greens, and Fatboy backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 18: Cool, DJ Nasty, Dre, Bianca Mendez, DJ Khaled, and DJ Chino @ WJHM during TJ’s DJ’s/OZONE Awards weekend (Orlando, FL) 19: Smilez, Alex, and Southstar backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 20: Lil Boosie, Gangsta Boo, Julia Beverly, Killer Mike, David Ban- ner, and TJ Chapman on the Art- ist Panel @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 21: Alex, Fentz, Suthun Boy and guest @ Cairo for Interscope Records party (Orlando, FL)

Photo Credits: DJ Chino (18); DJ Pat Pat (19); Ed- ward Hall (09,20); J Lash (03,08,10,12,13,21); Malik Abdul (14); Ray Tamarra (01,02,04,05,0 6,07.11,15,16); Sophia Jones (17)

23 24 TJ’S DJ’S TASTEMAKERS & OZONE AWARDS PHOTO GALLERY:

01: Yung Joc, Trina, and David Banner backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 02: Obie Trice promoting his new album @ Cairo for the Interscope Records party 03: Guest, B.A.N.G., Carol City Cartel, Rick Ross, Pitbull, Cubo, and guest backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 04: DJ Demp, Mr. Collipark, Cal- vin, Jim Jonsin, and KLC @ the Producer Panel during TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 05: Southbeat Records @ Fire- stone for TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers afterparty (Orlando, FL) 06: Bryan Leach, Vince Phillips, and Stay Fresh @ the Indie CEO Panel during TJ’s DJ’s Tastemak- ers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 07: DJ Quest, Wally Sparks, and OG Ron C @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemak- ers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 08: Grandaddy Souf and Ra- sheeda @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL0 09: TJ Chapman and Keith Ken- nedy @ Firestone for Atlantic Records official OZONE Awards afterparty (Orlando, FL) 10: Tampa Tony and Jim Jonsin @ Firestone for TJ’s DJ’s Taste- makers afterparty (Orlando, FL) 11: Crime Mob and Mr. Col- lipark on the OZONE Awards red carpet (Orlando, FL) 12: DJ Nasty and Cool @ WJHM during TJ’s DJ’s/OZONE Award Show weekend (Orlando, FL) 13: Dub and Plies @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 14: Kaspa and DJ Chuck T @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Confer- ence (Orlando, FL) 15: Sidekick and T-Pain @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 16: Image Salon stylists @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 17: DJ Khaled, Trina, and Cool & Dre backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 18: Yola and Big Tuck backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Or- lando, FL) 19: Scorpio, JC CRUNK!!!, 4-Ize, Big Al, and the rest of the CRUNK!!! crew @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 20: Tiffani Diamonds models @ Cairo for Interscope Records party (Orlando, FL) 21: Troy Hudson, Tony Neal, Lil D, Statik Major, and Pill on the OZONE Awards red carpet (Orlando, FL)

Photo Credits: DJ Chino (12); DJ Quote (07); Edward Hall (13); J Lash (02,05,08,10,11,1 5,16,17,20,21); Ray Tamarra (01,03,04,06,18,19); Sophia Jones (09); Terrence Tyson (14)

25 26 TJ’S DJ’S TASTEMAKERS & OZONE AWARDS PHOTO GALLERY:

01: Felli Fel and Jibbs @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 02: Yola, DJ Drama, Lil C, DJ Don Cannon, and Emperor Searcy @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 03: DJ Wally Sparks, David Banner, and Kaye Dunaway @ the Artist Panel during TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 04: TJ Chapman, Mr. Collipark, Bigga Rankin, J-Baby, and Derek Jurand on the OZONE Awards red carpet (Orlando, FL) 05: Bun B and Fiend @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 06: Bigga Rankin, Ed the World Famous, and Elora Mason @ Cairo for Interscope Records party (Orlando, FL) 07: James Jackson, Jim Jonsin, and J Lash @ Firestone for TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers afterparty (Orlando, FL) 08: Gangsta Boo with Princess and Diamond of Crime Mob @ Intaprize/GTT’s pool party (Orlando, FL) 09: DJ Chino and Obie Trice @ Cairo for Interscope Records party (Orlando, FL) 10: Tampa Tony and Stay Fresh @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 11: Jae Millz and J-Shin @ Fire- stone for TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers afterparty (Orlando, FL) 12: DJ Toomp and Vince Phillips @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 13: Big D and Jim Jonsin of the Unusual Suspects @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 14: Keith Kennedy and Ashley @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 15: Pimp C and David Banner @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 16: TJ Chapman and the Ackright Models @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 17: 8Ball & MJG with TV Johnny backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 18: Model, Yola, and Trina @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 19: Mobile Mike, Stax, and J-Shin @ Cairo for Interscope Records party (Orlando, FL) 20: Jibbs, TJ Chapman, RawLT, Troy Marshall, Deuce Poppi and friends @ Cairo for Interscope Records party (Orlando, FL) 21: Magno and DJ K-Tone @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Confer- ence (Orlando, FL)

Photo Credits: DJ Chino (09); DJ K-Tone (21); J Lash (04,06, 07,11.13,18,19,20); Malik Abdul (02); Marcus DeWayne (15,16); Ray Tamarra (01,03,05,08,10, 12,14,17)

TJ’S DJ’S TASTEMAKERS & OZONE AWARDS PHOTO GALLERY:

01: Young Dro and T-Pain backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 02: Smitty, Webbie, and Lil Boosie backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 03: Southstar, Arica Adams, and Smilez @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 04: Deuce Poppi and DJ Jelly @ Cairo for Interscope Records party (Orlando, FL) 05: DJ Green Lantern, TJ Chapman, and KLC @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 06: Jibbs and Yung Joc backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Or- lando, FL) 07: DJ Quote, Cory Mo, Tony Neal, TJ Chapman, DJ Wally Sparks, Mr. Collipark, Pill, Lil Weavah, and friends on the OZONE Awards red carpet (Orlando, FL) 08: Jacki-O and Trae @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 09: DJ Toomp and Pookie backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL0 10: Greg Frankel and Tampa Tony @ Firestone for TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers afterparty (Orlando, FL) 11: Rick Ross and Jim Jonsin on the OZONE Awards red carpet (Orlando, FL) 12: DJ Marquis and Kawan Prather @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 13: Smilez and Bigga Rankin @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 14: James Eichelberger and Marvyn Mack @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 15: 8Ball & MJG with Webbie @ Firestone for Atlantic Records official OZONE Awards afterparty (Orlando, FL) 16: Big Tuck, Trae, and Slim Thug representing Texas @ the Artist Panel during TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 17: Bun B and Killer Mike @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 18: B.G. and Rasheeda backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Or- lando, FL) 19: Cadillac Don, Joie Manda, and J Money @ the A&R Panel during TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 20: TJ Chapman with Rohaun’s body painted models @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 21: Alex, Julia Beverly, Suthun Boy, Tarvoria, and guests @ Cairo for Interscope Records party (Orlando, FL)

Photo Credits: Edward Hall (09,18); J Lash (02,04,07,08,10, 16,17,21); Ray Tamarra (01,03,05,06,11,12,13,14,19,20); Sophia Jones (15)

TJ’S DJ’S TASTEMAKERS & OZONE AWARDS PHOTO GALLERY:

01: Ludacris and 4-Ize backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 02: Young Jeezy and Paul Wall backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 03: DJ Demp, Mr. Collipark, guest, Calvin, Jim Jonsin, guest, and KLC @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 04: Rick Ross and Smitty pre- senting the Hustler’s Award @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 05: DJ Chill, Malik Abdul, and Tampa Tony @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 06: Deuce Poppi and Ted Lucas @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 07: Stack$, Mike Clarke, and Troy Marshall @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 08: Roland “Lil Duval” Powell and Plies on the OZONE Awards red carpet (Orlando, FL0 09: All Star, La Chat, and Yo Gotti backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 10: Haitian Fresh and Pupp @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 11: Greg Frankel and Cool @ Firestone for Atlantic Records official OZONE Awards afterparty (Orlando, FL) 12: The Runners on the OZONE Awards red carpet (Orlando, FL) 13: TJ Chapman and Zay on the OZONE Awards red carpet (Orlando, FL) 14: DJ K-Tone and Lil Peedy @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 15: Webbie, Pimp C, and Julia Beverly @ Firestone for Atlantic Records official OZONE Awards afterparty (Orlando, FL) 16: Guest, Trick Daddy, and TJ Chapman @ Firestone for Atlantic Records official OZONE Awards afterparty (Orlando, FL) 17: Admission Granted TV with Cadillac Don & J Money and crew @ Cairo for Interscope Records party (Orlando, FL) 18: White Boi Pizal, David Ban- ner, and OG Ron C @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 19: Midget Mac and Young Cash @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 20: Mr Kaila and Ryno @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 21: Guest, J Lash, and Supa Cindy @ Firestone for TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers afterparty (Orlando, FL)

Photo Credits: DJ K-Tone (14); 4-Ize (01); J Lash (02,06,07, 08,10,11,17,19,21); Ray Tamarra (04,05,09,12,13,18); Sophia Jones (15,16); Terrence Tyson (03); Wes Sanders (20)

TJ’S DJ’S TASTEMAKERS & OZONE AWARDS PHOTO GALLERY:

01: MJG, Gangsta Boo, and 8Ball backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 02: Lil Boosie and Webbie speaking on the Artist Panel @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Confer- ence (Orlando, FL) 03: Plies signing autographs on the OZONE Awards red carpet (Orlando, FL) 04: T-Pain and J-Shin backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 05: Jim Jonsin, Tampa Tony, Calvin, and guest on the OZONE Awards red carpet (Orlando, FL) 06: Treal reppin’ Orange County on the OZONE Awards red carpet (Orlando, FL) 07: Lee Cherry, Yancey Rich- ardson, Cadillac Don, DJ Quest, J Money and guests @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 08: Trick Daddy and Chyna Whyte @ Firestone for the Atlantic Records official OZONE Awards afterparty (Orlando, FL) 09: Smitty and Rich Boy @ Fires- tone for the Atlantic Records official OZONE Awards afterparty (Orlando, FL) 10: DJ Ideal and Jody Breeze @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 11: Dirtbag and DJ K-Tone @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 12: Kinfolk Nakia Shine @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Confer- ence (Orlando, FL) 13: White Boi Pizal and Fiend @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 14: Rahman Dukes and Gotti Bonanno @ Firestone for the Atlantic Records official OZONE Awards afterparty (Orlando, FL) 15: Crime Mob’s Diamond and Princess with Shawnna backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 16: Felli Fel, TJ Chapman, Kaspa, Jibbs, and Sal Mac @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 17: Young Jeezy and B.A.N.G. backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 18: Guest, Jae Millz, and Ray Cash @ Firestone for TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers afterparty (Orlando, FL) 19: Eli, guest, Jibbs, TJ Chapman, Troy Marshall, and Deuce Poppi @ Cairo for Interscope Records party (Orlando, FL) 20: Shawnna and Rick Ross backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 21: Polow, Emperor Searcy, Rich Boy, TJ Chapman, Vince Phil- lips, and guests on the OZONE Awards red carpet (Orlando, FL)

Photo Credits: DJ K-Tone (11); J Lash (03,04,06,08,09,14,18,19, 21); Julia Beverly (10); Ray Tam- arra (01,02,05,07,12,13,15,16,17); Sophia Jones (20)

33 34 TJ’S DJ’S TASTEMAKERS & OZONE AWARDS PHOTO GALLERY:

01: DJ Khaled and DJ Drama @ the OZONE Awards (Or- lando, FL) 02: Young Buck and Lloyd Banks @ Cairo for Interscope Records TJ’s DJ’s/OZONE Awards kickoff party (Orlando, FL) 03: Mr. Collipark, DJ Toomp, and Jim Jonsin on the Producer Panel @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 04: Killer Mike and Pookie backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 05: Guest and DJ Ideal @ Cairo for Interscope Records party (Orlando, FL) 06: Jim Jonsin and Fiend @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Confer- ence (Orlando, FL) 07: Ray Cash and Paul Wall backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 08: Whatever Chingo Bling is running for, make sure you vote for him (Orlando, FL) 09: DJ Pat Pat and Plies backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 10: Khao with his lotto tickets @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 11: James Eichelberger and Chyna Whyte @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 12: The ladies of Crime Mob @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 13: Patiently Waiting: Carolinas nominee J-Khrist on the OZONE Awards red carpet (Orlando, FL) 14: David Banner and Chyna Whyte @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 15: Young Dro and Kinfolk Nakia Shine on the OZONE Awards red carpet (Orlando, FL) 16: David Banner adn T-Pain on the Artist Panel @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 17: B.A.N.G., Pitbull, Cubo, and Jim Jonsin on the OZONE Awards red carpet (Orlando, FL) 18: K-Foxx and Lyfe Jennings @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 19: OG Ron C and Trae @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Confer- ence (Orlando, FL) 20: Yo Gotti and Yung Joc @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 21: Obie Trice and Stay Fresh @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL)

Photo Credits: DJ Pat Pat (09); Edward Hall (04); J Lash (02,05,12,15,20); Malik Abdul (14); Ray Tamarra (01,03,06,07, 08,10,11,13,16,17,18,19,21)

35 01: Plies @ the OZONE Awards (Or- lando, FL) 02: Young Dro (Atlanta, GA) 03: Ludacris on the set of “Money Maker” (Miami, FL) 04: Chilli @ Whispers (Orlando, FL) 05: Bubba Sparxxx and a guest @ Club Skye for DJ Christion’s Birthday Party (Tampa, FL) 06: Haitian Fresh and video director Rick Young on the set of “Put Ya Leg Up” (Daytona Beach, FL) 07: DJ Quote and Roland “Lil Duval” Powell @ fashion show (Denver, CO) 08: Slim Thug @ Cairo for Interscope afterparty during TJ’s DJ’s/OZONE Award Show weekend (Orlando, FL) 09: Shawnna @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 10: Tambra and Corey from Admission Granted TV @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 11: Michael Watts @ TJ’s DJ’s/OZONE Award Show weekend (Orlando, FL) 12: Guest, Too $hort and Mel the Mack @ K104’s Summer Jam (Dallas, TX) 13: DJ K-Tone, DJ Q, and DJ Quote @ Blue Ice Nightclub (Denver, CO) 14: Jose Lopez and Young Capone @ Global Mixx DJ Retreat (Chicago, IL) 15: Dre @ Club Skye for DJ Christion’s Birthday Party (Tampa, FL) 16: King Yella and Cat Daddy @ Play & Skillz’ Birthday Party (Dallas, TX) 17: Webbie and Goddess @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 18: Corey Llewellen and Shawn Prez @ Global Mixx DJ Retreat (Chicago, IL) 19: Aja and Block @ K104’s Summer Jam (Dallas, TX) 20: Fab Fam @ K104’s Summer Jam (Dallas, TX) 21: Majick and friends @ Club Skye for DJ Christion’s Birthday Party (Tampa, FL) 22: Jacki-O @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 23: Kamikaze, Wendy Day, and Money Waters @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers/ OZONE Awards weekend (Orlando, FL) 24: Stay Fresh and Chyna Whyte @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 25: Magno and Ryno @ KPFT’s Damage Control Radio (Houston, TX) 26: Willie Da Kid @ Ridin’ Dirty car show (Atlanta, GA) 27: Play & Skillz with Baby Boy @ MaxiMedia Studios (Dallas, TX) 28: DSR @ Play & Skillz’ Birthday Party (Dallas, TX) 29: White Chocolate @ the And-1 Bas- ketball Tournament (Portsmouth, VA) 30: KottonMouth and Stub @ Rhythm City for Clout party (Dallas, TX) 31: DJ Drama, Lil Larry, and Willie Da Kid @ OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 32: DJ Whiz T @ Final Fridays (Dallas, TX) 33: Harold “Dolla Bill” and his son, the world’s youngest OZONE reader @ K104’s Hood Hoops 4 Charity (Dallas, TX) 34: Big Tuck @ TJ’s DJ’s/OZONE Award Show weekend (Orlando, FL) 35: DJ Knuckles and friends @ Club Skye (Tampa, FL) 36: DJ Don Cannon @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 37: GZA (NYC) 38: Rick Ross @ Club Broadway (Nor- folk, VA)

Photo Credits: Bogan (03,27); Coco Renea (29,38); D’Lyte (33); DJ Quote (07,13); Edward Hall (01,09,10,11,16, 17,22,23,28,30,31,32,34,36); Haziq Ali (02); J Lash (08); Julia Beverly (14,18); LeJaurean Hailey (25); Luis Santana (05,15,21,35); Malik Abdul (04,06,26); Promotivation (12,19,20); Swift (37)

36 01: Lil Boosie backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 02: Juvenile (Atlanta, GA) 03: 8Ball & MJG @ K104’s Summer Jam (Dallas, TX) 04: DJ Sense backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 05: Smooth and the ladies of Azzure @ Club Broadway (Norfolk, VA) 06: OJ Wedlaw, guest, Melvin Foley, and Baby Boy @ Club Skye for DJ Christion’s Birthday Party (Tampa, FL) 07: Kandi from Xscape with Chilli from TLC @ Club Whispers (Orlando, FL) 08: Fam-Lay @ Club Broadway (Nor- folk, VA) 09: Remy Ma @ Cleo’s (Orlando, FL) 10: George Lopez and Marquis Daniels @ Play & Skillz birthday party (Dallas, TX) 11: Slick Pulla and Lil C backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 12: Rick Ross and Rasheeda backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 13: Play & Skillz at their birthday party (Dallas, TX) 14: Maal da Pimp and Lady Dolla backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 15: Dow Jones @ Final Fridays (Dallas, TX) 16: Smitty and Rasheeda backstage @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 17: Money Waters, Buffie the Body, and Play @ Club Crystals (Dallas, TX) 18: DJ Khaled and Tony Neal @ the OZONE Awards (Orlando, FL) 19: Sleepy and Big Chief @ Rhythm City (Dallas, TX) 20: Pete Rock (NYC) 21: DJ Jelly and Money Waters @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 22: Roland “Lil Duval” Powell @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 23: Supa Cindy @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 24: Chris Brown (NYC) 25: DJ Drop @ Rhythm City (Dallas, TX) 26: Kandi from Xscape, Devyne Stephens, and Chilli from TLC @ Club Whispers (Orlando, FL) 27: Tropik and Logic @ Glo (Orlando, FL) 28: DJ K-Tone and Roland “Lil Duval” Powell (Denver, CO) 29: Guest and Yung Joc @ K104’s Sum- mer Jam (Dallas, TX) 30: Baby Boy @ MaxiMedia Studios (Dallas, TX) 31: DJ Wiz-T @ K104’s Summer Jam (Dallas, TX) 32: Gina Harris and friends @ Global Mixx DJ Retreat (Chicago, IL) 33: Model on the set of Ludacris’ new video (Miami, FL) 34: Tarvoria @ Club Whispers (Or- lando, FL) 35: DJ Magic, Nina Chantele, and Reyez @ Play & Skillz Birthday Party (Dallas, TX) 36: Malice @ Ocean Breeze Waterpark (Virginia Beach, VA) 37: Money Waters and Greg Gate$ @ TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference (Orlando, FL) 38: Pee Wee Kirkland (NYC)

Photo Credits: Bogan (33); Coco Renea (05,07,36); Edward Hall (01,04,10,11, 12,14,15,16,17,18,19,21,22,23,25,35, 37); Haziq Ali (02); Julia Beverly (32); King Yella (13); Luis Santana (06); Ma- lik Abdul (07,26,27,34); Mercedes (09); Promotivation (03,29,30,31); Squirrel (28); Swift (20,24,38)

37 TJ’S DJ’S TASTEMAKERS MUSIC CONFERENCE & OZONE AWARD SHOW WEEKEND OFFICIAL RECAPby Keith Kennedy

attention by dazzling them with a strong line-up that included Rich Boy, Young Buck, Slim Thug, Lloyd Banks, Obie Trice, Jibbs, Hot Rod, & Stat Quo. Meanwhile in between sets, the Tastemakers were treated to a little bit of Duval magic as Bigga Rankins & The Cool Runnings DJ Crew set up shop in the back room. And just when the Tastemakers’ energy began to wane, CRUNK!!! Energy Drink popped up on the set and re-invigorated icture it. Orlando, Florida. August 4-6, 2006. 5,000 Tastemakers the conference members enough to attend the BME After After Suite or members of the entertainment industry who have the power to Party which, to put it simply, was off the chain! Pdictate trends, gathered for the purpose of networking, learning, acknowledging the best in their field, and to have a good time in peace. On Saturday, August 5, the Tastemakers started the day well informed What event could harness such power and simultaneously make history? with another round of panels. The afternoon’s panels included informa- The answer is the 2006 TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers DJ/Music Conference & 1st tion in the fields of A&R, Women In The Industry, DJ Crews, Media, and Annual OZONE Awards. the highly anticipated Artist panel where they told their rise to stardom story. The panelists included A&Rs who have the power to sign includ- The event was sparked on Friday, August 4 with a set of informative ing James Eichelberger (Dir of A&R, TVT), Joie Manda (Dir of A&R, panels that covered topics from Producers, DJs, Technology, and the Asylum), Kawan Prather (Exec A&R, Sony Urban) and many more. Plus Indie Executives. The panelists represented entertainment’s best and women such as Elora Mason (CEO, E. Mason & Associates) and Wendy brightest that included Grammy nominated producers such as Cool & Dre Day (orchestrater of No Limit, Cash Money, David Banner, & Eminem (Christina Milian, Fat Joe) and Mr. Collipark (Ying Yang, B.G., Bubba deals) spoke about life in the game from a different perspective while Sparxxx) along with producers of certified hood classics like Nitti (“It’s the Media featuring Don Diva’s Editor-In-Chief, Cavario Hodges, MTV’s Goin’ Down”), Jim Jonsin (Trick Daddy, Pretty Ricky), and The Runners Mixtape Monday’s Rahman Dukes, and N. Ali Early, Grip Magazine’s (“Hustlin’”). Editor-In-Chief among other publications taught the proper ways to get ink from the press. The panels were also blessed with gold & platinum album award winners such as former No Limit producer KLC (40 million units sold) and the Meanwhile, the DJ Crews with Tony Neal (founder, The Core DJs), 1st people who helped put artists in a winning position such as Bryan Leach Lady El (founder, The Murda Mamis), and Kaspa (founder, Hittmenn DJs) (who signed Ying Yang Twins), Vince Phillips (CEO, BME Records), among other organizations demonstrated how powerful a unit can be. Mike Clarke (VP, SwishaHouse), and most importantly the DJs. Brandi But the Artist panel commanded the most attention as it overfilled two Garcia, DJ Wally Sparks, Green Lantern, DJ Nasty, Chuck T, Greg Street, ballrooms with Tastemakers. Killer Mike, David Banner, Webbie, and DJ Jelly, and Clinton Sparks banded together to get the conference T-Pain were a few of the artists whose tales inspired a new generation of members familiar with the mindset of a good DJ. Plus, anyone who had hungry Tastemakers. a question about utilizing today’s technology to achieve a greater market share could directly ask AOL Radio, MySpace.com, and DigiWaxx. Following the panels, Jive, Atlantic, and Asylum Records each hosted suite parties that brought the house down. Plus, it provided momentum After the business, Koch Records hosted a suite listening party to high- into the Tastemaker Showcase at Firestone. Upcoming sensations such as light their upcoming releases including DJ Unk’s “Walk It Out” and DJ B.H.I., Tampa Tony, Blak Jak, Raw LT, Randy B., Haitian Fresh, Treal, Khaled’s album. Soon after, the Tastemakers migrated towards the pool The Coalition, Lil Ru, Cadillac Don & Jay Money set the stage ablaze with deck to be thoroughly entertained during the Welcome To Florida Pool their skills. But, J-Shin stole the show with a surprise live verse by T-Pain Party & Tastemakers Tasties Fashion Show hosted by Khao & Stay Fresh. on their shared track, “Sent Me An Email.” Plus, Lil Wayne stopped by to While viewing the latest fashions from lines including LRG, Struggle say hello and pop a bottle for the next day’s event, the OZONE Awards. Wear, CakeMixx, and body paint by Rohaun’s Designs worn by a legion of beautiful models, the Tastemakers were treated to an explosive musical Sunday, August 6 began with a scrumptious brunch for the Tastemakers line-up that included Chyna Whyte, Khao, Crime Mob, Young Capone, provided by Sony Urban with Lyfe Jennings making an appearance for Daz, and T-Hud. flavor. Then folks went to get extra clean for the OZONE Awards. Those who arrived at the Bob Carr Auditorium early were fortunate to catch Next, it was Interscope Records’ time to shine as the Tastemakers eagerly their favorite stars walk the OZONE Red Carpet as they entered the sold entered Club Cairo. Interscope took full advantage of the Tastemakers out venue...

< Lloyd Banks and Young Buck performing at Cairo for the Interscope Records kickoff party

Webbie helping us RAY TAMARRA RAY with registration? > J LASH 38 RAY TAMARRA RAY J LASH RAY TAMARRA RAY RAY TAMARRA RAY RAY TAMARRA RAY

Clockwise from above: - DJ Panel (Clinton Sparks, DJ Jelly, OG Ron C, Brandi Garcia, Grafh, Felli Fel, DJ Wally Sparks, DJ Chuck T, Michael Watts, DJ Ideal) - Women’s Panel (Tiffany Chiles, Miss Info, Kim Osorio, Wendy Day, Elora Mason, Supa Cindy, Jill Strada) - Producer Panel (Jim Jonsin, DJ Toomp, TJ Chapman, Khao, Mr. Collipark, Cool & Dre, KLC, The Runners) - A&R Panel - Media Panel (Jesus Trevino, Maurice Garland, Carl Cherry, Rah- man Dukes, Cavario, Kraze, Guest, Greg Gate$, and N. Ali Early) - The Artist Panel included Killer Mike, Lil Boosie, David Banner, and T-Pain (shown) as well as Trae, Slim Thug, Webbie, Kinfolk Nakia Shine, Gangsta Boo, and Big Tuck

- The Artist Panel audience spilled over into a second ballroom J LASH RAY TAMARRA RAY

39 TJ’S DJ’S TASTEMAKERS MUSIC CONFERENCE & OZONE AWARD SHOW WEEKEND OFFICIAL RECAPby Keith Kennedy

OZONE AWARD WINNERS: ...The Tastemakers who were fortunate to have Best Rap Album: T.I. King made it in were treated to a fantastic show. Best Rap Artist (Male)T.I. David Banner and Trina were the hosts for the Best Rap Artist (Female); Shawnna evening that witnessed a UGK reunion show, Best R&B Artist (Male): Chris Brown Ludacris, Shawnna, Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Best R&B Artist (Female): Keyshia Cole BloodRaw, Slick Pulla, Young Dro, Lil Boosie, Best Album - R&B: Ne-Yo In My Own Words Trick Daddy, Rick Ross, B.G., Pitbull, Plies, Best Rap Group: Three 6 Mafia DJ Drama, DJ Khaled, Jacki-O, Khia, Cool & Best Lyricist: Lil Wayne Dre, Paul Wall, T-Pain, KLC, Gangsta Boo, Breakthrough Artist: Rick Ross Grandaddy Souf, J Prince Jr & Jas Prince, Jody Best Rap Collaboration: DJ Khaled f/ Lil Wayne, Breeze, J-Shin, K-Foxx, Yung Joc, 8Ball & MJG, Rick Ross, Fat Joe, and Pitbull “Holla At Me Baby” Big Kuntry, Trae, Khao, Chyna Whyte, Crime Best Rap/R&B Collaboration: T-Pain f/ R Kelly, Mob, Jibbs, Fiend, Killer Mike, Lyfe Jennings, Twista, Pimp C, Paul Wall, MJG & Too $hort “I’m Polow, Yola, Young Cash, Rasheeda, Ray Cash, In Luv (Wit’ A Stripper)” remix Rich Boy, Slim Goodye, Smilez & Southstar, No Escape Award: Dem Franchize Boyz “Lean Wit’ Smitty, Tampa Tony, Treal, Webbie, Wes Fif, It, Rock Wit’ It” Yo Gotti, and so many others perform and make Club Banger: Yung Joc “It’s Goin’ Down” appearances. If you missed it, don’t worry, the Mixtape Monster Award: Young Jeezy OZONE Awards were recorded for posterity and Slept On Artist: Webbie rebroadcast. They will be airing on MTV Jams Living Legend Award: UGK and available soon on DVD. TJ’s DJ’s Hustler Award: DJ Drama TJ’s DJ’s Tastemaker Award (Music/Sound): Lil Jon As the weekend concluded with performances TJ’s DJ’s Tastemaker Award (Style/Trendsetter): by Young Dro, 8Ball & MJG, and others at Fires- Paul Wall & TV Johnny Best Video: Chamillionaire f/ Krayzie Bone “Ridin’ tone during the OZONE Awards Afterparty, the Dirty” Tastemakers could be seen rejoicing in a glow of Honorary Southerner Award: Twista RAY TAMARRA RAY success. The Tastemakers were able to network, Best Club DJ: DJ Khaled learn, and enjoy themselves without the drama Best Radio DJ: Greg Street that hip-hop events are unfairly generalized Best Mixtape DJ: DJ Drama with. Now, they look forward to returning to Best Producer: Mannie Fresh Tallahassee to celebrate the next Tastemakers Patiently Waiting Florida: Plies during Florida A&M University’s Homecoming Patiently Waiting Georgia: Young Dro in October and to the next edition of OZONE Patiently Waiting Tennessee: Yo Gotti Magazine. In the meantime, the Tastemakers Patiently Waiting Louisiana: Lil Boosie will count the days until they can make history Patiently Waiting Mississippi: Kamikaze again during the 2007 TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Patiently Waiting Texas: Trae DJ/Music Conference & 2nd Annual OZONE Patiently Waiting Alabama: Rich Boy Awards. Patiently Waiting Carolinas: Fatboy

Even with Khia and B.G. (left), Trina (below left with co-host David Banner), Lil Wayne (above left), and Jacki-O all in the same building, nobody “got their ass beat,” David Banner pointed out, reminding us that “an award show is not complete til

MALIK ABDUL MALIK somebody gets they ass whupped”; below, Young Jeezy accepting his Mixtape Monster Award presented by Boosie and Webbie RAY TAMARRA RAY RAY TAMARRA RAY RAY TAMARRA RAY RAY TAMARRA RAY RAY TAMARRA RAY

Clockwise from below: DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Pitbull and Trick Daddy

J LASH were all one big happy family onstage performing “Born & Raised” until Trick spit acapella: “There’s only one mayor in Dade, and y’all niggas are my protegés,” a statement which he was asked to, um, clarify backstage; David Banner, Cool, DJ Khaled, Julia Beverly, & Dre; Shawnna, Ludacris, & Lil Fate performing “Gettin’ Some”; Pimp C, Young Jeezy, & Bun B performing “Get Throwed”, Paul Wall & TV Johnny accepting their Tastemaker Award; K-Foxx and Lyfe Jen- nings; Lil Wayne stopped by Trina’s dressing room J LASH

after his performance J LASH RAY TAMARRA RAY

41 LIL SCRAPPY

WORDS & PHOTOS JULIA BEVERLY

42 So you’re appearing on the new Tupac album – what is this, the 10th Naw, this is a slow day for Lil Scrappy. Shit is just now finna pick up, and posthumous Tupac album? the days have been faster up until now. Today and yesterday have been I don’t know, I just know it’s the first Tupac album that I’ma be on, and I kinda slow out here in L.A., I guess I’m ready to get out of here and go do always wanted to be on a Tupac album. I already did two songs for it and my thing. It’s like the day before Christmas – when you wake up the next now I’m finna do another one that Sha Money produced. After that they morning you’re ready to go. I’ve been out here for three months now. I’ve say they’ve got one more album and that’s it; they’re closing the whole been out here since May, recording and getting all my stuff ready for my storage and just let him be. album.

Why have you always wanted to be on a Tupac album? Do you feel like you have a lot of input on your project? Cause that’s the realest, hardest nigga that ever lived. One of ‘em. They’re letting me handle some of my shit. They asking me for some of my opinions. Everybody don’t get to have an opinion or choice to what Do you think it’s fair that they pair him with other rappers on records they want to do, but I do. My music, my marketing, and how I want to after his death? They’ve got a song with Tupac and Nas together, but he look. They let me do my thing because they can see that I’ve been doing had dissed Nas. my own shit. They’ve seen the mixtapes and stuff like that I put out with I think that if he could’ve made money without the beef, he would’ve my own money. They’re like, “Oh shit, this nigga knows how to do some fucked with every last one of ‘em. Mother knows best, you know what things.” I can’t do it all, but I can do some of it. I’m sayin’? She knew her son, for real. Like my mama, she’s not an idiot. She knows who I like and who I don’t like. Is it fair to say that your labelmate Bohagon is a better rapper – There’s a difference between a rapper and a lyricist. I can rap all day but Your mom’s a gangsta. Bohagon’s a better lyricist. Yeah, she’s hardcore. She ain’t playin’. Mama gonna always be mama, and mama gonna always do her thing and act crazy. What I was getting at is this: do you think it’s your music that “sells” you, or your image? What role does she play in your career? You’ve got the have the whole package. You’ve got to have the brain too. She’s the advisor. I don’t ask for her opinion, she just gives it to me. I And Bohagon, he has everything too. He does his shit. Bohagon works could just be sittin’ chillin’ and she’ll hear about some shit I ain’t tell her every fuckin’ day, and he’s a creative-ass muthafucker, and he’s been and she’ll be like, “This is what I think, I think you need to….” Then keeping himself to where the young ladies will like him. He doesn’t have I’ll be like, “Mama, can you stay out of my business?” She tells me, “I’m a real problem with sellin’ anything. But when other people can’t see gonna always be in your business.” that, it’s kinda hard for you. If you’re going around the whole United States and everybody can see that except the people that put you out. Now that you’re down with G-Unit and all that, is everybody tryin’ It’s like they’re just now getting it. Now they’re like, “Okay, Bohagon, to work with you? Even the people that didn’t wanna work with you he is the truth. The nigga is gonna do it.” So now they’re behind him. before? But you’ve got to put pressure on them, and Bohagon did that. He did it Yep. Everybody wanna be working with me now. There’s only some out of his own will and his own thought. Sometimes it takes the whole that did records with me when I wasn’t poppin’. I know Bun B came package. Certain people don’t have to go through that because they’ve through for me. 8Ball & MJG always told me that if I needed their help already got the package. They’re already set. They’ve already seen other they were down. I ain’t really call on them cause they’re O.G.s. I can call people go through those types of problems, so they’re like, “Look, I need Jon and say, “I want 8Ball & MJG on my album,” and they gon’ come on my paperwork straight. I ain’t signing shit. I don’t give a fuck how broke the strength of Jon and cause they like my music. So I know they gon’ I am. I need to see them papers, and I got my lawyer right here so don’t come. But I’m talking about the new niggas, all the young folk. Young try to half-ass.” And they got the lyrics and everything. Everybody knows Jeezy fucked with a nigga when a nigga wasn’t poppin’. But there’s a lot of there’s something wrong with everybody. They might not be the hardest, other niggas that really wouldn’t fuck with a young boy. There’s certain they might not be the realest. They might be somebody who just got ones that did and certain ones that didn’t, and you know, the ones that a good flow. Those are the ones that halfway win, the ones that got an didn’t, I can’t help them now. If I see ‘em fallin’ off, I’m just gonna be ounce of will in their body, straight from the suburbs. They’ve always like, “Well damn, I’ll pray for ya.” If I show that it’s all good just cause had it, and they’re just getting out of the house and they’re struggling I’m a fan of theirs or just cause I want to make it happen, I’ll be sucka- now. So now they’re the hard nigga, the real nigga, and they just want to punchin’ myself in the face, like I’m not standing up for my morals. I rap. don’t like that shit. So I just help my artists and keep myself where I can make all my money. What’s the best advice 50 Cent has given you? The best advice 50’s given me is, “Fuck that shit, do your shit.” That nigga Who are your artists, G’s Up? told me, “You know why I won’t stop, even though I’m wealthy as fuck? Yeah, Lil Chris, Pooh Baby, Crime Mob. It’s because it’s nobody out there that’s doin’ it like that, to where I can just feel good about leaving the game.” It’s entertainment. It’s nobody out Crime Mob is actually signed to your label Crunk Inc., right? there that’s makin’ it look good. He just makes it look good. Like he told Yeah, it’s Crunk Inc., but I’m switching it over to G’s Up because I just me, “At the end of the day, I want you to be you, and go as far as you can don’t feel like dealing with ol’ dude [Serious]. He wants to sue everybody, cause you’ve got that in you.” but he stole all the money. We could be suing his broke ass but he ain’t got nothin’ to sue for. When it comes to the music, have you used the 50 connection to work with people like Eminem and Dr. Dre? That was your business partner? Yeah, I got a track with Eminem called “Lord Have Mercy” that me and Yeah, that was my partner altogether, you know. 50 wrote. 50 came up with the chorus and I came up with the verses, un- like some other people that 50 has helped. Do you regret being in a partnership with him? Naw, cause that dude was smart when he had it all. I don’t know what On that note, do you think you’ll ever be put in a position where you he’s doing now, but I just know that he’s not insane like he tries to make might have to beef with somebody on 50’s behalf? everyone believe. I know him, and I’m just lookin’ at this nigga laughin’ I’ll put it like this: I done seen everybody in the world that 50 has beef like, oh my God. This nigga is for real. I could tell he was like that in the with and nobody’s tried me or said nothin’ out of the way. And that’s beginning just by how he’d act towards people. He’ll act crazy. I’d tell because I’ve seen them before the situation and it’s always been, “Whas- him, “Sit yo’ ass down, cause I’m not even with all that shit. If I fight you, sup,” give ‘em dap and keep it moving. I ain’t tryin’ to butt into their shit nigga, you know I’ma shoot yo’ ass.” He’s a big nigga, you know, so I’m and they ain’t tryin’ to butt into my shit. 50 told me, “Don’t even try to not even fuckin’ with it. But nah, that dude taught me some shit and I get into the beef shit, because niggas like you.” Niggas fuck with me, and just thought he was the realest in the world and I looked at him like a big I fuck with niggas. Don’t just talk about somebody and then take pictures brother. Shit, anything that nigga told me, I believed it, and I put my trust with them the next day or do a song with them the next week. I’m not in him. Certain shit happened and I had to let him go to keep my career gon’ do that shit. I’m gonna keep it real. I don’t wanna beef with nobody. moving. I could’ve still been cool with him but I kept looking at the I’m not gonna do that shit cause I got a lil’ girl at home and I’m tryin’ to money situation, like, damn, you actually let money just fuck up all this take care of her. I’d rather be real about the shit. I grew up listening to shit. That ain’t real and I can’t deal with nobody that ain’t real. half these niggas, you know what I’m sayin’?

Is today a typical day in the life of Lil Scrappy? What’s the movie you have coming out?

43 The movie is called “Trappin’.” It’s produced by Mekhi Phifer. I play a just Jon beats, people would look at me like, “I don’t get it.” They wanna robber, a stick-up kid. I got a good part; I’m in a couple of scenes. I’m in see you bobbin’ your head, getting crunk, and jumping in the crowd. there for half the whole movie. Stacey Dash is in it – They wanna see me goin’ crazy all the time, just like they wanna see Jon go crazy all the time. He don’t have no room to be calm. I wanna have I heard you had a little run-in with Stacey Dash at the Atlanta airport. room to be me. Crunk is me, but I’m more of a hip-hop person. I do crunk Yeah, but I don’t think she really seen me. She wasn’t looking at me. Her shit but I don’t wanna make that my main focus. bodyguard kinda took the whole shine because he’s big as fuck. I was like, “Hey, I just wanna say what’s up to her because I like her work and How much do you think you’ve grown since you came out, not just as an I’m finna do a movie with her, and I’m from the A and she’s here in my artist but as a person? city.” The nigga was like, “She’ll be at Club Compound tonight.” I’m like, I’m a grown man now. There’s no hiding that shit. I just feel like I know “Nigga, I’m from the A, I know where she gon’ be at tonight. I’m tryin’ more now. Ain’t too many people that can get over on me now, but they to shake her hand right now and say, ‘How you doin’?’” So the next time used to get over on me. They can’t just throw me over here now, cause I that cocky-ass nigga sees me he’ll know what it is. He ain’t know who I ain’t gon’ just go. I’ma still be a grown man, I’ma rap, I’ma get my rela- was. I’m like, damn, I’m finna do a movie with her. I have a song on the tionships and I’ma keep ‘em, and I’m not gonna be cocky. I’ma be humble radio. I’m still poppin’ right now. She didn’t even look over to see what but at the same time I’m gonna stand for something. That’s what you’ve was going on. She just turned her back and kept moving. She’s a beautiful got to tell some of these artists. I don’t care how many records you ain’t lady, but I just feel like people need to be more realer. Black people hurt sold – don’t let them just throw you somewhere. That’s why they throw each other but at the same time, when we see famous people, all we want you so many places, because they can. They know you need them. I don’t is an autograph. You gotta look in their eyes, first of all. I don’t think [her give a fuck. My daughter will eat. I don’t give a fuck where your office is bodyguard] was a good judge of character, because I came up to him real at or how high you are; nigga, everybody can get got. I’m a grown man humble. I should’ve been like, “Whassup, nigga, let me holla at Stacey, and it’s all about getting money. We’re going for the same thing. I’m not nigga, get the fuck out of the way before I bust yo’ shit.” We was in the gonna be lax, cause when you get lax, everybody can get you. A so I was tryin’ to look out. She might need something. Whatever she needed, you know, I could’ve looked out. I got a baby mama. She might What’s the concept of your TV show, G’s Up TV? Is it like a talk show? need some girly girl shit (laughing). G’s Up TV is some extra shit that I just wanted to try out. It’s like a talk show without the crowd. People come hang out with me. It’s like Tigger What’s up with you and Diamond from Crime Mob? without the DJ and the videos. I do long interviews, that shit’s gonna I just tend not to answer that question. I plead the Fifth. That’s my lil’ be crazy. I did Jon and Jamie Kennedy so far. I’m finna do Triple 6, The shawty. Federation….

When does your album come out? You just ask them some real off-the-wall questions? My album comes out on October 31st, you know, Halloween. Yeah, and I got this lil’ thing I call “What if?” It’s a whole bunch of “what if” questions and we go out in the street with the camera following us. Are you going to wear a costume? Like, I might put a whole bunch of clay with a little bit of water no my Shit, God already gave me one. I’m me for Halloween. hands and walk up to somebody and say, “What if a person you didn’t know walked up to you and gave you dap and mushed your hand full of Are you gonna be beefin’ up even more to sell this album, going for a 50- shit, what would you do?” It’s just something entertaining for the people. type look with the bulletproof vest and all? We don’t want to be so serious that niggas forget to laugh. Naw, I just gotta stay in shape. My body is the type that if I just sit down and don’t do nothin’, I’ll get fat. I’m not a skinny project kid, I’m a solid project kid. I’ll be chubby if I don’t work out. a ’t fuck with Were you chubby when you were a kid? really wouldn that did and Naw, I was brought up skinny as fuck. But now of niggas ones ’t, I “A lot . There’s certain that didn I see my genes actually kickin’ in. My daddy’s young boy didn’t. the ones ’. If I see ‘em genes are finally kickin’ in. My daddy, he’s ones that that I’m poppin for ya.’” swole. He used to be a power lifter. That shit is certain them now , I’ll pray just comin’ into play. can’t help m like, ‘Damn fallin’ off, I’ How do you stay in shape? I do jail workouts. I used go to the gym, and that’s what got me to where I’m at. Now I do my boxin’ shit and my lil’ everyday workout.

You were talking earlier about the fact that you’re a priority at your label now. Yeah, I’m a priority. At first they gave Trillville like three singles and three videos, and it didn’t go nowhere. I was like, damn, you coulda given that to me and I would’ve did something with it. Not to say that Trillville ain’t no stars, but it’s like, when you have a star like me you’ve got to let it shine because it’s gonna shine anyway. I’m not just any star or just any rapper. I got God behind me so I know it’s gonna happen. You can run me down in the woods and damn near cut my head off, but I’ma still do what I got to do. So if a label sees that kind of star, they know they’ve either gotta do something with ‘em or somebody’s gonna pay us for ‘em.

Wasn’t your album supposed to drop earlier this year? Yeah, it was supposed to come out earlier, but then the 50 situation came into play and we had to get all the paperwork done. It was a lot of planning, and I needed the time because I’ve never done an album by myself. I would’ve put out some crazy shit and you would’ve been like, what the fuck is this nigga doin’? I had to make it relevant. I’m rappin’ real shit, on that hip-hop note. If I was gonna do “real hip-hop” with

44 45 UNITEDWORDS: DeVAUGHN DOUGLAS WE PHOTOS: STAND MIKE FROST y now, the whole world knows of Swishahouse’s rise to fame: A “At the last SXSW I small label headed by DJ Michael “5000” Watts which produced its was DJing to a real Bown northside brand of screwed music popularized by southside mixed crowd. So I put Houston legend DJ Screw. Throughout the late 90s Swishahouse carved out a niche in Southern music putting out the music of regional stars Slim on some Kelly Clark- Thug, Chamillionaire, Mike Jones, Paul Wall and others. The label, like son and started screw- many other Houston acts, seemed content selling hundreds of thousands ing and chopping it.” of records independently and maintaining their local celebrity status.

That all changed last year with the breakthrough success of Mike Jones’ “Still Tippin’,” which led the charge of Houston rap music onto the national stage. Slim Thug has now appeared on top selling tracks with Beyonce and Gwen Stefani and continues to make noise on Pharrell’s Star Trak label. Chamillionaire has a platinum album and won both an OZONE Award and a MTV Video Music Award for his “Ridin’ Dirty” video. Every rapper is running down South to have Port Arthur natives Pimp C and Bun B bless them with 16 bars, and that small label started by Watts and T Farris boasts two of rap’s biggest names with more to come.

Thanks to Biggie, the whole world also knows that with more money come more problems, and Swishahouse is going through a couple growing pains. Rumors have been circulating about Mike Jones and his break with the label so that he can run his own label, Ice Age Entertainment. Swishahouse is also breaking away from Asylum Records, the division of Warner that helped bring their brand of screwed and chopped music to the masses. These two situations alone are large enough to topple any record label, but Swishahouse remains optimistic about their future; a future which includes Mike Jones, a new label, and an expanded roster of artists including a southside Houston legend.

GROWING PAINS MICHAEL “5000” WATTS arlier this year, magazines began to report that Mike Jones was no longer with Swishahouse and planned to devote all his attention towards his own Ice Age Entertainment. He separated with his hat is your take on the artists that feel you are profiting off of E DJ Screw’s legacy? original management and hired Rap-A-Lot Records to represent him, placing considerable doubt on the release of his sophomore album The WWatts: First of all, we can’t take from DJ Screw. That’s his American Dream. Then, almost as soon as the controversy began, Jones name. I know a lot of people feel differently but I look at the music like and Swishahouse were working together again, leaving fans to question an art form like jazz or rock. It just happens to be that DJ Screw created it what exactly happened. It is a question which Swishahouse exec Mike out here. I think people should look at it as more of an honor because his Clarke believes has an easy answer. name carries right along with it.

“In the beginning of a relationship everything is really good because it’s Okay, what do you have that’s about to come out? simple,” explains Clarke of the Jones situation. “I think you hear about Watts: We have The Day Hell Broke Loose Part 3. It’s a compilation that Mike Jones because the relationship between him and us is more complex. comes out every year and a half. The first one broke Slim Thug, Paul There are a lot more royalties and dollars that need to be split up. Artists Wall, Chamillionaire, and Mike Jones. For the new album we have some like The Rolling Stones routinely renegotiate as their situation becomes new artists like Coota Bang, Archie Lee, E Class, and Yung Redd as well more complex. Nobody questions the complexity of that situation. It’s as Paul Wall and Lil Keke. just that when that when rappers do it, people think it’s beef. One of our artists acquired a lot of success so we went back and negotiated with him. Any plans to screw other artist’s music? People mistake that for animosity when there is none.” Watts: Yeah that hasn’t changed, but now I’m opening up the playing field a little. At first I did a lot of Southern music but now I’ve branched In response to Swishahouse’s feelings about Ice Age, Clarke is clear. off into doing rock. I’ve also been doing some overseas stuff with people “From day one we’ve been supportive of Mike Jones’s Ice Age movement. from Japan. Ice Age is not an entity of Swishahouse so we would not actively promote it, but it’s nothing that we would try to stop or kill.” Japan? What artists are you working with from there? Watts: There is a group signed to Def Jam called Teriyaki Boyz. They’re With one of their top selling artists back on board, Swishahouse execs part of the Bathing Ape clique. I screwed and chopped their record. now feel that it is time to leave Asylum Records and seek out a new home. Clarke further explains, “There is no problem with Asylum. They So you’re trying to expand the sound of the label? are designed to be an incubator label, meaning they take up and coming Watts: Yeah, exactly. The Swishahouse movement has a wide fan base labels and groom them to get them ready for that next level. Swishahouse – from rock to rap to R&B. The thing is now trying to get involved with just reached that next level much quicker than anyone’s anticipation. all those genres. We got value from the relationship with Asylum and now that they have helped us build our brand it’s time for both of us to move forward. Right I heard you recently worked with the rock group Korn. now we are just looking for the best place for our team.” Watts: Rock is just something I always digged. I just really did it for the

46 UNITE D WE STAND fun of it. I told Clarke that it was something I wanted to do and he came What is your situation working with Swishahouse? up with the project. I’m a huge rock fan. I’m an extremely open-minded E Cla$$: Swishahouse, in Dallas, that was like our Roc-A-Fella. Paul Wall person and I like to keep my options open. I’m gonna always be trying was our Jay-Z; Slim Thug was our Beanie Sigel. Getting signed to Swisha- other types of music whether it’s released commercially or not. At the last house was like a lifelong dream. We didn’t grow up jamming [East Coast SXSW Convention I was DJing, and I saw it was a real mixed crowd. So I music]. I mean, we heard The Blueprint and stuff like that, but we were put on some Kelly Clarkson and started screwing and chopping it. listening to all the Swishahouse mixtapes. They were so big to us that when they called me it was like a no-brainer. No question. Kelly Clarkson? Watts: Yeah, and Mike Clarke was like, “Man, cut that off! Cut that off!” Besides the vets on Swishahouse, who are some of the rap acts that influ- So I cut the music off and said, “My manager Mike Clarke told me to cut enced you? this music off.” All you could hear was “Booo! Fuck Mike Clark!” E Cla$$: Man, I love Ludacris’ music. UGK, Scarface, and Master P. I was basically influenced by entrepreneurs; people that made a way out of Looks like you have screw music on a nationwide level, and in such a no way. These people couldn’t get recognized or heard so they went out short amount of time. A lot of rap labels that have come out so quickly there and made themselves be heard. disappear just as fast. What keeps your label at the forefront? Watts: I’ll tell you this about us. We’re a really fair company. We pay our What was it like to rap on the Korn CD? Had you listened to their music royalties and everything. I think that’s it – we’re fair about it. We’re not before? the type of label that goes out and tries to stick people on the back end E Cla$$: Yeah! I had listened to Korn, AC/DC, whoever. I listen to all like some of the horror stories I’ve heard about other labels. We make it music because I know what’s behind it. I know what it takes to create it because we’re fair. and I appreciate people’s hard work.

When can we expect to hear your work on an album? E Cla$$: It’s called E Dash C.com. It will be out sometime around the first “Swishahouse was like quarter of next year. our Roc-A-Fella, so when they called me Where do you see yourself going as an artist? it was a no-brainer.” E Cla$$: I see myself as being a successful entrepreneur. I have a website where I sell tennis shoes and T-shirts. Just something I can do on my own. I just see myself as someone for the people of Dallas to look up too. When people say Dallas, I want them to think of E Cla$$. I want us to have that bond in Dallas that Houston has with Swishahouse, Rap-A-Lot, and Wreckshop, where all the local artists work together. I want to bring that attitude to Dallas, and not just push myself, but push the whole city of Dallas to the rest of the nation.

E-CLA$$

allas rapper E Cla$$ is the first rapper signed to the Swishahouse label who is not originally from Houston. “The whole D world is picking How did you hook up with Swishahouse? up on [screw mu- E Cla$$: I dropped a single independently and Paul Wall was featured on sic]. It just keeps it. It made a lot of noise in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area, San Antonio, and growing. It’s like Austin. Since Paul was featured on the song that gave [Swishahouse] easy an epidemic.” accessibility to hearing it. They liked it, heard some of my other music, and we made it happen.

What type of music can we expect to hear from you? E Cla$$: I don’t want to be labeled as a gangsta rapper or a club rapper – I do it all. I can do a song for the ladies, a song for the club, a song for the streets. My whole objective is to show my humbleness and that I’m down COOTA BANG to earth. I talk about everyday things that we all go through so you can relate to it. oota Bang is the youngest member in the Swishahouse who was What do you say to critics that say Southern music is too commercial? brought into the camp by Archie Lee. E Cla$$: Everyone has their opinion and they’re entitled to it, and if C someone feels negative about my music I don’t get mad. Hopefully, one How do you feel being the youngest person on the label? day I’ll make something that they like. Coota Bang: I’m holdin’ it down for all the young people across the world.

47 AND UNITED WE ST

So Swishahouse is the label that you came up listening too? Any artists you plan on working with on the album? Coota Bang: Yeah, in high school on the northside that’s all we came up Archie Lee: Well, of course my family Paul Wall and Keke, but as far as listening too. That’s a camp I always wanted to be a part of and as I got features outside the label there are a couple of people I plan on working older and started wreckin’ more it just happened. with but it’s not official. It’s gonna be a beast.

What’s the name of your album? How do you feel about artists that criticize Southern rappers for their lack Coota Bang: It’s called The Big Bang Theory. It should come out late of lyricism? 2007. I’m waiting because I want it to be right. It’s the story of the hood. Archie Lee: I really do feel like when they try to say what “real hip-hop” It’s everything that goes down in the streets, everything that I grew up is, they try to shit on the south. What it really boils down to is, if you’re around, and everything that I’m a part of. My style could be classified as making good music then that’s what it is – good music. It doesn’t matter if hood. It’s more of the street type of rapping instead of standing there and you’re from the East or West. I think it’s more on the line that the South fly talking. is getting hot right now and other artists don’t like it and they criticize. That’s what I’m thinking. How do you feel when you look back and see where screw music started and where it’s at now? Who are the artists that influence your music? Coota Bang: The whole world is picking up on it. It just keeps growing. Archie Lee: Got to give it up for UGK, you know, Pimp C, Bun B, Scar- It’s like the new epidemic. face, Geto Boys, and N.W.A. Right now I’m feeling Juelz Santana and Cam’ron, the whole Dipset movement. I’m really influenced by the down Being one of the youngest people on the label, do you feel any pressure to South and West coast music. That’s what I grew up listening to. perform at the level of your labelmates? Coota Bang: No, not really because I’m part of the team – it’s like a family. Do you feel any pressure coming behind successful artists like Paul Wall So, whatever I can’t do they are going to help me so that I can learn how and Mike Jones? to do it. Archie Lee: You know what it does for me? It actually motivates me to work that much harder, by surrounding myself with other artists like Keke. I look up to Keke. I don’t want to say it’s competition, but the rivalry and competitiveness makes the music that much better.

How do you feel about the state of Houston music right now? Archie Lee: I feel like right now in 2006 and 2007 labels like Swishahouse and Rap-A-Lot are helping to bring Houston together. There use to be a lot of hate and shit going around, and that was really what was holding us back. Now Houston is starting to get to the level where we all work together and we’re about to come up. At Swishahouse we like to say, “We’re setting trends for others to follow.” We lead by example.

“I’m a hard worker... Sucka Free was too focused on the gimmicks just to get a dollar.”

“We’re setting trends for others to follow. We lead by example.”

ARCHIE LEE

rchie Lee is one of the original members of the Swishahouse who left before their break on the national scene. He is now back and Aready to make a name with the Swishahouse camp. There was a lot of speculation as to why you left the Swishahouse label. Why did you leave and now return? Archie Lee: I just hopped out there and got my feet wet. The business and YUNG REDD everything was good the first round. I had no complaints. My first project sold over 60,000 out the gate. Everything was good, but I just wanted to try something different. When they came to me with a chance to do ung Redd started off his rap career as a member of the Sucka Free another album I just hopped back on it. Wasn’t no bad business or noth- Camp and underground rap group H.S.E (Hustlaz Stackin’ Endz). ing like that. YOnce his contract was up, Swishahouse offered him a deal. Now that you’re back on, what can we expect to hear from your upcom- What made you decided to move to Swishahouse after your contract ing album? expired? Archie Lee: It’s called Hollyhood. It’s gonna be a beast. It’s gonna be a Yung Redd: When I was on Sucka Free they were too focused on Lil’ Flip beast. I can’t even put it into words. It’s gonna come out midyear 2007. and didn’t promote me. I had been dealing with Swishahouse for so many

48 UNITE D WE STAND years and I knew the whole camp for so many years that it felt right to go Lil Keke is one of the original members of the late DJ Screw’s southside with Swishahouse. If I was gonna mess with somebody else I thought I Screwed Up Click. He recently, to some surprise, signed with Swisha- should mess with the other Houston camp that’s on top. house and is now making moves to unite the city so that Houston can maintain its status in the rap world. What do you feel Sucka Free did wrong in terms of promoting you? Yung Redd: I’m a writer. I’m a rapper. I’m an entertainer, but more than What made you decide to sign with Swishahouse? anything I’m a hard worker. I’m real marketable, but I’m not a gimmick Lil Keke: I’ve been watching the rap game for a minute and I’ve been rapper. I wasn’t really focused on the gimmicks and Sucka Free was real paying attention and looking at what was going on. To be honest, Slim, focused on the gimmicks just to get a dollar. They really weren’t con- Paul, Mike Jones, I love all of them, they all cool, but without me they cerned about the music quality. They were all about just getting a dollar. wouldn’t be here. Not to say they wouldn’t be rapping. I have respect That’s where the conflict was. for all of them, but the style of rap that they do is a style we brought out years ago. Before anybody was accepting this style, me and Fat Pat So you parted ways with Sucka Free and came to Swishahouse. When can was dominating the south. Swishahouse had offered me a contract a few we expect to hear an album from you? times during the year, but I had already sold 600,000 independently. I Yung Redd: The name of the album is Dead Presidents but right now we wasn’t hurting for nothing. But once I saw them consecutively win with are working on The Day Hell Broke Loose and Paul Wall’s album. We just my style of rapping for eight or nine months I began to think it was the shot a video for This is How the Hustlas do it with Lil Keke and Weebie. perfect fit. Right now I’m working on Dead Presidents. Do you feel the signing of the contract is helping to unite the city? How does it feel being on the Swishahouse label and working with artist Lil Keke: Yeah, I’m a leader. The decision was based on me being a rap- like Paul Wall and Lil Keke who you already knew about? per. There are a lot of rappers in the city that can’t say they’re living off Yung Redd: I’ve been dealing with those cats for years now. I’ll be 25 in of the pen. People know my heart and talent, and they know I’m doing a couple of months and I feel like I’m a legend in the making. I’m on the this for H-Town. Some people say “Why Swishahouse?” I could have said same level as them; I just didn’t have the window that they had, but now fuck everyone. Fuck the north. Fuck Swishahouse. Fuck the deal. Now, Watts, Farris, and G Dash are providing me with a window so that I can I’m still a rapper. This is what I do for a living. So when Monday morning be on the same pedestal as other rappers who are doing it big in Houston. comes around, who got something for me to do?

So you started off around the same time as a lot of other Houston artist So your signing is going to help the city? that are out now? Lil Keke: Yeah, we need to be more like Atlanta. We don’t know what Yung Redd: I’m actually a hell of a lot younger than everyone else. I was part of Atlanta T.I. and Jeezy come from. All we know is that they from in high school when we dropped the H.S.E. album. Atlanta and their whole city is standing up. We don’t know about their north and south. My mission is that you don’t know about Houston’s So it’s like you have a built-in fan base. north and south, just that H-Town dominates the rap game. Yung Redd: Everybody is excited about the move. They want to hear what’s new. Plus now I have a squad – a team, and there are no weak You feel this coming together is going to be led by rappers like you and links on my team. Everybody is working hard and I couldn’t ask for a Pimp C, who addressed the separation problem on his last CD? better situation. Lil Keke: Hell yeah. There was a time I didn’t know Paul Wall or Slim Thug. I didn’t even know if Paul was black or white. At that time if you With this new team what can we expect to hear from your album? weren’t fuckin’ with Screw I didn’t know you. There was a time where Yung Redd: I’ll be real, what you’re gonna hear is not a new side of Yung we weren’t fuckin’ with the north and they weren’t fuckin’ with us Redd. It’s a side that’s always been there, but it’s what you didn’t get to – point blank. Now things are different. Ask Paul Wall and he’ll tell you hear in the past. I’ve really grown since then. Right now if you had to – I’m his favorite rapper. pick ten top rappers in Houston then I should be in that top ten. After selling 600,000 records independently, what made you decide to go with a major label? Lil Keke: The game changed. I was “[Houston] needs to be more like At- making 50 to 60 grand a month at doing lanta. We don’t know what part of shows at 19 years old. When I shot the Atlanta T.I. and Jeezy come from. All video for “Souhtside” I didn’t need a we know is that they from Atlanta video. I just wanted to show Houston we and their whole city is standing up.” could do it. Then Paul and them came and now it’s about videos, TV, ring tones, and tours. I’d be a damn fool to let them eat off of my music and not do anything. This is about taking my career to the next level and if anybody in Houston deserves this, besides Scarface, it’s me. I deserve it.

How do you feel about people saying Swishahouse is taking away from Screw’s legacy? Lil Keke: If they didn’t do it someone else would have. At least it’s in the city. There are people with S.U.C tapes in the store and we don’t even know who they are. What’s dead and gone is dead and gone. You got to move on. I’m going to stand up for the S.U.C and make sure everyone straight. Do I want Screw to be here and him be in charge of this machine and put out the S.U.C? Yes. But that’s not gonna happen. And anybody looking at this rap game can’t tell me that Swishahouse ain’t a machine. They sold 2.5 million albums with their first two albums out the gate. If you don’t think that’s a machine then you not really looking at this rap game. LIL KEKE 49 AND UNITED WE ST

or 2 others. On my last album, there were 7 or 8 features. I really wanted to tone it down a little bit on this one. My boy T. Farris has really been motivating me to PAUL WALL step up to the plate and do my thing. I spoke with Lil Keke earlier and he says he is your favorite rapper. What’s it like working with someone you grew up listening to? Paul Wall: It’s a dream. Lil Keke is still one of the most talented artists ever to touch the mic. He doesn’t get his just due. He is still my favorite rapper. The verses he’s dropping now are incredible. He’s been a really big motivating force for me to step up. I mean when Michael Jordan is on your team he makes all the other players play better. Now we’ve got Michael Jordan on our team. I’m Scottie Pippen. T. Farris is Phil Jackson. We’re going for the championship. Tell TV Johnny to get our rings ready, cause we’re coming.

What is your response to critics that say Southern music is too commercial, focusing on cars and money? Paul Wall: If you lived the way we live, you’d understand why we speak about the things we do. There are so many branches on the hip-hop tree now, and there is a huge fan base for every branch of style. Everybody isn’t going to be a fan of every style, and you don’t have to be. Talib Kweli is one of my favorite artists. I love [his album] The Beautiful Struggle. I didn’t live the way he lived so I don’t “I’m used to disap- make the same type of music. pointment and aban- How do you feel about Pimp C’s verse donment from people on “Knockin’ Doors Down,” where he you love and trust. advised Houston rappers to align with one But no matter how another? bad your day is, the Paul Wall: That would be a great thing sun goes down and for the Houston scene. For the most part, comes back up tomor- everybody pretty much gets along great. row. No matter how There are only a few artists, maybe one fake your friend might or two, that pretty much don’t get along turn out to be, there’s with anybody. But God bless them too. somebody even realer You’re an entrepreneur, so are there any around the corner.” other businesses besides grills that you plan on entering in the future? Paul Wall: Yeah, I’ve already got my y now, everyone knows about Paul “What it do” Wall, who is now hands in quite a few other pots. I’m a fan in the process of creating his sophomore album. of music, I love making music. But honestly, I know my career won’t last forever. I’m a hustler at heart. I’ve got tremendous ambition. Million dol- B lar dreams are turning into billion dollar dreams. Tell me about the new album. Paul Wall: It’s called Get Money Stay True. It’s been a lot of fun recording this album. I’ve been constantly in the studio almost every day that I’m You seem to be every rapper’s (and singer, and entertainer’s) favorite not out touring on the road. T. Farris is the A&R so you know it’s going to rapper. How do you maintain in the music industry which can be real be serious. And Mr. Lee is doing the production, so the music is going to two-faced? give you shivers. Paul Wall: I mean, I just be me. I stay true. The world in general is two- faced. I take the good with the bad, and always keep my chin in the air Are you happy with the sales for the last album? and a smile on my face. I came from a real rough upbringing. So I’m used Paul Wall: Oh yeah, definitely. We’ve sold over 800,000 albums, and to disappointment and abandonment from people you love and trust. But we’re certified platinum. That’s a huge accomplishment for any musician. no matter how bad your day is, the sun goes down and comes back up We’ve been consistent with every album we’ve released. So I’m glad that tomorrow. No matter how fake your friend might turn out to be, there’s my status and sales have been continually on the rise. somebody even realer around the corner. When me and Chamillionaire went separate ways 4 years ago, I hooked up with Mike Jones. Then Do you plan on doing anything different with this album? Mike Jones went another direction, and Lil Keke came. At the end of the Paul Wall: We’re basically doing the same thing we’ve been doing. That’s day we are all extremely successful. I’m happy, they seem happy to me. what people like about us. That’s what we give ‘em. At the same time, the Everybody has their own journey to travel. Sometimes our paths cross. production has really improved, the lyricism has improved, and in general But my journey isn’t the same as Chamillionaire and Mike Jones. When this album is a lot better. it’s all said and done, people are gonna be people. There aren’t very many genuine people that have love for you and keep your best interests at What guests can we look forward to seeing on the album? heart. Most people have their own best interests on their mind. I’ve been Paul Wall: Definitely Lil Keke. Other then that, there is only gonna be 1 blessed to work with the legendary T. Farris and G. Dash. They always have my best interests at heart. And that’s rare.

50 51 LUDA! WORDS: MAURICE G. GARLAND PHOTOS: ERIC JOHNSON

52 hen you meet Ludacris in person you immediately find that hat for hi hat, snare for snare. This is the one. But I don’t pay attention there is a difference between reality and what you see on TV. to stuff like that, honestly. I heard people say that Word of Mouf was a WThat’s almost rare. Most artists stay in performance mode 24/7. classic. If people are sleeping on my skills they gonna wake up real soon. Don’t think that’s true? Well, go to the flea market and peep the latest If people weren’t giving me props, they did with Red Light District. I’m random DVD magazine that follows your favorite artist around. You’ll coming with the consistency; multi-platinum albums. It took a little time notice that most of them live the entire day as if a microphone is up to but I think people are finally giving me the respect I deserve, and they their mouth at all times. Do they do it for the camera? Who knows? But can’t front on me after this album. you won’t be completely wrong if you get the sense that the world to them is a stage with millions screaming their names. You’ve achieved a vast amount of commercial success, but even with that, are you at all envious of the street cred of say a Young Jeezy or T.I.? Ludacris is different. When he is in performance mode, he’s live because I’m never envious of anything like that. I don’t knock what anybody he is supposed to be. When he is in front of a camera he turns his star does. I respect what anyone has done to change their lives. Am I envious wattage way up because he is supposed to. But when the music isn’t play- of that? No. I’ve been through my own struggles. I think being gangsta is ing and the cameras aren’t rolling, Ludacris only comes out when he is telling the truth, so I’m the most gangsta muthafucka in the world. I don’t summoned. If he sees people walking past him, he doesn’t clear his throat lie to nobody about shit, I’m giving you me. The real street muthafuckas to get one of those “hey, isn’t that…?” responses. He lets them mind their respect a nigga who tell the truth; that’s street. If they telling the truth business. If a pack of teenagers stroll by, he doesn’t greet them with a on their own accord, that’s good because I’m telling the truth on my own wide smile assuming that they want his autograph. He lets them be. accord. I feel like the most street shit is just telling the truth.

So naturally on a rather quiet Saturday afternoon in downtown Atlanta, You came out in 2000 when the “Southern Takeover” was beginning. But Luda, or Chris Bridges at this particular moment, is minding his own yet we still hear people say you’re not “Southern” and you’re not readily business conducting a photo shoot. There is a celebrity car show in town mentioned when people say who’s the best down South. How do you that is sure to be followed by at least 5 afterparties. But Luda won’t be respond to people that say you’re not “Southern” enough, maybe because attending any of these events. The only fancy car he will be seeing is his you don’t have that typical Southern drawl? daughter Karma’s Barbie Escalade. I’m universal. I never limit myself to the South, like I said on “War With God” I’m universal. People used to call me the mouth of the South. I While he is known for animated videos and now television and movie never came up with that title; they just called me that. I respect all South- roles, Luda will be playing “Karma’s Daddy” today and it’s a co-starring ern rappers for what they do, they feeding families, but you not gonna role. He’s not complaining though. Days like this are cherished and might limit anything I do. People are entitled to their own opinions, but at the be part of the reason why you haven’t heard his name pop up in the tab- end of the day, I done sold 15 million records. I can give a fuck what loids or the police blotter over the past 6 years. Really, besides the times anybody says about me. I’m feeding the hell out of my family. But if you he has a new album or video out, you don’t hear much about him period. don’t have haters you doing something wrong, and if you got haters you doing something right in your life. So, instead of crafting the rompish, party-animal skewed, colorful personality driven albums that he’s become known for, Luda will be getting up Karma returns, frowning: Daddy I’m tired. close and personal with his new album Release Therapy. Karma’s Daddy: Stop making that face, we’re almost done.

What are you getting off your chest with your fifth album? Speaking of “War With God,” who are you talking about on that song? I’m getting honesty off. The last 4 albums I kept information to myself Some have said it was directed at T.I. or Young Jeezy. because I didn’t feel like the public needed to know. But now I’m at a That’s funny. I got a song with Jeezy I did before the “War With God” point where…[trails off]. I signed a 5 album deal for Def Jam, and when I came out. Somebody who interviewed me misquoted me saying I was started recording this album I kinda had a lot of subject matter in mind. I talking about myself. I said that I divulge more information about myself didn’t wanna talk about the same shit I did on the last 4 albums. I’m giv- on that record than it is just me going at one person. If I was talking ing my thoughts on my personal life. I’m getting family stuff off my chest. about one person, I would’ve said their name. I did that record because I I’m talking about my daughter, my thoughts on the Lord, where I feel like hear a lot of subliminal stuff from rappers, but they never say my name I’m at in the rap game. so I’m never sure if they’re talking about me. So that’s my way of send- ing subliminal shots right back at them and at the same time divulging Karma softly interrupts: Daddy.,. personal info about myself. I start off saying I’m the best and that I never Karma’s Daddy: We almost done baby, 10 more minutes. sold cocaine. I’m talking about myself, so if someone is talking about me, come to the forefront and say my name. Jeezy was on my album so it’s You’ve avoided the tabloids, and visits in the rumor mill. Do you consider funny they would say that. yourself lucky to not have to go through that? Luda: I don’t feel like I’m lucky, but I feel like all my fans wanted to You probably know by now that Bill O’Reilly and Oprah Winfrey aren’t know how I felt about certain things and I’m finally doing it after hold- Luda’s biggest fans, which is actually quite surprising. He gets paid to ing out for so long. It’s therapeutic for me. It’s the same as sitting down voice his opinions and musings just like they do. They publish books, he talking to a psychiatrist, and it’s gonna feel the same for the listeners too records albums. They conduct interviews, he gets interviewed. Maybe because I know they can relate. they’re mad because he is a business man who doesn’t, er, didn’t look the role at the time. Luda isn’t complaining too hard, though. The void Talk about some of the songs specifically. that Pepsi left has been filled by Puma and the publicity Oprah gave him Luda: With “Tell It like It Is,” I know there are a lot of people trying to landed him a role on Law & Order. Not to mention the fact that he owns get into this hip-hop game and a lot of them don’t have their business a label that’s tasted platinum since its inception. right. They just want to rush into it and worry about the consequences later. I’m trying to educate people and tell them there is a flipside to this “He’s a very smart and shrewd dude, although he’d like for you to believe rap game. All these rappers wanna paint it like it’s this great lifestyle he has ADD and has no idea what’s going on,” says Jaycee, Luda’s long- where we always having fun; it’s not all good all the time. On “Runaway time tour DJ. “That’s what all the ‘great’ CEOs do, I suppose.” Love” I’m talking about the pressures of life. People get fed up and want to run away from home. Young children getting abused, or young ladies People had some interesting things to say when word broke that you who might get pregnant, people doing drugs. Me and Mary J did that were coming out with a clothing line, CP Time. Can you explain what one together. Then on “Slap,” everyone’s been in a situation where they the title means? wanna slap somebody. I’m talking about how the government treated It means Chasing Purpose ‘Til It Meets Existence. We flipped it to a posi- people after Katrina, and people stressed from working a 9 to 5 and hating tive meaning. I’m one of those people who get to places on time and that their day job. has to a lot to do with being business minded and professional. If you get there on time you leave on time, you get there late you leave late. Karma returns: Daddy… Karma’s Daddy: We almost finished.. It’s been said that the music industry is 99% business and 1% talent. I realized that along time ago. I’ve been rapping since I was 9 and it took All of your albums have been solid and entertaining. But many would say me ten years to realize that. I definitely know I have talent, but I’m the that you have yet to drop a classic album. perfect balance. If you’re business minded you can stay in this business Not to cut you off, but this is my classic, word for word, song for song, hi whether you’re a rapper or not and will know how to make money off

53 yourself or other people. If you just got talent and you’re not business alluded to the notion that hip-hop music and video promote promiscu- minded you can be here for all of three months. ity, thus leading to sexual irresponsibility. When you hear about the high numbers and how hip-hop gets part of the blame, do you think rappers Did you cut your hair off for business reasons? should speak up in some way to help the problem? It was a personal decision; it just came at a business time. I had braids I can’t speak for other rappers, but I stand behind everything I say and if for ten years, and I was sick of getting my hair braided. I’m getting older anybody wants to put me to the test and question my lyrics, I’ll explain now, and I never front on my age. I love age and I’m getting better with them if I feel they are worthy. But to answer your question, I do feel like time. I’m 28 years old. I told myself I wouldn’t go over 30 with braids. more rappers should, but I don’t think we have to, because we don’t have Plus, this album is talking about some more serious shit, so I might as well to prove nothing to anybody. But if put on the spot sometimes we do cut it now. have to let people understand what we’re doing. Hip-hop is a coded language and people who don’t understand it - people fear what they don’t We hear a lot of guys say that they don’t want to be 40 years old rapping. know. They criticize because they don’t understand; if they took time to Do you think the idea of rapping at 40 is whack? understand they wouldn’t trip as much. To each his own. Some niggas are whack rapping at 40. Some niggas are still going hard. If you still motivating people and we still have a need Karma appears again, sighing: Daddy you’re taking forever. for you, I don’t give a fuck how old you are. Me personally, I don’t want Karma’s Daddy: We almost finished. to be rapping at 40. I’ll still be in music somehow, as a CEO, but I don’t wanna be 40 rapping. Lately you’ve been letting it be known that you want to be considered a top five emcee. If anything can be said about your artists, it’s that people know who they Nobody is messing with me in this game. When you look at sales, are, even though they know they’re with you. How have you been able to consistency, how many albums sold, features, and personality, I feel like avoid overshadowing your artists in that way? nobody is messing with me. I feel like I’m getting there. When I said I just feel like we all have different personalities. None of the DTP artist I want the number one spot I meant overall. I don’t think I’m the best sound like me. Then we broke an R&B artist [Bobby Valentino], so we because of record sales, I meant everything together. But no, record sales started molding ourselves as a label. If you have a label with all rap artists, don’t mean everything. I feel Jadakiss is dope, but he wishes he could sell you’re limiting yourself. Labels have different genres of music. more. Beanie Sigel is ridiculous on the mic but hasn’t sold very well. A lot of artists want to sell more but I don’t think it’s all about record sales. You also have the Ludacris foundation. When you do charity events around Atlanta, only a couple news channels show up. David Banner Karma: Daddy, I’m tired and ready to go. voiced his displeasure after seeing how news organizations didn’t flock to Karma’s Daddy: Five more minutes. his Heal The Hood concert. Do you share in his feelings as far as how the Karma: When is five more minutes? media gravitates to negativity rather than the positive things artists do? Karma’s Daddy: Count to 200. I definitely share in Banner’s feelings, but I don’t dwell on that. The most Karma: I’m ready to go now. important thing is giving back, and I’m sure he’ll say the same. Whoever Karaa’s Daddy: We could have been gone a long time ago, but you keep shows up, cool, but as long we do what we gotta do I’m good with it. But wasting time asking questions. I understand that the media is gonna focus on the negative. They wanna paint us as the anti-Christ, so whenever they can, they gonna do it. It’s safe to say that Chris Bridges is an excellent multi-tasker. He is an artist, philanthropist, CEO and most importantly, Karma’s daddy. So for Do you think rappers are the new leaders? all of those who thought that he was just a loud-mouthed character, that I can’t say that all rappers are, but I do appreciate the ones that do try. I image is soon to change. look forward to working with them more so we can set an example and have others following our footsteps. “I’m just a down-to-earth dude at the end of the day,” he says, finally fulfilling his “five more minutes” promise. “Ludacris is not her father. ABC News recently ran a special about AIDS in Black America and they Release Therapy is gonna let you know who Chris Bridges is.”

“Hip-hop is a coded language, and people who don’t understand it, fear it.”

56 P WAIATIENTLY CLASSof 2006: TI ba boys (pg. 90) NG 2006 baby drew (pg. 82) b.a.n.g. (pg. 92) big zak (pg. 98) charlieo (pg. 58) NOTABLE ALUMNI: $y (pg. 95) Akon (June 2003) curren eptember 2004) d. g. yola (pg. 80) Big Kuntry (S diggla (pg. 59) 2005) dirT Big Tuck (September don fetti (pg. 60) 2003) (pg. 61) ohagon (October dukwon B (Sept. 2004) eclipse (pg. 62) Chamillionaire (pg. 63) pril 2004) fatboy (pg. 64) Crime Mob (A ghostwridah 2005) (pg. 100) D4L (November hezeleo 2005) hue hef (pg. 65) DSR (February (pg. 91) ebruary 2005) j dash Gucci Mane (F j khrist (pg. 66) 2003) (pg. 67) Jacki-O (June jewman ay 2004) jibbs (pg.88 ) Jody Breeze (M (pg.68 ) 2004) kaliko 69) Lil Boosie (June kantrell (pg. eptember 2003) kim (pg.70 ) Lil Scrappy (S killa (pg.93 ) ay 2004) kottonmouth Mike Jones (M joe (pg.71 ) (September 2003) lil ) Paul Wall lil ru (pg.85 2003) (pg.87 ) Pitbull (June M.O.S. 2005) mack (pg.72 ) & Skillz (September mr 96) Play p stones (pg. (September 2005) duck (pg.99 ) Plies 2003) papa (pg.86 ) Ricky (October paperchase Pretty (pg.74 ) hug (April 2004) pop ) Slim T rashad (pg.83 (April 2005) city (pg.73 ) Smitty rock 75) ay 2005) .ga boys (pg. T-Pain (M s.e (pg.76 ) 2003) spark dawg rillville (September (pg.77 ) T 2004) swordz (pg. 97) Webbie (November the ghostwriters) 2003) wurk (pg.94 Yo Gotti (September tyte ebruary 2006) unk (pg.78 ) Young Dro (F joe (pg.79 ) (May 2004) willie 84) Young Jeezy wine-o (pg. ) 2006) capone (pg.89 Yung Joc (April young 81) yung sean (pg.

57 PATIENTLY WAITING CHARLIEO CHARLOTTE, NC

lthough they have the Bobcats in town now, Char lotte, North Carolina lost their first NBA franchise, Right now the only name that matters is Athe Hornets, because of a lack of support. Charlieo can Man, which is the title of Charlieo’s upcoming sophomore almost see the same thing happening with the music scene. album. The production is being handled by Charlieo and long- - time collaborator Vinny Deluxe, so you canThe expect Diary a tailorof A Boss “For one, we need unity,” he blasts when asked what artists made sound that can only be traced to his creator. from the Carolinas need to do in order to succeed in the rap game. “Everybody needs to come together so we can put this “It’s a lot of different ingredients in my style. You’ll just have thing on the map. And we need radio, cause you don’t hear to hear it,” he says. “Once you hear it, you’ll hear that it’s nobody from the Carolinas on the radio. You don’t even hear unique and it’s like nothing you’ve ever heard before. We’re Petey Pablo on the radio no more.” trying to get the right single so we can push it. We need to push it so we can boom at the stores like we want to, and if we Instead of waiting on radio, Charlieo followed up his inde gain enough success off that, a distribution deal wouldn’t look pendent album too bad.” grind with DJ ChuckFifth TYear and Senior finished a second album soon after. Now aiming to drop the perfectby gettingsingle, Charlieoon his mixtape hopes Until then, expect to see and hear about Charlieo all over the he can create his own sound amongst his peers. - Carolinas. In fact, he doesn’t want to be the only one out there.

“I don’t really talk about the normal things that everybody “Get out of the studio and get out here in these streets and else talks about. I try to talk about different thangs,” he in promote,” he advises his peers. “You’re buying the Chevys, but sists. “I try to take what everybody else is doing and do it my you should be buying wrapped vans. Get for real about it. If own way. My style is really hard to describe because I ain’t you’re gonna do it, then do it. That’s how we’re doing it.” even named it yet.” - Words: Maurice G. Garland

“MY STYLE IS REALLY HARD TO DESCRIBE BECAUSE I AIN’T EVEN NAMED IT YET.”

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DIRT DIGGLA JACKSONVILLE, FL - ising from one of the roughest cities in Florida, Dirt Diggla not only represents one quarter of the rap group 904 Click, he is also a true Jacksonville native, country swag and all. Though he is still a new addition to Southern hip-hop, his Rmusical abilities are undeniable. Gaining recognition for his distinct voice and dynamic delivery, Dirt Diggla stands out amongst his peers, in more ways than one.

While being a minoritythe city fromin any when situationnize Ireal was wouldand a baby that’s dealdeter ‘til why now.with some I [stereotypes]getThey people, respect. knew Dirt Ime like ain’tDiggla then most no andasserts, fakeBefore people I’m and “Mosthisthe would.”I alwayssights exact peopleDiggla, weresame keep know set today.itor trill. onS.J. me rapping, Real as Iall ain’t his across recog childhood had Dirt to friends called him, had a promising basketball career ahead of him. Despite being kicked “WE DON’T REALLY out of four high schools- NEED TO RUSH for being a “trouble FOR A DEAL WHEN maker,” Dirt received a full college scholarship - WE CAN GET THIS for sports. “But I was wild. MONEY SUPER I was in school in Tallahas- INDEPENDENT.” see and shit just wasn’t panning out so I left. Rap ping was always something I was doing, but I didn’t take it seriously until about 2002 or 2003. Music was an outlet for me to stay away from that lifestyle I grew up around.”

Although he had already recorded songs with Mike Jones, Paul Wall and Webbie,Grade it wasn’t A until 2005’s release of that people- Gracy: The Mixtape truly took notice of Dirt’s abili ties. The 904 Click’s lead single titled “Dat’s Me” featured one of the hardest hitting verses the streets had ever heard buzz from circulated, Dirt. As the Grade A Gracy it became apparent that the 904 Click had more than just one gem. The second solo artist to emerge from the group, the first being Young Cash, Dirt remains loyal to his M.O.E. label mates. “I grew up with Vic, our CEO, and Cash since I was about eight years- old. I didn’t clique up with T Smiley and Chicken Man until about 2002. Every body in our group is hot.”

Dirt Diggla’s expectations for his chosen profession are simple – to be set for life. “I always been making my own money. Really I was on my own since a baby. I’m in this music ‘cause I can’t have no regular job; that ain’t me. This is my love and I can call the shots and be my own boss.” As far as a record deal goes, Dirt says his crew is just waiting for the right offer. “We don’t really need to rush for a deal when we can get this money super independent.”

Words: Ms. Rivercity Photo: Terrence Tyson

59 PATIENTLY WAITING DON FETTI HENDERSON, KY

rying to gain ground in the world of hip-hop requires extraordinary determination, experience, and of course, talent. Talent is something one is born with; determination and experi Tence, however, cannot be so easily bestowed. Enter Don Fetti, the artist/CEO who since 1996 has steadily been building his label, Federal Fetti Records.

Bred in the streets of Hender son Kentucky, Fetti faced - many trials and tribulations - while trying to cover for both the artistic and the business sides of the industry. As a way to generate buzz and revenue for his label, he promotes concerts with “IT’S A FULL-TIME major label artists and uses his GRIND... IT’S ABOUT contacts as a way of showing established artists his hunger. GETTING WITH THE Sometimes these endeavors have RIGHT PEOPLE.” ended up simply costing time and money. “When we first started, we were supposed to do a show with Bonecrusher,” recalls Fetti. “But something happened and the show ended up falling apart and that really hurt the label. That’s why you’re only just starting to hear about Fetti. I’ve been doing this forever.”

Presently, Don Fetti is preparing the release of his debut solo album Kentucky Hot TVs , and DVD, Mr. , co-signed byToo such Real Southern for heavyweights as Pimp C, Yo Gotti, Young Buck, and Pimpin’ Ken. Ad ditionally, Fetti is constantly trying to bring Federal Fetti out of the independent- realm and into the major label circuit. “It’s a full-time grind, man,” explains Fetti. “It’s always been a hard task, but it’s about getting with the right people.” And because of the success of his street buzz and side businesses, Fetti can wait for the best situ ation for him and his artists before jumping into the bureaucratic ocean of major label distribution. “Believe me,” boasts Fetti. “By- the end of the fourth quarter, all the majors will be knocking on the door.”

Due to his indie status, Don Fetti has all the freedom to tune his music into what he calls “the Kentucky sound”: a combination of South, East Coast, West Coast, jazz, bluegrass, and just about every style of music there is. Bringing the “Kentucky sound” to a national audience is one of Fetti’s primary goals. “We’re in an untouched market,” he explains. “Nobody really knows where Kentucky is or who Kentucky is.”

With just enough talent, this “guy from the middle of nowhere” may just have the right combination of determination and experience to answer the knocks of opportunity.

Words: Rohit Loomba & Mike Li

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DUKWON - JACKSONVILLE, FL ate seems to have the game all worked out for Dukwon. His father, who toured with Run-DMC, encouraged him to stay focused on his future. “My dad was involved in rapping. Jam Master Jay was real good friends with my dad. He was Ftheir road manager. He’s been pushing me to be a rapper all my life. I was rapping in the first grade but I started taking it seriously in tenth grade,” he says.

After graduating from Ribault High School in 2002, Dukwon experienced his first taste of success. “I put out a CD and every body was asking when I was gonna drop another one.” What Dukwon didn’t know was his next project would be a pivotal moment in his career.

The Landing, a key landmark in Duval County, represents the center of an ever growing city. It is also the title of Dukwon’s first professional album. After attracting the attention of DJ Walton, Alicia Key’s road manager, Dukwon found himself in yet other favorable situation. He says, “It wasn’t even technically my first album. We were just in a good position to do it. We had the songs,me pressedas a whole it up newsituation.” and artist. gave itIt out.was Peoplelike a rebirth, are familiar aThat whole with whole new The new sound, Landing,Maarten’s situation a whole and Jazzincluded thennew FestTour. itenvironment, wasandan He’s opening likethe shared 2006withthe spotalanding Bow awholethe countless on stageWow the ofnew St. list of stars like Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Fabolous, David Banner, Trick Daddy, Mike Jones, Jadakiss, Young Jeezy, T- Pain, Ray J, Field Mob and B2K.

He was also booked to appear on the Kings of the North and South Tour with T.I. and Busta Rhymes on Labor Day weekend. But the biggest ace in Dukwon’s hand is the single “We Ride,” featuring Killer Mike.

Since January 2003, Dukwon and his manager have drafted a coveted resume, without the -need for radio play. He ex presses in a frustrated tone, “The radio in Jax is not supporting us. Some people are like, ‘I can’t get on the radio so fuck it. Fuck the radio.’ I haven’t been on local radio yet and it hasn’t stopped me from what I’m doing. You got to hook up with the streets, hook up with Bigga Rankin,.” get your Real Nigga Radio I And that’s just what he did. His “I HAVEN’T BEEN mixtape, appropriately, is due for titledrelease in ON LOCAL RADIO Stand Alone YET AND IT HASN’T November. STOPPED ME FROM DOING WHAT I’M Words: Ms. Rivercity DOING. YOU GOT TO HOOK UP WITH THE STREETS.”

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ECLIPSE! COLUMBIA, MS

clipse! has a exclamation point at the end of his name Efor reason: everything he does has a little extra on it. But that’s not a surprise, because he’s always been a little extra.

While his childhood friends were segregated in their musi cal tastes, Eclipse! listened to everything from everywhere. - When he wasn’t old enough to buy the music himself, he went the extra mile and dubbed his older cousins’ CDs. It wouldn’t be long before he started making music himself.

“I was 8 years old when I got Snoop Dogg’s “What’s My Name?” single. I just got a feeling to start writing,” he remembers. “It was half a verse. The verse was even similar to Snoop’s, but it was mine.”

He would go on to mimic some of his other favorite emcees which included Bone Thugs N Harmony, Twista, and Mysti- kal. But when he “FROM THE PINE BELT TO THE COAST caught wind of fel low Mississippians- TO JACKTOWN TO THE DELTA, Crooked Lettaz’ MISSISSIPPI HAS SO MUCH FLAVOR, Grey Skies YOU CAN’T DEFINE IT.” he was convinced album, that he could be himself and have a fruitful career.

That being said, Eclipse! is poised to show the many sides of his stomping grounds. “I wouldn’t say we have While he can caterThe to same the cantastes be of said his about surroundings, his can’t hedefine can alsoit.” town offer and styles then that thethe the Delta.Pine West Belt. We and haveWe Midwestsound,” have so much thehe cana says. Coast,Mississippi flavor,appreci “I’m Jack youfrom ate. “No matter what I do, I’m making good music,” insists the president of U2DK Productions. “I’ma hold it down for my city, but it is a business. We gonna make good music regardless, but what I do is try to reflect what’s gong on in my city.” Dragonfly series of mixtapes and latest offering - Words: Maurice G. Garland Who Iz This Kid?

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FATBOY CHARLESTON, SC outh Carolina still hasn’t managed to really cash in on the Southern rap takeover, yet. Charleston’s Fatboy hopes to be Sthe one to change that. “I don’t want to step on nobody’s toes, but I figure I’ve got a good chance,” he says when asked if he can finally open the door - for SC. “I do know that if I open doors, I’m not gonna forget nobody. I got to bring ‘em back home, ‘cause we got about 15 or 20 rappers here that are basically doing their thing.”

He laughs, “We also got 500 that ain’t doing their thing. I’m just hoping I’m one of the ones to get that break.” - Fatboy’s initial break into the rap game came by way of him taking his destiny in his own hands. “I got in the rap edgame getting when arrested I wasreal about messing drastic. 14 oraroundIt was15,could just either in rapplayin’these doso streetsIthe aroundhad rap to so thingput atI figuredlunch,” my or headstick TheheI hadfirst.”to remembers. buzz the to streets.dohis something music “I I startknew gener I ated while he was incarcerated prompted him to start his own label, Southern Bloodline Re- “EVEN IF YOU cords. He learned AIN’T FROM fast that as a CEO THE STREETS, he would be doing YOU’LL STILL GET most of the work, THE PICTURE but it was no big I’M TRYING TO deal. PAINT.” “I produced about 75% of my album, but I don’t call myself a producer,” he admits about his debut .album “I Tha Same Block bought a couple of beat machines with my spending money, and then since I spent my money on it I felt like I - needed to learn how to do it. I pretty much pro duced my whole album, but I deal with a couple producers down here too.”

So far his UGK and 8Ball & MJG-influenced music has connected with his area and helped him build a fanbase.

“Everything I talk about is real, I got the streets behind me and they know the things I talk about,” he says. “Everything I say on my album about the rough environment that I grew - up in is real. If you’re from the streets you’ll know what I’m talk ing about, but if you ain’t from the streets you’ll still get the picture I’m trying to paint.”

Words: Maurice G. Garland

63 PATIENTLY WAITING GHOSTWRIDAH MIAMI, FL two volumes of his street series features drops from David Banner and Cool & Dre. It was a smart move, especially when fewThe mixtapes Hood’s were Choice circulating hen attending high school, most students think in the area. “I felt like I had to come out with my mixtape, which about where they want to go for college or think so everyone knows what I do and represent,” he explains. Wabout joining the military. For Troy Jeffery, other wise known as GhostWridah, the choice was obvious: none “When I put it out, it was a great experiment and cats started of the above. He wanted to be a rapper and while attending showing me love.” South Miami High, he had his first battle against one of the most talented emcees in the game today. “We had a dude - GhostWridah has been building off that momentum and beating on a garbage can, and me and Pitbull were going at believes his latest effort it. That was my first serious battle,” Ghost recalls. “He started by DJ Ideal, showcases his lyrical caliber. The versatile disc Coming From Da Bottom me on my battle career by giving me the opportunity to rap features his battle victory on 103.5 The Beat, his furious against him in the hallway.” freestyles over tracks like T.I.’s “Ride Wit Me,” and, collabohosted rations with Smitty and Paul Wall. That hallway led him to the streets of New York, where he examined the culture and how intense the grind was. Appar Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without Ghost spitting ently, it was a learning experience he’d never forget. “I was about life in his hometown of Dade County. Clearly, this - curious about the hip-hop scene, the music and how the city young emcee has something to offer. “I feel like I have a stayed that high for so long. Anything I wanna be a part of, variety of flavors to add to the table,” he says. “I am bringing I study first,” Ghost says. “I just studied the game over there, - something different to the table and I feel I got the potential came back to my crib and I’ve been hustling ever since.” to be one of the best in South Miami and in the game.”

Once he returned to South Miami, he applied that work ethic Words: Bear Frazier to his own situation. Since 2001, the 23-year-old has dropped

“WE HAD A DUDE BEATING ON- A GARBAGE CAN, AND ME AND PIT BULL WERE GOING AT IT. THAT WAS MY FIRST SERIOUS BATTLE.”

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Since his state has yet to have an artist who can be the face HUE HEF for the state, Hue has no problem filling those shoes and feels BOWMAN, SC no pressure doing it. usically, rural towns in the South are known to “Because of the work that I put into it, I feel that it’s going crank out Gospel singers and R&B groups. But the right way,” he says. “I know records can be sold in the thanks to Bowman, South Carolina’s Hue Hef, that Carolinas. T.I. sells here, [Lil] Wayne sells here, and [Yung] both M Joc sells here and they not from here. So imagine what I can notion is about to be challenged. - do.” and Get that Paper Man “Hip-hop didn’t skip over us,” laughs Hue when talking about Streetz Is Mine one of the smaller towns in the already small state. “That’s His mixtapes why the video for ‘In The Ghetto’ was shot in Bowman, let did exceptionally well, but it was Takin Over The Game that ting you know that it’s not just big cities that have ghettos. caught everyone’s attention, garnering 20,000 downloads on Every place has a ghetto.” www.neversodeeprecords.com.

A brief conversation and a good listen to Hue’s music will Because of that, his next project The Carolina Spokesman is let you know that his music extends far beyond the ghetto, poised to make Hue Hef’s name as popular as the person he - mainly because of him and his label Never So Deep’s (NSD) borrowed the moniker from. savvy internet marketing. In a relatively short time, Hue has seen his music get downloaded, sold and charted in markets “[Playboy founder] Hugh Hefner is at top of his game with from Delaware to Japan and Amsterdam. the ladies, being a businessman about it,” he says after admit ting the name was given to him jokingly among friends. “I’ma “That’s because I’m versatile,” says Hue, who attended South be at the top of the music thing myself, so I took the name Carolina State University before leaving school to pursue a and ran with it.” career in music. “A lot of people don’t believe I’m from South Carolina, they only pick up that I’m from there because of my Words: Maurice G. Garland voice and dialect.”

“IT’S NOT JUST BIG CITIES THAT HAVE GHETTOES. EVERY PLACE HAS A GHETTO.”

65 PATIENTLY WAITING J-KHRIST FAYETTEVILLE, NC Hustler’s Dream spins increasing, someone must believe in him. He just hopes on’t get the wrong idea about J-Khrist. He isn’t claiming . With 3,000 units sold independently and BDS he can get people to believe in everyone around him. D to be able to walk on water or return from the dead. ”Everybody thinks it’s supposed to stand for Jesus, but it’s noth “It’s definitely a movement. All I need is a torch in my hand ing like that,” he urges. “J stands for my real government name, and they’ll see what it is, cause I represent a lot of the up which is Jesse. Christ means Messiah, which is the one that and coming artists with my flow,” he says. “We got some of everybody’s waiting on. After all the past artists we’ve had out of the best beatmakers here, like Ski Beats. Our producers have North Carolina, everybody’s waiting on Jesse, so that’s how I got - worked with some of the best artists in the industry as far as the name J-Khrist.” beat making, but it’s still no artists they’re bringing out here to do the damn thing yet. It’s so hard, and I don’t know why Feeling as if artists like Sunshine Anderson and Petey Pablo because the market is so easy. It’s just like a big balloon and we “didn’t hold up the flag like they should have,” J wants to of got the safety pin, and it’s just easy to pop.” ficially put his state on the map. Beyond repping for his state, J-Khrist aspires to be a voice for “The majors need to go ahead and open up their ears and come people worldwide who share in his experiences. out here and check and see what’s going on,” he says. “That’s all- it’s gonna take, somebody to trust and believe in an artist they “I’m the type of person that represents the epitome of the looking at in Carolina and just open the door and let them do people that’s on the grind, the people that’s struggling and what they do.” coming up right now,” he says. “I can’t tell you that I can go in to the studio and make a hundred songs about the happy life, J-Khrist is hoping that people trust and believe in his single “Get because I can’t right now. But I try to give people hope and let Your Swagger Back” which appears on his independent album them know that you can achieve your dreams and goals if you just try and go stronger.”

Words: Maurice G. Garland

“I CAN’T TELL YOU THAT I CAN GO IN THE STUDIO AND MAKE A HUNDRED SONGS ABOUT THE HAPPY LIFE, BECAUSE I CAN’T RIGHT NOW.”

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portunities for himself, even if no one is looking at his city JEWMAN for talent. JACKSON, MS “You can’t depend on someone to come back and help you, it ost rappers today idolize artists like Jay-Z and countless takes time,” says Jewman, whose grandfather was a renowned others who all into the hustler-turned-rapper category. jazz drummer in New York. “We ain’t like the ATL where MBut Jackson, Mississippi bred Jewman is crafting his you can bump into Jermaine Dupri.” grind after a different group of people. Fortunately for him, he has been able to get visibility by opening shows for Lil Wayne and working with the likes “My name comes from the Jew[ish] man who owns all the corner of Lil Boosie. His songs “Bobblehead” featuring Westside Al stores,” he says. “The Jews are always on the grind, and that’s Capone and “Swag” with Young Shad have done wonders as - how I’m gonna be until I get to where I wanna be at.” well.

Obviously, Jewman isn’t satisfied with where he is at but he isn’t However, he doesn’t plan on resting on his laurels. “If you’re too far from there. In addition to being an artist, he is already an- slacking that’s the outcome you get from it. Believe me, suc entrepreneur, owning his own car detail shop, barber shop and cess doesn’t happen overnight.” real estate properties. Words: Cedric Boothe Since he is already a do-it-yourselfer, he is primed to make op

“BELIEVE ME, SUCCESS DOESN’T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT.”

67 PATIENTLY WAITING KALIKO TALLAHASSEE, FL

dmit it. When you think of Tallahassee, Florida, two things come to mind: Florida State University and FAMU. Not that there’s anything wrong with that - perhaps you just don’t know. Well, Kaliko plans on introducing you the off- Acampus life. “People just swear there isn’t any talent here,” laughs Kaliko. “It’s really a struggle growing up because we’re underestimated. But, I will say that having the colleges here is good because it opens a lot of doors and gets our music to different markets. But I have to let people know about the local life too.”

While he mostly known for club songs like his radio monster “I’m Fresh,” he insists that he is bringing a lot more.

“I do music about my life too, I don’t just party all day,” he says. “I don’t do fight music either, I’m pretty much a voice box for niggas who don’t rap.”

Aside from T- Pain and his group the Nappy Headz, Tallahassee hasn’t really gotten on the musical radar quite yet. But with Kaliko doing shows all over the Southeast, including opening gigs for Juvenile in Georgia, people are starting to put a sound with the city.

“North Florida has a different sound from South Florida. I wanna show people that its more just Miami here. We have the soul and versatility. It’s very universal. You can’t “IT’S REALLY A compare us to anybody.” STRUGGLE GROWING UP [IN TALLAHASSEE] Words: Charles Parsons BECAUSE WE’RE UNDERESTIMATED.”

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KANTRELL ATLANTA, GA antrell has something up his sleeve. The 20-year-old emcee from the Simpson Road section of Atlanta wants to disguise himself like a virus to enter the body of hip-hop before revealing his true self. So instead of spitting profound Kverses on his Nitti-produced first single “Weight Man,” Kantrell deliberately dumbed down his flow to appeal to today’s average hip-hop listener.

“I freestyledflow ‘Weight and Man,’”I used introduces ithe just says to with get himself ame confidantback-up in tothe the game.” his worldswagger. street Science withWhile persona “I athose want songmajor with peoplethatwords at beforeold Gramblingdeals couldto school know puttingwith seem book ‘WeightaState tale suspectschoolfull-time. smarts. University,from onMan’coming the Ashold is atrap, freshman hemytofrom concentrateearnedKantrelldumbed an artistPolitical a can3.7down on G.P.Awho rap Kantrell also has the title of being a published author after releasing a book of poetry at the ageVibes of 16 by entitled KANTRELL: Can . You Feel Me Vol.1- He’s even consider ing performing dual duty as an author and rapper. “I probably will write another - poetry book,” he sug gests. “If everything works out, I would love to have a book and an album out at the same time.”

Although he has received offers from several labels, Kantrell doesn’t want to risk becoming another - casualty of a bad recording contract. “[Record compa nies] are showing me offers, but not options,” he stresses. “I want a vision with a record company and a situation that I can grow from.” So for those itching to hear a compilation 60 of music from Kantrell, he released a mixtape entitled . The mixtape includes Minutes the clever wordplay that he plans to show more of in the future.

“I’m a lyrical artist,” he explains. “I want to be along the lines of Andre 3000, Nas, and T.I.” With his emergence into the game, he doesn’t want to be mentioned as a typical artist. “I’m not a snap or crunk artist,” he says. “I can dumb my flow down, but a lot of these other artist can’t switch their flow up.” He’s definitely waiting patiently to show the world the real Kantrell. “I won’t do ‘Weight Man’ for long,” he reveals. “I’m not trying to change the game, I just want to add to it.” “I’M A LYRICAL ARTIST...I’M NOT A SNAP OR CRUNK ARTIST. I’M NOT Words: Amir Shaw TRYING TO CHANGE THE GAME, I JUST WANT TO ADD TO IT.”

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KILLA KIM PALM BEACH, FL

illa Kim - formerly known as Kimil lion - has transitioned from a hobby Klyricist to an underground queen - to a ticking time bomb. After rapping for five years amongst friends and family and winning most of the competitions she entered, she decided to step out of her box. “I was just doing it to do it, not for money or even putting CDs out. The response that I was getting from other people, when I was at the studio or performing in talent shows, made me think, damn this is a lil’ something more than just for fun. I can really do it.”

Kim’s greatest asset next to talent is undoubtedly her strength. “I saw everything my four older brothers went through. I lost my oldest brother when I was younger. One’s in prison right now. It’s wild out here, a lot of fighting, a lot of killing. Everything I go through in Palm Beach, I talk about it cause I know that in every other city, someone can relate to the story.”

Her narratives of real life situations gained her atten tion that might otherwise be denied, especially since she- doesn’t portray the typical female rapper image. In fact, she is the complete opposite of today’s stan dards. She explains, “As far - “JUST BY MY CD COVER, A as my dress code, females DUDE MIGHT NOT WANT TO are more accepted when LISTEN TO IT CAUSE I’M NOT they showing more skin, NAKED. BUT AFTER PEOPLE or they rapping about sex. Just by my CD HEAR MY MUSIC, IT’S MORE cover, a dude might OF A RESPECT FACTOR.” not want to listen to it cause I’m not naked. But after people heard my music, it’s more of a respect factor. They recently, Trick Daddy’ssingle “Gimme group The aThere’s Bottle” Dunk noput Ryders. question her in Her positions that current Kim to hasclub workme.” earned banger, with the Grandaddy “I titlePop,”think Flawda’s is I’m receivingSouf, past Dawta. Riskay,know the over phase Her ITriple thirtyhave breakthrough where Jgoodradio and it music.most spinshurts I a week and her latest song “I’ma Dunk Ryder” featuring Trick Daddy promises to keep the momentum going. Through all her struggles and successes, Killa Kim has remained poised, optimistic, and ready for her future.

“I want to complete my album before I get a deal. I want to start my own label. I have a couple of artists that I work with. I want my album locked tight, have the buzz built up so that if I do sign a deal, it’s for big cash. I’m not taking no bullshit deal,” she says firmly. Until the release of her official album, Kim is heavy in the streets with mixtapes, including Ya Heard of support, hosted Killa Kim by Bigga is positioning Rankins herselfand for a serious takeover.

Words: Ms. Rivercity Florida’s Daughter hosted by DJ Daddy Phatts. With a full blown arsenal and an army

Fuck What

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LIL JOE DALLAS, TX il Joe’s story doesn’t need much narration - it tells itself. After fooling around in the studio with his older brother Big Los, Joe let him hear a couple raps he wrote over some instrumentals. Inspired by what he heard, Los managed to get L Lil Joe a covetednext opening week performance but… spot for a“I Scarface went totickets showjail for andthe some got out too late to do the show,” he laughs. “I had lawyers- and bonds men trying to rush me there but I still missed it.”

From that point on, Joe hasn’t been missing anymore opportuni ties. As the president of his own label, Street Values Records, Joe wants to make sure that his time on the mic is well spent.

“I’m trying to show boys that it’s more to being a drug dealer,” he says. “People think being a dope boy is cool. That shit ain’t cute. I love being labeled as a rapper, because it ain’t fun being a hustler. I just wanna show people that being yourself is okay.”

Already generatingThought I Wasa buzz - with his Gone mixtape, his second of fering Return of the Bad Guy is sure to turn heads.

“The stuff you’ve been hearing is old,” insists Joe. “A lot of people took me the wrong way - because I did a dance with my song; thought I was one hit won der. I got something for them.”

Words: Cedric Boothe

“PEOPLE THINK BEING A DOPE BOY IS COOL. THAT SHIT AIN’T CUTE.”

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MR. MACK ALCOA, TN

r. Mack already knows what if feels like to be labeled. M“I did an article with the local newspaper and they called me the King of the South,” he says reluc tantly. “Me personally, I don’t want that, but if the fans want to call me that, its cool.”

If not the South, he is about to become the king of his domain, at least. His smash single “Where You From ” (the remix features Yo Gotti, All Star, and D. Cooley) - and “What Up Doe” featuring Bonecrusher has everyone in the 865 in a trance.

He plans to keep it that way by staying true to his roots with a style he insists is influenced by Tennessee legends like Skinny Pimp, Three 6 Mafia, and Playa Fly.

“I’m doing shows in Knoxville and Chattanooga. Trying to get to Nashville and Memphis,” he says. “I feel like with all the people in Tennessee, we can go gold or platinum at home alone.”

He adds, “Ain’t nothing going on where I live. It’s been hard for all the un derground artists, not just - me. After I saw how people embraced me, I gotta focus on home. I had a chance to move to Atlanta a couple weeks ago, but I can’t leave home yet. I can’t leave and mess up the chance I have to do something special or let my fans down.”

Words: Maurice G. Garland

“AIN’T NOTHIN’ GOIN’ ON WHERE I LIVE. IT’S BEEN HARD FOR ALL THE UNDERGROUND ARTISTS, NOT JUST ME.”

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ROCK CITYvia THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ATLANTA, GA eal life brothers from the Virgin Islands, Da Spokesman and Don’t Talk Much, a.k.a. Rock City, have gotten phone calls from many DJs, club promoters and record labels, all hoping they can be the next to work with the duo before, Ror as, they blow up. But they will tell you the biggest phone call they’ve ever received wasn’t from someone singing their praises.

Their controversial remake of Rick Ross’ “Hustlin’” where they replace the hook with “Ghetto youths, them struggling” is the #1 song in the Virgin Islands. They even got a call from V.I.’s senator, telling them that the governor wanted to talk to them about the song. - “We are talking theabout government the governmentdropped was especially in the that record. song angryniggas and“I since indon’t we the theyreally knowprojects flew bashed about don’t the how them,”group get they callsWith insays dofor like threeDa thingsa that.” schoolSpokesman, albums inand tourthe aunder ‘hood cult-like beforewho their here,thinks they fol belts but lowing in the V.I., the now Atlanta- based Rock City is unleashing their music on the states. Backed by producer DJ Benny B (Akon’s DJ), the duo has been ripping through Atlanta and the Southeast with their club-exciter “Bang It.”

“Even though you can’t really understand the words you still feel it,” says Don’t Talk Much about the song that serves as an example of their “PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO heavy island-accented rap style. “Every time we do CATEGORIZE US WITH BLACK the song, the reaction gets EYED PEAS AND THE FUGEES, bigger and better. Now we BUT OUR STUFF IS STREET.” go places and people are signing along; that’s a trip.”

With their buzz increasing by the day, Rock City plans to capitalize by releasing a pair of mixtapes, Welcome to Rock City with Don Cannon and Rock City a.k.a. the New - Beatles with DJ Benny D which will be followed by their Ameri can debut Wake The Neighbors.

“People are trying to categorize us with Black Eyed Peas and The - Fugees, but our stuff is street, it’s about struggle,” insists Da Spokes man who along with his brother have performed in some of Atlanta’s grittiest venues. “Our stuff is high energy but is street.”

“Most would think we grew up on Calypso music, but we grew up on hip-hop,” adds Don’t Talk Much. “We started rapping in America first, we just started rapping with our accents.”

Words and Photo: Maurice G. Garland

73 PATIENTLY WAITING POP HOUSTON, TX where Pimp C addresses the potential problems arising in the Houston rap scene. “As a city we have to come together so that we can rise in the industry,” he says. “We can’t make it unless ost artists spend years waiting for the chance to work we come together, especially right now with the world looking with legends in the music industry, but Houston-based at Houston. Like my people tell me – Ten people can pull one Mrapper Pop has already worked with two and is looking to become one himself. person, but one person can’t pull ten.”

Pop, one of eight children, got the name from his older brother Pop is looking to rise with the city of Houston as he works on who called him Popeye because of his large forearms. The name his debut album and creates a buzz via the mixtape scene. He was eventually shortened to Pop and he’s kept it ever since. As a currently has a mixtape out with DJ Slim Chances and is talk child, Pop was always moving around various areas in Houston ing with Don Cannon, Green Lantern, and DJ Drama about the and was influenced by the music he heard around him. release of some future work.

“I grew up listening to the Geto Boys, UGK, Master P and “I have something in the works with a DJ out of Tennessee - N.W.A,” says Pop of his earlier influences. “Right now I listen called Tennessee to Texas and a few singles on the way. I’m to other artists on the rise like Z-Ro.” Little did Pop know that just trying to figure out which one to roll with. I’ll let the he would work with two of rap’s greats, eventually getting his streets pick the single as we get more exposure. Once we get break working with Master P and recently appearing on Pimp some more exposure we’ll follow it up with an album,” he says. C’s “Knockin Doorz Down.” Pop is now working on his album, Pop is hoping that his listeners can learn from the hardships soon to be released on Southern Empire, a division of Rap-A-Lot he experienced in life and show people that anyone can rise up records. against adversity.

“That’s his track and he put it down,” says Pop, of the Port “I’m trying to tell people about the struggle and what I’ve been Arthur native. “Pimp called me and told me the idea he had for through,” he summarizes. “Everybody is going through hard the track and it’s just a situation where everything came out just times, whether they want to admit it or not.” right.” Pop considers himself fortunate to appear on the song Words: DeVaughn Douglas Photo: Keadron Smith

“WE CAN’T MAKE IT UNLESS WE COME TOGETHER, ESPECIALLY RIGHT NOW WITH THE WORLD LOOKING AT HOUSTON.”

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“Waycross is just like any other hood in America,” states S.E.GA BOYS Killa, who disputes the notion of their city being another WAYCROSS, GA tree-lined suburb of Georgia. Each group member paints a - befitting mural of what its like to reside in the capitol of “the he S.E.GA Boys (SouthEast Georgia Boys) have been self- dirty South” on the M-Geezy produced “Georgia.” cultivating their style for eight years as a group, bringing - Tthat Southeastern flare. Originally consisting of twenty With the respect of the entire state of Georgia earned, home Waycross warriors, now the four-man collective is raising the town supporters know the group’s appeal and impressive 912 flag high above the red clay mountaintop with their lead catalog of hits will extend beyond the Mason-Dixie line. “We single, “Let’s Go.” have a huge following in Atlanta, and the Tri-State is show ing considerable support for us,” adds Killa. Made up of Palay, Big Smoove, Star Easy, and Killa the S.E.GA Boys are becoming a stable on the Southern mixtape circuit. Another attentive industry ear captured was C. Wakeley Contributing an impressive catalog of hits on Da Grind Series of Earthwake Entertainment, who signed the group in and Tastemakers mixtapes, S.E.GA Boys promoted their music 2005. “I kept hearing about the group and then one day I and impressed Bigga Rankin of Real Nigga Radio and WJBT radio decided to go watch their performance, and immediately I deejays to the point where their song “Georgia” held the #1 spot was impressed. The tipping point came while watching BET for 10 consecutive weeks. Uncut and I saw the ‘Georgia’ video,” he recalls. “I felt they could win and when I talked to them, I realized they were Each member brings his own style, delivery and persona. “I use together for seven years as a group and were focused,” praises my environment and experience to my advantage by speaking Wakeley. from my perspective. Lyrically, I’m painting a picture to show what is going on today in urban America,” states Palay. “I keep Words: Raheim Shabazz the ladies ready,” adds Big Smoove, who brings a soulful R&B swagger to the group.

75 PATIENTLY WAITING SPARK DAWG KILEEN, TX

t the young age of 24 Spark Dawg has become use to making quick changes. Soon after entering college in Texas, Spark Dawg decided that it was time to change course and go into the rap world. He uprooted himself and moved to AAtlanta in hopes of securing a record deal. “I dropped out and caught the next Greyhound to Atlanta. I didn’t know anybody out there, but I had it on my heart that this is what I wanted to do,” explains Spark. “I told myself I’m not coming home without a record deal.”

The trip proved to not be a waste and Spark Dawg was soon under the same management as that of Lil Scrappy and Crime Mob. This connection led to Spark becoming a member of Lil Scrappy’s G’s Up Click and a two year stint with the group on tour. Spark, however, began to feel that his management did not have his best inter est in mind and the relationship eventually soured. It’s a situation for which Spark takes partial respon sibility. - - “Really, it’s no ones fault but mine. When I got down with them, I got real com fortable. I felt like me, Scrap py, and Crime Mob have the- same manager, so I should - just sit back and wait to blow “I LEARNED THAT YOU- up,” explains Spark on the CAN’T PUT YOUR CA situation. “But at the same time, REER IN ONE PERSON’S my manager wasn’t a straight HANDS AND EXPECT forward dude. After I fired him HIM TO PUT YOU IN and came back to Texas, Scrappy- fired him, and then Crime Mob THE LIMELIGHT.” fired him. I learned that you can’t put your career in one person’s hands and expect him to put you in the limelight.”

Undeterred, Spark returned home to Killeen, Texas and began using the connections he had made on tour to promote himself. His grind quickly paid off in 2006 at the Southern Enter- tainment Awards where he received “Best Rap Mixtape” and a nomination for “Mixtape Rookie of the Year” (a category usually reserved for DJs).

“I was on so many mixtapes that people didn’t know if I was a rapper or a DJ,” laughs Spark at the mix up. “It was a blessing in disguise and I did win for a mixtape that I did with DJ Explicit, Paul Wall and Magno.”

Spark released his underground hit “Hit Me On My Sidekick (Sidekick Pimpin),” via mixtapes and the internet and is now starting to see his hard work pay off. He’s talking with T-Mobile to secure an endorsement deal and dealing with his newfound fame.

“Somebody took my screen name from the Side- kick song and I can’t even log onto it anymore, but I appreciate all the fans out there showing love,” he laughs.

Words: DeVaughn Douglas Photo: Luxury Mindz

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Swordz is still at liberty to speak on hip-hop as if he’s been - SWORDZ around for a long time. Why? Because he can look at the JACKSONVILLE, FL genre as an outsider as well. His mixtapes have afforded him a strong fan base through very once in a while there comes an artist who can’t out the Southeast, and he’s worked with everyone from help but to break stereotypes. Jacksonville, Florida’s BloodRaw to Wayne Wonder. But it’s his shows that have set Swordz is one of those artists. E - him apart from the competition. “I’m a breath of fresh air. It may be cliché, but as a fan I think Known to regularly perform with a live rock band rather the game is real watered down,” says the superstar in the than have the standard 100-man crew on stage, Swordz making. “You get a lot of sugar covered stories. Its fashion demands to be looked at differently. able to be a thug and trap nigga but at the same time when I was coming up we had people like ‘Pac, UGK and Spice 1 “I do it because I can,” he says, dismissing the claim that he is that would put you up on game telling you that the streets - mimicking Limp Bizkit and Korn. “If you take rock and rap, are ugly. Now you just hear niggas talking about slanging big it’s the same thing. We saying the same thing, same picture, bricks and fucking someone’s baby momma.” different frame. I wanted to use that energy. If you go to a rock show or a Pastor Troy show, it’s the same thing. People Even though Swordz dabbles with the occasional street re are getting frustration off their chests.” cord himself, he is sure to stress that anything that comes out- of his mouth is said with responsibility. One listen to Swordz’s music and it becomes evident that he is frustrated with the stereotypes of the music form he is “It’s my responsibility to show the consequences,” says the associated with. But instead of complaining, he’s going to do Florida native who credits everyone from Run-DMC to Pas something about it. tor Troy as an influence. “Current hip-hop is like Spike TV: people take what they want from it, but it’s up to us as artists Words: Kale Swanson to be raw as possible so people will see the truth.”

While he doesn’t boast a decade’s worth of experience, “ROCK AND RAP ARE THE SAME THING. SAME PICTURE, DIFFERENT FRAME: PEOPLE ARE GETTING FRUSTRATION OFF THEIR CHESTS.”

77 PATIENTLY WAITING UNK ATLANTA, GA

nyone who loves music has had the same musical epiphany. It most Alikely was a product of pure boredom. As a joke, a clever, catchy rhyme slips from someone’s mouth and another person playfully starts beating a simple beat on a solid surface. The words just start flowing. Excitement fills the air and everyone is hype off the cre ative vibes that flow throughout the room. After a while someone - says, “We should make a song out of that.” And although everyone is in agreement, no one actually thinks that it’s possible.

A similar event happened with Atlanta-rapper and new member of the legendary Big Oomp Camp, Unk. After leaving a concert at Club Chocolate, a popular nightclub on Atlanta’s eastside, he heard a girl in the parking lot singing to herself and her friends, “Walk it out, walk it out.” It was then that the 4th ward-bred rapper had his moment of clarity. “I just heard it and knew I needed to make a song out of that. I just knew it was something that everyone could relate to. There was a little dance that everyone was doing in the club and it just spread,” explains Unk.

For him to say that the song spread is an understatement. He entered his song “Walk It Out” in Atlanta’s Hot 107.9’s Battlegrounds and won everyday for two weeks. It was ultimately retired from competition.

Now everyone from babies who can barely put a sentence together to grandmas are walking it out. “This ain’t even finished yet. It’s just get ting started. It shocks me every time I do a show out of town. It’s just people everywhere, kids, grandmas, mothers, dads, everybody is walking- it out,” he says, admitting that he was surprised by the immediate response to the song.

In the midst of the song’s success, Unk hit the studio to make songs that will cover all corners, from riding to partying to smoking and undoubtedly songs for the ladies. The production on the album will include DJ Montay, also of the Oomp camp, and Big Oomp’s eight-year-old son, Big Corey. The girl who came up with the phrase, the Ying Yang Twins, Da Great Yola, and Baby D will also have cameos on the album.

Unk’s debut album for release the end ofBeating the summer. Down ItYour definitely Block pays to have friends with recording studios, just in case more creative moments do happen. is slated

Words: Autumn Williams “[MY SONG ‘WALK IT OUT’] AIN’T EVEN FINISHED YET. IT’S JUST GETTING STARTED. IT SHOCKS ME EVERY TIME I DO A SHOW OUT OF TOWN.”

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WILLIE JOEvia VALLEJO, CA - ATLANTA, GA e’ve all heard tales about how far hustle and grind can take you in the wide world of hip-hop music. Often, the stories are exaggerated - but not in the case of Willie Joe. W - “Monday is Crucial, Tuesday I’m hittin a showcase - my man B-Rich got something poppin’, Wednesday is [the Royal] Pea cock, every last theThursday same time is the I’m gonnaApache, goin’ be to Fridays worth work it.”andI hit I’m a strip goin club toThat the or studiosomething,”get-it-or-die-tryin’ afterthe the the most show. rapper mentalitytalked I saysdon’tcees about matter-of-factly.in get has a citynoburgeoning made sleep, that’s him but chalk one em“At it’s offull of ambitious artists. Born and raised in Vallejo, CA, home of self-made millionaire E-40, the - entire Bay Area has come to be defined by its entre “I’M SOMEBODY THAT CAME preneurial spirit. FROM NOTHING.” - “I moved to Atlanta a year and a half ago with a mix tape, $10 and a roundtrip ticket,” he remembers. “I stayed in my sister’s dorm for a month, got a job at the airport, pressed up my mixtape and just got on the grind hitting every showcase, every open mic, every battle, anything that had to do with music where anybody would be there.”

He met his management (Big Tah and Fort Knox) at a battle casting call for MTV and from there began rocking more shows, opening for Mike Jones and Dem Franchize Boyz. A little over six months ago, he recorded “Get Em Got Em”—the aggressively energetic single that landed at #25 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles Sales Chart and #25 on the Hip Hop/R&B Singles Sales Chart in July. The remix features Grand Hustle/ Atlantic rapper Yola. - “I’m somebody that came from nothing,” Joe maintains. “I’m here with no indus try connections, no friends, none of that, - just hard work.”

Currently he’s in serious talks with War ner Brothers and is working on his debut album, which already features production from DJ Toomp (T.I.) and Mondo (Busta Rhymes). With his company Wataboy - Entertainment in full swing, his new mixtape Thrax on Wax circulating strongly and his name in the mouth of just about every indus try insider in the city, Willie Joe’s “From the Bay to the A” campaign would even make Karl Rove proud.

“I just used that [do it yourself mentality] when I came here,” he shrugs. “I did the same things I was doing in the Bay and brought it to a whole new city and it worked.”

Words: Jacinta Howard

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D.G. YOLA ATLANTA, GA

rawing early comparisons to Baton Rouge’s Lil’ Boosie, D.G. Yola (Da DGreat Yola) has become somewhat of a breath of fresh air in Atlanta’s music scene. His sound is reminiscent of the music Big Oomp Records was releasing in the late 90s and early 2000s, but it’s modernized with a youthful energy that only a new jack can provide.

While he may not look the part, Yola is currently Atlanta’s hip-hop version of Les Brown. His motivational and contagious hit single “Aint Gon’ Let Up” has been killing the radio waves for months, making him an overnight celebrity and proving that even the most thugged out music lover needs words of encourage ment every once in a while. - “Motivation music, that’s what I do for the people,” says the boy ish looking emcee as he fires up a Newport. “Whenever you hear - something from me it’s gonna be motivational. Everybody got haters, so you need music like that.”

Raised on Atlanta’s notori ous West Side in the Allen Temple community, it took- plenty of self-motivation for Yola to emerge from the dreary conditions he grew up in. Now that he has the motivation, getting the focus and longevity is the next task at hand, and he seems to be on the right “WHENEVER YOU HEAR SOMETHING FROM ME track. IT’S GONNA BE MOTIVATIONAL. EVERYBODY “I made the ‘hood feel GOT HATERS, SO YOU NEED MUSIC LIKE THAT.” my music first, so I know the world gonna love me too,” says Yola who saw “Ain’t Gon’ Let Up” get played on the radio for months before on-air personalities from “Ain’t Gon’D.G. Let YolaUp” inis alsothe hook.featured In additionon Davidsong to Banner’s youthat, hear he latestis from justalso cut heremethe “Get either.” newest for Money,”the name. membermoment. which “My of This musicthe features finally ain’tGrand is gonna some Hustle/Atlanticstarted oflast.be his thesaying It’s lyrics only not his family and is slated to drop his debut album in the near future.

“I’m bringing the truth to the table; the greatness,” he promises. “I’m the greatest of my time, I’m in my prime. 18 years old and doing my thing. People are going to remember me as the little snot-nosed nigga who became Da Great.” With his buzz steadily growing nationwide, Yola just may see his proclamations come to life. Hop on the bandwagon now before it gets too crowded.

Words & Photo: Maurice G. Garland

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YUNG SEAN - ATLANTA, GA ometimes in the rap industry you don’t get everything you ask for. But in the case of Yung Sean and his song “Trap Boomin’,” that’s not such a bad thing. “It was done as aadmits mixtape Sean record, of thelanta’s we song wasn’t airwaves. that lookingis nowHittmenn “I got all for upover radio,” withDJs, At and the S hit streets with 10,000 singles. Got it in the strip clubs and passed it to people with nice cars.”

From there Sean went on a 27 city tour pushing his Trap Boomin’/ Real Nigga Radio mixtapes, hitting everywhere from the Midwest to the Carolinas to New York City, taking the popularity of the song to the next level.

The tour also gave him a chance to promote his own company, Rich Squad Entertainment.

“We do everything - in-house, from produc tion to videos,” he says, mentioning his artists Da Dreamer and Casey Jones. “I’m only 18, running my own label and doing it without a major label. We’re going as far as we can go with what we have.”

With a couple more tricks up his sleeve - including a supergroup with some other up and coming rappers that are blowing up right now - Sean is focused on being the next big thing period, not just the next big thing in the South.

“We’re showing a difference. I don’t have nothing against the music that’s out right now, but it’s getting repetitive,” says the producer/rapper. “We gotta get out of the Southeast region. We trying to get a bigger fanbase.”

Words: Maurice G. Garland “WE DO EVERYTHING IN-HOUSE, FROM PRODUCTION TO VIDEOS.”

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BABY DREW California-based Native Records for his debut album MILWAUKEE, WI Mildew. Sticking to his original formula, Drew is concentrating on solely Bar-B-Q and putting together his album while his management team, Black Ma f you feel it in your chest then you feel it in your heart,” fia, handles the business side of things. With his focus on his music says the self-proclaimed “first underground king of the Mid Drew feels that the only thing that can hold him back is himself: “Iwest region,” Baby Drew. With a strong aura of confidence and crisp lyrics this Midwest emcee is steadily building a name for “Ain’t no setbacks but sitting back waiting for something to come himself locally and nationally. for me and not having the drive. I don’t feel like their own no such - - thing as a setback. I don’t feel like nothing’s wrong.” With a strong sense of pride in his hometown of Milwaukee, Drew is on a mission to put his city on the hip-hop map. “Milwaukee is an Currently with his label Infinite Unexplained, Drew is unsure of untouched part of the country,” comments Drew. To bring his city what the future holds for him in terms of his label situation but is to the hip-hop forefront Drew plans to avoid the music which he sure of where he wants his music to take him. feels plagues the mainstream today: “I don’t want it to be about no shine, driving, or no killing. I want music to turn back into music “I want to go straight to the top,” says Drew. “Where else would and I want it to be my fault that it happens.” I want to go?” The Milwaukee emcee also aspires for his music to give him a national reach and “arms long enough to hug the whole Drew started his journey by simply listening to “anything that made wide world.” noise” and growing up in a household that immersed him in music. Drew was formally introduced to the hip-hop underground by put Drew feels that it is his purity that sets him apart. “What you know ting out mixtapes which included the highly acclaimed Big Hank- about a baby? It’s pure,” explains Drew. “A kid has no reason to lie. produced effort Like a baby, I want to be God’s gift to this Earth. That’s what I am offered 48 tracksStreet of street Music life Volumerecantation 1 and helped establish Drew and that’s how I want people to perceive me.” locally with tracks such as the socially conscious “Street Music” and . The double disc release - the street favorite “What The Fuck You Said.” With a strong musical vision Drew is working hard to use his music to convey his message: “With every move you make, keep Thanks to the strong response God first.” interest from and subsequently landed a distribution deal with Volume 1 Words: Rohit Loomba & Mike Li generated, Drew received

“I WANT TO GO STRAIGHT TO THE TOP. WHERE ELSE WOULD I WANT TO GO?”

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- RASHAD DETROIT, MI

o be a new artist trying to make it in today’s music industry must be a daunting task. To be a new artist who also hap pens to hail from the birthplace of Motown must be even harder. However, 21-year-old Rashad Morgan makes it all Tlook easy. “My grandfatheryounger, and my theyuncle used areTemptations. pastors,to call him so It’s I David grew definitely upRuffin, singing running Jr.The inbecause church,” Detroitthrough he nativehe used myreveals.buzz toblood.” is doasalready onea“My lot of father,ofgenerating thestand-ins more when recentquite withhe was thea additions to T.I.’s Grand Hustle/Atlantic Records camp thanks to his hit “Tell Them What They “PEOPLE CAN TAKE Wanna Hear.” AWAY WHAT His upcoming debut will THEY GAVE YOU, feature T.I.,Young Dro, and BUT THEY CAN’T the Grand Hustle family as EVER TAKE AWAY well as Daron of 112. WHAT YOU’VE - “My entire album was written LEARNED.” by myself,” he says confi dently. “I produce as well. ‘Tell ‘Em What They Wanna Hear’ was produced by me. I do a lot of writing but I do accept songs from other writers because I know how it is to be a young writer or producer trying to come up with a hot song.”

He adds, “I just try to do what I do in a cool way and let everybody know that it’s cool to be in love. I’ve got a lot of love songs on the album that dudes mess with. I just do it in a way to where the females can take to it and the males can be proud to put it on when they kicking it with their girl.”

Working with T.I. and being able to write his own songs did not fall in Morgan’s lap, this is his second go-round in the industry. In 1999 he was signed to Michael Bivens’ label, Biv 10 Records as a part of the group Antuan and Ray Ray. Having the experience at a young age has paid off.

“That was one thing that I think got me . to the position of putting out a successful independent album,”People he says, Call mentioning Me Ray Ray his Detriot-area smash “People can take away what they gave you, but they can’t ever take away what you’ve learned.”

One of the things he has learned already is how to handle the extra female attention.

“I’m taking it like I always have,” he laughs. “I’m still staying focused, though. That’s the main thing. But I’m young, so I’m enjoying myself at the same time.”

Words: Ivory M. Jones

83 PATIENTLY WAITING WINE-O HOUSTON, TX “WHEN I WAS IN JAIL, SOMEONE TOLD ME THAT I HAD A PURPOSE IN LIFE... I REMEMBERED A sk any cynic what they think of hip-hop PREACHER TELLING ME THE EXACT SAME THING.” right now, and they’ll probably say that Ait looks like a big soap opera; the drama outweighs the talent and everyone is a charac ter. After hearing his story, many may make the mistake of lumping Wine-O into that script. He’s sold drugs, been shot in the face, - been to jail and prison and has so much street cred that his unborn great-grandchildren will have people respecting them.

But, he doesn’t plan on using those charac ter traits to his advantage.

“All these niggas rapping ain’t hard,” he - says bluntly. “A lot of them just listened to some mixtapes and looked at movies. I come from the streets for real, but I’m running away from that image.”

Originally named Nu-Wine, Wine-O wasn’t inspired to rap by any emcee claiming to be God on the mic. He was inspired by God himself.

“When I was in jail, someone told me that I had a purpose in life. That stuck with me because I remem bered a preacher telling me the exact same thing,” he says. “After- he told me that I prayed and just went in the corner and started rapping.”

After vowing to God to never return to hustling, Wine-O came out of jail homeless but not hopeless. So driven by his talent and new vision, he went as far as to sell his songs acapella since he couldn’t afford to buy beats. His thick pain-laced voice was enough for people to want to support him, though. His biggest supporter was then- Houston Astro Kevin Bass, who wrote him a $1,000 check after hearing him freestyling on the corner.

But everything that followed didn’t come as easy. Being that the content of his music who used to be signed“I used toto Evanderget mad Holyfield’swhen people Real fromcalled Dealdrinking. my Records. stuff Thisclubsgospel “When virtually fearing rap. youI’m thatlead titlejustcouldn’t hishim asomeone ChristianGodly to get perform bookedmessage waswith who stronglytheon forraps,” would thespiritual shows church saysspiritual, detract inthething, nightcircuit. artistpeople he they want you to be perfect.”

While he is the first to admit that he is no angel, Wine-O plans to shake the heavens with his new Wine-O/American - Southwest/Universal album my music,” says Wine-O, hinting that this album will be a little different from his more spiritually charged music. “This Hate Me album is just what it is: It’s my truth and, powered my life.” by the street single “Pop My Trunk.” “I’ve healed a lot of hearts through Words: Maurice G. Garland

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LIL RU COLUMBIA,is faceSC may not be familiar to you, but Lil Ru is not a newcomer. He already has the horror stories and industry scars to prove it. In the early 2000s he signed a record deal with Elektra Records with some help from R&B singer Angie Stone. In hindsight, Ru feels that dealing with Stone was not H a good look. He now.calls the experience a “dirty situation”On top thatof that, he ishisas still they deal trying mergedwithwhich toElektra getwith resultedout falteredAtlantic, of in him being dropped from the label. But at the end of the day, Ru “MY MINDFRAME doesn’t look at IS DIFFERENT it as a loss but - NOW. I’M MORE more as a learn MATURE.” ing experience. “I kinda felt like that shit was too easy. I didn’t really feel like I was ready at that time,” he admits. “I was still young and I wasn’t ready for that, so it was kinda cool for me. My mindframe is different now. I’m more mature, and my music is more mature now. Back then I really wasn’t ready to work, I was more in the streets. I been through a lot more shit now, all that drama and shit. I’m ready to go harder now.”

Ru is currently going hard at radio with his single “Hood Hard.” He plans to follow that up with “King Of The Parking Lot,” produced by DJ Brad of the Legion of Doom. He hopes that he can secure BDS spins on his own and then eventually get back into the major label game. He hopes to prove that his grind will bring him success, not his location. -

“If you’re working hard and rap - ping, it’s gonna pay off,” says the Columbia native who moved to At lanta and then came back. “Sooner or later they’re gonna recognize you. If you’re good, you’re good. If you’re garbage, you’re garbage.”

Currently labelmates with South Carolina favorite Collard Green on Head Hunter Records, Ru is defiantly poised to become a familiar face sooner than you think.

Words: Maurice G. Garland

85 PATIENTLY WAITING PAPERCHASE MILWAUKEE, WI www.myspace.com/bigpaperchase

oes are to Milwaukee what cocaine is to Miami: the most accessible product for street hustlers. “Where we at, we ain’t on the coast so we don’t get all the dope like other cities,” says Paperchase. “Even before the drug game was popular, Hniggas up here in the Midwest was doing a lot of pimpin’. Everybody got some pimpin’ in their family. Around here it’s just a part of their lifestyle.”

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Paperchase absorbed it all, and says that he was always the youngest in his neighborhood getting money. “The older niggas called me Paper,” he laughs. A chance meeting with Pimpin’ Ken seemed like fate when Paperchase discovered that Ken had been incarcerated with his father. “My pops was like a mentor to him, like he is to me,” Paper chase says of Pimpin’ Ken. “He gave him a lot of jewels on this street life and shit like - that. Once we established that, it made us click.”

With Pimpin’ Ken now serving as his mentor/manag er, Paperchase has turned his hustle towards the rap game. - He collaborated with Ken on the joint DVD/soundtrack, Ghetto Streets to the Execu- tive Suites city on the. map;“I wanna do what put myPimp and Bun did for Port Arthur,” he says. “Just like Port Arthur is a small city close to Houston, we’re a small city close to Chicago. Milwaukee is a small city but niggas around here are doing big shit.” Paperchase’s new mixtape features a remix of his record “No Good” with Coo Coo Cal of “My Projects” fame, the only Milwaukee rapper to see much success beyond the city.

But still, even being from Milwau- kee, rappers claiming to be pimps is nothing new. “I’m a real everything,” Paperchase responds when asked if his pimpin’ extends beyond the booth. “It’s like ‘Pac with ‘thug life’ – once you expose something, people are gonna take it and twist it to they own likeness.” And when it comes to the rap game, he theorizes, “Some rappers are being pimped, and some rappers are pimpin’ the system. It’s niggas out there making moves that know exactly what they doing, and it shows in their bankrolls and their longevity. That’s what pimpin’ is all about – if you know some shit that can get you paid and you can tell it to a female and she believes you, then she gonna pay you. Some niggas abuse the shit, but some niggas use it properly.”

Paperchase hopes to use his knowledge of the pimpin’ game properly in the music world, pushing singles like “My Diamond Chain” and “It’s In Me Not On Me” throughout the Midwest “SOME RAPPERS ARE BEING PIMPED, to catch the attention of major labels. AND SOME RAPPERS ARE PIMPIN’ THE SYSTEM. IT’S NIGGAS OUT Words: Julia Beverly THERE MAKING MOVES THAT- KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THEY DO- ING, AND IT SHOWS IN THIER BANK ROLLS AND THEIR LONGEVITY.”

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still incarcerated. At a point when he finally began to take rap M.O.S. seriously, he met well-connected North Carolina producer Ski DURHAM, NC Beats at a local music conference. “Me and my homie drove up www.moneyoversex.com to [Ski’s studio in Winston Salem] and I cooked that crack up for him right there in the studio,” says M.O.S. “The first three joints is moniker has dual meanings: Murder On Sight and we did are classics around where I’m from.” Money Over Sex. “I like to use them both,” M.O.S. shrugs. “It’s my two different personalities. One’s more about his Working with Ski Beats was a turning point for M.O.S., who H began to put his grind into the music industry instead of just money, and one’s on some straight gangsta shit.” the streets. After leaking plenty of music and mixtapes, several Although M.O.S.’s home state of North Carolina is known for A&Rs from major record labels expressed interest. Jive Records’ MeMpHiTz, who currently works with the YoungBloodz and several things, rap is not one of them. “It’s notthat really dude.” a major media market,” he admits. “It’s more known for sports and things UGK, among others, made the best impression. “He was the first like that. Everybody that’s tryin’ to rap is racing each other. There one to fly down [and meet me],” recalls M.O.S. “And he was ain’t no unity – everybody just wanna be coming to be critical. He was listening and listening and really trying not to like me, but it was too much heat. I don’t sound But one thing you may not know about his hometown of Durham like nobody, and I’m coming out of a market that ain’t really is its gang affiliations. “Where I’m from, you’re either Blood or been tapped except for Petey Pablo. [Signing the deal with Jive]Drug Crip,” he says. “Folks think L.A. is the home of it, but it spread. was just easy. He liked me and saw dollar signs.” I didn’t [join a gang] for protection – it ain’t all red and blue like the public thinks. It’s a lot deeper than that. It’s family; it’s about Having worked with the likes of Bun B, Jody Breeze, B.G., Papoose, and J-Bo from the YoungBloodz so far, M. O. S.’s unity and taking care of your community. You only supposed to Affiliates mixtape will be hitting the streets hard to involve yourself in [violence] when you’re being disrespected.” Related prepare audiences for his full-length Jive debut. Apparently, M.O.S. felt disrespected often, landing himself in prison for “a bunch of bullshit.” He recorded his first song upon Words: Julia Beverly his release in 2001, representing for his older brother who is

“[THE GANG LIFESTYLE] AIN’T ALL RED AND BLUE LIKE THE PUBLIC THINKS. IT’S A LOT DEEPER THAN THAT. IT’S FAMILY; IT’S ABOUT UNITY.”

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JIBBS ST. LOUIS, MO

efore stepping into the recording booth, Jibbs was making his mark inside the boxing ring. BJibbs, who started boxing at age four along with his three brothers, was trained by his ex-boxer father, and became a two-time Golden Gloves cham pion. But it wouldn’t be long before his pedigree for music would intrigue the St. Louis youngster into dropping his gloves and picking up a mic. - “My mom was a rapper in the ‘80s,” Jibbs begins. “My dad used to play the drums and the guitar. And as the years were going by they were buying [my older brother] instruments like keyboards [and] equipment. And years after that, he actu ally had a real professional studio.”

From that studio, Jibbs’ brother, DJ Beats - - one half of the production team Da Beatstaz - went on to produce tracks for St. Louis hip-hop icons Nelly and Chingy. “He got to the point to where he was producing for everybody around St. Louis and doing shows everywhere,” Jibbs says. “And I was just watching that, so I figured out that this is what I wanted to do.”

Jibbs traded in boxing hooks and punches for rap hooks and punchlines, and at just eight years old, recorded his first song. The song was enough to make DJ Beats a believer in his younger sibling, and inclined Beats to start bringing young Jibbs to the studio. As the years passed and Jibbs’ lyrical abilities strength- ened, he tested his mic skills against competitors twice his age.

“When I was around 11 or 12, that’s when I started battling cats that were like 18 and 24 already,” Jibbs recalls. “All older cats, because that’s who was recording. I was killing them, and it was to the point where you can see they wanted to fight. But I was only eleven and twelve then. Plus “WHEN I WAS AROUND 11 OR they knew they better not try 12, THAT’S WHEN I STARTED nothing.” BATTLING CATS THAT WERE Fast forward to 2006, after LIKE 18 AND 24.” opening shows for the likes of Bow Wow and Chris Brown, shopping his demo and landing a deal with Geffen/ Interscope, the now fifteen- year-old rapper is preparing adding low-hanging“Ear Hangplatinum Low” chainsLow.” tune to-“Chain made their famousChristmasHangis increasing Low,” by icelists. with cream daily Featuringa catchy duetrucks to sing-along theeverywhereJibbs successto release hook of - hishas hissung hit kids debut singleby all children albumacross “Chain America to Hang the . The buzz surrounding Jibbs’ debut With “Chain Hang Low” buzzing, and Jibbs, Featuring Jibbs not only featuring Jibbs but guest appearances from ChamilJibbs, lionaire, Fabo, Lil Wayne, Yung Joc, Chingy and Murphy Lee, due in stores this fall, it’s obvious Jibbs made the right choice. Performing on stage with a platinum chain beats taking punches to the face any day.

Words: Randy Roper Photo: Ray Tamarra

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YOUNG CAPONE . “I’m a ATLANTA, GAven though he’s only been on this earth for just over two decades,Big Young Faces, Capone Bright knowsLights who he is and who he is not. On top of that, he has no problem letting you know. “I wouldn’t looktitle at myself of his asdebut no stunner,rapper album typeon a party So person,” Sofaces person Def, andhe ready shrugs bright to thewhen lightshave part explainingfunthat of with myrepresent life the the that big E I’m in right now.” Before he reached this stage, he was a young producer/- rapper work “I’M A ing under Nitti’s - STUNNER, Playmaker produc A PARTY tion company. He PERSON was already known READY in Decatur for his TO HAVE talents, and Jermaine Dupri caught wind FUN WITH of Capone’s music THE BIG through Nitti and FACES AND decided to make him BRIGHT a part of the So So Def LIGHTS.” roster as he made his transition to Virgin Records.

Capone surfaced last year with his single “I’m Hot.” But according to him, that’s just one bullet in the clip.

“I see myself as a well- rounded artist; I could do all types of music,” he insists. “Everybody was telling me you gotta get crunk to make it happen but I wasn’t down with it and with the snap now they want me to do that. But I’d rather keep doing me until everybody respects me. Ain’t nothing wrong with being part of a movement, but I’d rather start my own movement.”

Capone’s movement includes being respected equally as an artist and producer. As a rapper he approaches each beat as if he produced it. While most rappers “ride” the beat, he boasts that he’d rather “parallel park” on the beat.

“I like producing better, but I’d rather focus on rapping first and production later,” says the talent who has done tracks for other upcoming Atlanta artists like Da Great Yola. “I got other artists I be fucking around with, I just don’t like to speak up on it and go all big with it. I’d just rather keep it low on the production and just stick to the rap side.”

Words: Maurice G. Garland Photo: Julia Beverly

89 PATIENTLY WAITING BA BOYS BIRMINGHAM, AL

he Bad Ass Boys weren’t nominated for an Alabama Patiently Waiting Ozone Award this year. Nevertheless, Young PJ, 23, and Joe 2 Tymes, 25, still see themselves as leaders in the Birmingham, Alabama hip-hop movement. “Right now, TI see us as the frontrunners in the city,” 2 Tymes says. “We’re the first ones to go on tour. We got the billboards, the magazines. We the ones out here making it happen. I feel that we were very much overlooked. We’re tired of being put in the back. We’re from Birmingham. Birmingham ain’t had to get in the back of the bus. We ain’t fixin’ to get in the back of the bus now [laughs].”

In the beginning, Young PJ and Joe 2 Tymes united after recognizing each other’s talent while attending Woodland High School in Birmingham. The tandem proceeded to win nu merous talent shows throughout their hometown. Their buzz peeped the interest of Alabama indie label Real Records, who signed the duo to a recording contract. Now, with Real Records be ing distributed by Universal - Music and Video Distribu - tion, the BA Boys won’t be victims of narcolepsy - much longer.

Their debut album Being Broke Days of Flip, Pastor Troy, featuring Bohagon, Lil’ “WE AIN’T COUNTRY LIKE Tela and a host of Alabama PEOPLE PORTRAY US TO BE artists, among others, hit DOWN HERE IN ALABAMA.” stores this past August. And with the album’s lead single “Check Me Out” featuring The Last Mr. Bigg, effectively making the industry take notice of these Birmingham Boys, their days of being broke may be numbered.

“The song is pretty much saying... check me out,” 2 Tymes says. “Like, look at me. We’ve been overlooked so long, we felt like we should make the statement like, ‘Look, check us out for real.’ We ain’t country like people portray us to be down here in Alabama.”

Currently touring Southern colleges and universities from Orangeburg, SC to Norfolk, VA, along with Crime Mob , the BA Boys won’t stop until their group and their state get the respect they deserve. “There’s a lot of talent [in Alabama],” PJ says. “We just trying to be at the forefront to help expose a lot of talent we have down there that’s been getting overlooked all these years.” And with the BA Boys accompanied by Alabama artists like Alabama, Def Jam’s 334 M.O.B.B., and Interscope’s Rich Boy, Alabama rappers have been quietly breaking down industry barriers.

“I just want everybody to know, Alabama, we’re here now,” 2 Tymes begins. “Folks have been waiting so long. They’ve been waiting to hear from Alabama, but they’ve been basically waiting to hear from Birmingham. And they no longer have to wait cause we’re here now.”

Words: Randy Roper Photo: Julia Beverly

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J DASH JACKSONVILLE, FLfter listening to J. Dash’s music, you may assume that the “J” in his name [email protected] stands for joker. But don’t get him confused with those random clowns on Comic View. This rapper/producer is very calculated with his comedy. A “Dave Chappellecomedians said it best want singerswhen to he beand said,singers, artists ‘All andwant all to be comedians,’” he says. “That’s basically what I do. I sort of take my music and put a comical twist to it. That’s just me, my personality.” The His current project Odyssey of A Corporategives you Looney Tune an idea of what Dash is about from the title and cover alone. But it’s songs like “How You Make A Hit” - where Dash mockingly gives instructions on how to get ra dio play and stardom by saying- simple words over simple beats “I TAKE MY that show you that he is some MUSIC AND PUT A what of a genius. Appropriately, he follows that up with “How COMICAL TWIST You Remix A Hit.” TO IT.” “You know what’s funny is 100 % of the people I talk to say, ‘What’s going on with music right now? Its BS, it’s BS,’ but yet it’s so successful because they don’t have nothing else to bite into,” says Dash. “Everyone recognizes the issue, but how do you change it? I’m going to shine the light on it in the way that they understand and then give them what they want, what they’ve been waiting for, and what they’ve lost.”

Beyond the comic relief, Dash also gives listeners his experimental side on songs like the sing-songy “Downtownology” and the faux-crunk “Don’t Do Nuthin’” where he urges people not to dance, but simply stand still. His diversity and Andre 3000. occasional flow cadence(gasp) even has people comparing him to -

“I really don’t know how to feel about that yet,” he admits when queried about expecta tions. “I don’t feel like I have to live up to anyone’s expectations but my own and Jesus Christ, that’s it. Once you start doing you, you- can’t really hear other people cause you’re so focused on what you’re doing. Raekwon said it best: ‘One day you just grinding not really see ing what’s going on; next thing you know you wake up and you made it!’ So that’s what’s going on right now with me. I can’t really see anything that’s past what’s in my eye line and I’ma keep working towards my goal.”

Interview and Photo: Malik Abdul

91 PATIENTLY WAITING B.A.N.G. MIAMI, FL

or some, making music is about more than platinum chains and flashy videos. It transcends the worldly messages that flood our television sets and becomes an escape from every day despairs. Simply put, it’s salvation for the lost. Nobody Fcan testify to this theory better than B.A.N.G., a Miami street vet who survived twelve years in prison. He describes his all-too-common story in a manner of regret and slight hesitation. “Growing up, my momma was single, my daddy had got deported back to Jamaica. I’m the oldest of my lil’ brother and lil’ sister. It was rough; I been out the house since I was nine years old. I had to do what I had to do. I was getting in trouble at school and with the police. And conse quently, I did time for it. I got locked up on an armed robbery and kidnapping case when I was fourteen.”

Although nearly half his life was spent incarcerated, it was definitely not wasted. “I started writing music in prison. That’s how I did my time; that’s what helped me get through it.”

B.A.N.G. came home with a point to prove. He hit the studio and cranked out his first mixtape a Myspace most wanted, receiving several thousand plays in only a few short weeks (myspace.com/bang mia). With the help of his manager, Big Teach, and close friend Demi, B.A.N.G. also secured - a feature on Pitbull’s album

When asked about his recentEl endeavors, Mariel he . casually replies, “It’s like a Gri-ami prophecy thing to me . He quickly became cause I always seen it - like this. I feel like the whole movement was waiting on me.” He then gets excited and elaborates, “So many of my dawgs in prison wanna see me “I KNEW I make it happen. It’s WAS GONNA the energy from inside GET OUT the gates that’s stirring [OF PRISON] all this up. They get on the phone and tell their AND STAY people about me. They FOCUSED. say I’m the best that ever I KNOW came through the Florida WHAT IT penitentiary system. They TAKES.” really want me to do this. I knew I was gonna get out and stay focused. I know what it takes.”

It’s this knowledge that he passes on to the youth. “I tell them, if they make their bed, they lay in it. They create they own experiences. And no matter how hard a situation is, they can always stay focused and achieve something greater because some of the greatest men throughout history were locked down in prison. All they gotta do is sur round themselves with people that share their same dreams.” -

As for his future predictions, B.A.N.G. says, “I’ve been patiently waiting for a long time,” he chuckles and repeats, “a very long time. We’re gonna make it.”

Words: Ms. Rivercity

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KOTTONMOUTH DALLAS, TX www.myspace.com/kottonmoufrallyboys ottonmouth is one of those guys who really embodies his city. If you want to know about Dallas, TX – you can read the exposé we did a few issues back – but really you need to look no further than King Kong Kotton. He’s been there and Kdone that and has bled every block from Oak Cliffe to Plano (two radically different parts of the city). Kottonmouth is one of the few guys from Dallas who could come to Houston in the mid-90’s and get love in the streets, mostly because early on, DJ Screw would take his singles, and songs that he did with his group, The Rally Boys, and put them on his tapes up next to all the Houston heavy hitters from the time.

“It all started withVolume DJ Screw. 1,” Kotton Screwto make remembers put mea name on ahis first forbunch early himself. time of days tapesScrew “We in Ibackthe was everused industry in messing tomet the go day Michael towhen with Screw’s Wattswhen heD-WreckWatts. camewewould house firstwas byWe traveland awithdropped wereyoung Screwfuck throughoutSlimat off.cat. thatWreckshopcame Thug IIt met Rallywasn’t by, whenTexas Screw and studio Worldno Slim tryingthen theplex. and After I met Screw I just kept coming back and messing with him. Screw was a fool with it; you know how he used to do. That was my dawg, he had a lot “I TRY TO HELP THE YOUNG FOLKS of love for Dallas. I was coming COMING UP. IT’S A LEARNING PROCESS.” to Houston back then trying to do Dallas, instead of coming to Houston trying to rap like Houston. I get accepted and people know I been around on all types of mixtapes from Woss Ness to Screw Heads to all kinds of stuff. Every time I see them boys from the Screwed Up Click and it’s all love and respect. Just real people stuff.”

But Kotton didn’t just wallow in the mixtape ghetto his whole career. He’s released six full length solo albums and two from the Rally Boys to date. But pop open his trunk and you won’t just see his catalog. Kotton is like a street distributor for the whole of Dallas, selling his pa’tnas product out on the road right next to his own.

“My career is where it’s at today from staying independent and just hustling. I sell my music myself instead of going through a middleman,” he explains. “I’m steady learning and making my situation better every day. I try to help the young folks coming up. It’s a learning process. I done got a little older and on my new album, King Kong Kotton, I can talk about everything.”

His latest single, “Elbows Out the Window,” - featuring Chalie Boy and produced by Big E. from Liquid Entertainment, is currently one of the hottest singles in the streets from Laredo to Okla homa, and his remix featuring Young Pig should be blowing up at a station near you any day now.

If you don’t see Kotton on a major by the end of 2006, come to Texas and find him in the streets. “I’m working to get on and get signed,” Kotton closes, “but I’m just one cat doing a hundred things.”

Words: Matt Sonzala Photo: Edward Hall

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Enter Dirty Black, a.k.a. Christopher Johnson. Dirty Black decided TYTE WURK to pursue a rap career following the tragic death of his brother, S. ALABAMA a standout basketball player with the Dallas Mavericks, who was shot and killed during a summer visit home. “I was into basketball heavy,” Dirty Black says. “I didn’t want to pursue something that midst the hoopla over leanin’ and rockin’ and bubble gum [my brother] worked so hard for, and became successful in. So I rap groups, there are still groups reminiscent of classic decided to pick my other love, which is music.” After the choice ASouthern stankonia popularized by Outkast and Goodie Mob. Panama City, Florida emcee Dirty Black and Talbotton, was made, Dirty Black used his brother’s death as motivation, and Georgia emcee Kosha, of the Alabama-based duo Tyte Wurk, is that crafted a rap style capable of versatile flows and melodic hooks. Af group. ter Dirty Black won a talent competition with Kosha and manager, Trey Wilson, in attendance; Kosha had found his partner. Kosha “A lot of cats think you gotta come out crunk,” Kosha explains. extended the invitation to Dirty Black to form a group, and Black “Our thing is real just being ourselves. We ain’t trying to follow no humbly obliged. Since that day the duo hasn’t stopped making, - certain mode, we just trying to do what we do. If it takes us a little well...”tight work.” bit longer to make it then so be it. We’ll keep on grindin’, and when our time comes around we’re going to bust their muthafuckin’ Tyte Wurk is best known for “What It Is,” the opening song for heads.” ESPN’s NFL Sunday Countdown, which reaches over two million viewers per week. Each week during football season, Tyte Wurk Tyte Wurk has reason to be confident. Kosha, a.k.a. Kelvin Seldon, rewrites and rerecords “What It Is” to match the storyline of the a childhood friend of BME’s Bohagan, spent the early stages of week’s NFL and NCAA action. his career as a certified ProTools engineer at Outkast’s Stankonia Studios. Kosha would later go on to appear on numerous mixtapes, Their biggest hit and smoker’s favorite “Mary Jane (remix)” has and landed a guest spot on “If It’s Bumpin’” along with Bohagan, picked up spins on both XM and Sirius satellite radio stations. And from Bubba Sparxxx’s album with their new mixtape Secrets of the South Vol. 1 hosted by DJ first one to sign with Alabama indie label Superkala Records, later Colock flooding Southern streets and their self-titled debut album started scouting talent to join forcesDark Days, for what Bright he describesNights as “a new Tyte Wurk on the way, it won’t be long before Dirty Black and age Outkast.” Kosha start giving “laffy taffy” groups a run for their money. . Kosha, the Words: Randy Roper

“A LOT OF CATS THINK YOU GOTTA COME OUT CRUNK. OUR THING IS JUST BEING OURSELVES.”

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CURREN$Y NEW ORLEANS, LA f you’re scratching your head wondering where you’ve heard Curren$y’s name before, it’s probably from his brief stint at INo Limit Records when the tank was starting to slow down. “Originally I was with C-Murder and he went to jail, so that’s how I ended up with No Limit,” he clarifies. “Our schedules were different and I didn’t see meRight coming when out Curren$y anytimeinto Lil was soon.Wayne thinking So aboutat I hada basketballabout doingto branch starting a song game.Wayne’s off. histogether IWhat wasn’town Young startedt-shirt turned eveneventually Money linegonnaoff into as for Entertainment Curren$ya rap conversationincome,getting no more.” signed joininghe ran and to Ca$h Money Records.

After hearing his appearances on both

of Lil WayneDedication and DJ Drama’s “I NEVER GOT mixtapes it’s obvious AS GOOD AS I that he’s already WANTED TO BE [AT fitting in. But on top SKATEBOARDING], of being an above-par lyricist, he’s a good fit BUT I STILL GET OUT because of his expensive THERE AND BUST fashion sense as well. MY ASS.” “I’m into the urban chic thing. I want to open a boutique and bring things to New Orleans,” says the avid A Bathing Ape wearer. “People see me with things and don’t understand, and that’s the reason, because they haven’t seen it before. They see me with it and they like it, but I feel like if I bring it to them and it’ll be a good thing for the city.”

His street single “Where The - Cash At?” featuring Lil Wayne and Remy Ma is currently catch ing fire on the mixtape circuit, giving the N.O. a new voice. His upcoming album will feature production from The Runners and Cool & Dre and will also have appearances from Yo Gotti and C-Murder. But on top of bringing a new voice from N’awlins, he just may be bringing a new image as well.

“When I was younger, my mom lived in a neighborhood where there was - some white kids around the corner into skateboarding,” he says after mention ing his admiration of Lupe Fiasco and Pharrell. “Just watching, I picked it up from them. Me and my friends, we took it in our direction and was doing it off and on. I never got as good as I wanted to be, but from time to time I still get out there and bust my ass.”

Words: Rodrigo Lopez Photo: Julia Beverly

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VIA INGLENOOK, AL P STONES pon first hearing ColliPark Music/Interscope recording artist P. Stones’ ATLANTA, GA single, “Get Like Me,” you might be tempted to cast him alongside a few other Atlanta-based newcomers as a “snap rapper.” You would be sadly U mistaken. Yes, the trackK-Rab, was the produced same man by who gave us the beat for “Laffy Taffy.” And whether you’re leanin’, rockin’ or doing the Poole Palace, “Get Like Me” seems to provide - the perfect soundtrack… at first. But if you pay at tention, you’ll notice that what P. Stones is offering up is slightly different. “My snap record is not like everybody else’s,” explains the 19-year-old Inglenook, AL native. “They ain’t really talking ‘bout nothing on they beats. So what I brought to the table was lyricism.”

The decision to release “Get Like Me” as the first single was strictly business. With close to six years of exposure to the music industry, he has definitely picked up a few tricks of the trade. He knew that in this current climate, as an artist in Atlanta, he needed a snap record to get radio stations to pay attention. But he is quick to point out that he has “real songs,” as his next single, “I’m the Shit,” will prove.

Stones, born Pierre Lilly, grew up in a time when the South was emerging as a major force in mainstream hip-hop and artists like Killer Mike, T.I., and Lil Wayne were being praised for their “surprising” lyrical ability. Since the age of 13, Stones has also been surrounded by and learned from some of the most influential players in the South, including T.I. himself, thanks to the guidance of his manager Carlos “Dark Gable” Raines, also a former artist. So it’s no wonder that he takes his craft so seriously.

Currently on a promotional tour with the Hittmenn DJs, P. Stones still hits the studio as often as possible, grinding to make his debut album available to fans by September. Two weeks into the Hittmenn DJs tour, he was even making plans to bring the studio on the road. “I took a chance in what I’m doing, [so] it’s real serious,” says Stones, who dropped out of high school in the 11th grade to pursue music, but fully intends to finish his education. “It’s time for some more young cats to come in and keep “IT’S TIME FOR SOME MORE YOUNG CATS this industry going. That’s where I come in at,” he TO COME IN AND KEEP THIS INDUSTRY continues. “It’s just our time.” GOING. THAT’S WHERE I COME IN.” Words: Tai St. Louis

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THE GHOSTWRITERS HOUSTON, TX ne complaint we hear about the current Houston explosion is how so much of what has hit the mainstream from H- Town sounds the same. It’s really not a lie, much of it is quite similar if you only scratch the surface. But dig deeper Ointo the scene and you will see that Houston is home to one of the most diverse rap communities in the country. This is a hip-hop city and every side of town has multiple sounds coming from them.

Enter the Ghostwriters, a group that doesn’t really have to claim a side or jump on some sort of bandwagon to make some noise. The duo ofand G. love. Lavacci They and areother Big mixtape Jigmonth combine champions forgrind. the a lethal past in three mixthe streets,of years street to having lyricismwide acclaim,released Theirwith that labelsomethingstrictly Houston Heavy independentkept new Hitta flavorthem practically Entertainment working soand many on every the hardknow has in the studio with producers like Bruce Bang and T.A. from the Headbangers, the men behind their current singles “Hell Yeah” and “Headed to the Club,” featuring Lil Keke. “Headed to the Club” is currently in strong rotation at Houston’s Party 104.9 FM.

“Pistol Pete and Warren G-Z at Party 104.9 heard our song,” Big Jig explains. “They played it a few times and it just kind of took off from there. It’s crazy. We performed at the Screwfest, which was an honor for us to be a part of, and got onstage and saw how the crowd go crazy for the song. That was re ally eye opening right there.” -

That radio play and their perfor mance at the Screw Fest attracted the attention of Atlantic Records, and the group hopes to soon take - their street grind to a whole ‘nother level. As it stands, you can’t go any where in Texas right now without being reminded of the Ghostwriters presence. “Our label Heavy Hitta has been behind it for the entire year. - There’s been a focused effort in the streets, says G. Lavacci. “104.9 is defi nitely behind it on the radio, but Heavy Hitta pulled together the resources to allow us to get into the streets and create that buzz and get the reaction from the people and really build our buzz.”

Their latest mixtape, iswith on fireDallas’s in DJHouston ICG, Hustler’s Ambition , hosted and every small townHittin’ in Texas. Switches And their slowed down disc by Crisco Kid and mixed by DJ Short Dog and the Choppaholix is also a hot title. These guys are definitely ones to watch.

“TO SEE ALL THE “We been blessed, man.” Jig closes. “To see all WORK WE BEEN the work we been putting in pay off, it’s really a PUTTING IN PAY beautiful thing and that’s what keeps us pushing OFF, IT’S REALLY A forward.” BEAUTIFUL THING.” Words and Photo: Matt Sonzala

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BIG ZAK -

ATLANTA,nyone withGA the word “Big” in their name is supposed to be noticed. They are expected to be recog nized, all of the time. But songwriter/artist Big Zak has been an exception to that notion, until now. Known in industryradio circles show as intro, co-ownerready. Zak’s He’s ofvoice Shonuff written hasfor been Records, Ciara’shooks heard for“Goodies,” and inBoyz Detox aas lot theN of ghostwroteDaalbum rapper your Hood, favoriteand on wrote Gregisfor responsible Dr.songs theStreet’s Dre’s hook al A for a lot of Jazze Pha’s cameo verses. It doesn’t stop there. Expect to hear his writing on - songs from the upcom “I’VE BEEN ing projects from UGK BLESSED and Slim Thug. - WITH THE - But it’s human nature to GIFT OF HELP want to emerge from be ING PEOPLE hind the curtains someday. TELL THEIR “Some stories, only the STORY, SO author can tell. Rap is such NOW I WANT a personal thing; you want TO TELL your vision out there too,” MINE.” he says. “It comes a time when you’re ready to express yourself. Music is expressing a story, capturing that time. I’ve been blessed with the gift of helping people tell their story, so now I want to tell mine.”

The first installment of Zak’sMajor story came in the form of his Greg Street-hosted. With 16 originalmixtape songs, 7 Visibility tracks from Jazze and features from Slim Thug, 8Ball & MJG, Cee-Lo and others, the release quickly became a favorite. Major Vis- - Now with andthe hisfollow single up “You Know” ibility 1.5 featuring Sean Paul of the Young bloodz about to hit the streets and radio, Zak is anxious to see if he can keep his buzz growing. - “I’m just curious of the reaction, I wanna see how they react to my story,” says Zak, who aims to be the median between musi cal bookends like Young Jeezy and Kanye West. “And with Jazze peaking right now, that’s where I want to be. I want it to be like a friendly competition.”

Already owning a successful label and getting checks from high-profile ghostwriting, one has to wonder. How does he stay hungry?

“I know how quick you can lose all of this,” he says bluntly. “It’s bigger than me too now. I’ve got brothers and sisters, I’m a father, and I got my niggas who are trying to get in the game. It’s a big weight, but I’m unselfish.”

Words and Photo: Maurice G. Garland

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PAPA DUCK BELLE GLADE, FL www.myspace.com/papaduckmusic apa Duck, who is currently working on his self-titled debut album, has risen over hostedthe years by to Bigga become Rankin, one burningof Florida’s up the rising artists to look out for. He says his album has somethingWelcome for everyone: To My Hood songs for the ladies, real street shit that’s fact not fiction for the hustlers and people grinding in the streets. “To be honest with you,” he says, “I think I outdid P myself on this one.” With his new mixtapeSouth, Papa’s stockI’ve hasbeen risen getting tremendously. $3,500 - $4,000 “JustIn aoffaddition show,” that mixtape heto beingbrags. alone a rapper, Papa Duck sees himself as a triple threat. He’s an- engineer and an ac complished producer who worked with many notable Florida- “YOU’RE ONLY A artists before ventur DJ IF YOU BREAK ing out to become an - artist himself. He pro RECORDS.” duced all the beats on his mixtape except one, and also landed a track on Plies upcoming album Real Nigga Bible. He’s also worked with Triple J, Rick Ross’ Carol City Cartel, Grandaddy Souf, 21 Reese, and BloodRaw.

Because he wears so many hats in the rap game, Papa - Duck is confident that he’ll be able to negotiate a favor able record deal when the time comes. Since he brings so much to the table, he doesn’t need to settle for the first offer that comes.

Like many independent artists, Papa Duck has added to his street buzz by creating a presence on the internet as well. His myspace. com page has lately generated thousands of hits thanks to his single “Good Pussy.” -

As a part of the rising Florida move ment, Papa Duck has a message for all DJs: “You’re a DJ if you break - records. If you play records that are already being played on the radio sta tions and muthafuckin’ videos, you’re not a DJ, you’re a selector.” With many DJs like Disco & the City Boyz helping spread Papa Duck’s sound in the hoods and clubs throughout Florida, this multi- talented star has a promising future.

Interview: Malik Abdul

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HEZELEO f Webbie and Lil’ Boosie are good indicators of UGK-endorsed music, PORT ARTHUR, TX Hezeleo must be bringing that heat. Also hailing from their notorious Port Arthur, Texas stomping grounds, Hezeleo plans to rep P.A. just as I hard as his mentors, but in his own“My way. storiessame are told lingo with and the slang, but we all different and I’ve been through different things,” he says. “I dropped out of school in “MY 9th grade and I - wasn’t doing noth ULTIMATE ing productive, but GOAL IS TO then I found myself BREAK INTO and now I know THIS RAP what I’m trying to do GAME AND and what I’m gonna HELP THE do.” ARTISTS I GOT In addition to rap, UP UNDER Hezeleo has used his ME.” unique voice to cut commercials for radio- stations and club pro moters. While the checks from that work were decent, he is now focusing on promoting himself. Hoping to piggy back off the response of his Block - Stars Volume I, Hezeleo is dropping a second install ment in the near future. He also has plans to do mixtapes with DJ Hollywood and Daddy Rich.

“Pimp said, ‘Hey, it’s time for you to jump out there and do your thang,’ and that’s how I’ma do it,” he says. “My ultimate goal is basically to break into this rap game and help the artists I got up under me. There’s a multitude of talent that I want to reveal.”

With the UGK family backing him 100% Hezeleo is destined to follow in the trail that Pimp and Bun blazed. -

“The UGK Records thang is all fam ily,” he smiles, mentioning that Pimp C’s mother a.k.a Mama UGK a.k.a. Mama Wes is his manager. “We got a family structure going on right now. I’m under that umbrella.” - Right now, the streets are abuzz with “Bought A Cadillac” featuring Pimp C. But don’t expect Hezeleo to follow the stan dard formula and rush to release an album; he’s taking it all in stride.

Words: Maurice G. Garland Photo: Julia Beverly

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RICK ROSS FIEND TRAE PORT OF MIAMI THE ADDICTION RESTLESS Slip-N-Slide/Def Jam FE Rap-A-Lot/Asylum

Rick Ross’ Port of Miami is dope, liter- Fiend was supposed to be star a long time Even though the album’s title suggests that there’s ally. It’s a shame that this album didn’t ago. His voice, creativity and lyrical prowess going to be a lot of wild movement, really the come out 13 years ago because it would always made him stand out from his fellow only things that move when listening to Trae are have been a perfect soundtrack for No Limit Soldiers, but even at their height your soul and your neck, not much else. Your Scarface starring Al Pacino. Since that he was bound by the branding of the tank. neck is sure to snap on the album’s opener “Real didn’t quite happen, the album’s opener When he got down with the Ruff Ryders in Talk” when Trae comes out the gate spitting at 160 “Push It” will have to do. Using Paul the early 2000’s he was supposed to get the m.p.h. over a hectic guitar sample, immediately Engemann’s notorious song from the same notoriety as DMX and Jadakiss, but that killing the notion that all Houston rappers slow popular movie, Ross doesn’t push the didn’t happen either. down everything they touch. Even though he did envelope lyrically or content-wise, but that with ease, he does keep things calmer for the he does let listeners know that his 12 Virtually forced to do things on his own, rest of the album. Grown man B.I. exudes on songs year grind is well worth the success he Fiend hasn’t disappointed since he’s went like “Dedecated 2 U” and “The Truth” where Trae is finally seeing. independent. The Addiction picks up where explains his Asshole By Nature attitude. However, Go Hard or Go Home left off, showcasing it’s the times that he’s not being a complete asshole And what’s success without showing Fiend’s ability to not only make a presence that standout on this album. off? He hooks up with his fellow M- on the mic, but also crank out complete songs I-Yayer Dre for “Blow” which sounds no matter what the subject is. He steps outside of his element to hook up with like a vintage Big Tymers song, only Yung Joc on the slightly snap influenced “In The here, Ross is a little bit better than Baby The aggressive “I Want It All” starts the Hood” but still manages to stay himself on the beat on the mic. Dre appears again on the album off with a bang, but it’s the song although the track is begging to be leaned and equally flashy “Boss,” where of course that comes after it that reminds you that rocked on. On “Coming Around The Corner” he Ross’ rhyme scheme pairs the song title Fiend is not your average rapper. “Thugg’n hooks up with Dip Set’s Jim Jones to bust warn- with his name more than a few times. And Drugg’n” has Fiend chronicling street ing shots at anyone trying to interfere with their life to realistic extremes over a sample of riches. He makes another out-of-state connection The rest of the album pretty much lets Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun.” Lines like on the soulful “Restless” with Young Noble of the you know how he has afforded himself “The city where I reside, mostly income is Outlawz, which turns out to be one of the albums the chance to be a boss with money to fixed / Where the lights staying on is first on strongest cuts. blow. On the Jazze Pha “For Da Low” our Christmas list” are strong enough to make he constantly reminds you that he gets you forget about the weak verses from the Outside of the mean-mugging “Matter of Time” “it” for the low. He then informs us unknown rappers who are also on the song. featuring Mya, Trae keeps the rest of the appear- where he keeps “it” on the DJ Toomp- ance at home. He hooks up with his cousin and fel- produced “White House.” Ross goes on He stays on some rock shit with “That’s low G. Maab member Z-Ro on “No Help” to create to tell us what he uses to make “it” on What U Want” when he takes the typical some more of the classic “fuck you” music you’ve “Pots and Pans.” “don’t fuck with me” attitude but injects come to love from the duo. But Trae also show his some undeniable lyricism into it, making lyrical side on “So Gangsta” where he almost makes But the bearded one isn’t all about the it an above average song. He does the same you forget that the legendary Bun B is featured on hard “it,” he also likes the soft “it.” On on “Wired Up.” Capital F.I. delivers another the song. Even though he doesn’t spend a lot of “Hit U From The Back” he lets us in on hard hitter on “That Iron Gang” where he time rapping about the things Houston rappers are his love life when he says “she make me again overshadows the guest feature, this now expected to talk about (cars, jewelry, syrup) he cook her lobster tails, I make her go and time Corner Boy P. Of course Fiend can do does have a couple songs that show that he can in- cook a ki.” He also teams up with Mario more than just kick ass, and he proves it on corporate a little bit of those subjects in his music. Winans on the breezy “Get Away” “Press Play,” talking about everything from where Ross spits his “L.A. Reid” flow having a daughter on the way to sacrificing On “Cadillac” he hooks up with Paul Wall, Three 6 and insists that “every D-Boy needs a QT with his woman to work in the studio. Mafia, Jayton and Lil Boss of S.L.A.B. to rap about friend.” On “Bottom of the Map” he walks the listener the obvious. “Swang” features Pimp C, Big Hawk through his New Orleans and on “What Is U and Fat Pat’s voice on the hook - although it’s not However, after all of the money-mak- Sayin” he takes a generic KLC beat to another the version with the Michael Jackson “Lady In My ing, drug sales and women chasing, Ross level. Life” sample. That mistake is redeemed by “Screw closes the album with “Prayer” repent- Done Already Warned Me” with Lil Keke and “Pop ing all of his sins on the previous tracks. Besides the safe and basic production, there Trunk Wave” featuring another Fat Pat vocal. Honestly, this is perhaps the realest aren’t many missteps on this album. Even song on the entire album because it is though there may be a couple songs that you Even though the production and even Trae’s voice here that Ross shows he isn’t the larger- might just not feel like hearing sometimes, can get boring, this is a solid effort. The mood stays than-life dope dealer that he presents don’t hit the skip button too often because consistent and Trae does him, rather than try to himself as in his music. you may miss something. appeal to everyone with $13.99 to spend.

- Maurice G. Garland - Maurice G. Garland - Maurice G. Garland

108 109 OUTKAST KILLER MIKE IDLEWILD PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE Jive Grind Time

An argument about anything Outkast has ever made can end friend- Inspired by the same major label frustrations that saw him drop ships or just make you look at someone completely different. If any- independent projects like Dat Crack and the DJ Sense-assisted The one dared say something negative about Big Boi and Andre 3000, they Killer, Mike returns with his double underground album I Pledge Al- were automatically dismissed as either a hater or just plain ignorant legiance, cementing his boasts of being the “New School Ice Cube.” and stupid combined. However, after 12 strong and lucky years, the 13th one has ‘Kast dropping perhaps their first album that is actually The brightest example comes courtesy of the name-dropping “That’s open for debate. Life” where he speaks on racial double standards calls out community “leaders” with lines like “Watch me as I cruise like Tom through the Even though the “it’s still better than 90% of the crap that’s out now” slums where the education is poor and children going dumb / In the angle can be used when talking about this album, the statement section of the city where the saditty don’t come, where Mr. Cosby doesn’t hold as much water as it once did. and Ms. Winfrey won’t come, unless it’s a hurricane and FEMA don’t come.” Much like he did on Speakerboxxx, Big Boi attacks every song with unbridled energy, even though the song isn’t that tight. “Peaches” has The truth continues to come out on “Killers” when he spews, “Fuck Big flowing exceptionally well talking about a failed marriage, get- George Bush and that snake Bill Clinton” and “You Don’t Want This ting straight to the point with no abstract metaphors. He stays in the Life,” where he questions aspiring trap stars by telling them there’s twisted relationship on the funked-out “N2U” featuring Sleepy Brown nothing but death and police lights after the cars and ice. To juxta- where they honestly explain that they want sex, but not a girlfriend. pose that, he and his fellow Grind Time Rap Gang members S.L. Jones Big Boi continues to snap on “The Train” and “In Your Dreams” where and Da Bill Collector praise the legal money makers working 9 to 5’s he is joined by Killer Mike, Sleepy Brown and Janelle Monae. on “Ima Shine.”

But every time you start to get into Big Boi’s offerings, they are While the Cube influence is prevalent throughout the album, Mike thrown off by Dre’s experimental musings. “Idlewild Blues” does a also freaks an idea from a former Cube nemesis, Common, on “The good job at creating a bluesy atmosphere but the rest of his sounds Next Bitch.” Here he embodies the crack game, rap game and cor- give you a screwface, forcing you to just accept the fact that he porate America as females who he messes with and then ultimately made music for a movie soundtrack, not an album. When accepted leaves for the other. in that context, the songs are listenable but not always enjoyable. Take “Greatest Show On Earth,” for example, where Dre’s crooning With his lyrical wit already proven, Mike demonstrates his storytell- is paired with Macy Gray - thinking of how it sounds is probably ing skills on the Three Dog Night-sampled “Duece’s Wild,” painting hurting your ears already. Or tunes like “When I Look In Your Eyes” an entertaining and slightly comedic picture of a botched carjacking. and “Makes No Sense At All” which are both composed very well, but don’t really make you want to go back and listen to see if you missed Songs like “The Juggernaut” and “Fuck U Pay Me” pretty much add anything. notches to Mike’s belt, but his Grind Time collective also show flashes of brilliance. However, Dre does manage to catch attention on “Life’s A Musical” where he sings “I called Big Boi on the telephone and said hold up Little Rock, Arkansas’ SL Jones reps his city and bangs with flying before we put out another song, no matter what goes down we stand colors on “Sags N’ Flags” while Bigg Slimm, Da Bill Collector & Gang- strong ‘cause ain’t nothing changed.” He also does some “time travel- sta Pill flow nimbly over plucking harps and MPC drums on “What ing…something mind-unraveling” on “Chronomentrophobia” where Da Bizniss Is.” he sings about the fear of time, hoping that people remember Outkast for their contributions in this age of glitz and glamour. Even though the gang slips into mundane pistol play on songs like “Gat Totin’” and “Shoot Em’ Up,” the exceptional wordplay from But, the album is not a total loss. “Hollywood Divorce” featuring Mike and Nario make them worth a listen or two. Snoop Dogg and Dre’s favorite rapper, Lil Wayne, has all four emcees creating the album’s best song. Together they spark conversation Well-executed lyrics were pretty much expected from this release, about Hollywood’s uncanny ability to take neighborhood trends, but the surprise is the improved production (poor beats have hurt make them popular and throw them and their creators to the wayside. Mike in the past) courtesy of Chaotic Beats and Smiff and Cash. And as if the songs weren’t enough, the album is closed with a DJ Jelly- Overall, Idlewild is decent at best. Big Boi comes with it each and ev- esque blend of “Kryptonite” over Keith Sweat’s “Right and A Wrong ery time and it sounds like he has completely mastered and patented Way” instrumental. his rapid-fire flow, while Dre teeters along the fine line of pushing the envelope and fucking around. If you are a ‘Kast fan in denial, you may An official Killer Mike album release date is still on shaky ground, but just want to accept this CD as a movie soundtrack instead of the album this double-CD offering of original material should keep the masses they would have you believe it is. satisfied until then.

- Maurice G. Garland - Maurice G. Garland

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ugklive

Venue: Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre Location: Orlando, FL Event: 1st Annual OZONE Awards brought to you by OZONE Magazine, TJ’s DJ’s, BME/Warner Bros. & Interscope Records Date: August 6th, 2006

Photo: Julia Beverly

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