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Home , A Bay Bay, Babygrande Records, BET Award for Best Group, Big Gipp, Big Mike (rapper), Bun B

OZONE MAGAZINE YOUR FAVORITE RAPPER’S FAVORITE MAGAZINE

PIMP C’s HURRICANE LAST CHRIS WORDS MR. COLLIPARK , TOO $HORT, , LIL BOOSIE & REMEMBER

TRILL N*GGAS DON’T DIE TRAPSTARZ THEIR THREE DEEP FRIEND YOUNG CASH & MIDGET MAC

SOULJA BOY +ozone west THE BOY BOY YOUNG MESS JANUARY 2008 | MITCHY SLICK HOT ROD ’s PROTEGE OZONE MAG //  YOUR FAVORITE RAPPER’S FAVORITE MAGAZINE

PIMP C’s LAST WORDS SOULJA BUN B BOY TOO $HORT CRANKIN’ IT SCARFACE ALL THE WAY BIG GIPP TO THE BANK WITH DAVID BANNER MR. COLLIPARK LIL WAYNE FONSWORTH LIL BOOSIE’S BENTLEY JEWELRY CORY MO 8BALL & FASCINATION MORE TRAPSTARZ SHARE THEIR THREE DEEP FAVORITE MEMORIES OF THE YOUNG CASH SOUTH’S & MIDGET MAC FINEST

+ozone west THE BOY BOY YOUNG MESS ICE CUBE | MITCHY SLICK HOT ROD 50 CENT’s PROTEGE 28 // OZONE WEST  // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG //   // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG //   // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG //   // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG //  10 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 11 PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF // Julia Beverly

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER // N. Early MUSIC EDITOR // Randy Roper FEATURES EDITOR // Eric Perrin ART DIRECTOR // Tene Gooden features ADVERTISING SALES // Che’ Johnson 54-59 YEAR END AWARDS PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR // Malik Abdul 76-79 REMEMBERING PIMP C MARKETING DIRECTOR // David Muhammad Sr. 22-23 RAPPERS’ NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS LEGAL CONSULTANT // Kyle P. King, P.A. 74 DIRTY THIRTY: PIMP C’S GREATEST HITS SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER // Adero Dawson ADMINISTRATIVE // Cordice Gardner, Kisha Smith CONTRIBUTORS // Bogan, Charlamagne the God, Chuck T, Cierra Middlebrooks, Destine Cajuste, E-Feezy, Edward Hall, Felita Knight, Jacinta Howard, Jaro Vacek, Jessica Koslow, J Lash, Jason Cordes, Jo Jo, Johnny Louis, Kamikaze, Keadron Smith, Keith Kennedy, K.G. Mosley, King Yella, Luis Santana, Luxury Mindz, Marcus DeWayne, Matt Sonzala, Mau- rice G. Garland, Mercedes (Strictly Streets), Ms. Rivercity, Natalia Gomez, Ray Tamarra, Rico Da Crook, Robert Gabriel, Rohit Loomba, Shannon McCollum, Spiff, Stan Johnson, Swift, Thaddeus McAdams, 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, Delight, Derrick the Franchise, Dolla Bill, Dwayne Barnum, Dr. Doom, Ed the World Famous, Episode, General, Gorilla Promo, 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, Music & More, Nick@ Nite, Nikki Kancey, Pat Pat, PhattLipp, Pimp G, Quest, Rio G, Rippy, Rob-Lo, Stax, TJ’s DJ’s, TJ Bless, Tim Brown, Tre Dubb, Trina Edwards, Vicious, Victor Walker, Voodoo, Wild Billo, Young Harlem DISTRIBUTION // Curtis Circulation, LLC SUBSCRIPTIONS // To subscribe, send check or money order for $11 to: Ozone Magazine, Inc. Attn: Subscriptions Dept 644 Antone St. Suite 6 , GA 30318 Phone: 404-350-3887 Fax: 404-350-2497 Website: www.ozonemag.com COVER CREDITS // Lil Wayne photos (cover and this page) by Julia Beverly; Flo-Rida and Brisco photos by Ray Tamarra; Ray J photo by Daniel Gonzales. DISCLAIMER // OZONE Magazine is published 11 times per year by OZONE Magazine, Inc. OZONE does not take responsibility for unso- licited materials, misinformation, typograph- ical errors, or misprints. The views contained herein do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or its advertisers. Ads appearing in this magazine are not an endorsement or validation by OZONE Magazine for products or services offered. All photos and illustrations are copyrighted by their respective artists. All other content is copyright 2007 OZONE Magazine, all rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any way without the written consent of the publisher. Printed in the USA.

12 // OZONE MAG monthly sections 38 THE CHRONICLES OF PIMP C 15 10 THINGS I’M HATIN’ ON 87 CAFFEINE SUBSTITUTES 42-50 PATIENTLY WAITING 25-47 PHOTO GALLERIES 30 SIDEKICK HACKIN’ 34 CHAIN REACTION 82 BOARD GAMES 83 INDUSTRY 101 26 MATHEMATICS 32 DOLLAR MENU 15 JB’S 2 CENTS 86 CD REVIEWS 28 CHIN CHECK 84 DJ PROFILE 14 FEEDBACK 40 TATTED UP 18-20 RAPQUEST 90 END ZONE interviews 60 MR. COLLIPARK 72-73 BRYAN LEACH 36 MIDGET MAC

64-66 pg

pg 68-70 HURRICANE CHRIS OZONE MAG // 13 Send your comments to [email protected] or hit us up at www.myspace.com/ozonemagazine

I never send anything to the feedback section, but after reading Roxy Reyn- zine! When I found out that this was the vision of a woman, I was instantly olds’ sex issue interview I had to show some love. I read her article on How amazed. I attend college in Columbia, SC, so every month I try to get an to Give Head when I was on the plane coming back to Denver. I’m not usually issue from DJ B-Lord or Rob Lo. You have definitely become one of my into porn, but she gave me the best visual ever. I got off the plane, woke my favorite women. You are one person who has inspired many young women, wife up, and made her read the article. as myself, to strive for the best! Thanks! – DJ K-Tone, [email protected] (Denver, CO) – Miss Jay Trenae (Columbia, SC)

You get love in Sweden! I’m a big fan of the magazine because you interview The sex issue was excellent! I have no idea how y’all are gonna top this one. almost every artist I’ve worked with, or am trying to work with. I’m C-Bo and – DJ Scorpio (Atlanta, GA) ’s in-house producer; we’ve done a lot of stuff for the artists that you interview in your magazine, especially in the OZONE West section. Thank you for being the magazine that supports artists who deserve a shot. Fuck Julia, you are truly an inspiration. I was recently reading OZONE and was XXL and . OZONE is the . inspired by your passion for the music industry. I’ve never once in – David Hanna (Sweden) my life ever picked up a magazine and read it from the cover to finish, but you have such a way about your words and the types of questions that you ask our artists of today. Your magazine is like my mini Hip Hop Bible. I love Keep doing your thing with the mag. I’m gonna mess with y’all on a West it! You keep your readers wanting more and more. The reason I decided to Coast ad for my kids’ project. Y’all are knocking Murder Dog out of the water. email you tonight is because of the article on my soon-to-be-husband Lil – Kontac, [email protected] (Bay Area, ) Wayne in your December 2007 sex issue. I’m so jealous! You asked him every question that I’ve been wanting to know for years. Your interview made my life complete. Dwayne Carter is one of the greatest things that has come to Being an avid reader of your magazine, I know that OZONE always provided a the industry in a very long time and I wish I could have the opportunity to Pimp C a lane to express himself freely without holding back, and that’s what meet him so that he could fall in love with me on sight! a lot of people respect about Pimp C. When I heard the news [of his death] – Kim, myspace.com/hellokittydotcom1 (Richmond, CA) I thought about his family, Bun B, and you at OZONE Magazine. While Pimp C was in jail, Bun B kept his name alive and made sure he was not forgotten, so I know he’ll continue to represent for Pimp C and make sure his legacy is The December 2007 issue of OZONE with Lil Wayne on the cover was my first not forgotten. Bun B is the true definition of a brother and friend, and my time ever hearing about and reading the magazine! I started reading it in prayers go out to him and his family. And I know that although he’s gone, the grocery store and couldn’t put it down. I ended up buying it. I loved it! you’ll continue to remember and make sure that Pimp C’s name is never It’s so entertaining and more unique than most magazines. Keep doing your forgotten. Thank you for all the great moments and articles that you gave thing. You have definitely gained another loyal reader! us through your magazine – allowing us to get to know Chad “Pimp C” Butler. – Annick, [email protected] (Miami, FL) – Rinarys Matos, [email protected]

What you do for us Southern entertainers is next to impossible. I’ve enjoyed The OZONE Orlando Rapquest was a good write up. We appreciate you more both annual OZONE Awards and one day I want to be a part of it. The South than you know! You’re my favorite white girl! Just for future reference, I’m is starting to look real good and many people are following us now. not on Slip N Slide Streets, just plain ‘ol Slip N Slide Records. – Rob Dee (Nashville, TN) – Wes Fif, [email protected] (Orlando, FL)

I read the November 2007 issue of OZONE but Milwaukee, Wisconsin was left I’m one of the many readers of OZONE. I also adore Lil Wayne. I think your out of the Rapquest section. I’m a local rap artist who also does journal- interview was great and it gave us a chance to indulge. Did he seem serious ism on the side. We have two major developments that need to be touched about marriage? I think he and I could connect on so many different levels. on. One, Baby Drew from Milwaukee got signed to a major label deal, and I think he’s still looking because we haven’t had the opportunity to meet. I OZONE’s role by featuring him in Patiently Waiting should be acknowledged. just wanted to ask that you keep the good interviews coming. Two, Lyfe Jennings had signed a young lady from Milwaukee by the name of – Jasmine Smith, [email protected] La La Brown, who was shot and killed in a studio this past Friday. - Track Lacer, myspace.com/tracklacer (Milwaukee, WI)

JB, thanks for being such an inspiration! When I first gained an interest in the Correction: The photo in the galleries last month that read “HK, Streez, & entertainment business, I wanted to know who was behind OZONE Maga- guest” should have read “HK, Young Deuces & Black Fred.”

14 // OZONE MAG Send your comments to [email protected] or hit us up at www.myspace.com/ozonemagazine 10 Things jb’s 2cents I’M Hatin’ On ne of my favorite New Years memories was bringing in 2006 by Maurice G. Garland with the undisputed King of , J , in the VIP lounge Oof a downtown Houston nightclub. Pimp C had been released 1. Black Folks Who Don’t Want to Vote For Obama from jail the day before, the Houston movement was in full swing, Just Because He’s Black and you could feel the anticipation building up in the city as All Star Forgive me if I sound naïve, but isn’t that the weekend approached. I’ve noticed two things about J Prince and fucking point? We did all this complaining about other people of his status: they don’t carry around much cash, and wanting a Black president, now that the possibil- they don’t talk much. Rich people don’t wave money around, and ity is presented, some us wanna act like we can’t powerful people don’t tell you how wise they are. They just listen, vote for him off GP. Its not like he’s preaching leaving you to fill the silence with your own words, and whatever you choose poison. Get off that bullshit man. If you think he’s to talk about reveals more than any question they could ever ask. inexperienced, just look at with the folks with experience have been doing. Scary. For the next few weeks, it felt like I lived in Houston. I was like a permanent fixture in the Sonzala guest room. That’s how I found myself giving up shot- 2. Crazy Ass Texans gun in Pimp C’s silver Bentley to T.I., retreating to the backseat to eat lunch Did y’all hear about this dude who killed his girl- friend and then boiled her body parts? Last year while the two rap legends reunited, rolling down the Houston freeway where some teenaged Texans gave toddlers weed on we’d been filming the video for “Front, Back, Side to Side” on an unreasonably camera, and then before that we saw a woman KING YELLA windy January afternoon. Behind us was Rasaq driving his brother Chamil- high off who knows what hit a man with her car, Best. Picture. Ever. lionaire’s red drop top which he eventually gave Pimp as a gift (“Chamillion drive home, park in the garage…with the man gave me the bitch, she was already a star / Now all these n*ggas wanna fuck STILL ON HER WINDSHIELD! They say everything is my car”) and in front, a police officer who pulled us over to congratulate Pimp bigger in , everybody is crazier too. on his release and then escorted us through traffic with his sirens blazing so we could reach our destination quickly. I don’t remember the specifics of Pimp 3. Hardee’s C and T.I.’s conversation (it was one of those moments where I knew I was Have ya’ll seen these heart-clogging ass ham- supposed to be just a female companion, not an eavesdropping reporter) but burgers they’ve been selling lately? If you’re eat- the gist of it was clear. I’d never heard T.I. so humble, the admiration in his ing and enjoying those things, the doctor should voice noticeable as he told Pimp, in his own way, how much of an influence slap your ass when you end up in the ER. ANTHONY CUTUJAR he’d been. Even then it felt like a historic moment, and I kinda wondered if Me and Soulja Boy in New York I deserved to be there; surely there’s other diehard Southern rap fans who 4. Michael Jordan would’ve killed to be present for such a private, honest conversation. The new Jordans cost $185. Me myself, have never purchased a pair of J’s in my life, I refused They say Pimp C died yesterday morning in a Hollywood hotel room, but to give dude my money like that (plus, I was I don’t believe it yet. I’m still fully expecting to get a text back from his always a ‘Nique fan). This nigga don’t even play iPhone saying it’s all good, that it was just a bad rumor like the last one (it’ll anymore and his shoes cost the most? Anyone say: “Naw I’m good!! Tell them internet gangstaz keep talkin’ dat bullshit!!! that’s hooped in Jordans before knows they are Chuuch!!”). It’s crazy that less than two years ago I witnessed a touching mo- uncomfortable as hell. Fuck Jordan! He never used his money or influence to do anything in the ment between Southern rap legends who’ll never meet again in this life; not community other than boost the crime rate. to mention that T.I.’s currently on house arrest looking at significant jail time. ERIC PERRIN Me and Fonsworth Bentley @ A few months ago I wrote about how fake the industry is; how no one gives a 5. Drive-Thru Liquor Stores TJ’s DJ’s in Tallahassee I remember one being down the street from my shit about each other unless there’s money involved. But there are exceptions school when I was growing up, but now, I’m to the rule. Being in the music business is a lonely career. It’s hard to trust starting to see these things pop up on the regu- anyone, so you’re constantly paranoid, constantly on the road away from lar. Isn’t drinking-and-driving illegal? When I go home, without friendly faces to rely on. It’s those rare occasions when you to McDonald’s I end up eating all the fries by the connect with somebody to the point where you really give a fuck about them time I get home. You don’t think people will do and not just their music that keep you in this shit. Well, I gave a fuck about the same with a Heineken or a fifth of vodka? Pimp C. I first met him when he was locked up and I interviewed him for an OZONE cover story. For some reason we just trusted each other, on that other 6. Po-Po level beyond this rap shit, and by the time he came out we’d become friends.

Why do the police need to call for back up when TERRENCE TYSON all they’re pulling you over for is an expired tag? Me, , & Suga D @ FAMU Often when people pass away, everyone writes glamorous, glossy descriptions Homecoming in Tallahassee of them, eliminating their flaws – well, I’m not cosigning the “Atlanta is not 7. Bootleg DVDs the South” controversies or the rumored beef between him and you-know- The bootleg man has gone up on his prices more who – but I do know that he always looked out for me. They say that people than premium gasoline. With these prices it’d be never remember what you said, but how you made them feel, and Pimp C cheaper to just to go to the movie theatre and always made me feel good when I saw him. I’ll miss his charisma and intel- bring your family. A bootleg DVD nowadays cost ligence. I’ll miss his random, always-entertaining 4 AM phone calls. And, of more than hotel room service. course, I’ll miss his music. 8. Hotel Room Service Speaking of which, they charge you a room I hear that Pimp C recorded hundreds of unreleased songs in the past two years since his release, so fortunately for rap fans, his music won’t be dying

service fee of $10, an extra service charge of $10, J LASH out anytime soon. But I’ll still miss my friend. and an automatic tip of 30%, gotdamn! By the UGK’s performance at the 1st you realize you’d paid $45 for a glass of orange OZONE Awards was a classic juice it’s too late. moment; me & Pimp C backstage - Julia Beverly, [email protected]

9. Walgreens Fuck what these trap boy rappers are talking about. Walgreens has got the streets sowed up. DJ Drama f/ “Art of Storytelling Pt. 4” They slang their drugs on every corner, open f/ Young , , Plies, & Lil Wayne “Dey Know (remix)” RE’Splaylist early and close late and the cops don’t even think Rocko f/ T.I., Young Jeezy, & “Umma Do Me (remix)” [email protected] about running up in their spots. And to top it all Lil Wayne & Juelz Santana “Always Strapped” off, they’ve got snacks for your munchies too. Cunninlynguists f/ “Wonderful” “Sexual Eruption” Jay Electronica “A Prayer For Michael Vick And T.I.” Ill Tactics “Nikita 6” 10. New Years Resolutions Alicia Keys f/ John Mayer “Lesson Learned” Lupe Fiasco “The Coolest” New Years Resolutions are complete bullshit. You probably broke yours by the time we compiled Playaz Circle f/ “Paper Chaser” Lil Keke f/ “I’m A G” this list.

OZONE MAG // 15 16 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 17 QUEST DETROIT, MI: The Ultimate Black Party went down at the Detroit Lions’ RAP Ford Field. Cupid performed for a crowd of about 3,000. OZONE HITS THE STREETS TO SEE WHAT’S POPPIN’ Young Dro and Detroit’s own Deelishis hosted a party at Club Evolution that banged out. T Woods is still the most IF YOU FEEL THAT YOUR CITY IS MISREPRESENTED,AUSTIN, OR NOT TX: REPRESENTED AT ALL, HIT US consistentUP at [email protected] promoter in the city. Two of his recent successes Trae came to town for an in store appear- were at Evolution and Confidential, which was attended ance and autograph signing at Music Mania by Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony, and Keyon Martin. Hot ALBUQUERQUE, NM for his Life Goes On. DJ Rapid Ric 102.7’s annual Shoes for Shorties went down at Northland Stevie and Bamboozle shot three videos in one headed back overseas to India with Chamil- Mall and was attended by Gorilla Zoe, Hurricane Chris, and weekend! Homie Marco left his position as P.D. lionaire for the VH1 Hip Hop Hustle concert Twista. Home-grown artist Tone Tone shut it down when he at Hot 97.3 so the position is up for grabs. The series. Soon after, Koopa, Famous, and the performed his local hit “What Up Doe.” Takeover Tour Concert was a smash, minus T.I. Chamillitary Camp came back to Austin to - Big Gryph ([email protected]) Naughty by Nature tore it down. Cooley Sha and host the ‘07 Hot 93.3 Fantasy Fest party David Wade continue to shine locally. Samuel at Paradox. DJ Grip hooked up with Eddie BALTIMORE, MD: Jackson and Eva Mendez were in town shooting a Deville, Trae, and Drojo to drop the 3-disc Stay Gettin Productions, known for bangers on by new movie called The Spirit. Club Fantasia is now Screw State Heavyweights. Tosin of The- Cam’ron and Freeway, have gotten their artist Heavy Gold the spot for upcoming local rap artists to perform ScrewShop.com and J-Kapone got together signed to . Even with no radio play, he and his and battle. Soulja Boy’s “Crank Dat” is the # 1 for the All In Yo’ Deck mixtape mixed by DJ team have made a lot of noise in Harm City. Although the ink on song on the air right now. Dinkie D. the deal is still wet, look out for Heavy Gold’s major label debut - Beno ([email protected]) - O.G. of Luxury Mindz real soon. Hometown favorite DJ Spontaneous has signed on to ([email protected]) be Atlantic Recording artist ’ DJ on Trey’s new tour. If you’ve never heard of Spontaneous, be sure to cop one of his Spontaneous Combustion mixtapes. - Darkroom Productions ([email protected]) BAY ST. LOUIS, MS: The Miami Heat along with the Hornets came to play a preseason game at the Biloxi Coast Coliseum. Some of the players stopped by Nell’s Sports Bar & Lounge and kicked it. Plies came to da Sipp and rocked it. The ladies couldn’t keep their hands off him. It was almost a strip fest. It was a good look for poetry as Huggy Bear the Poet appeared on the Tom Joyner morning show. Mississippi is getting ready for the Bayou Classic, where the Feds will be taking pictures. - DJ Deliyte ([email protected])

louisville, KY

JACKSONVILLE, FL: The crime rate in Jacksonville sours as four murders occurred on the of the Florida- football game. One man was stabbed to death at Café Bolero’s and two others were injured. On a more positive note, Young Cash releases the video for his single “X” on Youtube.com. The song is also receiving some rotation on 92.7 the Beat. Synsha Models held a fashion show downtown at the Crowne Plaza. Local LOUISVILLE, KY artist Dez Nado continues to make moves in J-Ville. If you’re in the area, stop by BrickLayer Entertainment reappeared with Shut Down Sundays Groove City Music in the Town & Country Shopping Center. featuring at Villa Fontana. SOLO (above) opened up - Ms. Rivercity ([email protected]) and showed his swagg to the public. H.O. Holla held down Hottest in the Ville for 5 days and A.R. is following the same pattern. Griff NEW ORLEANS, LA: Jr. hosted Fresh Kicks Friday, a party by Famous Entertainment. DJ Hollaback is on fire in the clubs right now. The album release party Wild Wayne has been out of control lately performing in every thrown by Here We Go Entertainment was classic and the 504 dimes were venue the city has. Nova has a hot ass mixtape out called Lou- in the building. Wild Wayne does it real big with Wild Wayne TV. Flame has a Breeze hosted by DJ Khaled. Lets Get It Entertainment brought new single called “Look Back at It” and it’s gaining momentum. The Street through the I Can’t Feel My Face Tour featuring Lil Wayne, Juelz Team got back together after a brief falling out. Everyone is still waiting on Santana, , and Louisville’s own Mac-D. Lil Wayne to come out of his bubble and drop the official Carter 3. - Divine Da Instagata ([email protected]) - Derrick Tha Franchise (www.Myspace.com/DerrickThaFranchise)

CLEVELAND, OH: The Mayor’s office continues to struggle as a teen stabbing and school shooting have CINCINNATI, OH: been tagged to Frank Jackson’s resume. The female assailant was coached by mom The Mixin’ Vixen, a.k.a. DJ Dimepiece, from WIZF 101.1 is reppin’ Cincin- and grandmother during the assault. Sam Sylk returns to ENZ. After stints in Chicago nati everywhere. Somebody is always hitting me up from Cali, Vegas, and Philly, the Sylk man returns to his familiar 2:00-6:00 slot. Local producer/en- or Miami telling me they saw Dimepiece and she is bad! Contact book- gineer EQ, who achieved national fame, passed away recently. The local Hip Hop [email protected] for more info. Kenny P. has been on the grind community mourns this pioneer. The Hot-Spot lists Gucci Mane and Lil Wayne as top a long time and his song “Party Like My Birthday” is buzzing in the CD sellers, The Alpo Story and BET’s American Gangster as top DVDs, and G-Spot’s You streets, in the clubs, on radio and mixtapes. It’s your turn Kenny P. The Can’t Feel Me as top mixtape. Cincinnati Bengals didn’t get off to a good start, but the city is very - “X” Allah ([email protected]) optimistic about their future with Coach Marvin Lewis. - Judy Jones ([email protected]) NASHVILLE, TN: TSU kicked off their Homecoming with a hot ass Lil Wayne, and Lloyd concert followed by an insane after party at 615. Eight years and stillgoing, Phat- Kaps has breathed new air into Nashville by raising the bar with a new and improved superstore. Get yo gear up! Speaking of new stores, Elite Men’s Boutique has just opened. AllStar and Paper battled it out (literally) to prove who was #1 and 92Q’s Community Day was a huge success, especially for the winner of a brand new car. Stevie Wonder tickets are now officially on sale. - Janiro ([email protected])

18 // OZONE MAG COLUMBUS, GA: columbus, ga DOTHAN, AL After surviving a summer where the murder rate doubled within a In the early morning hours, club manager/pro- month and a half, people have been partying and nightlife has picked moter DJ Rob Base was shot and killed in front up. DJ O3 from Foxie 105 teamed up with Incognito from 98.3 The of his home. He was returning home from work Beat for Sunday nights at End Zone. Folks have actually been acting at the nightclub Grand Central Station when he like they have some sense…I mean there was that one incident, but was shot several times in the back. An investiga- a broken bottle never hurt anyone. Chester’s Barbeque won the Steve tion is still going on and no arrests have been Harvey Hoodie Award for Best in America. Since there was no drive- made. Grand Central Station has hired DJ Marcus thru in this East Columbus liquor store, some guy parked his Cadillac Kage as the new house DJ. DJ Pain will release inside (at right). his new mixtape entitled Pain Is Pleasure by - Slick Seville ([email protected]) December. The focus of the project is a new artist named Deuce. COLUMBUS, OH: - DJ Akil ([email protected]) STREETBUZZ DVD magazine and the High Five Bar have the city on smash by exposing local DALLAS/FT. WORTH, TX: BC and Southern Fried Marketing is your promo artists. Q Nemis is also putting the city on the outlet in the city. Hawatha and Shelly have the map down in Atlanta along with Blackbox Ent. official after hours spot at Club One. Club Blue Yellow Tape Gang will be in a hood near you too. has re-opened its doors as Club Cirque. Aleesa is Major Woody’s nightclub is always stacked to keeping Def Jam in the streets. Pegasus News is capacity. Even in the hood, hole-in-the-wall bars exposing Rapquest every month and model Nia go down. Lynae is on come up. Young Maboda and Cutta - Jorden Martin ([email protected]) C are building a buzz. The NAACP and UTA set up and bashed the local music scene with no warn- ing. Veda Loca conquered the evening slot on 97.9 The Beat. Renzo from Big Wheel Records is on Ft. Myers, fl lockdown. Stay strong. - Edward “Pookie” Hall (www.urbansouth.us@ gmail.com) FORT MYERS/NAPLES, FL: Birthday Bash 2007 was ridiculous. Groupies put on their shortest skirts to get backstage. The Big O (Omar), 105.5 The Beat’s MD, put together a lineup that included Ja Rule, Flo-Rida, Swizz Beats, Jagged Edge, DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Kat De Luna, and Playaz Circle. The bartender couldn’t handle all the smoke in the air backstage; he actually went outside and threw up. Speaking of smoke, a record 7 grow-houses were busted in Lehigh Acres in one day, so it’s going to be dry for a while. (Above: 105.5’s Jae Rae, Scrappy, & DJ Sway-Z) - Jae Rae ([email protected])

JACKSON, MS: Lil Wayne, Lil Boosie, 3 Deep, and Yo Gotti all hit the city this month with slammin’ performances. DJ Khaled and DJ Q45 took over the city at various clubs during Jackson State University’s Homecoming weekend. gave some lucky listeners of Hot 97 a private dinner (Project Pat shown at left with Hot 97 crew). Jackson, MS Peso the Don and the PCF (Paper Chasin’ Family) movement have taken the streets of Jackson by storm. Mississippi’s own Boo the Boss Playa has new music with Young Jeezy on the CTE Shield mixtape. - Tambra Cherie ([email protected]) & Stax ([email protected]) MONTGOMERY, AL: HOUSTON, TX: Lil Chappy pulled another hit out of his hat. “I Made It” got the blocks jumping harder than when he It’s round two of the New South takeover. dissed Gucci Mane. But it’s neck and neck with Dem Dirty Boyz. The album The First Supper is beating and Trae are back. Coughee down the street. The first single “Tryna Get It” features Lil Boosie and of course you know Brothaz are putting that good fire in the air. The Big Station had to be the first to bust it out, but now it’s playing on all Upclose Entertainment is resurrecting Hip Hop stations. “Badunka Walk” featuring The Black Paris Hilton got tricks with Uppa Dek, Dre Steel, and Krystal. The in the club trying to make up their own dance. Tyte Wurk Grit Boys are holding down the hood. Jak Da DUMAS, AR: is about to get it with Sound Load. Rippa, Upfront Records and Fatman are mak- - Hot Girl Maximum ing things happen all over Galveston. Come Everybody is getting ready for the Southern Entertainment Awards going down in Tunica, (HotGirl.Maximum@ hit up Baby O’s where all the hoods’ favorites gmail.com) go to perform. - Jamar “J Gamble” Irby (My. MS. UAPB’s Homecoming was major. Criminal [email protected]) Manne from Memphis got the streets on fire. The local rap scene is ready to explode with INDIANAPOLIS, IN: Vika, the R&B/Pop Queen of the city, shot her video shows hosted by Countyside Productions. Club MACON, GA this passed month and her single “Fantasize” is It was a big month in the Mac thanks to the Elevations is the for club- making some noise. Ophilia has graced the covers of Fort Valley Homecoming game. Plies and bing in Little Rock. The parties in Monticello Smooth Magazine and The Leak Magazine. She also Shawty Lo blessed us with their presence at have been off the chain. A female rapper has a photo spread in King Mag. Willie Hawkins, a.k.a. the major party courtesy of the Legion of named Memory is one of the tightest in the Dope Fiend Willie, is on the road with Mike Epps and Doom DJs. DJs Ric Flare (YBMFDJ) and Supa state. The club scene has been jumping in Pine also has a new comedy CD out. We must also mention Dave held down the 1s and 2s. Young R Bluff along with The Cedar Cabin and PJs. Otis Brown (R.I.P.) whose life was taken by senseless opened up for Yola and his Mixtape 101 hits - DJ Hiley ([email protected]) violence. His barbershop The New Doo was a true the streets soon. cornerstone to find out what is going on locally and - Ali Roc ([email protected]) nationally. He will truly be missed. - Lucky The Promo King ([email protected]) MEMPHIS, TN: MILWAUKEE, WI: Kia Shine is wrapping up his second video shoot of the This pertains to all hoods across the map, stop year. He and all his fans met up on historic Beale Street the violence! (right) It’s getting so senseless. to shoot the video for his latest single “WOW.” Some Milwaukee is hurting right now in so many ways special guests included UFC champ Rampage, Rudy Gay statistically. The last thing we need to be doing from the Grizzlies, and Euro basketball star Scooter Mc- is killing each other. R.I.P. to Yolanda “La La” Fadden. Blink is putting together the second Memphis Brown who had a popular hit song with Lyfe or Die DVD and promises to feature the hottest folks in Jennings and her boyfriend/producer JeTannue Memphis, plus a touch of some American Gangster. Hot “Kool-Aid” Clayborn. Both were murdered re- new artists Too Deep and Yung Flow are gaining local cently. Our whole city is affected. People need to attention with their latest single “Feel Like a Mill.” DJ stop and think. Let’s spread some unity via the 007 is holding it down for our local artists. music and media too. Guns down Mil-Town! milwaukee, wi - Deanna Brown ([email protected]) - Gorilla Promo ([email protected])

OZONE MAG // 19 RAPQUEST

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK: TALLAHASSEE, FL: Your favorite HoneySiccle models, as well as Honey herself, are It was a star studded FAMU Homecoming. Ja Rule had an in depth headed to Dallas, TX to perform at a video/DVD release party. They interview on Blazin 102.3 (shown at left with Jay Blaze) about are also headed to Kansas to make major moves at club spots. his career and 50 Cent. Now the streets of Tallahassee are buzzin’ Presidential Trap House is doing big things. They headed to Tal- and liking Ja Rule. Other guest celebrities included comedian lahassee, FL for the TJs DJs Conference and made an appearance at Mike Epps, Fonzworth Bentley, Doug Banks and Dee Dee McGuire, the Billboard Awards. Midget Mac (I Love New York II), Lisa Raye, Malik Yoba, and more. - PL ([email protected]) The highlight of the weekend was the sold out FAMU Homecom- ing Concert with Lil Wayne, T-Pain, Lil Boosie, Lil , Musiq ORLANDO, FL: Soulchild, and Plies. The song heard all weekend long was Flo- Haitian Fresh set Tabu on fire with his performance at his signing Rida’s “Low” featuring T-Pain. party in Orlando. Sho Boy causes more controversy with his new - DJ Dap ([email protected]) song “Orange County Truth” which addresses Orlando’s music scene. Pure Cash Entertainment debuts their latest project, Pure tallahassee, fl TAMPA, FL: Cash Magazine. Producer Phil 4 Real leaves Mo Muzik Entertain- Mad Linx came through to visit Tony Montana (bottom right) and ment. Edgewater’s own Darius Washington is the newest member the Shut It Down Squad family during the WMNF 88.5fm com- of the San Antonio Spurs. munity radio marathon. The crew donated their time as they do - Destine Cajuste ([email protected]) every Saturday night to keep true Hip Hop flowing through our airwaves. BayBizness.com is doing their thing by giving the Bay PENSACOLA, FL area another flavor of Hip Hop in cyberspace. According to Tam- We are approaching the Second Annual Get ‘Em Magazine awards. paHipHop.com and DJ Ekin, Tommy Gunz puts the word out that he Greg Gates will be hosting a conference during that same weekend. is the hottest dude in town and he doesn’t battle unless there is Microphone Monday goes on every week at The Blue Bar. It’s real beef…any takers? designed for artists to promote themselves and network. It also - Mz T-Rock ([email protected]) gives artists the opportunity to perform and throw album release parties all under one roof. Choke ‘Em Out brought Wil-lo Week into TULSA, OK: effect in October. People are looking over Pensacola now, but in a tulsa, ok Soulja Boy dropped into Tulsa for a show and stopped by 106.9 minute we will be undeniable. KHITS for an interview. Local artist P.D.A. is currently on the Criti- - King Pen ([email protected]) cal Bill tour and gaining more exposure since opening up for at the 2007 Spring Bash. Young Ruccus released his new album Da SAN ANTONIO, TX: Gutta Boy Family Block Music. Club Exclusive had its annual Rock 98.5 The Beat debuted the smash single “Whip Game” from San the Mic Battle this month and MTV was in attendance. Ludacris Antonio hard-hitters Tha Coalition. Now the song is being played and T-Pain will perform at a confirmed sold out show at the Expo everywhere and talks of their mixtape The Laws of Power (right) Square Pavilion. I released my latest mixtape Certified Street are circling. Ja Rule unexpectedly came to town and threw a con- Invasion Vol. 1. (left) cert at Club Rio. With both radio stations (98.5 the Beat and Power - DJ Civil Rightz ([email protected]) 106.7) in competition for who could throw the livest Halloween party, The Beat was clearly the winner. They brought an onslaught VIRGINIA BEACH, VA: of signed and unsigned artists to perform at The WAMU Boo Bash. Norfolk State University welcomed Lil Wayne and Lil Boosie to Artists performing and making appearances included Gorilla Zoe, town for their Homecoming. Lil Wayne ripped the house down Trapstars, , and Tha Coalition. and Lil Boosie had everyone wiping themselves down. Gorilla - Bishop Maxx ([email protected]) Zoe stopped through Hampton and showed love. Old Dominion University and WODU are welcoming Bobby Valentino to town for SAVANNAH, GA: their Homecoming. You can catch local super stars courtside at an Frozen Paradise celebrated the SSU Homecoming this weekend ODU basketball game. Saturday nights are still on lock at Tribecca with a packed house. Asia Black Entertainment kicks off Freak Em san antonio, tx in Newport News with the baddest chicks in Hampton Dress Fridays at Frozen Paradise. Ladies in the hottest freak ‘em Roads representing every week. dresses get in free until midnight. 94.1 The Beat’s - Derrick Tha Franchise Nite Radio continues its search for the next washington, dc (www.Myspace.com/DerrickThaFranchise) Lady Nite Ryda. You can hear the show every Mon- day thru Thursday night from 7:00-10:00pm. Gucci WASHINGTON, DC: Mane shut down the Black-Out Party and Gorilla Zoe Northwest collective The G.O.V. (left) is trying to did it big at Club 170. move up in the D.C. music stratosphere. They’ve - Lucky ([email protected]) utilized a shameless grassroots promotions blitz of online blasts and local shows to push themselves SHREVEPORT, LA: beyond their fan base and into the pages of the KMJJ just received notification from the Governor Washington City Paper and Streetzmag.com. The of that it’s being named the 2007 Station trio, which consists of The Mayor, Jay the Gov-na, of the Year by Radio & Records Magazine. J Holiday and Intrigue, recently released their new album came through Shreveport and ripped the roof off of Dollartic$ and their album-titled single has been Gi-Gi’s Martini Room. In attendance were Carl Payne, getting some recent burn on WPGC. The G.O.V. also Matthew Broderick, Sanaa Lathan, and Michael Williams recently aired their new Hip Hop roundtable show from HBO’s The Wire. The National Black Rodeo Finals The G.O.V. Report on Comcast. featured performances by Unk and Cupid. - Pharoh Talib ([email protected]) // - C-Mac ([email protected]) ST LOUIS, MO Mr. Marcus Mixtape interviewed Julia Beverly on 89.5fm. Former Fyre Gyrl KK has been holding it down at Phat Tuesdays on the landing every first of the month. Ms. Kendra dipped to ATL and is now a Tigger Kitten. B- Gyrl has been holding the STL down for years at www. stlhiphop.com. Ms. Mary keeps dropping hot issue after hot issue of her Disclosure Newszine. Hot R&B duo Az One is killing the streets. Teenage trio SOSy (right) is making a lot of noise as well. Downtown Music, Culture Vibe, and Vintage Vinyl are the hot mom and pop shops in town. - Jesse James ([email protected])

tampa, fl st. louis, mo 20 // OZONE MAG

The Laws Of Power For Urban Artists mathNewemati cYearss by Wendy D ay Rof theesolutio Rap Coalition www.wendyday.comns 2008

LIL WAYNE: This Year: “Just to see ‘08; that’s it. I don’t make resolutions—I had made one, I think I told Julia what it was, but I forgot it so I wasn’t too dedicated to it. I don’t do the resolution thing because I’m gon’ forget that bitch. I did make it—oh, I remember that shit, it’s to make $50 million. Make $50 million in 2008, I swear to God that’s what it is. I’m gon’ try my hardest to make $50 million in 2008. TALIB HAQQ TALIB David Banner: Last Year: “To acquire $6.7 million dollars in a three-month span between movies, production, and shows, and to write Mississippi: The Movie.” This Year: “In 2007 I set my plan into motion, and although I didn’t reach it, I’m very proud of my progress. My 2008 New Year’s Resolution is to do a better job of seeing my family. My dad and grandmother both died this year. God bless Kanye.” Diamond of Crime Mob: Last Year: “This year is gonna be the happiest year of my life. I’m on

some positive, successful shit.” JULIA BEVERLY This Year: “To have longevity in . Make more money, more money, and more money, and buy an even bigger house. Last but not least, get closer to God!” : Last Year: “To work harder on my American Dream album than the last DJ Khaled: one.” Last Year: “For my new album to be the #1 album in the This Year: “I did pretty good last year. My 2008 New Year’s Resolution is to country, and to have good health!” shine harder in ’08 than I did in ’05.” This Year: “I did great on my ’07 New Year’s Resolution! I got the #1 independent album in the country, and I’m in good health! My 2008 New Mistah FAB: Year’s Resolution is to have another #1 album, to have good health, and Last Year: “Stop letting white girls be my weakness.” launch my record company: We The Best Music!” This Year: “Man, my New Year’s Resolution only got worse. The white girls got the best of me in ’07. In 2008 my mission is to work 10 times harder DJ Drama: than the top cats in the game, stay focused, and keep gettin’ money the Last Year: “To move the culture forward by any means necessary.” legal way.” This Year: “I did great on my 2007 New Year’s Resolution! They tried to attack Hip Hop by stepping on my back, and I didn’t let them stop the Pimp C (R.I.P.): movement. I pledge allegiance to feed the streets for the rest of my life! Last Year: “No more fuckin’ with negative people, no matter how much I In 2008, I’m gonna make the world pay even care about ‘em.” closer attention!” This Year: “I did great in ’07, stayed busta free! This year I’m gonna stand on these fake d-boy pussy ass rap niggas’ and internet gangsta hoes’ Gangsta Boo: Last Year: “Stay away from broke men and take more overseas trips.” This Year: “I did good. I stayed away from the broke men. In 2008, I’m gonna work out more and get a flat stomach!” Gorilla Zoe: This Year: “My 2008 New Year’s Resolution is to be better than I was last year, as a whole. To be a better person.” : Last Year: “To finish my fucking album!” This Year: “My album is almost done. In 2008 I’m gonna stop making everybody else get as

JULIA BEVERLY drunk as I do. Sometimes they can’t take it.” JULIA BEVERLY

22 // OZONE MAG 2008 KING YELLA

necks until they beg me to stop! If you call Pimp C a snitch, you’re a bitch for Webbie: life! Don’t get mad at me cause the math don’t match. Tennessee is 23-a-key, Last Year: “To get business right and take over in 2007.” bitch! ATL 20 to 27! Eat my dick if you don’t like that and say my name when This Year: “To stop smoking cigarettes like Boosie did last year.” you diss me! Preach! Chuurch! DRU BRETT OF The Runners: : Last Year: “[My partner] Mayne’s resolution is to eat healthier’ Last Year: “Continue to grind the only way I know how.” mine is to hit the gym every day.” This Year: “I’m still grinding, so I did good in ’07, and as far as the game, this This Year: “We did great with our resolutions last year. We wanted is the year I start to take over. It’s a three year process.” to make more hits than last year, and we succeeded. We did two singles for Young Jeezy and gave DJ Khaled a Top 20 record on Rich Boy: teh Hot 100. To wrap the year up we provided Rick Ross with his Last Year: “To let that dumb shit go and get this money!” new single “Speedin’” featuring R Kelly. This year we want to blow This Year: “I did great on my last New Year’s Resolution! This year, my resolu- up our artist Bali because he speaks what he lives. We have major tion is to be great at what I do, the way I envision myself, and also to give [joint venture] offers from every . We also want to the underground mixtapes they’ll never forget!” break into pop music. We’re working with and many more! : Last Year: “My New Year’s Resolution is to do a song a day.” Trina: This Year: “I didn’t do so good on my last year’s resolution. This year my Last Year: “To stay humble and continue to become successful.” resolution is to work out and get in shape, and try to be more organized.” This Year: “I think I did a good job on my last New Year’s Resolu- tion; I remained humble and focused, and my success has grown Southstar of Smilez & Southstar: in many ways, so I’m proud of myself. My 2008 New Year’s Resolu- Last Year: “Hit the gym and get on a healthier diet, and cut back on my drink- tion is to continue to better myself and continue to work hard and ing.” become more successful in ’08 then I was the year before.” // This Year: “I started off good with my 2007 New Year’s Resolution, but didn’t stick with it. This year I definitely wanna hit the gym up and get in shape and grind harder than ever! It’s now or never!” Too $hort: Last Year: “Teach young people how to get money in the music business. Hip Hop has to be passed on as both art and a source of income.” This Year: “That’s been my main mission for ‘07 and next year too. I’m mak- ing a lot of progress with The Pack and the kids at the youth center [Youth UpRising] but I have a long way to go, cause I want to see more of them get [record] deals and get money.” Trae: Last Year: “Make the whole world become an Asshole By Nature, and get rid of fake industry niggas.” This Year: “I did good on my last year’s resolution because I’ve got a lot of niggas tryin’ to be street and I’m still alive. My New Year’s Resolution this year is to bring the world the truth and make an impact in the hood for ’08, and to work harder to bring Dinkie home.” Trick Daddy: Last Year: “In 2006 I ain’t do shit but get money, so by 2007 I’ll be putting out my own niggas.” This Year: “My New Year’s Resolution is Dunk Ryde or Die! I’m finally famous, finally free!

2008 OZONE MAG // 23 24 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Shawn Jay of Field Mob & Midget Mac on the set of Young Cash’s “X” video shoot in Jacksonville, FL (Photo: Terrence Tyson); DJ Khaled & DJ Drama on the set of DJ Drama’s “” in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly); LL Cool J gets some love @ The Last Damn Show in Tampa, FL (Luis Santana)

01 // Trey Songz & DJ Kut on the set of Jus Bleezy’s “Like Me” (St Louis, MO) 02 // Teddy T, Haitian Fresh & his mascot @ Chef Creole for World AIDS Day concert (Miami, FL) 03 // Wickett Crickett, DJ Chill, & Slim Thug @ Party 104.9 (Houston, TX) 04 // Guest, Attitude, Countri Boi, & guest @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 05 // Chubby Baby, Jim Jones, Freekey Zekey, & Juelz Santana on the set of DJ Drama’s “5000 Ones” (Atlanta, GA) 06 // Big Gipp, DJ Q45, & Kia Shine @ The Globe for DJ Q45’s birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL) 07 // DJ Nasty & @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 08 // Slimm Calhoun & Fonsworth Bentley @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 09 // Pleasure P & Jas Prince @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure P’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 10 // B5 @ Kwanzaa Fest (Dallas, TX) 11 // Slim of Loose Cannon & Laurence Maroney of the New England Patriots get ready to make it rain @ Society (St Louis, MO) 12 // JR Get Money & Anne Williams @ BET College Tour (Houston, TX) 13 // Roccett & Terrence Tyson @ Sobe Live for Bigga Rankin’s party (Miami, FL) 14 // Webbie & crew @ Hush (Houston, TX) 15 // Studio & G Mack @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 16 // DJ Montay & Unk @ The Globe for DJ Q45’s birthday party (Jacksonville, FL) 17 // BloodRaw & Slick Pulla @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 18 // Rich Boy & Big L @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 19 // DJ Drama & Willie the Kid @ SF2 (Houston, TX)

Photo Credits: Carl Lewis (02,16); Intl K (03,12,14,19); Julia Beverly (04,05,08,09,17); King Yella (01,11); Malik Abdul (06); Ms Rivercity (13,15); Terrence Tyson (07,18); Tre Dubb (10)

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 2 255 mathematics The Laws Of Power For Urban Artists by Wendy Day of the Rap Coalition www.wendyday.com m

Law 1: Never Question or Outshine The Person With Control Law 6: Keep People Dependent On You If you are signed to a label owned by an established artist or producer, If they don’t need you, they will discard you. Labels have been controlling or an indie regional label, be careful you don’t outshine or overrule the their artists through money (advances) since the inception of the music person putting up the funding for your career. If they hold the money or business. Artists do what they are supposed to do because they need to the access to the industry, it is key that you never embarrass, outshine, or get that next check before they go broke. piss them off. It will be just as easy for them to shift focus to another art- ist, and the truth is they do not care about backing the most talented or Law 7: When You Need Help, Appeal To Other’s Self-Interest Or Greed the most gifted artist (presumably you). They care about backing the one No one is stupid enough (except maybe me) to want to help someone that will listen to them and follow their lead. To have attained success without getting anything in return. Rather than asking for help based on as an artist (if they are a rapper or producer) or to control the finances a freebie, why not show the person you are asking for help from, how (meaning they made the money they are putting up to fund your career), they can benefit themselves by doing the right thing and helping you. they have earned a degree of power and influence—to question that, or Always show them what’s in it for them. to try to take that from them, is a guarantee that you will be replaced by someone who doesn’t try to make them feel inferior or question their Law 8: Be Unpredictable authority. People, in general, are hugely insecure, and if you make your If people don’t know what you will do next, they can’t block your moves. “leader” feel insecure in the slightest way, you will be replaced by some- Your seemingly odd and unpredictable behavior will keep people guessing one who doesn’t. and talking about you (see Law 3).

Law 2: Protect Your Reputation With Your Life Law 9: Know Who You Are Dealing With—Do NOT Piss Off The Wrong This is a “who you know” industry. That means to make any positive Person moves forward at all, you need to have strong relationships. Without a It is important not to piss off people who have power or who are next to good reputation for being fair and honest, you will get blocked at higher the people with power. There are folks in this industry who can make a levels without ever knowing why. This industry seems big, but it is very phone call and stop something from moving forward for you, and you will small. It is common knowledge who all of the scumbags are, and those never even know what hit you—your deal or opportunity will just quietly people are either avoided or used to do dirty work (without them even dry up and go away. The real power players are not stupid enough to realizing they are being used). In order to succeed at a level you will want let you know it was their doing to fuck up your shit. They will just take to achieve, your name has to ring with a good positive connotation. Once pleasure in doing so. people begin to gossip about what a scumbag you are, or your past mis- givings, your career will begin to hit the skids. Guaranteed. The same goes Law 10: Do Not Isolate Yourself, Build Bonds With Others for the folks who represent you. If a member of your team is shady or People who have no movement, or no support, are easy targets. Make sure inept, then you are shady or inept. Choose carefully. They represent YOU. you have a team or enough powerful friends to help move your career forward. Aside from needing the help to build success, you also need Law 3: Seek Attention At All Cost powerful friends to cut for you in case you hit a rough spot. Stand out from the din. Attract attention by appearing larger than life. It doesn’t matter what people are saying about you, only that they are Law 11: Always Be The “Good Guy;” Let Your Manager Be The Bad Guy saying something about you. All publicity is good publicity. Make sure Artists must be loved by the label’s staff at all cost. If the people in power that whatever you are doing is being discussed publicly. Hire a publicist to and the everyday staff don’t love and respect you, they will NOT go hard promote you. Self-promote at every turn. If you have not learned how to for you to build your career. This industry is NOT about talent. It’s about control the media yet, get media training so you can speak in soundbites. lazy people doing whatever’s easiest to collect a paycheck. If they like Build relationships with public figures and the media. Opportunities come you and respect you, they will want to help you succeed. If you yell at to those who are in the forefront of people’s minds. Be that person. them, insult them, or in any way disappoint or piss them off, you have already lost the battle. Law 4: Use Absence To Increase Respect And Honor If you are everywhere, you burn yourself out. When you appear on Law 12: Make It All Seem Effortless everyone’s remix or are the producer of every other song on the radio, the If people know you struggled to complete a task, you don’t look like as initial perception is that you are hot. But this opinion rapidly changes as much of a genius if it all seemed easy. Never let your fans or co-workers fans grow tired of hearing you on everything. You become commonplace see you sweat. It’s a sign of weakness. Most opportunists prey on weakness. and oversaturated, driving down your value in the marketplace. This is also true for label executives and owners who can’t stay out of the lime- Law 13: Acts Of Kindness and Helping People Will Not Be Rewarded light. I even noticed this with my appearing on panels—at first, wherever When you help a fellow artist or a team member, you will eventually be I showed up to speak people thought it was the place to be because I shit on for doing so. No one likes to admit they needed help, so in order was there to speak. Then, after folks realized I was everywhere, I was no to keep their self esteem intact, they will either shit on you or grow away longer special and no longer brought an aspect of “special” to the confer- from you so they can avoid the constant reminder that you were there ence. Now people even talk through my panels so they can approach me for them when they needed you. If you put someone on in this industry, at the end to hand me a demo (even though I just got done saying that they will step on you as they try to grow bigger themselves (even though handing anyone a demo is never a way to get on in this industry). when they needed you they promised they’d never forget you and swore their allegiance to you for life), and they will never reach back to help Law 5: Avoid Negativity you. In fact, if they can screw you out of paying you for your services, If there is something negative going on that attracts media attention, they will. No good deed ever goes unpunished. there is no upside to getting involved. The short burst of fame from being seen everywhere will not overpower the fact that fans see you in a nega- Depressing, but true. // tive light now. Your image is everything. Those who want to see an artist take a stand don’t buy CDs. If you want to make a difference, stop trying (With a grateful nod to Robert Greene for writing the hugely to sell CDs or entertain and become an activist. important book 48 Laws of Power, from which this article is wholly based.)

26 // OZONE MAG m (above L-R): Scarface practicing his golf swing @ his listening party in Houston, TX (Photo: Intl K); & Plies on the set of Plies’ “Hypnotized” in Miami, FL (Photo: J Lash); Rasheeda & on the set of DJ Drama’s “5000 Ones” in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly)

01 // Guest & Young Jeezy @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 02 // Rick Ross, Tony Neal, TJ Chapman, & DJ Dr Doom @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jack- sonville, FL) 03 // Mario & Brandii @ The Globe for DJ Q45’s birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL) 04 // Lil Keke & T Farris @ BET College Tour (Houston, TX) 05 // DJ Nasty & J-Dawg @ Firestone during Florida Classic weekend (Orlando, FL) 06 // Hurricane Chris, Soulja Boy, Mr Collipark & crew @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Jr & Scarface on the set of Scarface’s video shoot (Houston, TX) 08 // The Runners, Bali, DJ Q45, & M-Geezy @ The Globe for DJ Q45’s birthday party (Jacksonville, FL) 09 // Slim Thug, Chamillionaire, & Killa Kyleon @ Mike Jones’ American Dream movie premiere (Houston, TX) 10 // TMI Boyz, Stephanie, & Wendy Day @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s (Tallahassee, FL) 11 // Creep Boyz @ Club Lagoon (Winter Haven, FL) 12 // DJ Green & Showtime @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure P’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 13 // Grand Hussle, Mannie Fresh, DJ Wop, & Chunch @ Lil Wayne’s Bayou Classic jam (New Orleans, LA) 14 // Bigga Rankin & Rick Ross @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 15 // DJ Demp & Lil Boosie @ Firestone for Florida Classic block party (Orlando, FL) 16 // Trey Songz & Ashlei on the set of Scarface’s video shoot (Houston, TX) 17 // RukaPuff & Beauty @ Onyx for OZONE talent search (St Louis, MO) 18 // Prince Markie Dee & guest @ Industry Secrets seminar (Miami, FL) 19 // Young Dro, DJ Khaled, Pimpin Ken, & Paperchase @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA)

Photo Credits: Carl Lewis (08,18); Julia Beverly (01,12,14,19); Intl K (04,07,09,16); King Yella (17); Malik AbdUl (03,15); Marcus DeWayne (13); Ravi Angard (05); Street Grindaz (11); Ter- rence Tyson (02,10); Thaddaeus McAdams (06) m OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 2 277 c CHINCHECK by Charlamagne Tha God [email protected] c

am the type of person who wants this wicked and one of your employees was not following the rules they may system of things to come to an end. I would love get a couple of warnings, but after that you have to fire that ass. for Allah to tell me to start building an ark and God is the same way! Don’t act like you don’t remember how he have me go out and spread the word that God is destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, or the aforementioned flood in the fed up with everybody! Black people, white people, days of Noah. Latinos, Mexicans, Native Americans (if they still exist); we all are not in God’s good graces right now. When God is fed up, God is fed up. I’m not trying to preach, I’m just relaying to you my personal struggle. When I do pray lately it isn’t I have been slipping spiritually lately, I can’t lie. I find myself wak- heartfelt, it’s more of a routine and I’m not fooling anyone but ing up some mornings and I am so focused on what I have to do in myself because God knows. I find myself praying when something this world that I forget to thank Allah for waking me up! The other is wrong, like, “God, please make it right,” but when something is day at like 10:30 PM I realized that I hadn’t said a prayer all day! going good I’m giving myself the praise, like, “Yeah, I bust Stupid Now, that’s crazy to me, because all my life I have been into reli- Dope Moves.” I have to stop and ask myself, who is giving me the gion. My grandmother was a church-going, Bible-thumping Baptist. power to bust Stupid Dope Moves? Not the world, the radio, the I was never allowed to with her because my mother is television, the mixtapes, or the record labels. Nah, brothers and a Jehovah’s Witness and for whatever reason Jehovah’s Witnesses sisters, it’s God himself! will not step foot in a church or any place of worship if it doesn’t have something to do with their religion. They won’t even go in a I had to get that off my chest and “Chin Check” my damn self just church for funerals and weddings! One of the things I regret to this to get everything back in order. Now, the moral of the story is this: day, especially now that my grandmother has passed, is not going All my hood figures, d-boys, trap stars, rappers, athletes, radio to church with her one of those Sundays because of some bullshit personalities, DJs, lawyers, engineers, employees at Rainbow, fry rule that the Jehovah’s Witnesses have. cooks at Burger King, skrippers (that’s not a typo I spell it how I say it), college students, and regular everyday ordinary people As I got older and could make my own decisions about how I living this thing called life, in 2008, no matter what you do or how wanted to worship I was feeling like all organized religion is you do it, be a host to God. That means always see your authentic garbage and the different practices that each religion followed had connection to your Source. Know that it is impossible to ever be nothing to do with your individual spirituality. It doesn’t matter if disconnected from the Source from which you came and please you knock on doors every Saturday as a Jehovah’s Witness or walk don’t allow the ways of this world or this matrix we call the indus- around in a Kufi as a Muslim, as long as you believe in God! Any- try to break your divine bond with the most high. body that is in tune with the Creator and knows they are connected to something far greater than their mind, body, and ego has truly Peace Almighty..... found their purpose in life. Charlamagne Tha God Now I said all of that to say that it was sort of an epiphany to realize that I hadn’t said a prayer all day, because my whole life has been rooted in spirituality! I don’t call myself the God because I’m some conceited, arrogant, big headed prick. I call myself the God because Genesis chapter 1 verse 26 said God created man in his image according to his likeness, which means that when I look in the mirror I see the image and likeness of God. We get caught up in this worldly way of doing things so much that we forget we are not human beings trying to live a spiritual existence, but we are spiritual beings living a human existence.

The ways of this world, and especially this industry, should not take precedence over God. We give this world and this industry the glory when we should be giving that energy to our creator.

I find myself treating God like a woman I know is going to be there, like I can just do whatever I want. I can stay out all night, smoke, drink, party, bullshit, and fuck with other women because I feel I can get away with it.

You think to yourself: God isn’t going anywhere because he or she loves me. That’s the wrong mentality to have. You can’t constantly do the wrong things because you think God is going to forgive you. If God created us in his image, think about this: It is against our nature to let someone constantly shit on us! If you’re an employer

28 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Yo Gotti showing off a Trae bobblehead in Houston, TX (Photo: Intl K); Nelly, DJ Drama, & Greg Street on the set of DJ Drama’s “5000 Ones” in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Eric Perrin); Young Chris & Freeway @ Compound for Def Jam’s pre-BET Hip Hop Awards party in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly)

01 // Lil Hen & Ms Asia @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 02 // Julia Beverly, KK, & RukaPuff @ Onyx for OZONE talent search (St Louis, MO) 03 // TJ Chapman & Khia @ Central Florida Fair- grounds for DME’s annual Florida Classic car show (Orlando, FL) 04 // Kid Capri & K-Foxx @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 05 // Chris Johnson, Webbie, & Dread- locks @ Hush for OZONE’s Webbie concert (Houston, TX) 06 // C-Ride & Hurricane Chris @ Vibe & McDonald’s Yardfest on FAMU campus (Tallahassee, FL) 07 // T-Pain & Ja Rule on the Rickey Smiley morning show on 97.9 The Beat (Dallas, TX) 08 // Trae & Bun B @ KBXX’s car show (Houston, TX) 09 // Young Cash & Shawn Jay @ The Globe for DJ Q45’s birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL) 10 // Lloyd & Willie Joe @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 11 // LeToya’s grandmother Ms. Williams, Slim Thug, & Brandi Garcia @ LeToya Luckett’s party (Houston, TX) 12 // J Holiday & Dr Teeth on the set of & J Holiday’s video shoot (Miami, FL) 13 // Guest, J Lash, & Ted Lucas on the set of Rick Ross’ “Speedin’” video shoot (Miami, FL) 14 // Wickett Crickett & Polk @ Roxy (Houston, TX) 15 // Santana & Bigga Rankin on the set of Young Cash’s “X” video shoot (Jacksonville, FL) 16 // Pat Nix & Ja Rule @ The Roxy (Orlando, FL) 17 // Kiotti & Webbie @ KBXX’s car show (Houston, TX) 18 // DJ Walgee & DJ Nasty @ The Roxy (Orlando, FL) 19 // Trae, Lil Jared, Lil Duval, Chamillionaire, Famous, & Playaz Circle @ KBXX’s car show (Houston, TX)

Photo Credits: Bogan (12); BRE (07); Carl Lewis (13); Intl K (05,08,11,14,17,19); Julia Beverly (03,06,10); King Yella (02); Malik Abdul (09); Terrence Tyson (01,04,15,16,18)

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 2 299 dj khaled and diamond

DJ Khaled: YO DIAMOND, THIS IS IMPORTANT, LISTEEEEEEENNNN!!!!! Diamond: Who’s this? DJ Khaled: THIS IS THE DON DADA!!!!! THE BIG DAWG PITBULL! TERROR SQUAD- IAN A.K.A THE BEAT NOVOCANE A.K.A. I MAKE HIT RECORDS A.K.A. THIS WHAT I DO A.K.A. WE TAKIN’ OVER A.K.A. I’M SO HOOD A.K.A. GOD LOVES ME!!!!! I REPRESENT DIAMONNNND!!!!!

Diamond: Who? DJ Khaled: DJ KHALED!!!!! WE THE BEST!!!!! Diamond: Ooooooooh, what’s up Khaled? DJ Khaled: YO’ I’VE BEEN FOLLOWING YOUR WORK!!!!! AND I THINK YOU DA BEST AND I THINK WE CAN MAKE THIS A MOVIE TOGETHER!!!!!

Diamond: Hell nah, nigga. I’m not making no movie with yo ass! DJ Khaled: NOOOOOO!!!!! NOT THAT KINDA MOVIE!!!!! YOU KNOW, A MOVIE, BABY!!! LISTEEEENNNNNN!!! I KNOW YOU’RE WIT’ CRIME MOB BUT I THINK YOU SHOULD GO SOLO!!! OZONE EXCLUSIVE Diamond: I’ve been thinking about that too. But I’ve been with them my whole career.

Textin’ is no longer safe now that OZONE’s DJ Khaled: BUT U THE BEST!!! U CAN BE BIGGER THAN TRINA!!!!! U CAN BE BIG- dangerous minds have hacked the system. GER THAN EVE!!!!! U CAN BE BIGGER THAN BEYONCE!!!!! U CAN BE BIGGER THAN OPRAH!!!!! U!!! U NIGGA!!! U THE BEST!!!

Diamond: U r right. Have you been talking to Lil Scrappy? That’s the same thing he said.

DJ Khaled: LISTEEEENNNN!!! I REPRESENT UNITY!!!!! I REPRESENT THE HOOD!!!!! I REPRESENT THE GHETTO!!!!! I REPRESENT U! BUT NOT CRIME MOB!!!!! HATED ON MOSTLY, THAT’S NOT A CLASSIC ALBUM! BUT WE THE BEST, THAT’S A CLASSIC ALBUM!!!!!

Diamond: I do got 32 flavors of that bootylicious bubblegum, I probably should go solo. I do think I’m best!

Khaled: NO!!! WE!!!! Diamond: Who? Khaled: WE, NIGGA!!!!! WE DA BEST!!! AND THAT’S WHY I THINK YOU SHOULD BE ON MY NEXT ALBUM. IT’S CALLED….IT’S CALLED….I DON’T EVEN KNOWING WHAT IT’S FUCKING CALLED YET!!!!! BUT IT’S GONNA BE DA BEST!!!!!

Diamond: Ummm. Ok. Can Scrappy be on it too? Khaled: NO! HE’S NOT THE BEST!!!!! WE DA BEST!!!!! GOD LOVES ME!!!!! *This is just a joke. No, we didn’t really hack into anyone’s sidekick. hack into anyone’s didn’t really No, we *This is just a joke.

- From the Minds of Eric Perrin and Randy Roper

3300 //// OZONEOZONE MAGMAG (above L-R): T-Pain & his mother @ the Dirty Awards in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly); LeToya Luckett with her grandmother and mother in Houston, TX (Photo: Intl K); Lil Scrappy & his mother @ the Dirty Awards in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly)

01 // C Murder & his cousin Gordon & Lil Gordon (New Orleans, LA) 02 // Young Cash, Malik Abdul, Julia Beverly, TJ Chapman, Midget Mac, & Bigga Rankin @ Onyx for OZONE talent search (St Louis, MO) 03 // Tony Neal & G-Mack @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 04 // CO, Trina, & Money Mark @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 05 // Pretty Todd & (Houston, TX) 06 // Young Dro & DJ Toomp @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Yo Gotti & Rich Boy @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jackson- ville, FL) 08 // Young Yo & Lil Wayne @ House of Blues for Cash Money Millionaires’ 10 Year Anniversary (New Orleans, LA) 09 // Trey Songz & DJ Drama @ Velvet Room for DJ Drama’s album release party (Atlanta, GA) 10 // Eric & Casey @ Primetime (Atlanta, GA) 11 // Z-Ro & Young B @ Mike Jones’ American Dream movie premiere (Houston, TX) 12 // Valarie & Freda @ Club 300 (New Orleans, LA) 13 // TJ Chapman & Keith Kennedy @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 14 // Pleasure P & Tarvoria @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure P’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 15 // Rapid Ric & Mohawk @ BET College Tour (Houston, TX) 16 // BloodRaw & DJ Demp on the set of “26 Inches” (Atlanta, GA) 17 // BF & Unk @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 18 // Papa Duck & Red Dogg @ Roxy for Frontline’s Florida Classic weekend (Orlando, FL) 19 // Slim & @ House of Blues for Cash Money Millionaires’ 10 Year Anniversary (New Orleans, LA) 20 // David Banner’s Heal the Hood Christmas Eve toy giveaway (Jackson, MS)

Photo Credits: Eric Perrin (09,10); Intl K (05,11,15); Julia Beverly (04,06,14,16,17,20); King Yella (02); Marcus DeWayne (01,08,12,19); Terrence Tyson (03,07,13,18)

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 31 31 AmileyonWords by Eric Perrin

his is the story of Amileyon—a massage therapy student at the Academy of Healing Arts whose Tcurrent customers wish they could be the ones touching her. 20-year-old Amileyon was once hampered with bills and student loan payments so she decided to take on another major, the art of the pole at Strokers University.

“I love pole tricks,” she says. “When I was 17 one of my cousins danced and I used to go in with her after work and learn how to do pole tricks and everything. I would lift myself up and other mess. I was in training at 17 but I never thought I would become a dancer.”

But growing up in Atlanta, its not too surprising that Amileyon would look to the pole for employment. There are more strips clubs in ATL than Church’s Chicken and Popeye’s Restaurants combined, and they serve up more tasty breasts and thighs as well. “Strip clubs in Atlanta are just part of the culture,” admits Amileyon. “But ever since I was a little girl I’ve knew [that] the best strip clubs in Atlanta were Strokers and Magic City.”

The perfect Puerto Rican and Creole creation chose Stok- ers, and before her first night on the job she received her from the other girls. “One of the girl came up to me and said, ‘You look like your name should be Amileyon, like Christina Milian.’ I just ran with it,” she says.

But one obvious difference between Amileyon and the singer she was named after is, although Christina is cute, she lacks one obvious asset that Amileyon proudly possesses. “I’m most proud of my ass, I must admit,” she confesses. “To be so small up top and to as skinny as I am from the front, I have a big ass on me, and I’m proud of that.”

Despite the fact that she displays her unclothed culo every night at the club, Amileyon highly values her body and rejects any request from customers that involves more than just a lap dance.

“I’ve been offered $5,000 to go home with somebody. I looked at him and started laughing,” she explains. “He was serious. But I just continued to give him dances until he got tired of me ignoring him. I feel like my body is worth way more than that.”

www.myspace.com/amilleyon

Website: www.strokersclub.com 770-270-0350 Photographer: Sean Cokes 404-622-7733 Make-Up Artist: Mike Mike 678-732-5285 Hairstylist: Baby Boy 404-396-2739

32 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): C.O. & Trick Daddy’s wife Joy @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure P’s birthday party in Miami, FL (Photo: Julia Beverly); Bun B with his stepdaughter Breneshia and wife Queen @ Breneshia’s birthday party in Houston, TX (Photo: Intl K); Buckeey & her brother @ the Dirty Awards in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly)

01 // Lil Duval, DJ Q45, & T-Roy @ Central Florida Fairgrounds for DME’s annual Florida Classic car show (Orlando, FL) 02 // Yung Berg, Pleasure P, & Keith Sweat, KD, & Jas Prince @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure P’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 03 // WyldBoyz @ Onyx for OZONE talent search (St Louis, MO) 04 // Midget Mac, Beauty, & Young Cash @ Onyx for OZONE talent search (St Louis, MO) 05 // Young Jeezy & Young Buck @ Velvet Room for DJ Drama’s album release party (Atlanta, GA) 06 // Bigga Rankin & Wes Fif @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 07 // Willie the Kid & Yung Joc @ Velvet Room for DJ Drama’s album release party (Atlanta, GA) 08 // Wild Wayne & Lil Boosie @ Battle of the Bands (New Orleans, LA) 09 // Z-Ro remembers DJ Screw @ Mike Jones’ American Dream movie premiere (Houston, TX) 10 // D Glover & D Ward @ Hush for OZONE’s Webbie concert (Houston, TX) 11 // Willie Fisher & Carl Bosse @ Central Florida Fairgrounds for DME’s annual Florida Classic car show (Orlando, FL) 12 // The Show, Mannie Fresh, & Carl Thomas @ the Kool Experience (New Orleans, LA) 13 // Rex & KD @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure P’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 14 // Rovella Williams & JR Get Money @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 15 // Stephanie & Hoetester @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 16 // Derrick & the Glam Squad of Savage Promotions @ Elite (Baton Rouge, LA) 17 // Traffik, Garfield, Krazy Yogi, & Disco @ Firestone for Florida Classic block party (Orlando, FL) 18 // Slim Thug, Matthew Knowles, & Madd Hatta @ Music World Entertainment’s Hoops for Hunger (Houston, TX) 19 // Trae & Crisco Kidd @ Party 93.3’s Toy Drive (Houston, TX)

Photo Credits: Eric Perrin (05,07); Intl K (09,10,19); Julia Beverly (01,02,11,13,14); King Yella (03,04,16); Lamont DeSal (18); Malik Abdul (17); Marcus DeWayne (08,12); Terrence Tyson (06,15)

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 33 33 … a

call I fuck

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m fascinated with this jewelry shit. You know I like to Galleria on Westheimer [in Houston]. shine. When people see me and see all this shit, they be like, “You made it, nigga!” The I-10 piece, I paid $40,000 for that. It represents how I used to make money before I started rappin’. All these other diamond chains, these are like The “B” stands for “Boosie,” that’s why I got my name $10k, $20k, $10k, $15k, you know, my bracelet is $40k cause it’s $20k times with diamonds and the crown on top of it, which stands for the King of the two. I got one added onto it. I’Ghetto. I’m the King of the Ghetto. If any ghettoes get onto Boosie, I’m the King of it. My watch is $40k. I’ve gone one of the biggest bezels in the game. I’ve got the four-row bezel. Plus, several rings, and I’ve got the Bentley chain to Holding my piece up is a 144-carat diamond chain; all diamonds. Just the match with my Bentley car. // chain by itself is $35,000. And my piece is like $30,000, so that’s about a $70,000 piece all together. My ice is designed by Emmett out of Houston. He Words by Malik Abdul “designs all my jewelry; I stick to one jeweler. You can find him outside the Photo by Terrence Tyson

34 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Yung Joc & T-Pain @ the Dirty Awards in Atlanta, GA; Young Dro & Too $hort @ the Dirty Awards in Atlanta, GA; Trina & Pleasure @ White Diamonds for their birthday party in Miami, FL (Photos; Julia Beverly)

01 // DJ Q45 & E-Class @ Hush for OZONE’s Webbie concert (Houston, TX) 02 // Disco & Chef @ Firestone for Florida Classic block party (Orlando, FL) 03 // Spiff, Kaye Dunaway, & DJ Nasty @ The Roxy (Orlando, FL) 04 // King Ron & Shot Out @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 05 // Freeway, Young Sav, & guests @ Compound for Def Jam’s pre-BET Hip Hop Awards party (Atlanta, GA) 06 // Lloyd & DJ Drama @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Alesha Renee & Chamillionaire @ BET College Tour (Houston, TX) 08 // Famous & Rapid Ric @ Mike Jones’ American Dream movie premiere (Houston, TX) 09 // G Dash & Paul Wall’s son Will Wall (Houston, TX) 10 // K-Foxx, KRS-One, & Jacki-O on the set of DJ Khaled’s “I’m So Hood” remix (Atlanta, GA) 11 // EZ & Birdman (Houston, TX) 12 // Chise & Bun B @ Bun B’s step daughter Breneshia’s birthday party (Houston, TX) 13 // A Dub & Playaz Circle @ KBXX’s car show (Houston, TX) 14 // Beauty & TJ Chapman @ Onyx for OZONE talent search (St Louis, MO) 15 // E-Class, Rick Ross, & DJ Khaled @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 16 // Black & Webbie @ The Globe for DJ Q45’s birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL) 17 // DJ Demp & Mob Boss @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 18 // Cool & Gil Green on the set of Fat Joe’s video shoot (Miami, FL) 19 // Malik Abdul, Young Cash, & Lil Hen @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 20 // DJ Star & C-Ride @ Vibe & McDonald’s Yardfest on FAMU campus (Tallahassee, FL)

Photo Credits: Eric Perrin (10); Intl K (01,07,08,09,11,12,13); Julia Beverly (05,06,15,20); King Yella (14); Leon Lloyd (18); Malik Abdul (02,16); Ms Rivercity (04); Terrence Tyson (03,17,19)

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 35 35 young cash & midget mac

Although you might recognize Midget Mac as the shit-talking “small person” Did you get down and dirty with New York? vying for New York’s love on the hit VH1 show I Love New York 2, he is no Nah, we didn’t get down and dirty, but she tongued me down. They ain’t show stranger to Jacksonville, FL (Duuuuuuval!!!) natives. As the hype man for SRC/ all the extra stuff. You have to go to VH1.com to see it. When we were all Universal signee / local celebrity Young Cash, Midget Mac is already a per- eating dinner we went to take a smoke break, me, her, and The Entertainer. manent fixture in the Florida music scene and has appeared in music videos He rushed over there with her and I played it like a G. Two minutes into the (including T-Pain’s “Sprung” and Young Cash’s “Freeze” and “X”). Thanks to conversation New York told him she wanted to spend some time with Midget the hype generated by his memorable appearance on VH1, he can barely walk Mac and sent his ass right back to the dinner table. Next thing I know, she through the mall without attracting a flock of squealing female fans. attacked me. Swear to God.

What’s your career goal? Were you offended by New York’s mom’s reaction to you? I always wanted to be on TV cause I knew I had the talent. I’m different than Nah. That bitch was acting. You’re fifty years old and you ain’t never seen no everybody else. I’m a midget, but I’m a fly-ass midget. I always wanted to midget? And you look like , so why are you scared of me? Bitch, be on TV, I just had to be in the right place at the right time. When they were you look like black Godzilla, with a wig on. I should’ve been scared of you! doing the casting for the show [I Love New York 2] I flew out to California nad But I had to keep it G cause I was there for her daughter. But on the reunion did a one-on-one audition with the casting dude. I knew once the mutha- show I let her ugly ass have it. fuckin’ world saw me it’d be all good. I see you have a lot of female fans now. Was there anybody in the house you got along with better than the others? They all say the same shit. Corny lines. “If New York don’t want you, I’ll take I got along with It. That’s my dawg, the crazy ass muthafucker. Buddha’s my you.” “Who won?” “Is you Midget Mac?” Naw, bitch, what the fuck do you nigga; he saved me when I was about to drown. Pretty and Punk are straight. think? And, “Did you fuck New York?” I love all my fans cause I’m a humble The Entertainer, we had got into it, but he hit me about twenty times on nigga, but for real, the niggas be acting worse than the hoes. Myspace dick-ridin’. I didn’t get along with 20 Pack because he hated on me on a date and he got sent home the same night, but he hit me on Myspace What else are you working on? and apologized, so really I ain’t got a problem with nobody. I’m doing a lot of hosting from state to state, $5k bare minimum. But you could shoot me four and owe me a stack. But there’s a lot of rumors going Going into the competition, did you feel that you were at a disadvantage around VH1. People say I made the show and I’m getting my own show, but I being a midget? don’t believe it til it’s on paper. People all across the world told me the same Nah, I just went in with straight attitude. Man Man was like, “I thought you thing: “You funny. You dressed head to toe.” Wipe me down. That’s just me would be a straight dickhead because when you first came in the house you 24/7. I act like that anyway. I just kept it G and everybody loves me for that. had your arms crossed, mean muggin’.” I was like, “I ain’t know y’all fuck niggas.” But a couple days later they knew what time it was cause they If you get your own show, is it going to be like Flavor Flav’s? started bowing down, dick-ridin’. It’s just been rumors, but VH1 made history by putting Midget Mac on.

Do you normally date regular-sized women? If you had 20 women competing for you, what kind of challenges would you I ain’t ever dated no midget. I’ve met midgets, but on some real shit, I have put them through? never seen a midget in person that fit my standards. I know I don’t look fun- Bend over and touch your toes. (laughs) Naw, just playin’. I probably would ny looking. I’ve seen a lot of midgets but they be looking funny, for real. How have them do some crazy shit. I might be 50,000 feet in the air and have them is that gonna look if two short muthafuckers walk in the mall? Everybody’s climb up butt naked on a ladder to rescue me. Midget Mac don’t discriminate. gonna be lookin’ at us. But nah, I fuck with girls that are like 5’ 2” and up. I like ‘em white, black, Chinese, Japanese, whatever, as long as they got a pretty face, a slim waist, and a moon pie. I ain’t really a titty man. You could Are your parents midgets? have A’s or D’s; as long as you’ve got that drop top, Mac’s down, straight Nah, they’re regular size. I’ve got three brothers too that are regular-sized. up. You’ve gotta be fire though and you’ve gotta have a good attitude, and I guess somebody back in the day was short in my family. I’ve got two girls. they’ve gotta have that mizzle [money]. I could do bad by my damn self, One is regular sized and one is short like me. The doctor said that basically that’s fo’ sure. I just keep it real; that’s what the bitches like. And I’ll cuss every time I have a kid, it’s a 50/50 chance [of them being born short]. It’s they ass out, too, when I got to. Bitch, you ain’t ‘bout to walk all over me. // like rolling dice. My older daughter is regular-sized and my other daughter, she’s short. Words by Julia Beverly // Photo by Terrence TYson

36 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): BloodRaw & Mannie Fresh @ Patchwerk in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly); , Ludacris, & Gorilla Zoe @ Club Society in St Louis, MO (Photo: King Yella); David Banner’s Heal the Hood Christmas Eve toy giveaway in Jackson, MS (Photo: Julia Beverly)

01 // DJ Khaled, DJ Nasty, & DJ Demp @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 02 // DJ Secret, Spade, Lisa Walker, & C-Rena @ The Drink for DJ Secret’s birthday bash (Lakeland, FL) 03 // Guest, David Banner, Alfamega, Gorilla Zoe, Big Kuntry, Stix Malone, DJ Sense, Damien Lemon & friends on the set of DJ Drama’s “5000 Ones” (Atlanta, GA) 04 // Jha Jha, & DJ 151 @ MonEG’s video shoot (Jacksonville, FL) 05 // Maddog, Midget Mac, & Mr Wyze @ Sobe Live for Bigga Rankin’s party (Miami, FL) 06 // David Banner & DJ Drama on the set of DJ Drama’s “5000 Ones” (Atlanta, GA) 07 // & reppin’ the Greedy Genius shoe @ Lucky’s (St Louis, MO) 08 // Carol City Cartel & R Kelly on the set of Rick Ross’ “Speedin’” video shoot (Miami, FL) 09 // Wendy Day & Jacki-O @ Jack da Juice music conference (Atlanta, GA) 10 // B-Rich, BOB, & TJ Chapman @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 11 // Ashanti & Headkrack @ 97.9 The Beat (Dallas, TX) 12 // Benji Brown & DJ Irie @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 13 // Ivory & ladies @ The Globe for DJ Q45’s birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL) 14 // Big Amp, Big Cee Jay, Charles Wakeley, & J Holla @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 15 // Bigga Rankin & Kaspa the Don @ Body Tap (Atlanta, GA) 16 // DJ Element & DJ Q45 @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 17 // Dawgman & Khia @ Central Florida Fairgrounds for DME’s annual Florida Classic car show (Orlando, FL) 18 // DJ Blak & Pleasure P @ Studios (Atlanta, GA) 19 // King Yella & Malik Abdul @ Onyx for OZONE talent search (St Louis, MO)

Photo Credits: BRE (11); Carl Lewis (08); DJ Who (09); Julia Beverly (01,03,06,12,17,18); King Yella (07,19); Malik Abdul (13); Ms Rivercity (04,05,10); Street Grindaz (02); Terrence Tyson (14,15,16)

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 37 37 Disclaimer: These are my opinions and my statements. They do not reflect on Bun B or UGK as a group.

Editor’s Note: This is the last column Pimp C did for OZONE before he passed away (R.I.P.).

This is a dangerous industry. It’s foul. With as many devils and vultures and be a small case, a bullshit case, never came out and I was able to get as hogs and wicked people that are involved in [the rap game], I think every much time as I got, think about how they’re gonna blow this [T.I.] shit out [artist] ought to have a license to carry guns – felons or no felons. So off of proportion. It’s already being blown out of proportion, shit. Man, fuck all top, if [the police] pull a rap nigga over and he’s got a gun, shit, he’s prob- that. Did T.I. actually get on the phone and call a muthafucker and ask him for ably got a gun because he’s scared somebody else with a gun is gonna try some gotdamn guns and silencers? If you can’t prove that to me, throw that to do something [to him]. Most likely, he’s not gonna take his gun and go case out. do something to somebody. It’s very probable that somewhere around every rapper, there’s going to be some weapons, especially if you’re in a position They said they went to his residence and found guns at his house, and found where your homeboy was murdered right in front of you. So it’s unfortunate guns on him, right? He’s gotta deal with that – with having weapons on him, that [T.I.] got caught up. He wasn’t the first one and he ain’t gonna be the and whatever was at his house – but I mean, shit. A lot of rappers have been last one, either. caught with weapons on them. If you ask me my opinion, if you’re a rapper in this game, you oughta have a license to be able to carry a weapon. If every The only details we’ve heard so far [about T.I.’s case] were from the media. other muthafucker in the street is trying to do something to you because they We haven’t really heard the tape [recordings]. Even the affidavit, man, if feel like you’ve got money and you’re a target, shit. you read nigga’s affidavits, that shit says anything. Muthafuckers will write anything in that shit. I don’t believe that shit until a muthafucker proves it If you’ve gotta tell on your own people to get yourself out of trouble, you’re to me. Play [T.I.’s] voice. Let me hear his voice asking a muthafucker for a a snitch. The only reason a person would ever want to spill the beans on “silencer” and then I’d ask him, “What do you need a silencer for, nigga?” I somebody else is to (a) destroy them, or (b) get themselves out of trouble know at this stage in the game, with as much paper as this man’s got and as and put somebody else in hot water. The only reason a person would snitch many other business ventures he’s got, he ain’t on no mission to go trying to is to save their own ass. Sounds to me like [T.I.’s] bodyguard was caught snipe niggas. already, so [the Feds] needed a bigger fish to fry. So he fried T.I. I haven’t read all the police reports and all that ol’ kind of shit. I’m in the studio. I ain’t Do you really think T.I. is a hit man? The shit don’t make sense. So for us to with that hoe-ass shit. But from what I’ve heard, it sounds like a snitchin’ be able to judge [his] situation and get down to the bottom of it, we’ll have situation. If you’re a nigga and you get caught doing a whole bunch of wrong to wait and see how this comes out. It’s unfortunate that at this point in his shit and you’re going to jail and the Feds got you, if you go and start telling career, some shit like this would have to go down. And he ain’t gonna be on your whole city and get a whole bunch of people’s dads and uncles and the last one. A lot of niggas are getting twisted up with these gun charges brothers and shit locked up so you can get a two year sentence and come and shit. I read shit about a lot of people – I mean, I just flip through these home quick, you’re a snitch-ass nigga. magazines – but I don’t believe nothing they say. Muthafuckers be lying all the time. That’s like when a bitch-ass muthafucker comes at me for some time for a funky-ass bitch case that ain’t really hold no merit and talked about it like All the time I was [in prison], nobody ever wrote the way my case went down it had a bunch of merit, but when you really read the paperwork, it ain’t got the right way. So I know the rest of these nigga’s cases ain’t being written no merit. And a muthafucker says, “We don’t want you, Chad Butler. We really out right either. Didn’t [Lil] Wayne just get a gun charge in New York? [The want James Prince. Just tell us something about James Prince and we’ll let Feds] like fuckin’ with us. We’re public enemy #1, the rappers are. Bunch of you go.” Yeah, okay. Fuck you. Do whatever it is you say you’re gonna do to niggas, bunch of money, nice cars, we rap about shit they don’t like, we wear me, and I’ll come home one day. I’m gonna take my time and come home, a lot of jewels – hey, mayne, you’re a target. If you’re shining, you’re the because you’re trying to make me out to be a bitch or a snitch. That’s what nigga they love to hate. And what’s so cold about it is that the executives “snitching” is, to me. making all the money [off us] just sit back and let it go down because they’ll have a new [rap] nigga next year. Whatever a muthafucker is doing next door doesn’t have anything to do with me unless it involves me and my family or endangers me and my family. If my We shouldn’t condemn or support anything until we know all the facts about next-door neighbor is making bombs that can blow the whole neighborhood the T.I. case. Do we know that T.I. asked [his bodyguard] for all that shit? up, yeah, somebody needs to tell somebody about his muthafuckin’ ass or During the recordings, did they actually use the street terms or did they use he’s gonna blow us all up together. But just dry snitching for no reason? Shit, undercover terms? I ain’t finna take no phone call from a muthafucker talking I don’t see too much of that. I didn’t read [T.I.’s] police report but the shit about “silencers.” I’ma hang the phone up. Were they talking straight up or ain’t adding up in my mind that he would be buying the type of shit they said were they talking in undercover terms? If a muthafucker calls me saying, “I he was buying. I’m sure when this shit is over with and it all comes to a head, got some shit,” he could be sayin’ anything. I don’t know; I wasn’t there and we’ll see the truth. The truth will come out and everybody will understand I didn’t hear that shit and I don’t know what they’re charging him with. But what this shit is really about. If this shit is really about one muthafucker in my mind and in my heart, I know that young nigga [T.I.] ain’t that dumb. I getting caught up and getting his own people caught up because he couldn’t know he ain’t went out there to do no dumb shit like that, and if he did, why handle his own case, that’s some snitch-ass shit. would he want to do that? At this stage in the game, why would he want to do that? He ain’t no hit man. He’s a rapper. That ain’t in him no more. I’m supporting T.I.; that’s all I’m saying. He’s innocent until proven guilty, and we should take it that way. We shouldn’t go with what the media or what [The details of my case] don’t matter no more. What matters is that I’m home these muthafuckers are trying to say about him until we know exactly what’s now with my family, and that shit is over. I did four years of an eight year going on. It sounds like some ol’ snitching shit went on, so let’s support the sentence and I’m on parole. I’ve done two years of my parole. The facts of man and don’t condemn him until we find out what’s really happening with my case never really came out, so if the facts of what I would consider to his case. // Photo by Julia Beverly

38 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Diamond & Rasheeda @ the Dirty Awards in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly); Z-Ro & Trae @ their photo shoot in Houston, TX (Photo: Intl K); Christina Milian & Dre on the set of Fat Joe & J Holiday’s video shoot in Miami, FL (Photo: Bogan)

01 // Block, Rico, Greg Street, & Yung Joc @ Russell Simmons’ Financial Empowerment Hip Hop Summit (Atlanta, GA) 02 // DJ Trauma & BloodRaw @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 03 // Lil Scrappy, Willie the Kid, & DJ Drama @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 04 // Big Du & 8Ball @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 05 // School Boyz Entertainment @ FAMU Homecoming concert (Tallahassee, FL) 06 // Keri Hilson & @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Erik Parker, , Princess, David Banner, & Diamond @ MTV Jams taping (Atlanta, GA) 08 // J Prince & Mike Jones giving out Thanksgiving Turkeys @ Prince Gym (Houston, TX) 09 // Lil Boosie & Mouse @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 10 // Young Cash, Mob Boss, & M-Geezy on the set of Young Cash’s “X” video shoot (Jacksonville, FL) 11 // DJ Aaries & Tony Neal @ Powerball Mansion party (Atlanta, GA) 12 // 3 AM @ Central Florida Fairgrounds for DME’s annual Florida Classic car show (Orlando, FL) 13 // B Star, Jas Prince, & guest @ the Houston premiere of This Christmas (Houston, TX) 14 // E-Class, Wyclef, & D’Lyte @ 97.9 The Beat (Dallas, TX) 15 // Ja Rule & J-Deezy @ The Roxy (Orlando, FL) 16 // Foxx & Mone @ Phat Phat & All That for Foxx’s in-store (New Orleans, LA) 17 // Disco, Howard Ringer, & DJ Demp @ Firestone for Florida Classic block party (Orlando, FL) 18 // K Foxx & E Class on the set of Fat Joe & J Holiday’s video shoot (Miami, FL) 19 // Bigg D & Trina @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure P’s birthday party (Miami, FL)

Photo Credits: Bogan (18); DJ Who (11); D’Lyte (14); Intl K (08,13); Julia Beverly (03,04,05,06,07,12,19); Malik Abdul (17); Marcus DeWayne (16); Terrence Tyson (09,10,15); Thaddaeus McAdams (01,02)

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 39 39 tyson all

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dward E terrence terrence D-RAY tyson

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terrence terrence 40 // OZONEup MAG (above L-R): Seventeen & Pimp C (R.I.P.) @ Belle Noche in Baton Rouge, LA (Photo: King Yella); T-Pain & DJ Khaled @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party in Miami, FL (Photo: Julia Beverly); & Trey Songz on the set of Scarface’s video shoot in Houston, TX (Photo: Intl K)

01 // G-Mack, DJ Q45, & guest @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 02 // Hustle House Records & Rich Boy @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 03 // Guest, Pitbull, & Sheek Louch on the set of Fat Joe & J Holiday’s video shoot (Miami, FL) 04 // Russell Simmons & @ Russell Simmons’ Financial Empowerment Hip Hop Summit (Atlanta, GA) 05 // Young Jeezy & Block on the set of DJ Drama’s “5000 Ones” (Atlanta, GA) 06 // Gucci Man & Yo Gotti @ KBXX’s car show (Houston, TX) 07 // BloodRaw & his son on the set of “26 Inches” (Atlanta, GA) 08 // Diamond & Lil Scrappy @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 09 // Pimp C & Raw LT @ KBXX’s car show (Houston, TX) 10 // Kim Ellis, Erica Bowen, Asha Blu, & Jade Abercrombie on the set of BloodRaw’s “26 Inches” (Atlanta, GA) 11 // Beat Boy, DJ Q45, guest, & Swordz @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 12 // Keith Kennedy & Grand Prix @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 13 // KJ Hines, Latin Prince, & Wu Chang (Houston, TX) 14 // Steve Bellamy, Pimp G, & Papa Duck @ Upstart Record Pool (Jacksonville, FL) 15 // Foxx & Lady Nell @ Club 300 (New Orleans, LA) 16 // Jerry Clark & Big Oomp @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 17 // 8Ball, Young Bleed, & Pookie from Urban South (Dallas, TX) 18 // Lil Duval & Stix Malone @ Velvet Room for DJ Drama’s album release party (Atlanta, GA) 19 // Lil Ru & Foxx @ Vibe & McDonald’s Yardfest on FAMU campus (Tallahassee, FL)

Photo Credits: Bogan (03); Edward Hall (17); Eric Perrin (18); Intl K (06,09,13); Julia Beverly (05,07,10,16,19); Marcus DeWayne (15); Ms Rivercity (01,11,12); Terrence Tyson (02,14); Thad- daeus McAdams (04,08)

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 41 41 PATIENTLY WAITING

Drake Toronto, CANADA

I’m going to try and be that dude.” old weather, ice hockey and Melyssa Ford all come to mind when Canada is mentioned. But the average Hip Hop fan Despite his rap star aspirations, is already a star in his own could probably name all nine original members of the Wu right. To many, he’s better known as an actor. He has played seven - Tang Clan before they could name one Canadian-year-old rapper seasons as a physically disabled character,Degrassi: Jimmy The Brooks, Next Genera on the that’s had a significant impact on the rap game. But if 21 Canadian teen drama television series C . “I love acting. It’s another form of self-expression, much like Toronto emcee Aubrey “Drake” Graham has anything to do with it, tion things will soon be different. music,” he says.

“Canada is a place that’s lacking an icon right now, and that’s the Even with his thespian success, Drake is far from content and hopes to be taken seriously while avoiding a Nick Cannon-esque reception void I’m really trying to fill as an artist,” Drake begins. “Canada just from the music industry. “I believe in my really needs that person to get their foot through the door. I guess talent in a major way,” he says. “One thing I’m confident in is the fact that my music is great. I look forward to people doubting me. No one has really made a successful transfer from acting to music. be the first dude that does it all-around.”

With music in his pedigree (his father wrote for Al Green and uncle played bass for - Prince), he has earnestly taken the neces sary strides to get the industry’s undividedRoom For attention. His first major mixtape, Improvement, hosted by DJ Smallz, caught the attention of numerous fans and insiders. His first single “Replacement Girl” featuring 106th & Park, Trey Songz debuted on BET’s making Drake the first unsigned Canadian artist to accomplish that feat. has His follow-up mixtape Comeback Season accelerated his buzz and strengthened his internet following. He consistently ranks as the #1 unsigned Canadian artist on Myspace. With plans to release an independent album in 2008 through his All Things Fresh imprint, Drake is undaunted in his quest to become the best to ever step from in front of the camera to behind the mic.

“Just keep an eye out,” he says confidently. “You won’t have to look too hard or listen too hard. I’ll be there. I’m definitely patiently waiting but the wait is about to come to an end. I really think 2008 is going to be a phenomenal year all-around for music and my career. Anybody that’s a fan of Drake, let // them know, I’m coming.”

www.myspace.com/thisisdrake

Words by Randy Roper

42 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Polow da Don & Mike Jones @ the Dirty Awards in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly); Lil Wayne & Mannie Fresh @ Lil Wayne’s Bayou Classic jam in New Orleans, LA (Photo: Marcus DeWayne); R Kelly & Rick Ross on the set of Rick Ross’ “Speedin’” video shoot in Miami, FL (Photo: Carl Lewis)

01 // Gorilla Zoe, Big Teach, Derek Jurand, Tony Neal, & Emmanuel @ Emmanuel’s “Swagga” video shoot (Miami, FL) 02 // DJ Quinn, Laurence Maroney, & DJ Sir Thurl @ Society (St Louis, MO) 03 // Lil Wayne & DJ Raj Smoove @ House of Blues for Cash Money Millionaires’ 10 Year Anniversary (New Orleans, LA) 04 // Malik Abdul & Alju @ Roxy for Frontline’s Florida Classic weekend (Orlando, FL) 05 // DJ Khaled, Gorilla Zoe, & Leo G @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 06 // Bun B & Block @ KBXX’s car show (Houston, TX) 07 // Freda, Lil Boosie, & Cupid @ Battle of the Bands (New Orleans, LA) 08 // DJ Chino, DJ Drama, Wililek the Kid, Spiff, & DJ Nasty @ Firestone during Florida Classic weekend (Orlando, FL) 09 // DJ Q45 & Project Pat on the set of DJ Drama’s “5000 Ones” (Atlanta, GA) 10 // The Morton Sisters @ Plush for Young Cash’s “X” video shoot (Jacksonville, FL) 11 // Dr Teeth & Gil Green on the set of Fat Joe & J Holiday’s video shoot (Miami, FL) 12 // , , LA, DJ Drama, Willie the Kid, DJ Sense, Rick Ross, & the Carol City Cartel on the set of DJ Drama’s “5000 Ones” (Atlanta, GA) 13 // Big Red & Michael Watts @ BET College Tour (Houston, TX) 14 // Brittany, Mike Frost, DJ Chill, & Teresa (Houston, TX) 15 // Elora Mason, Jullian Boothe, & Tarvoria @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure P’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 16 // Lex & Big Teach @ Vibe & McDonald’s Yardfest on FAMU campus (Tallahas- see, FL) 17 // Birdman, guest, & Horseman (Houston, TX) 18 // Midget Mac, Maddog, & DJ Demp @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 19 // Hollywood Chuck & Kisha Smith @ Primetime (Atlanta, GA)

Photo Credits: Bogan (11); Intl K (06,13,14,17); Julia Beverly (05,09,12,15,16,19); King Yella (02); Malik Abdul (01,10); Marcus DeWayne (03,07); Ravi Angard (08); Terrence Tyson (04,18)

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 43 43 PATIENTLY WAITING Playboy Tre Atlanta, GA

fuse his humor for lack of substance, Tre has a unique ability of ost patiently waiting artists who are serious about their music about serious topics in a contradictory manner, mixing real life issues wouldn’t want listeners laughing at their craft, but for Atlanta with humor. rapper Playboy Tre, laughter is the response he longs for. In M “I’m able to write a real serious song, but also find humor in it at the fact, as the voice of some of the most comical skits in Hip Hop, much of Tre’s success in the rap industry has come from his ability to make same time,” says Tre. “You gon’ get good times, you gon’ get bad times, people laugh. but as long as people walk away feeling like I said one line that they could relate to, and maybe helped them get through the day, I’m doing “Some people hear my skits, and that makes them pay attention to my my job.” music,” says Tre. “So if comedy is a way for me to get people to listen, that’s good, because everybody wants to laugh. Every day needs to Rap has been Tre’s job for quite a while now. The thirteen-year rap vet laugh,” he adds. began his career in music like many other rappers: selling CDs out of the trunk of his car. Soon after selling over 3,000 units this way, the Stone But what Playboy Tre needs is for his own career in rap to mimic the Mountain resident linked up with The Attic Crew (home of Jim Crow and artists whose albums his skits have augmented (Lil Jon, E-40, and Lil - The YoungBloodz), and later befriended‘Hagon BME rapperand Tre Bohagon. decided to Together, start a Scrappy, to name a few). And while he stresses that you shouldn’t con movement of their own—Georgia Durt. “We decided to make our own movement, so we started Georgia- Durt. And that’s been the founda tion we’ve been building ever since then,” says Tre.

Tre has also been helping to - build the career of up and com ing Atlantic Records’ artist B.O.B. Three years ago, after meeting B.O.B.’s co-manager B-Rich at a Playstation tournament, Tre began serving as somewhat of a mentor to the young rapper from Decatur. “Watching B.O.B. mature as a rapper has been one of my best experiences as far a being in the music industry,” declares Tre. “He has incredible talent and God speaks through his music. Just to know that I’ve had a big influence on him is a real proud moment of mine.”

Another proud moment for Playboy Tre will be when his own career - gets to the point he feels it’s des- tined to reach. “I just wanna en tertain,” he emphasizes. “Music is definitely the foundation of what I want to do, but I also wanna act, write movies, and pursue whatever other doors God may open up for me.”

For now, the rapper who also claims to be a “drunk loner” will continue to make his type of music, for his type of audience. “I make music for that dude who gets off work and just settles down with a beer to get his thoughts together and reflect his hard day—that’s the audience I’m able to reach.” //

Words by Eric Perrin

4444 // // OZONE OZONE MAG MAG Playboy Tre

(above): Lil Wayne @ Hot Beats Studio in Atlanta, GA (Photos by Eric Perrin)

01 // T-Pain @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 02 // Trina @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 03 // Tyra B @ Party 93.3’s Toy Drive (Houston, TX) 04 // Wendy Day @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s (Tallahassee, FL) 05 // Slim Thug on the set of Fat Joe’s video shoot (Miami, FL) 06 // Trey Songz @ Velvet Room for DJ Drama’s album release party (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Young Cash @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 08 // Trae & Tre Dubb @ Block Ent. Show (Dallas, TX) 09 // Yo Gotti @ FAMU’s homecoming concert (Tallahassee, FL) 10 // Tum Tum @ Kwanzaa Fest (Dallas, TX) 11 // Pimp G @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 12 // Rovella & Randy Roper @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s (Tallahassee, FL) 13 // Smilez on the set of Fat Joe’s video shoot (Miami, FL) 14 // Rich Boy @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 15 // Malik Abdul & Keyona @ The Globe for DJ Q45’s birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL) 16 // Ms Dynasty & T-Roy @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 17 // Roccett & Rick Edwards @ the Lyric Theatre (Jacksonville, FL) 18 // Lil Duval @ Velvet Room for DJ Drama’s album release party (Atlanta, GA) 19 // Jesse James & County Brown @ Club Society (St Louis, MO) 20 // Star & Slim @ House of Blues for Cash Money Millionaires’ 10 Year Anniversary (New Orleans, LA) 21 // Pastor Troy @ Velvet Room for DJ Drama’s album release party (Atlanta, GA) 22 // Madd Hatta, Scooby, Buddha, & Gu @ KBXX’s car show (Houston, TX) 23 // Matt & Big De @ The Globe for DJ Q45’s birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL) 24 // Mami Chula @ Primetime (Atlanta, GA) 25 // Tity Boy & Lil Wayne @ Hot Beats Studio (Atlanta, GA) 26 // Tony C @ Dragon Room (Orlando, FL) 27 // Eclipse & Mississippi Fatz @ Club Nashville (Hattiesburg, MS) 28 // @ Venecian (Houston, TX) 29 // J-Kwon @ Intercontinental airport (Houston, TX) 30 // Lil Boosie & Q Dog @ Firestone for Florida Classic block party (Orlando, FL) 31 // Julia Beverly, Keith Kennedy & Dior George @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s (Tallahassee, FL) 32 // Papa Duck @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 33 // Kelley Williams @ Club Crossroads (Chicago, IL) 34 // Kaye Dunaway, TJ Chapman, & guest @ Club Whispers for record pool meeting (Orlando, FL) 35 // K-Foxx & Jacki-O on the set of DJ Drama’s “5000 Ones” (Atlanta, GA)

Photo Credits: Eric Perrin (04,06,09,12,18,21,24,25,31,33); Intl K (03,22,28,29); Julia Beverly (27,35); Malik Abdul (15,23,26,30,34); Marcus DeWayne (20); Ms Rivercity (14,32); Tammie White (19); Terrence Tyson (01,02,05,07,11,13,16,17); Tre Dubb (08,10)

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 45 45 PATIENTLY WAITING Dirty Blaq HOPE, AR

“It’s really like a whole other world down here. You got places that are or a lot of people, the first glimpses into the hoods of Arkansas beautiful but they’re still gutter at the same time,” he explains. came when HBO aired the now infamous documentary “Bangin’ In Little Rock,” which exposed the rest of the 49 states to the urban Being a product of this environment is quite possibly what lead to Funderbelly of Razorback country. But let Tecero Muldrew tell it, it’s been Muldrew, a.k.a. Dirty Blac’s, beautiful struggle, which has taken him to the proverbial “next to blow” position as one of the favorites to make a like that from the jump. dent in the national Hip Hop scene coming out of the AK.

“The reason Arkansas ain’t got that shine is because ain’t no unity down here. Everybody wanna be the first one to get on and they ain’t even got deals yet but they’re trying to stop the next man’s blessing and step on each other,” he says.

Not an elected official but obviously the state’s representative, Blac is poised to be the first to give that shine to his region, which with the release of his album Mastermind is slated to be released in February of 2008 on Keep It Pushin Records. With an album full of his signature sound which he calls “rangin’” (rappin’ and sangin’), the multi- faceted artist is positioning himself to bring a newness to the game, something that he feels music desperately needs right now.

“It ain’t like T-Pain do it,” he clarifies. “Fans have been screaming for something new that’s not corny. I’m bringing a whole different kind of style for the rest of y’all - to mimic. Something new for ‘em to jock. Ev erywhere I go, they accept it. The way I spit, my swagger, the way I sing, it’s something totally new.”

Not worried about the potential sales of Mastermind because, as he puts it, “they gon’ bootleg it anyway”, Dirty Blac is more concerned with putting together a project that is a refreshing break from the formulaic tunes that many have become used to.

“This album is not like others. It’s new music. You know how you get an album and one song sounds like all of the rest? This ain’t that. I want people to feel like they’ve got their money’s worth when they hear this. I’m raising the bar. It hasn’t been done in a // while, but I’m about to do it.”

Words by Anthony Roberts

4646 // // OZONE OZONE MAG MAG Dirty Blaq

(above L-R): Lloyd @ Velvet Room for DJ Drama’s album release party in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Eric Perrin); Plies @ Plush in Jacksonville, FL (Photo: Terrence Tyson); Andre 3000 @ Stankonia Studios for Outkast’s Christmas party in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Eric Perrin)

01 // Deelishis @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure P’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 02 // Cubo @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 03 // C-Ride & Joe Hound @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 04 // Huey @ Club Society (St Louis, MO) 05 // G-Mack @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 06 // Chamillionaire @ Music World Entertainment’s Hoops for Hunger (Houston, TX) 07 // Jas Prince @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure P’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 08 // 4-Ize @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s (Tallahassee, FL) 09 // 3 AM @ Club Whispers for record pool meeting (Orlando, FL) 10 // D-Lyte, Young Jeezy & Ebony @ The Beat (Dallas, TX) 11 // Charlie Chan & DJ OK @ AJ’s Martini Mondays (St Louis, MO) 12 // Dreamer @ Stankonia Studios for Outkast’s Christmas party (Atlanta, GA) 13 // Doug E Fresh @ Q 93.3 (New Orleans, LA) 14 // Cee-Lo @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 15 // DJ D-Tec & Lucky Leon @ Stankonia Studios for Outkast’s Christmas party (Atlanta, GA) 16 // DJ Ro, Sonny, & Foxx @ Club 300 (New Orleans, LA) 17 // DJ Black N Mild & Foxx @ Phat Phat & All That for Foxx’s in-store (New Orleans, LA) 18 // Bibi Guns @ Velvet Room for DJ Drama’s album release party (Atlanta, GA) 19 // DJ J-Hustle @ Club Cirque (Dallas, TX) 20 // Eclipse & DJ Marcus D @ Club Nashville for OZONE party (Hattiesburg, MS) 21 // BloodRaw, Slick Pulla, & Wild Billo @ Club Miami (Mobile, AL) 22 // DJ Drama & Alex Gidewon @ Velvet Room for Drama’s album release party (Atlanta, GA) 23 // Haitian Fresh & his mascot @ MonEG’s video shoot (Jacksonville, FL) 24 // Bay Bay @ Kwanzaa Fest (Dallas, TX) 25 // Benisour @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s (Tallahassee, FL) 26 // 8Ball (Dallas, TX) 27 // Black & @ Club 300 (New Orleans, LA) 28 // Big Gipp & Goodie @ Stankonia Studios for Outkast’s Christmas party (Atlanta, GA) 29 // J Xavier @ Music World Entertainment’s Hoops for Hunger (Houston, TX) 30 // DJ Chino & Ricky P @ Dragon Room (Orlando, FL) 31 // DJ Khaled & Dee Sonoram on the set of DJ Drama’s “5000 Ones” (Atlanta, GA) 32 // Big Koon & Hollywood @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jack- sonville, FL) 33 // DC & Sean Mac @ Club Crossroads (Chicago, IL) 34 // DJ Trauma @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 35 // & Gangsta Boo @ Stankonia Studios for Outkast’s Christmas party (Atlanta, GA)

Photo Credits: D’Lyte (10); Edward Hall (19,26); Eric Perrin (08,12,15,18,22,25,28,33,35); Julia Beverly (01,07,14,20,31,34); King Yella (04,11); Lamont DeSal (06,29); Malik Abdul (09,30); Marcus DeWayne (13,16,17,27); Ms Rivercity (23); Terrence Tyson (02,03,05,32); Tre Dubb (24); Wild Billo (21)

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 47 47 PATIENTLY WAITING Trapstarz dallas, tx

The Trapstarz believe this album will help them define the Dallas appers have never been inhibited about expressing what sound. “Our sound is very country, you know, Southern,” they say. they want in a woman, at least physically. From Biggie’s “Just our grammar by itself is different then what a lot of people “Dreams” to Raekwon’s “Ice Cream” to Webbie’s “Like That,” are use to hearing.” R Hip Hop artist aren’t shy about listing what they want. The group also expects this album will help them, along with other Now The Trapstarz can be added to that list. The Dallas-based Dallas artists like Tum Tum, to shine the spotlight on their Texas group comprised of members J. High and Y.T. (with group affiliates city. Pacman, T.E., Big B, Double B, and Bingz) has been making noise locally with their new single “Get It Bitch.” The single, describing a- “Up until now a lot of artists in Dallas have just been doing this for girl with a face like Mya and an ass like Trina, spread from the Dal fun,” says The Trapstarz. “We just liked making the music but we las airwaves so quickly it earned the group a deal with Universal, weren’t really out there pushing it. Then you see an artists like Tum and the group assures their fans that there’s much more to come. Tum come out and do it, so we started to think that we might as well do it too. If you try something for fun and you see someone “The album will be dropping soon,” says Y.T. “You’re gonna hear else do the same thing and become successful, you’re gonna work nothing but street hits. It’s gonna be a group album with just our harder to become successful. That’s what this movement// is about. style. Being from Dallas is gonna make the album have a different There are a lot of talented artist out here in Dallas.” sound in general. Our talk, our swag, how we grew up, our style, it’s all on the album.” Words By DeVaughn Douglas // Photo by Jeremy Cowart

48 // OZONE MAG Trapstarz

OZONE MAG // 49 PATIENTLY WAITING 3 Deep BATON ROUGE,la

to act as an appetizer to fans hungry365 Days for materialhits shelves. from And the whilegroup they hile the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina left an indelible mark until their February 2008 debut on the lives of countless families on the Gulf Coast, one could’ve taken the overused route of just spitting over industry beats positive aspect that came out of such a catastrophe was for their mixtape, Shell feels that would have been a step in the the forming of the group who have been making a name wrong direction. - Wfor themselves on the landscape as Three Deep. Displaced by the hurricane, New Orleans native Shell, one-third of “Why would we use industry tracks when we’ve got the hottest pro the group, would later link up with his Baton Rouge partner in rhyme ducer in the industry already in our group? Mouse is always cooking Fat and producer Mouse and, the rest as they say, is history. Since up something. That’s our Mannie Fresh right there,” he says, recalling securing their musical bond, the trio has diligently put in work as- the people comparing the group to a 2008 version of the Hot Boys. newest additions to the Trill family of artists. But if you’re expect ing to hear a recycled version of some of the label’s bigger names, “Our sound is more than just jiggin’ and bouncin’, but it does gotta you’ve got another thing coming. beat in that trunk. If it don’t beat in that trunk…I don’t know,” Shell - continues. With guest spots from the real Mannie Fresh,365 PimpDays willC (R.I.P.) “We’re like three different swaggers put together in one group,” ex and the entire Trill Family, the group is hoping that plains Shell. “We’ll do ya in that club all day ya heard, but then Mouse jumpstart their journey to stardom. will come up with some of that gangsta shit and me and Fat will take ya down that alley too.” “We’re that new shit at Trill. We got so much music that we’re just trying to put together the presentation right now. We just// showin’ Having in-house producer Mouse (the man who produced breakout everybody what the game is gon’ be about. We coming.” hits like Lil Boosie’s “Zoom,” Foxx’s “Wipe Me Down,” and Webbie’s “Bad Bitch”) doesn’t hurt the group’s chances of making their mark Words By Anthony Roberts Photo by King Yella on the crowded Southern Hip Hop scene either. at theThe end three of planNovember on serving up the mixtape The First Six Months

50 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 51 52 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 53 Compiled by: Randy Roper | Eric Perrin | Matt Sonzala

54 // OZONE MAG 2007will be remembered for some of the worst moments in Hip Hop history. From the RIAA raid of The Aphilliates’ office to the Feds arresting T.I. on his way to the BET Hip Hop Awards to Pimp C’s untimely passing, it’s been a very tragic year, to say the least.

However, there were some highlights of the year in which we saw album sales hit an all time low and ringtone songs prevail. For instance, Lil Wayne was somehow able to solidify his “best rapper alive” claim even without releasing an album. and 50 Cent’s 9/11 showdown produced one of the most anticipated rap moments in years, and Andre 3000 returned with a vengeance.

Welcome to our 3rd Annual Year End Awards. Soulja Boy, party like a rock star, and wipe yourself down one more time, ‘cause 2007 is officially over, and we’re poppin’ champagne like we just won a championship game.

Get On My Level Award < Soulja Boy Say what you want about Soulja Boy, but A Video [almost] Resurrected he probably sold more than three of your My Career award favorite rappers this year. Not to mention < Ja Rule

ANTHONY CUTUJAR he influenced the culture more than anyone Ja Rule was fed up with failing at every else in Hip Hop with his simple song and other attempt, so he decided to go the “sex dance—and he’s only 17. sells” route and load his “Body” video with a plethora of fine-ass, half naked women. Deuce Bigelow Male Gigolo The only problem was, Ja Rule was also in Award the video, and we all know Ja can no longer < Ray J sell shit. The song wasn’t that bad, but it still Ray J stressed that he made far more money wasn’t enough. in 2007 than he made his throughout his entire career. But aside from fucking Kim Kar- R. Kelly Award dashian on film, what did he do? No music, no < Akon books, no (non x-rated) movies—nothing. He We’re not giving Akon this year’s “R. Kelly received a reported $1 million for his sex tape Award” for his onstage antics with a fourteen with Kim K., but unless he earned less than year-old Trinidadian girl; of course not. Don’t that for all that singing and acting he’d done believe us? We don’t either. Sorry Akon, blame in the past, Brandy’s lil’ brother obviously it on us. made a killing fucking old hoes like Whitney JULIA BEVERLY Houston—what else could have earned him The Love & Basketball Award the kind of money he claimed to have made? < Lil Romeo Either way, he gets the Deuce Bigelow Male What could make Romeo put his career in D-RAY Gigolo Award for that proving men can be music and movies on pause to play ball at prostitutes also. USC? Pussy. He’s obviously in love just like Q from Love & Basketball and we’re not hating Worst TV Show: on him; it’s a beautiful thing. Just don’t leave Tie: BET’s Take the Cake/Hot school early to play in NBA and break your Ghetto Mess knee, ‘cause your career as a rapper was BET should have never got rid of Uncut, never a long-term option. especially if they plan on continuing to RONNIE WRIGHT RONNIE replace it with programming that does more Dick in the Booty Award to demoralize the black race than Uncut ever < Ne-Yo did. Hot Ghetto Mess (the title was changed Pimp C had the world questioning Ne- to We Gotta Do Better in a weak attempt at Yo’s sexuality in the August 2007 issue of make it appear more positive) was not even OZONE where he poetically referred to the entertaining, and Take The Cake somehow singer/ as “dick-in-the-booty ass managed to be even worse. BET has got to Ne-Yo” in addition to taking shots at Russell do better. Simmons and the whole city of ATL. He also pointed out that the singer wears enough Pull Your Fucking Pants Up lip-gloss to put Lil’ Mama to shame. We’re not Award

JULIA BEVERLY saying Ne-Yo is gay, but the Pimp C appointed < Kia Shine nickname is just too funny to leave alone. Get Every time you see Kia Shine he has his pants ya finga out ya bootyhole, dawg! sagging so far down that his entire ass is exposed. Not a good look. He recently moved Shawty is Da Shit Award to Atlanta, which is probably the sole reason < Alicia Keys the city deemed “sagging pants” illegal. Runner-up: Robyn Thicke’s wife Alicia Keys got thick as hell this year, and add Video Hoe of the Year one of the best soul R&B albums since…her < Angel aka Lola Luv last album, and she easily wins the “Shawty She look guud…But she’s a hoe! Yep. We’ve is the Shit Award.” This category was pretty seen her following around numerous rappers easy to decide however, there weren’t very

ERIC PERRIN and R&B artists this year, so we can only influential female singers, emcees, or any- imagine how busy Angel’s drawers have been. thing else for that matter in ’07.

OZONE MAG // 55 I Shoulda Signed With Koch and tell him to blow his nose. Advice to Gucci: Award leave the X alone for a day and try poppin’ < Foxx some cold pills or some nasal decongestion Adding insult to injury (his hit song “Wipe Me spray. Yeaaaa! Gucci Mane is also nominated Down” was virtually stolen by his labelmates) for Best Beer Gut Award and, since he’s still he only sold 5,000 units first week. With those not speaking to us because of last year’s kind of numbers he would have done better “Year End Awards,” he is also an honorary

KING YELLA signing a ringtone deal with Koch. recipient of the Most Sensitive Rapper Award.

Damn, Nigga, Make A New Song Face for Radio Award Award < The Dream < D.G. Yola Runner-up: T-Pain, Sean Kingston Not only did Yola perform “Ain’t Gon Let Up” Once upon a time, R&B singers had to have at the first OZONE Awards in 2006, but he sex appeal. But lately it seems to be the op- rushed the stage and stole the mic to per-

RAY KAY posite. With The Dream, , and T- form “Ain’t Gon Let Up” at the second OZONE Pain all topping the charts this year, it looks Awards a year later. Damn, nigga, make a like the new demand in R&B is for brothers new fucking song. that are fat and ugly as ever.

I Feel Like Slappin’ My Boss One Hit Wonder Award Today Award < The Shop Boyz < Killer Mike Was that not the fastest 15 minutes ever?!? During the first annual “ATL Day” rapper Killer The next time you see the Shop Boyz they’ll Mike apparently got into a slight scuffle with be asking if you want fries with that, and his former labelhead . Varying reports JEREMY COWART offering you a 35-cent upgrade to a larger emerged from both sides, but according to size. They weren’t even around long enough those in Mike’s camp, Killa Kill from the Ville to earn an audition for a future has-been gave Big an Idlewild-style slap to the face. show on VH1. (Should have returned our We can’t confirm any details, however. calls/emails for interviews and show book- ings when you still had the chance) He Don’t Be in the Streets Award I Can’t Feel My Face AWARD OZONE Music Editor Randy Roper < Chaka Zulu Certain Corporate Thugs don’t feel that Randy Chaka was a corporate thug for standing up Roper (not pictured for his own protec- to T.I.P and telling him that he wasn’t shit,

tion) has sufficient street cred. Upset about JULIA BEVERLY but as a result his bold statements got him their OZONE album review, Jeezy and CTE socked in the mug. Now he can’t feel his face. complained, “He don’t be in the streets,” Ouch! Sorry, Chaka. and reportedly found a picture of Randy in one of OZONE’s photo galleries. Now they Facebook Fiend AWARD have placed a bounty on his head and Randy < Lil Jon chooses to spend most of his Friday and Runner up: Julia Beverly

JULIA BEVERLY Saturday nights at home or in the office. If you’re still wondering what happened to that long-awaited Lil Jon album, Oprah Winfrey Honorary don’t place all the blame on Steve Gottlieb. Achievement Award Just check out Lil Jon’s (a.k.a. Lil Jizzel’s) < Karrine “Superhead” Steffans lengthy Facebook profile and you’ll see Karrine managed to overcome last year’s where he’s been spending most of his time “14:59 Award” by writing another book, lately. When he’s not drinking actual shots publicizing her relationship with this year’s of Patron, he’s sending his online-social-

Hip Hop MVP Lil Wayne, and sleeping with PROFILE OF LIL JIZZEL’S FACEBOOK COURTESY networking friends “Booze Mail.” And when Bill Maher and Eddie Winslow from Family he’s not multi-tasking between multiple AOL

ALLWYN CRICHLOW ALLWYN Matters. Superhead wins the Oprah Winfrey Instant Messenger conversations, he’s adding Honorary Achievement Award for being such silly Facebook applications like “Drunkome- an inspiration and positive role model to ter,” “Addicted to Chappelle’s Show,” “Will young black women all across the world. Ferrell Quotes,” and “Puff Puff Pass,” or taking quizzes like “How Romantic Are You?” Won the Battle But Lost the (OZONE editor Julia Beverly, now also a semi- War Award Facebook addict, adds: “The only reason I Cam’ron signed up for this shit is because Lil Jon sent Yeah, Cam had everyone on the net mocking me a email invitation.”) 50 Cent by yelling “Currtissss,” but for the rest of the year the only place we saw Cam Best Dude in Rap AWARD was on 60 Minutes. Good move, Cam, now get < Bun B my fuckin’ pool in the back. There’s no one in this game who has taken JULIA BEVERLY the time and the effort to help young rap God Loves Me Award artists progress in the past 20 years that Bun < DJ Khaled B has. Bun is not only the greatest lyricist With the worst ad-libs since Jazze Pha, the and performer in rap, he’s a mentor to many only explanation for Khaled’s success is the of your favorite artists and a man who stands man upstairs. At least Khaled knows it and behind his words 100%. This is hard to find screams it out every chance he gets. in the rap game where so many people are out to get each other. While everyone else Dammit, This Fuckin’ Cold fights, Bun teaches the youth and entertains Won’t Go Away! Award his fans and keeps kosher with all aspects < Gucci Mane of this Hip Hop shit. He is definitely the most Is it just us, or does Gucci Mane always sound complete and real dude in this game hands

like his nose is stopped up? Every time you JULIA BEVERLY down and should be respected as such. The see him you just wanna hand him a Kleenex man needs to teach a class.

56 // OZONE MAG Activist Rapper Who Should Europe and Canada and recently even went to Respect His Elders But Has A do three shows in India. What other rappers Point AWARD are doing shows in India? Chamillionaire’s < David Banner Victory might not be as Ultimate as he had Although it’s silly that Congress is taking time hoped, but he’s still winning this game on so to discuss rap lyrics at a time when our na- many levels. Big respect. tion is ass deep in a war that means nothing but woe to anyone who doesn’t have stake Most Anticipated Texan in an oil company, it’s equally silly for David < Killa Kyleon Banner to direct so much energy to attacking Come on, man, even your Boss Hogg Outlaw Al Sharpton and Oprah Winfrey. We all know partner J-Dogg has a hit now. We’ve heard that Banner has a point (they aren’t in the countless freestyles and flows that blow the community and don’t do all that much to help pants off of just about every one of your the situation so they really shouldn’t speak contemporaries, but I can’t remember a on it) but Banner’s energy could be put to real, genuine, Killa Kyleon official solo song. better use attacking much greater problems. Is there one? Does it exist? The man spits Al Sharpton saying that rap music is vile and straight fire and genuine reality on the mic obscene means almost nothing to anyone, every time he hits the booth, but it needs so there’s really no need to call for his head. to stop being over other people’s beats. We And although we might not see these rich need an album, man. Killa Kyleon is a soldier TV-activists doing all that much right now, in the fight to save Hip Hop, but real talk, people like Sharpton and Jesse Jackson INTL K he ain’t gonna save shit without an album. were on the front lines way before any of us We love you a lot Slim Thug, but it’s time to were born and should be respected for the change your lane and get your progress they did bring. You wanna attack boy the hell out there. Time is now.

TALIB HAQQ TALIB someone, fine. Stay focused bro, you’re too smart for this shit. < The Pimp C Fanga In The Bootyhole Award Realest Rhymers AWARD Tie: Viacom and The Record- Tie: < Grit Boys & Killer Mike ing Industry as a Whole In the immortal words of astronaut Jack We know that most of y’all calling the shots Swigert, “Houston, we’ve had a problem.” in the music game are extremely out-of- Atlanta has too. This entire generation seems touch evil white men who don’t know shit to as well. “Hip Hop, we’ve had a problem.” about music or art and only care about the But like the nether regions of our universe, bottom line. We know. We know that kids buy there’s still plenty of shining stars to marvel CD singles and ringtones and we know that at, they’re just not always visible as often as a business you have to do something to things obscure their radiant light. Killer Mike keep your ship afloat. All that being said, and the Grit Boys are Hip Hop’s shining stars there’s still great art out there that needs at the moment. While most of Atlanta is trying to be heard and legions of people who want to figure out new dance moves and the bulk to hear it. If you keep stifling genuine art, if of Houston is still obsessed with their cars you keep spitting on the streets, if you keep and sizzurp, Killer Mike and the Grit Boys are portraying black men as nothing but coke taking time out to speak to the people about dealers who can barely complete a sentence, what’s really going on in the world, from a then we’re gonna come to your offices, rip perspective that young kids in the street can the fangaz out yo’ bootyholes and replace grab a hold of and understand. Problem is, them with bombs. For real. Muthafucker, we the powers that be keep them off the radio gon’ rip your suit up and stick a bomb up and out of the video shows and all the youth your ass if you don’t get it straight. Bitch! really knows about these days is Soulja Boy

JULIA BEVERLY Editor’s Note: This is the opinion of one and a bunch of lame R&B. These two real rap freelance journalist and we here at OZONE stars are receiving this award this year for Magazine love the Viacom-owned MTV Jams. holding down the underground and keeping Look out for OZONE’s Rapquest airing soon as the hungry masses of real Hip Hop fans, well as reruns of the first and second annual people who appreciate great art, satiated OZONE Awards. :) until the next big renaissance hits. Hopefully it’ll happen before the oceans swallow us up. City Under Siege Award < Houston, TX Passport Pimpin’ Award Two, three years ago it was the “it” city for Chamillionaire Hip Hop. The whole world seemed to become Five years ago I was sitting at my kitchen obsessed with Houston’s “culture” of putting table with Chamillionaire and his then-part- diamonds in your mouth and buying a big, ner Paul Wall talking to them about how no gas guzzling car. The cartoonish imagery southern rap artists ever go to Europe and provided a lot of attention for a short period never exploit any territories outside of their of time and as soon as the masses began to native regions. I told them that they had tire of said “culture,” magazines, newspapers, the potential to hit all over the world, but gossipy bitch radio hosts and corny, low- the only way to make that impact was going quality DVD makers began announcing that to tour those places and touch the fans. I Houston was over. Houston is not over, we’re remember my analogy, I said, “You guys have just back to where we were before the media gone and done free shows and tons of promo came down here for lap dances at butt nekkid in places like Birmingham, Alabama and look clubs and sex with “publicists.” Houston is at you now. You can go there and do shows an independent city and its Hip Hop scene is for $5,000 and sell a ton of mix CD’s to boot. incredibly dynamic when you look past the You’re gonna have to go do some promo runs surface and really dig in. Real will always to places like Birmingham, England and do recognize real and the cream will always rise the same things you did in Alabama to make to the top. It might not go triple platinum that world wide impact. Chamillionaire obvi- again for a while, but who is? Instead of hol- ously listened as he has performed all over lering about how Houston has fallen off (XXL)

OZONE MAG // 57 just shut the fuck up and go back about your like is like winning the lottery. business. You don’t have to like it, but you Usher could have chosen any woman in the gotta respect it. world, but he chose her (we’re still puzzled too). Congratulations, Tameka, you won. Bitch Better Have My Money Award Weedcarrier of the Year < Remy Ma Award After a close friend allegedly stole $2,000 < Gorilla Zoe from Remy’s purse, the former Terror Squadian Zoe began his career carrying weed for was accused of putting two bullets in her Block and Yung Joc, but things changed companion. I guess the saying is true, money for this hood nigga in ’07. One hit record over bitches. and solo album later, Z-O-E has his own weedcarriers. Their names are Jody, Gee Lamest Thing About The and Duke. Ozone Awards Litter The UPS Is Hiring Award Have some respect for your city, someone Grand Hustle else’s city, wherever you may be when at- With T.I.’s impending trial and the possibil-

tending an event you plan to promote at. JULIA BEVERLY ity that the Grand Hustle meal ticket could It ain’t your home so you have no right to face a very long time behind bars, Jason throw your posters, flyers, stickers, promo Geter and company may need to get their pens, hats, t-shirts, and whatever else into resumes together, just in case. Like Big said, the streets as if someone else should clean “don’t be mad, UPS is hiring.” it up. The destruction of the earth IS your problem, dudes. Have some respect when Internet Gangsta Award you step into someone else’s home or work. < Saigon The good folks at OZONE spent a long time No other artist has utilized the internet and a lot of money to produce an event that this year like the Yardfather. Saigiddy used for all intents and purposes should catapult his Myspace blog to bicker back and forth this culture to a whole ‘nother level. But no, with his album’s producer, Just Blaze, tell that doesn’t matter to you. As long as people his side of the scuffle story and saw your six hundred 6-foot tall posters, all release a retirement statement. And he still of which ended up on the ground in a big hasn’t released his highly anticipated debut mess, then I guess you have succeeded. But album. Even as this article is written, Sai’s real talk, I haven’t heard shit from any of the Myspace page reads “Online Now!” And we artists I saw posters for all over every inch of have no explanation for his profile picture. that area since I left Miami. I guess you haters lost, again. Hate I That Love You Award

COURTESY OF SAIGON’S MYSPACE PAGE OF SAIGON’S MYSPACE COURTESY Limewire Worst Trend In Rap As much as illegal downloading is taking The “Rockstar” Phenomena a toll on the music industry, most of us We don’t care how you dress, the tight shirts can’t stop using Limewire downloading and jeans and shiny belts, all good, whatever. softwares. As much as it hurts to download But please don’t pretend to know anything songs and albums, why would someone pay about real rock and roll. Some artists might, $17.99 for an album with one good single but not the ones who made “Party Like A when Limewire has all the songs available

JULIA BEVERLY Rockstar” and all their followers. First of all, for free? glam rock died quick. It had a vibrant, but fairly quick run. Played out licks and lacklus- You Should Kiss Weezy Award JULIA BEVERLY ter chops looped on a computer will see the < Playaz Circle same fate. Maybe some of you will score a It took most rap fans a few months to VH1 reality dating special 15 years from now, realize “Duffle Bag Boys” wasn’t a Lil Wayne but 15 minutes from now your fake ass sound single. Because of Wayne’s hook, Dolla Boy will be dead and your career will be relegated and Tity Boi didn’t have to rhyme on the to the frat boy bars who still book people like track and it still would have been a smash Vanilla Ice and bill them as “nostalgia acts.” hit. For giving PC the jumpstart their ca- Do your homework you lazy asses, this is art, reers needed, these two should kiss Weezy not Wal-Mart. just like his daddy.

Best Hip Hop Flick Award Umma Do Jeezy Award < American Gangster < Rocko Hip Hop superstars T.I. and Common starred We know the song is called “Umma Do Me” alongside Denzel Washington in the story of but from listening to his song, minus a few drug kingpin Frank Lucas. The movie capti- adlibs, it sounds more like Rocko Da Don is vated Hip Hop culture and single-handedly doing the Da Snowman. inspired Jay-Z to release an album. Website of the Year Award Worst Hip Hop Flick Award Youtube.com < Who’s Your Caddy Last year’s runner up for Website of the Year Who’s Your Caddy wasn’t just one of the worst had to be the most visited, viewed, shared, Hip Hop films of the year, it was one of the linked and uploaded site of 2007. If you worst films, period. Big Boi starred in this missed anything in pop culture, chances Caddyshack knock off that grossed nearly $3 are you can find it on . Want to see million in its first box office week, but it would the new DJ Khaled video? It’s on youtube. have been better off going straight to DVD. Want to see people make complete fool of themselves? It’s on youtube. Soulja Boy be- And The Winner Is… Award came a household name through it and any

Tameka Foster ERIC JOHNSON average Joe or chick with a nice rack and a Getting impregnated and wed to a pop icon camera can use it to do the same. //

58 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 59 Mr. Collipark Hate It or Love It Words: Randy Roper // Photo: Eric Perrin

60 // OZONE MAG e discovered two of 2007’s big- think it was moreso for the quality than anything. I couldn’t get over it. It gest successes (Soulja Boy and was like a bad demo. I didn’t get it. I was like, “I don’t care who likes this, I Hurricane Chris), yet Mr. Col- can’t do nothing wit’ this.” But when I saw it, it made me go back and listen lipark (better known as DJ Smurf to it with a different ear. And I said, ain’t nothing wrong with it, it’s just poor to some) has felt more hate than quality. Hlove this past year. Still, the former Ying Yang Twins producer hasn’t let the crit- So how do you feel about Soulja Boy as an artist now? ics stop his plans to turn his Collipark He’s the best. He out-hustles these cats. He out-thinks these cats. He’s out- Music imprint into the next LaFace. And performing these cats. And he’s so young. He was 16 when I found him. He with Soulja Boy riding high on the charts, don’t even have the vocabulary to be competing with these cats. At a time Collipark is crankin’ dat Supaman all the when the game is so messed up, there are very few success stories in rap mu- way to the bank. For anyone resenting the sic right now and he’s one of them. And he’s winning big. So you gotta give music he cosigns, be careful, this ATL im- credit to that. I don’t care if you hate every song you hear from him. In the presario may take offense to that. climate of what’s going on, you cannot front, it’s hard to sell a record right now. And he’s going up. He did his numbers, then he took his drop and he’s You helped build the Atlanta Hip Hop scene to what it is today. How do you going back up right now. This is wit’ no tour. It’s beyond a ringtone thing, its feel about the game when you first started, to where it is right now? people buying into him. Hurricane, it’s a lot to him, talent wise. He’s more of It’s good to see it’s the focal point of the industry right now. I just think a talent than Soulja Boy. Soulja Boy is a movement. we’re the heartbeat of not even just Hip Hop, like music right now, it’s coming from here. You’ve got a lot of R&B writers and producers coming out of here A lot of critics – now too. I never thought it would be where it is now. I think back to my high Julia Beverly came to me and she said, “How do you feel about people calling school days, listening to Luke and all those cats from out top, you just never Soulja Boy’s album whack?” I said, “I don’t care about nobody who called would have thought we would have the opportunities that we have now in Soulja Boy’s album whack. If they’re over 17 years old, I could care less.” I the game. said something about the numbers, he did like 117,000 the first week and then she asked me again, like, “What do you think about people saying the album You were also very instrumental in the snap and whisper music a couple years is whack, though?” “I said, “I don’t care!” I didn’t expect Soulja Boy to appeal ago. What were your thoughts at the time you were making that music? to anybody of out high school when I signed him and the fact that it’s this Just trying to do something new, man, and get out that whole crunk move- big is phenomenal to me, cause I didn’t get it. But I knew that Soulja Boy had ment that we never really considered ourselves apart of. Even when I started the potential. with the Ying Yang [Twins], the stuff that I did with them wasn’t really popu- lar at the time. The music down here was going a little more street. That’s Is he an artist that has longevity, as he gets older and his fans get older? when Pastor Troy and that whole movement was real big. And we He learns so quick. He asks a lot and he observes a lot. He’s crazy about just came with something different. It wasn’t popular to have a booty shake 50 Cent, not just his music, but how 50 took the game over. So he watched record like that. Fast forward seven years and now you gotta have a strip club everything that he did. That’s the aspect about him that lets me know he’s record on your album. I think we were very instrumental in putting that in gonna [have longevity]. Because he actually looks at what’s going on around the game, cause I come from bass music. But to take it from that and make it him. He looks at Kanye. And when those kinds of cats meet him, they see it. a part of Hip Hop, it’s everywhere now. Everybody from the East to the West, They see that it’s bigger than “Crank Dat” the dance when they meet him. He’s even gangsta, street cats from down here gotta have that strip club record. a student of music. Anytime you got an artist that produces himself, that does his own beats and puts songs together like that, it’s something special about Let’s talking about your label, Collipark Music. You’re doing it real big right him. And he’s able to go in and make records. There’s a lot of artists that now with Hurricane Chris and Soulja Boy – can’t make records. He’s a young Kanye in his world. If you look at the variety Actually, I found Hurricane and he was like a gift to my man, Bryan Leach, of subject matters, the lifestyle records that he put together, they’re very over at Polo Grounds. I executive produced his project. But Bryan had left TVT, primitive but it’s a lifestyle thing that he’s done with the “Bapes,” the “Yahh,” he did my deal over at TVT with Ying Yang, and he left and started his imprint the “Crank Dat,” the “Shoot Out,” the “Just Got My Report Card.” It’s a bunch over at J [Records]. I told him, “I’ma give you your first artist.” He actually of different themes that appeal to those kids. So as he grows and the things wanted to do something with P. Stones, who was my first Interscope signing, that he sees expands, he’ll be making records about that stuff. but he wasn’t settled in at J yet. So I found Hurricane and it was like a perfect jump off situation for him over there. Do you do the “Crank Dat Soulja Boy” dance? I said if we go platinum I’m doing the dance. I ain’t seriously cranked the You saw the “” record from the beginning, so – dance. But I’m waiting on the record to go platinum. A hit record is a no-brainer to me. Some people hear the records that I’m affiliated with and they frown on them. My thing is, I make records for the Do you have any last words for the Soulja Boy haters? people. I never was into myself. As a DJ, you have to service other people I get real defensive when I talk about Soulja Boy, cause I’m passionate about and I think that’s what separates me from a lot of people that consider it. If I don’t like something but I see someone who does like it, I take it as themselves Hip Hop heads. That’s self-serving almost, you feel me? I grew just that. I say, “I don’t get it but I see why it’s working.” The thing with up listening to everything, but when I hear hit records it’s a no-brainer. It’s Soulja Boy is, the people that don’t like him, they don’t like him passionately almost like I’m missing out if I don’t be a part of it. When I heard “A Bay Bay,” and I catch a lot of that because I found him. So a lot of times I lash out. He’s even before I knew I was gonna have anything to do with it, I was like, “That gonna easily get a gold album. You tell me the last new artist that got a gold shit’s outta here.” And the same thing with Soulja Boy, I didn’t hear in his album, period. Joc might be the last one. And he’s three million ringtones, so song what I heard in Chris’ song but I saw it on his Myspace. When I saw it, I he’s got that too. And three million digital singles, so that’s six million digital was like, “Oh my God! This is it!” Cause he was serving the masses. Those kids, downloads. So that success story is humongous. For Hip Hop heads, if you like they were loving him. Whether I liked it or not, he had already generated this “real Hip Hop,” I’ll use somebody like [as an example]. People can whole following. I saw those little girls holding up “I Love Soulja Boy” signs say he’s dope but he doesn’t sell cause the so-called “real Hip Hop commu- and painting it on their chests and all that, I was like, “There is no way. I nity” doesn’t support him. So what good does it do him to be dope for y’all? have never heard of this kid.” And no adult I asked knew about him, but every For y’all who are out here criticizing, you don’t even support him. He ain’t kid, every kid, one hundred percent, here in Atlanta knew him and they knew even sold 200,000 records. You gotta look at the game for what it is. This is about four, five of his songs. how I eat, that’s how [my son] goes to school. It gets emotional to me in the sense that this is what I do for a living. And for somebody to sit back-some- You said, “whether you liked it or not.” So does that mean you didn’t like body who doesn’t contribute in a positive way-and just sit back, critique and Hate It or Love It Soulja’s music when you first heard it? run their mouth, I have a problem with that. Yeah, I have a serious problem Nah, I ain’t gon’ lie, man. “Bapes,” that was the first record I heard. And I with that. // Words: Randy Roper // Photo: Eric Perrin

OZONE MAG // 61 62 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 63 64 // OZONE MAG souljaWords by Julia BeverlyBoy // Photos by Anthony Cutujar

Clown Soulja Boy all you want, but he’s making more money than you. Among something that you want to do. I wanted to have the #1 song in the country the millions of aspiring rappers, producers, singers, and models flooding the and now I’ve done that. I want to have a platinum-selling album and I’m still internet with their novice creations, Soulja Boy went the gangsta route and working on that. I still wanna have my own cartoon and I’m trying to do that. launched his song “Crank Dat (Supaman)” into cyberspace with filenames like I wanna be in a movie so I’ma go do that. It’s just something else to do, so “50 Cent - ” that eventually led thousands of curious fans back to there’s no reason to get big-headed from it because it could be gone tomor- his website. Thanks to Google, Mr. Collipark, and , 17-year- row. Plus, whoever’s hot, you’re not gonna stay hot forever. You’re not gonna old DeAndre Way’s catchy tune launched him into stardom virtually overnight. be able to do this forever. When you’re hot you’re hot and when you’re not Now, faced with critics labeling him a “ringtone rapper” and a “one-hit you’re not; all this could be gone tomorrow. wonder,” Soulja Boy faces the challenge of growing with his primarily young audience and turning his massive hit into a career with longevity. What is your cartoon gonna be about? The cartoon is called Bad Lil Homies. It’s really just based on my life, with a Have you graduated from high school yet? twist to it. I’m gonna have superpowers. It’s funny though, it’s not too kiddy Yeah, I already graduated. We did a back to school special with BET and I and it’s not too grown. It’s for everybody. I created the cartoon and I’ve got went back to my high school and all my teachers and the principal were my homeboy Arab doing the illustrations, so once that cartoon releases it’s tellin’ ‘em my situation, letting all my fans out there know how it all went gonna be crazy. That’s just something else I want to do with my career as down with my education. So I’m good on that tip. far as promotion, doing TV. It’s gonna be airing on a network but we haven’t chosen an official one yet. Are you the hometown hero now? Yeah, I guess you could say that. I went back to my ‘hood and everybody was Of course the story goes that you got your main fanbase through the internet, like, “Souja Boy! Soulja Boy!” Once you make it out the hood you’re the person but there’s millions of people trying to rap and promote on Myspace and everybody looks up to. They’re just glad somebody came and did it, and YouTube and all that. What do you think you did that was different enough to everybody was showing love because they already knew what I was about make your music stand out from everybody else’s? before I made it and blew big. I’m just holding it down like I always have. I’ve I know a lot of people who log onto the internet and just spam people and always been rapping, so back in school everybody knew me as Soulja Boy. post their link everywhere, like, “Listen to my music!” and nine times out of I always had songs out and I had a couple local hits or whatever, so I was ten, that’s not gonna work. That ain’t gonna get you nowhere. I never really signing autographs and stuff back before I signed my record deal when I was did that cause I knew nobody was tryin’ to hear that. When I started recording just in high school. So it’s mainly all the same to me; just more money. songs I wasn’t getting no love from the radio stations or DJs. I was a nobody. So when I recorded “Crank Dat (Supaman)” I’d take whatever was the #1 song When you started out, did you really think you’d end up having the #1 song in in the country at the time or the song everybody was listening to that was on the country or were you just playing around with rap for fun? BET – like 50 Cent’s “In Da Club,” for example, that was a huge record. Every- It was just something I was doing. It wasn’t just to have fame or whatever. body was downloading music for free off the internet and there’s websites I just wanted to have everybody jumpin’ in the party. When I hit a party, I’d where everybody goes to get new music. So when I recorded “Crank Dat (Su- be putting my CD in and everybody would go ahead and “Crank It Up.” That’s paman),” I’d rename it “50 Cent – In Da Club” and I’d upload it to [websites] what it was about. But as far as the point I’m at now, I ain’t know it was ever where people could download it for free. Then I’d copy it and rename it as a gonna get to this point. I thought I was gonna get big, but I ain’t know it was Justin Timberlake song, a Master P song, a Jay-Z song; every big artist you gonna be this big. I’m on a whole ‘nother level. could think of. So every time you got on that site and tried to download a 50 Cent song or a Jay-Z song, you’d get the “Crank Dat” record. Everybody was Sometimes when people become famous at such a young age it’s hard for like, “Who is this dude right here?” them to stay grounded and they end up getting a big head. How do you stay humble and keep that same hunger that you had for it in the beginning? Did you plug your Myspace page or something in there? Or how did they know I’m good. I always look at it like, this is just something else I want to do. This how to look you up? ain’t really nothin’, you know? It’s just having a goal or an accomplishment or Nah, my name wasn’t on there nowhere. It was just the song, I guess. That’s

“I know a lot of people who log onto the internet and just spam people and post their link everywhere, like, ‘Listen to my music!’ That ain’t gonna get you nowhere. ”

OZONE MAG // 65 where the buzz came from, because everybody was Google-searching “Supa- like, “Oh my God, Soulja Boy’s a beast!” But that’s not my style, you know? man” and “Crank Dat” and “Soulja Boy” or whatever, and as soon as you typed I’ve got talent and I’ve got the ability to do what a lot of people don’t think I that in [Google], my Myspace page would come up. I had SouljaBoy.com and can do lyrically. They think I’m just a snap artist or whatever, but that’s what that’s when all the hits started coming in. To capitalize on it, I did the “Crank I do. I don’t come on a track trying to sound hard or be like Nas or Jay-Z. I Dat” dance and put it on YouTube. It had 15 million total views before I signed mean, I can do that if I wanted to, but that’s just not what I intend to do. I my deal, and the MySpace page had 20 million total plays before I signed might just drop a mixtape or whatever and kill all the talkin’ on that level and my deal. I was doing shows every weekend and getting $10k a show before I still do my album the same way I did the first one, cause that’s what my fans signed my deal. Then when I signed my deal and started doing promo shows, want to hear. Whatever they say they want, that’s what they’re gonna get. I was like, man, why am I doing shows for free now that I’m signed if I was getting ten stacks before I was signed? It was a change, but it was cool I overheard some DJs in Las Vegas talking about you after you’d done a radio though, travelling across the country and selling out shows. interview, and they felt kind of insulted by one of the comments you made. How important do you think DJs are to your career? Was Mr Collipark the first person that reached out to you about getting a Well I’m not too familiar with that situation, but I understand that the DJs are major label deal or was there a lot of labels reaching out to you? just as important as the emcees because without the DJs, people wouldn’t I had lost like three deals. [The labels] would reach out to me like they want- get to hear your record. DJs are very, very important, and if they feel like that ed to sign me, we’d be in contact or whatever, and then I guess they weren’t [about me], I don’t know why. I feel that DJs are a big part of Hip Hop. Shouts interested anymore. I guess they thought it was a joke. Now, all those people out to all the DJs. Y’all need to keep spinning my record for real (laughs). [that tried to sign me] are like, damn. They’re mad now. (laughs) But as far Y’all don’t need to be talking like that, man! (laughs) All the DJs out there, as the situation with Collipark, he hit me on my Sidekick [SouljaBoyTellEm@ Soulja Boy is with you! tmail.com] and gave me a number to call. I hit him up and I signed with him that same week. He signed me in my house, in my living room. Then I went to Why do you go by the name Soulja Boy Tell Em? I heard that somebody L.A. and I signed with Interscope. already had the name Soldier Boy trademarked? The reason I call myself Soulja Boy Tell Em is because every time I did a song, Did he help you put your album together, musically, or was it basically done my hook would come on and then before I’d do my verse, I’d holla out “Soulja at that point? How did he help you take it to the next level aside from signing Boy tell ‘em!” That was my trademark, and my fans started saying it so much I the deal? just used that as my name. He’d already seen my fan base and my following. It was strong. I was on a Bow Wow level before I was signed. He told me, “Do everything how you’ve We did a rapper survey last month for the sex issue and we asked rappers been doing it, and I’m gonna just sit back and let you do you. I’ma let you go what “supersoak that hoe” means. What does it mean to you? in the studio and do you, and when you’re finished, turn in your album.” He Supersoakin’ that hoe, man, that’s a dance. It’s not sayin’ “supersoak that told me, “You’ve proven yourself. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. You’ve already hoe” as in, a female. It’s just like if you’re playin’ basketball, you could say, proven that this is what the people want to hear, so do what you’ve been do- “ dunk that hoe!” It’s just a dance. However they took it, it isn’t intended ing and we’re just gonna master it and I’m gonna come in at the end and tell to be meant that way. you what’s up.” So I did my whole album, turned it in, and Interscope loved it. He told me we needed to do the “Soulja Girl” record. He made the beat and Since you’re representing the youngest generation of music lovers, where do we put it out. I had full creative [control] over everything but he gave me a you see music headed from here on out? Do you think snap music and dance lot of good advice, and I thank him for that. He steered me the right way and music is where it’s at? gave me full control and it just made a monster. Nah, I don’t think snap music and all that is gonna take over. I feel like it’s just gonna be some stuff that I can’t even predict. I think there’s gonna be The girl from the “Soulja Girl” video was introduced to me as your real-life new music coming out every day, not just snap music or whatever. I know girlfriend. Is that true? there’s gonna be a lot of Frooty Loop beats comin’ out. But I think every- Nah, nah, that’s not my girlfriend. “Soulja Girl” is a song for my female fans. thing’s gonna go digital; I don’t think there’s gonna be anymore albums be- ing sold. You know how they had the 8-Track and then that went away? Then How do you respond to the critics that say your music is a gimmick or people they had the cassette tape, and then that went away and they had CDs. I think that don’t take you seriously? CDs are finna die out too and they’re gonna just have iTunes. Everything’s I really don’t care what people think. That’s where most rappers mess up: gonna go digital; ain’t nobody gonna buy albums no more. Caring about what people think. Who cares, you know? I had the #1 song in the country seven weeks straight and sold over 3 million ringtones. I’ve had In the beginning, you made use of digital technology to benefit your career, critics all my life. When I first started doing my shades, in high school, I had but as you become a bigger artist, does it concern you that people can get written “Soulja Boy” on them in white out and everybody was talkin’ about your music online for free? me like, “Man, that’s stupid.” Today, I’m selling a hundred pair of ‘em a day The only thing you can do about that is capitalize on it. Ain’t no way you can on SouljaBoyTellEm.com. So when I just sit back and think about it, man, I fight that; you can try, but it isn’t gonna work. The main thing I wanna get don’t really care what nobody says. Once you get that in your head – do what across is that everyobdy’s talking about “ringtone rapper,” but I think you you do – you’re gonna be straight, feel me? I’ve got that mindframe where I should try to capitalize on the digital market by selling ringtones and digital can make a song about anything I want to make a song about. I ain’t got no downloads. I know it’s good to sell albums, but you can see that ain’t nobody limits and if it’s a couple people who think that, who cares? So? I don’t care. selling albums no more. Who are you supposed to be anyway? So if I put out my album and I don’t get the reviews that I wanna get, who cares? I don’t care about reviews, I care What would you rather do – sell 3 million ringtones and no albums, or no about sales. As long as my album sells more than that other rapper, it’s all albums and no ringtones? good. As long as my fans are happy, I’m straight. I don’t make music to make See what I’m sayin’? So instead of trying to fight it you’ve gotta capitalize on the critics happy cause they’re not gonna be happy anyway. I make music it and get some money. Instead of selling 50,000 [albums] your first week and to please my fanbase who’s been down with me before the deal. Everything no ringtones, if you sell 50,000 your first week and 4 million ringtones you’re that’s happened after the deal is people who don’t really care about me. Ev- straight. So capitalize on the digital market. Don’t fight against it or you ain’t erybody who’s been riding with me since before the deal and has gotten me gonna have no money. to where I’m at is the people who I’m making this music for. Everybody who’s been rockin’ the white out on their shades or the rubber band necklace and You mentioned your cartoon; are there any other projects coming up that your knew about who I was before this deal, that’s who I’m making music for. And fans should look out for? for the down raters that are haters, who cares. Once you start trying to please The album is in stores right now. I’ve been out to L.A. and I met with Nick- people, that’s where you mess up at. I don’t care about what nobody says. elodeon, Disney, Paramount Pictures, and a lot of casting directors to do auditions. So y’all might see Soulja Boy Tell Em on the big screen in 2008. I Do you plan on using the same formula for your second album, or working want everybody to look out for that SOD Money Game mixtape in the streets, with some different producers and adding features to change it up a little? hosted by DJ Scream, that’s gonna be hard. Y’all look out for Arab coming in After a while, once you do hear a lot of criticism, it does get to you. Going 2008 on Stacks On Deck Entertainment, that’s my label. Any unsigned artists into my second album, I might come with a couple tracks where I’m just reading this right now, y’all can hit me up at www.SouljaBoyTellEm.com or gonna step it up a notch. I might just give ‘em that one track and be like, [email protected]. We’re looking for new artists so if you’re trying BAM! And then the rest of my album might be on that same vibe as the first to get your shine on, come holla at me. Stacks On Deck: it’s no discrimination, album. I might just do a whole mixtape and the critics hearing that would be we’re just looking for talent. //

66 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 67 68 // OZONE MAG Hurricane Season Words by Randy Roper

urricane Chris isn’t exactly the easiest interview subject. You would think that questions about meeting Alicia Keys, groupie love and addressing haters would lead to interesting com- mentary, but the 18-year-old rapper from Shreveport, Loui- siana seems disinterested in such juvenile debates. Instead, the artist discovered by A-Town impresario Mr. Collipark and signed to Bryan Leach’s J Records subsidiary, , has other things on is mind. His “A Bay Bay” single shot up the charts and sold millions of ringtones but critics were H quick to write him off as another song-and-dance Southern Hip Hop act. So Hurricane has something to prove, which probably explains the reason the teenaged rhymer barely ever cracks a smile. With his debut album 51/50 Ratchet in stores and the Shreveport ratchet music movement thrown upon his young shoulders, Chris is focused on running the game. Whoever feels differently can holla at Hurricane.

You’re from Shreveport, Louisiana, which is the home of “ratchet music.” Can you explain what ratchet music is and the music scene in your city? I’m from Ratchet City, you know what I’m sayin’? Come to Shreveport, Loui- siana and go to Club Cocoa Pevis. We got a movement behind it. We dance ratchet. Everything we do is ratchet. Ratchet is our culture, ya heard me?

What exactly is ratchet? The ratchet movement is the movement I got coming out of Louisiana. It’s a lot of people that are a part of the ratchet movement. I’m putting it to the forefront. Ratchet is our culture, how we dance. Atlanta got crunk. The bay area got hyphy. We got ratchet.

Your single “A Bay Bay” took off this year. What’s been your biggest adjust- ment to the success and fame? I ain’t had no big changes. I’m financially better. But for the most part I’m still the same dude.

Can you explain the whole concept of “A Bay Bay?” The “A Bay Bay” ratchet movement comes from Shreveport, Louisiana. My

OZONE MAG // 69 dawg, Hollywood Bay Bay, they used to holla his name in the club every time in our own vehicles, hitting the road, just making it happen the best way he wrecked it. It became so popular I made it a hit. possible. Now I’ve got an artist coming out by the name of Big Red and a lot more artists that’s coming out of Ratchet City. You gon’ see Go Live Entertain- I heard DJ Hollywood Bay Bay was going through some legal issues with rape ment all over in the future. charges. Nah, nah, nah. That ain’t true. I heard people were thinking that but ain’t The game has changed a lot over the past few years. Things seem to be more none of that true. about ringtone sales. I mean, it’s crazy. Ringtones are selling, albums [sales] are decreasing. We Are you sure he doesn’t have any rape charges? So where did that come from? gotta start getting back out here and selling albums. That’s why I dropped my I don’t know. I seen it on the internet though. He was in Cali last night, he’s album October 23rd, 51/50 to show ‘em that people still buy albums. That’s on the road, we’re doing shows. He’s on his way to Atlanta right now. why I want people to go out and support who they’re jammin’. If you’re jam- min’ them, go buy their album. So what exactly does the phrase “A Bay Bay” mean? It’s positive vibe. Whatever you’re rockin’ wit’, you holla “a bay bay.” Like you, What do you have to say to people that think you’re just a “ringtone rapper?” hittin’ the club tonight, “a bay bay.” It’s just another word for “fa’ sho’.” Kill yourself.

You’ve taken a lot of heat for “A Bay Bay.” A lot of people say it’s a simple, Can you explain your relationship with Polo Grounds CEO Bryan Leach? bubble gum song. 50 Cent even took shots at you and the song. How have you I met Bryan Leach through Smurf [Mr. Collipark] when I was getting radio taken all of the criticism? play in Atlanta. We basically got our relationship off of him coming to my Man, whoever said “A Bay Bay” ain’t what it do, can kill themselves. (laughs) hometown and seeing the movement and him believing in the movement. He signed me to Polo Grounds, the Hip Hop department at J Records. And me and I’ve seen you freestyle and you really do have skills. How important do you him have been making it happen ever seen then. Got a real good vibe over think it is to show people those skills? there, ya know what I’m saying. We both know what we want. Come get on the microphone wit’ me. I’m a beast over here, ya heard me. It’s real important to show your skills. That’s what it’s about at the end of the What have you been able to learn from him? day. You gotta make the club bangers and the dance songs to keep the clubs He’s a real good dude. I’ve been able to learn a lot from him. Just be- going and keep them dancing. But at the end of the day, you gotta have it in ing around him and seeing how he handles certain situations. Being with J ya. You gotta be reckless and be able to go tit for tat. Records is a whole different level, period. Since I’ve met him, I done met Clive Davis and a lot of other people, just off knowing him, so it’s all good. What are you going to do to prevent yourself from being a one-hit wonder? Since “A Bay Bay,” we done hit ‘em wit’ the remix, the “Hand Clap,” we done Let’s talk about your relationship with Mr. Collipark. How did you meet him? hit ‘em wit’’ the “Hand Clap” video, the remix video, we put Game, Baby, E-40, I met Smurf because I was pushing myself through my independent record la- Boosie, on it. The album just dropped October 23rd and we’ve got my bel. I was getting record play in Atlanta through King Arthur; he was spinning new single blazing the streets, “Playaz Rock.” us real, real, real hard. Smurf heard it on the radio and he caught a plane, came to my city and saw the movement and believed in it. Me and him been On the “A Bay Bay” remix, you have a line on there where you said, “Ever rocking ever seen then. That’s who took me to Bryan Leach. since I dropped ‘A Bay Bay’ I’ve been running the game.” Do you actually feel like you’ve been running things? Do you think you’ll be the next King of the Another artist that Smurf brought in was Soulja Boy. What’s your relationship South? like with him? I don’t dib and in all the king and queen [talk], I was through playing I know him from being around the Collipark scene. We got signed at two dif- like that when I was in preschool, ya heard. It is what is. Ever since I dropped ferent times. We do two different types of music. We have two different crafts. that “A Bay Bay” I’ve been running the game and whoever feels different can But we’re still affiliated with the same person. Smurf found me, Smurf found holla at Hurricane. him.

You had a lot of big names on the remix. Were you nervous at all doing a song What do you think it is Smurf saw in you that made him want to sign you? with cats like The Game, Lil Boosie, Jadakiss and the rest of them? From what Smurf said, he saw the whole package. From being able to spit Nah, nah, I wasn’t nervous. It’s what we do. We’re all big musicians, we’re all to being able to drop a club banger to being able to battle. Just the whole big fans of music and we all grind real hard. We was all on the same level wit’ package. it. It wasn’t hard to get them to work. They came to the video shoot. They worked wit’ us. They created a good vibe, so we rolled wit’ it. Let’s talk about battle rapping. I heard you were big in battling in Shreveport. Yeah, that’s how I started out. When I first started getting my name up, I Your album is entited 51/50 Ratchet. What is 51/50? was in battle rap competitions. So that’s how I got my name out there, from 51/50 is 101 percent real. Add it up, 101 percent real. battling. That’s how I got the name “Hurricane” cause I used to leave my op- ponents silent and after a storm it’s silent. What can you tell me about your album? The album is off the meat rack. It’s all the way versatile. I got club bangers, Battle rapping isn’t big in the South. Why don’t you think a lot of rappers something for the females to listen to, something for the white folks, gang- aren’t down for battle rapping here? sters and the thugs, ya heard me. I don’t know. There used to be this spot called Crystal Palace, it was a skating ring but they put a stage in there and we used to do our thing on the stage. Tell me about the “Hand Clap” single. It was like the only spot you can come showcase your talent. It wasn’t so We started clapping our hands on the “A Bay Bay” video. That’s why we came much as we were on battle rapping, but you already know, you get a bunch of back with the single, that’s where it comes from. We shot the video in L.A. The rappers and you put them all on a microphone on a stage, somebody’s gonna video is off the chain. We rode around in a drop top, made the whole Hol- spit something in somebody’s direction. So you know it’s gon’ be a battle. lywood go crazy, ya feel me. That’s the single we’re pushing now. It’s hot in the streets, got the clubs banging. Every time I see you, you look dead serious. What are you so serious about? I don’t know, people say that because I guess I don’t have no facial expres- You have a new single with your labelmate Boxie, right? sions. I don’t know. (smiles) I got a new single called “Playaz Rock.” The Earth, Wind and Fire [sample]. It’s slowed down for the grown and sexy, but we’re using words so the young- So what do you having going on right now? sters will be able to feel like they’re involved too. I’m on the tour. Soulja Boy’s on there. Sean Kingston’s on there. Lil Mama’s on there. It’s supposed to be a lot more acts added on. It’s sup- Who’s the kid in the beginning of the “A Bay Bay” video? posed to be real hot. Baby Three. He’s with Go Live Entertainment. Wherever you see me, you see him. That’s my artist. Four-years-old, in the game. Things seemed like they’re moving real fast for you, from your album drop- ping to be on the Chris Brown tour. How do you feel about the industry as a Can you tell me about your label? whole and how fast things are moving for you? I got an called Go Live Entertainment. That’s really It’s a blessing, ya know what I’m sayin’? We’ve been grinding for a real long one of the only record labels that helped me get on. That was the only re- time. We’re taking it all one step at a time. We love the fans. We give the fans source I had in the beginning, my own label, Go Live Entertainment. Hopping the same energy they give. We gon’ ride it ‘til the wheels fall off. //

70 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 71 the “ratchet” movement now; do you think ratchet is the “new crunk”? I think the argument that crunk is dead is a stupid argument. If crunk was dead, you wouldn’t be able to have a ratchet movement.

Did you sign Hurricane Chris with the idea in mind of having him lead the “ratchet” movement in the same way that Lil Jon led the “crunk” movement? I primarily signed Hurricane Chris because I believed in Hurricane Chris as an artist; same reason I signed Lil Jon, Pitbull, and the Ying Yang Twins. They weren’t popular signings when I signed them. Anybody who really knew, and was there, including yourself, knows that at that time in 2001 it wasn’t a popular signing. You knew Pitbull before I signed him, and it wasn’t a popular signing. It wasn’t like I was competing against labels or there was a bidding war. It wasn’t like people were patting me on my back when they heard that I signed him and were like, “Yo, you did a great signing.” They weren’t popular signings. Neither was Hurricane Chris. I don’t consider myself an arrogant person, but it’s crazy to me that people doubt my consistency. I’m one of the most consistent A&Rs in the game. Hurricane Chris was penalized because he had such a huge record that people weren’t really able to look at who he was as an artist. Maybe they still haven’t decided whether they like him or not for the long run, but I signed Hurricane Chris because I thought he was a tight artist. The thing that made me really invest in the project was because he had a hit record. I felt he was part of a movement that was miss- ing. But without crunk music there would be no ratchet music.

Did you leave TVT more because of a desire to start your own thing or be- cause of differences you had with Steve Gottlieb? It came to a point where I made Gottlieb a lot of money and I didn’t feel like he paid me what I was worth. I decided to make a move so that I could control my own destiny and make money. Steve Gottlieb, real talk, is a fucking genius and a very innovative person. He’s an asshole, and I mean that with affection. Gottlieb is an asshole but half of what I know, I learned from work- ing with him, and vice versa when it comes to urban music. You know, there’s people that say Julia Beverly is an asshole. The decisions you need to make to build your brand aren’t always popular decisions.

Being an “asshole” in terms of paying artists? Lil Jon was pretty vocal about the issues he had – I’m talking in terms of how he built his company. Those are separate issues; those stories are very real, and they’re sub-stories so to speak. But in terms of what he built his company on – I’m sure you’ll learn that when Lil Jon built [his label] BME, he borrowed from his experiences with TVT, and there are definitely things I borrowed from TVT [when starting my label Polo Grounds]. For instance, the way we’ve got to operate nowadays in the business, these so-called 360 deals where you sign an artist and you participate in the pub- lishing, merchandising, touring, and management in addition to the record bryan Leach side – Gottlieb was doing that back in 2001. The industry is more conscious now in terms of how they market and promoter records and how they spend money investing in projects so that they can project their profits so that there’s a better chance of making money, and that’s how Steve has operated he average clubgoer might not recognize Bryan Leach’s face, but since 2001. When I left TVT and went to J Records, a major label, they were chances are he played a key role in many of the hit records they’ve kind of new to this business model but it was something I was already used grown to love every night on the dance floor. Lil Jon & the Eastside to because that’s how Gottlieb had been operating since 2000. He’s a smart TBoyz, the Ying Yang Twins, and Pitbull are just a few of the artists who have guy. He’s not a great people person or a pro-artist person, but he is a good Bryan to thank for helping to develop and bring their trademark sounds to businessman. I’m a pro-artist person and Gottlieb is not. But anybody who the masses. He recently departed his longtime post at TVT Records to form was a part of that period from 2000 to 2005 knows that me and Gottlieb made his own label, Polo Grounds Music, which is distributed by J Records. With a a great team because we balanced each other out. promising lineup and decades of experience in the music business under his belt, in 2008 Bryan plans to show the world that Hurricane Chris (of “Ay Bay Why did you choose the name Polo Grounds Music? Bay” fame) is much more than a ringtone artist and unleash several new acts. Polo Grounds is named after the housing projects I grew up in. When I decided to make a move and do my own thing, I just wanted it to be something that What was your role at TVT Records? was personable so I just decided to name it after the place where I grew up. I created the Urban department. I’m the reason why people know who the fuck TVT is. I mean, it sounds arrogant, but it’s the truth. When I got to the How did you initially come across Hurricane Chris? label in ’95, TVT was a rock label. They had Nine Inch Nails, Sevendust, indus- Smurf. Short and sweet. I wouldn’t have known about Hurricane Chris if it trial rock music and soundtracks like Mortal Kombat. Hip Hop was a hobby. wasn’t for Mr. Collipark [a.k.a. DJ Smurf]. I was in L.A. having drinks at a Bev- They had a bunch of bullshit [Hip Hop] acts. Irv Gotti worked there for a year erly Hills hotel and I got a call at 1 AM Los Angeles time which was 3 in the and I watched as [TVT owner] Steve Gottlieb passed on [signing] DMX, passed morning in Shreveport from Smurf, saying, “I found your first artist for Polo on DJ Clue, passed on Jay-Z and Roc-A-Fella. Irv went on to Def Jam, but I Grounds.” So it was a gift hand-delivered and packaged by Smurf. I flew out stuck with the shit and took five years of catching bricks before I signed Lil to Shreveport on Smurf’s word, saw it for my own eyes, and signed him up. Jon and Naughty by Nature in 2001 and then went on to sign the Ying Yang Twins, Pitbull, and Jacki-O, and started to create an identity. For six years in Who else have you signed to Polo Grounds? a row, we were the #1 independent Hip Hop label on the Billboard charts. We C-Ride came to us through Cool & Dre out of Miami, and he has an ability to built the company together, me and Steve Gottlieb. make big records. Nina Sky is my urban pop act; they came to us through Cipha Sounds in New York. Boxi is an 18-year-old singer/songwriter/musician Through your work with Lil Jon and the Ying Yang Twins, etc., is it fair to say and a ball of energy. Ratchet City is another extension of the whole ratchet that you were one of the main catalysts in the whole “crunk movement”? movement. We manage Diamond from Crime Mob and Avery Storm, who is I was one of the main catalysts in commercializing crunk music. signed to Nelly’s Derrty Entertainment through Universal. We manage Phunk Dawg, who produced “Ay Bay Bay” and “Hand Clap.” We manage Los Vegas, So what’s your thoughts on the people who say crunk is dead? You’re pushing who produced “Soulja Girl” for Soulja Boy. We have a publishing division

72 // OZONE MAG where we handle the publishing for all those people. Our business model at every fucking single. How many times have we seen this happen? I saw it with Polo Grounds is exactly what the major labels are trying to figure out: man- Lil Jon. I saw it with the Ying Yang Twins. People said, “Them niggas are half agement, touring, merchandising, publishing, and the label side. So we’ve got retarded.” All of a sudden we put them in suits and give them a hit record and a pretty good spread. And I’m still a consultant; I’m a co-executive producer Lil X directs the video and now you want them on your red carpet. Pitbull? on the Lil Jon project on TVT Records. Oh, “His pants are too tight,” blah blah blah. But he was part of all these big records like “Shake” that influenced music. It’s just hate. Call it what it is: It’s What do you look for in the people that you hire for Polo Grounds? hate because you can’t do it. Do I want a fucking Pitbull, or do a want a fuck- I look for people who put in as much work and passion as I put into the com- ing Saigon? No disrespect to Saigon, but you do what you do, and let them pany. I look for people who do what you and I did when we were building our do what they do. Stop trying to be the judge and jury about who’s hot and companies. I look for people who are doing what you did when I met you in who belongs. It’s hate. That’s the way I look at it. It’s like Source and XXL and 2001 and what I was doing in 2001; the passion and the hunger and the grind King and Vibe telling you that you don’t belong because you’re OZONE, when that I had and that you had. That’s what the fuck I look for. If somebody ain’t you’ve got a better relationship with all these artists and tastemakers and got it, then it ain’t worth fucking with them. Nowadays it’s so hard to make executives than all of those other magazines combined. You can walk into money in this business that if you ain’t ready to hustle, you might as well just studios, walk into places with the artists and you ain’t gotta go through the not fuck around with it. publicists, the marketing people, none of that shit. Artists want you involved with their career. It’s all hate and bullshit and I just thank God that I come What about when you sign artists, aside from the obvious? from an independent background so I don’t get caught up in that bullshit. I need artists who are humble, but confident. Artists that are talented and have the ability to synergize with all kinds of industries, whether it’s film, TV, Do you see Hurricane Chris being at the point T-Pain is at in a couple years? music, or the corporate world. Kids just want to buy music from the artists I’m gonna make sure this nigga never goes away. And if niggas don’t believe they love. It’s not really about songs. They’ll buy the songs, but in terms of me, they need to do their homework. My history and my muthafuckin’ consis- the artist that they really want to be a part of, they’ve gotta have all those tency rate is solid. things. I think I was a little spoiled by being involved with some of the artists that I was involved with. Pitbull is one of the hardest working artists I’ve ever You’ve had a lot of success with Southern artists even though you’re from worked with. If I could take one artist from TVT, I would take Pit. [Lil] Jon is New York. Do you see the Southern movement continuing for a long time or one of the smartest artists, and one of the most creative and diverse people are you looking into other parts of the country? I’ve ever worked with. Smurf is really underrated. He’s a hard-working, Louisiana is poppin’. Atlanta’s always poppin’ not just because of the artists humble executive. So now that I’m looking at all kinds of other artists, it’s but because of the producers, the , the music, the energy, the hard to find somebody who can measure up to that shit. You look for artists lifestyle. Do your homework; don’t be ignorant and think that the South who could either do [what Pitbull and Lil Jon do] or get as close to hitting ain’t been around. If you do your history you’ll know about Stax Records [in that mark as possible, but there ain’t too many of them left. Memphis] and Motown and the origins of this music. It didn’t all start from New York. In the South there are places that could stand to have a rebirth; You mentioned that back when you signed Lil Jon and Pitbull they weren’t new energy. New York can stand to have new energy. L.A. can stand to have popular signings, but these days, as soon as a Southern artists gets a slight new energy. The Midwest needs something that just kinda ties everything hit record the major label start bidding wars. Do you think the fact that the together. There are places that do it and do it well, and people just need to major labels are on the South so hard right now actually works against us follow up and educate themselves on why they’re able to do it and just stop and decreases the quality of the music because artists don’t have to work as hating. Hate is a fucking disease and if you buy into that shit you’re going to hard to get a fanbase and get deals? end up broke and irrelevant. I think all of those arguments are suck-ass arguments. People start crying about how the labels only sign artists who have a sales base and radio play Do you think the album format will eventually go away and music will only be and a story, well, yes, you do need to have all that, because the artists have sold by ringtones and digital downloads? raised the bar. It’d be different if the labels got smart and had something I have no idea, but usually in any industry there’s a minority group of people to do with it, but the labels didn’t have nothing to do with it. David Banner, who are responsible for actually being the first to make those changes and Bonecrusher, T.I., Ludacris, , all these artists learned the indie pave the way. I may not know where the next change is, but I am smart game and decided to be entrepreneurs. They decided that. Labels ain’t have enough to know what my limitations are. I’m 38 years old, but here in this shit to do with that shit. We just play catch up. So when people started cry- studio I can point out five kids that are 19 or under, and I’m smart enough to ing and saying, “Oh, all you do is sign artists that have got a story,” well, follow their lead about certain things. Smurf is smart enough to follow the you’re muthafuckin’ right. We didn’t have nothin’ to do with it but we’re smart youth. We don’t need a think tank and all that other research to figure this enough to follow the artists’ lead. When people criticize ringtone artists, to shit out. I’ve got a 20-year-old daughter, another 13-year-old daughter, and me, that’s just another form of hating. They act like it’s easy to sell 3 million a 7-year-old son, and honestly, I’ll listen to him before I’ll listen to one of ringtones. Selling 3 million ringtones is a sign of popularity. People put the these suits. We’ve got a challenge and a responsibility to be kind of unbiased stigma on Southern artists, and they put the stigma on ringtone artists. Stop about what we report and really try to make sure that we get people who hating. Stop crying because you can’t do it. Hurricane Chris’s album sold are hot and put it out there. That’s all nigga’s tryin’ to do. Hurricane Chris’s 30,000 units the first week. So people ask me, “What makes you continue album got 90% good reviews and 10% bad reviews, and everything he’s done to pump money into a project like that? You believe in the artist?” You can has created a reaction. He had a hit record out of the box that a lot of artists believe in the artist all day, but that’s not enough. The fact that he sold 3 struggle their whole career to have. Most artists may not have a hit record million combined ringtones and digital downloads allows you, financially, like that til their second or third album, and this kid is still only 18 years old. to continue to invest in that artist you believe in. So now that he’s passed the first week of sales and that pressure is gone, and he has another record Will C-Ride be the next artist dropping on Polo Grounds? [“Playaz Rock”] that’s potentially a big record, that allows us to continue to C-Ride is a huge priority for us. He has a lot of the things that he needs and make sure he never goes away. We can invest in this artist that we believe he’s missing a lot of the things that he needs, but those other things are in and break him on the second record, which is no different in terms of the going to come. We’re going to go back to artist development. A lot of the rea- artist development process then how we did it a few years ago. sons you liked SWV and Xscape and some other artists is because they grew up right in front of your eyes with all their abilities and inabilities. You saw So you felt like Hurricane Chris’s lead single “Ay Bay Bay” kinda overpowered Bow Wow grow up from being a kid to what he is right now. This is an experi- him as an artist? ence; music is an emotional experience. I believe in him as an artist. People are surprised when they hear his album. They’re like, “Dude can rap.” We’re already working on a second album. With Polo Grounds I’m coming from What’s up with Lil Jon’s album? an indie background, so this whole grind mode, I’m used to it. We’re dropping Working on Lil Jon’s Crunk Rock album is exciting. A lot of people are wonder- another album in June with remixes from the first album. We’re going to remix ing what this dude is coming with, and it kinda makes me laugh. If there’s the album and put it out with new artwork. He’s on Mike Jones’ first single anybody that counts this dude out and questions whether or not he can bring that Smurf produced, the cover of OZONE Magazine, the cover of the Source it, to me, that’s personal. I started my career with Lil Jon and he started his Magazine, he’s on the Chris Brown tour, so he’ll never leave the market. He’s career with me. We were both influential in each other’s careers. I still get got a whole lifestyle campaign that’s about to kick in to make sure that he paid by TVT [as a consultant], but I would do it if I wasn’t getting paid. I’m never goes away. That’s how you develop an artist. So stop hating. Stop talk- still involved with Lil Jon’s album and with BME, Rob and Vince and everybody ing shit because homie sold 3 and a half million downloads and ringtones. else over there. That’s where the creativity and the direction came from and T-Pain sold 5 million ringtones off “I’m In Luv (Wit’ A Stripper)” and people that’s what it is. // were saying all types of criticisms with dude on his first album, like he was done. Now all of a sudden everybody is riding his dick and they want him on Words by Julia Beverly

OZONE MAG // 73 DIRTY THIRTY 30 CLASSIC PIMP C VERSES

Compiled by Maurice G. Garland, Eric Perrin, Randy Roper & Wally Sparks Photo by Julia Beverly

ide dirty is exactly what Pimp C did on UGK: “I Left It Wet For Ya” every track he made, rapped or sang on. This is the pinnacle of shit-talking. It’s one thing to say you’ve got some- When was released from prison we sang body’s chick, but it’s another thing to tell ‘em that you left it wet for them. R Sonically, this is one of Pimp’s most hypnotic beats. OZONE is raw, but, the “I’m Free” right along with him. But now that lyrics here might be too explicit for even us to reprint. he’s gone, we can’t seem to get his verse from “I Miss ” out of our heads. Here are f/ Pimp C: “Havin’ Thangs” thirty of his most memorable recorded mo- By producing this track, Pimp laid down the epitome of what Southern Hip ments, in chronological order. Hop is supposed to sound like. Boom-bap drums blended with gospel organs and wah-wah guitar riffs made for a syrupy instant favorite. This 1994 classic UGK: “Something Good” was remade in 2006 for C’s Pimpalation album with both Pimp and Mike (who One of the standout cuts on UGK’s national debut album Hard To Swallow. With were both recently released from prison) trading bars. a syrupy Rufus & Chaka Khan sample providing the musical backdrop, this record showcased two fresh voices in Hip Hop unlike any other. It also showed UGK, Master P & Silkk the Shocker: that Pimp C as a producer was as on point as his peers in regards to sampling “Playas Down South” old soul records and making them sound new. With this song, the South was given a phrase and self-identifier wherever they set foot: “Playas down south stack Geeeeeee’s.” UGK: “Use Me Up” Another gem from Hard To Swallow, with Bill Wither’s song of the same name Master P f/ UGK: “Break ‘Em Off Something” serving as the foundation for some the most influential Southern Hip Hop ever If you ever owned a car with some beat in the trunk, then you already know made. This was also one of the few commercial singles from the UGK catalog. the deal about this one. Recorded and released in 1996 when UGK was on top Straight pimp game is being laid out here. Lames, pay attention. of the underground world, Pimp gave an entire region something to either smoke, ride or bounce too, often all at the same time. Of course P’s verse is UGK: “Pocket Full of Stones” the one that everybody remembers, but this song wouldn’t be the classic that This was the first UGK song that many diehard Pimp and Bun fans ever heard. is without UGK’s verses or Pimp’s production. “Pocket Full of Stones” was the third single on 1992’s al- bum and its placement on the Menace II Society soundtrack introduced them UGK: “One Day” to more ears across the nation. It foreshadowed the career to come for UGK; it This track originally belonged to Mr. 3-2 but wound up on Ridin’ Dirty. The was vintage, real, and loved to this day by all fans of the Texas movement. last lines of Pimp’s verse, as usual, speak for themselves: “I asked God why he let these killas live and take my homeboy’s son away / Man, if you got UGK: “It’s Supposed To Bubble” kids show ‘em you love ‘em cuz God jus might call em home / Cuz one day you The lead single and video from 1994’s . Long before rappers were here but baby the next day you gone.” drinking Cristal, Pimp and Bun, along with a bottle of DomPerignon, showed the world how the boys P.A. boys popped bottles, had a good time and still UGK: “Murder” kicked street knowledge. Everybody remembers Bun B’s verse on this blood-curdling classic, but it was Pimp who really set the song by off opening with “I’m still Pimp C, bitch! UGK: “Front, Back and Side to Side” So what the fuck is up?” In interviews, Pimp always said that he emulated An ode to candy cars never sounded so good. Those organs, snapping-ass Run from Run-DMC, and he shows it throughout what is perhaps the most drums and wonderful use of the Eazy-E voice sample equaled musical great- energetic verse he’s ever recorded. Before he said “no record ‘til whitey pay ness. Easily one of the world’s favorite UGK records, T.I. paid homage to the me” on “Big Pimpin’,” he warned you here that “I ain’t rapping shit until my original Kingz by remaking the record with Pimp and Bun for his King album. money in my hand!”

74 // OZONE MAG UGK: “Diamonds and Wood” beat, write a verse and sing a hook on one song. Banner’s line: “Pimp done Classic beat. Let’s let some of the lyrics speak for themselves: “…I got a baby told me, ‘Vell, these niggas ain’t nothing but hoes / You make most of your but it’s momma act like he ain’t mine / Wicked women using children to live cheese off production and shows,” shows the impact Pimp had on his peers. on / When I hurt and try to hate ‘cause she knows the thrill is gone…” “...Nig- gas talk a lot of shit in a safe place, I know cause he can’t look me eye-to- UGK f/Jay-Z: “Big Pimpin’” eye when he in my face…” “…Niggas frown when you up and smile when you This was a song Pimp C was very hesitant about doing. Bun told MTV, “He down / And when you make a change for the better shife fools stop coming didn’t want to do [the Jay-Z collaboration] ‘Big Pimpin’,’ but he rolled ‘round…” “…Got to the point where I could not decipher day from night / She with me on that.” The song rolled all the way to the number 3 spot on the say she love me but all we do now is fuckin’ fight / My conscience fuck with , and number 1 on the Rap/R&B chart. It was the biggest me so much I can’t eat or sleep / The other side of sellin’ dope and out there track of UGK’s career and in the June 2007 issue of OZONE, it was declared runnin’ the streets…” that UGK’s outshining of Jay-Z was one of the 25 most important moments in southern rap history. Pimp and Bun upstaged Jigga on his own track long UGK: “Bumper and ” before Em’ proved who the real “Renegade” was. This became instant vintage the minute it dropped. All of the usual Pimp C production suspects are here: sweaty drums, light cymbals, jook joint guitars Three Six Mafia f/UGK: “Sippin’ On Some Syrup” and church organs. He knew it was tight, and if you weren’t convinced he “Take that monkey shit off, you embarrassing us.” Enough said. Hopefully the demanded that you “tell your bitch ass brother he can’t fuck with my beats / right ears will take heed to that suggestion. so if you wanna be bangin’ nigga the good shit don’t come cheap.” He also reminded you that “down in Texas nigga, we got our stars, we got the bad- UGK: “Let Me See It” dest bitches and we ride the freshest cars.” The beat reappeared as “Simply In 2001 when was released, UGK was witnessing a growing fan Beautiful” on Sleepy Theme’s The Vinyl Room. base beyond the South, but for some reason this album didn’t translate into the commercial success that was due. “Let Me See It” debuted with little fan- C-Murder f/UGK: “Akickdoe” fare but still became a classic UGK record. It was a strip club anthem before Co-produced by Beats By the Pound, this is another example of Pimp’s strip club anthems were standard on rap albums. penchant for working guitars into . His opening verse is also another example of his unique braggadocio, setting the tone for rest of UGK f/ Devin the Dude: “Ain’t That A Bitch” the song. The hook, also courtesy of Pimp, came from his verse on Master P’s The highlight of the long-awaited but slightly disappointing Dirty Money al- “Break ‘Em Off.” bum. Sampling B.B. King’s “Chains & Things” for the beat, Pimp dropped some life game on what happens when you think with the head in your pants. Only UGK: “Hiside” thing wrong with this instant vintage was Jive’s bonehead decision to alter One of Pimp’s more jazz influenced productions sounds like it could have been the song’s flow and blur out the curse words. conceptualized during the Super Tight era, but it actually appeared on Sic Wit It Records’ 1997 compilation Southwest Riders. One of UGK’s many songs Bun B f/Pimp C, Young Jeezy, Z-Ro & Jay-Z: when they call a bitch a bitch, but the song’s most poignant moment comes “” when Pimp says, “The preacher got the clothes and the hoes with his dick on After serving nearly four years in prison, Pimp C was reunited with his UGK swoll / Trickin’ off my peoples’ bank roll / I peep that shit, I read my Bible at counterpart on this single from Bun B’s solo debut album Trill. The song was home / ‘Cause I ain’t payin for that nigga’s brough’m.” the first time Pimp C worked with Young Jeezy and his first time working with Jay-Z since “Big Pimpin’.” Hearing him start off the track “Pimp C P.A. trill PSK-13 f/UGK: “Like Yesterday” nigga / Polo fuck that Hilfiger / Made myself a ghetto star / On the slab, sip- One of the highlights of Pimp’s production career, this song (and others he pin barre,” seemed to breathe life into the South. did with Adamshame, Critical Condition and X-Mob) is a testament to his Underground King status, showing that Pimp and Bun were truly dedicated to Pimp C f/P.O.P. & Lil Keke: “Knockin’ Doorz Down” the streets and independents. Pimp’s trademark drum sounds and live guitars Pimp C was never one to hold his tongue. On this single from Pimpalation, make this song an equally dope rap track and instrumental. Pimp speaks out on the state of rap music in Houston, urging Lil’ Flip and T.I., Paul Wall and Chamillonaire, Z-Ro and Slim Thug to end their feuds and make UGK: “Take It Off” their money together for the betterment of the rap industry in H-Town. Many When he got the chance, C would justify the meaning of the “Pimp” in his rappers took heed to his words, proving the influence and respect that Pimp C moniker and on this track that originally appeared on The Corruptor had amongst his peers. soundtrack, he had strip clubs buzzing. “Take it off chick, bend over, let me see it / If you lookin’ for a trill-type figure, let me be it.” Even though UGK: “Swishas & Dosha” the video was a bit comical (UGK pimping in Chinatown?), Pimp’s charisma could not have had a more appropriate opening track. coupled with his straightforward lyrics made “Take It Off” a standout. Lines like “I remember when a rapper was a go getta, now all these rappers are some hoe niggas / Hide behind the guards at the show nigga, don’t want Pimp C: “Top Notch Hoes” no pussy, homosexual on the low nigga” and “I’ma tell you pussy niggas once This song first popped up on the infamous 1999Dirty Money bootleg and later again, ain’t had no friends since I left the pen / It’s some niggas I respect in appeared on Trill Azz Mixes. Bluesy guitars and synths served as a smooth the rap game and it’s some niggas I bet’ not hear saying my fucking name” bed for Pimp C’s voice as spoke on everything from BET not playing Southern let you know that the original Trill Ass Nigga was back in rare form. Hip Hop artist videos to serving a slight diss to in response to their “What They Do” video. This verse also appeared on his collabo with Meen UGK: “Quit Hating the South” Green “Deep In the Game.” Save for the hook and last verse, the song didn’t When critics started taking shots at Southern rap, UGK spoke up to defend the really say much about hoes at all. South’s movement. A boisterous Pimp C spoke up for tunes and the South’s place at the top of Hip Hop charts, screaming, “Fuck how you feel, UGK: “Piece and Chain” country rap tunes NIGGA! Let’s put all y’all records on one side of the store This song has Pimp C coining the phrase “country rap tunes” for the first time and put all the country rap music on the other side of the store, and see who on record, asking people to “separate us from the rest.” An unfinished version sell out first!” of the song first appeared on theDirty Money bootleg while the final one was placed on soundtrack. UGK f/Outkast: “International Player’s Anthem” This single, produced by Three 6 Mafia and featuring Outkast, was a sample UGK: “Woodwheel” of the 1970’s hit “I Choose You” by Willie Hutch. It was the last official UGK Appearing on Rap-A-Lot’s 1999 compilation Realest Niggas Down South, single of Pimp C’s life, and fittingly the most commercially successful song “Woodwheel” helped UGK fans through the drought between Ridin’ Dirty and to ever appear on a UGK album. The video, with cameos by Bishop Don Magic Dirty Money. “Hoe niggas scream and talk, trill niggas bust and leave / How Juan, Pimpin Ken, DJ Paul, , Chamillionaire, David Banner, T-Pain, Big the fuck you gonna go to war when you bitch ass niggas ain’t go no cheese?!” Gipp, and Fonsworth Bentley, among others, became an instant hit. At the will go down as one of Pimp’s trillest lines ever. 2007 BET Hip Hop Awards, Kanye West refused to accept his Best Video Award for “Stronger,” instead offering the honor to UGK for “International Player’s Crooked Lettaz f/Pimp C: “Get Crunk” Anthem.” This bold statement from the notoriously award-hungry Kanye is One of the highlights on Crooked Lettaz’ (David Banner and Kamakaze) crimi- even further proof of the lasting influence Pimp C left behind for both fans nally slept-on Grey Skies album. Another example of Pimp’s ability to make a and peers for many years to come. //

OZONE MAG // 75 Chad “Pimp C” Butler 12/29/73 - 12/04/07

issue was supposed to be out a month ago. I’ve been Back when Pimp C was in prison I started sending him copies of OZONE This stalling, partly because it’s hard to get anything done in religiously. After he got out he always wanted to see the new issue, espe- December while everybody’s gone for the holidays. But mostly, when Pimp C cially when it had one of his interviews or articles in it, and would text me passed right before this issue was supposed to go on press, I knew I’d have impatiently until they arrived. I’d feel bad if they weren’t ready yet and would to add a Pimp C tribute, and I couldn’t do it. Because doing a tribute makes it personally send a Priority Mail package as soon as they came off the press. real. Nobody involved with Southern rap wants this to be real because he was one of our most vocal proponents. So I put it off as long as possible. It’s a lot of work to put together a magazine. It’s like any other artistic endeavor; the finished product is what makes all the sweat and tears worth Of course, it was easy to type in “Pimp C” on the search window of my com- it. The appreciation of others–especially coming from a legend in the game, puter and find hundreds of pictures. It was (somewhat) easy to email a few of someone you look up to–is priceless. As OZONE has grown over the years, his friends asking for quotes and call a few others and record them reminisc- the main thing that’s kept me going is the feedback from our readers, and it ing about their favorite memories of Chad…except when their voices started always amazes me to find out that artists like Pimp C appreciate my art form cracking. There’s nothing easy about hearing a grown man cry. as much as I appreciate theirs.

So I sat and stared at this “Pimp C Tribute” folder on my computer and the With everything he contributed to the culture and to OZONE both directly and blank pages in the layout and did nothing. I really tried to psych myself up indirectly, the least I can do is finish a feature commemorating his life and for it, knowing that he wouldn’t want us to stop hustlin’ on his behalf. He’d the memories he left behind with some of his closest friends and collabora- want us to take it as a reminder that life is indeed and use it as tors. So here it is. Hopefully he’ll be able to find a copy up top. // motivation to work that much harder and enjoy it that much more. But I still couldn’t make myself do it. - Julia Beverly

76 // OZONE MAG [KBXX The Box annual] car show in Houston. A lot of people don’t know that I was the one that talked Pimp into going to the car show. He didn’t even know about it. The night before, I was like, “Pimp, you going to the car show?” He was like, “Man, what car show?” He goes out of town so much he didn’t even know about it. I was like, “Everybody’s gonna be there, Slim [Thug], Chamillionaire, Paul [Wall], everybody, you’ve gotta show your face.” He was like, “Man, fuck that car show, I ain’t going to that shit.” I said, “Cmon’, man, you owe that to the city.” I was really stressing to him that he really needed to be there and show his face. I didn’t tell him to perform or nothing, I was just like, “Go show your face. Everybody will trip out if they see you.” So he showed up and everybody was begging him to get on stage. He saw Bun there; Bun didn’t know he was comin’. Pimp was like, “Shit, man, let’s get on stage. Let’s do something.” That was the last show they did in Houston together; that was a touching moment as far as Houston is concerned, and UGK as a whole.

Damn, I can’t believe I’m getting choked up again. Shit.

I lost a friend, first and foremost. Put the music down, forget Pimp C. I lost Chad Butler as a friend and a brother. He used to teach me a lot. We’d sit down at the mixing board and the keyboard and he’d show me things and teach me little secrets that he didn’t really tell a lot of people. He’d tell me CORY MO when I was wrong and cuss me out and get on my ass, and he’d tell me when I was right and pat me on the back. So that motivated me to do bigger and My brother Mike Mo used to go to college in Beaumont, [right near] Port better things and really be more focused. Arthur, so he was real cool with Pimp and Bun years before I knew [Pimp]. I used to beg my brother all the time to bring Pimp to the studio. I had a little I miss the shit out [of] that dude, man. My brother was his road manager too studio in my mom’s backyard in the garage; it was real raggedy. I begged so he was even closer to Pimp than I was. It’s more family than anything. I him to bring Pimp by for about a year straight and one night, all of a sudden, feel for Bun because he’s gonna have to hold his head and carry the torch Pimp pulled up in a little gold Impala and came in the studio and did a song now. It’s UGK for life. That shit ain’t gonna never die. I’m definitely not gonna with me. That’s really one of the first and fondest memories I have of him. It let the UGK legacy or name die. I guess if that’s what the history books are was a song called “Get Your Money.” That was in ’99, before he went to jail. supposed to say, can’t nobody do shit about it.

One of the recent good memories I have of Pimp was when they just did the

LIL WAYNE My favorite Pimp C moment was when he called me personally and told me that I’m killing these niggas out here, and to keep killin’ these niggas out here. And he [also] told me to watch out [with] how I’m doin’ all these mixtapes out here because I could be makin’ money off that shit, and I could also be makin’ better songs then the ones I put out on my album if I put the songs from my mixtape on my album. And I what I tried to explain to him was that I don’t write nothing, so it just be how I feel, and that just be how I felt on that [particular] song. But I told him, I was like, “9 times out of 10 I’m on the original song anyway,” so when he heard that he laughed with Chad “Pimp C” Butler me, and that was a cool moment. Ya dig?! Ain’t no nigga in the game real like Pimp C, and every nigga in the game will tell you that. Real 12/29/73 - 12/04/07 ity-that’s what we gon’ miss the most about Pimp C. Reality. - PIMPIN’ KEN The best time I had with Pimp C was when he was in Milwaukee for my party. He called and told me that he wasn’t going to make it and I said, “okay, I’ll just tell OZONE you’re not coming, and all the people that love you the same thing.” He was like, “Man, I can’t let you or my girl JB down. I’ll be there in 2 hours.” He bought his own ticket; the flight cost him $1,100 because it was last minute. That’s just the type of person he was if he had love for you. Another time, he told me that my book Pimpology: The 48 Laws of the Game was better than Iceberg Slim’s [book]. I said, “Man, you’re just BSing me. If you feel like that, put it on YouTube.” The next day Paperchase called me and said Pimp had put me on the top of his MySpace page saying what he had said to me. I love that brother for all he has done for me. There will never be another Pimp C.

DIAMOND 8BALL I’m really fortunate to have known him personally, and as a fan of UGK. Working with him in the studio was phenomenal, and anybody who knew I have so many memories of Pimp C. We kicked it a lot when I used to live in him would know that he was always trying to give others knowledge about H-Town. He has always been brutally honest, love him or hate him. Rest in the game and life itself. It’s always a hard thing to accept when our fallen Peace Pimp! You will be missed! soldiers leave. God bless and may he Rest in Peace!

OZONE MAG // 77 nels. Everybody’s playing his music now. I remember when they wouldn’t play [UGK records] and now they’re gonna do it when he’s dead? Why can’t we see [the success] while we’re alive?

Pimp C had just called me right before he came to L.A. and I was asking him if he needed me to come pick him up from the airport. That’s the kind of rela- tionship we got. “Dude, if you need me to come pick you up from the airport, I got you, homie.” And regardless, I’m still a fan. In the back of my head I’m like, “Damn, C is my homie?!?” Yeah, I am David Banner, but I’m still a fan of the music. So to have that kind of relationship and be able to call him – you know, Snoop and Pimp C really talked me through a lot of the bad shit I was going through. I remember when I really thought everything was over for me. I thought my career was done. Pimp C called me up and he was like, “Banner, you ain’t did nothing wrong. You made a few mistakes, but if you go back to doing the David Banner [music] that everybody loved, people will forgive you.” That’s how I got focused. Pimp C said, “Dawg, I know you wanna change music, but niggas don’t wanna hear that shit. Go back to the niggas that [loved] ‘Like A Pimp.’”

He had just told me, “I want you and Three 6 Mafia and a couple other pro- ducers to really help me out on my album.” He wanted me to be a big part of his solo album. Pimp would call me and talk about politics. When I got into it with Al Sharpton, Pimp C was like, “Whatever you want me to do; if you want me to jump on the ‘So Special’ song, dawg, whatever you want to do on the political side, I’m here. I’m ready. Just call me. I got you, Banner.” You know? Pimp would call me and talk about his children. It was really crazy, but I would see Pimp C act ways around me that he wouldn’t act around nobody else except his family or Bun.

The conversations we had were never really about rap; it was more about life and the shit he was going through. That’s really what I want people to see out of Pimp. He was “Pimp C,” that part was real, but there was a whole lot more to the man. It’s sort of like when ‘Pac died. ‘Pac had a whole ‘nother vision of what he wanted to do for black people. Honestly, Pimp had that too, but Pimp knew that he had to take care of his UGK fans, the people that always supported him for all his life before he branched out and did anything else. He had to make sure that the core UGK fans were happy, and [not doing] that was a mistake I made in my career and Pimp saw that. He’d tell me, “You gotta take care of your fans, the ones that were down with you before ‘Play’ and before the lights and the glamour. That’s the people you’ve gotta take care of. Once you know they’re good, then you can do some other shit.”

That’s what I remember from Pimp C. The joking, the laughing, the warnings and the shit to watch out for in the music industry, the big brother that had a lot of respect for his lil’ brother. Pimp wasn’t afraid to show me that he respected me too. It was a mutual respect and kinsmanship.

Look at what happened to Kanye [with his mother dying]. I just lost my daddy and my grandma. Look at Spice 1. Look at all the shit that’s happening with Lil Wayne and T.I.’s [arrests]. We’re getting blatant signs every day that DAVID BANNER there’s something else we’re supposed to be doing with this time that we’ve got here on earth. Pimp C’s passing is a sign to me to keep my health up and Instead of a specific moment, I think my best memory was when me and Pimp keep myself out of bullshit and unnecessary drama. You just don’t know how C started forming a friendship. It was crazy for me to see the joking Pimp C, long you’ve got. I just finished talking to Pimp C. And he [died] in L.A. He was the laughing Pimp C; to get to know the political Pimp C. close to me. We were in the same fuckin’ city. In my head I’m thinkin’, maybe if I had tried to get him close to me or somethin’, maybe that shit wouldn’t The voice of Pimp C changed my career. [The hook of my breakthrough single] have gone down the way it went. You tell somebody, “Aight, we gonna get “make them girls get down on the flo’,” you know, that was his voice. Pimp together as soon as I finish doing this,” well, you don’t know if you’ve got told me I was one of the few people that looked out for him and wrote to him that time to call somebody back or get right with somebody. while he was in jail. When he was in jail, I really didn’t know him like that. The reason I wrote him while he was in prison was because his voice changed Pimp was a good dude. Pimp had a certain way of sayin’ shit, but you’ve my life. Well, the beat [to “Like A Pimp”] was jammin’ too; I gotta give myself gotta take the emotion out of it when you’re listening to Pimp C. The dude re- some credit (laughs) but you know, that sample from his voice changed my ally had some shit to say. There was a bigger man there than what the world career and changed my life. Most people are not blessed with the opportunity had the opportunity to see. I hope that people can dig just a little bit deeper to become friends with a person that helped change your life. and see what I saw.

UGK and Pastor Troy were really strong influences on the way David Banner I want people to know that it was more than the jewelry and the mink coat. represents the South. When Pimp C said, “We don’t do Hip Hop music, we do The nigga was smart. But he didn’t try to act like he was above nobody, he’d country rap tunes,” and when Pastor Troy said he ain’t worried about the rest put it to your ass exactly the way he felt it. It was more than the pimpin’. It of the world because as long as he’s got GA, he’s cool; that kind of mental- was so much bigger than pimpin’ and hoes. It was so much bigger than that, ity really changed the way that I do music. I had always felt that way in my and that’s the tragedy to me. Just like ‘Pac. Our people get taken away from heart; but when Pimp C and Pastor Troy said it [it made sense]. And the reason us before they’re able to blossom into what they actually are or what they I’m mentioning Pastor Troy is because I want to give him his props before he have the capacity to become. // dies. Everybody wants to give praise and buy records and play songs and play videos [after an artist dies]. Pimp C is finally now getting what he deserves. As told to Julia Beverly He’s nominated for a Grammy. Everybody’s playing his videos on all the chan- Photo by Marcus DeWayne

78 // OZONE MAG things they say about being a good leader is that in order to be a good lead- er, you have to be an excellent listener. He didn’t have any ego. I would call him and say, “I don’t know, this is what’s going on with the label, what do you think?” and he would give me advice. He would call me sometimes- I re- member when he first did [“The Chronicles of Pimp C”] in your magazine, and I was like, “Pimp, you need to have a freakin’ radio show, because I’ve got your radio interview [on Atlanta’s Hot 107.9, responding to the controversy caused by the magazine article] on my iPod and I listen to it almost every day just to get me in a certain mood.” People still talk about that radio interview. He did several interviews around that time, but that one specifically in Atlanta, literally, anybody you talk to can give you at least three quotes out of that. That’s the type of guy he was. I said, “Man, you need a radio show.” He said to me, “Y’know, Bent, one more of my people just said that, and I’m thinkin’ you right. I’m ‘bout to start workin’ on it, man, this makes sense.” I was like, “Man, you ain’t gotta overthink it. If you need any assistance, I’ll help. I don’t want no money. I just wanna hear you on the radio. I want to listen, to be completely honest and tell you the bold truth.” (laughs)

Obviously I’m a rookie in the [music] game but I’ve worked in other forms of media so I have some knowledge, and he would holla at me about some of the other things. It’s just a really sudden, ill calm for the South. We all know he had so much more to offer. I feel very blessed to have known him and been a part of the classic video [for UGK’s “International Player’s Anthem”] which was nominated for a Grammy two days after his unfortunate “transition,” as I like to FONSWORTH BENTLEY call it. I don’t say “Rest In Peace.” I say he’s Resting in Paradise. I want people to really understand that life is too short. As much as he was My fondest memory of Pimp C was the first time I actually got an opportunity a real dude, like even when he’d say, “We can pop it out, we can stab it out,” to see him produce a record. UGK is definitely known for being classic emcees and all that, at the end, he’d always say, “We can talk it out.” Anybody that and their quality music has inspired so many artists, but I don’t think a lot of knows him, the very fabric of who he was, that’s really what he wanted. He artists really knew what a producer he was and how much producing he actu- was very much about the proliferation of the Hip Hop culture and wanted ally did. I’ll never forget this; I was in L.A. and he was like, “Come up to the to see it continue to flourish. He wanted people to continue to do different studio,” and when I walked in it was like watching a chef. things, and he really thrived off it. Life is too short, and these little things that people sometimes get so frustrated over, sometimes you’ve just gotta I worked in a fine dining restaurant in New York for almost three years. calm yourself down and say, “It’s a good morning, and I’m thankful I’m here.” When you see a real chef–there’s line cooks, maybe somebody on the fish, somebody on the meat, somebody working on the different sauces, somebody Everybody who loves Hip Hop music needs to own the [UGK] album Ridin’ making the appetizers–the executive chef just walks around and he’s working Dirty and they need to understand that the song “Murder” is one of the top on different things for the salads and stuff that you’ll get before the entre five hardest songs in the history of Hip Hop, period. I’ve been saying that for comes. That’s how he was producing. He had several musicians, probably the longest, and that’s how we became friends. [Pimp] had just got out [of about six musicians. The gentleman on keys, he was keeping him in pocket prison]. I had never met him, never spoke to him, and I asked my man Cory and telling him the way he wanted him to play. The gentlemen that was on Mo [with the studio where] he did a lot of his recording, “Could you please bass, he was like, “Naw, that ain’t the I want,” and he told him how he put me on the line with him. I am a fanatic fan.” Cory put me on the phone wanted it. [with Pimp C] and I spit his entire 16 bars from “Murder.” I ain’t even say “hello” first, you know? He was like, “Y’know what, Bent’, I knew you was a [of The YoungBloodz] was in the other room; it was several emcees real dude. When I was in [prison] I was holding you down and I didn’t even there. I came by because if Pimp is cooking, you wanna be around. He’s cook- know you. I saw you on Access Hollywood with all the fashions for men and ing for somebody because the session is booked, but let me tell you, ain’t fashions for women and you were representing for Hip Hop. I told them fools, nothin’ like Pimp C leftovers. ‘That’s grade A pimpin’ goin’ on.’” So he was one of those few people that saw some of the things I saw, and he didn’t even know me. These were legendary musicians, and he had all these gentlemen in pocket. And when he jumped on the organ it was amazing, cause the man can play! God bless his family. I just feel fortunate that he’s on the title track of my Like, he can for real play! He had horns and when he got on that organ and album. We were literally about to shoot [the video for “C.O.L.O.U.R.S.”]. He was started going on the organ, he just went off into a vibe and completely went like, “I’m gonna fly in all my different color cars, and I’ma fly in all my differ- off on a tangent. I know that’s exactly what instrument he’s playing upstairs ent color minks and all the color furs. We gonna do it big, Bent’, ‘cause we got in heaven right now. I know he’s on that organ. He’s probably got the angel something with this one, boy, I’ma tell ya.” So somehow, I definitely wanna Gabriel with a trumpet and he’s like, “C’mon now, I need that trumpet to do a tribute with him because it’s the title track on my album. I told Kanye a blare a lil’ more like this,” y’know? Our Father’s up there and I know Pimp is long time ago, “The second verse on my album, period, is going to be Pimp up there right now on that organ directing right now with all of our other C.” I’m fortunate and blessed to have worked with a legend. // fallen soldiers. People are thinking he’s up there with just the Hip Hop artists, but he’s probably up there with Marvin Gaye and Miles Davis on trumpet too. As told to Julia Beverly He had a real love for music. His musical catalog and the vast knowledge of Photo by Julia Beverly music that he knew was so impressive.

[Our relationship] was like an interesting type of mentorship. One of the

a muthafucker. Chad, man, that was my boy. That was SCARFACE when he had just came home. I think the greatest shit was when me and him sang We lost a Donnie Hathaway. We lost a Marvin Gaye. for the first time. “Hoes and chains and ’ Chad was a bad muthafucker, man. Chad marched to thangs,” that was Chad on that Big Mike song, yeah, the beat of his own drum, like he’d always say, “Tell he sang that shit. He also sang “LookScarface Me In album. My Eye,” them muthafuckers I’m marching to the beat of my that was him on the hook, on the own drum,” y’know? Shit, I remember when Chad first That was Chad Butler right there. I love him, man. got out of jail and he came to the video shoot for - That was my homie. I lost a real close friend of mine, [Ray Cash’s] “Bumpin’ My Music.” He had on a mutha dawg. I don’t even know the words. // fuckin’ mink and was driving a Bentley, gleamin’ like As told to Julia Beverly // Photo by Richard Flood OZONE MAG // 79 BIG GIPP We met Bun and Pimp right after “Pocket Full Of Stones” had started really that music, man, Pimp was the nucleus of that shit. He was like Dr. Dre. That’s blowing up, just by us being in contact with Rico [Wade] from the Dungeon. like Dr. Dre dying. Can’t nobody ever make the music that he created again We really didn’t know them, we were just fans of theirs because [their] single because he was the nucleus of that shit. Niggas can only copy that shit and was on the Menace to Society soundtrack. We were recording Outkast’s album come up from that shit. Niggas are getting rich off the shit he created. He at the time and they just showed up at The Dungeon [Studios] one day. That watched niggas around here eat off him and never say his name. There was a was the beginning of me and Pimp’s relationship. lot of things he wanted to say to the niggas that got rich off him, but he had to be cool about it and be like, “This is a new era, Gipp.” Me and Pimp were together for all of the first album, when their stuff was blowing up and our stuff was blowing up. In the early 90s we did all our tours In the 90s we wouldn’t allow people biting our style. We’d step to ‘em. That’s together; UGK and , all through Louisiana, Texas. I developed a what he was saying about these niggas hiding behind bodyguards. He said real brotherly relationship with him and Bun. Pimp was always wild. He was the whole game right now is on some show shit. That’s what he’d say. He had always wildin’ and he always loved us for doing what we did. so much to say about everybody. He’d say, “I remember all you guys when y’all was in second grade with this shit. I was in Atlanta.” He watched the It’s really hard to talk about it, man. I was the last person to talk to him whole Atlanta scene and ould tell you what they were doing in the 90s before [before he died. they reached the world. It was a whole lot of faking going on.

Me and Bun always were together the whole time Pimp was locked up. When He was like ‘Pac because he always told the truth, whether it hurt your feel- Pimp went through all the wars with Master P; when he moved out to Atlanta ings or you didn’t agree with it, he’d still say something in there that touched he was with me for like five years. He had the mansion out in Alpharetta. your nerve. There ain’t too many people out there that can do that. Most of That was the first time I met Lil Boosie, when he was like 14 years old, I think these niggas are see-through. You take the paper away and the people that’s it was his first time coming to Atlanta. We were at Pimp’s house and he was kissing their ass away, and what are they standing on? Nothing. talking about Trill Entertainment. This was right before [Pimp] went to jail, so it was a real bad time, man. We’re dying for nothing all over again. All the things the first generation put in work for, all the money and attention [Southern rap] is getting now, there When they dropped “Sippin’ On Syrup” that shit blew up. I remember when ain’t no worth to it no more. That’s why people are dissing us and saying we Bun called me one night like, “Yo, man, Jay-Z wants us to rap on his album.” ain’t shit no more. They’re like, “Aw, man, fuck them niggas from the South.” He had flown to New York but Pimp was like, “Fuck that.” Bun told me, “This They’re starting to say that all over again because we ain’t saying nothing [in is crazy, Gipp. You gotta call him and let him know how important it is for our music]. It’s just like ‘Pac. Nobody will be like him. They won’t tell the truth him to rap on this record.” I called Pimp and we talked about it. He was like, about the game. “Gipp, I just want people to respect us for what we do, dawg. I don’t wanna feel like we’ve gotta go and do records with everybody for people to respect The way the game is set up now, it’s all about the person with the most how we do it.” He was always on that shit, and I really felt him. In the early money. To me, it’s like, damn, we lost another one that’s gonna tell the truth days, it was hard to still be putting time and energy and everything into the in this music. These other niggas are just gonna keep doing what they feel album and not get the results or the certification or the industry recognizing like is gonna bring them the most money, and that’s what’s making us [look what you did. like] clowns again.

As soon as he came home he called me. I don’t know where I was; I just I don’t do music for the money, man. I do music for what it means and what jumped on a plane and went there [to Texas] to meet him. We jumped in the it stands for. These other niggas came in [the game] during the era of music car and he was all fresh. He was fuckin’ with J [Prince]. We went to the jew- being a hustle, and that’s what [Pimp C] understood: Music ain’t no hustle. elry store and shit. The song we did on the Kinfolk album was the first verse This is not a hustle. See, music and hustling are two different things. And he laid after he got out of jail. It was so important to me, because it was like that’s why the game is so fucked up; it’s more fans in this shit than it is art- I had something for him to do when he came home. ists. //

It’s hard, man. There ain’t never gonna be nothin’ like him. What UGK did with As told to Julia Beverly // Photo by Julia Beverly

80 // OZONE MAG We were really lucky When he did his interviews while in prison, he said to have [people like] I did this, it was my mistake, it wasn’t anybody’s Scarface, Willie D, Too fault and I’m paying for it. He stood up as a man, $hort, and J. Prince to he did his time in general population and he came really pull us to the side home to respect, love and admiration. We were to- in parts of our lives, not gether last at the Jeezy concert here in Houston at only in our musical lives Bar Rio, you know, we went there, jammed Jeezy. but in our everyday lives, He wanted to go there and let it be seen that he and just give us different had nothing against Jeezy and that he enjoyed game on different things. Jeezy’s music, which he did. And he wanted Jeezy And some of the shit was to see that as well. People think that a lot of that really life altering and was personal, but it wasn’t. I talked to Jeezy at career altering. It made the Dirty Awards and he wasn’t trippin’, and Pimp such an impact that we wasn’t trippin’ and I don’t want anybody to think felt it was only right to that he passed away with any issues with anyone. give whatever we had Anyone he had a problem with he had already learned to others. We rectified all those issues. were never selfish about that. Anything I could Even if I don’t say it out loud, I ask myself, “What talk to a cat about lyri- happens now?” I remember going to Dallas, cally, I would try to talk actually it was in Arlington, with DJ Whoadie to them about that. Pimp and doing some of the first shows prior to Pimp BUN B C mentored a very large percent of the people being locked up and how hard it was to get on who are doing it and making a lot of noise right that stage and do a dedication. “This gonna be There are surreal aspects to [Pimp C’s death]. I’ve now. Not just producers, but lyricists as well. We for Pimp, y’all gonna rep with me for Pimp.” That likened it to trying to hold onto a bowling ball wanted everybody from here to win, and that was hard enough and I knew that was temporary. with silk gloves on, it’s the only way I can explain was something that was really instilled in us by I just can’t even say what this holds. I know I the process of how I’m trying to wrap my head J. Prince. He instilled that in us a long time ago. have to carry on this tradition. I know that I have around this. It doesn’t process in the normal sense He said, “No matter what you do or where you to get back up on that stage, I gotta get in and that things logically process. It’s an entirely dif- go or how far you get, you remember where you finish this album, I gotta get out and promote this ferent grieving process as opposed to every other came from.” And for us, it was the South. Don’t let album, I gotta get out and honor his memory and time that I’ve ever had to grieve anyone’s passing. anybody make you feel that you can’t be who you lift him up and maintain the legacy of this group My father passed recently. I took it pretty hard but are. We took that shit to heart, man, Pimp more as well as Pimp C the individual. It’s just, I can’t this is still a little bit different. I’m not saying that than anybody. And we were determined to make even see that far right now. You know like I know I hurt more for him than my dad, it’s just differ- it on our terms and we wanted other cats to un- we were mid stream on that thing, hell, he was ent. I’m stronger than I think I am but I’m not as derstand that and we wanted them to make it on midstream on his solo album and we had another strong as I would like to be... [Because] I’m doing their terms so they wouldn’t owe anybody. So they album we had to do and turn in this year. We were a lot of [interviews], or talking to The Box [KBXX could really be able to take pride in their success trying to get it back together, he was getting his 97.9 FM in Houston], the assumption is, “Wow, this or feel comfortable in their failures. Pimp was very equipment together and we were trying to figure guy is really strong for him to be able to do this gracious in that respect, a lot more than people out what we were gonna do respectively on each right now.” But the true reality is that I’m weak, would ever know. You have to think like, people others’ albums, but before I can be a strong artist and that’s why I’m doing it. Because I need to like Crazy C, he gave Pimp C his organ sounds. So again, I have to be a strong man. I’m not gonna talk about it, I need to think about him amongst whenever someone would ask Pimp where he got put myself under any pressure to feel like I gotta people that loved him. Not just by myself and with his organ sound from, Pimp would give it to them go in [the studio], but eventually I got to get back family, but his fans loved him unconditionally. because he had gotten it from somebody. How on it. I’m gonna give myself some time to heal. His family loved him unconditionally. Even all the could he claim the right to that when somebody We still haven’t buried Pimp C yet and I’m not sure artists that have called into local radio, and XM gave it to him? Different little things like that. what the after effects of actually seeing that will and Sirius, we’re aware of all of that. The tribute He’d show people different little ways to program, be. I can’t tell you how I’m gonna be until that that you guys made [on Damage Control Radio], different ways to sequence, just different things. happens. At this point it’s still somewhat surreal. I I got calls from London, Canada, Amsterdam, can honestly say that it still hasn’t really washed Nigeria, and when I was at The Box this morn- It’s still too early to speculate on how he died. To over me. ing a guy emailed in from The Virgin Islands. It’s be honest, we don’t know yet. We haven’t gotten just incredible, not just the extent that the music results back from toxicology, we haven’t gotten You would be surprised at the outreaching that reached, but the extent of the acceptance and the the autopsy results yet. Everything is based on the has occurred [since his death]. Like, I’d never admiration and honor and the respect and love condition he was found in and the condition of expect to get a text from the RZA, only because that transcended as well. I’m in awe. the room. Pimp was never one to bite his tongue you would assume that our worlds are so far apart about things. Sometimes in life it’s not what you and that we’re so on different tangents as far We were just starting to understand the full range say, it’s how you say it. I think that the way Pimp as artists. But as men, as brothers, he’s already to which we had been accepted. It took a long phrased things was a little more off putting than been where I’m at. ODB wasn’t just a member of time to realize that internally in just this country what he was saying. It was just his blunt honesty his group, he was his cousin. When you’re poor that people in North Carolina could love you as about things. Pimp didn’t really have a filter, he and cousins, y’all use the same spoon and shit much as people in Texas. People in Washington wasn’t really good at sugar coating things for for cereal. These are people that probably started state and Nebraska can love you as much as the people or being PC about things. If it was some- building things at the same time in their lives. I people in Louisiana and Mississippi. We really thing he felt strongly about, he had to say it. He had people like that reach out to me, just to say didn’t get to see it like that, we didn’t get to feel it just could not hold it back. Keep in mind he had they care. And for him to see my pain, you never like that. But you go out to these shows and sing a lot of positive things to say too, like “Knockin’ know who cares. But so many different people a song from 1997, you sing a song from 1995 and Doors Down.” I would hate to try and even guess are calling in, telling their Pimp C stories. Because even “Pocket Full of Stones” from 1992, and they what his mental state was in that sense. You know you know anytime you met Pimp C there was a knew it all. We were just starting to understand he had been in the studio with Paul, he had been story. If you met him three times, you had three the acceptance. Now I’m just starting to see the on stage with Paul, when we know for sure we will stories to tell. Literally, that’s no joke. That’s just extent of the admiration and love and how close let it be known. These things are public record. how hard he was on people’s minds. He was just people felt themselves connected to UGK interna- Why lie on someone who wouldn’t lie on himself? un-fuckin’-deniable. You was gonna know he was tionally. When Pimp was locked up, I really began One thing that people respect about UGK is that in the room. That’s my motherfuckin’ brother. You to understand what we meant to people. The way we were always so honest with them. We let them was gonna know he was in the house, man. Square people reached out then in that respect. But to know about our ups as well as our downs. And we business. // really just start to see it internationally with the tried to let people know that no matter how big different places that we have been to and just the we seem, we’re human. Pimp C did a crime, he had As told to Matt Sonzala interaction with Germany and shit like that. to go to prison, like everybody else. We’re human. Photo by Julia Beverly

OZONE MAG // 81 Boardgame

pmpWords by Jared Anderson very now and then something new comes along that changes the way to do.” PMP is providing that arena. companies or people do things. It’s been said that great businesses provide a simple solution to a complicated problem, and the founders of Unlike Taxi or Digiwaxx, the Production Marketplace is a hyper competitive EPMPWorldWide.com are proving just that. market that is not for the faint of heart. There is no one to critique your work or anyone to provide production advice, it’s just your songs competing Anthony Merchante, the CEO of PMP (Production MarketPlace), had his first against other high caliber peers. “Competition is a valuable tool to let you vision of things to come in 1998 not long after he and good friend Ainsley know where you stand,” Merchante says. “PMP puts their quality above their “AZ” Nicholas started looking into the success of internet communities that name. You come to PMP because you feel you’re ready to compete.” provided networking and socializing. Presentation is important too. Each producer is given a profile, which includes After studying how the web communities functioned and generated money, a picture, a bio, and your music. The PMP administrators stress the importance they started a blog site and online record pool. Several comments were left of keeping your profile fresh and updated. “You can be talented but your on the message boards of their websites addressing a need for a virtual mar- presentation is critical to your success, give your music a chance to be heard,” ketplace where producers and artists could showcase, buy or sell their music advises Dimanche. directly to record labels. Each song submitted for a “track dump” is screened for quality assurance and Once the groundwork for PMP was completed AZ reached out to a former high to make sure each song matches the track description given before going to school classmate, Conrad Dimanche, who is the Senior Director Of A&R at Bad an artist or label representative. Once a producer has demonstrated a “stand Boy Entertainment, to structure a system that would benefit A&Rs or label out” ability to create consistently PMP will feature them on their representatives interested in purchasing music. Merchante, AZ and Dimanche site putting their own personal stamp of approval on the producer. Another began to pool their resources to bring A-list producers and A&Rs to the site way to stand out is to send in a video, a producer or artist can send a video in and establish an instant quality to their marketplace. of their production process as long as they credit PMP on the video.

PMP has grown to over 500 subscribed users without much fanfare or adver- PMPWorldWide.com is setting itself apart from any competition and is growing tisement. Merchante credits PMP’s user expansion to the idea that “People rapidly. Upgrades and new features will be added within the coming year to who have the right resources will be in the right arena to do what they need go deeper in the many different needs that go into making an album. //

82 // OZONE MAG industry 101: Robert “Kaspa” Smith Words by Eric Perrin

obert “Kaspa” Smith has been influential in the Atlanta music scene ent. It’s not just about being part of a group. We’re more family oriented. We for a quite a while. Nearly ten years ago, the Los Angeles native do a lot of stuff in the community, and we try to give back. Rbegan interning at ATL’s Hot 97.5 radio station on the exact same day as MTV’s LaLa, Coco Brother, marketing executive Marsha Meadows, and Do you ever beef with other DJ crews? a man who used to be known as Cris Luva Luva. Since then, Kaspa has gone No, I think it’s just plain competition, and that’s healthy. It’s just like a foot- on to become one of the most instrumental industry execs in Atlanta. He co- ball team or baseball team. Off the field everybody is cool, but on the field founded the highly successful Hittmenn DJs collective (which reaches an au- you’re gunnin’ and runnin’. It’s not war, it’s just competition. dience of over 50 million), formed promotional strategies for countless label heads, and has become a notable community servant, annually donating time How do you gauge success as a DJ crew? How would you win? and toys to children in need. But now the man who prides himself as being “a As far as DJ crews, being successful is just being noted. For instance, when pioneer in all facets of the Atlanta music industry,” is goin’ back to Cali. Not the 50 Cent’s “” video was out, we were noted. The Hittmenn DJs literally, but he does have Hollywood aspirations. “I was born in Hollywood, were listed right after they showed Shadyville. So, I won that one. But when CA, so it’s expected for me to do movies,” says Kaspa. And as he juggles his Tony [Neal] came into our city for the BET Hip Hop Awards and got nominated many industry jobs while attempting to create the first and definitive Atlanta and we didn’t, he won that one. It’s just competition in different lanes. street movie, Robert Smith is focused, because to him, the industry may be rewarding, but he knows that it’s NADAGAME! Speaking of 50 Cent’s “I Get Money” video, it was a good look how they spotlighted many of the DJ crews. It seems like more artists are giving shine You seem to pop up at every event in Atlanta. What exactly do you do? to the DJ’s, would you consider that a true statement? Basically, I’m a pioneer in all facets of the Atlanta music industry, ever since Definitely, I think that throughout the past three years, DJs have gained more the first Hip Hop artist ever popped off in Atlanta. I’m influential in terms of respect. I think the DJs have taken it to the next level. The labels are realizing the music industry tastemakers around Atlanta. I have a lot of different titles, that even if you have a good relationship with a [radio station’s] program so I just try to break all my tasks down so I can try to take care off all my director, and you have a hit that’s played 200 times a day, that doesn’t ensure business throughout the day. I’m the President and Founder of Hittmenn DJs; good sales. Artists and labels realize that mixtape DJs or club DJs can have we’re a national DJ organization that was founded here in Atlanta by me, Greg just as much, if not more, power than a radio DJ. Take Bigga Rankin, for Street, and Bigga Rankin. I’m also the VP of Marketing for , which is example. He’s not on the radio, but he’s the biggest DJ in Jacksonville. I think Polow Da Don’s label on Interscope. And I have my own label, a joint venture people now see the importance of DJs. You have to have the DJs on your side with a guy named Yung Sean. Recently I’ve started writing, directing, and in order to sell. It’s not gon’ happen without the DJ—period. producing movies. Let’s change topics a little. What’s going on with your movie? If you had to compare your role in the Atlanta music scene to a human organ, I’ve actually written three movies. One of the movies I wrote in only two what would that be? days. My movies are a lot of reality dialogue, but I’m really trying to build The heart—definitely. I’m where it all starts. When a person comes up with an and show-off my writing skills. We’ve been doing a lot of filming, and our idea and they wanna start a label and they wanna go in the studio and cut a website is getting around a million and a half hits a month, so I’m really record, I’m the one that actually forms the whole marketing and concept of trying to take it to the next level. Being that I work so in in-depth with music, how the music should be implemented in the market once that record is done. I’m always aware that rappers and R&B artists, or just artists in general, are I’m like the heart, and the DJs are like my branches. I have a staff of 6 people, always looking for a new lane to get their music heard. I feel like this is a but with so much work, sometimes it feels like only two. But we get it done. time now where we have to change the game, and give the artists more visu- I’m the get-it-done guy. als with the songs that they’re writing. Movies can give the music a lot more than a being played for five minutes on 106 and Park, because How important are the Hittmenn DJs to an artist’s success in the industry? movies can create a household name with a story along with it. Atlanta has People overlook relationships. Relationships are immensely important to an yet to have a street movie, a movie that’s just all about the streets of Atlanta, artist’s success, and The Hittmenn DJs have incredible industry ties. We have so [my first movieOff Da Hook] will serve that purpose, but it’s also dealing like 80 DJs across the country, 38 markets, and we reach an audience of 50 with the Delta in Mississippi. This movie is giving the entire South a great million. We consist of radio DJs, on-air personalities, mixers and mixtape DJs, look. I’m really trying to take it to the next level. // and also club DJs. I see a lot of DJ Crews, but this particular DJ crew is differ- www.hittmenndjslive.com

OZONE MAG // 83 lease don’t ask US Virgin Island native Benny Demus what part of Jamaica he’s from. That question is his pet peeve. “A lot of times people hear the accent, and the first thing they identify with is Jamaica because Jamaica has been on the scene for a Pvery long time, so you can’t take nothing away from them. But I’m from the Virgin Islands, and I’m here to really make a name for us,” says Benny. And since moving from V.I. to ATL in 2001, the St. Thomas-born Benny D. has done just that. As the personal DJ for R&B superstar Akon, Benny has traveled the world displaying his unique and immensely entertaining DJ skills. Aside from his distinctive appearance (he rocks a Mohawk and a kilt onstage) he has equally intriguing onstage antics, which has led to his title of “The World’s Most Entertaining DJ.” But Benny wants it to be known that he is much more than just a DJ. He is an all-out entertainer that can do it all.

You’re a pretty unique DJ. I’m so much more than just a DJ. I’m a full-fledged entertainer: I DJ, produce, rhyme, write, act, and pretty much everything else that goes along with the music industry. I’m always trying to look for something new to bring out and to give people their money’s worth plus more. I want to make sure that they want to come back the next time after seeing me on stage.

How did you get started in the game? My brother was a DJ before me, and he decided to start teaching me how to spin on the one’s and two’s back when I was in the 4th grade. At that same time I started playing saxophone, and he saw the potential in me at that time. He knew I wanted to do music. I was very musically inclined so he decided to start showing me how to work on my techniques and everything just started moving from there.

What is your trademark as a DJ? My trademark is really my persona, what you see. I wear a Mohawk, which is pretty much like a half Mohawk ‘cause it’s just on top of my head, and of course when I get up on stage I don’t look like the type of person you might see walking through a mall. I wear a uniform, and my uniform is a kilt. I rock the kilt on stage and then my antics on stage is what really gets people going. I’m not just behind the turntables. I jump out in front of the tables, I jump on top of the table, I may jump off the table. I go down and do a couple of things with Akon. I get on top of the speakers, I dance on top of the speakers, jump off the speakers. I spray fire onstage, I do break-dance moves on stage. I stand on my head; I do all types of different things. Like I said, I’m an entertainer. That’s why I got the name now as being the “World’s Most En- tertaining DJ.” I’m out there, and I’m not afraid to do extra stuff. A lot of the big name DJ’s out there give me so much props. They tell me, “You’re doin’ things I wish I could do.” But they’ve got their own lanes, and I’ve got my own lane. I’m just always looking to entertain myself as well as the people who come to see me perform.

I imagine your energy and persona is what attracted Akon to solicit your services, but how did you two link up? I moved to Atlanta from the Virgin Islands back in 2001, and I was a member of the Virgin Island super-group Rock City. We had already put out three albums in the Virgin Islands, and we decided, we’re so big here [in V.I.], why don’t we take it to America and see if we’re really cut out to be in the music industry? So decided to move to Atlanta, and we came and just started going to all open mics we could find. Every open mic from 2001 to 2003, we were just killing ‘em. Everybody started talkin’ about these three island guys, two guys on the mic and then this crazy DJ. This was right around the time Akon was getting looked at by different labels for his music, and he was saying to himself, “Man, I really need a DJ for what I’m gonna be doing.” So once Akon heard about this crazy DJ from islands he decided to come to one of our shows. One of my guys introduced us, and I was like, “Hey, Akon, nice to meet you.” Akon told me, “Yo, be easy. I’m here for you. Do your show, come back, and we’ll talk.” I did my show, and after that he told me needed a DJ, and that he wanted me to DJ for him.

What’s next for the “World’s Most Entertaining DJ?” I want to get into a lot more production. I did tracks on both Akon’s Trouble album and the Konvicted album. I’m one of the main producers for the Rock City, the super group out of the Virgin Islands. I’ve produced for Fishscales thedjbooth from the , Sonny Valentine, and Willie Joe; all of them are tenta- tive with their albums coming out. Also, I’m trying to get into the acting. I can definitely see myself on the silver screen, because my personality is so there, and I’m outgoing, and I’m daring, and I’m ready for any challenge. I get a lot of encouragement from my industry friends like , Doug E. Fresh, and Fatman Scoop. All these people are telling me I’ve gotta do it. // beWords by Eric Perrinnny // Photo by Sophia Jones d www.myspace.com/supervillainbeats

84 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 85 J.R. Writer/Writer’s Block 5 Diplomat/Babygrande Records With Cam’ron, Duke the God, and Jim Pitbull/Boatlift/TVT Records Jones all releasing mixtapes the same Pitbull returns with the follow-up to his gold-certified debut albumM.I.A.M.I. with month as Writer’s Block 5, fellow Dipset The Boatlift, offering 18 tracks in which Pitbull gives fans a mix of club tracks, emcee J.R. Writer has been relatively overshadowed. Though J.R. debuts the 5th installation of his popular Writer’s Block series storytelling, and introspective tracks, displaying his ability to take on various with little fanfare, WB5 is still a solid offering. At times throughout the CD, fans who roles as an emcee. The album starts off with an intro that leads into the club are not diehard Dip heads may get somewhat bored with J.R.’s New York heavy flow. favorite “Go Girl” featuring Trina. Deeper into the album, Pitbull enlists Twista on Outside of Slim from 112, Writer does it dolo, but despite the lack of guest appear- one of the highlights, “Candyman”, where the two boast about their masculinity ances, WB5 does display the trademarked true lyricism Writer is known and revered over an Echo-produced track. Lil Jon also makes a production appearance with for. Overall, the 14 track disc does good by those anticipating Writer’s Block, but “Sticky Icky” featuring Jim Jones. R&B crooner Lloyd lends his vocals for “Secret probably won’t garner too many new fans. — Eric Perrin Admirer” which is making a successful climb at radio, and Pitbull wraps the album up with an English remix to his Spanish radio hit “Tell Me” which features Frankie Sham Pain/7 Figga Pimpin On 7 Figga Pimpin, UK emcee Sham Pain J and Ken-Y. While Pitbull shows his unquestionable versatility on Boatlift, a fair tells the tales of a true pimp on songs scattering of mediocre tracks keeps the album from really taking off. — Rohit like “Thick Chickz,” where Sham shows Loomba his admiration for voluptuous women and “Let’s Roll,” where Sham testifies to loving women of any and every color. 7 Figga Pimpin is a double disc, although with just 18-tracks the reasoning behind two discs is elusive. The album isn’t all about macking hoes, though. He takes a page of out Chamillionaire’s book and addresses the rap task force on “Hip Hop Cops.” Sham Pain isn’t the best rapper but this album lets listeners know pimping ain’t dead, it just went interna- Freeway/Free At Last tional. — Randy Roper Island Def Jam/Roc-A-Fella First Jay and Dame break up, then Freeway wakes up and finds himself caught USDA & DJ Folk/The Shield Gang: in the middle of one of Hip Hop’s biggest splits, leading the Philly MC to take a On Us hiatus from the game. Now, over four years since his debut album Philadelphia There used to be a time where artists Freeway was released, Freeway finally returns with his sophomore LP, Free At had to show and prove themselves Last. Still down with the Roc, Free and Jay-Z go toe-to-toe to show listeners how through mixtapes, trying new things big spenders operate on the Dame Grease-produced “Roc-A-Fella Billionaires.” on the mic to persuade people that they weren’t the average emcee and that they deserved to have their album bought. For Another standout cut features Freeway going for radio play with a ladies jam Young Jeezy and the rest of the USDA roster this doesn’t seem featuring Curtis and his patented sing-along serenade on the “Take It To The Top” to be what was on their mind when they hooked up with DJ Folk for All Eyes On Us. produced by JR Rotem. Scarface, Rick Ross, Jadakiss and Busta Rhymes all make Old flaunts of money and the street life placed over mostly recycled beats prove appearances but Free still shines for dolo on “Still Got Love,” “Reppin’ The Streets” nothing but the complacency that USDA feels with the style Jeezy has developed. and “I Cry.” This follow-up album was worth the wait. Recent USDA arrivals Roccett, 211, and Boo show face on this album but don’t do much to build themselves up other than a few respectable attempts by Boo. USDA seems happy with mediocrity and leaves the lyricism far behind to deliver yet another mixtape just good to ride through the trap with the bass turned up. — Rohit Loomba

Chopper Young City & DJ Obscene Cassidy/B.A.R.S. The Barry Adrian Reese Story Money Over Everything J Records/Full Surface After going through label issues and A car crash and an involuntary manslaughter conviction after Da Hustla, Cassidy legal problems, Young City proves to comes with B.A.R.S. Cass pits his “Barry Adrian Reese” persona versus his “Hustla” be resilient on this DJ Obscene mixtape persona on the boxing match-esque battle intro, with “B.A.R.S.” predictably claim- Money Over Everything. Through 29 tracks, Chopper’s flow is ing victory. “Drink N’ My 2 Step” has already made an impact on the club scene. A impressive as he doesn’t back away from his controversial past on tracks like “Money Over Everything” and “How You Like Me few tracks later, Cass brings the obligatory anti-snitching track, “Will Never Tell,” Now.” The majority of the mixtape consists of freestyles over tracks like Playaz which deserves nothing short of the skip button. Cass share his side of the story Circle’s “Duffle Bag Boy” and Kanye’s “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” and may have been about his legal troubles on “Innocent,” snug over a constantly changing, no-loop better with more original tracks. But City’s hunger throughout is enough to shake effort. One of the strongest tracks is “Cash Rulez,” which showcases his days of walking to Brooklyn for Diddy’s cheesecake and be taken seriously as a the entire Full Surface family sharing their more rapid flows. Other standout MC. — Randy Roper tracks include “Damn I Miss the Game” and “I Get My Paper”. B.A.R.S. proves to be a strong effort but, at the most, gets a split decision and leaves hope for a DJ Smallz & Wes Fif knockout the next time around. — Rohit Loomba Dead Presidents Don’t get it twisted: Orlando, FL isn’t all about Disneyworld and Sea World. And on Dead Presidents O-Town newcomer Wes Fif hooks up with DJ Smallz to put sweet notions of the O to rest. Tracks like “G-Code,” “Freaky,” and the bubbling Southern banger, “Haterz Everywhere” with ATL rookie B.O.B. is evidence enough why Fif received a Patiently Waiting Florida nomination at the 2007 Grit Boys/Ghetto Reality OZONE Awards and recently inked a deal with Slip-N-Slide Records. The mixtape Mobetta Musik/TVT Records could have gone without some of Fif’s freestyles, like remakes of the Shop Boyz “Party Like a Rockstar” and T-Pain’s “Buy U A Drank,” but judging from the overall On Ghetto Reality, the slept-on Texas trio mixes introspection and real life strug- quality of this project, Fif will be stacking plenty of dead presidents in the near gles with the codeine and candy painted ways of the streets of H-Town. Whether future. — Randy Roper they’re trading lanes and switching verses with Paul Wall and Killa Kyleon (“Now N’ Later”), doing what ballers do along with Trey Songz and Lil Keke (“In The Super & Fame Mix”), or keeping it trill with B.G. and Yung Redd (“Still Trill”), the Grit Boys’ album Return of the 601 Kings is filled with banger after banger. During a year when Texas hasn’t garnered much David Banner made it out of the 601 mainstream attention, the Grit Boys have crafted one of the better albums of but if Jackson, MS duo Super & Fame, the year as their ghetto realities can relate to hoods from Houston to the A and want to know why Banner hasn’t put anyone else from Jackson on, their mixtape is a good indication Chicago to the Bay. — Randy Roper why. Neither artist is extremely talented but there is a notice- able difference in skill level between the two. Super outshines his counterpart, Rob Fame, track after track. Jacking for beats is a common trend but this mixtapes doesn’t have one original song and if it does, I can’t tell. Nev- ertheless, Fame does have content within his lines. Couple that with Super’s flow and Return of the 601 Kings mixtape is something to ride to in the whip-if there’s nothing else in arm’s reach to pop in the deck. — Randy Roper

86 // OZONE MAG DJ Scream & DJ Drama “Heavy In The Streets 12: The Thanksgiving Edition” 1. DJ Sean Mac “Sold Out 9” | www.myspace.com/djseanmac 2. Will Hustle & DJ Knowledge “Hustlemania” Hosted by Trae | www.willhustle.com Two of the South’s biggest mixtape DJs hook 3. DJ Frosty and Charlamagne Tha God “Trap Boys Love Us Vol. 3” Hosted by T.I.P. | www.myspace.com/djfrostydotcom | www.myspace.com/cthagod up to feed the streets with more exclusives just in time for Thanksgiving. This edition 4. DJ Chuck T “Down South Slangin’ Vol. 46” |www.myspace.com/djchuckt of Scream’s “Heavy In The Streets” series is 5. DJ 1Mic, DJ DVS-1 & DJ 2Mello “American Gangster” | www.myspace.com/dj1mic packed with new music and world premieres from Shawty Lo (“Dey Know Remix” featuring 6. DJ 2 Dope Dave “Getting Krunk On Tha Border” Hosted by Lucky Luciano | www.myspace.com/dj2dopedave Lil Wayne and Plies), Jay-Z and Swizz Beats 7. Funk Boi DJs “Funk For Ya Trunk” | www.myspace.com/funkboidjs (“Baby”) and Soulja Boy (“Go Ham On ‘Em). With 8. DJ Bobby Black “Down & Dirty 28” Hosted by Chamillionaire | www.myspace.com/theofficialbobbyblack | 678-851-0479 Hoodrich setting the table for Drama’s Gangsta 9. Makell Bird “ATL Classx Vol. 1” | www.myspace.com/angelicdestroyer album, Mr. Thanksgiving is in a position to win. 10. DJ Rondevu “Dirty Business Vol. 3” www.myspace.com/djrondevu 11. DJ BNasty “King of Blends 12” | [email protected] | 317-490-7664 DJs, send your mix CDs (with a cover) for consideration to: 12. DJ Frogie “Club Sexxy” | www.myspace.com/djfrogie | 888-318-7918 13. Pace the Kid “Southern Swagga” Hosted by Durty Boyz | www.myspace.com/southernswaggamusic Ozone Magazine 644 Antone St. Suite 6 14. Mr. King T “Southern Smothered & Covered Pt. 11” Hosted by Magno & Sparkdawg | www.myspace.com/djmrking Atlanta, GA 30318 15. Evil Empire “Be South 18” www.myspace.com/evilempiremixtapes 16. Supastar J. Kwik “No Pad No Pencil” | www.myspace.com/supastarjkwik 17. DJ Drama & Katt Williams “All Hail The King” | www.myspace.com/djdrama 18. DJ “K-Ville Vol. 1” 19. DJ Big Mike & DJ Thoro “Soundtrack To The Streets Pt. 7” | www.myspace.com/djbigmikeofficial | www.myspace.com/djthoro1 20. DJ LRM “The Roc Boys” | www.myspace.com/superdjlrm OZONE MAG // 87 88 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 89 end zone

Pimp C Venue: Belle Noche City: Baton Rouge, LA Date: October 20th, 2007 Photo: King Yella

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