PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Julia Beverly JUL05 MUSIC REVIEWS: ADG, Wally Sparks CONTENTS CONTRIBUTORS: AJ Woodson, Bogan, Cynthia Coutard, Dain Burroughs, Dar- nella Dunham, Felisha Foxx, Felita Knight, Iisha Hillmon, Jaro Vacek, Jessica Koslow, J Lash, Katerina Perez, Keith Kennedy, K.G. Mosley, King Yella, Lisa Coleman, Malik COVER: “Copafeel” Abdul, Marcus DeWayne, Matt Sonzala, WEBBIE pg A26 Maurice G. Garland, Natalia Gomez, Noel Malcolm, Ray P$C pg B22-23 Tamarra, Rayfield Warren, Rohit Loomba, Spiff, Swift

SALES CONSULTANT: FEATURES: Che’ Johnson (Gotta Boogie) TONY YAYO pg A17 LEGAL AFFAIRS: Kyle P. King, P.A. (King Law SMITTY pg A19 Firm) TOK pg A31 STREET REPS: Al-My-T, B-Lord, Bill Rickett, 112 pg B13 Black, Bull, Cedric Walker, Chill, Chilly C, Chuck T, Con- Z-RO pg B18-19 troller, Dap, Delight, Dereck Washington, Derek Jurand, Dwayne Barnum, Dr. Doom, Ed the World Famous, Episode, General, H-Vidal, Hollywood, Jammin’ Jay, Janky, Jason Brown, Joe Anthony, Judah, Kamikaze, Klarc Shepard, Kydd Joe, Lex, Lump, Marco Mall, Miguel, Mr. Lee, Music & More, Nick@Nite, Pat Pat, PhattLipp, Pimp G, Quest, Red Dawn, Rippy, Rob-Lo, Statik, Stax, TJ’s DJ’s, Trina Edwards, Vicious, Victor Walker, Voodoo, Wild Bill

ADMINISTRATIVE: Melinda Pas, Nikki Kancey

CIRCULATION: Mercedes (Strictly Streets) Buggah D. Govanah (On Point) MONTHLY SECTIONS: Big Teach (Big Mouth) Efren Mauricio (Direct Promo) 16 BARS pg A20 To subscribe, send check or FEEDBACK pg A10 money order for $11 to: JB’s 2 CENTS pg A11 1516 E. Colonial Dr. Suite 205 ON THE SET pg A23,27 Orlando, FL 32803 PHOTOS pg A12-18, B8-16 Phone: 407-447-6063 Fax: 407-447-6064 LIVE SHOW REVIEWS pg B31 Web: www.ozonemag.com CD & DVD REVIEWS pg B24-26 Cover credits: P$C photo by CAFFEINE SUBSTITUTES pg B17 Eric Johnson; Webbie, Smitty, & Pimp G photos by Julia GROUPIE CONFESSIONS pg A13 Beverly. OZONE Magazine is DAVID BANNER’S MOVIE REVIEWS pg B29 published eleven times annu- ally by OZONE Magazine, Inc. OZONE does not take responsi- bility for unsolicited materials, FLIPSIDE: misinformation, typographical FIELD MOB vs. BOHAGON pg A24 errors, or misprints. The views contained herein do not nec- essarily reflect those of the INDUSTRY 101: publisher or its advertisers. Ads appearing in this magazine JAMES CRUZ pg A33 are not an endorsement or val- idation by OZONE Magazine for products or services offered. PROFILES: All photos and illustrations are copyrighted by their respec- MR. COLLIPARK pg B15 tive artists. All other con- CLINTON SPARKS pg B17 tent is copyright 2005 OZONE Magazine, all rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any way PRISON DIARIES: without the written consent of C-MURDER pg A15 the publisher. Printed in the USA. FREEKY ZEKEY pg B11

OZONE JULY 2005 A9 Hate it? Love it? Send your comments to: [email protected]

OZONE reserves the right to edit comments for clarity or length.

I just wanted to pass a compliment on to you and bandanna around your head, and label you the in Memphis long before it hit Atlanta. Also, in your staff. Your magazine is killing it right now. white female Tupac because you have indeed the article, you invite readers to “name a city I first saw your magazine in 2003 when I came sparked at least one young mind. I thought you that has a spectrum of artists ranging from the to Florida for Memorial Day Weekend. I know took a big risk in damn near slandering BET (a crunkest of the crunk to the hardest of the your magazine is still killin’ it cause my man station that your target audience adores and hard; all of whom make their own trails and from Brooklyn still lives down there. Keep up probably can’t live without) but you did it so sound like no other? Email us when you find the great work, I know how much work it takes gracefully, with such confidence and respect. an answer.” There are cities like this all over to get something of that quality up and running No wonder you get so much love from us. You the country - again, Memphis springs to mind and consistent. - U-Majesty, majesty2774@aol. didn’t even take the victim role, just laughed immediately. I hate to be seen as being on the com (Brooklyn, NY) about the whole thing, showing them that their Memphis bandwagon, but let’s face it - when hurdles are nothing for you to jump over while I left New York two years ago to move to the JB, keep on bussin’ folks heads open! I love finishing the race. You have inspired me to get South, I could have chosen anywhere to live. I reading the 2 cents column you write, mainly back on the journalism horse and ride that bad chose Memphis. For Southern music, it’s akin because you are literally the realest! - Shaine boy home. I’ve gotta hustle up some money now to New Yorkers making a trek to the Bronx out Freeman, [email protected] (Atlanta, GA) to subscribe to your magazine cause it is worth of love for hip-hop. I love Atlanta, don’t get it, hands down. - Dame Dozha, damiandoo- me wrong. I spent six months there in 1999 I’m not feeling much of anything on the air- [email protected] (Tallahassee, FL) and 2000. It’s the center of Southern artists waves right now, including some of the artists grinding and putting out their own CDs. We all that are featured in your magazine, but I am Whoa! I had never heard of your magazine until know how much I love that! In that respect, I feeling your 2 cents column. It goes without say- today. I did a random search online for groupies wish Memphis would take something back from ing that the “urban” music industry sucks right and rappers, because I was trying to find out if Atlanta and follow their lead. But in terms of now. Being “hot” just means they can afford to stories I had heard about them are true. This is historical accuracy, I have to give Memphis its sit closer to the clouds. You have heart, maybe the most entertaining publication I have come props. As David Banner said when he made more than any rapper you’ve interviewed. Keep across in a long time. I enjoyed it so much that his single “Gangsta Walk,” it’s time folks rec- doing what you do. - Greii Arrington, greii@ I emailed your website link to everyone I know. ognized the large part Memphis has played in coastaldistribution.com (Atlanta, GA) Keep repping the South, and the sexy stories! Southern music, rap music, and dance styles in - Jai, [email protected] (Tulsa, OK) general. - Wendy Day, [email protected] This really ain’t that serious, but I just read the (Memphis, TN) SOHH.com/OZONE article about Atlanta hip-hop Keep up the good work. The issues keep get- and I was quite surprised at the conclusion of ting better. I attended Spring Bling in Daytona, Congratulations on how consistently great the the article that there was no mention of the and the Spring Bling issue was very informative, magazine is every issue. It is a true insider’s original “King of Crunk,” Pastor Troy. Some pur- showing me how to get around and where the guide to Southern hip-hop. Lord knows it helps ists would lament that Pastor Troy ain’t an of- parties were going to be at. OZONE is one of the us keep up with what’s goin on, especially be- ficial ATLien, but nevertheless, he has paid his best magazines around. - Larry Breland, real- ing here in South ‘Bama, we’re a little isolat- dues and helped to keep ATL relevant. I’m just a [email protected] (Jackson, MS) ed. - Trey Wilson, [email protected] fan speaking on behalf of Troy, because it seems (Enterprise, AL) like there’s a place for Troy in that article. He I’m so happy to see SOHH.com and OZONE seems to get overlooked by the general hip-hop bringing more light to the South. I just read the I read your scathing testimonial about BET’s audience, and in this case it seemed like a huge incredible first installment regarding Atlanta at corporate practices to the media. OZONE is oversight. - [email protected] (Atlanta, GA) SOHH.com. I am so happy to see the South, and one of those thriving publications that I find specifically Atlanta, getting more light. Iam interesting, especially your celebrity gossip I recently read your May issue and was inspired hoping you will do the research, however, and section. I agree with you one hundred percent to write you. I have been noticing OZONE around see the large part Memphis has played in At- when you write about the lack of profession- the streets of Tallahassee since 2004 and I have lanta’s musical history. While Lil Jon did indeed alism and the outright display of entitlement to admit that I used to overlook your mag. And bring crunk to international attention (and very from some of today’s urban media executives I regret it. In the summertime during a trip to well, I might add), Three 6 Mafia were creating and label reps. Everyone is getting “fat” or Orlando, a few OZONEs came across my path crunk music back when Jon was still a premier concerned with getting fat. No one in the game and I took a little interest. I skimmed through bass producer cranking out those compilation is starving any more. Grassroots marketing ef- and looked at a couple of pics. I used to refer records for Jermaine over at So So Def. Jon is an forts are only embraced once you have been to your magazine as a “looker mag,” which was incredible producer - in fact, he has made some accepted by the “masses” (meaning you have close-minded of me. I even read a couple of ar- of my favorite songs and certainly some amaz- to be “in” with BET’s Stephen Hill before his ticles online a couple months ago to do a little ing crunk music. He has done a far better job of flunkies can accommodate you, and that’s research, but still was far from really reading promotion than Three 6 could ever dream of do- purely wrong and unacceptable). - Shirley one. And then I came across your May issue, and ing. But he did not create, nor found, crunk mu- T. (New York, NY) you guys really impressed me with your interest sic anymore than Run-DMC found hip hop. Per- in underground hip-hop especially here in the fect it? Maybe. Create it? No. Not that you ever Corrections: In the June 2005 issue we South. The thing that inspired me to write you actually said the words that Jon created crunk neglected to credit Jessica Koslow for today was your editorial and feedback page. music, I just am clearing up any misperception her interview with Jermaine Dupri, and Everyone needs to read JB’s 2 cents. I can’t that could happen from the article by the omis- Bogan for his photo of Trick Daddy, wait to meet you, throw a mic in your hand, a sion of the fact that crunk was born and bred XZibit, and Ras Kass.

A10 OZONE JULY 2005 These days, there’s a million and one maga- zines trying to come out. There’s a few trying to take OZONE’s spot. Some of them even have big budgets for expensive photographers and ex- pensive graphic designers. Contrary to popular belief, I am not rich, and the real reason I contribute the majority of OZONE’s photos and graphic design is due to budgeting is- sues, not arrogance.

Unfortunately, in the midst of the pretty pictures, some magazine publishers seem to lose focus of the real purpose of having a me- dium like this. If you knew how much it costs to print this shit every month, you’d understand why I try to pack as much text as possible onto each page.

Words are powerful. Whenever you have a voice, you have a re- sponsiblity to say something meaningful. That’s why I get really depressed when I enter the hibernation stage of publishing a maga- zine (a.k.a. production week) and don’t have some really gritty editorial shit. And that doesn’t mean something negative or con- troversial - just something interesting. A message. Anything. Some- thing that makes you think.

Some of you rappers are really, really fucking boring. Honestly. I get a headache doing some of these interviews because they’re so mind-numbingly dumb. And don’t flip through this issue trying to figure out who I’m talking about, cause I’m not pointing fingers. I’m just fed up. I’ve been doing this interview thing for a long time. I don’t even need to ask certain questions any more because I already know what the answer will be: some dumb cliché. One rapper, who hears my frequent venting on this topic, often tries to defend his peers by saying that they haven’t been educated prop- erly and I should be editing their interviews to make them sound less stupid. But I’m not expecting you guys to write a damn thesis. I don’t care how many times you curse or if your grammar is correct, I just don’t want to hear the same meaningless drivel.

When I went into hibernation mode this month things were looking a little bleak on the editorial side. Fortunately, I got to do a few last-minute interviews which restored my faith in this whole hip-hop journalism thing. Origi- nally, I wasn’t too hyped about interviewing Smitty or Z-Ro, but they both came through with some real shit that turned me into a fan.

The first time I met Smitty was at Meli’s Seafood restaurant across from Power 96 in Miami, and he gave the traditional “Wait ‘til you do an article on me, my story is crazy!” spiel, and I was thinking, Yeah, right. Six months after our photo shoot amidst the fish tanks and sea shells, I finally listened to his story. He’s had a really crazy ride through the industry and picked up a lot of knowledge on the way.

I’ve only met Z-Ro once, in Austin, and he was looking pissed off and ready to kick some dude’s ass. Apparently, that’s just a day in the life of Z-Ro. Z-Ro also has a lot to say and he certainly doesn’t hold his tongue. Hopefully we won’t see him on a Dave Chappelle “When Keeping It Real Goes Wrong” skit someday.

Those of you who failed media training need to go sit in the corner and read Smitty and Z-Ro’s interviews. Actually, go read the entire issue, because it turned out better than I expected. Tony Yayo and Violator’s VP of Marketing James Cruz also had intelligent interviews (but not quite as brutally honest as I prefer because the G-Unit/Shady/Aftermath/Interscope Publicity Machine never sleeps). 112, TOK, Mr. Collipark, and Clinton Sparks also had some real shit to say, and our prison pen-pals C-Murder and the Diplomats’ Freeky Zekey checked in with some thoughts from behind the walls.

Notice how I filled up my entire editorial bitching about rappers who don’t have anything to say - mostly because I couldn’t think of anything to say? That’s why I’m so good at this shit.

- JB the Professional Bullshitter ([email protected])

Guilty pleasure: Mariah Carey “We Belong Together”

Young Jeezy f/ Akon “Soul Survivor” YoungBloodz “Presidential” David Banner f/ Jazze Pha & 8Ball “My Gun” Rihanna “Pon De Replay” Ludacris f/ Bobby Valentino “Pimpin’ All Over The World” Jimmy Chocolate “Gangsta” Field Mob f/ Ludacris “Georgia” Bedo “Like Me” C-Loc f/ Webbie “Gutta Girl” Ray Cash “Ready Rocks” Smitty “Diamonds On My Neck” Mr. Bigg Time “Footwork” 01: Tank and Lyfe @ the Hilton (Jack- sonville, FL) 02: If you were at Dawgman’s Crunkfest, you’d understand why his crew is hanging out in front of the bank with big smiles (Or- lando, FL) 03: Lil Scrappy and his brother Chris on the set of P$C’s “I’m The King” video (Atlanta, GA) 04: Tony Yayo and Malik Abdul reppin’ OZONE @ Hpnotiq (Orlando, FL) 05: DJ Passthamic and Aca- fool (Tampa, FL) 06: DTP’s Tity Boy, Mami Chula, and DJ Jelly @ Com- pound for Boyz N Da Hood’s release party (Atlanta, GA) 07: Nu-Ridians @ AKA Lounge (Orlando, FL) 08: Supa Cindy and Big Lip Bandit @ Memorial Week- end celeb bball game (Miami, FL) 09: John Doe and DJ Kool Kid on South Beach (Miami, FL) 10: Slim Thug reppin’ OZONE @ Rap-A-Lot vs. Bad Boy celeb bball game (Houston, TX) 11: David Banner goes in for the kill @ Memo- rial Weekend celeb bball game (Miami, FL) 12: Capleton reppin’ OZONE @ VP Records’ show (Miami, FL) 13: Willie and Sweets @ Club Deep (Miami, FL) 14: Doug E. Fresh @ Vibe Musicfest (At- lanta, GA) 15: Triple J and 21 Reese reppin’ OZONE @ Firestone for Dawgman’s Crunkfest (Orlando, FL) 16: David Banner and Pitbull reppin’ CRUNK!!! @ Club Deep (Miami, FL) 17: BloodRaw, Young Jeezy, and Slick Pulla reppin’ CTE (Orlando, FL) 18: Twista, Miss T, and Chingy @ Stiletto Sundays (New Orleans, LA) 19: Boyz N Da Hood and Greg Street @ V103 (At- lanta, GA) 20: Bohagon, Stay Fresh, and Cutty @ Hard Rock (Orlando, FL) 21: Jazze Pha and Polow @ Compound for Boyz N Da Hood’s release party (Atlanta, GA)

Photo Credits: Iisha Hillmon: #03 Julia Beverly: #01,04,06,08, 09,11,13,14,15,16,17,19,20,21 Keadron Smith: #10 Malik Abdul: #02,12 Marcus Jethro: #07 Matt Daniels: #05 Miguel Matos: #07

A12 OZONE JULY 2005 Disclaimer: These interviews are anonymous, so we cannot verify if they are true or not. All Yeah. He asked me if I wanted [to do details (cities, club names, hotel names) have drugs] and even when I said no, he’d been removed. These stories do not necessar- still do it all night long. ily represent the opinions of OZONE Magazine. These stories did not necessarily occur recent- Were you attracted to him as a person, ly, so if you are currently seeing one of these or did you mostly sleep with him – or fine gentlemen, no need to curse him out. attempt to sleep with him – because he’s These stories are from different women. famous? He’s nice, but I think he has a wife or some- If you have a celebrity confession, send an thing. He has game. email to [email protected] and we will reply with a phone number where you can BOBBY VALENTINO: call anonymously to be interviewed. How did you meet Bobby Valentino? MARIO WINANS: I went to school with him a few years ago, at Clark Atlanta. Everybody just knew him as How did you meet Mario Winans? that boy that used to be in Mista. They had I work at [a strip club]. that song “Blackberry Molasses” in like 1996. Nobody cared too much, but everybody knew Is he a frequent customer? get [some drugs]. He knows I don’t do anything, him as the guy that played baseball and used Yeah. and even if I did, I wouldn’t do it around a boy to be in Mista. He used to call my dorm and that I liked. He’d still call me to come over and my roommates would sing his little song to him That’s kind of strange, because people have a party with him. I couldn’t believe he was call- over the phone and he’d get so excited. They’d perception of Mario Winans as a quiet, gospel ing me like, asking for a favor. Like I said, he’s sing “Blackberry Molasses” or that other song type of dude. I wouldn’t picture him being a cheap. Mista had on the Why Do Fools Fall In Love frequent strip club customer. soundtrack. (laughing) He does a lot of stuff you wouldn’t What kind of drugs? Do you want to be more picture him doing. He’s slept with a lot of girls specific? What is he like? that work at the strip club. He comes into the I shouldn’t. All I can say is that he wasn’t able He’s corny as hell. He’s not someone that I’d same strip club all the time, whenever he’s in to perform [in bed]. want to date ever again. He drove a gold Lex- town, but he doesn’t spend any money. He’ll us. I used to walk to class and he’d always pull act like he’s going to spend money, but he nev- So Mario Winans isn’t as conservative or up next to me and ask if I wanted a ride. I was er does. He’ll bring all his boys up in there, Christian as people might expect him to be, like, “No, thank you.” One day I decided to be like, his “cousin” or his “brother.” He expects because of his family and his music? nice and I let him come pick me up. to get the star treatment for him and all his He says “God bless” like every other word. He’s boys. always talking about “God bless this,” “God So it was a pity date? bless that.” Yeah. I went to his house, and he played that So he’s really cheap, “Blackberry Molasses” huh? song like eight times. Basically. I mean, he “[Mario Winans] does [drugs], and I don’t. So he was His house smelled showed me a good time like burnt spaghetti. when I went out with real rude. He didn’t really care about having sex any- I wouldn’t fuck him, him, but at the strip so I told him to take club he’s cheap. way. He tried, but it was only like two minutes.” me back home. He didn’t tell me what Where did he take you when you went out Did that strike you as hypocritical? his real name was, with him? Kinda hypocritical, yeah. He’s not stupid, either. He said his name was Valentino and I He had a limo come pick me up and take me to though. When we were at the mall one time he was like, “Who the hell would name their son the studio. We were just hanging out, drinking. saw some younger girls but he wouldn’t mess Valentino?” We went out to some clubs afterwards. with them. I think he goes to strip clubs to make sure the girls he fucks are old enough. What do you mean, you wouldn’t fuck him? Did it start as a friendly relationship or sex- Was he trying to put the moves on you? ual? So what was he like in bed? He was reaching over, trying to rub my back, We hung out a few times. See, I don’t know I He’s sexy, but I can’t really say how he is in saying, “Let me give you a massage,” all that if I wanna put him out there. There’s a reason bed, because he wasn’t performing very well. shit. He was so boring. I didn’t go out with him why we didn’t really have sex. I spent the night He stood in front of me and put his hands be- again after that. with him a few times but we barely had sex. hind his head. So he’s like, butt naked, standing It’s hard to explain it. He wanted to have sex, there and just waiting in front of me, licking his So when you started seeing Bobby Valentino but he was so messed up he couldn’t perform. lips and shit, waiting for me to give him head. I all over TV and hearing “Slow Down” all over I was real drunk so I just went to sleep and he was like, “What are you doing?” I guess he felt the radio, what was your reaction? stayed up all night. I woke up the next day and like if I gave him head it would help him out, I told my mom, “That’s that boy I told you he kinda went to sleep. The first time it kinda but I wasn’t into that. Then he tried to have about,” and she just started laughing. My freaked me out, but we went out again and the sex with me. friends from college call me from Georgia all same thing happened. I’m sure there’s a lot of the time now and they’re like, “Ha, ha, ha, other girls with the same story. Do you think he expected you to do whatever I can’t believe you went on a date with that he wanted because he’s famous and you’re a guy.” So, the other strippers that had sex with stripper? him, did they have a bad experience like Yeah. Maybe not because I’m a stripper, but more Now that he’s famous, do you wish you’d yours or a good experience? because he’s famous. I mean, how could you hooked up with him or at least stayed in Like, oh my god, should I actually say this? take a girl you don’t even know back to where touch? It was real rude of him, what he did. He you live? He has a big portrait of his daughter No. Definitely not. He’s not cute at all, not to thought he was extra famous. See, he at his house, and pictures of his baby mom and me, anyway. I don’t like boys that think just does drugs, and I don’t. So he was real kids everywhere. I mean, he just doesn’t care. cause they take you somewhere you’ve got to rude. He didn’t really care about hav- For me to know as much as I know, I mean, for fuck them. Boys who are in college always think ing sex anyway. He tried, but it was him to do the stuff he did in front of me and he they’re gonna get some pussy just cause they like only two minutes, and I was like, didn’t care that I saw? play a sport. I guess he thought that’s what was “You just gotta stop” again. It was the about to happen, but he was wrong. I heard second time. Then, he called my cell He did things in front of you that could’ve put from other girls that was all he wanted anyway. one time out of the blue trying to his career at risk? Oh, no. Not me.

OZONE JULY 2005 A13 01: Young Jeezy and DJ Fahrenheit @ the Radisson (Orlando, FL) 02: Models reppin’ OZONE on the set of Webbie’s “Bad Bitch” (Mi- ami, FL) 03: Konkrete @ Greg Street’s car show (Atlanta, GA) 04: Ray J and DJ Chill reppin’ OZONE @ Rap-A-Lot vs. Bad Boy celeb bball game (Houston, TX) 05: Joe Buddens and Zab Judah @ Memorial Weekend celeb bball game (Miami, FL) 06: Block, Mami Chula, Jody Breeze, and Big Gee @ Music Midtown (Atlanta, GA) 07: Ump, Trick Daddy, and Jerry Rushin @ Memorial Weekend celeb bball game (Miami, FL) 08: Assassin and Elephant Man @ Come Together Day (Jacksonville, FL) 09: Serious and BloodRaw @ Compound for Boyz N Da Hood’s release party (Miami, FL) 10: Bedo and DJ Prostyle reppin’ OZONE @ Hard Rock for T.I.’s MTV taping 11: JC Crunk and Vanessa @ Club Deep (Miami, FL) 12: J-Dawg, DJ Walgee, and DJ Saxwell @ First Friday (Orlando, FL) 13: Lyfe and Greg Street reppin’ OZONE @ Vibe’s Musicfest (Atlanta, GA) 14: OHB reppin’ OZONE @ Dawgman’s Crunk- fest (Orlando, FL) 15: Shane, J Green, and Dawgman @ his Crunkfest (Orlando, FL) 16: Keyshia Cole and the YoungBloodz @ Come Together Day (Jacksonville, FL) 17: Crime Mob with Hot 104’s Derrick da Franchise and Trelli Trell (New Orleans, LA) 18: Pretty Ricky and El- ephant Man @ the Hilton (Jacksonville, FL) 19: Kim Porter, Harve Pierre, Block, and Greg Street @ Compound for Boyz N Da Hood’s release party (Atlanta, GA) 20: Tye Dash, Young Cash, Ms. Hollywood of Spoil’d Rotten, Reg Reg Askew, and Kinsu @ the Marriott (Miami, FL) 21: Turk, Todd Moscowitz, and Mel on the set of Webbie’s “Bad Bitch” (Miami, FL)

Photo Credits: Iisha Hillmon: #03 Julia Beverly: #01,05,06,07,08, 09,11,13,14,15,16,18,19,20,21 Keadron Smith: #04 Malik Abdul: #02,10,12 Marcus Jethro: #17

A14 OZONE JULY 2005 If you have a comment or question for C-Murder, email it to feedback@ozonemag. com or write him here (do not send CDs):

Corey Miller #58815110 P.O. Box 388 Gretna, LA 70054 01: Frank Ski and Jazze Pha @ Com- pound for Boyz N Da Hood’s release party (Atlanta, GA) 02: DJ Kool Kid and friends @ Club Deep (Miami, FL) 03: Smoke of Field Mob and Chaka Zulu reppin’ OZONE @ Vibe’s Musicfest (Atlanta, GA) 04: Greg G and Tony C at Zinc Bar (Orlando, FL) 05: Marques Houston and Nick Cannon @ Come Together Day (Jacksonville, FL) 06: Lil Boosie, Webbie, and Dr. Teeth on the set of “Bad Bitch” (Miami, FL) 07: Trillville performing @ Hard Rock for their MTV taping (Orlando, FL) 08: Lyfe @ House of Blues (Orlando, FL) 09: Ray reppin’ OZONE (Orlando, FL) 10: Trick Daddy and Benji Brown @ Memorial Week- end celeb bball game (Miami, FL) 11: Gotti’s unique shoot- ing technique @ Memo- rial Weekend celeb bball game (Miami, FL) 12: Young Jeezy and Mami Chula @ Com- pound for Boyz N Da Hood’s release party (Atlanta, GA) 13: Sir Knight Train and Quincy reppin’ OZONE @ the Central Florida Networking Meeting (Orlando, FL) 14: Iisha Hillmon and Joi reppin’ OZONE (Atlanta, GA) 15: Plies, Disco, and Paul Clark @ Firestone for Dawgman’s Crunk- fest (Orlando, FL) 16: Tank, David Ban- ner, and DJ Dr. Doom @ Come Together Day (Jacksonville, FL) 17: Hen-Roc, Greg Street, and Shawn Prez reppin’ OZONE @ V103 (Atlanta, GA) 18: DJ Drama, Don Can- non, and Jaycee @ Vibe’s Musicfest (Atlanta, GA) 19: Foxx, Big Head, Lil Boosie, and Webbie on the set of “Bad Bitch” (Miami, FL) 20: Chad Johnson, David Banner, and Trick Daddy cel- ebrating the South’s win at the Memorial Weekend celeb bball game (Miami, FL) 21: Malik Abdul and video models on the set of Webbie’s “Bad Bitch” (Miami, FL)

Photo Credits: Iisha Hillmon: #14 Julia Beverly: #01,02,03,04, 06,07,09,10,11,12,15,16,17, 18,19,20,21 Malik Abdul: #05,13 Sophia Jones: #08

A16 OZONE JULY 2005 The posters promoting your album show you behind bars. Even though that was reality for you, do you think it gives other people the wrong impression of what prison is like? I’m gonna be honest with you. Even though I did two years in jail, in no way, shape, or form am I trying to glorify my prison time. I’m not telling kids that if they do years in prison, that’s gonna put hair on their chest or make them feel like they’re somebody. Male or fe- male. The way I spread the message is, every radio show I do, every magazine interview I do, I tell kids to stay out of jail. I’m from the bottom, so I’m the perfect example of some- one who can make it - just like 50, Banks, and Buck. My album is called Thoughts Of A Predi- cate Felon. It comes out on July 12th. A predi- cate felon is someone who goes in and out of jail. But it’s the things you go through that make you who you are as a person. I wasn’t out there robbin’ people, I just got caught up in situations. Everybody who goes to jail is not a bad guy. You have good people in jail, but the system is not made to rehabilitate you. Let me ask you a question. If I had an armed robbery charge and you had a business, would you let me work behind your register?

Probably not. Right. So how am I gonna be rehabilitated if I can’t get a job? I’m back in the streets.

So what do you think is the solution? with 50 back in 1995 before 50 got shot. It was comfortable. I’m never nervous. If you see me People have to stop putting that stamp on a pimpin’ record. Pimp C and Bun B was on 50’s doing an interview, I’m never nervous. I believe felons and judging them a certain way. If you Power of The Dollar record, before he got shot. I was made for this. And sometimes it’s not just did your time, you’re rehabilitated. A lot of I would say free Pimp C. I always liked him as about the artist but it’s the boss. A lot of artists people change in jail. I never try to glorify an artist. want to shine but they don’t want their group my prison time. I tell kids to stay out of jail. to shine. With us it’s different. 50 wants us to I’ve seen people get cut, stabbed in jail. They 50 said that when you came out of jail, he had shine. 50 gave me a million dollars when I came throw your things around, open your butthole a million dollars waiting for you? home so I wouldn’t feel left out that these guys for another man to look in it, lift your geni- Yeah, a million dollars after taxes. had more money than me while I was incarcer- tals. You think I’m gonna go tell kids to go ated. I think it’s on the main artist to decide if through that? That doesn’t make you a man or If the situation was reversed, can you honestly they want to let everyone in the group shine. a woman to go to jail. They only reason people say you’d save up a million for him? like me is because they feel they can relate to Yeah, if I had it like that, why not? If the re- Coming out of prison and being handed a mil- me. See how I mingle in the crowds? I’m still lationship was there. It’s a brotherhood thing. lion dollars, was it hard for you to restrain hood. When I was in jail I mingled around wtih I can’t say that for everybody, but me and 50 yourself from spending it all? the people in the general population - I was are like brothers. I been with him since the Jam When I came home, I really spent a lot of mon- in there like a regular inmate, not Tony Yayo. Master Jay situation - rest in peace. I been with ey on family members. I wear my own sneak- People feel like they can relate to me more him after he got shot, in the hospital, I was still ers and my own clothes, I think that’s the best than the average rapper that’s talking about on the street dealin’ with issues. 50’s my brother marketing tool. I spent a lot of money on other something they’ve never been through. from another mother. people - bailin’ people out of jail, sending peo- ple in jail food and commissary, stuff like that. I Aside from the actual charges, what was the Since 50 Cent and the other G-Unit artists have helped my moms out, helped my sister out. She underlying reason you were in jail? put up huge numbers, do you feel a lot of pres- just had a baby. I had a daughter while I was I don’t know where you grew up, but I grew up sure for your album to sell? incarcerated. She’s two years old. I spent all in Southside Jamaica Queens, and everybody’s When I first came home from jail, I felt alot my money on her. Besides that, I spent money a drug dealer. I think 70% of the people in life of pressure. When I came home, I was on house on jewelry. Cars is not really a big thing. We turn into what their environment is, and the arrest. I had to be home at a certain time, and have all kinds of vehicles. Bulletproof vehicles, other 30% sway the other way. There are peo- I couldn’t go out at all for eight months. I had Bentleys, Escalades, all types of vehicles. ple in my neighborhood that are doctors and a studio in my condo in Manhattan so basically lawyers, but those are the 30%. The other 70% I just worked. Consistency is the key to every- Now that you’re off house arrest, are their are drug dealers. If you hang around enough thing in this game. Look at Pablo Escobar - big- limitations while you’re on tour? drug dealers, eventually you might become gest drug dealer in the world. Look at Michael Yeah, I just got the ankle bracelet off. Basi- a drug dealer. I think my addiction to selling Jordan. Look at Wayne Gretzky. Consistency. cally I have to report to my parole officer on drugs was the fast money. My mother always I just feel blessed. I’m in a good position, and a certain day. I’ve gotta call in and stay out of told me to go to college and I’d get that nice even though the pressure was there, now 50’s trouble. car and nice house, but I’d just seen a guy comparing my album to Get Rich Or Die Trying. make that in twelve months. I always looked Knock on wood, I’m the only rapper out of G-Unit Is it hard to stay out of trouble, since you have up to the older guys in my neighborhood, that hasn’t been shot. So the album is about the a lot of temptations around you on tour? and I think that if they were lawyers and harsh realities of my life in prison. Yeah, I used to smoke weed and stuff like that, doctors, then I probably would be a lawyer but I figure I’ve got the Anger Management tour or a doctor. I wouldn’t be rhyming about Whenever a major artist introduces his crew, coming up and the album coming up. I can make the harsh realities of my life. it’s hard for them to exceed his success. about two million dollars between June and Au- I don’t think it’s hard, but I think you have to gust, so to me, I don’t think two million dollars If you could free any other incarcerat- show that you’re a star on your own. I believe is worth a hundred dollar bag of haze or dro. ed rapper, who would it be and why? I’m a natural born star. I believe I’m made for People would look at me like I’m an idiot. I would have to say “Free Pimp C.” TV, magazines, videos, everything. Everything I respect Pimp C. They did a record I do, I’ve perfected it. You see me on TV, I’m - Interview & photo by Julia Beverly

OZONE JULY 2005 A17 01: Slim Thug and Young Jeezy @ Music Midtown (Atlanta, GA) 02: JC, Cubo, and Pitbull @ Club Deep for CRUNK!!!/Oakley party (Miami, FL) 03: Suga D and friends reppin’ OZONE @ Firestone (Orlando, FL) 04: DJ Jelly and T. Waters @ Compound for Boyz N Da Hood’s release party (Atlanta, GA) 05: Bigga Rankin and DJ Mastermind reppin’ OZONE @ Come Together Day (Jackson- ville, FL) 06: Common @ Vibe’s Mu- sicfest (Atlanta, GA) 07: BJ and Mouse on the set of Webbie’s “Bad Bitch” (Miami, FL) 08: Dr. Doom, Jimmy Choc- olate, and Pitbull reppin’ OZONE @ Come Together Day (Jacksonville, FL) 09: Jigga, DJ Hektic, Rob Nice, Young Buck, Raj Smoove, and DJ Wop (New Orleans, LA) 10: Jen and Melissa @ Icon (Orlando, FL) 11: KLC and Chingy @ Stiletto Sundays (New Orleans, LA) 12: Q and James Gil- christ reppin’ OZONE @ Cairo (Orlando, FL) 13: Cory Mo reppin’ OZONE @ Rap-A-Lot vs. Bad Boy celeb bball game (Houston, TX) 14: H-Vidal and David Banner (Tampa, FL) 15: Allen Iverson and David Banner @ Memo- rial Weekend celeb bball game (Miami, FL) 16: Rico Brooks, Mel, Big Duke, Block, Jody Breeze, Greg Street, Jason Wiley, Harve Pierre, Big Gee, and Young Jeezy @ V103 (Atlanta, GA) 17: Daunte Culpepper and Baby on South Beach (Miami, FL) 18: Young Cash, JT Mon- ey, Shawn Jay, and Mami Chula @ Compound for Boyz N Da Hood’s release party (Atlanta, GA) 19: Foxx, Turk, and Webbie on the set of “Bad Bitch” (Miami, FL) 20: Luis Duran, D-Strong, and Thomas reppin’ OZONE @ Hard Rock for Mike Jones’ MTV taping (Orlando, FL) 21: Vibe’s Kenard Gibbs and Bob Miller with Burger King execs @ Vibe’s Musicfest (At- lanta, GA)

Photo Credits: H Vidal: #14 Julia Beverly: #01,02,03,04,05, 06,07,08,15,16,17,18,19,20,21 Keadron Smith: #13 Malik Abdul: #10,12 Marcus Jethro: #09,11

A18 OZONE JULY 2005 How did you go from being an unknown Mi- ami artist to writing lyrics for P. Diddy? I got started by writing for Dr. Dre. I spit a couple hundred bars for him and he flew me out to L.A. I was supposed to sign with Dre, but things didn’t work out. This was even be- fore Game was over there. We still had a good relationship, and I ended up going to New York to spit for Jay-Z. Jay said he was loving it, but he didn’t get back in touch with us as quickly as I liked. I don’t know if he was feelin’ me or wasn’t. I was back in L.A. on the set of Jay Leno and I told Puff, “I don’t want to sign to Bad Boy, I just wanna write for you.” He sent me home with a track and I wrote to it. He flew me out to New York to stay at his house on Broadway, just writing. I wrote his verse for “Burning Up” with Freeway and Faith. Jay- Z came back like, “Yeah, I wanna sign him,” so they were trying to work it out but it’s taking a long time. In the meantime, I wrote Puff’s verses for [B2K’s] “Bump Bump Bump” and [Baby’s] “How You Do That Dance.” I run into Block at the Baby shoot. Block manages Boyz N Da Hood now. We started talking about the group Face Mob. I was already cool with them and Scarface, so Block calls ‘Face on the phone. ‘Face is like, “Yeah, yeah, Smitty,” so they flew me down to Atlanta to work on the Face Mob album with Jazze Pha. I had just written Puff’s verse for [Nelly’s] “Shake Ya Tailfeather.” eyes lit up when I said that. He was surprised, reflective of my life, I wouldn’t give that to an- What happened to Face Mob? like he’d never seen someone willing to take other rapper, because if they blew up off that It was me, Big Gee [of Boyz N Da Hood], and that sacrifice. When you write for Puff, he’s do- song I would be crushed. When I write for Dre a dude named Young Malice. We did about ing you a favor. He knows his worth. He knows or Puff, I’m writing about their life, not mine. fourteen songs and a little promo run. ‘Face that if you write for him, you’re gonna get cred- A lot of those records didn’t matter to me be- shopped the project to Jay. Jay thought it ibility as a musician and an artist. With Dre, he’ll cause it was just getting exposure. But “Shake would be better to sign me through Face Mob, cut you a check immediately, but the difference Ya Tailfeather,” I was like, damn! He won a cause he’s a New York label and I would fit bet- is that it takes forever to come out because Dre Grammy! I wish I coulda got tickets to sit at ter in Face Mob. Everybody was talkin’ about, is so meticulous. You might write some really hot the Grammys, because I was such a big part of “Jay gonna sign Face Mob.” They started tak- stuff for Dre that never comes out, but that’s that record. But to this day, I’ve never called ing me to Sony, everybody, but for whatever his prerogative. Or, you might write something Bad Boy asking for a plaque about any of these reason, ‘Face didn’t want to do the deal with that’s kinda hot for Puff, and it’ll get 8,000 spins records. I’m out here trying to make a platinum Jay. I guess he was tryin’ to get away from Def immediately. plaque for Smitty. As a writer, you’ve just gotta Jam, but I can’t really speculate on that. I be creative. Most R&B artists don’t write their guess it wasn’t meant to be. While they were Where did you get your writing ability from? own stuff. Usher did not write “Yeah!” R&B art- waiting on the Face Mob situation, the Bad I’ve always been good at writing, but Puff really ists get signed for their vocals and their ability Boy 2 soundtrack was about to come out. The taught me how to switch up my flows. A lot of to entertain. I haven’t seen an R&B artist who labels started hearing the buzz around me and rappers are so monotonous. Puff taught me how writes their own lyrics in a long time. I love started putting bids on the table. Capital, Vio- to switch it up. Working with Dre taught me the Mary J Blige to death, but when Mary sings, lator, Arista, everybody. I was staying in New passion of music and to be meticulous with the it’s not her pain that you’re hearing. It’s the York, recording my demo with Puff. If he went sound. With Dre it’s all about the feeling of the writer’s pain. I try to depict my own pain. A lot out of town, I’d be recording joints. I’d go to music. Puff likes to be creative and innovative. of rappers are trying to live Jay-Z’s life or live a different meeting every day. [Label execu- Biggie’s life. I don’t have to rap about bricks. tives] would take me out to dinner trying to If Puff is able to teach rappers how to flow, I’m a street rapper, not a drug dealer. get me to sign with them. The people who why would he need to pay a writer? gave me the most love and the most money Dre and Puff are moguls. They don’t have time to What’s the difference? was J Records. I didn’t really have a hit re- sit and be creative. They know what they need It’s a big difference. There’s so many other is- cord at the time, so we started getting all the – workhorses to sit there and write ten, twelve sues on the streets: welfare, health care, pov- production – Kanye West, Swizz Beatz, Timba- verses a day. If you see how Puffy moves, it’d be erty, drug addiction, broken families, single land, Mannie Fresh, everybody – and I already impossible for him to sit down and write rhymes. mothers. A lot of rappers just want to be drug had the features before I got signed. I had the They don’t need me. It’s just a timing thing. dealers. If you think that’s all there is to the record with Jamie Foxx, Kanye West, ‘Face, They need a person to sit with them, not ask to streets, you’re closing yourself off to another Game, everybody before I got signed. be a superstar, not want to be in their position, vein of street music. That’s why my album is and just grind with them. They’re already hot. called Life of A Troubled Child. It comes out When you told Puff you wanted to be his They don’t need me, I need them. And now I’m August 23rd. We might move it up, depending ghostwriter rather than an artist, was that in a position where I can step into the forefront on the first single, “Diamonds On My Neck.” The really what you wanted or was it means and be who I can be. Hopefully one day I’ll get next single is “Dope Man,” produced by Tim- to an end? to their status and give young rappers the op- baland and featuring Mannie Fresh. I’m glad Technically I’m not a ghostwriter, because portunities they gave me. “Diamonds On My Neck” is getting so much love I get publishing. I get credit for my music. from radio, but I’m anxious for it to end so you At that point I had become tired of writ- Did it ever make you jealous to see them get can see what I’ve got next. There’s not too ing for Dre, but the situation was so good all the credit for something you’d written? many rappers from my community, Little Haiti. for me. I know everybody’s trying to get The only time I felt that was with the “Tailfea- I want to expose Little Haiti to the world. Little signed to Bad Boy, so I came to Puff like ther” song, because it did win a Grammy. Puff Haiti has a voice. I’m not the voice, but I’m one a businessman. I knew if I could write thanked me like a gentleman, though. What’s of them. Let’s make it a movement. for him, I could get in a position where funny is that he didn’t like the verse I wrote, people would be checking for me. His and it won a Grammy. If I write a verse that’s - Interview and photo by Julia Beverly

OZONE JULY 2005 A19 A20 OZONE JULY 2005

(01) Stat Quo checkin’ out OZONE and taking directions all at the same (01) T.I. flashing his grill for the cameras right after director Benny time. Boom yells “Cut!” (02) Labelmates Young Buck and Stat Quo take some time to do drops, (02) Tiny holds it down for her man behind the scenes. interviews, take pictures, and sign autographs during a short break on (03) Big Kuntry of the P$C checks in with Atlanta’s own Bishop of the set. Crunk. (03) The audio cart, being moved to another location to pick up better (04) The P$C gets in position for the next shot. sound. (05) Police use caution tape to prevent onlookers from getting too (04) A stripper gets prepared for her close-up. close to the filming location. (05) Bun B reappears after leaving to get some dollar bills for the strip- (06) Lil Scrappy getting directions for his shot. per scene. (07) The King of Crunk Lil Jon stops by for a cameo appearance, (06) Producer Decatur Black checkin’ out OZONE. while Benny Boom directs T.I. amd the P$C. Big Kuntry worries that (07) VTR checking for continuity errors and bad lighting. he may have stepped in something. (08) Stay Fresh shows some love while being rushed upstairs for his (08) The Drum Majors stopping by the set. cameo. (09) Grand Hustle’s female rap duo, Xtaci, getting ready for their (09) Young Buck on the way out. cameo.

Director: Mike Taylor Director: Benny Boom Photos: Iisha Hillmon Photos: Iisha Hillmon

OZONE JULY 2005 A23 In our May 2005 interview with BME artist/Lil Jon protege Bohagon, he said, “I ain’t no country bumpkin. A lot of people have this perception of the country that I’m trying to erase. People see videos of the coun- try where niggas playing with pigs.” Field Mob, who featured a pig in their video, apparently took the com- ment as a personal insult and dissed Bohagon during their concert at The Firehouse in Columbus, Georgia. We spoke with Bohagon, Field Mob’s Shawn Jay, and the concert promoter (101.3 The Beat’s Program Director DJ Controller) to find out what really happened. (interviews by Julia Beverly)

SHAWN JAY: BOHAGON: What did Bohagon say Was your statement in OZONE about that started this beef? pigs intended to be a Field Mob diss? I heard he said some- Nah. I didn’t say their name. I just thing in XXL? said that because, when everybody It wasn’t XXL, it was finds out where I’m from, they auto- that beautiful OZONE matically assume that I’m like [Field Magazine. And it’s crazy Mob] and link me to them. People cause I was just tellin’ think we kick it the same way. All I Jazze Pha the other day was sayin’ is that you ain’t gonna see that I liked [Bohagon’s] no pigs in my video. [Field Mob] took music. And I seen him it differently, and they came to my at Body Tap and he said city and disrespected me. what up to me but he was actin’ funny. Then I go home and read They dissed you at a concert in Columbus? the OZONE Magazine and he’s in there talkin’ I did the birthday bash with one station there, and [Field ‘bout people havin’ pigs in their videos. Mob] was on the other station dissin’ me that same evening but I wasn’t listening so I didn’t know nothing about it. I get DJ CONTROLLER: Are you sure his comment was supposed to to the club that night and me and my folks go to VIP, and What did you see happen at the be a diss to you? Bubba Sparxxx had a pig in all I hear is, “Fuck Bohagon, fuck you, you pussy nigga!” concert in Columbus? his video too. Maybe it was just a general Shawn Jay said I just wanna be like Field Mob, I can’t rap While Field Mob was doing their statement. like them. He said, “Don’t hide, come see me.” He in my show, they took a long pause and We started that country shit, even though city, sayin’ this! In my hometown, my backyard! talked about Bohagon like a dog. [Bubba Sparxxx is] my dawg, we still did it They said they represent the South, first. I don’t give a fuck. I never made any sly So it turned into a physical altercation? and don’t appreciate Bohagon doin’ remarks that [Bohagon] woulda thought was Yeah. magazine interviews putting down supposed to be a diss to him. Real niggas do the South. When they came off the real things. Was anyone injured? stage, Bohagon’s entourage met I wasn’t injured. I’m good. I know what went down, but I them with blows. And y’all got into a fistfight in Columbus? ain’t tryin’ to put their business in the street. I ain’t tryin’ What happened exactly? to make it like no Flip and T.I. shit. I ain’t tryin’ to be rap- Was it an all-out fight or a minor Shit, I’m still pretty. I left with all my jewelry pin’ about them. We had a disagreement, and if they ready scuffle? after fightin’ ‘bout four of five of them boys. I to let it go, I’m ready to let it go. It’s on them. They disre- It was way beyond a minor scuffle. ain’t fight with Bohagon; we never had a fight, spected me, and that’s why the shit happened. It ain’t like We saw Bohagon’s entourage suc- let’s clear that up for the record. Do I look like I got some vendetta against them niggas. cessfully whoop Shawn’s ass, how- I was fightin’? You see me. I’m very pretty. I’m ever, Field Mob’s entourage did my biggest fan. So whatever story y’all wanna You were cool with them before? considerable damage to Bohagon put out there, it’s cool. I’m good. I still got Yeah! We had just kicked it a few weeks before. Smoke had too. Smoke kinda ran out of the ac- all my jewelry on. I just wanted to clear that come to a show I did at Chocolate’s, he was on stage with tion. up, because you know how the internet is. me and shit. I seen Shawn Jay at Body Tap a few weeks Allhiphop.com must not like me, cause they ago. Did security or police get in- keep lyin’ on me and puttin’ some bullshit out volved? there. But it’s all good, cause I’m still pretty. Yeah, he mentioned that, and he said that it seemed like There was no police involvement, It’s no beef. I have no beef with the nigga. you had an attitude or were kinda cold towards him. but the club security had to pull Hell naw. When I seen [Shawn Jay] at Body Tap, it was a several people apart. So if Bohagon walked by right now, would party Greg Street threw. It was packed to capacity. I was y’all be able to have a civil conversation or high as hell. I dapped him up and kept it moving. I definitely Being the promoter of the event, would it be a fight? ain’t dissed him at the party. I got love for them cats. Why did you feel like it was a negative A fight? No, for what? I heard people were would I be out here disrespecting him? I just let people know situation for your station or for comin’ up to my label the next day tryin’ to that I’m not gonna have pigs in my video. I ain’t wish no ill the city? squash the shit, and I’m like, what are you will on them or nothing. Regardless, if he felt like I ain’t I think it was negative for hip-hop tryin’ to squash? There’s no beef. He didn’t show him no love at the Body Tap, I dapped him up and said shows across the board, because say anything to me. I’ve still not talked to Bo- “What’s happenin’.” I ain’t disrespect him. Like, the towns we already catch hell trying to get hagon. You good, homie! Come see me! I’m we’re from are like 30, 40, 50 miles apart. I don’t need to venues and insurance for these good, I’m excellent! But don’t be tellin’ no be dissin’ these cats, cause we reppin’ the same area. type of events. I really hated to see lies on me. I did start this country shit. Niggas these guys that are looked up to by be tryin’ to sound like Smoke and shit. Every- It sounds like everybody’s ready to smooth over the situ- our listening audience demonstrate body be tryin’ to bite that country shit, but ation. What’s the chances of you sitting down and talking that type of hostility and lack of we did start it. to Field Mob and resolving things? self-control. I actually talked to Smoke the other day on the phone. It Anything else you want to say? was like a six-way call. I told him I ain’t got no problem Anything else you want to say? I ain’t no hater. Buy Bohagon’s album when it with them, but at the same time, I’m a man and you can’t Bohagon personally called me comes out. Buy it! I can’t believe that nigga disrespect me. the next day to apologize, and dissed me, though. That’s what hurt me ‘bout I thought that was big of him. it. He wasn’t even near me and I was showin’ Anything else you want to say? He said it wasn’t his ambition this nigga love, biggin’ him up! Ask Jazze. I want everybody to know that I ain’t got nothing but love to be out here with that type Ask a real nigga how I’m showin’ this nigga for Field Mob. I was put in a position where I ain’t have no of hostility, but the fact that love, and then I’m reading the magazine, like, choice. They put me in that position. I was actually a Field he was being disrespected what!? Yeah, I got a pig in my video! I’ll have Mob fan. I disagreed with the pigs in the video, but aside and there was 2,000 people another one if I want to! Why do another nigga from that, I’m a Field Mob fan. in the place, he felt like he worry about how I get my paper? had to do something.

A24 OZONE JULY 2005

Despite its quiet country atmo- ment, co-owned by the legendary sphere, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Pimp C of UGK. “Webbie [signed once had the #2 highest murder rate with Trill] after I was incarcerated, in the nation. “It’s real gutta,” ad- so I haven’t had the chance to work mits 19-year-old Baton Rouge native with him,” says Pimp C. “But I know Webster “Webbie” Gradney, Jr. “But he can take it to the top. He’s got it’s nice if you mind your own busi- a knack for writing singles. I can ness. When I’m gone for too long, see that already and it’s still early I be missin’ it. That’s where I’m in his career. Very talented guy.” from, that’s home.” A typical child Webbie felt comfortable with the of the ghetto, Webbie’s upbringing label because he felt they had his was anything but stable. His mother, best interest at heart. “They was Jocelyn, died of cancer when he was keeping it real,” he says. “I used just eight years old. He spent his to just rap, and they’d take care early teen years shuttling back and of me like it was a family. I ain’t forth between the care of his father really sign [a contract] until it was and grandmother. time for the serious shit to start happenin’.” Ever since he was five years old, writing rhymes had been his release. Trill teamed Webbie up with fellow “My big cousin from California taught Baton Rouge native Lil Boosie, and me how to rap,” Webbie recalls, together the two gained an impres- adding that his mother was a music sive street following with indepen- lover who often danced to her fa- dent releases like Gangsta Muzik. vorite songs. Intrigued by music that Webbie isn’t sure exactly how reflected his rough surroundings, he many albums they’ve sold indepen- started listening to “all the gangsta dently. “[I don’t know, I just know] rappers, all that shit that hits hard,” it’s a lot for niggas who ain’t got including the Geto Boys, 2Pac, Eazy a deal. I just know it’s been way E, Snoop Dogg, 8Ball & MJG, UGK, more hoes comin’ up to me than and Scarface. before,” laughs Webbie.

Webbie struggled throughout school, After creating a buzz with their un- prevented from playing his favorite derground albums, Webbie broke sports (basketball and football) be- into the mainstream in 2004 with cause of his poor grades. “I cared hot radio singles like “Gimme Dat” about school, but I used to get ex- and “Bad Bitch.” Boosie & Webbie pelled for fights. I’d have loved to were soon the hottest unsigned make all A’s, but I just never did.” His commodity in the South, attract- interests lay elsewhere. At the time, ing the attention of numerous ma- New Orleans-based powerhouses like jor record labels. Trill eventually No Limit and Cash Money were domi- signed a label deal with Asylum, the nating the urban music scene. Less independent “incubator” branch than an hour away, Baton Rouge felt of Warner Music Group. Webbie’s the impact. “We was rockin’ right upcoming debut album, the ap- with them,” says Webbie. “I was al- propriately titled Savage Life, is ready rappin’ before I heard them, expected to drop in July 2005. “Ev- but [to see them make it] made it erything I rap about is my life,” ex- start seeming more real.” plains Webbie. “It’s like ‘thug life,’ but I call it ‘Savage Life’. I don’t At age 15, Webbie found a home know what I’d be doing if I wasn’t with local indie label Trill Entertain- rapping.” WEBBIE TRILL’S WILD CHILD WORDS & PHOTO: JULIA BEVERLY

A26 OZONE JULY 2005 (01) Killer Mike relaxes, preparing for an interview before shooting the (01) The setting for the video is a bright yellow mansion in North next scene. Miami Beach, complete with a pool and hammock in the backyard. (02) Here, a video model gets her hair by a stylist in-between (02) Webbie poses for the cameras in front of the mansion with a shots. Range Rover as the backdrop. (03) Killer Mike checks in with a few friends on set while conducting (03) When Trina arrives on set, her mom is on-hand to help with business by phone. styling. (04) Killer Mike posters are used to create an interesting backdrop for (04) For Trina’s scene, she pulls up in front of the house. various TV interviews. (05) Webbie, accompanied by two “bad bitches,” checks out Trina as (05) All the males featured in the video line up to see a professional she enters the house. barber on set. (06) After lunch break, the weather takes a turn for the worse, as (06) Director Hype Williams checkin’ in with OZONE before filming the heavy rains and thunder threaten to end the shoot. next scene. (07) Regardless, filming continues in the safety of the house and (07) A make-up artist touches up a model for her close-up. patio. Webbie can’t resist getting a look at Trina’s ass. (08) Sleepy Brown on the set. (08) Out on the patio, two models await instructions for their scene. (09) Singer Scar waiting for his cameo. (09) Director Dr. Teeth checks out some angles for his next shot.

Director: Hype Williams Director: Dr. Teeth Photos: Iisha Hillmon Photos: Julia Beverly & Bogan

OZONE JULY 2005 A27

Where are you from? I’m Pimp G, from Jacksonville, Florida. I’ve been rapping since I was 13, but I really been puttin’ it down since 1996.

What do you do besides rap? I’m a rapper, but I also do promotions. I started my own promotions company, Crunk City King Promotions. Being a rapper nowadays, you have to do more than one thing to keep things going. The radio stations here in Jacksonville wouldn’t play me, so I became my own DJ and put out my own mixtapes, pushed my own stuff on the streets.

What’s the single that you’re pushing now? My new single is “I Make Big Money” with Young Cash, and “Shawty Got Some Bomb Ass Head.” I got a Daytona Spring Break DVD that I’ve been pushing too. I do DVDs, I do my own production and film my own videos.

Have the radio stations been showing you more love now? Yeah, they been showing me more love since I been doing more things on my own. They wonder how I’m doing all this stuff without going through them. And of course I promote the OZONE Magazine, because we need a magazine to represent for the South. All the other magazines up North are only talking about Jay-Z and all the hip-hop stuff, but we never had anything for us. OZONE is a blessing for the new indie rap groups down South.

Are you putting out an album? I’ve got an album finished but I’ve just been pushing my mix CD and my single, trying to catch a buzz throughout the South and get a distribution deal. Most of my tracks are produced by me and M-Geezy. I’m also working with another company called LapInc. That’s a company we formed together; it’s a group of us – Killer J and Lil’ Redd and a few other people – we all came together to make a big clique. We’re all solo artists but we’re working together.

Do you want to give any shoutouts? To all the indies, keep your head up and keep grinding. You can check me out on the website www.LapInc.org. I’m shooting a video for the song with Young Cash, so any models that want to get in the video can holla at me. Or, if anybody wants to put their car in the video, they can holla at me. I do promotions for everybody in Jacksonville, so call me at 904-536-6122. How has T.O.K. grown in the last five years? Flex: When we just came in, we wanted to have a hit so badly. Once we got the first hit, at times it sounded like we tried to mimic the first hit because we didn’t know exactly what to do. Through the years it’s become more natural for us. We’ve started experimenting more, but still keeping the same vibe. Alex: Our music has grown, and our vocal talents have matured. To some extent, our subject matter is a lot deeper. It’s not always about jumping up and down and having fun with the girls. It’s a lot more personal. Our fan base has grown and we’re now headline acts instead of just opening acts. You get a greater appreciation of the music and the hard work you’ve put in, because you see how your mu- sic affects other people. It’s a humbling ex- perience. Bay-C: I think the most important thing is that we’ve become more comfortable on-stage. We’ve grown in terms of success. At first people were skeptical, but now we’ve prov- en ourselves. We’ve also grown individually. We’ve matured, and we’re touching more top- ics that we probably would have shied away from at first just to prove that we could do Dancehall. Now that we’ve proven it, we’re thinking outside the box and touching certain topics. People can be proud to know that TOK has broadened their horizons. (l to r): Craigy-T, Alex, Flex, and Bay-C

To me, the magic of TOK is when you guys As a group, you pray before each performance. BLAZE, the band that used to play with Beenie really sing and give amazing harmonies. To How important is God to you individually? Man. Our website, www.TOKworld.com, is up, you, what is the magic? Craigy-T: To me, God has always been important and it keeps us grounded. We can listen to our Flex: We started out singing harmony, which is in my life. I’ve always believed in God, always fans through the guestbook and forums. Our al- what we know best. At the same time, some of believed in Christ. Recently, I found a new re- bum is coming out June 28th, 2005. the songs that hit for us are the ones we feel. lationship with him. I’m more secure in myself For me, that’s what makes the difference in a now and more secure in the love that he has for What’s your favorite song on the new album? TOK song. When we did “Chi Chi Man,” there me and that I have for him. I’m feeling good, Flex: “Hail Ladies.” The thing about that song, was just chemistry with the riddim and the happy, protected, loved, cared for, and guided. it’s a nice party vibe. I mean, the one-drop chorus. We knew it would be a hit based on TOK is definitely together not by choice or by thing is going on good because you have Junior the vibe. Sometimes in the studio you can arbitrary happenings; I believe we were meant Gong and a couple of other people doing it, but tell. With “When You Cry/Footprints,” Alex to sing together and deliver certain messages. too much of one thing at a time is too much had lost his brother. It was a very emotional I believe that it was by divine decree that we for people’s ears. I think that song is a party time for the group. Each person knew Gavin, were put together, because our personalities are song. Even though people want to hear mes- so it was easier for us to write about because so different. Sometimes we have major argu- sages sometimes, you have to make them enjoy it was so close to home. It’s not necessarily ments that might make it seem like it’s the end, themselves too. That’s just the perfect blend. because of the harmonies, it has more to do but the love that we have for each other and for It’s taking you back to the original TOK, but not with the vibe and where your mind is when God always brings us through that. forgetting where we are right now. you record the song and write it. Bay-C: On this album, I’d say “I Gets High.” I’m What’s the secret that keeps TOK together? biased. It was produced by Richard Browne. Big What’s everyone’s role within the group? Alex: Even though we have different ideas on song, big producer. The song is melodious and I Bay-C: Me personally, I sometimes consider how to reach our goals, we all have the same like the way we’re flowing on it. myself the quarterback of the team. I stay goals. Even though our methods may be differ- Craigy-T: “Footprints,” naturally. in the background and make sure everything ent, we’re not focused on the money or the ego, Alex: “Footprints.” runs smoothly. Flex is normally in the fore- we’re focused on the music. The thing that eases front, jumping into the crowd or climbing the problems we may have as a group is laughter. Alex, your brother was killed, and it’s im- up the stage. Alex has definitely carved out It’s the fact that we are able to have bad situa- pacted you in profound ways. What have you his niche because he has a distinctive voice. tions and then laugh at them. If you didn’t laugh, learned from such a heartbreaking experi- The girls love his voice for “Galang Gal” and you would go crazy. ence that you could share with others? “Gal You A Lead.” Craigy-T has his own flavor Bay-C: We’ve been singing for almost 13 years, Alex: It’s inevitable. Everybody has to go as well, he’s the higher of the deejays. He’s and I agree, the main thing that keeps us to- through some amount of pain and suffering at got his own flavor, from “Eagles Cry” to “One gether is actually laughter. We can laugh at each some point in their life. The best thing I can Set of Footprints.” When we started out, ev- other, there are no egos. There’s no one that’s suggest is to talk to a close friend or a family erybody would dress alike. After a while, we above or beyond the down-to-earth status that member about it, because you don’t want to kinda stayed away from that so everybody we try to keep among ourselves. We don’t take have it all bottled up inside. If you can’t get it could show their personality. Now our roles life too serious. In a stressful industry like this, out, it’ll eat away at you and probably end up have been defined. sometimes you have to keep a free spirit and let destroying you. You have to find an outlet. My go of the business to be fully creative. That’s outlet is music. That might not be for every- How do you explain the success of your basically what keeps us together, the laughter. body, but for me, it’s my therapy. My family, my new song “Footprints”? mom and my father, you have to find ways of Craigy-T: I think that song has a very im- What’s been the most significant change in the coping and dealing with it. It’s hard. It’s never portant message. Everyone needs to know group the last couple years? over and never done. It’s something you live there’s something more powerful watch- Bay-C: We’re switching it up. For the last two with the rest of your life, something you go to ing over them, and in times of need years, DJ Buddha has been our DJ on the road. your grave with. You just try your best to deal there’s somebody they can hold on to. When we’re in Jamaica, we have a mixtape guy with it. It means a lot to us, and it means a lot called CD Koffa that handles our stuff locally. We to the world. switched up bands right now. We’re working with - Rudegal

OZONE JULY 2005 A31

How did you get started in the music business? 9,000 times on the radio. Records like I played a lot of sports when I was young, and I got “Disco Inferno” and “Candy Shop” being to a pretty high level in baseball. I went away to #1. Hip-hop was built on battle raps. Beef play ball and I blew out my right knee. When I came records are glorified attention-grabbers. It’s home, I had no other options. All my life, I grew always going to be difficult when you’re try- up around hustlers and ballers, but they always ing to maintain something as big and as pow- told me, “This game ain’t for you. Do something erful as G-Unit. It’s tough to get a job done, with yourself.” I had a lot of negative influences, but beef records make it exciting. but more positive influences. I got an internship at Mercury Records. By the end of the internship, Are you ever concerned about your safety? there was 160 interns and two jobs. Myself and Jana Remember, we’re from the streets. It is what it Fleishman got the jobs. is. If you’re a ballplayer, if you’re worried about getting hurt you’re gonna end up getting hurt. Who did you work with at Mercury Records? Vanessa Williams, Black Sheep, Brian McKnight, Do you regret leaving sports for music? but I also worked with artists like Bon Jovi, Mighty No, I don’t regret it. It was God’s blessing. God Mighty Bosstones, and Def Leppard on the rock side. didn’t want me to play sports. Musically, that gave me great taste, because back then rock & roll was the shit. R&B was still “black When Violator chooses artists to manage, what music.” I was the retail marketing assistant. Then are they looking for? I became the national marketing coordinator. I was We look for work ethic; people who are willing to tracking sales at the indie retail level and making be team players. Everybody has to play their role, sure our distribution system was doing their job in stay in their lane, and deliver. We look for people merchandising. This was right before Soundscan James Cruz who are visionaries like Busta, Missy, and 50. These and BDS, so realistically, your tracking of how many are visionary artists that have changed the sound times records were getting played was based on VP of Marketing of music. They’ve gone above and beyond anything phone calls. I was the person seeing if these retail- Violator Management that’s been done before musically and entertain- ers needed extra marketing materials. We did mer- ment-wise. We’re looking for exceptional individu- chandising for in-stores and stuff like that. fen. I worked with 2Pac, Blackstreet, als. New Edition, GZA, and the Roots, and Do you think the effectiveness of indie retailers because I had the rock & roll experi- What’s a typical day like for you? has declined recently? ence I also worked with acts like Mari- Every day changes. It could be getting 50 ready for Yes, definitely. I believe the mom & pop stores are lyn Manson and No Doubt early in their his tour, getting Busta ready to do his video, talking losing ground to the big chains because they can careers. They’re impactful artists. to an Interscope A&R, getting on the phone with afford to buy more product. But there’s nothing When you first saw Gwen Stefani, it Atlantic, talking about Missy’s project, reading BDS, like a neighborhood store that’s hot. These guys was very powerful. Because I’m Latino watching Soundscan, watching videos for approval, made history as far as holding their own. You can’t and I have a background in Latin mu- reading over show contracts, looking at an advertis- find 12”s at Blockbuster or Virgin, but you can find sic, they also represented artists like ing campaign. singles and mixtapes and unreleased tapes at mom Marc Anthony, Tito Puente, and Celia & pop stores. That’s their bread & butter. A lot of Cruz. Through that, I started working As a management company, do you have to be neighborhood music stores help break regional acts. with Reebok, serving artists with pro- the bad guy sometimes to negotiate between the A lot of music industry people won’t admit that, but mo products and gear. I went to work label and the artist? I’m comfortable saying it. at Reebok as a regional marketing It’s extremely important to make sure that the art- manager. I did a lot of stuff with Allen ists’ vision is respected and acknowledged by the Do you think that the laws against mixtapes need Iverson, prior to their S. Carters. We label. You don’t just hand over a CD and say, “I hope to be revised to make it easier on indie retail had a crew called the Drop Squad, and this works.” If an artist put their dreams onto a CD, stores? these guys were responsible for urban how dare I or anybody else on the team not go 110% I don’t get into those types of conversations, be- music marketing way before any- to promote it? That means being involved in every cause there’s publishing issues and I do represent body thought about giving a rapper a single aspect of breaking that act. artists and their music. I do think that mom & pop sneaker. The whole time I was working stores should be given heavier discounts. I think the at Reebok I was trying to get Puffy a What’s your opinion on 50 Cent vs. Game? one-stops they buy from should be discounted. But sneaker deal, but it didn’t work out. It When you’re family, brothers fight. Brothers have there are credit issues. I think mom & pops should was before our time. Puff really liked disagreements. It certainly looks bad, but some- be given a line of credit so they can compete with my attitude and wanted me to work times brothers don’t talk to each other for years. I the Blockbusters & the Virgin music stores. They at Bad Boy, so I left Reebok. I went don’t get into it too much. It is what it is. Right now have gotten some breaks, but at the end of the day, to work at Bad Boy for a while, and we don’t understand it, but it will all work itself they need to be able to compete. This is a business. then it was time for me to grown on out. Everything happens for a reason. You’ve got to spend money to make money. my own. Puff told me to go learn that management shit and hold down my What are the requirements for someone to hold a What’s your job title at Violator? man Lighty at Violator. Lighty’s offer position as VP of Marketing? I’m Vice President of Marketing. I work with Busta was the lowest amount of money but First and foremost, you don’t sleep. No sleeping al- Rhymes, 50 Cent, Missy Elliott, Mobb Deep, and all the biggest opportunity. That was the lowed. Second, you’ve got to be able to communi- the other stuff we represent like Reebok and the best advice I ever got. cate with people and speak their language. I’ve got G-Unit brand. I’m involved with advertising, street to be able to hang out with a street cat, but I’ve marketing, commercials, anything to do with 50’s G-Unit is known to stir up a lot of also got to be able to talk to the President of Ree- businesses – vitamin water, G-Unit sneakers, watch- controversy. How does that affect bok. The third thing is follow-through. The last thing es, clothing. I’m involved in every aspect of mar- you working on the business side? you want to do is let an opportunity slide through keting & promotions. For the record, beef doesn’t sell re- the cracks. You need to have great energy, commu- cords. They’re for impact. You know nication, and perfect follow-through. Return every How did you end up in marketing? what sells records? Records like call, because you never know what it could lead to. I was always told that I was a born promotions “P.I.M.P.” and “21 Questions” spinning Treat people at the bottom the same as those on man with a big mouth. I left Mercury top. Be respectful of everyone’s po- and decided that to get a better sition. Enjoy what you do. Play your understanding of retail I’d have to “You need great energy, com- role. Wake up every morning willing focus on one market and micro- to learn. If you follow those simple manage. I went to Universal Dis- munication, and perfect follow- rules, it’ll guarantee you success and tribution and worked under the through... Treat people at the bot- satisfaction. Universal umbrella, which rep- resented Interscope and Gef- tom the same as those on top.” - Julia Beverly

OZONE JULY 2005 A33 Check out other indie magazines online at MAGCOALITION.com

(916) Magazine / The Yay ACE Magazine Block 2 Block Magazine Da Seen Magazine Don Diva Magazine Exposure Magazine Sacramento, CA West Palm Beach, FL Grand Prairie, TX Miami, FL New York, NY Chicago, IL www.the916.com 772-332-7979 214-597-0883 786-263-2724 www.dondivamag.com 847-366-8915 916-452-2482 acemagonline.com block2blockonline.com 877-366-3482

F.E.D.S. Magazine Frosty’s Flava Get ‘Em Magazine The Grind Magazine Grooveline Magazine Hater Magazine Tha Hole Magazine New York, NY Miami, FL Pensacola, FL Miami, FL Grambling, LA Houston, TX Huntsville, AL 212-726-1433 frostysflava.com getemmagazine.com 305-804-4188 groovelinemag.com www.hatermagazine.com 256-652-0804 [email protected] 318-803-0450 www.thahole.com

Holla Magazine HooD Magazine Iceberg Magazine Industri Magazine The Juice Magazine Murder Dog Magazine New Power Magazine Atlanta, GA Daytona Beach, FL Jacksonville, FL Houston, TX Atlanta, GA Los Angeles, CA Columbus, MS www.hollamag.com 386-235-6846 icebergmag.com www.theindustri.com 866-34-JUICE 707-553-1850 662-251-0075 770-438-0112 everythinghood.com 904-472-5711 866-309-9997 thejuicemagazine.net www.murderdog.com newpowermagazine.com

Next Level Magazine On Tha Real Magazine Owners Illustrated Mag OZONE Magazine Rude Magazine Seaspot Magazine Showcase Magazine New York, NY Austin, TX Washington, DC Orlando, FL New Orleans, LA Seattle, WA Los Angeles, CA thenextlevelmagazine.com www.onthareal.com 202-607-3629 407-447-6063 504-246-1491 206-320-SPOT 510-481-3080 ownersillustrated.com ozonemag.com darudemagazine.com seaspotmediagroup.com

Streetz Magazine Strip Joint Magazine True Magazine Urban Living Magazine Urban Pages Magazine UrbLife Magazine Xplosive Magazine Virginia Miami, FL Boston, MA Nashville, TN Charleston, SC Montgomery, AL San Francisco, CA 800-770-1078 954-447-7246 www.truemag.com 615-497-5036 [email protected] 334-799-9773 925-427-9330 www.streetzmag.com stripjointmagazine.com 617-740-7122 urbanlivingmag.com 843-747-5131 [email protected]

01: Maceo reppin’ OZONE @ Greg Street’s car show (Atlanta, GA) 02: Denise and Jaycee reppin’ OZONE @ Compound for Boyz N Da Hood’s release party (Atlanta, GA) 03: Da Sick One and Big Earl @ Icon (Orlando, FL) 04: Smilez & Southstar reppin’ OZONE @ 95.3’s car expo (Kis- simmee, FL) 05: Front-Line’s Pat Nix and Willie Fischer reppin’ OZONE @ First Fridays (Orlando, FL) 06: Rob Love and DJ Demp @ Memorial Weekend celeb bball game (Miami, FL) 07: Purple and friends @ Club Deep (Miami, FL) 08: Gucci Mane performing @ 95.3’s car expo (Kissim- mee, FL) 09: Lil Will performing the hook to “So Icy” @ Dawgman’s Crunkfest (Orlando, FL) 10: Mike Jones rack- ing up his phone bill, backstage @ Hard Rock for his MTV taping (Or- lando, FL) 11: P Diddy accepting an award @ Rap-A-Lot vs. Bad Boy celeb bball game (Houston, TX) 12: T.I. performing @ Hard Rock for his MTV taping (Orlando, FL) 13: DJ 151 and Decap @ Come Together Day (Jacksonville, FL) 14: Trina and Hoe Tes- ter on the set of “Bad Bitch” (Miami, FL) 15: Tony Yayo and DJ Nasty @ Hpnotiq (Or- lando, FL) 16: Boy Toy calendar models @ Dub car show (New Orleans, LA) 17: Tank, Pitbull, Elephant Man, Sean Paul of the YoungBloodz, and David Banner @ the Hil- ton (Jacksonville, FL) 18: Paul Wall, Bun B, and Slim Thug @ Hard Rock for Mike Jones’ MTV tap- ing (Orlando, FL) 19: Lil Boosie, Mouse, and Webbie reppin’ OZONE on the set of “Bad Bitch” (Miami, FL) 20: Freestyle Steve and Jim Jones @ Memorial Weekend celeb game (Miami, FL) 21: MC Quake, DJ Chill, and Kiotti reppin’ OZONE @ Rap- A-Lot vs. Bad Boy celeb bball game (Houston, TX)

Photo Credits: Iisha Hillmon: #01 Julia Beverly: #02,06,07,09, 10,13,14,15,17,18,19,20 Malik Abdul: #03,05,12 Darren Thomas: #04 Keadron Smith: #11,21 Marcus Jethro: #16 Spiff: #08

B8 OZONE JULY 2005

01: Marcus. and DJ Kool Kid @ Club Deep for CRUNK!!!/Oakley party (Miami, FL) 02: 112 @ Vibe’s Musicfest (At- lanta, GA) 03: DJ H-Vidal, DJ Affect, and Smitty (Tampa, FL) 04: The YoungBloodz and DJ Q45 @ Come Together Day (Jackson- ville, FL) 05: Malik Abdul and friends @ Icon (Orlando, FL) 06: Lick ‘em Low, Gary, Mellow, and Drew @ Memo- rial Weekend pool party (Orlando, FL) 07: Big E, Kaspa, and Lady T @ Compound for Boyz N Da Hood’s release party (Atlanta, GA) 08: DJ K-Ozz and D-Rock @ the Blue Room (Or- lando, FL) 09: Webbie and Trina on the set of “Bad Bitch” (Miami, FL) 10: DJ Infamous and DJ Scorpio reppin’ OZONE @ V103 (Atlanta, GA) 11: Big Karl reppin’ OZONE @ Music Mid- town (Atlanta, GA) 12: Mike Sherman and David Banner @ the Intercontinental (Miami, FL) 13: Mel reppin’ OZONE @ Rap-A-Lot vs. Bad Boy celeb bball game (Houston, TX) 14: Riskay reppin’ OZONE @ Tampa Music Conference (Tampa, FL) 15: DJ Nasty and DJ Demp @ Firestone for Dawgman’s Crunkfest (Orlando, FL) 16: Pussycat Dolls per- forming during halftime of the Memorial Week- end celeb bball game (Miami, FL) 17: Dan, Paul Wall, Gu, and Slim Thug reppin’ Algierz gear @ Hard Rock for Mike Jones’ MTV tap- ing (Orlando, FL) 18: Young Jeezy’s C.T.E. clique @ Memorial Wkend pool party (Orlando, FL) 19: Easy-E, Gene Dot Com, and Dr. Doom @ Come Together Day (Jacksonville, FL) 20: Lil Brann, Mike Jones, and International Red @ Hard Rock for Mike Jones’ MTV tap- ing (Orlando, FL) 21: Money and DJ X-Rated @ Pin-Ups (Atlanta, GA)

Photo Credits: H Vidal: #03 Iisha Hillmon: #21 Julia Beverly: #01,02,04,06,07,0 9,10,11,12,15,16,17,18,19,20 Keadron Smith: #13 Malik Abdul: #04,08,14

B10 OZONE JULY 2005 You can write to Freeky Zekey here (do not send CDs):

Ezekial Jiles #0831798 Franklin Correctional Center P.O. Box 155 Bunn, NC 27508 01: Jason Geter and L.A. from Trillville @ Compound for Boyz N Da Hood’s release party (Atlanta,GA) 02: Fidel Cashflow, Jade Foxx and friends @ AKA Lounge for Full Im- pact All-Stars show (Orlando, FL) 03: Greg Street and Coach @ V103 (Atlanta, GA) 04: Treal reppin’ OZONE @ Cen- tral Florida Networking Meeting (Orlando, FL) 05: David Banner and Bigga Rankin reppin’ Duval @ Come Together Day (Jacksonville, FL) 06: Young Stunnas @ Memo- rial Weekend celeb bball game (Miami, FL) 07: Young Noah and Mami Chula @ Compound for Boyz N Da Hood’s release party (Atlanta, GA) 08: Amerie perform- ing @ Vibe’s Musicfest (Atlanta,GA) 09: Pitbull and Jeremy @ CRUNK!!!/Oakley party (Miami, FL) 10: Jill Strada reppin’ OZONE @ 95.3’s car expo (Kissimmee, FL) 11: Baby, Steve Heg- wood, and Slim @ Hot 104.5 (New Orleans, LA) 12: Capleton and Freddie McGregor @ VP Records’ concert (Miami, FL) 13: DJ Hot Rod, Mad Linx, and Zay @ Club Envy (Savannah, GA) 14: Najah, O-Eazy, and Gina @ Icon (Orlando, FL) 15: Dinero’s got Kool Kid’s back (Miami, FL) 16: J Prince and P Diddy share a moment @ Rap-A-Lot vs. Bad Boy celeb bball game (Houston, TX) 17: Aphilliates’ DJ Sense, Matthew Verden, Don Cannon, and Or- lando McGhee @ Vibe’s Musicfest (Atlanta, GA) 18: Tony Yayo and Orlando DJs @ Hpnotiq (Orlando, FL) 19: Boyz N Da Hood and Slim Thug @ Music Midtown (Atlanta, GA) 20: Nick Cannon and Young- Blood J-Bo @ Come Together Day (Jacksonville, FL) 21: Marcus and the Boy Toy calendar models @ Hot 104 (New Orleans, LA)

Photo Credits: Darren Thomas: #10 Fidel Cashflow: #02 Julia Beverly: #01,03,05,06, 07,08,09,15,17,18,19,20 Keadron Smith: #16 Malik Abdul: #04,12,14 Marcus Jethro: #11,21 Nikki Kancey: #13

B12 OZONE JULY 2005 What are your interests outside the studio? Mike (of 112): The things I’m pursuing outside of 112 are acting and a restaurant in Miami I’m part owner of, along with Dre and Big Boi from Outkast. My real pursuit is to be in Hol- lywood. I know it’s real cliché for artists to try their hand at acting, but I actually wanted to act before I started singing. I’m a fan of acting and how people can transform from one person to another. It’s always amazed me how you can go from being a killer to being a handicapped patient when you’re an actor.

What acting roles have you taken on so far? The only acting I’ve done so far is with the group. We did something for Moesha, and I play the lead role in our next video, “What If.” I’m the guy coming home from work, the corporate America type of guy. My girl comes outside with a number in her hand and there’s a brawl. She’s raising all kinds of hell outside and I’m trying to get in the house. She throws her ring at me, kicks my bag, jumps in the car, and takes off. I go after her, and she goes down a one-way street and gets in an acci- dent. She dies in the video. It’s a lot of emo- tion and theatrical aspects to the video. It’s much different than what 112 is accustomed to. When you’re starting off in acting, it’s good to let people see you in a different light. The Fat Cats came up with the concept. As a unit, we said the video had to be something different. When people think of 112, they’re Boy is a boutique label, smaller and more fam- you do that, they’ll forget you. thinking we’re gonna dance our way out of it, ily-based, while Def Jam is a conglomerate, a and that wasn’t what we’re trying to do. This big machine. Def Jam has all the money, all the Who wrote most of the album? is our fifth album, and it’s time to start chang- numbers, all the contacts, but it’s kinda robotic. Most of it came from the group and some of it ing up. We told Def Jam and Fat Cats that we They make things happen quicker but they’re came from Sean Garrett. He did a lot of records need a different look for 112. We need to play not interested in you as a person. They throw all for Usher, Destiny’s Child, and Fantasia. But the roles in this video. The only way people will their artists out and whatever sticks, they put majority of it came from the group. Who bet- see us in a different light is if we give them a money behind it. ter to tell 112’s story than 112? Everything we different light. They wanted to give the lead wrote about has affected at least one of us in role to another actor, but we were like, why Are you happy with this album in terms of some way. It’s about experience. do that when you have guys in the group who units moved? want to pursue acting? We all auditioned for Absolutely. Just with this first single we’re certi- You’ve got features from T.I., Jermaine Du- the lead role and I won. It’s sort of a short fied gold already. That’s amazing in and of itself, pri, and Three 6 Mafia. Was there anyone in film/music video. because most people don’t get a second oppor- particular you enjoyed working with? tunity to go out there and get to the level where Because of the scheduling, we really didn’t Were there disputes within the group after they used to be. Could it be better? Absolutely, have a chance to sit and vibe with them. We your last album? but we’ll take gold off the first single for now. knew T.I. just from Atlanta, we were fans of Our fourth album had mediocre success. Ev- Three 6 Mafia’s music, and working with JD we eryone knows it, even 112. We weren’t fo- Aside from your in-house producer, who else just asked him to put a sixteen on the album. cused. It wasn’t disputes within the group, did you work with on the album? But we didn’t actually have the opportunity to but here’s what happened: when we got out Jermaine Dupri was one of them. Working with sit in the studio with them. Sometimes it’s bet- of our production deal with Bad Boy and got him, I was just impressed. It was all him. He ac- ter that way. with Def Jam, they gave us a ton of money tually sung to us, and he sings well enough so and we didn’t know what we were doing with we can understand where he’s coming from. Are there any solo or side projects coming up it. We basically went out and had a good time When we were on Bad Boy, Puffy wouldn’t re- for the members of 112? and lost focus of what was important and ally be one-on-one putting the tracks together, There’s always going to be a 112, but what what made 112 so special. The reason our first but he’d tell us how it needed to be done. We makes us so unique is the exact same thing that three albums worked was because we were so just assumed it was like that with Jermaine, doesn’t let us work on the business end. The tedious. On the fourth album, we got a little but it wasn’t. I’ve got a new level of respect reason 112 is so unique is because we’re all so lax. We still had a fan base but it wasn’t the for him. We also worked with Delight on “What different. But when it comes to business, as an same caliber as our previous albums, so we If.” Initially we didn’t like him, because he came artist you have to act as a unit. For us, it’s hard really started looking at ourselves. We knew off kinda arrogant and brash, but the more we to come up with a plan of action. As a corpora- it was our fault, so we decided to fix things. worked with him we started to respect him. In tion, we have a lot of work to do. We’re just We decided to get focused. We took any piece the end, it was an incredible record. We also focused on the group. of negative press and taped it on the wall so worked with Mario Winans. He’s like family to us. we could see it and get our focus back, and We’ve known him since ’93 when he was working What’s the group dynamic like now that then we went back in the studio. Daron’s with Dallas Austin. you’re back on tour? got a studio in his house, so we started re- We’re right back where we were at the begin- cording for Pleasure and Pain even before What do you think of the some of the newer ning, just being a fan favorite. People love to we got the budget. “You Already Know” singers that are out today? see us perform and they really just interact and “What If” were among the first two I think they’re hot. I think they’re necessary with us. It’s night and day from the fourth al- records we did, and from there, we just because R&B is making its way back into the bum. This album reminds me of the grind, the tried to top the last record. forefront of music. I feel like the John Legends energy and the love for the music that we have. and Anthony Hamiltons are definitely necessary. There’s no greater group of guys I’d rather sing What are the differences between We’re not as mainstream as a Destiny’s Child or with. Bad Boy and Def Jam? Usher, but we’re necessary. They teach us that One of the differences is that Bad you can’t forget your roots, because the minute - Rohit Loomba (photo: Roger Erickson)

OZONE JULY 2005 B13 01: Slim Goodye and Rich Boy @ Icon (Orlando, FL) 02: Gutta Boys and the Get Back Boys @ Tropical Magic (Orlando, FL) 03: Tanisha and Teddy T @ Fire- stone for Dawgman’s Crunkfest (Orlando, FL) 04: DJ Chill and X-Trct reppin’ OZONE @ Rap-A-Lot vs. Bad Boy celeb bball game (Houston, TX) 05: Video models on the set of DMX’s new video (Miami, FL) 06: Mert @ First Fridays (Or- lando, FL) 07: Obie and Lil Shawn reppin’ OZONE @ 95.3’s car expo (Kissimmee, FL) 08: Jeremy and Scott @ Club Deep for CRUNK!!!/ Oakley party (Miami, FL) 09: Comedian Benji Brown getting dragged out of the Memorial Weekend celeb bball game in cuffs. Joke or not? We’ll never know (MIami, FL) 10: Letoya Luckett rep- pin’ OZONE @ Rap-A-Lot vs. Bad Boy celeb bball game (Houston, TX) 11: Big Earl reppin’ Big Pun (Orlando, FL) 12: Video models read- ing OZONE on the set of Webbie’s “Bad Bitch” (Miami, FL) 13: Kunsistent-C and Shoeb @ Come Together Day (Jackson- ville, FL) 14: Shawn Prez and Kaspa @ Boyz N Da Hood’s release party (Atlanta, GA) 15: Greg G and friends @ Icon (Orlando, FL) 16: Lil’ Brann, Mike Jones, Lotto, Slim Thug, and friends read- ing OZONE @ Hard Rock (Orlando, FL) 17: Bigga Rankin, Kaspa, Dawgman, J-Baby, Shoeb, and friends rep- pin’ OZONE @ Firestone for Dawgman’s Crunkfest (Orlando, FL) 18: Crime Mob and Shawty reppin’ OZONE on the set of P$C’s “I’m The King” (Atlanta, GA) 19: Paul Wall, Bun B, Joie Manda, and Gu @ Hard Rock (Orlando, FL) 20: Mike and Real @ Com- pound for Boyz N Da Hood’s release party (Atlanta, GA) 21: Assassin and Mighty Samson @ Come Together Day (Jacksonville, FL)

Photo Credits: Bogan: #05,12 Darren Thomas: #07 Iisha Hillmon: #18 Julia Beverly: #03,08,09,13, 14,16,17,10,20,21 Keadron Smith: #04,10 Malik Abdul: #01,06,11,15

B14 OZONE JULY 2005 Most people know you as DJ Smurf, but lately Where did the Ying Yang Twins’ persona come ists when we’re not thinking about you’ve been going by “Mr. Collipark.” Why from? Did you develop that? selling records. Kane, as an artist, the name change? It was a combination of things. They’ve always was real frustrated that he doesn’t It’s just the brand now. It’s time to brand the been wild. If anything, I just molded it and pro- get that respect as an MC. That shit has whole thing. Even as “DJ Smurf” I always had vided direction. Back then I really didn’t know always fucked with him. I think it got to Collipark Music, so it’s like, I am Collipark Mu- what I was doing, but I guess I molded a career the point where it would have hindered sic. It’s just like a Mike Jones promotion. It’s for both of them without even knowing it. We the success to keep smothering that side just branding myself. I’m from College Park, were just doing what we had to do to sell re- of the group. There’s still a long way for us Georgia, of course, and that’s the way we ac- cords. We didn’t have videos, radio promotions to go, but you’ll see. tually say it. teams, all that shit. Whatever we had to do to make people remember us. I think we did it for Do you think this new “intimate club mu- You’re the owner of Collipark Music? What too long, acting crazy and saying “HANH!” and sic” that you introduced with “Wait” will artists are signed to the label? all that. It was all part of the marketing plan. inspire a new genre as big as, for example, Yep. The Ying Yang Twins, Homebwoi, and Screw music or crunk music? Kadallack Boys are the artists signed to the la- If people sat down and had a real conversa- I hope it does, but because the subject matter bel. Homebwoi also has a production deal with tion with the Ying Yang Twins, do you think is so taboo, you never know. I’ve got another the label, and we have other producers like they’d be shocked? one on Juvenile’s album called “Lingerie.” I Jevor, Tom Slick, and Midnight Black. Homeb- I think Kane more so than D-Roc. D-Roc has al- don’t know how big it’s gonna get, I just know woi is a talent you don’t find too often. I’m not ways had aspirations of being a businessman. I’m happy to be a part of something that’s dif- trying to recreate what I did with Ying Yang, He gets in a mode where he’s really on point ferent and original. That’s always my goal. I but my goal is to bring refreshing music to the with his business. I compare Kane to George think the success of David Banner’s “Play” re- game. Kadallack is on some street shit. Homeb- Clinton as far as being an artist. He’s so talent- cord is gonna help determine the future of in- woi is gonna be an artist that really makes his ed and so deep and so musical when you check timate club music. If Banner’s record succeeds mark as being something special in the game, him outside the Ying Yang shit. A lot of people at a certain level, it’s definitely gonna be a mark my words. are really thrown when they find out the depth big thing that’s gonna be around for a while. he has. D-Roc is almost always in character, so The rest of this shit is so stale, man. Come on. Did you start in the game as a DJ? I don’t think too many people see the serious Songs like “Wait” and “Pull My Hair” and “Play” Yeah, I started DJing for MC Shy D back in 1990. side of him. He’s usually acting out in public. are refreshing. I used to play the trumpet in the band, so I was always interested in anything to do with There’s rumors that artists are not happy What singles have you produced that people music. This was back when Run-DMC was just at TVT because of financial issues. Is that a would know you from? coming out. The rap scene was just starting. I problem you’re having? All the Ying Yang Twins singles except “Salt went from DJing, to producing, to rapping, to I’ve been with a lot of different distributors, Shaker.” I also did the three singles B.G. has becoming the CEO of the company. When I got so I know that even if I’m pissed off at TVT put out through Koch, including “Hottest Of with MC Shy D, he went to jail. This was during and go over to Interscope or something, in the The Hot,” “I Want It,” and “Where They At,” the time he was suing Luke. He got locked up beginning I might be happy but ultimately it’ll which was originally Homebwoi’s song. for a year for aggravated assault, and when he come down to the same shit. Whenever you sell came out he did the deal with Ichiban. I pro- a lot of records, the label is gonna try to find Would you like to give out any contact info? duced about 75% of his album on Ichiban, The a way to justify not paying you a lump sum of Log on to www.colliparkmusic.com or for pro- Comeback. That was my introduction. I would money. You just have to stay creative and keep duction call 678-545-1365. fuck around, but I wasn’t serious about rap- the demand for what you do at a high level at ping. I dropped a record called “Lord Of This” the label so they’ll respect you. That’s the only which I submitted to an Ichiban compilation, way I get paid. I know that wherever I go it’s and they gave me a deal through it. gonna be problems, so I try not to let those problems overshadow what I have to do as a A lot of producers started out as DJs. company or as a CEO. I don’t let these compa- It’s just a natural progression. Producing ain’t nies throw wool over my eyes. I only want what nothin’ but mixing. I wasn’t playing keyboards, I’ve earned, but when I earn it, I want it. I was just sampling and mixing records in the drum machine. As you get more into it, you Most of the music that’s come out of Collipark start studying and taking the art form seriously. is strip club music. Is it correct to assume that I learned how to fuck around on the keyboard you guys just love strippers, or is it more of a and started buying new toys to play with. gimmick to sell records? It’s just easy for us. There’s real musicians and What role have you played in the Ying Yang real artists within our camp, that’s what’s so Twins’ success? dope about us. We could do that shit in our D-Roc was always a solo artist, and he ran sleep. It’s stupid to possess the talent for with a crew. Kane was one of the guys that something and not do it. We’re platinum. I would be with them. They all rapped. D-Roc know people who can make records about had come into the studio to do a record with serious shit or whatever they choose to write me and brought Kane with him. They weren’t about, but they can’t even sell 100,000 units. a group at the time, but the song was so hot I That’s what we chose to do at the time to put told them it was magic. After that song was on ourselves out there, and the impact was so big my So Crunk album through Ichiban, they came and so strong. Being indie, I didn’t want to take up with the name Ying Yang Twins. I don’t think a chance on any other type of music when we the were seriously considering it a group; it was were so successful making songs for the strip just something to call themselves at the time. clubs. We’ve got people’s attention now so I hooked up with Searcy and them and did the they give us a chance. So So Def Bass All Stars Vol. 3, and that’s when I signed them. Raheem the Dream re- When you recorded “Wait” did you antici- ally made me get serious with it, because he pate it becoming as huge as it is? was a bass artist who reinvented himself. No. We never planned on putting out “Wait” I was like, if he can do it, I can do it. I as a single, but it got leaked out and it opened always felt like I was more of a musician the door for us. I actually did it at first for a than most bass artists. I actually studied DJ Smallz mixtape. I always liked the record, rap. I was listening to hip-hop records but I never thought it would pick up like this. I back when it wasn’t popular in Atlanta. never took the shit that seriously. That was just Musically, I was always there, but I had us doing what we do. We’ve got music that’s to play catch up on the CEO side. never been put out – it’s just shit we do as art- 01: Gucci Mane reppin’ OZONE (Jack- sonville, FL) 02: Gil Green and DMX on the set of his new video (Miami, FL) 03: DJ DX7 and Dirtbag reppin’ OZONE (Miami, FL) 04: Boosie and Webbie and video models on the set of “Bad Bitch” (Miami, FL) 05: Joe Budden and Victor reppin’ OZONE @ Memorial Weekend celeb bball game (Miami, FL) 06: X and video models rep- pin’ OZONE on the set of DMX’s new video (Miami, FL) 07: Nero and Tom G @ 105.5 The Beat’s Crunkfest (Ft. Myers, FL) 08: Lauren Johnson and Greg G @ Zinc Bar (Or- lando, FL) 09: Swizz Beatz read- ing OZONE on the set of DMX’s new video (Miami, FL) 10: America’s Next Top Model Tiffany and Bill Will @ Coco’s Lounge (Miami, FL) 11: Bulletproof cheer- leaders reppin’ OZONE @ their Memorial Week- end celeb bball game (Miami, FL) 12: Paul and friends @ Icon’s foam party (Orlando, FL) 13: Trina and J Lash share a moment on the set of Webbie’s “Bad Bitch” (Miami, FL) 14: Master P and Kunsistent-C @ Come Together Day (Jackson- ville, FL) 15: Young Cash, T-Pain, and Pimp G reppin’ OZONE @ the Hilton (Jacksonville, FL) 16: Swizz Beatz and DJ Khaled on the set of DMX’s new video (Miami, FL) 17: Webbie and some bad bitches on the set of his video for “Bad Bitch” (Miami, FL) 18: Smitty and Larry Dogg @ Memorial Weekend ce- leb bball game (Miami, FL) 19: Swizz Beatz, X, and Scott Storch on the set of DMX’s new video (Miami, FL) 20: Ja Rule and Lloyd on South Beach (Miami, FL) 21: The ladies of Crime Mob and Shoeb @ Come Together Day (Jacksonville, FL)

Photo Credits: Bogan: #02,03,04,05,06,09, 10,11,13,16,17,19,20 Greg G: #08,12 Julia Beverly: #18 Pat Pat: #07 Pimp G: #01,15 Shoeb Malik: #14,21

B16 OZONE JULY 2005 You’re born and raised in Boston, huh? Bos- Where are you currently on the air? Ran was asking everybody to be quiet, ton isn’t exactly known for hip-hop. How did I’m still syndicated, and I also do Hot 97 in so I was being as quiet as possible. You you get interested in music? Boston, Hot 93 in Connecticut, 100.3 The Beat know, Ran always wants to look like I have no clue what got me interested in music. in North Carolina, Pittsburg, Baltimore, K103 the big guy, so he wanted to show off There was nobody around me that was doing it, The Monster in Montreal, Canada, and I also do in front of people. He was just frustrat- it wasn’t the cool thing to do, there were no in- Shade 45 every week in New York. ed that his shit was so unorganized and fluences. On the radio stations back then they people weren’t adhering to his requests used to do crazy seven-minute long mixes of You don’t really fit the typical image of a hip- to be quiet. songs. You’d only hear them on specialty shows hop DJ. Is that ever an issue, as far as people on the pop station. When I was about ten years taking you seriously? I heard you might be taking Green Lan- old, I started trying to emulate those remixes. I Most people that I meet have heard of Clinton tern’s former position at Shady Records? had a dual cassette deck. I’d hit pause, rewind Sparks, so they’re like, “Aw, I didn’t know you No, no, I’m not replacing Green Lantern. He’s a little bit, spin it back, and record. I wanted were white!” I hear that all the time. Actually an incredible talent. Me and Eminem just did to manipulate the song to do what I wanted it it just happened earlier today when I was com- the official Anger Management tour CD. The en- to do. My mother had this little stereo I’d use ing up here to Sirius Radio. One of the security tire CD is all exclusive stuff: Mobb Deep, Emi- in place of a crossfader. That’s how I taught guards overheard someone say my name, and he nem, M.O.P., David Banner, the Clipse, Kardinal myself to DJ. In Boston there wasn’t anything was like, “You’re Clinton Sparks? I didn’t know Offishal, Juelz Santana, Talib Kweli, everybody. going on like that at the time. A couple years you were white.” But, overall, race has nothing The situation with Green Lantern leaving Shady later, Yo! MTV Raps came into play, and I started to do with it. Good music is good music. was unfortunate, but Green will be alright. getting influenced by people like Jazzy Jeff. He’s a talented dude. It’s not like he’s down You’re one of the few DJs who openly talks for the count. You can’t expect a DJ not to play When did you start making money as a DJ? about your wife and kids. Is it hard to main- all types of music, cause that’s his job, but at My goal was never to be a DJ. I really wanted tain a family life within the music business? the same time when you’re down with a crew to be a producer. I used to rob houses when I It’s not hard, because to me, maintaining is be- you’ve got to be sensitive to their situations. was 12 or 13; that’s how I got the money to buy ing faithful and coming home to them and work- my first set of turntables. I had the turntables ing for them. I don’t drink and I don’t chase ass. What other projects are you working on? set up and the older kids would come over and The only thing that sucks is that I’m gone so Me and my partner Daoda are creating our own rap. I befriended local radio station DJs and much. Whenever I have the opportunity, I bring radio syndication company. I just did a deal they started playing my songs on the radio. them with me. My goal in life isn’t to make with Def Jam Mobile to create scratch tones. The DJs would tell their friends at the label, money to buy jewelry and floss in front of peo- It’s custom made ringtones. For example, if “My friend Clinton, he makes awesome beats,” ple, my goal is to make sure my family is stable. you get a private incoming call, you can have and they’d be like, “Yeah, whatever. Just play So, if they’re not with me, what’s the point? Biggie saying, “Who the hell is this?” Or, if your our record.” I was like, damn, what can I do baby mama calls, I cut up different records to to make people interested in me? I wasn’t try- Is the “Get Familiar” catchphrase a way of create a ringtone that goes, “Uh oh! It’s my ing to pursue radio, but I figured I’d have to branding yourself as a DJ? baby mama.” You can go to DefJamMobile. become somebody important for them to listen It’s very essential to marketing. Everybody says, com to download scratchtones. We’ve also got to me. I found out about a company called Su- “Yo, ya heard?” and “Feel me?”, all those cliché MixUnit.com, the biggest urban lifestyle web- per Radio, a syndication company that used to lines. I started jotting down ideas and came up site. I’m working on a reality TV program and a run their mixes on the local station. I literally with “Get familiar.” I just took a regular phrase hip-hop children’s television program. C Sparks harassed them for a year. They kept telling me, and tried to associate it with myself. clothing will be out next month. I didn’t want “We have a mixer. No, we don’t pay him. We’re to do a clothing line, cause everybody does happy. Don’t call anymore, we don’t know who What DJ crews are you affiliated with? that and it’s kinda cheesy, but this company you are.” I put together a mix and found out I’m cool with everybody: CORE DJs, Pitbulls, just gave me such incredible designs I had to where they were located. I just showed up one Heavy Hitters. It’s not about the crew, it’s about do it. It’s representing the b-boy thing, which is day. When I introduced myself I could tell the the individual. I respect everybody. If I can do huge overseas. One of the designs is a baseball guy was thinking, Oh, great, this fuckin’ guy. I anything to help an individual and/or their or- v-neck shirt with “B-Boy” across the front in was like, “Look, give me five minutes of your ganization, I’ll do it. I feel honored when people the Boston Red Sox’ font. It’s dope. I’m work- time. Either you’re gonna find a champion by embrace me as part of their organization. ing on my own album which is gonna come out accident or I’ll never bother you again. You’ve next year through Koch. I did all the production got nothing to lose.” The guy had me waiting DJ Ran kinda called you out and disrespected and it features Slim Thug, Busta Rhymes, the in the lobby for at least three hours. When he you in front of everybody at the last Tech.Ni- Diplomats, Talib Kweli, Common, Mike Jones, came back out, he was leaving. I guess he for- tions conference. Paul Wall, Kardinal Offishal. got I was there. He popped in my CD, and was Ran was a dick for doing that. If I had heard like, “This is you?!?” He asked me if I could start him, it woulda been a bigger situation inside Damn. Is there anything you don’t do? in two weeks. That was my very first DJ gig. I that venue. When he found out that I knew, I’m always trying to stay busy. If I’m not doing was about 20 years old, and a had a syndicated he called and apologized up and down for a something I feel inadequate, like, what’s the show reaching ten cities. A few years later an half hour. It’s not like he sonned me and I just point of being alive? It’s a problem that I have. urban station opened up in Boston. At the time backed down. I was in the back of the venue It’s almost to the point where I have to seek I was on the morning show on a different trying to leave, and people were stopping and help for it. Even my wife tells me I’m doing too station, doing skits and dumb shit. I was talking to me. What am I gonna say, “Fuck you”? much. I never say “No.” always tryin’ to get on as a mixer, so I ended up going to Hot 97 once the opportunity came. Then another station opened up in Connecticut, which wasn’t too far away, and a friend of mine knew the PD so he cosigned for me and my CD was on the top of the pile.

OZONE JULY 2005 B17 I hear you’re in a feisty mood to- day. Yeah, I’m in a saucy mood right now. I’m feelin’ myself right now. I ain’t masturbating, though.

That’s good to know. So since you’re in a saucy mood, tell me why Z-Ro is the greatest rapper of all time. Shit, you know. I can’t tell you that it’s because I bring the real. I can’t tell you it’s because I’m a ghetto preacher, because that’s everybody’s story. It’s just because when I start my shit off, I finish it. I ain’t gonna jump from shit to shit without con- cluding the first shit. I ain’t gonna open the door before I close the last one. I give muth- afuckers the complete shit.

Did you come into the game through DJ Screw? I really started doing this shit on my own, back when a muthafucker had to pay to open up for somebody. I had a clique called the Boomerang Clique. This was back when art- ists like Too Short, 2 Live Crew, and Bone Thugs & Harmony were comin’ through. Back when that shit was crunk. When I met Screw, I was already puttin’ it down. He was a real- ass cat. He put me where I needed to be. He was definitely one of the reasons why Z-Ro popped off. all the bullshit that’s been going around, let me shit is radio-friendly and some shit ain’t. Maybe I When Screw passed, how did it affect you tell you this. Codeine, man, that’s a downer. could cuss on this interview with OZONE, but shit, personally? That’s that shit that’ll put you to sleep and shit. if I’m fuckin’ with that dude on MTV, I can’t say Man, he was a friend. I was like, “Fuck rap.” When they did the autopsy, what they found in “damn” or “shit” or none of that shit. A nigga like My partner is dead, my friend is dead. I ain’t the codeine sample was some ice. That’s some me, I’m not gonna check my language to please even wanna do this shit no more, to tell you ol’ white boy speed type shit. That’s an up- the next muthafucker. I’m gonna keep my shit the truth. These bitch-ass niggas down here per. Somebody slipped something in my nigga’s gutta. That’s why you can’t send Z-Ro to award are so selfish. Selfish-ass CEOs with short drink. Only a bitch-ass muthafucker would do shows, because on my way up to shake Magic arms and deep pockets. Muthafuckers don’t some shit like that. A stand-up cat is gonna mur- Johnson’s hand, I’m gonna stop and slap the shit wanna break bread. Screw was like a con- der a nigga to his face. Whoever did that was a out of your favorite rapper. That’s why I’m not fidant in hard times. He showed me it was muthafuckin’ coward, but it musta been some- up there on the stage. But can’t nobody with a gonna be alright. That shit actually shut body close to us cause Screw didn’t fuck with deal right now see Z-Ro. They can’t see me on me down for a long-ass time. That shit just too many cats. Somebody slipped something in the streets, and they can’t see me with a fuckin’ hurt. I couldn’t do music for months. Fuck my man’s drank that made his heart blow up mic neither. These niggas with deals know they a sound room, fuck a microphone. I was on from the inside. So, I mean, I’m drankin’ now can not fuck with Joseph McVey. The only thing some straight ridin’ shit. That’s when that while I’m doin’ this muthafuckin’ interview. that’s different is that they’re dressing up the im- gang shit really took an influence in my life. Ain’t nobody tapped my muthafuckin’ drank. age of a dope dealer and packaging that shit and I always been Crippin’ but shit, I was just making that shit look good for corporate America representing for the hood. When Screw went What’s the benefits of sippin’ lean? to buy it. Me, I ain’t gonna kiss nobody’s ass for in the box, I really got Crip crazy and mutha- For a dude like me, I been doing this shit for a no commercial play, cause the niggas down in the fuckers really started gettin’ it. while, so I don’t even feel the lean off that shit bottom buy my shit. There’s a ghetto everywhere, no more. I don’t drink heavy now. Back in the and them ghettos support Z-Ro. I been driving the What inspired you to come back to music day it was custom for you to show up at Screw’s same cars these niggas be driving on TV, and after after that? house with eight ounces or a pint and do a dub. the video shoot I don’t have to give it back. It’s real, real, real hard to stop doing some- That was all your favorite songs slowed up on thing when everybody else around you is the tape plus a freestyle from your favorite art- How many copies did your last album sell? lovin’ you when you do it. I don’t give a ist from H-Town or the surrounding areas. I used I don’t check that shit. Z-Ro pays attention to damn if I’m pleasing the people next door or to put a pint of that shit in a two-liter and not show money, cause that’s the money, period. I not, but as I’m getting older and older, you share with nobody. Now I drank probably like don’t give a fuck what your rap label is giving you; know, that grown man shit catches up with two ounces in a twenty ounce. it ain’t gonna see your show money unless you you. You’ve got responsibilities. You’ve got just a lazy-ass nigga. rents and mortgages and car notes and shit. Does it relax you, help you to chill out? It’s either keep on with the penitentiary It’ll have the effect of a Xanax or some shit. Your album is doing very well in Texas, but do chances out here doing that shit, or stick to Just don’t go driving. If you drink a whole pint you think that outside of Texas you’re being something that’s gonna keep me free a little and go driving, you fuckin’ with your life. I slept on because it’s not promoted on a main- bit longer. I had to get my focus together and don’t know, I mean, I wouldn’t tell nobody to stream level? really buckle down so I could have a chance drank the shit, but everything we do nowadays As far as promotion it could be a little better, but at having a life out here. kills us in the end. I wouldn’t be biggin’ up the for the most part, it’s good. As far as going to cit- shit, though, I wouldn’t be tellin’ other people ies and shit, we do our traveling thing and then People say that Screw died from a codeine to sip drank. come the fuck back to the crib. I do me. I don’t overdose. When he passed, did you stop cater to what other muthafuckers want. If I was sipping as heavily? Did it change people’s There’s a lot of Houston artists blowing up on to change up anyway then I wouldn’t be Z-Ro attitudes about the drug? the national scene. Is there any sense of jeal- no more. We just do that gangsta real-life Obviously, to a person outside that didn’t re- ousy that you aren’t really recognized yet on grown man music. ally know what was going on, if they’re smart a mainstream level? they would be like “Damn, if that killed Nah, it’s not that at all. I understand totally Outside of rap, what kind of music has dude, let me stop using.” But just to clarify what’s going on right now. It’s just that some inspired you?

B18 OZONE JULY 2005 I just like music period. I listen to a lot of gos- everybody else in the hood. I ain’t livin’ like being fake or something, but he ain’t pel music. I fuck with rock & roll every now and the muthafuckers from How I’m Living, but I place no nametag on his shit. When then, but mostly I listen to religious music. ain’t in the hood no more. I understand why you just throw something out there and I’m not on the next plateau and I’m cool with don’t place a nametag on it, there’s It seems like you’ve got a problem with a lot that. Suge Knight and Death Row was the best gonna be a whole lotta muthafuckers who of rappers. example of muthafuckers bein’ like, we ain’t hear that shit and think you talkin’ ‘bout Shit, I ain’t got a problem with nobody. I mean, gotta dress up shit to get rich. Suge Knight is them. So, you know, the nigga Flip threw aside from me always boosting DJ Screw cause gonna slap muthafuckers. He got a whole lotta a rock out there and the nigga Slim thought the bitch-ass nigga Watts ain’t do it. I ain’t cuss words for the camera. They gonna have to he was talking about him. And I’ll tell you beefin’ with him, though, I just think he’s a bleep out the cuss words, and they gonna have on the cool right now, I ain’t gonna tell you bitch-ass nigga. And he knows that I think he’s to blur out the ass-whuppin’ from the video. I who he was talkin’ ‘bout. I’ll let Flip tell you a bitch-ass nigga. When I see him in public he know if Suge and Pac could do that shit, I don’t that. But I will tell you that he was not talking walks by me, but I’m not beefin’ with him. If have to change to make it. If I stay at this level, about Slim Thug. That’s real talk right there. I was beefin’ with him I woulda shot him up I’m cool, cause I’ve got a following. Them Z-Ro He wasn’t talking about Slim on the song, but like six months ago. I deal with niggas as they fans are some faithful-ass fans. If I go out to- you know, Slim responded. It’s cool to play and come. night, I’m cool with my 16 records. all, but I guarantee niggas don’t want me up in they head. When I interviewed Watts a few months ago It anger a necessity for you as an artist? Like, we discussed Screw music, and he gave Screw when you’re mad, does it inspire you to go in Well, it seems like you have issues with a lot credit for creating the genre. He didn’t say the booth and just let loose? of artists in Houston. Is there anyone with a anything that seemed to be disrespectful to- To tell you the truth, I have more problems major deal that you do feel is representing wards Screw. Do you think it’s possible that in every day life with hood niggas. Rap niggas the city properly? you misunderstood something he said or took don’t fuck with me. Them hoes are fake are Everybody I come across says that [Lil] Flip is it out of content? something. I don’t never get into it with a rap representing us wrong. But the thing is, every- Nah. Of course Watts paid homage to Screw in nigga, cause a rap nigga knows I’m gonna beat body who says that shit is a rapper who’s broke your interview because he knows I’m in his ass his bitch-ass up. My beefs be with niggas in the and don’t nobody know shit about them. So like a G-string. He’s not gonna say disrespectful trap and shit, or Blood niggas and Crip niggas. yeah, I’m gonna say that my man Flip is holding shit on TV and in the muthafuckin’ magazines My shit is on some street shit. Sometimes the that shit down how the fuck it’s supposed to go now because he’s watching his ass. A bitch-ass proper way to vent that shit out is whupping down. He doing what the fuck he supposed to nigga will always bow down if he knows he that microphone’s ass one or two good times. be doing. He fuckin’ with Sqad Up and a whole can’t beat you. It’s either ride with you or get I ain’t had to do too many beef songs, though. lot of local niggas. Flip is fuckin’ with Houston. stomped the fuck out. Right now, Watts knows When you ride on one nigga the right way, they He from Houston. He ain’t flyin’ everywhere he’s wrong, and Mike Jones knows he’s wrong all fall in line. I don’t need no beef. else, tryin’ to give a nigga from Timbuktu a for making little bullshit-ass deal. He fuckin’ with Cloverland. statements like Screw ain’t never Niggas were shittin’ on him back exist on this muthafuckin’ earth. “Codeine is a downer...When they did the then because he didn’t have shit, Like I said, Screw was my partna autopsy [on DJ Screw] they found ice, some but now that he’s got shit every- beyond some music shit. Anytime ol’ white boy speed type shit. That’s an up- body thinks he owes them some- a muthafucker slows some shit thing. Dude is a family man. He’s down and calls it Screwed and per. Somebody slipped something in my raising his family but he’ll still put chopped, I tell them, “Bitch, that nigga’s drink. Only a bitch-ass muthafuck- his G suit on and go out on the shit is slowed down and chopped.” er would do some shit like that. A stand-up streets and do it like he supposed That’s all I’m sayin’. That’s why to do it. So, I’m gonna say Flip is a muthafucker is gonna jump on cat is gonna murder a nigga to his face.” holdin’ it down. Dude is at home TV and say “Big ups to DJ Screw,” right now doin’ homework with his because he knows the Screwed Up Clique is There’s another rapper out of Texas who’s daughter. That’s real. watching his bitch-ass. been sending some little sideways remarks at you. What’s your response to that? What can we expect from your new project If you’re not willing to compromise to reach a I don’t even know who you’re talking about. with Trae? more mainstream audience, does that mean You can expect a whole lot of pain-driven shit. you’re not concerned with mainstream suc- I didn’t wanna say names, but I heard that I ain’t gonna lie, this album here, there’s a cess? Do you want to be on TV and touring Slim Thug recently referred to you as “some whole lotta things poppin’ on this muthafucker. the world? dude named Z-Ro.” There’s a whole lot of nametags and a whole I mean, who wouldn’t want to be on TV and Oh, yeah, yeah, I remember that. Well, shit, lot of drama on this bitch. It’s also a whole lot- touring the world? But it’s all about under- if he can say that shit to my face then it’s on. ta laid-back shit on this album too. It’s gonna standing who I am as an artist. Artists, espe- I ain’t gonna lie, you can run your mouth for be a grown man album. We got tracks produced cially good artists, are faced with this situation twenty years but don’t put your hands on me, by Trae and I, a whole lot of in-house shit. every single day. This shit gets old. All the clubs because I will come to your block and bitch in Texas, Louisiana, and the surrounding areas, slap you, no matter how short or tall you is. What other projects do you have out right I know their club employees’ names by heart I’m gonna put it dead on your bitch ass with- now? You just did a mixtape with Lil Flip, because I’ve done so many shows there. The out no help. It’s a reason if I’m coming for you. right? average nigga, especially if he’s a good artist, No matter who you may be, or who you may Yeah, there’s the mixtape with Flip, Kings Of wants to see some new territory. But some- know. To me, disrespectful shit is if a nigga The South. We working on the second volume times the shit these muthafuckers want you to says, “Fuck that nigga, I’m gonna whoop that to that, Kings Of The South Vol. 2. I’m on Sqad do is just downright degrading. If you’re a real nigga.” If the nigga do it like that, then the Up’s new shit, and I got a track on Flip’s new nigga like me, I was always taught that pink nigga gotta wear a vest even when he’s in his album. I ain’t rappin’ on it, I just did the beat. was for a punk-ass nigga. Muthafuckers are crib. I ain’t gonna tell you no lies. Niggas in I got my new shit, Let The Truth Be Told. I’m wearing pink shirts and shit. I ain’t gonna do the H know what to say to piss me off, that’s finna release the Crip side to that album, Let that. It’s just certain shit I ain’t gonna do. I why they don’t say it. Niggas wanna be fly, you The C Be Told. Some Blood niggas are gonna ain’t worried about the next nigga. know, spread your wings, ruffle your feathers. pick that shit up and listen to it too. That’s Come to me in my face and say some shit and coming out on King Of The Ghetto Entertain- So you’re not concerned with what other direct that shit at me with a nametag. See how ment. And of course I’m still fuckin’ with my people, or the mainstream rap listeners, long you’ll be standing up after that. And y’all own niggas, Houston pioneers. I ain’t have to think about you. can print that. go out side the 713 area code to get no jam- Whether I put out a song that says “I hate min’ ass song with no hot-ass niggas. I’m still you, bitch” or “I love the hoe,” I’m into Why do you think Slim would have a problem fuckin’ with my niggas. Keep supporting down pleasing myself with everything I do. with you? South rap. There’s real shit down here. Right now, the shit I’ve been doing has See, I got this song with Paul Wall and Lil Flip on me living well off. I’m living better than it. Lil Flip says a line about someone’s platinum - Julia Beverly & Wally Sparks

OZONE JULY 2005 B19

P$C PIMP SQUAD CLICK WORDS: AJ WOODSON // PHOTOS: ERIC JOHNSON

(l to r): Mac-Boney, Big Kuntry, T.I. C-Rod, and AK n the hip-hop game these days, rappers make all sorts of outlandish claims. Some claim to be the best or the baddest. Some claim to be the hardest, while others simply live out their gangsta fantasies, Ifakin’ the funk to a dope beat bangin’ from the trunk. On the surface, Atlanta-based rapper T.I. may appear to be just another emcee ranting and raving about his talent. However, with T.I., it’s more than that. The self-proclaimed “King of the South” paints a picture of Southern inner-city life that many of his contemporaries have failed to do. In the same way Jigga put the Empire State on his back after the untimely death of the Notorious one, TIP is holding it down for the ATL, standing 5’9” with the soul of a 6’4” nigga.

T.I.: Without me, this group put this [album] together themselves. This ain’t no shit I put together and just had them do verses on. At the end of the day, I saw what I felt was missing, filled in hooks and verses where I felt they should go, but they made this album. Whatever you hear, if you like it, it ain’t because of me. I’m just there to make sure everything is facilitated. I’m the conductor. They makin’ they own music. It doesn’t sound like a T.I. album. You can tell from the first single. You’re gonna be surprised and pleased with the outcome of this album. It’s really something for the streets. Probably the most gutter album you’ll hear me on. It’s a collection of characters with their own points of view, their own states of mind. It ain’t just my opinion told to you five different times.

Now that T.I.’s made a name for himself by any means necessary, he came back for his boys from Bankhead who’ve been down with him since day one. They’re the Pimp Squad Click, a.k.a. P$C. Don’t get it twisted, though. T.I.’s five-member Atlanta collective is much more than just his homies. Big Kuntry, C-Rod, Mac-Boney, and AK the silent assassin (they say he doesn’t talk much in interviews, but spits fire on the microphone) have each held it down on their own in the streets. They’ve also been featured here and there on T.I.’s albums. After one listen to P$C’s debut disc 25 To Life, it’s clear that this ain’t just a T.I.-and-friends album.

Mac-Boney: I been doing this thing forever. I been rapping since I was ten years old. I did my first talent contest in fifth grade. Me and AK did the seventh-grade talent contest, and at thirteen we did our first live in-studio tracks. We met TIP around age fifteen. He was already holdin’ it down. We drove up to New York City and banged out like four records and he did about three more by himself. I just knew then that he knew what time it was as far as the music business.”

Now that 404 is the area code of choice, fans and record company execs can’t get enough of the dirty South – ATL in particular. But for P$C, this ain’t nothin’ new. They have history. Once you’ve got the streets behind you, like P$C does, the industry comes to you.

“P$C put [the album ‘25 To Life’] together themselves. This ain’t no shit I put together and just had them do verses on...I’m just the conductor. They makin’ they own music. You’re gonna be surprised and pleased with the outcome of this album. It’s really something for the streets. Probably the most gutter album you’ll hear me on. It’s a collection of characters with their own points of view, their own states of mind. It ain’t just my opinion told to you five different times.” - T.I.

C-Rod: We was the first ones to put out real mixtapes, down South in Atlanta, not the booty-shaking mixtapes. AK and Mac-Boney put out a mixtape and I did a solo mixtape. Big Kuntry did a solo mixtape and people bought it like it was our album! People be comin’ up to us like, “Yo, I got ya album!” We built the demand and got them impatiently waiting our debut album.

While the P$C was holding it down in the streets, their general TIP took the industry by storm. His current solo album Urban Legend is loaded with singles, during a time when most people are happy to find a CD with three decent songs. In addition to P$C’s freshman effort 25 To Life which drops this August, their camp is also dropping the Hustle And Flow soundtrack. Aside from the music game, they’ve got several movies in development, a clothing company in the works, and a club called The Trap opening soon in Bankhead. These cats are living up to the name of their label, Grand Hustle (distributed by Atlantic Records).

T.I.: We got six or seven movie opportunities right now. One of them is Shottas 2, with my man Cess [Silvera]. He also wrote a movie for me called Grand Hustle, which should begin production in the summertime. I’m meeting with Joel Silver, who produced Lethal Weapon 4, about doing some- thing with Mike Epps. A lot of opportunities are presenting themselves.

As the group vibes in the parking lot outside their downtown Atlanta studio, it’s easy to tell that this isn’t just a collection of rappers that was put together to form a group by some record exec or producer. You can feel the family vibe and the camaraderie. Mac-Boney and C-Rod are actually cousins, who first got open to the idea of kickin’ rhymes for a living after another cousin bought an N.W.A tape.

“We’re friends first,” says Mac-Boney. “Then we handle the business. T.I., who arrived at the Grand Hustle offices in a fly-ass shiny black Rolls Royce, is proud of his crew. “P$C is a family. Some of them are label executives and managers, but there’s five of us that rap together.”

The group came up with the album title 25 to Life because they all happen to be 25, and plan to be in the rap game for life. “Expect nothing but that heat on this album,” brags C-Rod. “We got songs for the young ladies, we got songs for these sucker-ass rappers who always talking about killing somebody who ain’t killing shit.”

Although 25 to Life includes features from the likes of Lloyd, Paul Wall, and Slim Thug, the P$C makes it clear that they’re capable of holdin’ down a full album by themselves. “We just tryin’ to deliver a quality product,” chimes in Mac-Boney. “We gonna keep putting CDs out, keep smashing the market. We’re gonna do what we gotta do in this game and represent all day long.”

It’s P$C’s turn to shine, and they’re here to stay.

OZONE JULY 2005 B23 YING YANG TWINS BOYZ N DA HOOD MISSY ELLIOTT MASTER P U.S.A.: UNITED STATE OF ATLANTA BOYZ N DA HOOD THE COOKBOOK THE GHETTO BILL Collipark/TVT Block Ent./Bad Boy New No Limit/Koch Missy Elliott truly cares about HANNNNHHHH!!!! I was preparing myself This is it: the album every having fun, and making music Master P is someone you can for the onslaught of loud yelling for about hood in the Southeast has for you to have fun with. She’s either hate or love. But regard- the next 45 minutes when I put in the new been eagerly anticipating. a creative genius; the hip-hop less, you have to respect him. album from the Ying Yang Twins. But I was It’s the debut effort from P Willy Wonka. The Cookbook is a Who else can say that they’ve pleasantly surprised. The first record, “Fuck Diddy’s appointed “N.W.A of visit to Missy’s chocolate factory had their own action figure? The Ying Yang Twins,” is on some straight the South,” Boyz N Da Hood. – this time she’s using ingredi- I’ll admit that I was ready to gangsta shit. Because the Twins’ claim to Young Jeezy, Jody Breeze, Big ents found in the kitchen. bash this album, but I couldn’t, fame is their ability to create rambunctious Gee, and Big Duke bring the especially after listening to the party anthems designed to blow speakers straight gutter shit right to As always, Missy is backed up first cut “Best Hustler” repeat- and make strippers thunderclap their assets, your front door. They’ve even with a superb sonic landscape edly. It’s five minutes of ghetto people have pigeonholed them in the “corny” got media marvel Puff sound- courtesy of Timbaland. She also inspiration. category without taking a real listen. Kane ing like a G. The “Boyz N Da gives some shine on this album & D-Roc are very good at making complete Hood Interlude” should’ve to a host of up-and-coming If Young Jeezy is serious about songs, and have much more depth than their been stretched into a full boardsmiths. Missy’s affinity for creating thug motivation, this image portrays. Songs like “Long Time” with song. Another one of the the golden era hip-hop of the song should be required listen- Anthony Hamilton (basically a gospel record) standout records on this al- late 80’s and early 90’s is clear ing. Master P breaks down his and “Live Again” with Maroon 5 (an intro- bum is “Gangstas,” produced throughout the entire album, contributions to hip-hop and spective take on the life of a stripper) help by Erick Sermon and featuring especially on “Irresistibly erases any doubt that he is prove their versatility. a posthumous verse from the Delicious,” which features the indeed the best hustler in the late Eazy-E. Even though it’s greatest storyteller in hip-hop rap game. This man knows his Another surprising thing about this album an older verse, it sounds like history, Slick Rick. worth, and realizes the power is the Ying Yang Twins’ social commentary. I Eazy never lost a step, and that comes with being a $400 know you’re thinking, I know this dude didn’t Boyz N Da Hood sound right at Another standout cut is “Melt- million dollar man. just use the term “social commentary” and home alongside the godfather down,” where Missy discusses “Ying Yang Twins” in the same sentence. But of this gangsta shit. an experience with a guy who P put his best foot forward with it’s true! Take one listen to “Ghetto Clas- didn’t know how to work the the opening track, but as far sics” and you’ll agree. The topics discussed If you’re a lame and want magic stick over a saucy Scott as the rest of the album, it’s include the war in Iraq, overcrowded prisons, to learn the ins and outs of Storch production. Is it just the same musically mediocre government mishandling, the poverty rate being a full-time d-boy, this me, or does it sound like Scott No Limit release we’ve become in Atlanta, and the Brian Nichols case that album is a sound invest- Storch has been using Lil Jon’s accustomed to. The weak at- left several dead at an Atlanta courthouse ment. Take one listen to the drum kit lately? Either way, tempt at a radio track, “Get earlier this year. And all that is discussed conversational “Trap Niggaz” the end result is jammin’. The Party Crackin’,” featuring without a single “HANH!” After hearing all for a quick crash course. All Everyone’s favorite self-pro- P’s younger brother Silkk and these records, it’s easier to understand the four guys in the group have moter Mike Jones shows up for new No Limit signee Hal- title of the album. U.S.A. seems to be a cry very distinct rhyme styles a guest appearance on “Joy,” leluyah, fails miserably. The for help: we’ve got problems right here in that mesh well collectively, and you have to wonder if Missy attempt to retool LL Cool J’s our own backyard that need to be addressed, and they all spit that raw. heard Mike Jones’ reply to her classic hip-hop ballad “I Need and our own government is choosing to The production value of this previous record “Pussycat” Love” into the laughable “I overlook them. Hence the title, United State album is grade A, provided (“Dick don’t fail me now”). On Need Dubs” is a serious misstep of Atlanta. by Jazze Pha, DJ Toomp, the Neptunes’ track “On & On,” also. There are a few shining Nitti, and the aforementioned Missy gets her Roxanne Shante moments, however. Songs like With all that said, don’t worry: the Twins Erick Sermon. Every beat is on, spittin’ some sharp lyrics “Yappin’,” featuring Young haven’t turned into Chuck D just yet. The a banger, matching up flaw- over pulsating drums. “We Run Buck, and “Shut It Down,” party records they’re known for are still here lessly with the hard-edged This” is another hot joint full of featuring Slim Thug, are in abundance. Their second single, “Badd,” content. throwback flair. reminiscent of the old Ghetto featuring Mike Jones, reminds you of the D Master P. classic “Whistle While You Twerk” sound. The Another good thing about this The Cookbook covers all bases. hook is certain to become the new stripper record is that it’s virtually P The beats are bangin’ enough “There They Go” brings back anthem: “You want this money? Then you Diddy-free, aside from the in- to keep the kids listening, but memories of chairs flying gotta be a BADD BITCH!” Just like the first tro. There’s hardly any “Can’t she’s still got enough soul to get in the local hood spot. As single, “Wait,” the joint “Pull My Hair” is stop, won’t stop”s, “Uh the old heads reminiscing about a whole, The Ghetto Bill another example of what the Twins’ longtime huh”s, or “Bad Boy baby”s how music was so much better gives diehard fans their producer Mr. Collipark (a.k.a. DJ Smurf) calls marring the sonic landscape. back in the day. Missy may be much-needed No Limit fix, “intimate club music.” Overall, this album is It’s very rare to find an album the most important female but fails to become the full of the shit you expect, along with a few that’s exactly what it’s adver- artist of the 21st century, and gold-and-platinum jewel curveballs that give you a new look at the tised as: an album by Boyz N this album just helps solidify her P may have been hoping Ying Yang Twins. Da Hood is exactly that. legacy. for.

- Wally Sparks, [email protected] - Wally Sparks - Wally Sparks - Wally Sparks

B24 OZONE JULY 2005 BABY THE BIRDMAN SLIM THUG FAST MONEY ALREADY PLATINUM Cash Money/Universal Star Trak/Interscope

Aside from a few videos and the cover of OZONE Magazine, there seemed We’ve all heard the story: popular underground rapper to be absolutely no hype around the release of the Birdman’s sophomore LP signs with big-time producers and scores major deal, yada Fast Money. But even with the lack of promotion, you’d be a fool to think yada yada. I ain’t gonna bore you with shit you already that the self-proclaimed #1 Stunna would settle for catching a brick the know. But this is some jammin’ ass music. It’s so rare that second time around due to some label red tape. After all, the Birdman has when it happens it’s something special. When an artist always been a hustler. He’s gonna get that money regardless of whatever and a producer are perfectly in sync, the music that’s obstacles are put in front of him – which is what Fast Money is all about. recorded is timeless. Think Dr. Dre and Snoop, Timbaland and Missy, DJ Toomp and T.I, or Three 6 Mafia and Project On the cut “My Territory,” Birdman lets it be known that he runs his set Pat. There’s a new combination to add to that list: The with an iron fist. Over a catchy guitar riff, he dares anyone to come take Neptunes and Slim Thug. his spot. One of the most glaring things about this album is the absence of Mannie Fresh’s lush production. Mannie only provides three tracks on this Even though this album has been heavily bootlegged, it 17-track opus, and one of them is a remake of an old B.G. cut from hap- still seems fresh. On the first track, “Move Something,” pier times. Under the moniker “The Crime Family,” Batman, Deezle, O.G., the big boss of the Nawf explains how he arrived at his T-Mix, and even the Birdman himself get behind the boards to provide the current position. “I ain’t tryin’ to move and groove ya / soundtrack for Fast Money. I’m here to teach and tell / And take this here time to introduce myself,” Slim spits. After the formal introduc- Although it might seem odd that Mannie’s beats are few and far between, tion, Slim Thug proceeds to flip the major label hierarchy the change actually provides a different sound that accompanies Baby’s a Texas-sized bird with lines like “I ain’t signin’ for crumbs lyrical maturation very well. Don’t get it twisted, though, he still only talks and givin’ up my income to get treated like a bum / You about money. The Birdman’s flow is becoming eerily similar to Lil Wayne. must think I’m dumb, HA!” Could there be some ghostwriting going on? I guess we’ll never know. Already four singles deep by the actual album release Baby also uses this album to introduce Cash Money’s new blood. On “Ghetto date, Slim has at least four other songs that could be Life,” former Tommy Boy signee 6 Shot trades verses with Baby. There’s singles as well. At the front of the pack is “Chicken Strip,” also a cameo from Bun B (quickly becoming the Busta Rhymes of the South a Neptunes-produced club singer that will do exactly what because he’s on EVERYTHING) over a slick string-driven track. it’s designed for: get the chickens to strip.

On “Cash Money Niggas,” we are introduced to Lil Carl, who sounds like Next up is “I Do It For You,” a guitar-sample driven joint a combination of all the Hot Boys in one. And let’s not forget Cash Money where Slim Thug gives it up for his home and his close songbird Lil Mo, who joins Baby for the radio joint “Solid Chic.” Although circle of family and friends. There’s also the standout joint change is a good thing, the end result on this project is just slightly above “I Love This Game,” produced by Rick Rubin, where Slim mediocre. It’s got enough dope songs to catch your attention, but ultimate- explains why he loves what he’s doing. This album is a win- ly it’s full of filler. ner from beginning to end.

- Wally Sparks - Wally Sparks LIL SCRAPPY vs. DON P There’s more beef cooking on the Hotlanta stove, and this time it’s between BME labelmates Lil Scrappy and Don P (of the group Trillville). Although the beef has been simmering for a while, it’s finally boiled over with the release of two mixtapes: Lil Scrappy’s “Full Metal Jacket” (mixed by the Aphilliates’ Don Cannon) and Don P’s “Target Prac- tice” (mixed by Hoodrich Entertainment’s DJ Scream). The venom on each tape is deadly. Both parties question each others’ mas- culinity and defame each other to the highest degree. Scrappy lets off shots speaking about Don P’s bedroom preferences. In re- sponse, Don P busts back talking about Scrappy’s earlier years as a blonde-haired club hopper.

While Scrappy’s mixtape is heavier on the lyricism, Don P’s mix- tape is full of barbershop humor. Don P needs some help when it comes to constructing a full diss record, but his skits, on the other hand, are absolutely hilarious. It’s hard to say who’s the clear-cut winner of this beef, because both combatants got good shots off. We’ll have to leave it up to the streets to decide who’s the ulti- mate winner. - Wally Sparks

OZONE JULY 2005 B25 VLAD THE BUTCHER GHETTO NOMICS ALL ACCESS VOL. 8 HOT IN HERE INNERCITY STREET www.thedvdmagazine.com www.DJVlad.com BALL innercitystreetball.com The current issue of All Access features the Drop down and get your eagle on! That’s exactly self-proclaimed God, J-Hova! Jay-Z talks about what you would like to do when you see what the You better have your his evolution from being the king of rap to Butcher has chopped up. Some of the DVDs I re- sneakers laced up tight! being the man in charge at Def Jam. All Access view are good, some are very good, and some are This DVD is all about gives you a little history of the god emcee’s so bad they go straight from the DVD player to breaking ankles, sick rise in the rap game with exclusive concert the garbage. But Vlad’s DVD is on another level. crossovers, crazy dunks, footage and an in-depth interview about his Vlad gives you the exclusives. Some of the guests and hot hip-hop music. split from longtime friend and business partner appearing on this DVD are Akon, Baby Bash, Fabo- It’s hosted by Hannibal Damon Dash. Jay-Z lets you into his world, but lous, and Paul Cain, but what really stands out is and D-Black, and it’s ba- it’s still politics as usual. the clarity of the video. The cinematography is sically a collage of clips steady and crisp. of springtime ball. Meanwhile, it seems that things are getting a little heated over at Full Surface Records. Hot In Here goes behind the scenes of music The first segment is Freestyle king Cassidy, who went eight rounds videos. Instead of just showing the video models, called Tournament Time, to defeat Freeway in one of Philly’s most they interview them. And most importantly, featuring clips of crazy memorable rap battles, is longing to battle a they’re all dymes! This is also the first DVD I’ve dunks, lay-ups, and pass- couple of big name cats for some stacks. And seen where they interview the porn stars. Porn es. Mount Vernon, New get this – he wants to do it on pay-per-view! stars like Mr. Marcus and Justin Slayer explain York, used to be known Cassidy calls out some names of cats he’d like how they got into the business. for bringing out big to battle. music cats like Heavy D, And, of course, there are a bunch of hot ac- but it will now be known I won’t reveal all the names that Cassidy tresses involved, but Vlad does this differently. as the home of street throws out there, but one is a big name on the He doesn’t show any hardcore porn scenes, just baller The Pharmacist. West coast. He throws a quick jab at Jae Millz little bits and pieces to keep you amped up. This kid knows how to and a sharp uppercut at Shells, stating that There’s one actress on the set during the Mr. serve it up. even though they’re signed, they aren’t in the Marcus interview – Mya – who is a good enough same category as he is because they don’t have reason to pick up this DVD. If that isn’t enough, This DVD has plenty of any records. Sounds like fighting words! the Brazilian trip is probably where the title of bonus music features, this DVD comes from. like a hot freestyle by Also in this months’ edition, we learn that The Roots, Rahzel doing The Inc is not dead. Instead of the rap game, Next, the Ying Yang Twins divulge that they’re the beatbox, and an however, they’re dabbling into more corrupt not really brothers, and explain how they came old-school interview with games like the boxing world. Seems like The together as a group. They don’t classify them- Jay-Z. It’s funny to see Inc hasn’t learned its lesson yet. Either Irv selves as crunk artists. They’re definitely trying Jay on tape giving props Gotti wants to build an empire, or just keep to put a distinction between their music and to Jaz-O. Plus, there’s the Feds watching. Lil Jon’s. You’ll have to purchase this DVD for also bonus concert foot- yourself to find out how the whisper song came age of Jay performing Anyway, they’ve got two of the hottest new about. songs from Reasonable boxing prospects – Curtis Stevens a.k.a. Doubt. Showtime and Jaidon Codrington a.k.a. The This DVD has so many chapters, I can’t write Don – collectively known as the Chin Check- about all of them. The most creative is the crack- Another can’t-miss chap- ers. These boxers are undefeated and have the head scene – I’m not even sure what to say about ter is the Layup Line, skills, talent, and charisma to take it to the that – and the “Cribs” section, where Vlad shows with crazy high-flying top. you the best way to have your dishes washed. dunks. White boy Pillz proves that white men Speaking of The Inc, Lloyd explains how he Overall, with this DVD, you get a lot more than can not only jump, they met and got signed by Gotti. And as flavorful you bargained for. There’s also interviews with can fly. This kid has some as ever, you have the All Access models and new R&B sensation Trey Songz and Amerie, who ferocious dunks. This is video queens. It’s eye candy time. This DVD claims that people aren’t interested in who she a very good DVD to have also features Fabolous’ Hit Factory listening is dating (she is wrong). Nevertheless, Vlad’s in your whip, with great party for his album Real Talk. He gives an remix of Amerie’s “One Thing” with Biggie’s “Big music and lots of exclu- update on future projects and plugs Desert Poppa” is pure genius. There are many guest ap- sives. Most importantly, Storm’s new artist Paul Cain. pearances from major artists, and of course the it has great production AVN Awards afterparty is a must-see. and nonstop action. When it’s All Access, you get all access!

- Malik Abdul - Malik Abdul - Malik Abdul, [email protected]

B26 OZONE JULY 2005 DJ Drama & DJ Jaycee (hosted by Webbie) 01: DJ Scream (hosted by the Ying Yang Twins) “Only The Crunk Survive X” [email protected] Atlanta, GA “Gangsta Grillz 14” 02: DJ Strong & DJ Warrior (hosted by Kurupt) “Untouchable Radio 5” CaliUntouchableDJs.com Los Angeles, CA 404-524-1266 www.GangstaGrillz.com 03: DJ Dub “Hip-Hop Soul 4” www.DJDub.com 04: Voice of Da Streetz “Crunk Of The Streetz” [email protected] 407-256-8487 Orlando, FL Hot tracks: 05: Evil Empire “Be South Vol. 4” NYC #04 YoungBloodz “Presidential” #09 - Boyz N Da Hood f/ Eazy-E “Gangsta” 06: DJ Kool Kid (hosted by Paul Wall) “Sittin’ Sideways” www.DJKoolKid.com NYC 07: DJ Folk (hosted by Stat Quo) “Deep In Da Game 3” 216-798-2480 [email protected] #13 - Webbie f/ Trina “Bad Bitch (remix)” Atlanta, GA #14 - Jay-Z “Back Then” 08: DJ Dimepiece (hosted by Mike Jones) “Highly Anticipated Vol. 7” www.DJDimepiece.com Nashville, TN #21 - Scrappy f/ Pooh Baby “Pop Off” 09: DJ Phingaprint & Struggle Wear “Grind Or Go Home” 601-454-5802 [email protected] Jackson, MS 10: DJ Bilal & DJ G-Spot “Going Global” www.DJBijal.com 917-592-6917 NYC 11: DJ Smallz (hosted by Ying Yang Twins & Baby) “Southern Smoke 19” www.DJSmallz.com Ft. Myers, FL

12: DJ Aspekt / All Out All-Stars “Welcome to 305” [email protected] Miami, FL 13: DJ Jack Da Ripper “North East vs. Dirty South” www.DaRipper.com 917-578-2517 NYC 14: DJ Killatone (hosted by B.G.) “Walk With Da New South 2” www.DJKillatone.com Orlando, FL 15: DJ G-Spot (hosted by The Replacementz) “Inspired by The South 3” www.DJGSpot.com 917-592-6917

16: DJ Scorpio (hosted by the Ying Yang Twins) “Hanh!” [email protected] Atlanta, GA 17: DJ Don Juan (hosted by Stat Quo) “Summertime” www.DJ-Don-Juan.com 615-977-4103 Nashville, TN 18: DJ Fur.E “Da Firestarter Vol. 2” [email protected] 19: DJ RPM (hosted by Slim Thug) “Dirty Money” [email protected]

20: DJ Hotsauce “Trap Sounds Vol. 1” OZONE JULY 2005 B27 Disclaimer: I really hate giving movies a rating, because sometimes I start liking them more or less later. I may come back next month and recant something after I see a movie again. I’m the same way about music. Sometimes you don’t get it the first time. STAR WARS BATMAN BEGINS HOSTAGE EPISODE III: RETURN OF THE SITH This movie sucked. For one thing, The trailer REVISED! we sat in the movie for an hour for Hostage before we saw Batman. I under- made me I want to go back to the stand you have to develop a story want to go Star Wars review that I did and a character, but it shouldn’t see it. When last month to talk about my take that long. The movie went on I’m on tour, Darth Vader complex. That’s for a whole hour before you see I watch the the reason for my disclaim- Batman. trailers for all er, because sometimes I see the pay-per- things in a movie that later The other thing I hated about the view movies affect my personal life. movie was that there was no true they have at Hopefully my reviews will antagonist. There wasn’t one per- the hotel. help other people who are going through the same son he was really fighting against. The pre- things. In Spiderman, you knew he was view was so fighting the Green Goblin. In this fuckin’ good, When I first got into the music industry, I didn’t movie, you didn’t know who the I had to go want to have any negativity attached to my career. fuck Batman was fighting against. The fight scenes were watch the movie. That’s why I never borrowed money from people so choppy and fast that you weren’t really able to enjoy and I started doing my own beats. But it’s crazy, them. And it was so dark, all you’d see was a couple Hostage lived up to my high ex- because back when people feared me more and I punches and them flying into the air. pectations. The only thing I didn’t was doing things I wasn’t supposed to do, no ques- like about the movie is that it was tions were asked. It seems that the more you try The dude that played Batman acted very well, but to so Diehard-ish. It’s the same thing to do positive things, more adversity comes your me, he just didn’t look right. The costume didn’t look people do to rappers. If you do one way. right on him. When they picked the character for Wol- dope beat, people want all your verine in X-Men, he looked like a wolverine. This just beats to sound the same way. Die- The reason I call it the Darth Vader complex is be- looked like a dude with a bat mask on. hard is one of my favorite movies, cause he became what he fought against all his so I didn’t really have a problem life. He became the symbol of evil, all the things Most people already know the story of Batman. His par- with the similarities, but sometimes he’d fought against. The more I continue to be in ents were killed and then he became the night avenger. that takes away from how good an the music industry, the more evil I see in the game. The story line is basically about him facing his fears. His actor is or can potentially be. For a minute, I saw myself wanting to become parents were killed by an evil entity, and that’s when he just what I fought against because of the things fell down a hole and a bunch of bats attacked him. He It’s a drama/action movie where people had tried to do to me. I want people to was scared of bats, and that’s why he became Batman. Bruce Willis plays a negotiator. He’s watch themselves as they matriculate through this He’d faced his biggest fear, so he wanted everybody else one of the best negotiators in this world, because it’s so easy to become what we’re to face it too. big city, and during one of his hos- fighting against. tage situations, a whole family dies Even though I’m David Banner, I’ll admit that The Hulk is and the little boy dies in his arms. We’ve got to watch ourselves. When you’ve gained the only comic book movie that sucked more than Bat- That affects him so much mentally power, you’ve learned how to manipulate people. man. It’s crazy, because [my artist] Marcus. is a big lover that he moves to a smaller city, Most of the people who have power are people of comic books like I am, so we went to the movie as where he’s involved with another who were taken advantage of before. So now, not fans. Marcus. fell asleep in the movie. The only redeem- hostage situation and he has flash- only do they have power, but they can take it to ing thing about this movie was Batman’s car. The car backs to the kid dying. another level cause they’re emotional about it. was cool. Look at all the anger and power that Darth Vader The thing I liked about this movie had, and he turned it against the same people he I think Marvel Comics has been kicking DC Comic’s ass for was the subplots. There’s at least was supposed to be protecting. so long with Spiderman and X-Men that they had to come three different subplots focusing on out with a movie, but they hurt themselves more than crazy relationships between some Even though I know that I have more guns than the they helped with this one. Now I’m afraid to see the of the main characters. Then, average person, and the power and the influence Superman movie that’s about to come out, cause that’s there’s Bruce Willis’ story. He’s to affect somebody’s life, I choose not to take ad- supposed to be the greatest comic book of all time. I combating the past and fac- vantage of that. But I still have to deal with my think Spiderman raised the bar and they were trying to ing his fears. On top of that, inner demons and inner ego. Then, to be attacked compete. If you’re gonna do it, do it right, because you you’ve got a whole bunch of by people that you loved and trusted the most, it have faithful followers. I’m a comic book head, but Bat- shooting and fires and ex- makes you question what good and bad really is. man Begins sucked. It sucked so bad I wouldn’t even plosions and all that mixed But if we listen to that small voice in our heart, want to watch it on DVD. I’ll give it a “2,” though, cause in. It’s really a story about God will tell us what’s right and wrong. I’m a nice guy. family and facing your

B28 OZONE JULY 2005

1 Location: Jacksonville, FL Date: June 19th, 2005 3 WJBT’s annual Come Together Day regularly pulls a nice lineup of artists (it doesn’t hurt that Clear Channel’s VP of Urban Program- ming, Doc Wynter, also happens to be the PD of the station) and an es- timated 20,000 fans. In years past, the event has been marred by heavy rains, but this year the weather co- operated.

After navigating the traffic surrounding 1 the venue, we finally arrived, having missed the YoungBloodz and Master P. R&B singer Tank’s (1) on-stage striptease 2 had the front row of girls screaming. No one recognized Keyshia Cole (2) with her newly blonde hair until she began belting out from-the-gut renditions of her singles. 6 “Be careful what you wish for,” she cau- tioned the girls in the audience, “Because when I said ‘I Just Want It To Be Over,’ my wish came true.”

Nick Cannon (3) stripped down and per- formed the interesting combination of “Gigolo” and “Can I Live.” Midway through Marques Houston’s (4) first song, a fight broke out in the back of the large audi- ence. Apparently Jacksonville is a little too ghetto for Marques, who was escorted offstage by his bodyguard. He returned later to finish but still seemed shook. With the hot afternoon sun glaring down, 4 back-to-back dancehall sets from Assassin and Elephant Man (5) quieted the crowd. 7 Although “the energy god” put on a great performance, this was clearly a Dirty South crowd, not a dancehall crowd.

Speaking of energy, David Banner (6,7) kicked off his set with “Might Getcha,” which ignited the crowd. Banner will do damn near anything during a performance - run, climb, stage-dive, hang from raf- 8 ters - to make it entertaining. In this large outdoor venue, he had plenty of ground to cover, even climbing an enormous set of scaffolding.

After the sun set, Lyfe (8) performed cuts off his debut album. Pitbull (9), fresh off a show in Orlando two hours south, arrived just in time to inject some Cuban flavor (and give OZONE a huge shout out). 9 Scheduled performer Gucci Mane was a no-show, so WJBT jocks Easy-E, Gene Dot Com, and DJ Dr. Doom led the crowd in the best live rendition of “So Icy” I’ve heard so far. Rounding out the lineup was Pretty Ricky and the Ying Yang Twins, who are going to accuse me of hating them for not staying to watch their show. The audience clearly loves the Ying Yang Twins, judging from the screams through the backstage gate, so I’m sure their show was spectacu- lar even though I cut out early.

All in all, it was a summer day in the Flor- ida sun filled with great performances and lots of shirtless male artists. What more could I ask for?

5 - Julia Beverly

OZONE JULY 2005 B31