YOUR FAVORITE RAPPER’S FAVORITE MAGAZINE

7th Annual PATIENTLY SCAM WAITING ISSUE AFTA SCAM: SHADY BUSINESS IN ’S CAMP BONE LIL RU PILL TRAE SHANELL FREDDIE GIBBS PLAYAZ

CIRCLEOZONE MAG // 1 2 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 3 4 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 5 6 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 7 8 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 9 PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF // Julia Beverly MUSIC EDITOR // Randy Roper FEATURES EDITOR // Eric N. Perrin ASSOCIATE EDITOR // Maurice G. Garland GRAPHIC DESIGNER // David KA ADVERTISING SALES // Che Johnson, Gary Archer cover stories PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR // Malik Abdul SPECIAL EDITION EDITOR // Jen McKinnon 46-47 BONE WEST COAST EDITOR-AT-LARGE // D-Ray 52-54 LIL RU LEGAL CONSULTANT // Kyle P. King, P.A. SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER // Adero Dawson 48-50 PLAYAZ ADMINISTRATIVE // Kisha Smith CIRCLE INTERNS // Devon Buckner, Jee’Van Brown, Krystal Moody, Memory Martin, Ms Ja, Shanice Jarmon, Torrey Holmes CONTRIBUTORS // Anthony Roberts, Bogan, Camilo Smith, Charlamagne the God, Chuck T, Cierra Middlebrooks, David Rosario, Diwang Valdez, DJ BackSide, Edward Hall, E-Z Cutt, Gary Archer, Hannibal Matthews, Jacquie Holmes, J Lash, Jason Cordes, Jelani Harper, Joey Colombo, Johnny Louis, Kay Newell, Keadron Smith, Keita Jones, Keith Kennedy, K.G. Mosley, King Yella, Luis Santana, Luvva J, Luxury Mindz, Marcus DeWayne, Matt Sonzala, Maurice G. Garland, Mer- cedes (Strictly Streets), Natalia Gomez, Portia Jackson, Ray Tamarra, Rico Da Crook, Rohit Loomba, Shannon McCollum, Spiff, Stan Johnson, Swift, Tamara Palmer, Thaddaeus McAd- ams, Ty Watkins, Wally Sparks, Wendy Day

STREET REPS // 3rd Leg Greg, Adam Murphy, Alex Marin, Al-My-T, Ant Wright, Anthony Deavers, Baydilla, Benz, Big Brd, B-Lord, Big Ed, Big Teach (Big Mouth), Big Thangs, Big Will, Bigg P-Wee, Bigg V, Black, Bogan, Bo Money, Brandi Garcia, Brandon “Silkk” Frazier, Brian Eady, Buggah D. Govanah (On Point), Bull, C Rola, Cartel, Cedric Walker, Cece Collier, Chad Joseph, Charles Brown, Chill, Chuck T, Christian Flores, Clifton Sims, Dee1, Demolition Men, DJ Commando, Danielle Scott, DJ Dap, Delight, Derrick the Franchise, DJ Dimepiece, DJ D’Lyte, Dolla Bill, Dorian Welch, Dwayne Barnum, Dr. Doom, Dynasty, Ed the World Famous, DJ E-Feezy, DJ EFN, Episode, Eric “Crunkatlanta” Hayes, Erik Tee, F4 Entertainment, Fiya, G Dash, G-Mack, George Lopez, Gorilla Promo, Haziq Ali, Heze- leo, H-Vidal, Hotgirl Maximum, Hotshot, J Hype, Jacquie “Jax” Holmes, Jae Slimm, Jammin’ Jay, DJ Jam-X, Janiro Hawkins, Jarvon Lee, Jasmine Crowe, Jay Noii, Jeron Alexander, J Pragmatic, JLN Photography, Joe Anthony, John Costen, Johnny Dang, Judah, Judy Jones, Juice, DJ Juice, Kenneth Clark, Kewan Lewis, Klarc Shepard, Kool Laid, DJ KTone, Kurtis monthly sections Graham, Kydd Joe, Lex, Lucky, Lump, Lutoyua Thompson, Luvva J, Marco Mall, Mario Grier, Marlei Mar, Maroy, DJ M.O.E., 13 10 THINGS I’M HATIN ON Music & More, Natalia Gomez, DJ Nik Bean, Nikki Kancey, 22 ARE YOU A G? Oscar Garcia, P Love, Pat Pat, Phattlipp, Pimp G, Quest, Quin- ton Hatfield, DJ Quote, DJ Rage, Rapid Ric, DJ Ricky Ruckus, 30 BOARD GAME Rob J Official, Rob Reyes, Robert Lopez, Rob-Lo, Robski, Scor- pio, Seneca, Shauntae Hill, Sherita Saulsberry, Silva Reeves, 75 CAFFEINE SUBSTITUTES Sir Thurl, DJ Skee, Sly Boogy, Southpaw, Spade Spot, Stax, 74 CD REVIEWS DJ Strong, Sweetback, Syd Robertson, Teddy T, TJ’s DJ’s, Tim Brown, Tonio, Tony Rudd, Tre Dubb, Tril Wil, Trina Edwards, 20 CHAIN REACTION Troy Kyles, Twin, Vicious, Victor Walker, DJ Vlad, Voodoo, DJ Warrior, White Boi Pizal, Wild Billo, Will Hustle, William Major, 18 CHIN CHECK Wu Chang, Young Harlem, Yung DVS, Zack Cimini 28 DJ BOOTH SUBSCRIPTIONS // To subscribe, send money order for $20 to: 26 Dollar Menu Ozone Magazine, Inc. 76 END ZONE Attn: Subscriptions Dept 644 Antone St. Suite 6 12 FEEDBACK Atlanta, GA 30318 Phone: 404-350-3887 22 HOOD DEEDS Fax: 404-350-2497 13 JB’S 2 CENTS Website: www.ozonemag.com 16 MATHEMATICS COVER CREDITS // Lil Ru and Playaz Circle photos by Han- nibal Matthews; Bone photo by Brian Guilliaux; Gucci Mane 18 NAMES OF SHAME photo by Malik Abdul. 17-35 PHOTO GALLERIES DISCLAIMER // OZONE Magazine is published 11 times per 14-15 RAPQUEST year by OZONE Magazine, Inc. OZONE does not take respon- 24 SIDEKICK HACKIN’ sibility for unsolicited materials, misinformation, typographi- cal errors, or misprints. The views contained herein do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or its advertisers. Ads appearing in this magazine are not an endorsement features or validation by OZONE Magazine for products or services offered. All photos and illustrations are copyrighted by their 51-73 PATIENTLY WAITING respective artists. All other content is copyright 2009 OZONE 36-45 SCAM AFTA SCAM Magazine, all rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any way without the written consent of the publisher. Printed in the USA.

10 // OZONE MAG cover stories 46-47 BONE 52-54 LIL RU 48-50 PLAYAZ CIRCLE

OZONE MAG // 11 Send your comments to [email protected] www.myspace.com/ozonemagazine www.twitter.com/ozonemag

OZONE, thanks for the good job y’all are doing. The injustice that your wish you would interview some real sistas such as myself so we could talk magazine gets at Easterling Correctional Facility is dead wrong. I had been about these dick-sucking rappers who have nothing to talk about but waiting for a while on my first issue and finally went to the mailroom to sucking their homeboys’ dick in the studio, since they hate the people check on my magazine. To my surprise not only was my first issue there, but who support them so much. I think us black women should not support the second issue was too. When I inquired about why I wasn’t receiving the them anymore or buy any of their CDs, since we’re hated so much. Mistah magazine, the mailroom supervisor told me that OZONE was not appropri- Fag is garbage to me. I had to get this off my chest because I’m sick of the ate for this correctional facility. She said that this magazine was gang-relat- madness. Maybe we black women could sue these artists that defame our ed and that I could talk to the captain. During the meeting I was allowed to character. OZONE, next time interview a rapper that’s talking about some- look at the parts of the magazine that were deemed “gang-related.” What I thing, not an Oakland loser. saw was individuals holding up the peace sign, one love sign, West side, or - Lize B, via email coast sign. When I tried to tell them what these signs were, I was dismissed and they said I was lying. I was told that I could appeal the decision to the warden. When I had a chance to talk to him, he said that he was old- I want to take this chance to praise your magazine cause I’m a real Hip fashioned and that everything was a gang sign to him. It just goes to show Hop head. Your magazine focuses on the underground artists, and Hip that with all the technology we have, people are still ignorant, thinking that Hop means something to them because they’re hungry and wanna break a respectable magazine would jeopardize their company by having gang through to the mainstream. I appreciate you showing love to some of Hip ties. Truly, ignorance is bliss. In a camp where a lot of inmates receive XXL Hop’s favorites like Bun B, Webbie, Lil Boosie, Scarface, Lil Wayne, Plies, Rick and Vibe it would have been nice to have some new flavor in here. Ross, Trina, Trey Songz, Juvenile, and others. But when you did your feature - Truth Cipher, via mail (Cleo, AL) on Static Major, you outdid other magazines. May Static rest in peace (and the group Playa was all Static). “Cheers 2 You” is a favorite of mine and I praise Static for blessing the world with his talent. Static really made some Wow JB! So no OZONE/TJ’s DJ’s Awards this year, huh? I’ll admit, I’m one of big records and whenever I listen to “Cheers 2 You” I’ll always remember the ones that’s been speculating WHERE. Then, as July hit, I started won- him. Rest in Peace and my God continue to bless Static’s widow Avonti and dering WHEN. Of course I tried to find the inside scoop and I heard New his kids. He’s truly my hero. Thanks a lot, OZONE. Keep up the good work! Orleans or Las Vegas. Personally I thought y’all were gearing up for Atlanta. - Billy Bill, via mail (Beeville, TX) Well, my purpose for writing is to say that as usual I deeply respect your de- cision. I definitely wouldn’t want y’all to put together an event if your heart isn’t in it. Never want to come to a sub-par event. I’ve been supporting you I think you should bring back Groupie Confessions. I really miss that. I think since I met you and appreciate the opportunities you’ve provided for me you should do articles on the labels we haven’t heard from in a while. It and the people I’ve met through your publication and events. Keep up the seems like people sign major deals and disappear, like DSR. They signed a great work and I can’t wait for the next stage! $7 million dollar deal with Universal and dropped two albums that flopped. - DJ Scorpio, via email (Atlanta, GA) Can you put some urban authors in your magazine like Teri Woods, Nikki Turner, Kiki Swinson, or Wahida Clark? It’ll be a good look for the magazine. - Lil Chris, via email (Houston, TX) Yo, Charlamagne Tha God hit the nail on the head with his D.O.A.A. article. Shit was dope, funny, real, and true! - Kenny Kenny, via email OZONE Mag brings quality with each and every issue. I know the economy has hit everyone hard, but keep at it JB and staff. OZONE is the best Hip Hop read out there. I find OZONE an even better read than XXL and I feel Hey JB, my email is in regards to your interview with whack ass Mistah FAB like XXL is now copying OZONE. where he said that he only needs black women for record sales. Who is he - So Kreativ Designs, via email again? Right, nobody. Anyway, there seems to be a problem in this Hip Hop industry with black women, brown skinned women or dark skinned women. I’m having a problem with this and it’s something your magazine I’m a 30-year-old native of Miami, Florida and have been a loyal reader of should touch on. By the way, I’m an artist myself. I was once in the group OZONE since you first cranked it up. I’ve watched it grow considerably and Nuttn Nyce. I’m sick of these fake ass rappers using black women for record I’ve seen the content get more and more in-depth. As an original Florida sales. If you don’t like black women and your mom is black, that says a lot magazine, I’m proud of it. about yourself. I would like for you to touch on this subject. I’m pissed that - Joe Fresh, via email (Miami, FL) magilla gorilla would even let that come out of his shit-breath mouth. I

12 // OZONE MAG JB’s 2cents

ince childhood, I’ve always been an avid reader. Even today, in the midst of the 24/7 news cycle where a million bits of information Sare all vying for my attention throughout the course of the day and threatening to destroy my focus, I try to occasionally take the time to set aside all the distractions. Next time you’re lounging on the couch and the millionth rerun of your favorite reality show comes on VH1 or MTV, turn it off and become absorbed in a good book instead. You’ll be surprised.

Lately it seems like everything I read focused on one word: fear. Even looking at 10 THINGS I’M those four letters in print kinda grips you, doesn’t it? All the way from 50 Cent’s HATIN’ ON 50th Law (an updated version of Robert Greene’s classic 48 Laws of Power with by Audra more modern-day examples) to the daily motivational Scripture email blasts Ric Ross at Capitol Records sends out (a welcome change from the usual bullshit 1. Mohawks that pops up in my inbox every morning), everything my mind digested lately Unless you live on a reservation with no kept coming back to that same word. Fear. Fear and overcoming the crippling ef- running water, got a liquor store on every fect it can have on our lives and our growth, both personally and professionally. Me & TJ’s DJ’s at the BET cliff, and have two names, like Bear Tracks Hip Hop Awards or Soaring Eagle, this should not be your Before OZONE, I spent a lot of time working for other people because I was style of choice. afraid. I knew I had talent but I didn’t know how to translate those talents into a paycheck. I was scared to start my own company because I didn’t think I’d be 2. Artists TURNED REALITY STARS able to pay the bills. When I started working under a graphic designer named I’m tired of seeing all these ex music-icons Mert in Orlando, who had a local magazine, the thing that struck me was that get reality shows. If we don’t wanna hear he had no fear when dealing with clients. They’d ask for a price and he’d spit out you in our disc changers, we don’t want to a number. No fear. What’s the worst that could happen? They’d leave and he’d see you on TV either. move on to the next client. I watched and learned.

3. Chicks with Shaved Heads Kisha, Tasha, me, & Necole We all miss out on so many opportunities because we’re scared. Being bold Cassie has every female thinking she can Bitchie w/ Too $hort in ATL doesn’t mean being stupid or risky. It just means overcoming your fear and shave the side of her head. You have to taking that first calculated step. You can’t physically take on every project. We be a one hit wonder and have a Hip Hop all have limited amounts of time and energy and you have to choose the wisest Mogul on your arm to pull off this look. path and the most economical way to be as productive as possible. Like many people, I have no problem finishing or completing a project. It’s starting that’s 4. White Socks with Black Shoes the problem. I make lists of things I want to do and projects I want to work on Socks come in color options for a reason. but there are always doubts or fears in the back of your mind. Hell, even writing this editorial is a chore - what if my words aren’t captivating enough, I wonder? 5. Holy Text Messages If I ignore your call/text, don’t try to send Fear was the underlying word for 2009. After the banks took a nose-dive in late FREDDYO 2008, despite Obama’s promise of hope and change, a lot of us worldwide still me a forwarded text talking ‘bout “If you Me @ the Hip Hop Divas believe in God you will send this back to Award Show with Ludacris harbored fear, and it showed. Even though the economic crisis was real, attitude me and 9 other people,” just so you can see can make a big difference. Your mindset (and how hard you’re willing to work) I’m near my phone. affects your finances in a very real way. As the song goes, you might not always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you get what you need. 6. People Hatin’ on Female Rappers When there is one female rapper out, Despite all that *fear* lingering in the air, miraculously, we all made it through people think adding another one in the the year and are still here alive and kickin’. What does that tell you? As we ap- game would be too much. But there’s proached 2010 I made a comment on Twitter that it’s time for everyone to stop 657,000,000 male rappers and no one using the recession as an excuse. One person responded that only someone rings the alarm. with no financial problems would say that, but that’s a false perception. It’s all A Ray J sandwich w/ Necole a circle and no one is exempt. If record labels, promoters, artists, DJs, and the 7. Predictable DJs Bitchie & me, lol streets are hurting, I’m hurting. If we all keep a positive outlook and I should not be in the club and know what keep moving forward, we’ll all be able to keep moving forward. song the DJ is gonna play next before they do. The whole concept of momentum intrigues me. I’m training for a marathon and one interesting thing I’ve noticed while running is that 8. Multiple Personalities the best way to stay motivated when your body is begging you to stop How are you happy in your status on Face- is to run faster. Step it up. If you’re getting discouraged with lack of book but tweeting 60mph mad? results in your life, the solution isn’t to go home and mope and watch TV and sleep. The solution is to push yourself harder in all aspects, and the 9. Leggings inevitable results will encourage you. Do, or do not. There is no try. ;) FREDDYO Leggings used to be used for ‘Get-up-and- Me, Aiyisha from DTP, and Jasmin go,” but now they’re used for “Get-Up-And- from Global Grind @ Hip Hop Divas - Julia Beverly, [email protected] HOE!” I’ve seen them worn from clubs to Award Show weddings. I forgot what was worn before them. Wasn’t it called something like jeans? Lil Wayne f/ Gucci Mane “We Steady Mobbin’”

Lil Wayne f/ Drake “My Darlin’ Baby” 10. Balloon Boy RE’Splaylist Big Boi f/ Gucci Mane “Shine Blockas” Little Falcon’s family knew what they were [email protected] Clipse f/ Cam’ron & Pharrell “Popular Demand (Popeyes)” doing when they called CNN talking about USDA f/ Young “Bag Music” he drifted off in a balloon. This publicity Wale f/ “Contemplate” Gucci Mane f/ Drake & Sean Garrett “In My Business” stunt just set him up for a multi-platinum WarrenJae f/ Playboy Tre “Sleep” “Hotel Room Service” rap album and a reality show. Mike Posner “Drug Dealer Girl” Dave Flyer f/ RE “Her Music” Mr. Hudson “Instant Message”

OZONE MAG // 13 GAINESVILLE, FL: CINCINNATI, OH: The Ville is in full swing with the University of Florida back in session, The School of Creative and Performing Arts held their yearly talent show and adding an extra 50,000 students to the city every year. It’s guaranteed MTV was there to film it. Kids from 10th grade to 12th grade displayed their to make the club scene jump crazy. The new PD at MAGIC 101.3 is shak- talents from dancing, to singing, to instrumentation. Congrats to all and hats ing things up, along with a new mix show director, as well as a whole off to this year’s winners. Fritz Mob released the long awaited CD of FM Duke, new program line up. Trey Songz came through to promote his album packed with the lyrical genius of Scarface, Juvenile, Bushwick Bill, and the late Ready, which is officially an R&B classic. Trick Daddy and OJ Da Juiceman Pimp C. The Editor of Street Fame Magazine announced its return in the year showed love to surrounding areas with performances at various venues. 2010. - Judy Jones ([email protected]) Trick Daddy also hosted Ridin High Volume 9 (pictured above), another classic put out by DJ Klarc Shepard. COLUMBUS, GA: - Jett Jackson ([email protected]) Radio ratings came in and Foxie 105 is the #1 station in the city. Sister station K 92.7 (old and new school R&B) came in #2. However, the Rickey Smiley HOUSTON, TX: Morning show did pull in some numbers for The Beat. Around here high So many birthday parties kept the scene alive with something to do school football is a big thing. Carver High school destroyed Spencer High every weekend. The Office kept Twitter Tuesdays jumping as well as for the tenth year. This game is so big in Columbus that years ago, when a hosted the album release party for Young Problemz, whose album guy named Juvenile had a mega hit called “Back That Azz Up” and his group, dropped on the same day as Letoya Luckett. America’s Most Wanted which featured a young lad named Lil Wayne, came here to do a show, that Tour visited the city with super after parties at Bar Rio, The Office, and happened to be scheduled on the same night as the game, no one went to Isis. Young James, the youngest promoter in Houston, also ended the the show. month out with an extravaganza featuring Hot TV at Crobar. Yung Redd - Slick Seville ([email protected]) of Swishahouse held a mixtape relase party for Eviction Notice 3.0 at Legends with Cubana Lust. DALLAS/FT. WORTH, TX: - Ghost tha Hustla ([email protected]) Rest in peace to K104’s DJ Nate Quick. DJ Cap at the Bomb in Big T’s is your official mixtape spot. Trai’d’s single “iDoobie” featuring OJ da Juiceman is MANATEE COUNTY, FL: already a hit in the streets. J-JUCE has the new club spot on the north side After having too many altercations, shootings, arrests, and shutdowns, called Rolls Royce. Mr. Nike keeps local artists performing in the Ice Bar while the old Club Nitro closed and reopened as Club Elite Restaurant and Mookie is doing the same every Monday at Crystal’s. Monte Wayne is holding Lounge. Elite is now the official home of the popular Big Bro Comedy down Funkytown with Dummy Music. The mixtape circuit includes Tum Tum’s Show. R&B sensation Foreva Asa performed his new hit single “Fal- Tum Thousand9, Lil Twist’s Yearbook, and SHO.’s Bail-Out mixed by DJ Dre. lin” there as well. Trick Daddy performed at Club Hall for Labor Day Dorrough Music is in stores. Free Dirty Harriet. Weekend. The Young Money Tour stopped through the area for the big - Edward “Pookie” Hall ([email protected]) weekend as well. The Touch of Class Club off of 41 is keeping Saturday nights busy. - Hollywood Red ([email protected])

14 // OZONE MAG WASHINGTON, D.C.: J-Scrilla, the beat maker extraordinaire, released a soulful new CD called Culture of Honor. J-Scrilla enlisted some of the city’s best lyri- cists (K-Beta, X.O., Lyriciss) to assist him with this project. Topp Dogg Hill rapper Rated R dropped the I’m Coming mixtape (left). Young I released the controversial Best Theft Secret EP to address industry rule 4080. DMV rapper/producer/manager and now filmmaker, Brother Maniac, has created a new movie: called 2 Makes Things Right which stars female MC Lady Dy. The Beat Ya Feet Kings brought the DC MEMPHIS, TN: street culture to the world by performing on MTV’s America’s Best Three 6 Mafia released their new video “Lil Dance Crew competition. Wale continued his media blitz in prepara- Freak” featuring Webbie. They shot the video tion for his debut album Attention Deficit. Wale recently performed at in Memphis using locations from the Hustle the Virgin Mobile Festival, and was also featured on BET’s new series and Flow movie, famous Beale St., and the Rising Icons. Pyramid. Apparently Criminal Mane has been - Sid “DCSuperSid” Thomas ([email protected]) living in the studio since he recently dropped three new singles. “Trap Shit” featuring Lil RICHMOND, TRI-CITIES, VA: Lody and DJ Squeeky, “Mad at Me,” and “Hot Jean Baptiste and OJike, formerly of Richmond’s alternative band Potz” are all part of his mass release. He Infectious Organisms, produced “Heart of The Lion” and two more definitely knows how to make a comeback. cuts on ’s debut album. DJ Mikemetic Kemetic rocks Mecca Up-and-coming Memphis rapper 2Deep put radio from 1am to 3am EST on Richmond Independent Radio 97.3 out a raw video for his song entitled “Every- (wrir.org). Tri Cities’ Ashlie Luckett and the band Notorious rock the body But U,” so be sure to peep his new style. stage as the house band on 106 & Park every other Thursday 6pm to Miss B Hollywood is making her statement with 8pm. Dolla Gang Entertainment’s J Nero shot the video for “We Run- a new mixtape Tipsy Off Tequila Vol. .1 I’m sure nin That.” The single is gaining momentum in the DMV (DC, MD, VA) we can all relate. area. O.C. Boyz’ “Weasel Pop” single went into rotation on nine radio - Deanna Brown (Deanna.Brown@MemphisRap. stations in the southern region. P-Nyce, a.k.a. VA General, CEO of So com) Heated Records, is promoting the new single “Bitch I Look Good.” - Atiyyah Wali ([email protected]) MONTGOMERY, AL: King South supposedly didn’t sign with Col- ST. LOUIS, MO: lipark and instead took a better offer from Craig Blac deserves an award for all he does in the community. He Warner Bros. 97.9 Jamz filed bankruptcy and recently did the annual Community Cutz, which allowed students to listeners are worried they might lose one of get a fresh hair cut and school supplies before school started. German the livest stations in Montgomery. Raheem the DJ, DJ Noize, is showing STL love as of late with three mixtapes dedi- Dream put on one hell of a show at Flashback cated to STL: Search & Destroy hosted by Murphy Lee, Stars & Straps Friday over at Boomerangs. M.E.T.V. is the new hosted by Chingy, and STL JumpDrive hosted by Basement Beats. You show hosted by Maxximum from Boomerangs can get all three mixtapes at www.MidwestMixtapes.com for free. night club. This show has Alabama on their grind, Yung Ro had his video shoot for “Walk like a Model” which features showcasing local artists and their videos on the one of the girls from The Love of Ray J show. Ray da Kidd has finally hit C.W. Artists to look out for are Lil Boone, Jabo, Ju, the streets with his new single “Kemo Sobie.” The party starter himself, Chise Money, Conflict, L-Gin, King D, and E3. DJ Sir Thurl, is back doing his thing over at Club Plush on the east side. - Hot Girl Maxximum (Maxximummp3@gmail. - Jesse James ([email protected]) com) TAMPA, FL: NASHVILLE, TN: Crystal Waters, Paul Porter, and SoundExchange.com stopped by Cashville’s own Diablo, a.k.a. Supa, smashed the stage on Pirate Radio Invasion on USF’s BullsRadio to discuss H.R. 848 - Perfor- BET for Wild’n Out Wednesday. Congrats to the NIMA nomi- mance Rights Act, and its relevance to radio. Speaking of radio, WLLD nees and winners as they held it down with informative panels switched from 98.7 to 94.1 on the dial. Javon Black teamed up with T. and a good awards ceremony. Kandi spiced up John Merrit Week- Geezey on his new single “Hustle All Day” and once again a Hip Hop end with Fly Major and First Friday. Playboy flooded the streets with legend has co-signed Tampa/ New York rapper Dynasty. DJ Premier his newest street album, while Dolewite and Scooby continued to raise included Dynasty’s record “Femcee” in his mix in consecutive weeks the bar with the Socialite every Thursday at Karma. Concrete Magazine and on his satellite radio show. Lovenoise celebrated their 5th and 6th Year Anniversaries and shut the city - Slick Worthington (Myspace.com/SlickWorthington) down with solid events and great performances from any and everybody. - Janiro ([email protected]) TULSA, OK Meekness Music Group has taken over the streets with their newest PITTSBURGH, PA: mixtape The Live Mixshow. DJ Primo is grabbing the streets with his Major label artists like Rick Ross, , and Yung LA, to name a few, mixtape chopped and screwed series. The buzz has picked up around have been coming through the city recently. In the local scene, Pyrex Press town about Fedel’s new music video called “I Live,” along with DJ dropped his highly anticipated mixtape Cash Cow with DJ Schemes, while Morph’s latest album entitled International. Nesia Beats landed the Executive Producer credit for Yung Joc’s Grind Flu. - DJ Civil Rightz ([email protected]) Nesia’s single “Right Now” is also making its rounds on Top 40 Radio. Team Fred continues to do it big. - Lola Sims ([email protected])

OZONE MAG // 15 ay (www.RAP-COALITION.COM) CHANGES IN THE WAY WE DO BUSINESS | By Wendy D

“The only thing constant is change.” - Heraclitus, Greek Philosopher (535 BC-475 BC) team of experienced people to help you is far easier than finding a record deal with a major label. “Wow! Our shit is fucked up!” - Wendy Day, circa 2009 Downside: Artists no longer just make 12% of the retail price of their CDs after 1. The Absence of Retail From Our Economic Landscape: Whether you want they pay back all of the recording costs, promotional and marketing expenses, etc. to download music or not, that’s the direction it’s heading. CDs are going the way Now they get to lose 50% of their publishing, and 10%-30% of their tour money, of vinyl, cassettes, and 8-tracks. Because downloads are seen by title on a screen endorsement deals, and film/tv/book deal money. Where else can you go to pay instead of pre-packaged in a tangible format, the music business has switched back everything spent on you to build your career and then keep on paying out of from an album culture to a singles culture. Fans and consumers can pick and every dollar you make? choose songs instead of being forced to buy 10 to 18 songs packaged together in a cohesive unit. If you want to sell more than singles to your fans, your shit is 4. Magazines Are Dying While Blogs Are Sprouting Up Daily: Bloggers are the going to have to be an album of hot singles. new mixtape DJs. Just as mixtape DJs used to break new music back in the day, today it’s the bloggers. According to RapRadar.com, the Huffington Post of the rap Upside: Consumers only shell out 99 cents for the songs that they want. Artists blogosphere, there are 100 Blogs or Websites worthy of being listed in their “Blog can see exactly which types of songs their fans want and can offer more music in Roll” list. This means anyone with a passing interest in rap and some writing skills that direction. (or not) can weigh in and have their opinions read by others.

Downside: Some of my favorite songs are the ones in between the singles on Upside: We get our news and information instantaneously. Voicing opinions have albums that grew on me as I listened to them over and over. Now fans make com- come into the hands of the people and have been taken away from the traditional pilations of songs they already like by their favorite artists—it’s like making their gatekeepers. own albums by the artist. But it certainly isn’t how the artists intended us to be listening to their music. It’s no longer an art form to sequence albums perfectly Downside: We sacrifice journalism, quality in-depth reporting, and sometimes because very few people will listen to their music in sequence. accuracy for the sake of having instant information. Also, any idiot with a follow- ing can seem credible (Perez Hilton, stand up!) regardless of their training, their 2. Prices Are Plummeting… According to the RIAA, CD sales have declined access, their ability to write or research, or their own agenda. Additionally, those every year for the past 8 years, falling 26% last year. Retail stores are going out who are reporting on the famous often want to be more famous than the famous of business very quickly. The remaining stores that do carry CDs are mostly big people they are reporting on. And lastly, an industry that was lacking in journalis- chain stores, so their focus is Top 40 (the mainstream CDs with the highest sales tic integrity to begin with has entrusted information into the hands of sycophants, demand). Very few of the places where you buy music are meant to sell music. So plagiarists, idiots, and whores (male and female). Oh, and a few very qualified you can pick up your CDs along with tampons and greeting cards, refrigerators or people with integrity and fact checkers who do this because they love it. This is washer/dryers, or your weekly groceries at Wal-Mart (if the music has no cursing), who and what we depend upon to get our “news” as it occurs. Target, or Best Buy. CDs sell for $9.99 to $12.99. In an effort to compete, FYE is try- ing a new program in 75 of their 600+ stores: they are selling all CDs for $9.99. 5. Too Much Information: In an effort to get up close and personal with our stars, we have gotten, well, up close and personal with our stars. There was a time Upside: At least there is a place to go for those who still want to get their music where there was some mystery and glamour to the façade of the entertainment on CD. When CDs first came into fashion, cassettes were phased out within five industry. Now we have inner circle access to everyone with a reality TV show, vid- years. I can’t even buy a cassette today if I want one. Also, consumers want to eos to post on World Star Hip Hop, a Twitter account, and YouTube uploads. When pay less for music and instead of spending $17.99 on a CD that costs less than 30 did it become all about the check, fame whores? cents to manufacture (not including marketing and promotion), they can now spend ten bucks. And lastly, the lower price point is forcing the major labels out Upside: One can see the reality of what it’s like to be famous so we can either of the music industry and leveling the playing field so smaller indie labels can avoid it at all cost or go racing towards fame. People we thought we wanted to compete. Whoever has the best music and can make it for $10 a CD, wins. get to know - we can either get to know who they really are or avoid them. People with products to hawk and no shyness can go full-out to sell their books, movies, Downside: A $10 CD means a wholesale price of $5 - down from a high of almost music, clothing, etc. Also, people who got into this fame-induced fantasy industry $12 ten years ago. CDs now retail for a lower price than what the wholesale price can fully realize their dream of having all eyes on them. was 10 years ago. Downside: Our image of the star is blown to smithereens. After all, familiarity 3. …And The Labels Will NOT Be Taking The Loss From That Plummet: Almost breeds contempt (you may not know that, since the 48 Laws Of Power hasn’t been every label is offering only “360 Deals” to sign artists, or for current artists who turned into a reality show yet). Also, we get to see how truly ghetto our stars can aren’t selling millions of CDs. A 360 Deal means the record label gets to share in be…instead of just suspecting it. the other income streams for artists besides just music sales. They get a percent- age of publishing, a percentage of the touring and show money, a percent of the Things in life change. Either we keep up with the changes and adapt, or we merchandising, sponsorships, and endorsements. become irrelevant. The upside is that new people coming into the business never knew any other time so there is no reminiscing over “better times” like my genera- Upside: As leaner, meaner, more profitable companies, record labels can do tion does. None of the changes in the music business have occurred overnight. what they do best. Additionally, artists who have no access to investors and no We’ve all seen them coming and been given ample time to adapt and learn the business acumen to put out music on their own can still have a career. (although, new systems and approaches that work. arguably, at a high cost). Lastly, if you absolutely refuse to sign a 360 Deal, you can build your leverage so strong by selling your own music that you can negoti- One thing that has never gone out of style is hard work. Work hard and educate ate another type of deal, or you can just do it yourself - finding investors and a yourself—no, work SMART, and educate yourself. Then, you’ll find you’re ahead of the game no matter what the changes are. //

16 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Jeremih & Willie of Day 26 @ House of Blues for the 106th & Park tour in Chicago, IL; & Monica @ Bocado for Monica’s Still Standing reality show premiere party in Atlanta, GA (Photos: Julia Beverly); Yung LA & Mike Bless @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s 15 Year Anniversary in Tallahassee, FL (Photo: Travis Pendergrass)

01 // DJ Q45, DJ Koolaid, Bigga Rankin, & Grandaddy Souf @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 02 // Kenny Burns, guest, & ladies @ Konsole Kingz’ XBox Event (Atlanta, GA) 03 // Swordz & J Baby @ Upstart Record Pool (Jacksonville, FL) 04 // Jagged Edge @ Bocado for Monica’s Still Standing reality show premiere party (Atlanta, GA) 05 // Cellski, The Jacka, & DJ Fresh @ the National Guard Armory (Kansas City, MO) 06 // D Woods, Mika Means, & Necole Bitchie @ America’s Most Wanted Tour (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Triple C’s @ 02 Arena (London) 08 // Dorrough & Bigga Rankin @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 09 // DJ Khaled & Rick Ross @ Triple C’s video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 10 // Ms Rivercity & Midget Mac @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 11 // Terri Sherman & Maguire @ Florida Music Conference (Miami, FL) 12 // Bama & Vawn @ Hoops 4 Hope (Atlanta, GA) 13 // Fatimah & her son @ The BET Hip Hop Awards (Atlanta, GA) 14 // Guest, Jae Millz, Tyga, guest, Mack Maine, & guest @ America’s Most Wanted Tour (Atlanta, GA) 15 // Booba & Mercedes Streets @ Sobe Live for Tony Neal’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 16 // J Dash & Ms Dynasty @ Club Christophers (Jacksonville, FL) 17 // Pretty Hustlaz & PI Bang @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s 15 Year An- niversary party (Tallahassee, FL) 18 // Gabriel Hart & Benz on the set of Benz’s video shoot (Jackson, MS) 19 // Malik Abdul, Slick Em of Pretty Ricky, & Hutch Daddy @ Bash at the Bay (Toledo, OH)

Photo Credits: Eric Perrin (19); Kool Laid (18); Julia Beverly (04,06,07,09,13,14); Ms Rivercity (03,05,08,12); Terrence Tyson (01,02,10,11,15,16,17)

OZONE MAG // 17 CHIN CHECK By Charlamagne Tha God

want to damage a relationship. The truth of the matter is, you can probably strengthen a rela- tionship by telling that person the truth! Sure, TRICK OR they might get offended at first, but only until they realize the truth is like a shot. That needle hurts at first, and if you tense up, it hurts even TWEET? worse. But if you just relax, the medicine is good Twitter is the worst thing to ever happen to you for you. sensitive, emotional, fake-ass industry suckas. Twitter has killed the publicist, or at least made I could never see myself getting upset about their jobs a whole lot harder. For the longest someone else’s opinion of me. If they do say time, opinions and truth have been strategically something that strikes a nerve, it’s probably weeded out of the music industry. But Twitter has something I needed to hear anyway, but nobody forced all the artists who live in fantasy worlds else had the heart to tell me. A lot of times it’s come face to face with the reality of their make- God talking through people; planting seeds in believe lives. our minds to change our ways. We’re too gassed up on ourselves and the people around us have You don’t have to read the comments when our heads blown up so big that we won’t let our your song is posted on an Ozonemag.com. You guard down long enough to listen. don’t have to see what people are saying about your video on World Star Hip Hop or Dimewars, As a person with a voice in this game, I strive to but it’s pretty hard to ignore someone sending give my listeners my honest opinions and the you a message on Twitter. Not only is it hard to truth as I see it, even if it’s not a popular opinion. ignore, but if you don’t have thick skin and you’re I don’t care if people in the industry get offended not the type of person who could give a flying because I am not of the industry, I am of the fuck what people say about you, there’s a pretty people. The people have opinions and thanks good chance you’re going to respond and make to Twitter, their voices can be heart. I hope you yourself look like a complete and total asshole in silly-ass industry fucks are listening. the process. Tweetfully Yours, Think about it. Random comments on blog sites mean nothing because it almost seems like those Charlamagne Tha God people don’t exist. With Twitter, comments seem so personal. You can put a face with the name, Follow Me On Twitter and if you’re not careful, you’ll find yourself em- www.twitter.com/cthagod broiled in Twitter beef with some random fat kid from Kentucky who has no life. His one shining moment is the time he got his favorite celebrity to respond back to him on Twitter.

Some of you celebrities probably hate it, but I’m going to tell you something: I enjoy it. It’s about time we let these so-called celebrities know the truth. It’s about time these so-called celebrities 1. Ball and G www.myspace.com/BallandG365 started listening to the public at large and not Whoever these guys are, they claim to hail from Augusta just their ass-kissing peers in the industry. and Atlanta, GA, respectively. Meaning they either grew up in sheltered households or they chose to say fuck effort Music is whack and stagnant because all the yes- and name themselves after one of the rap groups that men in these artists’ entourages are telling them put Southern Hip Hop on the map. It’s one thing to be everything they do is hot, and everything they influenced by a group, but to completely imitate them is wear is dope. But in reality, their music sucks and another. As for the music, it doesn’t sound great, but it’s not their jeans look like denim tights. bad either. It’s standard, average Southern rap that gets performed at your local industry show- case and nowhere else. It might be worth a little bit of attention of they went by another name. If artists had real people around them and in Oh yeah, their latest mixtape is titled Menace II Society. Try something original! their ears, trust and believe that shit would be a whole lot different. I could never understand why certain radio and TV personalities acted like 2. Hell Bound Entertainment everything that was out was hot. I never under- www.myspace.com/hellboundent239 stood why these personalities never had the balls It’s one thing to say that your music is “hot as hell,” but this Fort Myers, FL company slogan is to say to an artist, “Yo, I’m not really feeling this “music so hot it has to come from hell.” Just in case there are any Hip Hop-loving devil worshipers album,” or, “This record is really not that hot to out there, HBE, LLC (yes, they are an actual LLC) lets it be known that the name “comes from the me.” I just couldn’t understand why they acted simple fact that we were all born hellbound but our entire purpose in life is to right all the wrongs like they were into everything, and that’s when it and reach heaven.” hit me. Just like I stated earlier, truth and honest opinions have been strategically weeded out of 3. The Preachaholicz the industry. Twitter has solved that problem. www.executivemusic.com/preachaholicz.htm These guys are gospel rappers, so, we don’t want to say too much bad about them. But yeah, Many people go along to get along, and they they tried hard with this one. Borrow from and sprinkle some holy water on it and don’t want to tell the truth because they don’t this is what you get. Throwing the “z” at the end doesn’t make much senze either.

by Maurice G. Garland

18 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): J Prince Jr & Trae @ Hot 93.3 Summer Jam in Austin, TX (Photo: Edward Hall); Rasheeda & Kandi @ Clark Atlanta University Homecoming concert in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Freddyo); Young Jeezy with his birthday gifts @ Aja in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Malik Abdul)

01 // JW & DJ J1 @ Velvet Room for Don Cannon’s birthday party (Atlanta, GA) 02 // Lil C, Young Dro, & Chelle on the set of Young Dro’s “I Don’t Know Y’all” video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 03 // Kalenna of Dirty Money & Diddy @ the BET Hip Hop Awards (Atlanta, GA) 04 // Pitbull & Cindy Nuzzo @ The Ritz (Ybor City, FL) 05 // Fella & Ivy Box @ “Becky” casting call (Tampa, FL) 06 // Young Jeezy & Lil Bankhead @ America’s Most Wanted Tour (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Missy Elliott & DJ Q45 @ the BET Hip Hop Awards (Atlanta, GA) 08 // Rock City & Ester Dean (Atlanta, GA) 09 // Dorrough Music & 3Feet @ Balla Bash (Texarkana, TX) 10 // Plies & Fire @ “Becky” casting call (Tampa, FL) 11 // Inertia, Play & Skillz, DJ Asap & Ace Mitch @ Ultra Lounge for Dorrough & Dr Teeth’s BET Nomination Party (Dallas, TX) 12 // Triple C’s @ The BET Hip Hop Awards (Atlanta, GA) 13 // Tasha Heran & BoB @ Morehouse Homecoming concert (Atlanta, GA) 14 // Tony Neal, Bigg DM, & Ron Stewart @ Stankonia for Big Boi’s listening session (Atlanta, GA) 15 // Partners N Crime @ JSU Athletic Center (Jackson, MS) 16 // Guest & Baby (Tampa, FL) 17 // M Beezy & crew @ FAMU Homecoming Concert (Tallahassee, FL) 18 // Rick Edwards & Roccett @ Triple C’s lis- tening party (Atlanta, GA) 19 // Ms Dynasty & Vince Carter @ Club Christophers (Jacksonville, FL) 20 // Brittony Morton & Lil Hen @ the Nappy Boy Mansion for T-Pain’s birthday bash (Atlanta, GA)

Photo Credits: Edward Hall (09,11); Ericka Hicks (15); Freddyo (08); Julia Beverly (01,06,13,14); Malik Abdul (07,20); Ms Rivercity (02); Terrence Tyson (03,12,17,18,19); Travis Pendergrass (04,05,10,16)

OZONE MAG // 19 … a

call

I k c tthe fu a wh s t’ a ’, th ’, n xi la rted re a t s d an

E LAC K C E She Liked my N TRAE RUBIK’s CUBE

BN” stands for Assholes by Nature. In Texas, it’s white has gold around it. One side has blue diamonds, one side has a movement. Not only is a movement, but it’s a yellow diamonds. street crew. It’s a family based out of Houston, Texas,“A but it’s combination of all different hoods, races, and gangs, You can actually play my piece like a normal Rubik’s Cube. The only all together as one. In some form, everybody has some type of difference is, even if you match them all on one side, there’s always Asshole in them, and if you rub them the wrong way it’s in their gonna be one on the opposite side that’ll never match. We did that Nature to react and handle the situation as they see fit. It’s just in on purpose so that if you’re standing directly in front of it, you can our nature. If you rub us the wrong way, we handle business. But on see all the different colors. It was just more creative like that. some real nigga shit, we’re some of the coolest, most laid-back cats you’ll ever come across. It has 110 carats of diamonds and half a kilo of gold. It weighs over 500 grams, so it’s real heavy. It weighs more than twice what my [My jeweler] George is King Johnny’s brother. George and Johnny Boondocks piece weighs. Real niggas never like to put [the cost] all know what I represent. They’ve seen me come up since I was a the way out there, but I’ll say that on the appraisal papers, it’s been youngin’, a lil street nigga out here. They watched us come from appraised for more than $80,000. getting our first piece of jewelry up until now. We just come up with ideas together. The last idea I came up with was the Boondocks I still have my Boondocks piece and all my other jewelry. Every piece. We set a trend with that. piece I have, I keep. Those are memories, you know? From my first Trae G Maab piece until now. I’ll never, ever get rid of my shit. // Nobody’s had a full three-dimensional piece before. My piece is like a Rubik’s Cube. You can play with it all day and move it different As told to Julia Beverly ways. One side is black diamonds, one is white diamonds, and the Photo by SLFEMP

20 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): T-Pain attacking his birthday cake in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Malik Abdul); Trey Songz giving his management Chris Cel- estine a special birthday gift in Chicago, IL (Photo: Julia Beverly); Trick Daddy’s birthday cake in Jacksonville, FL (Photo: Terrence Tyson)

01 // DJ Nasty & Gorilla Zoe @ Florida Music Conference (Miami, FL) 02 // Swazy Baby & Double D @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s 15 Year Anniversary party (Tallahassee, FL) 03 // Young Dro, Lil Duval, Yung LA, guest, Clay Evans, Gabriel Hart, & guest on the set of their video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 04 // Milla & Miltikit backstage @ the BET Hip Hop Awards (Atlanta, GA) 05 // C Ride, Ed the World Famous, & Tony Neal @ Sobe Live for Tony Neal’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 06 // Ludacris loves the kids @ Hip Hop Diva’s Award Show (Atlanta, GA) 07 // New Boyz, Jay Rock, & Daz Dillinger @ The BET Hip Hop Awards (Atlanta, GA) 08 // Lance Gross & Eva Pigford (Atlanta, GA) 09 // J Dash & Vince Carter @ Club Christophers (Jacksonville, FL) 10 // Charles Wakeley, BloodRaw, & TJ Chapman @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s 15 Year Anniversary party (Tallahassee, FL) 11 // Please Believe Me mod- els @ Bash at the Bay (Toledo, OH) 12 // Rob Green & guest @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s 15 Year Anniversary (Tallahassee, FL) 13 // Slick Em of Pretty Ricky @ Bash at the Bay (Toledo, OH) 14 // DJ D-Strong, DJ Nasty, & Lenny @ Florida Music Conference (Miami, FL) 15 // Yung Ralph, guest, Montana da Mack, & Yung Joc @ Clark Atlanta University Homecom- ing concert (Atlanta, GA) 16 // Floyd Mayweather & Benny @ Velvet Room (Atlanta, GA) 17 // DJ Teknikz & Travis Porter @ The Ritz for Playaz Circle’s release party (Atlanta, GA) 18 // Dru Brett of the Runners, Jim Jonsin, DJ Khaled, & Danja Handz @ Florida Music Conference (Miami, FL) 19 // Zaytoven & Ms Rivercity @ Obsessions (Atlanta, GA)

Photo Credits: Eric Perrin (11,13); Freddyo (06,08,15); Julia Beverly (07,16); Malik Abdul (04); Ms Rivercity (17); Terrence Tyson (01,02,05,09,10,14,18,19); Thaddaeus McAdams (03); Travis Pendergrass (12)\

OZONE MAG // 21 Are You a G? 7 Questions to FIND OUT if R&B STAR SEAN abcdefG KINGSTON is the 7th letter of the alphabet.

We put the baby-faced C. What would you do Sean Kingston Jamaican singer to if a fan threw ice at is the only R&B the test to determine if you while you were on singer to have Sean Kingston is truly a stage? appeared in OZONE’s G’. Make sure to check Um, if a fan threw some- Chain Reaction, and his out Sean’s sophomore thing on stage, I’d prob- self-admitted addiction album, Tomorrow, in ably walk off and leave. to watches is a little too stores now. When you come to do glitz to be gangsta. a show and fans start A. In the song “Take wild’n out, that messes G. What female rapper You There,” you sang, it up for everybody else. has the potential to Hood Deeds “We can go to the That’s disrespectful, make you suicidal? WORDS By Eric Perrin slums, where killers because people came to I think the baddest fe- come from.” What’s the see the show. male rapper in the game Over the years, Ludacris and T.I. have surely spent thousands to “make most murderous thing Sean owns a ma- right now is Nicki Minaj. it rain” in Atlanta. But this fall, they used their money to fight the rain you’ve seen back home chete, there’s no But Shawnna is dope instead. As the city they call home was plagued with 8 days of persis- in Jamaica? reason he should too; I don’t think she ever tent downpour resulting in massive flooding, multiple deaths and over I saw somebody get honor an onslaught of got the look that she $250 million in damages, the actor/activist rappers contributed more chopped in half wit’ a ice on stage. shoulda got. And I heard than what was expected of them. machete. [The fight] she got thick too, so I was over a parking spot. D. Biggest loan you’ve gotta check it out. Together, Luda and the currently incarcerated T.I. donated $10,000 It was crazy; some guy ever given to a friend? Good selections, each, and in total raised over $105,000 to provide aid to victims of took this dude’s parking Probably $15,000. It was Sean. If you flood-ravished ATL. spot, and he started my dawg, and he was happen to pull arguing with him, so the down and out so I had to either of them, your G’ “As you know, both T.I. and I love Atlanta and are very concerned about next thing I know, the look out for him. status will definitely be the massive flooding in the state of Georgia,” said Ludacris. “We had dude went in his trunk We need a few upgraded. conversations with several of our friends and asked for their support. and got a machete. I friends like Sean. They did not hesitate when we called and we received over $80,000 in was like, “Wooowww!” Score4/7 less than eight hours. The Atlanta music and Hip Hop community, as Blood was just shootin’ E. Have you made any Despite his last name well as the Hip Hop community at large, came to our support of the everywhere. lavish purchases that being derived from the Atlanta flood victims.” Not much com- you regret? corrupt capitol of his mentary on this I wouldn’t say I regret it, hometown, the glamor- Donations came in by the dozen from celebrities like Young Jeezy, one. We don’t but if I had to pick some- ous jewelry and coconut Ciara, Jamal Crawford, Diddy, Chris Tucker, Gabrielle Union, Edward need any indictments. thing I’d probably say my tree climbing almost Long Jr., Shawty Lo, The Dream, Carmelo Anthony and La La Vazquez, Phantom Rolls Royce. cost Sean a passing David Banner, Russell Simmons, Anthony Dent, Jini Thornton, Tricky B. Is it true that every- I’m never in it and I never grade. But the 19-year Stewart and his management, The Otis Redding Foundation, Team 20 body in Jamaica owns a drive it. I’m always on old singer could care less. Foundation, and Keyshia Cole’s Manager Manny provided substantial machete? Do you have tour or in the studio. “My music is who I am,” contributions. one? Wonder how Sean says. “I’m not try- (laughs) Everyone keeps many machetes ing to say that I’m a drug “We are working with the United Way, the Red Cross and school social one. You gotta have one he can fit in the dealer or a killer. I’m not workers to identify families impacted by the flood,” said Ludacris’ on deck cause you never trunk of a Phantom? none of that. I’m a kid, mother Roberta Shields, who is also the President of The Ludacris what could go down. who is from Jamaica, Foundation. “We plan to provide vouchers (LudaVouchers) for food, But it’s not just for that, F. What’s your worst who moved to Miami, clothing and building supplies.” you gotta keep one for addiction? who just likes to have, cutting coconuts and Watches. I love watches. party, and chill with girl. For years, the State of Georgia has been in dire need of rain, but no stuff out of the trees. I love sneakers too, but I And my music is a repre- one expected such dramatic answer to the drought. Imagine Sean especially love big face sentation of that.” climbing up watches. My Breitling is In addition to private donations, FEMA has come to the aid of thou- trees, hacking at something that I can’t Words by Eric Perrin sands of Georgians in need. // coconuts? Not gangsta. live without. Photo by D-Ray

22 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Mike Epps & his wife @ The BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly); Young Dose & Lil Ru @ Upstart Record Pool in Jacksonville, FL; Skool Boy @ Obsessions in Atlanta, GA (Photos: Terrence Tyson)

01 // Yo Gotti & G Boy @ Obsessions (Atlanta, GA) 02 // Ralph Smith & Bigg V @ Southern Whispers (Greenville, MS) 03 // Javon Black & Lil Kee @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s 15 Year Anniversary (Tallahassee, FL) 04 // Ed the World Famous, Tony Neal, & Gorilla Zoe @ Sobe Live for Tony Neal’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 05 // Carol O’Connor & Aziattik Blak @ JSU Athletic Center (Jackson, MS) 06 // Clay Evans, Tiny, & Pee Wee @ Club Crucial (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Kid N Play & Busta Rhymes @ the BET Hip Hop Awards (Atlanta, GA) 08 // Gucci Mane & J Money on the set of Yo Gotti’s “5 Star Chick” remix video shoot video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 09 // DJ Holiday, DJ Prostyle, & Green Lantern @ Primal (Atlanta, GA) 10 // Tony Neal, Mr Collipark, Amir Boyd, Wendy Day, TJ Chapman, Jason Geter, B Rich, & Lex @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s 15 Year Anniversary (Tallahassee, FL) 11 // Bay Bay, Aziattik Black, & Benz on the set of Benz’s video shoot (Jackson, MS) 12 // Bigga Rankin & Swazy Baby @ FAMU Homecoming Concert (Tallahassee, FL) 13 // Mighty Mike, Dawg- man, & DJ Slym @ Triple C’s video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 14 // DJ Storm & Eric Perrin @ The Moon for FAMU Homecoming afterparty (Tallahassee, FL) 15 // Hutch Daddy, Pretty Ricky, & Lyfe Jennings @ Bash at the Bay (Toledo, OH) 16 // Nicki Minaj & Wacka Flocka Flame @ BET Hip Hop Awards rehearsals (Atlanta, GA) 17 // Tum Tum, Big Hoodboss, & Lil Ronnie @ Hot 93.3 Summer Jam (Austin, TX) 18 // Freddyo, D Woods & Necole Bitchie @ America’s Most Wanted Tour (Atlanta, GA)

Photo Credits: Edward Hall (02,17); Eric Perrin (15); Ericka Hicks (05); Freddyo (06); Julia Beverly (10,13,18); Kool Laid (11); Malik Abdul (07,08); Terrence Tyson (01,04,09,12,14,16); Travis Pendergrass (03)

OZONE MAG // 23 PLIES & PITBULL

PITBULL: Como estas Papi? :) PLIES: No hablo espanol PITBULL: How you doin’ dog? PLIES: Hola. I’m in el studio PITBULL: Bueno! I need you on my new record papi. Lets get in the studio together! PLIES: Yeah, yeah, we could do that bra...I normally charge 50,000 for a verse, but since Im gon’ have to learn Spanish to work wit you, let’s make it a even 100 stacks. PITBULL: Ay Carrumba! Oh shit, that’s a mucho dinero! LOL!! PLIES: I’m trynna help you out essay. I don’t hop on just nobody record…Plus you ain’t had a hit since what, ’05? PITBULL: Why you callin me ese’? I’m not Mexican, soy Cubano. I’m Cuban. PLIES: My bad amigo, you know what I mean. PITBULL: What you mean I ain’t got no hits though, I got “Hotel Room Service” and “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” all over the radio…don’t you watch MTV? PLIES: Naw, I don’t watch that telemundo shit and us goons don’t listen to Spanish radio, but since you got plenty money, I’m gon’ charge you 150 thou- sand for a verse, homes. PITBULL: Besa mi culo, puto …Kiss my ass, Bitch. Hahahahaha I just playing wit u! OZONE EXCLUSIVE PLIES: What kind of record do you want to do with me? PITBULL: I say we do a Spanish version of “Becky” called “Maria.” I can hear it Textin’ is no longer safe now that OZONE’s now “Dame un Mar-ia” dangerous minds have hacked the system. PLIES: Okay, that’s cool, we can do it for 100k PITBULL: Listen papi, I’m going to be in Tampa tomorrow, why don’t you just meet me at the hotel room and we can negotiate the price… :) PLIES: I’m not comfortable with the way you keep calling me papi. PITBULL: Adios papi, I see you tomorrow :-p

From the minds of Eric Perrin & Randy Roper Photos by Julia Beverly & J Lash

24 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Pleasure P & Jas Prince @ America’s Most Wanted Tour in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly); BG, Lil Boosie, & Snipe of the Chopper City Boyz @ JSU Athletic Center in Jackson, MS (Photo: Ericka Hicks); J Futuristic & Lil Meany on the set of J Futuristic’s “This Is How We Play” video shoot in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Ms Ja)

01 // Bonecide & models @ Ultra Lounge for Dorrough & Dr Teeth’s BET Nomination party (Dallas, TX) 02 // TJ’s DJ’s crew Pat Benoit, Keisha Glinton, Keith Kennedy, & TJ Chap- man @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s 15 Year Anniversary (Tallahassee, FL) 03 // Ben Franks, Sirrah Money, DJ Princess Cut, & Trai D @ Urban South Radio (Dallas, TX) 04 // DJ Nasty & Sam Sneak @ The Kufa (Saarbrucken, Germany) 05 // Young AC & Young Dro @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s 15 Year Anniversary party (Tallahassee, FL) 06 // Diamond & Don P @ Hoops 4 Hope (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Nicki Minaj, Yo Gotti, Rage, & Gucci Mane on the set of Yo Gotti’s “5 Star Chick” remix video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 08 // Meany & Yung LA @ Club Mariachi (Atlanta, GA) 09 // Fella & Trick Daddy @ Trick Daddy’s birthday party (Jacksonville, FL) 10 // Playboy Tre, BoB, & B Rich @ Morehouse Homecoming concert (Atlanta, GA) 11 // Yung Feddi & Shawn Marion @ Club Joyce (Dallas, TX) 12 // Clay Evans, Young Dro, & Buttahman with the owners of City Cutz barbershop (Atlanta, GA) 13 // Kadife Sylvester, EI, & Jarvis @ America’s Most Wanted Tour (Atlanta, GA) 14 // Candi & Lil DP @ Triple C’s video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 15 // Roccett & Greg Street @ the BET Hip Hop Awards (Atlanta, GA) 16 // Bigga Rankin, DJ Khaled, & Rick Ross @ Triple C’s listening party (Atlanta, GA) 17 // Plies & Benny @ Obsessions (Atlanta, GA) 18 // Swazy Baby & Papa Duck @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s 15 Year Anniversary party (Tallahassee, FL) 19 // Sofia Fresh & guests @ the Nappy Boy Mansion for T-Pain’s birthday bash (Atlanta, GA)

Photo Credits: Edward Hall (01,03,11); Julia Beverly (02,04,10,13,14); Malik Abdul (07,12,19); Ms Rivercity (06,08); Terrence Tyson (05,09,15,16,17,18)

OZONE MAG // 25 Tyme waits for no man, but oc- casionally she will dance for one.

Hailing from Calgary, Alberta, 20-year-old Tyme moved from her native Canada to America at age 13. Eventually, she made her way to Atlanta where she currently works as a dancer, but her ultimate goal was to pursue a career in music. It’s been her desire since childhood, and the main reason she moved to the city.

“I came here for the music,” says Tyme. “That’s it. That’s all I wanted, and it’s still my dream.”

In order to facilitate her dream, the Canadian import has been regularly working with a vocal coaching and spends as much time in the studio as much as possible. But unfortunately, she finds Americans to be much less friendly than our neighbors to the north.

People down here [in America] are much crueler than people in Canada,” she laments. “In Canada, we’re very friendly, but people down here are just mean.”

Still, Tyme is optimistic about her situation and even maintains a positive outlook after being accidently shot in the chest. The shooting, which is something she’d prefer not to speak much about, left her with a unique perspective on life.

“It taught me a lot,” she admits. “And that’s why people call me Tyme—because I have time on my side.”

Soon, the singer/dancer hopes to start her own a club, a laid- back restaurant/lounge type spot much less “primetime” than her current climate.

Though she realizes it’s a very difficult industry to penetrate, the club business definitely has its perks, especially since it would provide her music with an audience.

For Tyme, dancing is temporary and music is para- mount. Her attitude toward her craft reflects that of DJ Khaled. “I’m the best!” she says. In terms of her success, only Tyme will tell.

Words by Eric Perrin

Website: Strokersclub.com Booking: myspace.com/strokersatl Photography: DC The Brain Supreme dcphotoimaging.com Make up and Hair Styling by Mike Mike 678-732-5285

26 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Mario & Debra Lee @ The BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly); Gucci Mane, Monica, & Shawty Lo @ the BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Freddyo); Too Short & Lil Scrappy @ Velvet Room for Don Cannon’s birthday party in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly)

01 // Rico Brooks, Micha Porat, & Gorilla Zoe @ Sobe Live for Tony Neal’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 02 // Kenya Cabine, Crystal St John, Drake, & Harmony @ Georgia Southern University (Savannah, GA) 03 // Block & Rico Brooks @ Florida Music Conference (Miami, FL) 04 // Plies & DJ Holiday @ Obsessions (Atlanta, GA) 05 // J Diggs, Wayne Loc, & Big Dante @ Velvet Room for Don Cannon’s birthday party (Atlanta, GA) 06 // Triple C’s & Grouchy Greg & Chuck Creekmur from AllHipHop @ Triple C’s listening party (Atlanta, GA) 07 // 3D & Roy Jones Jr @ Tree Sound Studios for their listening session (Atlanta, GA) 08 // DJ Q45 & Tity Boy of Playaz Circle @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 09 // DJ Drama & Summer Walker @ Primal (Atlanta, GA) 10 // Emperor Searcy & DJ Holiday @ Obsessions (Atlanta, GA) 11 // Guest, Sofia Fresh, & Mike Blumstein @ the Nappy Boy Mansion for T-Pain’s birthday bash (Atlanta, GA) 12 // Benz & the Collins Twins on the set of Benz’s video shoot (Jackson, MS) 13 // Boo & Screwww @ America’s Most Wanted Tour (Atlanta, GA) 14 // Choppa City Dolls @ JSU Athletic Center (Jackson, MS) 15 // Terrance, Vince Carter, & Renaldo Balkman @ Club Christophers (Jacksonville, FL) 16 // Swazy Baby & DJ Nasty @ FAMU Homecoming Concert (Tallahassee, FL) 17 // Mike Epps & DJ Greg Street @ BET Hip Hop Awards rehearsals (Atlanta, GA) 18 // Young Jeezy & Buttahman @ Triple C’s video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 19 // Young Dro loves the kids on the set of “I Don’t Fuck With Y’all” (Atlanta, GA)

Photo Credits: Ericka Hicks (14); Hussle Hard Ent (02); Julia Beverly (05,07,13,18); Kool Laid (12); Malik Abdul (11); Terrence Tyson (01,03,04,06,08,09,10,15,16,17); Thaddaeus McAdams (19)

OZONE MAG // 27 How did you get into DJing? I got into DJing after watching the movie Juice. That’s what got me interested. After that movie me and my friends started getting up every morning and practicing. When I moved to Alabama, I didn’t have anyone to DJ with. I was on my own, DJing in my bedroom. After about a year I started getting into the clubs and then I met a DJ at the radio station who I would go and get vinyl from. I started interning at the station and I’ve been in radio now for seven years.

What was it about Juice that made you want to DJ? Seeing how Q rocked the crowd and the people loved him. You know the competition he was in, right before they went and did that robbery [in the movie]? That’s what made want to do it, so I started practicing at my cousin’s house.

What would you say is your claim to fame? I break a lot of music here [in Montgomery]. My mentor is Greg Street. I get music from different places that hasn’t broke yet, so I get it and break it here. I fuck with the local artists heavy too. I did a six-mixtape series called The Gump’s Most Hated. That’s the nick- name for Montgomery, “The Gump.”

You’ve talked about practicing in your bedroom, but how long did it take for you to get comfortable enough to actually DJ gigs? A lot of people think DJing is easy. It took me about two years to get comfortable going in the clubs and getting paid for it. I used to do a lot of shows for free or for $50. A lot of people get into [DJing] for the money or the hype, but it ain’t that simple. You have to do the free gigs to get your foot in the door.

Well, judging by how many are out there now, it kinda does look easy to become a DJ. Well, yeah. But I think it started happening over the last five years. I got into it for the love. I was inspired by Juice and my girl was buying DJ equipment for me out of the catalogs. I didn’t want to do any clubs or get paid. I just wanted to DJ in my room or go DJ at my friend’s house. As it grew and I got into radio, it became a part of my career and I had to start doing it for money. But, in small cities, it’s bad. They’ll want you to DJ from 9 PM to 4 AM for the same rate than an Atlanta DJ gets for just couple of hours. That’s no fun. Then there’s DJs who don’t even know how to mix and just use a laptop. They’re getting paid, but probably can’t even name the four ele- ments of Hip Hop.

That said, what would you say is the advantage of being in a smaller market? People say I have a big advantage, but I’m trying to get bigger. People tell me I’m in a good spot, saying I can be a big fish in a small pond. I’d rather be a whale in a big ocean. Yeah, you can be the most known and get in everywhere free, but I want more. But, one of the advantages is that when any artist, big or small, comes through Montgomery, they have to come holla at me because they know what I do and what I can do for them.

Let’s talk about Radio vs. Mixtapes. Do you see these two worlds growing apart or growing closer? Hawaiian-born, Alabama-bred DJ Frank White At this moment I see them growing closer together. We do music meetings every Tuesdays. For the last couple of months there is the man you need to know when it comes to hasn’t been a lot of big music coming out. I say it’s growing closer getting your music heard and respected in together now. Look at [an artist like] Waka Flocka. Five years ago Montgomery, Alabama. Holding both Assis- he would not have gotten a shot. I think it’s giving people a shot tant Program Director and Music Director who wouldn’t have gotten noticed years ago because all the bigger posts at WJWZ 97.9 Jamz as well has hosting artists were taking up all the space. Artists like him and Travis Porter have built their buzz off mixtapes. When you do that, you end up his show everyday from 6-11pm, its almost making it to radio. A lot of people have it mixed up thinking they’re impossible to visit and not see or hear him. going to build their buzz by being on the radio. It’s the other way around. It has to be organic. // Hoping to put his city back on the map (Dirty Twitter.com/djfrankwhite did in the early-2000s) Frank White has plans Myspace.com/djfrankwhite96 to make what he calls “statement songs” with the best that Alabama has to offer. Roll Tide. Words by Maurice G. Garland

28 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): DJ Prostyle & Rosa Acosta @ the BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta, GA; & Freekey Zekey @ the BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta, GA (Photos: Terrence Tyson); Ricco Barrino & Young Dro on the set of Young Dro’s “I Don’t Know Y’all” video shoot in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Ms Rivercity)

01 // Young Jeezy & Boo da Boss Playa @ Triple C’s video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 02 // Triple C’s & Rick Ross @ 02 Arena (London) 03 // Laroo & Cellski @ the National Guard Armory (Kansas City, MO) 04 // P Reala, Floyd Mayweather, & Pee Wee @ Velvet Room (Atlanta, GA) 05 // Spark Dawg & DJ D-Money @ SoHo’s Lounge for Dr Doom’s birthday bash (Jack- sonville, FL) 06 // Ludacris, Stephen Hill, Lil Scrappy, & Chaka Zulu @ BET Hip Hop Awards rehearsals (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Tiny, Toccara, & Toya @ ____ (Atlanta, GA) 08 // Pretty Money @ Club 112 (Tampa, FL) 09 // Fabolous & Young Dose @ the BET Hip Hop Awards (Atlanta, GA) 10 // Mon E G & Ms Dynasty @ Trick Daddy’s birthday party (Jacksonville, FL) 11 // Dee Sonoram, Dorrough, Dr Teeth, Bay Bay, & DJ Merk @ The BET Hip Hop Awards (Atlanta, GA) 12 // Bizzle & guest @ FAMU Homecoming Concert (Tallahassee, FL) 13 // Sean Simmons & Young Joe @ Club 112 (Tampa, FL) 14 // Sweetness, Cole, & Ms Rivercity @ Upstart Record Pool (Jacksonville, FL) 15 // Gangsta Boo & guest @ Club Crucial for Killer Mike’s release party (Atlanta, GA) 16 // Bay Bay, DJ Merk, Dorrough Music, & Chucc @ Balla Bash (Texarkana, TX) 17 // TayDizm & T-Pain’s father Shaheed Najm @ the Nappy Boy Mansion for T-Pain’s birthday bash (Atlanta, GA) 18 // Huey & Weezy @ Bash at the Bay (Toledo, OH) 19 // J Rich reppin Jas Corleon @ the BET Hip Hop Awards (Atlanta, GA)

Photo Credits: Edward Hall (16); Eric Perrin (18); Freddyo (07); Julia Beverly (01,02,04); Malik Abdul (17); Ms Rivercity (03,15); Terrence Tyson (05,06,09,10,11,12,14,19); Travis Pendergrass (08,13)

OZONE MAG // 29 When running down his list of Rasheed McWilliams. We had some big plans and work on it from whatever city they’re in—me production credits, Fat Boi names it worked out. I moved back to Atlanta in ’06 and and Gucci never do that. We always build songs impressive placements with Flo-Rida, the rest is history. from the ground up. The same with OJ too. The Gorilla Zoe, Jeezy, Rocko, Juvenile, perfect example is “Wasted.” We’ll get in at 1 or 2 and so on. But his work with Gucci A lot of people didn’t realize I did Camoflauge’s o’clock [in the afternoon] and won’t finish ‘til 1 or “Cut Friends.” “Takin It There” with Jeezy featuring 2 o’clock [in the morning]. By the time we knock Mane – most recently the “Wasted” Trey Songz, Flo Rida’s “All My Life,” “Tryin To Make off we’ll have 4 songs and a 5th one started. It track featuring Plies – has fattened a Jug” Gorilla Zoe, “Priceless” Rocko, “Drifter” doesn’t take us long. up this Savannah native’s resume, Shawty Redd, which spawned into “Sexual and pockets. HERE, HE TOLD OZONE his Eruption” with Snoop Dogg, Juvenile and T-Pain I’m working on Plies’ album now, and Jeezy’s new story. “Everything,” those are more of my records. They album. I’ve worked with Flo-Rida, Yung Joc, Bow pretty much know all the Gucci and OJ [da Juice- Wow, Nelly, Yung Ralph, R. Kelly, Sean Garrett. I I grew up in a musical household. My dad is a man] stuff. just had a two-day session with B.o.B. jazz musician. He’s a band teacher, and of course I was in his class, so he taught me music. I started “Wasted” came together when we were work- I’m still more of hardware user, just because I get DJing when I was in middle school. Being a DJ, ing on the Writing On The Wall mixtape with DJ a certain type of feel when I use hardware. I’ve you kinda see the reaction to certain types of re- Holiday. Gucci had just gotten out [of jail] and slowly been converting to software, but with the cords, so you can apply that into making music. I he was coming in the studio every day. He said MPC, I still have to bang pads. It’s kinda hard for decided instead of playing the music that every- he had an idea, and asked what I would think me to play drums on keyboard keys. I can bring body likes to dance to, I would make the music. about a song called “Wasted.” I told him if we do certain nuances and feels by hittin’ MPC pads. I already had a musical background, so I just it right it could be how urban people say “get Phantom is my baby. I fell in love with that ever started buying equipment—MPCs, keyboards, fucked up.” Instead of getting fucked up, they’d since it came out. I’m not gonna get into the dif- stuff like that. I basically started producing the say “get wasted.” We let Plies check it out and he ferent types of programs I use, but that’s pretty way I would DJ. told Gucci the exact same thing. We built it from much my setup. scratch and it was outta there after that. [I’m originally from] Savannah, GA but [I lived in] California, Florida, all over the place. I actually We all knew it could be a big record as soon as moved to Atlanta for the first time in ’97. I was we did it. The impact was a little surprising. Being just trying to make music industry connects, a DJ I kinda already knew it would have the clubs trying to get my face seen. Pure Pain Records goin’ crazy; that’s why I put the DJ breaks in the started in ’98 and I went back to Savannah at record without DJs having to break the record. that time. They had the artist Camoflauge and But I didn’t know that radio would take hold to it that’s where I caught my first major placement. I the way that it has. Content-wise we didn’t think did a record for Camoflauge called “Cut Friends” radio would get into it, but they love it. in ’01 with Universal. After his passing, I stayed there another two years and then it was time Ever since we did “Vette Pass By,” which is the first to venture off on my own and get out of the record I did for Gucci, it’s been that kind of work in-house production side of things. That’s when ethic with us. With everyone else in the industry, I ran into my manager and partner Big Ron and you might send a track in email and they’ll

30 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Shawty Lo & Juney Boomdata @ Primal in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Ms Rivercity); Mami Chula & Young Jeezy @ Young Jeezy’s Adidas in-store in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Eric Perrin); Yo Gotti & Gucci Mane on the set of Yo Gotti’s “5 Star Chick” remix video shoot video shoot in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Malik Abdul)

01 // DJ Drama & Lil C @ Clark Atlanta University Homecoming concert (Atlanta, GA) 02 // Tank & the Strapp Models @ Bash at the Bay (Toledo, OH) 03 // Ms Dynasty & Chuck @ Trick Daddy’s birthday party (Jacksonville, FL) 04 // DJ Smallz, Bay Bay, & Benz (Jackson, MS) 05 // CeCe, Cole, DJ Q45, Sweetness, & Malik Abdul @ Plush for Sweetness’s birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL) 06 // Plies & DJ Q45 @ The Moon for FAMU Homecoming afterparty (Tallahassee, FL) 07 // Dallas & Trey Songz reppin Nuvo @ House of Blues Chicago for the 106th & Park Tour (Chicago, IL) 08 // Diamond & Lil Scrappy @ The BET Hip Hop Awards (Atlanta, GA) 09 // Yung LA & BoB @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s 15 Year Anniversary party (Tallahassee, FL) 10 // Marlei Mar & the KYMP Kamp DJs with Malik Abdul @ Bash at the Bay (Toledo, OH) 11 // TJ Chapman & Double D @ FAMU Homecoming Concert (Tal- lahassee, FL) 12 // Young Cash & Mon E G (Jacksonville, FL) 13 // Smitty, Young Joe, & Richie Wess @ Whiskey North (Tampa, FL) 14 // Kingpin & Young Dose @ Upstart Record Pool (Jacksonville, FL) 15 // Big Dante, B Legit, & J Diggs @ Black Biker Round Up (Atlanta, GA) 16 // Stephen Hill & Snoop Dogg @ The BET Hip Hop Awards (Atlanta, GA) 17 // Roccett & J Rich @ the BET Hip Hop Awards (Atlanta, GA) 18 // J Diggs & Vital @ Black Biker Round Up (Atlanta, GA) 19 // Gorilla Zoe & J Rich @ Sobe Live for Tony Neal’s birthday party (Miami, FL)

Photo Credits: Eric Perrin (02,10); Freddyo (01); Julia Beverly (07,08,15,18); Kool Laid (04); Malik Abdul (05); Terrence Tyson (03,06,09,11,12,13,14,16,17,19)

OZONE MAG // 31 ADVERTISEMENT

HEN IT COMES TO Hip Hop, Milwau- is false. Then you have people speaking strongly on something they know kee isn’t known for much else nothing about. There’s people who didn’t want to see this collaboration hap- than Pimpin Ken making cameo pen. Even people who say they want it to happen, I can tell from their vibe appearances in rap videos. But that they don’t want it to happen. neWarly a decade ago Coo Coo Cal offered So I take it this album is causing quite a stir around the way. a glimmer of hope for THE city that’s Coo Coo Cal: There’s a lot of buzz. It’s been anticipated for the longest. mostly known as the setting for the 1960s Before we even got the release date people was wondering about it. So when show Happy Days. His single “My Projects” we got the release date it was a relief. was A BIG HIT in the early 2000s but unfortu- nately bad luck and legal setbacks kept Seeing as how people have been waiting a while to hear from you, and him from following through. you speak of addressing rumors, will this be a very personal album? Baby Drew: It’s going to be more about what we do as entertainers, But now, refreshed and recharged, so not too personal. It’s gonna be very under- ground but it’s gonna be about Coo Coo Cal has returned, this time the music. with fellow local legend Baby Drew to release a collaborative effort, Kokain KowboyZ. Distrib- uted by Select-O-Hits and backed by InfinIte/TNT It’s Just Money Management, the project marks the return of both artistS to the national SCENE. Ozone caught up with the duo to speak on the rumors that haunt them AND THE REASONS HASN’T BLOWN UP YET.

It’s been a minute since we’ve seen or heard from you. What’s new? Coo Coo Cal: Right now me and Baby Drew are kicking off this Kokain Kowboyz project. We started working on it around March or April and finished it in August. We’ve got a big party planned for the release. In addition to that I’m working on a book called The Untold Truth that will come out next year. It’s also going to have an album with it. We’ve been in the studio recording for a while, but we just hooked up with Infinite and put it together.

Since both of you are known as solo artists, how was it coming together to form a duo? Coo Coo Cal: It was love because me and Drew have always been the top artists out of Milwaukee. We had a lot of people rooting for us, and we had a lot of people trying to put us against each other. So it’s been a long time coming but it was like a hand and a glove. Baby Drew: My first experience in the rap game was being in the Country Boy Clique. I come from a group anyway, so it was cool for me. But with Coo Coo I just felt like it was a good opportunity. I’ve had underground What are some songs we exposure, but Coo Coo has had both mainstream and underground exposure. I should keep an eye out for? figured working with him could help get me in that door. Baby Drew: All the songs on Kokain Kowboyz have signifi cance. We’re talking about the drug seller, drug user, drug suppliers, the wom- What would you say was the purpose or goal of putting out this Kokain en. Every aspect of cocaine, we’re gonna cover it. It’s lyrically heavy too. Kowboyz project? Coo Coo Cal: The purpose was [to clarify] the rumors. We hadn’t been out in Who did you guys work with on the project? Did you reach out to people a while putting out an album. We decided to put an end to all the rumors and outside of Milwaukee or keep it mostly home-based? to shut the people up who wanted us against each other and to just be heard Baby Drew: We reached out to some producers out of Tennessee and Georgia, again. The more we come together the more we can be heard. Just like people but other than that, it’s pure Milwaukee. We tried getting features from from other regions come together like T.I. and Jeezy in Atlanta, we have to some big-name artists, but that didn’t do us no justice. So we just kept it all start doing the same. Out here everybody wants to be the chief and there Milwaukee. aren’t enough Indians. But it’s coming together. Baby Drew: We both have good heads on our shoulders and know what And the sound? Will we get a Milwaukee feel or did you guys go for a makes sense. Teamwork makes winners. Since no one else in Milwaukee is sound conducive to what’s out right now? working together, we have to lead by example. If we both have good follow- Baby Drew: We’re allergic to coattail riding, so we stayed at home with it. ings, together we can make great followings. Ain’t no one gonna help you if We did want broad production from everywhere. But there’s no biting on the you don’t help yourself. So we figured if we team up, everyone else will get album. It’s born and bred here. on board too. It seems like working on this project was a breeze for you two. Should we What are these rumors you speak of? expect more collaborations in the future? Coo Coo Cal: Well, I know you’ve heard the cocaine rumors. Some are Coo Coo Cal: I can almost guarantee that we will be back at the table doing it true and some are not. We’re putting it all on the album. Every question is again. Judging from the response we’ve gotten so far, it makes sense to do it answered. People wondered what happened with certain label deals, what again. We’ve worked together before in the past, but it just wasn’t for a whole happened to this Benz, where did all this money go? We’re telling it all. album. Baby Drew: We’re just giving the engineers and equipment a rest. We ready. Do you think those rumors came from a spirit of hate or concern? They had to kick us out of the studio. We’re just getting started. // Coo Coo Cal: Both. Sometimes concern because some of it’s true, but some

32 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): DJ Smallz @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s 15 Year Anniversary in Tallahassee, FL (Photo: Julia Beverly); Nicki Minaj & Yo Gotti on the set of Yo Gotti’s “5 Star Chick” remix video shoot video shoot in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Malik Abdul); Trey Songz @ House of Blues Chicago for the 106th & Park tour in Chicago, IL (Photo: Julia Beverly)

01 // Fella & Combat @ Ale Gators (Lakeland, FL) 02 // Jeremih & Lil Bankhead @ For Sisters Only (Atlanta, GA) 03 // Kevin Cossom @ Florida Music Conference (Miami, FL) 04 // LA the Darkman & Willie the Kid @ Bash at the Bay (Toledo, OH) 05 // Tum Tum @ Hot 93.3 Summer Jam (Austin, TX) 06 // Columbus Short @ 595 North for DJ Hero launch party (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Play N Skillz @ Club Joyce (Dallas, TX) 08 // George Lopez & Yung Feddi @ Club Joyce (Dallas, TX) 09 // Huey and the Strapp Models @ Bash at the Bay (Toledo, OH) 10 // Baby Boy @ For Sisters Only (Atlanta, GA) 11 // DJ Scream @ Primal for Triple C’s release party (Atlanta, GA) 12 // Derrty DJ D Hustle @ Word War Battle (St Louis, MO) 13 // Michael Watts & Yung Redd @ Hot 93.3 Summer Jam (Austin, TX) 14 // Trae @ Hot 93.3 Summer Jam (Austin, TX) 15 // Big Teach, Pitbull, & Bryan Leach @ The Tabernacle (Atlanta, GA) 16 // Guest & Trai’D @ Ultra Lounge for Dorrough & Dr Teeth’s BET Nomination party (Dallas, TX) 17 // DJ Daze @ Last Level Lounge (Waterloo, IA) 18 // Dr Teeth & Big Bink @ Ultra Lounge for Dorrough & Dr Teeth’s BET Nomination party (Dallas, TX) 19 // Lil Twist @ Ultra Lounge for Dorrough & Dr Teeth’s BET Nomination party (Dallas, TX) 20 // Mami Chula @ Young Jeezy’s Adidas in-store (Atlanta, GA) 21 // Nicki Minaj @ La Rumba (Atlanta, GA) 22 // Shawty & his kids @ For Sisters Only (Atlanta, GA) 23 // Magno, George Lopez, & Paco on the set of Ca$h’s “Walk Wit A Dip” video shoot (Dallas, TX) 24 // Rob G @ Hot 93.3 Summer Jam (Austin, TX) 25 // Rasheeda @ 595 North for DJ Hero launch party (Atlanta, GA) 26 // Lil Chuckee & his little sister @ For Sisters Only (Atlanta, GA) 27 // DJ Holiday, DJ Infamous, guest, & Chubbie Baby @ Primal for Triple C’s release party (Atlanta, GA) 28 // Chalie Boy @ Hot 93.3 Summer Jam (Austin, TX) 29 // Sun @ Hot 93.3 Summer Jam (Austin, TX) 30 // TJ Chapman, BoB, & B Rich @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s 15 Year Anniversary (Tallahassee, FL) 31 // VIC & J Futuristic on the set of J Futuristic’s “First Name Last Name” video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 32 // Zaytoven @ Utopia (Atlanta, GA) 33 // Young Joe & ladies @ Whiskey North (Tampa, FL) 34 // Boo, guests, & Currensy @ the OZONE Office (Atlanta, GA) 35 // Bay Bay, Myammee, & Toccara of iKandi Models @ Club Joyce (Dallas, TX)

Photo Credits: Chris OA (05,13,28,29); DJ Commando (17); Edward Hall (07,08,14,16,18,19,23,24,35); Eric Perrin (04,09,15,20); Jeevan Brown (32); Julia Beverly (30); Ms Ja (02,10,11,22,26,27,31); Ms Rivercity (21,34); Tammie White (12); Terrence Tyson (03,06,25,33); Travis Pendergrass (01)

OZONE MAG // 33 34 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Lo Fat @ Bash at the Bay in Toledo, OH; DJ Drama @ Bash at the Bay in Toledo, OH (Photos: Eric Perrin); Soufpaw & Dwight Howard @ Touch Nightclub in Jackson, MS (Photo: Soufpaw)

01 // Yung LA @ For Sisters Only (Atlanta, GA) 02 // LeToya Luckett @ Florida Music Conference (Miami, FL) 03 // Strizzo @ 1st Lady’s Birthday Bash (Tampa, FL) 04 // G Fresh @ Figure 8 for their mixtape release party (Atlanta, GA) 05 // Greg Street @ Primal for Triple C’s release party (Atlanta, GA) 06 // Dorrough Music @ Balla Bash (Texarkana, TX) 07 // Peter Warrick & Trick Daddy @ The Hall (Palmetto, FL) 08 // DJ Asap & DJ Krave @ Club Joyce (Dallas, TX) 09 // Fella & Big Gates Records crew @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s (Tal- lahassee, FL) 10 // B Hamp & Nina Z @ Club Joyce (Dallas, TX) 11 // Shanell @ America’s Most Wanted Tour (Atlanta, GA) 12 // Lil Twist & Goon @ America’s Most Wanted Tour (Atlanta, GA) 13 // Malik, Hutch Daddy Dolla, & T Page @ Bash at the Bay (Toledo, OH) 14 // M Beezy @ FAMU Homecoming Concert (Tallahassee, FL) 15 // DJ Teknikz @ Figure 8 for their mixtape release party (Atlanta, GA) 16 // J Futuristic & Lil Meany reppin OZONE on the set of J Futuristic’s “This Is How We Play” video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 17 // Bay Bay, 3Feet, & models @ Ultra Lounge for Dorrough & Dr Teeth’s BET Nomination party (Dallas,TX) 18 // Hankadon @ J-Dash’s “Wop” video shoot (Miami, FL) 19 // T. Lewis @ Freelon’s for the Leo Birthday Bash (Jackson, MS) 20 // Kenny Burns @ Konsole Kingz’ XBox Event (Atlanta, GA) 21 // Young Dose @ Upstart Record Pool (Jacksonville, FL) 22 // DJ E-Top (Atlanta, GA) 23 // DJ Mystery Mix @ Last Level Lounge (Waterloo, IA) 24 // Ms April @ Club Dreamz (Jackson, MS) 25 // Trump @ Club 127 for OZONE party (Hickory, NC) 26 // Kinky B @ America’s Most Wanted Tour (Atlanta, GA) 27 // Ralph Smith & ladies @ Southern Whispers (Greenville, MS) 28 // Miami Mike, guest, & Arab @ America’s Most Wanted Tour (Atlanta, GA) 29 // Bigga Rankin on the set of Yo Gotti’s “5 Star Chick” remix video shoot video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 30 // Chucc & Dorrough Music @ Ultra Lounge for Dorrough & Dr Teeth’s BET Nomination party (Dallas, TX) 31 // Rob G & Michael Watts @ Hot 93.3 Summer Jam (Austin, TX) 32 // Chaka Zulu on the set of Ace Hood’s “Born An OG” video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 33 // Ace Mitch & DJ Asap @ Club Joyce (Dallas, TX) 34 // Tity Boy of Playaz Circle & Lil Twist @ America’s Most Wanted Tour (Atlanta, GA) 35 // Treal @ Ale Gators (Lakeland, FL)

Photo Credits: Chris OA (31); DJ Commando (23); DJ E-Top (22); Edward Hall (06,08,10,17,27,30,33); Eric Perrin (13,32); Julia Beverly (11,12,26,28,34); Malik Abdul (09,29); Ms Ja (01,04,05,15,16,25); Soufpaw (19,24); Terrence Tyson (02,14,18,20,21); Travis Pendergrass (03,07,35)

OZONE MAG // 35 How a new breed of greedy artist A True Story managers and booking agents, led by Gucci Mane’s representatives, by Julia Beverly are sucking the blood out of the music industry.

ohnnie [Cabbell] is the grand vampire,” proclaims legendary Chi- denied the rehab rumors and it’s still unclear exactly where Gucci was in cago-based promoter Godfatha. For over twenty years, Godfatha mid-July, it’s clear where he wasn’t: He wasn’t on the So Icey Tour. Of the 12 “Jhas been promoting concerts through his company Star Power scheduled tour dates, OZONE has confirmed that at least six, but probably Entertainment Group. He estimates his losses from bad business deals with more of these shows (Jacksonville, FL; Pompano Beach/Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Johnnie Cabbell and Debra Antney to be nearly $100,000. “I don’t work with Louisville, KY; Chicago, IL; Baltimore, MD; and , MI) never happened, Johnnie anymore,” he states emphatically. “He sucks the blood out of you.” leaving furious promoters demanding refunds.

As the CEO of Hitt Afta Hitt (otherwise known as HAH), Johnnie Cabbell is That’s a less than fifty percent success rate. “People Gucci Mane’s exclusive booking agent and also manages Bankhead rapper get fired for those type of numbers in baseball,” Shawty Lo. Johnnie’s “partner in crime,” Godfatha’s business partner says, laughs Baltimore attorney Paul W. Gardner (left), of is Debra Antney, who describes herself as Gucci Mane’s “business partner the Gardner Law Group. Gardner spoke to OZONE and manager.” As CEO of Gucci’s So Icey Records and the management on behalf of his client, who also lost “a significant company Mizay Entertainment, Antney also oversees the careers of OJ sum of money” by booking the So Icey Tour for a da Juiceman, Nicki Minaj, and others. Multiple promoters from across the stop in Baltimore on July 18th, the day before word country allege that Cabbell and Antney have collaborated to defraud them of Gucci’s alleged re-incarceration leaked on the collectively of hundreds of thousands of dollars. ‘net.

“[About] four days before the event, [Cabbell/ THE SO ICEY TOUR Antney] said that [Gucci] might not show up,” says Gardner. “Later we found out it was because he was in some sort of rehab Scheduled for at least 12 cities in July 2009, the So facility.” Gardner declined to reveal the exact amount of the deposit, but Icey Tour was supposed to feature OJ da Juiceman, based on other promoters’ experiences, it is reasonable to assume his cli- Nicki Minaj, and the headliner, Gucci Mane. It sounded ent’s total losses were in the range of $40,000-50,000. promising. Gucci’s buzz was at an all-time high. He had just returned home from prison a few months earlier to ecstatic crowds at “Welcome When Gardner’s client attempted to reschedule the date, So Icey sud- Home Gucci” parties throughout the South. His artist/protégé OJ had been denly changed their story. “They said, ‘How can we reschedule something steadily building a buzz of his own and helping to keep Gucci’s name alive we don’t have the [deposit] for?’” he laughs. It’s a theme that is repeated by flooding the streets with mixtapes and fresh material. They were both over and over in other promoters’ stories: after months of contracts, wire hot commodities. And in an industry nearly void of female artists, up-and- transfers, and conversations, Cabbell/Antney suddenly played dumb, coming emcee/sex symbol Nicki Minaj was quickly building a name for either pointing the finger at each other or hiding behind a complex web herself, strengthened by her affiliations with Lil Wayne and Gucci Mane. The of multiple contracts with timing seemed perfect. middlemen.

But by all accounts, the “tour,” organized by a Carolina-based promoter The So Icey Tour dates were named Shannon Marshall, was a mess and fell apart almost immediately. officially contracted through None of the artists showed up for the first two Florida dates (July 4th & two other entities: reputable 5th), leaving veteran promoter Mr. CC (who, like Godfatha in Chicago, has New York-based booking been successfully promoting concerts for over 20 years) with losses of over agency Ujaama Entertain- $140,000. He claims that nearly half of that money, around $70,000, is in the ment, and the much less hands of Cabbell/Antney, who refuse to return the deposits or reschedule reputable third-party agent his dates. Shannon Marshall. Both of them apparently kept a small On July 19th, 2009, percentage of the deposits midway through the as a booking fee before send- scheduled tour dates, ing the bulk of the funds to Soulja Boy tweeted, “My Cabbell/Antney, presumably nigga Gucci back in jail. to secure all three artists. Free Gucci.” (right) Rumors Because of the complicated quickly spread that Gucci paper trail, most of the vari- had again violated the ous promoters’ attempts to terms of his probation legally retrieve their deposits and was back in jail (or have been difficult and thus rehab). Although Gucci’s far unsuccessful. management and label

Gucci Mane’s November 2009 mugshot

36 // OZONE MAG “I’m not sure if it’s on purpose,” notes Attorney Gardner, “but [the way the Attorney Gardner agrees that hundreds of thousands of dollars appear to contracts are written up] are very nasty and sinister. It’s multi-layered. From have vanished. “The one [deposit] my client sent was a significant sum, and a legal standpoint, when someone does something wrong to you, you can if you multiply that by a 10+ city tour, that’s a hefty bill they have to return. sue that person. Person A sues Person B; laymen understand that [concept]. Somebody has the money and can’t repay it,” he reasons. “I don’t know if it’s But the problem arises when a middleman is included and the person on Johnnie, Deb, or Ujaama. We don’t know how deep the rabbit hole goes, the backend does the harm. Person A has to sue Person B to get to Person but what’s in the dark always comes to light. If my client decides to sue, we C, but in this situation, Person B’s contract says ‘You can’t sue me.’ With the will get to the bottom of it. Multiple defendants always end up telling on [So Icey Tour] contracts, Person A is the promoter. Person B is Ujaama [and/ each other.” or Shannon], Person C is Johnnie, Person D is Deb, and E is the artist.” For this reason, he explains, proceeding with a lawsuit is both a difficult and costly endeavor. “Because of the difficulty of the third-party situation, I have MODERN DAY SLAVERY to prove which party has the money,” he explains. “Or maybe it’s all of them.” While it’s clear that Ujaama, Shannon, Cabbell, and Complicating the matter even further, the agents’ contracts state that they Antney all received a piece of the So Icey Tour pie, it’s cannot be sued in the event of a breach of contract. Although this clause is unclear how much – if any – of the initial hundreds standard in most booking contracts where the agent is only a broker for the of thousands of dollars in show deposits actually went to the artists. It artist, Gardner advises his clients to cross it out before signing. “You can’t appears that none of it went to OJ da Juiceman or Nicki Minaj, and it’s do business with people you can’t sue,” he says. “It’s legally impossible.” questionable how much the headliner Gucci received, if any.

Ujaama’s attorneys have advised them not to comment on the matter due Chicago-based John Mosley of Power Move Promotions, a.k.a. John Doe, to pending litigation. Shannon Marshall, who did not return numerous calls believes Gucci received little or nothing of the upfront deposits. Since for comment, appears to be in hiding. Most of the promoters interviewed 1997, Mosley has been successfully promoting events in Chicago, Miami, have not been able to reach him at all since the cancelled tour dates. “I and Atlanta with artists like R Kelly, Jeremih, Twista, Too Short, Gorilla Zoe, guess Shannon was a guy that got caught up with them thinking they were and Plies. He partnered with Godfatha for the Chicago So Icey Tour date. good businesspeople over there at Mizay Entertainment and found out Although he didn’t reveal the source of his information, Mosley claims that they weren’t,” theorizes Godfatha. “They were double-booking shows and Gucci is locked into a 360 deal with So Icey/Asylum/Warner, and a good Johnnie was taking all the deposits.” portion of the initial show deposits goes to the label, So Icey, which Deb controls. “Gucci Mane is a slave, man,” says Mosley. “Call him and ask him Unanimously, the disgruntled So Icey Tour promoters say their money van- how much of the [show deposits] he’s actually getting.” ished into the hands of Cabbell and Antney. Although the initial deposits were wired to Ujaama, most of the promoters have seen confirmed wire 360 deals, which are the norm in today’s digital music world, guarantee transfer receipts that verify the money ended up in Antney’s bank account. record labels a percentage of their artists’ revenue from many different Many have done business with Ujaama for years and never experienced sources, including touring. A high-ranking executive at Warner Music Group similar issues. “I’ve dealt with Ujaama [before] and never had a problem, so wouldn’t disclose the exact terms of Gucci Mane’s deal, but did confirm that if they say they [sent] the money to the next person, I tend to believe them,” 360 deals are now standard. “All new [record] deals are inclusive to every- adds Attorney Gardner, who compares the thing [including a percentage of show monies]. It’s a full-fledged deal,” says scenario to the sleight-of-hand shell game the exec. If true, it would appear that large portions of the show deposits (left) practiced by street magicians. “It’s (the 50% upfront) are being pocketed by Cabbell and Antney, and the like being on the beach and watching the artists themselves don’t get paid at all until they actually show up for the guys with the coconut shells. We just don’t show and receive the back-end money – which could explain why Cabbell/ know whose hand is on the coconut.” Antney don’t appear to be too concerned if the shows actually happen.

“I’ve had a great relationship booking artists with Ujaama for over ten years Another source familiar with 360 deals at WMG doubted that Warner itself and I really didn’t wanna get into a legal battle with them. [In the past,] if would have received a portion of the show deposits, stating that the artists’ [an artist] didn’t show up, Ujaama promptly refunded my money. But this? performance revenue isn’t closely monitored by the major label. This is a nightmare,” says a frustrated Mr. CC. “I’m out so much money right now that I don’t have a choice. Legally, I have to sue Ujaama. Then Ujaama Regardless, “I’m sure Gucci never saw any portion of the deposit,” insists has to sue Shannon, who disappeared, and then Shannon’s gotta sue Attorney Gardner. “The artist [only] gets the back end when he shows up Gucci’s management.” [to the show]. I’ve seen it [in other situations]. The label tells the artist, ‘You have fees.’ It’s just business. If Gucci owes them $10,000 for bottles or flights Godfatha, while emphasizing that his Ujaama representative Dave Nelson or jewelry, they’re gonna take 100% of what’s owed out of the [deposit].” is “a good dude,” blames the fiasco on Cabbell/Antney. “[Ujaama] did a good job of trying to sit down and work the [So Icey Tour] situation out, but FEDERAL FRAUD [Johnnie and Deb] didn’t want to. If you had $300,000 in deposits, would you want to ‘work it out’?” he asks. “Who’s going to come down to Atlanta The most sinister element of the scenario is the fact and mess with an old lady and go to jail? That’s why you have to sue [Deb]. that it appears Antney/Cabbell continued accepting Everybody else is suing her too.” show deposits throughout much of the Fall 2009, fully knowing that Gucci would not be able to leave the state of Georgia. They allegedly told one promoter that they were simply “hoping” the judge would clear Gucci Mane’s legal obligations.

According to Attorney Gardner, conspiracy to commit federal fraud (which can bring both civil and criminal charges) “involves two or more people coming together to fraudulently take someone’s money.” Accepting depos- its and signing contracts for show dates that legally cannot happen is fraud, and money has been wired across state lines, potentially making it a federal offense.

Taking it a step further, Gardner implies that Gucci himself could be liable for criminal fraud charges, even though he didn’t personally sign the contracts. “The state [of Georgia] already has Gucci [imprisoned], and the Feds are licking their chops to get him on something,” notes Gardner, who is also advising his clients to demand that artists personally sign booking contracts in addition to their management. “If you want to hire Gucci Mane, there should be one page with Gucci Mane’s signature saying, ‘I know about this date, and I agree to be there.’ Tie him into it legally.”

Attorney Gardner notes that both he and his client had previous dealings with Deb, before her stint as Gucci Mane’s manager, which were “extremely Cabbell emailed this “So Icey Tour” schedule to promoters in June 2009

OZONE MAG // 37 positive.” So although his client is not currently pursuing criminal charges, “Why are [they] continuing to book shows and Gucci Mane doesn’t have Gardner adds, “I wouldn’t play with it [if I were them]. I’d say Johnnie, Deb, movement yet?” asked Godfatha, during our interview in late October. and Gucci need to meet and figure out where the money is, [because] any “What if the judge says no when he goes to court?” It appears Cabbell/ attorney that really wants to spend some time on this could make things Antney continued scheduling dates for Gucci, including Birmingham, AL, interesting for them.” Chicago, IL (Nov. 19th), Lakeland, FL (Nov. 28th), and Houston, TX (Dec. 27th), even as he was legally unable to leave the state of Georgia.

PITTSBURGH, PA And as it turns out, the judge did say “no.” On November 12th, 2009, Gucci was led away in handcuffs from a court hearing and sentenced to twelve Even if Gardner’s client chooses not to go that route, months in prison (he may only be required to serve six months; his lawyer, it appears that Pittsburgh attorney Jim Cook, who Dwight L. Thomas, is optimistic and told MTV News that Gucci could pos- represents promoter William Marshall of B. Marshall sibly be released as soon as the first of the year with good behavior). Productions, is preparing to “make things interesting” for Deb and Johnnie. Marshall, along with his partner Derrick Brown of Rock Star Entertainment, The second paragraph of Marshall’s contract with Hitt Afta Hitt explicitly invested nearly $50,000 for two Gucci Mane dates that never happened. states, “In the event that Artist fails to appear, 100% of the show money Their pending lawsuit alleges that “[Radric ‘Gucci Mane’] Davis/Cabbell/Ant- is guaranteed to be refunded to the Purchaser.” But despite the written ney have continued to book shows, take money from other associates & cli- guarantee, as of press time, Marshall has not been refunded the $27,500 ents, refuse to return deposits or lost promotion expenses, and reschedule deposit that Cabbell/Antney have held for over six months, not to mention show dates, although they are/were aware that Gucci Mane is not allowed the money he lost on promotion, the credibility he lost as a promoter, and to leave Georgia..thereby committing a state and federal fraud.” In addition the money he could’ve made had he invested those funds elsewhere. to a civil lawsuit on behalf of Marshall, Cook is threatening to turn the case over to the Pennsylvania Attorney General and the FBI for investigation into criminal fraud charges. FLORIDA

In June 2009, Marshall wired $27,500 to Hitt Afta Hitt and So Icey Entertain- Around the same time B. ment to book Gucci Mane for a show on August 22nd, 2009. He also spent Marshall sent his Pittsburgh an additional $13,500 to begin promoting the show and secure the venue. deposit, Florida promoter About a month later, in mid-July, Marshall heard the rumors of Gucci Mane’s Mr. CC of Mr. CC Productions (right) says he imprisonment and immediately contacted Johnnie and Deb, concerned wired $105,000 to the Shannon/Ujaama/ about his $41,000 investment. Cabbell/Antney collective to secure three consecutive dates on the So Icey Tour - July 4th On August 5th, Deb and Johnnie assured Marshall both verbally and in a (Pompano Beach), 5th (Jacksonville), and 6th written letter on HAH letterhead (below) that the show was “in good stand- (Orlando). According to Mr. CC, his contract with ing” and would proceed. They also offered similar assurances to G. Rowell, Shannon Marshall – who then had contracts in an associate of Marshall’s in Washington D.C. who had another upcoming turn with Ujaama, Cabbell, and Antney - stated that the total $55,000 fee Gucci Mane show. Based on these guarantees, Marshall continued spend- was all-inclusive, meaning that CC was not responsible to pay additional ing money to promote the event. Just two days before the scheduled date, travel expenses (OZONE was not able to obtain copies of these contracts he was notified by Deb that Gucci Mane would not attend. She refused to and was therefore unable to verify the specifics of the travel arrangements). return his $27,500 deposit or cover any of the $13,500+ he lost promoting the show. On July 4th, says Mr. CC, “I spoke to Shannon the evening of the [first date] and he said [the artists] were on their way.” He never heard from Shannon again and the artists never showed up. Frantic, he tried to contact Ujaama, So Icey, and Hitt Afta Hitt – and the following day, no one showed up for the second date either.

By the time Mr. CC finally got in touch with Johnnie, he says, word had spread that Gucci and co. were no-shows for the tour dates. “[Johnnie] told me the artists didn’t come [to Jacksonville and Pompano Beach] because we didn’t send them travel money,” reveals Mr. CC, who says that his reac- tion was one of shock. “’Travel?!? My contract doesn’t say anything about travel. It’s all inclusive. It’s stated specifically in our contracts!’ They said my contract [with Shannon] was wrong.”

Johnnie told him the only way to make the Orlando date happen was to send $10,000 – that same day – for travel expenses. To salvage his name, Mr. CC paid the $10,000 immediately and Gucci and OJ did perform in Orlando on July 6th (but no Nicki Minaj – Johnnie refunded Mr. CC only $3,000 for Nicki’s no-show, while during the same timeframe, he was charg- ing promoters upwards of $7,500 to book her). The previous no-shows, CC says, seriously hindered the turn-out. “We lost $30,000 in Orlando,” he sighs, noting that the local crowd didn’t think the artists were coming. “Those other two Florida no-shows directly affected the Orlando date.”

“Johnnie and Deb admitted that they did receive the [deposits] for all three dates. No one ever called me [prior to the shows] about travel [expenses],” insists Mr. CC. “Not once. They had all my information and nobody called me, so I had no idea [that travel was an issue].” “At no time would Cabbell/Antney explain Gucci Mane’s confinement or re- striction or the length thereof, and both were aware that Gucci Mane could Between the $30,000 loss in Orlando, the $35,000 Jacksonville deposit, the not make the Pittsburgh or DC show dates when they issued the letters [on $35,000 Pompano deposit, and an estimated $40,000 he spent securing August 5, 2009],” Marshall’s pending lawsuit continues. venues, radio commercials, flyers, and other forms of promotion, Mr. CC calculates his losses to be over $140,000. And on top of that, he alleges Several weeks later, Marshall was issued a new contract for a rescheduled that Johnnie personally robbed him of an additional $5,000. “I said, ‘Look, date and guaranteed a video drop to help salvage his reputation in the city. man. I just need those two makeup dates because I’m out a lot of money. Video and/or audio drops are typically used by promoters on radio or TV I’ll deal with the travel,’” recalls CC. “He said if I sent him a $5,000 [booking commercials to prove to local fans that the show is legitimate (for example, fee], he would work it out for me. He didn’t work it out, and now he refuses “Hey, this is Gucci Mane, and I’ll be in Pittsburgh on November 7th!”) After to refund my $5,000. He’s lost his damn mind, because I’ve never heard of two months of waiting for the video drop, which was never received, Gucci that in my life. Holding money for a booking fee for an event that never was again a no-show for the rescheduled date. happened?”

38 // OZONE MAG CC even agreed to pay the additional $10,000 travel fee per date, even ibility to the promotion. “The city of New Orleans thought it was a fake [Gu- though he says it wasn’t included on his initial contract, just for the op- cci show], just some bullshit, because I didn’t have any [drops].” Also, when portunity to try to recoup some of his losses. “I just want my damn dates!” he brought the balance of $17,500 cash to Gucci Mane’s road manager he exclaims. After months of getting the runaround from Johnnie, who G-Boy on the day of the show, he was told that he had to pay an additional insisted that he would reschedule, the story suddenly changed. “Now he’s $3,500 for travel or Gucci Mane would not perform. Peak’s contract does blaming it on Ujaama and Shannon. He’s saying, ‘We didn’t get paid for trav- state that he was responsible for travel – however, he claims that So Icey/ el, so it’s a breach of contract. We don’t have to give you back your money.’” Hitt Afta Hitt never told him the cost or details of the travel even after repeated calls to their offices inquiring. “I guess I have to do a lawsuit that includes everybody,” sighs Mr. CC. “I have to go after all of them for my money and let the judge decide who’s gotta Some people have successfully booked shows through Cabbell. “We pay. Somebody’s gotta pay for damages – potential earnings and the losses haven’t booked Gucci Mane, but I haven’t had any issues dealing with John- I incurred while going through all of this.” nie Cabbell or Hitt Afta Hitt when I’ve booked Shawty Lo through them,” states Amy Jurkofski of Atlanta-based booking agency The Music Group. Tallahassee, FL promoter Willie McKenzie, who booked Gucci Mane to per- Gucci Mane’s road manager G-Boy form at Florida A&M University’s homecoming this past October, received (left) and Johnnie Cabbell (right) his deposit back (from a third-party booking agency, not Hitt Afta Hitt) when Gucci was unable to perform due to his legal troubles.

If there’s one thing Johnnie has done right, it’s lock down a niche in a previ- ously untapped market. While Hollywood actors and actresses have a wide selection of agencies to choose from and New York-based acts or major pop/R&B artists are often represented by established agencies like the William Morris Agency (WMA), ICM Talent, or Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the recent explosion of Southern rap left a void waiting to be filled. At least in Atlanta, Cabbell helped fill that void by representing many of the smaller acts that sprang up.

“Johnnie came to me for advice on how to do [bookings],” says Coach of Florida-based Direct Connect En- TERRENCE TYSON TERRENCE tertainment, a reputable agent who has been booking shows for over JOHNNIE CABBELL 15 years. Currently, Coach is Plies’ exclusive booking agent (pictured at Cabbell told Atlanta newspaper Creative Loafing, which left together). “I’m not saying I trained briefly investigated the fraud allegations, “I’ve been [Johnnie], but I kinda lectured him doing business since 2002, and I never [before] had a problem with any TYSON TERRENCE on the business when he first started promoter.” But OZONE found plenty. out,” Coach recalls. “And as far as what he does [now] I’m not 100% pleased, and he knows that. He’s never put me “If any promoter deals with [Johnnie Cabbell], [it’s because] they just don’t in a bad position, but I’m hearing stories from other people saying that he know. I’m not gonna do business with him ever again. I’m done,” says Mos- has. He’s never done me wrong, I guess because of his respect level for me ley. Several promoters didn’t want to speak on the record to avoid “burning or because he knows I wouldn’t tolerate that type of behavior.” bridges” or damage pending dates, but many have a negative impression of Cabbell as a businessman. One word that kept coming up over and over Pittsburgh promoter B. Marshall agrees. “[Johnnie] does a lot of deals with again: “disrespect.” And phrases like, “I just don’t dope boys because he knows they won’t go the legal route. He wouldn’t like his attitude.” try to pull some of these moves on [someone like well-known Atlanta promoter] Alex [Gidewon of AG Entertainment] because he won’t get away At worst, Johnnie Cabbell is conspiring with Debra with it.” Antney & co. to commit federal fraud. At the very least, he’s a liar, according to promoter Jesse Peak Some of Cabbell’s affiliates defend him. “I think [Johnnie’s] reputation (left). comes from being a hard-nosed businessman,” says South Carolina DJ Chuck T. “He’s known for having crazy ass riders… but he’ll bring in one of “That whole camp is fucked up. Johnnie is the lesser-known groups he fucks with and have them open up. So basi- someone who continually tells you he’s gonna do cally you get a good deal on booking artists but at the expense of bringing something and then doesn’t do it. He promised one of his new artists and paying for their shit.” Marcus “Rip” Rippy, of me 200% support [on my show],” says Peak, who Hoodrich Entertainment, echoes the same sentiment. “I’ve seen Johnnie at followed up a successful Plies show in Orlando by work and I can understand why some people could booking Gucci Mane in New Orleans in May 2009. In early 2009 when he feel the way they do. But the truth is that he goes sent a deposit for Plies [to his booking agent Coach], he promptly received hard for his artists. They are his top priority.” a phone call with a voice drop, an email with eight pre-recorded studio drops, and met Plies at a local radio station to film a video drop for promo- California-based DJ Nik Bean (left) disagrees, argu- tional TV commercials. ing that Johnnie’s bad business practices hinder his artists more than help them. Billing himself as Impressed with Plies’ camp and their professionalism, he then contacted “LA’s Mixtape King,” Nik Bean has toured with Cali Gucci Mane’s agent expecting the same courtesy. “I told [Johnnie], ‘This is up-and-comer Glasses Malone and worked with what I expect from you.’ He promised me radio drops as soon as I sent my many other West Coast favorites like Daz, , deposit. They promised video drops so I [paid extra] to book TV commer- and Nipsey Hussle. Prior to the BET Awards in June cials,” recalls Peak. But after sending his $21,000 deposit, weeks went by D-RAY 2008, Nik says, he contacted Shawty Lo to inquire with no response. Finally, HAH directed him to the Mizay/So Icey office, about doing some work with him as a DJ. where he also spent several weeks calling with no response. “[The experience] changed my perception of [Shawty Lo],” says Nik, bitterly. “Once Johnnie gets your money it’ll be at least a week before he picks up “I liked his music but [dealing with Johnnie] made me question him. Like, his phone again,” concurs Godfatha, who also never received drops for mul- ‘Why are you doing business with this guy?’ I can’t say anything bad about tiple Shawty Lo shows before his attempted Gucci Mane booking. “Johnnie Lo, but I’m not doing no more business with Johnnie, period, point blank. must be busier than damn [Barack] Obama,” snorts Mr. CC. “I have to call And I’ll make sure he can’t do business out here [in L.A.].” eight or ten times before I can get him on the phone, and he’s always ‘busy.’” According to Peak, his show’s turnout suffered without drops to add cred- As Shawty Lo’s manager, Cabbell asked Nik for a favor. “[Johnnie] was like,

OZONE MAG // 39 “We’re gonna be out there [in L.A.] for the BET Awards. Set something up profit organization called Rah Rah’s Village of Hope and popped up on the for me; get me some money,” recalls Nik. “I made some calls and got the ball scene as Gucci Mane’s manager after bonding with him at a charity event a rolling on a situation for him to make some show money.” As other promot- few years ago. ers got involved, Nik sensed things getting too complicated and backed away. “I was supposed to get some money off the show but the situation And yet even with a background in non-profit and charity organizations, got too sticky. I saw too many sharks in the tank, so once I realized I was many people who’ve dealt with her question her integrity. “[Deb] is the gonna get screwed, I’m not a professional booker, so I just said ‘fuck it.’” ringleader behind the desk,” says John Mosley. “She’s got everybody by the nuts. She’s robbing everybody over there [at So Icey/Mizay], and Johnnie is Johnnie agreed to “make the situation right” with Nik by promising him a her partner in crime.” Shawty Lo verse for his digital album. Shawty Lo got his money for the LA show Nik set up, but Nik never got his verse. “I had everything ready,” recalls Some evidence appears to corroborate this. Although most of the promot- Nik. “I had Glasses Malone do the hook, and we put the beat together. ers’ anger is directed at Cabbell, it appears that bad business practices We left an open verse for Shawty Lo. The song was custom-made for him, existed in the So Icey/Mizay camp long before Cabbell/HAH got involved in ‘Concerns of A D-Boy,’ right up his lane. Johnnie promised me, ‘I got you. No March 2009. A high turnover rate within both entities and poor commu- problem,’ and I assumed that since he’s Shawty Lo’s manager, it was official. nication between the two appears to have only complicated the existing I didn’t think people would do business like this; it just didn’t make sense problems. to me. I would think an artist of that caliber would have the sense to have a decent manager.” ROCKFORD, IL After the BET Awards, four months passed. Nik called Johnnie’s phone repeatedly only to hear, “Yo, I’m in a meeting.” “He kept bullshitting me; I A year ago, in the fall of 2008, Gucci Mane’s asking price heard the same thing four or five times,” says Nik. “I could smell the bullshit was $15,000 plus expenses. Illinois party promoter from a mile away. How many ‘meetings’ could you have?” Yungwaun (left) booked him through So Icey/Mizay for $17,500 plus expenses – a premium rate for Nik never received the promised verse. “I told Johnnie, ‘Don’t ever come a holiday performance. Gucci was scheduled to back out here [to L.A.],’” Nik recalls. “It’s not a [physical] threat, but I meant, perform in Rockford, IL on Halloween (October ‘Don’t try to [break] no records here.’ There’s other people in the game like 31st, 2008). Yungwaun sent a $10,000 deposit [him] too. I guess I’m too nice. If I ever get wind of Johnnie trying to work a along with several thousand dollars for travel, record out here, best believe I’m gonna try to shut that shit down.” While it secured a venue, and began spending money might appear a minor incident, Nik felt personally insulted. “I was so mad advertising the show. because I helped him make money in my city. It’s disrespectful and foul.” “No one ever [contacted me] to let me know Personally, I’ve had my share of problems with Johnnie. The first was a that he wouldn’t make the date,” he says. On feature I booked for Shawty Lo for an independent label. Johnnie quoted September 12th, 2008, a month and a half me $10,000 and I set up the deal for $12,000. I sent the record and the before Yungwaun’s scheduled show, Gucci paperwork to Johnnie’s email and waited several weeks as he continually appeared in court for a probation violation assured me that Shawty Lo would get the verse done. When I later learned hearing. Various websites reported that Gucci, who had been convicted of that Johnnie had contacted the artist directly after seeing their name on assault in 2005 and sentenced to probation, had failed to meet his required the paperwork and charged them $12,000 for the feature, pocketing my community service hours (he was required to serve 50 hours a month and commission, I confronted him. He claimed to not know that it was the same had only clocked in 25 hours over a three year time period). In addition, he feature I had set up – even though I had emailed him the record three had reportedly tested positive for ecstasy, marijuana, and alcohol during weeks prior. I reluctantly gave him the benefit of the doubt and let it slide. a random drug test. The judge revoked one year of his probation and sent him to jail. Then, I booked Shawty Lo to host a party at Las Vegas nightclub Prive on a Monday night with Johnnie’s explicit assurance that he would perform Concerned, Yungwaun contacted So Icey/Mizay to find out the status of two songs from the DJ booth to satisfy the club’s expectations for the his show deposit. Severe Green, a So Icey employee, told him that it was event. I was awakened at 5 AM East Coast time on the night of the event to not her responsibility to handle his show because the original person he a conference call/screaming match between Johnnie, the club’s manager, dealt with at the company had already taken a commission and no longer and one of the club owners – a huge mess which went on for hours until worked there. After repeated inquiries, Severe assured Yungwaun that Shawty Lo calmly took the phone from Johnnie and agreed to fulfill the the show would move forward as planned and advised him to continue requirements of the date. Problem solved. The manager is supposed to fix promoting, but he was skeptical. “My investor said, ‘No one’s gonna come things for the artist – not the other way around. because [they know] Gucci is locked up,’” says Yungwaun. “It’s all over the internet.” Diamond, who was a standout member of the group Crime Mob (repre- sented by Cabbell) before launching her solo career, feels that Deb, not Two weeks before the scheduled date, he was officially notified that Gucci Johnnie, is primarily to blame for the bad business. “I’ve heard of [promot- Mane would not be attending. Naturally, he wanted his money back. But ers] having situations with Johnnie, but when I was dealing with him, he So Icey/Mizay refused to refund Yungwaun’s $10,000 deposit, first claiming was about his business. I haven’t had problems with him myself. It’s about that the “force majeure” clause in the contract released them from the 50/50. I know some people that don’t fuck with him and some people that obligation. According to Wikipedia, force majeure is “a common clause in do fuck with him,” says Diamond. “But I don’t deal with Deb at all and I don’t contracts which essentially frees both parties from liability or obligation wanna ever deal with Deb. I’ve heard her attitude is fucked up and her when an extraordinary event or circumstance beyond the control of the business is fucked up. I’ve never heard anybody have anything nice to say parties, such as a war, strike, riot, crime, or an event described by the legal about Deb.” term “act of God” (e.g. flooding, earthquake, volcanic eruption), prevents one or both parties from fulfilling their obligations under the contract.” Clearly, Gucci Mane popping pills, smoking weed, failing to do community DEBRA ANTNEY service, and therefore returning to prison on a probation violation does not qualify as an “act of God” (continues Wikipedia: “force majeure is not Often con- intended to excuse negligence or other malfeasance”). fused as Gucci Mane’s “auntie” So Icey/Mizay held Yungwaun’s money for over six months. When Gucci because of Mane was finally scheduled to be released in March 2009, he says, “[Gucci] her last name, was so booked up [So Icey] wouldn’t even tell me when he was getting Debra Antney is actually not a out.” Instead of scheduling a make-up date at his initial contracted price blood relative of the rapper. She of $17,500, So Icey/Mizay tried to sell him a date for $30,000. “They told is, however, the mother of up me I couldn’t get a date unless I paid the [difference of $12,500],” recalls and coming So Icey rapper Waka Yungwaun. “I told them they must be out of their mind, because I had a Flocka Flame (pictured at right contract.” together). 49-year-old Deb made the unlikely transition from a non- After months of back and forth, Yungwaun, who could not afford the

40 // OZONE MAG $30,000 price tag, reluctantly accepted his deposit back – minus a $500 in May 2009 and 5,000 commission. “They kept the commission for a show that never happened!” people showed up. he laughs bitterly. “They held my money for six months! They had $10,000 According to Godfatha, just sitting there. Plus I had [paid for] commercials and flyers. I lost the it was the biggest show potential to make money; I could have made more [money] off the show Gucci Mane has ever than I spent.” done (right) [as the headliner] to this day. Around the time of Gucci’s release from prison in March 2009, So Icey/ Mosley says there was Mizay handed over the booking responsibilities to Cabbell and Hitt Afta plenty of bad blood in Hitt. Due to a combination of factors (including OJ’s buzz, a slew of Gucci the city from his previous Mane mixtape material floating around, and an overall slump in the music no-show. “People were business) the street demand for Gucci Mane had risen during his incarcera- threatening [Gucci’s] life,” tion. According to simple economic theory, a combination of high demand he recalls. “The things and low supply (because of his unavailability) equals an increase in price. we went through even getting him into [Chicago] and on stage alive were So during the span of his 6-month incarceration, Gucci’s asking price magi- ridiculous.” The promoters were able to recoup their previous losses (and, cally rose from $15,000 to over $40,000. And instead of honoring the previ- one would assume, turned a hefty profit). ous contracts that had never been satisfied, So Icey/Mizay allowed Johnnie to double or even triple the original prices. Several days later, Johnnie called Godfatha and offered him a date on the upcoming So Icey Tour. “He told me, ‘I apologize. Let’s do another date to “There’s no way I would have charged [the promoters] more,” says Coach. make it right.’ He tricked [us]. He told us he had a tour coming and he was “For their inconvenience, they should be charged the same price [as their gonna show me some love,” recalls Godfatha. In retrospect, he snaps, “If this initial contract] or even given a discount. When an artist fails to show, not is ‘love,’ I don’t want nooooo love from him ever again.” only is the [promoter’s] name and character at risk, but [the promoter] has incurred a lot of advertising expenses. The radio money, the flyer money, Godfatha and Mosley agreed to book a date on the So Icey Tour for the street team, the venue rental…he’s not gonna get any of that money $55,000, which was scheduled to take place on July 24th, 2009. They sent back. So there’s no way he should have to pay more, because he already a $35,000 deposit for the artists, a $5,000 booking fee which went directly lost [money] the first time the artist didn’t show. The booking agent’s re- to Cabbell (“Johnnie thought I was trying to go around him [by dealing sponsibility is to get all the money that was sent [for the deposit] returned.” with Ujaama] and said I couldn’t do another show unless I sent him $5,000 Beyond that, Coach says, the promoter would have to sue the artist directly cash,” alleges Mosley), and $10,000 for travel. But after wiring over $50,000, for breach of contract to attempt to recover funds lost on promotional ex- the promoters learned that all three of the artists on the So Icey Tour were penses. “Some [promoters] have won [additional fees in a lawsuit] for dam- booked on their date in various other cities – so they were forced to push ages when the artist couldn’t give a legitimate excuse for not being there.” the date back a week, to August 1st. “Johnnie just completely lied [to me],” says Godfatha. “On top of that, he knew Gucci was scheduled to take a drug CHICAGO, IL test three weeks before my show and he was high as a kite.” “I found out Gucci was in jail on Twitter,” laughs Godfatha. “Johnnie never Less than a hundred miles called, management never called [to tell me he wasn’t gonna make my away, promoters Godfatha show]. Soulja Boy said on Twitter [on July 19th] that Gucci Mane was in jail, (right) and John Mosley and I know him personally, so I was asking him not to say that because he (below right) experienced was killing my ticket sales in Chicago.” Nicki Minaj, Godfatha adds, was also similar drama when they teamed up to bring posting “free Gucci Mane” on her Myspace and Twitter pages less than two Gucci Mane to Chicago, IL in the fall of 2008. weeks before their scheduled event. Meanwhile, Johnnie reassured God- Their contract was for $15,000. Since Gucci fatha, “Gucci is straight. He’ll be at the show,” but never sent the promised Mane was incarcerated on the date of the drop. Shannon stopped returning calls altogether. scheduled show, So Icey/Mizay promised to reschedule. Mosley estimates that he had to Less than a week before the show, Godfatha says, they suddenly changed call So Icey at least 200 times before they finally their tune. “Johnnie is like, ‘Aw, man, I don’t know [if Gucci will be able to confirmed a make-up date. come].’ Then he says, ‘We’ve got a bunch of deposits. How do we know we have your [money]’? I’m like, ‘What?! We’ve been talking for months! I’ve After the make-up date was confirmed and got all kinds of contracts! So now you’re trying to say you don’t have my they had been advertising for four weeks, money?’ Deb plays like she doesn’t know what’s going on and hangs up.” Godfatha says, Cabbell suddenly tripled the price. “[Johnnie] called and said someone else So Godfatha retraced the paper trail: Ujaama received the initial deposits. wanted the date [for a higher price],” Godfatha Ujaama in turn wired money to Shannon, who then deposited the money recalls. “I don’t care that his stock went up. with Deb. “I have definite confirmation that Johnnie and Deb have my That’s why you invest. I lost over $15,000 [on money,” says Godfatha. Having spent over $50,000 plus promotional ex- the deposit and promotions] and they held my deposit for a whole year!” penses, with less than week before the show, he says, Deb or Johnnie didn’t answer the phone for three days. Finally, he reached them by calling three- Johnnie threatened to book a show with another promoter in the same way through one of Gucci Mane’s bodyguards and sent copies of all the city if they didn’t agree to match the offer. “We were only supposed to owe contracts, paperwork, and receipts proving that the money was transferred $8,000 [on the back-end to So Icey/Mizay],” confirms Mosley. “But John- to Deb’s account. According to Godfatha, at that point Deb finally admitted, nie got involved and said he was getting thousands of calls [for shows in “I don’t know if Gucci can make that date.” Chicago] from promoters who want to give him $40,000, and we’re gonna have to match those offers, even though we already had a contract!” “This is four days before the event!” exclaims Mosley. “When we advertise an event in Chicago, we blow it up. No one has it on lock like we do. We’ve Cabbell refused to honor the $15,000 contract, saying that Gucci was hot been promoting for six weeks. 100,000 flyers, [SMS] text blasts, Facebook in the market and deserved more. Laughs Mosley, “Right! I made him hot [invites]. Gucci Gucci Gucci! Gucci’s coming! And four days before the event, in the market! They played his records on the radio because we spent so they’re telling me he’s got legal problems. Are you kidding me?” much money [promoting his show] with the station.” The next day, just three days before the show, Deb demanded an ad- To avoid losing the date to another promoter, Godfatha and Mosley ulti- ditional $3,500 “security fee” that was never previously discussed and was mately agreed to pay Cabbell $42,500 for Gucci Mane, plus a $10,000 travel not included in the contract or rider. They threatened a no-show if the fee fee – a total of $52,500, plus the money already gone down the drain on was not paid. “Johnnie said my show wouldn’t happen unless I [paid for] advertising and venue rental fees. Why did they continue spending money more security. He threatened me and my business partner!” Godfatha says, rather than demanding their deposit back? “I’ve been promoting shows incredulous. “At that point, I told him, ‘Fuck you. I don’t care if any of y’all for 20 years and in this market I have a reputation to uphold,” explains come. It’s embarrassing now.’” Godfatha. “My name means more to me [than money].” “[Calling a promoter at the last minute with additional charges] is not Almost a year after sending their initial deposit, the show finally happened standard practice for a booking agent,” says Coach. “Everything should be

OZONE MAG // 41 on the contract. Nothing should be added “That’s not something I would do out of on [verbally] unless somebody defaults on respect for the promoter I’m doing business the agreement that’s already in writing.” with. You’re going to cause both people headaches,” says Coach. “That definitely With Gucci Mane’s status in limbo, God- shouldn’t be happening at all and that’s fatha then learned that no funds from his one of [Johnnie’s business practices] that I initial deposit had been used to secure OJ disagree with. I know promoters that have da Juiceman or Nicki Minaj, even though had real bad episodes with [Johnnie] and are all three artists were supposed to perform. displeased.” He took matters into his own hands and booked OJ through a local Chicago artist who had a relationship with the rapper, THE spending an additional $12,000 and get- VAMPIRES ting a studio drop from OJ to continue promoting the show. Nicki, who was on Godfatha feels that Cab- the road with Lil Wayne’s Young Money bell’s shiesty business practices have rubbed crew on the America’s Most Wanted Tour off on other up-and-coming booking agents. for most of the summer, did not attend Combine that with the desperation of the the show. recession and it’s an ugly formula. “There’s a lot of guys like Johnnie now... they’ve turned On the day of the scheduled Chicago into vampires,” he claims. “People in other date for the So Icey Tour (right), Godfatha artists’ camps are now following standard was informed that Gucci wouldn’t make Johnnie Cabbell practice: they call you a it either. “Of the three artists I booked on week before the show and threaten to not the tour, OJ was the only one who came, show up if you don’t send an additional and I had to pay him [an extra] $12,000 to $5,000 or $10,000 for travel [or security]. salvage the show!” he exclaims. At the end Then you have a choice: either cancel it and of the day, Godfatha estimates they lost [forfeit] all the money you put into it and dis- over $90,000, including $8,000 for security, appoint [the fans], or go ahead and take that $5,000 on advertising and over $46,000 in $5,000 or $10,000 hit because you’ve already ticket refunds that Ticketmaster issued to sold thousands of tickets. These new dudes unhappy patrons because of Gucci Mane’s like Johnnie are spreading venom to the failure to appear. “I didn’t get a dime back managers and killing the smaller promoters. from the ticket office,” laments Godfatha. “We put signs on the door saying $10,000 for travel!? He’s not using jet fuel to get here. He’s using regular gas ‘Gucci will not be here,’ and we still got 3,500 people in there, but we had [for his tour bus]!” to give all that money back,” sighs Mosley. “[The fans] blamed us, saying we were false promoting. DJ Pharris had to get on the radio [in Chicago] and “Travel buyouts” seem to be one of the vampires’ favorite ways of sucking let people know it wasn’t our fault.” every last drop of money out of a promoter. After Orlando, FL promoter Dawgman (left) sent in “[The promoter] should definitely get their money back if the artist can’t a deposit to book Shawty Lo through Cabbell fulfill the contract. Without a doubt,” says Coach. “It’s just like a [UPS] deliv- in Spring 2008, in addition to the artist’s fee, ery. If you agreed to do a show for a certain amount and now you’re unable he learned that he was also required to spend to do the show, you have defaulted. If [UPS] promises to deliver something $4,000 on a “travel buyout” instead of booking and they don’t, for any reason, the bottom line is they didn’t deliver. It flights himself. Johnnie explained that the fee doesn’t matter if the tire was flat or the driver was sick or the weather was was high because their travel agent was pur- bad. The fact is, you had an agreement to deliver, and you didn’t.” chasing “refundable” tickets for the entourage, and because Shawty Lo needed to fly first-class As of press time, Godfatha says his $35,000 deposit has not been refunded. (which is always refundable). Godfatha says that he also lost the $5,000 Johnnie pocketed as a book- ing fee for a show that never happened, as well as the $10,000 travel fee But on the scheduled date, Shawty Lo never and $3,500 last minute security fee for artists who never arrived. “They showed up, and Dawgman was forced to issue haven’t even tried to give me my money back or reschedule the show,” refunds to his patrons to salvage his reputation in the market. During says Godfatha. “Getting my money back would be cool, but I want them separate phone calls to the promoter and the promoter’s assistant, Cab- to reschedule a date with me so I can try to save some face with the radio bell and Shawty Lo’s road manager Jay provided two different reasons for station. These are people who I’ve known for 20 years, and [the no-shows] Lo’s absense - one claimed he was in the hospital, while the other said he ruined my name with the station, fans, and artists. I have to do a make-up was attending an aunt’s funeral. Of the seven round-trip flights that were show with the radio station to save face with the Program Director.” supposedly purchased with the $4,000 travel buyout, only three of those people showed up (the road manager and two entourage members). When It also hampered Godfatha’s ability to continue promoting shows in his the date was rescheduled, Johnnie threatened a no-show if Dawgman market. “All the venues here talk to each other. Even though I had no fights didn’t again pay a $4,000 travel fee. So what was the purpose of paying and people got their money back [from the Gucci Mane tickets], they still extra for “refundable” tickets if they weren’t really refundable? And more question letting me get venues. I’ve never experienced anything like this,” importantly, where did that initial $4,000 go? he adds. His credibility and reputation, he feels, are priceless. “Johnnie is trying to pocket money everywhere,” complains Mosley. “He While Johnnie and Deb refused to refund Godfatha’s money or reschedule gets it any way he can get it, and he never leaves [Atlanta] to deal with the his August date, they accepted a Gucci Mane show deposit from one of problems [on the road]. He’ll send the road manager [like Gucci Mane’s his competitors, Chicago promoter Mark Yukan (that show, scheduled for G-Boy, Shawty Lo’s Jay, or OJ da Juiceman’s Big Sam] out there to deal with November 19th, 2009, also did not happen). the problems.”

Booking back-to-back shows in the same city with two different promot- Any hot artist with records getting regular radio spins (like Shawty Lo, back ers is another favorite trick of Cabbell’s. When a savvy promoter requests in Spring 2008) is generally working at least 3-4 nights a week – meaning an exclusivity clause be included in the contract, which normally prevents that each of those three or four promoters is paying a high “travel buyout” an artist from performing anywhere in a certain radius for 30 days prior or for round trip travel. Multiply that $4,000 by 3 or 4 and if you’re really only 30 days after the show, HAH’s carefully worded “exclusivity clause” reads, paying one-way expenses – from each city to the next (if the artist even “artist(s) are not permitted to perform two weeks before or two weeks after shows up), and you can see how it could become profitable. Let’s say the date above at the listed venue,” a loophole which could technically Johnnie charges four promoters $4,000 each for travel expenses for Shawty permit Cabbell to book the same artist at two competitive venues on the Lo to go out on the road for four consecutive dates (Thursday, Friday, Satur- same street, in the same city, on the same day. day, and Sunday, for example) and only spends $10,000 on travel. Who do you think is pocketing that extra $6,000?

42 // OZONE MAG Mizay and So Icey seem to have gotten wise to this additional source of ness that you are in and people are whispering about it now but they revenue early on in their relationship with HAH, insisting that all travel are just keeping shit quiet is kept until they are positioned to voice their and hotel be handled through their office for Gucci Mane and OJ da say so. Keep getting your money Juice and remember that every move Juiceman shows instead of through Johnnie. Similarly, they demand is a calculated step, but your management can lose my number because that promoters pay a high fee upfront which is wired directly to them. their word is in the same book as George W Bush (I don’t trust what is Traditionally, for most bookings, an “all-inclusive” artist fee means that all being said to me) and for the record, I am not trying to assassinate your flights, hotel, and ground transportation is included – unless otherwise character (Debbie) by telling people not to deal with you. Everybody can specified. But So Icey/Mizay often require a “travel buyout” and then later fuck with you as far as I am concerned but I know not to fuck with you inform the promoter that there is also an additional “hotel buyout” due, because you lied to me directly and it was not a third party lie. Street plus ground transportation, which must also be booked through them Report Magazine doesn’t want any bargains from you. Send over some at a premium rate. The HAH contracts generally only vaguely define the ad money not a conversation. Aye!” travel expenses, leaving room for “the vampires” to tack on thousands of dollars in additional fees at the last minute. Unfortunately, I wasn’t aware of Street Report Magazine’s bad experi- ence when I made a similar deal with Johnnie and Deb in May 2009 to Kym Hall of Royal Pair Entertainment booked OJ da Juiceman to perform trade an advertising package in OZONE for a free OJ da Juiceman show. in Orlando, FL on Saturday, November 21st, 2009, and although ulti- mately pleased with his performance, she expressed exasperation with After fulfilling our part of the agreement, we here at OZONE shopped the Mizay/So Icey booking process and feels that they skimmed off the around for a venue and finally settled on Club Libra in Atlanta. As the travel money. She claims Jamie Dixon, her So Icey representative, refused Libra representatives sat in my office prepared to sign the contract, I to divulge any of OJ’s basic travel information (such as when his flights called Johnnie and Deb to let them know we had secured a location. were arriving, so she feared he would be a no-show) and refused to Johnnie told me that OJ would not perform at Club Libra because they show her any receipts documenting the actual travel costs. had “issues” with the club. After much discussion I reluctantly agreed to keep looking. Less than three weeks later, a commercial began playing In addition to paying the “travel buyout” for the flights, So Icey de- on Atlanta radio for - guess who? - OJ da Juiceman performing live at manded a large sum (which Hall feels was excessive, but declined to Club Libra! Rather than giving OZONE the free date we had agreed on, disclose the exact amount) for a “hotel buyout,” stating that OJ must be Johnnie apparently went around me and booked the date himself. placed in a four-or-five star hotel, but refused to tell Hall where he was staying. “The only reason we found out where he was staying is because I suppressed my urge to curse him out, opting instead to try to peace- [OJ had] an ‘incident’ at the hotel and we had to go over there,” explains fully resolve the situation. I shopped around for an alternate venue and Hall. It turns out that Mizay/So Icey had taken her large lump sum “four- closed a deal with Freelon’s Nightclub in Jackson, MS, for OJ to perform or-five star hotel buyout” and placed OJ at the SpringHill Suites Maitland, on August 8th, 2009. Johnnie sent me a signed contract confirming that a three-star hotel at best which can be purchased online for around the OJ show was paid in full as per our advertising agreement. As per the $80. Hall says she is demanding to see receipts and insisting that So Icey contract, we (OZONE and the promoter) were obligated to pay $3,500 refund the difference between the amount of her “hotel buyout” and the for travel and there were no additional funds due for the show. The actual amount they paid for the hotel (good luck, Kym). promoter wired the travel money to So Icey/Mizay several weeks prior to the show. The contracts were signed by myself, Johnnie, Deb, and the BURNING BRIDGES promoter in June. Almost two months later, on the afternoon the day of the show, John- In the January 2009 issue of Atlanta-based Street nie and Deb called me on 3-way demanding that I pay an additional Report Magazine, the editor General addressed “security fee” of $3,300 or OJ wasn’t going to leave Atlanta – a fee which his issues with Deb in his editorial (below) stem- had never been mentioned or discussed at all during the month and a ming from an OJ da Juiceman no-show at a Street Report event at Club half that our contract had been in place. It was also never included on Frequency. According to General, Deb had promised OJ’s attendance in our paperwork. OZONE had fulfilled our obligations and now Johnnie exchange for advertising in the magazine. and Deb were refusing to fulfill theirs. Deb claimed she didn’t know the Jackson date was my show, pointing the finger at Johnnie and saying “One of the 2009 topics is burning bridges and breaking your word to it was his fault. I told them I wasn’t going to pay an additional $3,300 sell your soul for the almighty dollar,” wrote General. “What’s up to OJ for a “free” show and whatever miscommunication had happened was da Juiceman (Chevron Shawty) for keeping the streets on fire in the A between the two of them, and they needed to figure it out immediately. and getting to the money. I also want to add that you are a grinder and A few hours later, Johnnie told me, “We worked it out,” saying that he and the streets are loving you but the flip side to that coin is ‘WOW’ when it Deb had settled their miscommunication and OJ’s tour bus was leaving comes to your management grinding just as hard as you? Debbie we are Atlanta, headed for Jackson. talking about you so therefore we are not At 11 PM the night of the show, as a line of fans eager to see OJ formed going to do it like the at the club, I was still 45 minutes outside the city. OJ’s road manager rappers do it by sub- Big Sam went to Freelon’s and told the club owner that if they didn’t liminally sneak diss- receive $5,500 cash immediately (including $500 overtime for their ing. You know what driver – another additional fee that was never discussed and was not I am talking about our responsibility) they had been instructed by Johnnie and Deb to with the December leave town immediately. Without $5,500 cash, OJ would not perform at 10th Club Frequency OZONE’s “free” show. So here I was faced with the choice that so many situation…” other promoters have had to make: cancel the show, ruin my relation- ship with the promoter and the promoter’s reputation, and fight Johnnie General continued and Deb in court for $10,000 (the value of the advertising package)? Or addressing OJ later in move forward and only fight them for $5,500? the editorial, adding, “A rapper can be hot Similar to the So Icey Tour contracts, the OZONE contract with Johnnie today and glacier involved multiple parties, so going the legal route would probably also frozen like the titanic mean suing a long-time client and friend (Freelon’s) because of Johnnie the next. So have and Deb’s fraud. I later learned that OJ and Big Sam had no idea what that street/business was really going on, didn’t know that I was even involved with the show, meeting with your and were simply following Deb and Johnnie’s instructions. camp and tell them the minute that they lose focus of becom- THE GOOD OL’ DAYS ing that fucked up word in the game, When established artists like T.I. and Lil Wayne first that shit follows you started doing nightclub shows years ago, they were no matter what busi- reasonably priced. “They earned their way up the ladder, and they have

OZONE MAG // 43 stronger foundations because of it,” explains Coach, ing their career longevity. These artists who recalls booking T.I. for $1,500 or $2,000 in the today get one single and they want early days and Lil Wayne for $10,000 when he was $7,500 for a show. They haven’t been touring with Sqad Up and already had two albums tested. The single may be hot, but the under his belt. “They made solid movement all the promoters lose money. Some might way up the ladder until they’ve reached this point win, but most lose. And [as a result] [where they command six figure show prices], and the artist’s careers are short-lived. Very I can respect any artist that is willing to go out and short-lived.” work from the ground up.” Johnnie is certainly not the only booking agent to charge exorbitant prices for D4L frontman Shawty Lo (left) is a per- an artist with one hit record, but it’s one thing he is fect example of this phenomenon. “I infamously known for – resulting in a short lifespan of don’t get requests for Shawty Lo [now],” many artists he has represented (where are the Shop says Coach. “In my opinion, he should Boyz, of “Party Like a Rock Star” fame? Fabo? D4L? have been charging less than [he was] Crime Mob?). at his peak. It would have made him a much more viable product today if Nicki Minaj, for example, has a strong buzz, but he had been at a lower price when he doesn’t have an album out yet. Jesse Peak inquired was really hot. More people would’ve about booking Nicki for a BET Hip Hop Awards after- had accessibility to him. He would’ve party in Atlanta in October 2009 but quickly changed been in more venues; more promoters his mind when her former manager Cortez directed would have been successful with him him to Hitt Afta Hitt. “They were shooting out dumb and would’ve had a better opinion of numbers like $12,000 plus I’ve gotta pay a travel fee, even though she was him. When [a promoter] loses, it leaves a bad taste in their mouth as far as that already scheduled to be in Atlanta,” says Peak. “When an artist is represented artist afterwards. Not saying that they lost at every show, but there were some by Hitt Afta Hitt, it discourages me from booking them because I know exactly where the price was just too high.” what to expect from them: They say whatever you wanna hear to get your money, and once they get your money, you can’t get a call back.” Godfatha is even more direct. “[Johnnie] killed Shawty Lo; destroyed his career,” he confirms. “[Shawty Lo] can’t get shows now because of his relation- Mosley laughs while offering some words of advice to artists considering Hitt ship with Johnnie. Johnnie overcharges and double-books. [Shawty Lo] was Afta Hitt representation: “You’ll have better luck diving off the Sears Tower.” battling with T.I., the so-called King of the South. How were you on his level and then you fell from grace that fast? It’s because [Johnnie] was overpricing “A lot of artists are overpriced, and that hurts their career,” explains Coach. him, [charging] $40,000 or $50,000 for a guy with two songs, then doing no- “If an artist is really overpriced and a promoter takes a risk on him and loses shows, then threatening you with the $5,000 booking fee. He took his price badly, when the artist tries to make a comeback the promoter is gonna say, past what he was worth and he fell off quick. [Now] I wouldn’t give [Shawty ‘I did you when you were hot and I lost, so I’m definitely not gonna do you Lo] $1,000 to go anywhere. That’s not personal on Lo, it’s Johnnie. And he’s when you’re cold.’ So when you put the artist’s price up so high just because gonna do the same thing to Gucci [Mane’s career]. I didn’t deal with him on they’re new and the demand is high but they haven’t been proven, you’re risk- D4L because they had so many no-shows. No one wanted to book them any-

44 // OZONE MAG more and they fell off. Anyone he touches, he kills their career. He’s bad, man. ‘Gucci Mane needs to get a new manager.’ Why’s he doing all this time [for He’s a very shiesty businessman.” failure to meet community service requirements]? They’re supposed to be managing him and his time.” On the opposite end of the spectrum, artists like Lil Boosie and Webbie and legends like Too $hort and Uncle Luke have consistently toured throughout Unlike Gucci, Lil Boosie, who began serving a reported 2-4 year jail sentence the country, putting on good shows and hosting parties at a reasonable price. in November 2009, did not leave behind a slew of angry promoters. Courtney The cost is fair and the demand is still strong. In turn, the promoters are able Scott of Trill Management, who handles Boosie’s show bookings, explains that to turn profits and bring these artists back time and time again, contributing they “slowed down” on Boosie’s dates as soon as they became aware of his le- to their career longevity. gal troubles. They returned three promoters previous deposits, Courtney says, adding, “We made a conscious decision as a management team to prepare for “Boosie and Webbie get [booked] for a lot of shows because their price is the fact that he might [have to go to jail]. People kept offering to book dates, good enough that promoters can make a profit,” agrees Coach. “There’s two but we just didn’t take their deposits. We told them we can’t accept it, because people involved: the artist and the promoter. In the end, both people should he has to go to court.” This seems to be a much more logical management be happy. I don’t think it should just be one guy coming to get all the money strategy than the get-as-much-money-as-possible-now-and-worry-about-the- and going home happy, while the promoter lost all his money and he’s un- consequences-later mentality exhibited by Cabbell and Antney. happy. [Promoting shows] is a risk, but there should at least be the opportu- nity for the promoter to make some money if he does it correctly. If the artist’s Mike Jones (not the rapper), who handles marketing for the clothing store price is too high, the promoter doesn’t have the opportunity to make money.” chain DTLR, sponsored Godfatha’s Gucci Mane no-show in Chicago. “It’s [all about] the fans, man. You can’t blame them for wanting to see their favorite artists,” he reflects. “I was at the show [where Gucci was scheduled to appear] SHOWMANSHIP and it was just a bad look. Some fans don’t even care if you perform. They just wanna see you and take pictures with you. When you don’t even show your With all the hype surrounding Gucci Mane’s 2009 shows, face, it’s just bad for business. It’s about the fans; the consumers.” you’d think the price tag would be worth it. For $40,000 or more, you should get a well-rehearsed, energetic, exciting “Y’all see what’s happening in Chicago on CNN and the news [with so much sixty minute performance and the fans go home satisfied, right? violence]. It’s Beiruit out here,” finishes Mosley. “People can’t afford to jack off $50 or $60. To play with people’s money and emotions, it’s not a good look. All “Gucci’s show is garbage,” says Yungwaun. “I saw him perform in Milwaukee. that money is going somewhere.” Jones vividly recalls tearing down the Gucci He doesn’t move, he just stands there.” Comparing Gucci Mane’s performance Mane promotional posters from his stores, one by one. “I don’t even wanna be to other in-demand rappers of a similar genre like Plies or Young Jeezy, agrees affiliated with Gucci Mane anymore. I don’t wanna see anything with his name Jesse Peak, is laughable. “[Gucci’s] show is shitty. He doesn’t have much show- on it,” he vents. “The word up here [in Chicago] is, ‘Man, I wouldn’t touch Gucci manship at all. If you pay somebody that kind of money, you think they’re Mane’s show if Jesus was hosting it.’ Real talk.” gonna get down [and put on a good show]. He comes to shows high as a kite and he just doesn’t do anything. He sits on a stage like he’s in a booth and raps Now that Gucci is gone again for at least six months, most of the promoters into the mic. That’s it.” just want to cut their losses and get their initial deposits back. “Cash is king in this recession. Rescheduling a show isn’t even a possibility for at least eight “I wouldn’t book Gucci Mane again even if the tickets were pre-sold out,” months, [and that’s] assuming Gucci behaves himself and gets out early on emphasizes Peak. “I wouldn’t pay him anything. He’s not worth it. I was com- good behavior,” explains Attorney Gardner. pletely disappointed with the whole experience. I wish [Gucci] luck, but I hope Johnnie don’t ever come to one of my parties.” Although Gucci’s previous 6-month incarceration increased his demand, this time around, things could IN CONCLUSION easily go the other way and cool down his buzz To be fair, there’s always more than one like it has for many other side to a story, and Deb and Johnnie’s rappers (Mystikal, for ex- side is not represented here. But when ample, is out of sight, out a dozen promoters in different cities with no prior affiliation of mind). “When he does are interviewed separately and all tell the same infuriating get out, who’s to say he’ll tales, chances are there’s some truth to it. Although I too even be relevant at that have been bitten by the vampires to the tune of $5,000, that time?” questions Gardner. amount is pennies compared to some of these promoters’ alleged losses, and I have made every attempt to be reason- But as long as Gucci, OJ, able and objective in my reporting. Nicki, Waka, and the rest of the So Icey artists con- As they became aware that their dirt was being dug up, Deb tinue making hot music, and Johnnie tried valiantly to slander my name (hateful email the streets will continue blasts about me containing baseless insults), damage my demanding their appear- credibility (recording highly unprofessional online “confer- ances and promoters will ence calls” with racial accusations), and scare me (attempting continue to book them. to sue me and get an emergency injunction for “defamation Gucci has found a way to of character”) away from investigating these fraudulent make lemonade out of activities. I did not reach out to them for comment because lemons, turning his legal I doubt it would be a productive conversation for anyone troubles into the theme involved. Johnnie even attempted to file a warrant for my of his upcoming album, arrest when I commented on Twitter that he rapes promoters. The State vs. Radric Davis I think this article contains sufficient evidence to prove that (left). At the end of the fact, and telling the truth is not a crime. day, though, the artists’ management is supposed to be working for them, not against them, and all “What Johnnie is doing ain’t right, and it’s dangerous because you’re dealing the fraud allegations can’t be good for business. “This is how empires fall,” says with people’s money,” says Mosley. “I respect promoter’s money,” concludes Mosley. “It’s going to come back on them.” Coach. “I don’t think [Johnnie] respects promoter’s money.” When confronted with the accusation that her and Cabbell’s actions have The solution to all these problems, it would seem, would be for management not only been unethical but also criminally fraudulent, at least in the case of to put more effort into keeping Gucci sober and free, and less effort into tak- Marshall’s Pittsburgh no-shows, Antney defended herself to Creative Loafing. ing deposits for show dates he can’t legally attend. “The only thing you have is your name, and if you ruin your name, you ruin everything,” she says. At least we can all agree on that. // “I can’t see how [artists] would want to put their trust in someone like [John- nie],” laments Nik Bean. “Gucci Mane obviously needs new management. If you have experienced similar problems as the promoters interviewed in Everybody’s talking about ‘Free Gucci Mane’ when we really should be saying, this article, please contact me at [email protected].

OZONE MAG // 45 LONE STAR Bonecide Entertainment artist and CEO Bone is determined to prove Dallas does more than dance. Words by Eric N. Perrin Photo by Brian Guilliaux

46 // OZONE MAG hile a vast majority of emcees believe they’re better than their competition, most up and coming rappers wouldn’t have the When you got out of Leavenworth what made you decide to pursue audacity to plainly profess their superiority over the more music full-time? established artists from their city. However, Bone of Bonecide All I did in the joint was write, so I figured since I invested all those years in EntertainmentW isn’t the average aspiring emcee. He isn’t looking for help, music and since everybody told me music is what I should do, that’s what I he isn’t asking for acceptance—Bone just wants respect. should do. So when I got out, I immediately started working on my music. I started out working with low budget people ‘cause my money wasn’t up, “I see the artists in Dallas doing they thing,” says Bone. “Some of them real, but I just kept building up that buzz getting my name up. My main objec- some of them ain’t real, it’s not for me to judge them. My job is for me to do tive was branding my name and my company. me. I always felt like I was better than everybody here, even though I was coming from behind.” What’s your strongest asset as a rapper? My storytelling ability is most definitely what I’m best at. My life is such Had Bone not spent 5 years in Ft. Leavenworth Federal Corrections Facility an interesting movie that we gon’ be getting to in a minute. It’s gonna be for convictions commonly related to the struggle, he might have defined sick—all the things I done went through and been through you can’t help Dallas Hip Hop; instead he’s attempting to redefine the sounds and stereo- but to be like, “Damn!” Right now I’m going for the top, I ain’t taking no for types traditionally associated with Dallas rap. an answer.

“You got a lot of dance music in Dallas,” declares Bone. “I don’t do dance Your hometown of Dallas was slept on in the rap game for a long time, music; I do street music. I’m a street poet, I do music for street niggas. but now there are quite a few artists coming out from the area. How do People all across the world gon’ feel it because I deal with money, and you plan to take advantage of the fact that everyone’s attention is on everybody likes money. “ your city right now? Like you said, Dallas is what’s up right now. We’ve got the All Star game Bone refuses to conform, and through autonomously financing his move- coming, we’ve got the Super Bowl coming, so there’s a lot of attention on ment, independent of any major label support, he and his company Bone- Dallas right now. My music is different than a lot of Dallas artists, like I said, cide Entertainment have built a steady movement in Texas. Now positioned it’s all about money; that’s what I’m about. At the end of the day if you ain’t to expand nationally with the impending release Bone 214: The Mixtape, got money, people ain’t paying you no attention and they don’t give a fuck featuring Lil’ Wayne, Bun B, Pimp C, E-40, Lil Keke, and Slim Thug, Bone is about what you got to say. I make sure everybody around me is eating. ready to take his vendetta to the next level. Everybody’s gotta eat cause that’s how it works. Before I took my fall and did my five years a lot of these [rap] niggas was up under me. When I got “My mixtape that’s gon’ sound better than almost any album that done out everybody was on, doing their thing, and nobody wanted to help me. ever dropped,” says Bone. “and I guarantee you, it’s gon’ sound better than Everybody thought they were the man. It’s not like I had something to any mixtape you’ve heard.” prove, but I had to show my talent and what it is.

A lot of readers nationally are probably wondering, “Who is this guy on It sounds like you have a little bit of a vendetta. the cover of OZONE and where did he come from?” What would you say? Basically—I mean, I helped so many people and then when I got out I Basically I’m from Dallas, Texas—born and raised, and I got started doing was fucked up—nobody wanted to help me. Niggas acted like they were my music after being locked up; that’s also how I came up with the concept scared to fuck with me because I just got of prison, but it wasn’t that they of my label. I came up with Bonecide (pronounced bone-side) because was scared to fuck with me, they just knew what I was capable of doing. you know, you be out and about and niggas might be like, “Who you down They tried to put road blocks in front of my way to try and stop me but I wit’?” And niggas be like, “I’m on Bone side, nigga!” destroyed those.

How was it growing up in Dallas? So overall, how would you describe your relationship with other artists To me, it was just growing up in the hood, trying to get it by any means from Dallas? necessary. I grew up on Section 8. I didn’t have much. My mom didn’t buy My respect is there. Nobody’s gonna disrespect my company, my label, or me new shit, and I wanted to live like everybody else. That’s how I grew me as an individual. How they feel, I couldn’t give a fuck less cause I don’t up and no matter where you’re from, most hoods are the same. You don’t care about how they feel. I don’t play into that hype, but niggas see me and get the advantages of all the nicer things in life unless you present them they dap me up, but what they say I couldn’t care less. for yourself. Usually, if you’re trying to present advantages to yourself at a young age, you end up doing shit you ain’t got no business doing. And Let’s talk about this mixtape you’re dropping in February. I heard you I don’t knock people who had it better than me, but I don’t want them to have some crazy features on there. knock me for doing what I had to do to make my situation better. It drops February 23rd, and I got Lil Wayne, Bun B, Pimp C, E-40, Lil Keke, Slim Thug, and a couple more people that I haven’t mentioned on there. You mentioned you did some time in prison. How long were you locked I’ve got some nice features on that joint. All original material. up, and how did that influence your music? I did five years, and it gave me time to realize who I was and understand How were you able to secure all those features? That’s a lot of big names. what was going on. To be sitting down for such a long time gave me a lot of I’m working with Mr. Lee on the production side, and he hooked me up time to think. I would do shows when I was locked up and everybody was with all these people. More and more people are going to be part of my telling me that I gotta do this [music] when I get out. I dealt with some of music soon. Drake’s gonna be on my album, The Game, 50, and a couple the most powerful people across the world as far as the streets and I met more people gon’ be featured on my album. some of the most influential people on the streets and they all told me I got it. I’ve heard that a lot of people in Dallas are really feeling the remixes you put out, but what single are you currently pushing? When you were in prison what topics did you rap about? Everybody’s excited about this “Good Times” track, and I like it too. It’s got I rapped about prison shit, like shit niggas go through when they in jail. I a sample from the show “Good Times” when they were going through the talked about the shit that was happening in jail and that’s why everybody struggle, and to me, that’s one of my hottest joints. You can listen to it on felt the music so much because it was shit they were going through. Shit my Myspace page (www.myspace.com/bone214). you were dealing with before you went to prison. You were on the streets balling and then you go to jail and nobody’s there for you and all your Now that you’re done with the mixtape, what are you currently working so-called homeboys ain’t there; all the girls who were supposed to be there on? for you turn they back on you. I was talkin’ about some real reality shit, and I’m working on my album, World President Balling Through A Recession. I’ve everybody was feeling it because they were going through the same thing. also got a trailer for my DVD coming out, so that’s gonna be hot.

Where were you locked up? Where do you see yourself in terms of the Dallas music scene? I was locked up in Leavenworth, Kansas—maximum security. I wanna be the best rapper in the world; Dallas is just so small. I’m being played right now in Chicago, St. Louis, D.C., and Arizona, so right now Dallas Is Leavenworth as rough as its reputation suggests? is one of the last places I’m focused on. I’m doing this shit global—small is Not for me it wasn’t. I’m sure some people had it rougher than others but not on my level at all. // for me it was just like being among a bunch of people I knew already.

OZONE MAG // 47 48 // OZONE MAG the

the apartment complex ,” sowhen emand, pply and D ve always been “fly turned into a runways Su it only made they’ -up to 2007’ olla Boy say was bulldozed and oi and D Tity B their long awaited follow he Takeoff. two childhood, it ’friendss the premise grew ofuplight in 360: T sense. in fact a 16-track offering entitled F

OZONE MAG // 49 We titled the album Flight 360: The Take-Off picture. Every verse that made the album is very able to adapt to hot, down South, booming beats. because 360 [degrees] is a circle,” says Tity Boy. visual. We’re gonna shoot a video for every song, We’re able to do it all. That’s why I say we’re one of “And since the success of ‘Duffle Bag Boys,’ we’ve so just be looking out for Playaz Circle because we a kind; there’s nothing like us. traveled a lot. We saw a lot of different cultures, a ain’t going nowhere. Tity: Even if we dumb it down, we’re still dope. lot of different females, just a lot of different ways That’s real talk—even if we dumb it down to of life, and style, and slang. So, Flight 360 is like a What are you most excited about with this our lowest degree, we’re still over some people’s celebration of what ‘Duffle Bag Boys’ did for us.” project? heads. That’s just how we feel about this shit, and Dolla: Everything. The fact that so many people regardless of what’s going on with the label and With the income generated from the “Duffle Bag are getting behind us. Me and Tit’ been on the promotion and marketing, minus what’s going on Boys” phenomenon, the group not only bought grind since Supply and Demand came out, doing with the internet and the digital age with what’s jewelry, chains, cars, rims, property, but they also it underground, reaching out to our fans, hitting going on with music, me and [Dolla] are gon’ invested, says Tity. all the different markets that we need to. The fact keep on doing what we doing. We’re consistent. that everybody is behind us including DTP and Although we’re a group, we’re individuals as well, “Since ‘Duffle Bag Boys’ was the last thing people Def Jam, it gets us real excited. and that’s what we preach. really know us from, we invested the money from Tity: The machine is getting behind the machine that—which was a great deal—into things that that’s getting behind the machine. How is your relationship with Def Jam and DTP will help promote, market, and move this new right now? project, Flight 360,” he explains. “So the plane chain You mentioned earlier that you have too many Dolla: I mean, I think it’s the same as with pretty on my neck symbolizes me being fly. It symbolizes potential hits this time around. What tracks do much any label. You’ve gotta be able to work the takeoff; it symbolizes the Southside. We grew you predict will really takeoff? with the machine and cooperate along the lines up right around the corner from the airport, so I’m Dolla: We’ve got songs for the females like “Can’t so the machine can get behind you and so y’all like a Delta mascot.” Remember,” and “Quit Flossin” with Jagged Edge, are on the same accord. But everything is good and you’ve seen the videos for “Look What I Got,” between us and the label because me and Tit’ got Today, however, they’re grounded. Sitting on a and “Yeah We Gettin’ Rich.” That went crazy on the the mindset of independent label owners anyway; pool table in a photo studio in Atlanta’s West End, internet, almost 2 million views in one day. we gon’ do what we got to do to get our music up the duo humbly discuss the plight of Flight 360, as and running. We can’t depend on nobody else to they joke about how they occasionally suffer from You guys worked with Wayne again this time do that for us. Once it gets pumpin’ over here and a self-diagnosed condition called MADD (Musical around as well, right? it’s time to get it pumpin’ over there, that’s when Attention Deficit Disorder). Tity: Yeah, he’s featured on a track called “Big Dog”, you go to the label. But we gotta do our part first, which is basically like a “Duffle Bag Boys Pt. 2.” We then DTP comes in, and then Def Jam comes in. How does having Musical Attention Deficit like to consider Wayne as one of the unofficial Disorder affect your music? Duffle Bag Boys, but he’s like the R&B singer out Do you feel that over the years DTP has pro- Dolla: (laughs) I’m just fucking with you big dawg, of the group, so on this track he’s doing the hook gressed the way you imagined it would? but I think I figured it out. We smoke as much kush again. It’s me and Dolla going ‘ham on the verses. Tity: Like Dolla said, we don’t get caught up in as possible. But it’s really according to the type of It’s called “Big Dog,” produced by Wonder. It’s really that. We try to really focus on what we’re doing song we doing, as far as how high we need to get. just one of those feel-good records that makes internally before we ever take them anything. you wanna get crunk whenever it comes on. We try to already have mastered the idea and What if you’re doing a song about the ladies? the project before we bring it to the label. And Dolla: We might have to smoke one blunt with a When the original “Duffle Bag Boys” track came the good thing about DTP is that we have 100% little Cristal to get in the mood for the females. out, there were some spinoffs of your song by creative control They hear our ideas and rarely When it’s some gangsta shit, we got to get on that other artists. Did you signoff on that, and if not, ever tell us that they’re not in agreement with mud. One eye closed on you sucka niggas when did you have any problems with it? what we’re doing, because we do everything from you really get through. Only the aim. Dolla: Naw, it was a compliment. The crazy part buying t-shirts, to pressing mixtapes, to buying a about that is that it’s been happening to us since studio, and even buying the van and getting that What have you been doing during the layover we entered the game. That ain’t the only thang wrapped. We do what any label would want their between the last album and the new project, they took from us, or copied us on. But we’re artists to do to take it to the next level. They don’t Flight 360? happy to be trendsetters and innovators and all mind assisting us when we ask for something, Tity: We invested in a studio, and the whole Flight we gotta say to that is, “Keep watchin’.” because they know we can hold our own and 360 project was recorded in our own studio so Tity: Me and Dolla have been doing it for a minute they’re confident is us. A lot of artists get a deal we could be in our own comfort zone. It’s on the now—since ’97, ’98. At this point we feel like we’re and once they sign the papers they feel that’s all South side, where we can really just sit and digest polished in [terms of doing] interviews, we’re pol- they got to do, but once you get a deal you still the music over time and really come up with a ished in the booth and everywhere else. We feel have to continue working and doing what you did conceptual album. We’re coming from a street like we’re mature in this game already, so you’ve to get the situation in the first place. level and just painting a picture, showing that this got people who, in my opinion, don’t always give is the takeoff right here. us the respect we deserve. In my opinion, they As rappers, you two have a job that it seems Dolla: ‘Duffle Bag Boys’ just paved the way and set feel like our music is all about the beat, but naw, 99% of young black males in America desire. a certain expectation for our fans. We just gotta it ain’t all about the beat, pa’tna. This is Playaz Is there any part of your profession that you keep going hard and being consistent and con- Circle; we’ve been doing it like this for a minute. dread? necting the dots with the fans. We really do this, man. As you see, most of the Dolla: There’s nothing we dread about it; it’s album was done by young, hungry producers that similar to being a professional athlete [in that you] Since the “Duffle Bag Boys” record was so big, are humble and just motivated to get it. We didn’t grow up training and practicing something you do you feel pressure to try and come up with a really reach out to a lot of the big name producers love and then somehow you end up getting paid track as big as that record? because we felt like we didn’t need that. We felt for it. The road that me and Tit’ took, to now end Dolla: I think we definitely ran into that problem like we bring a lot to the table as well. This whole up doing something we love so much, that we’ve on the first album,Supply and Demand. Since album just embodies a whole trip. It’s like you’re been doing since high school, and getting paid ‘Duffle Bag’ was so huge, it was really difficult to listening to a DVD. Blind people are gonna feel for it is wonderful. If we don’t make another dime have a follow-up record and things of that sort, like, “That was a good movie I just saw.” in rap, we’re happy. We made it happen, and not but on the Flight 360 album we fixed that prob- many people can say that. lem. On Flight 360 we have too many singles; too Tity, you kind of touched on it a bit, but one Tity: Say, for example, you go to a fast food spot many big records. When ‘Duffle Bag’ came out, we thing that always bothered me about your crit- and get bad service at the drive-thru because didn’t really [have] nothing to follow up. We learn ics is that they don’t credit you for two for being those people don’t enjoy their job and when get as we go. We’re just tryna keep it moving, that’s lyricists. Does that aggravate you as well? up they’re like, “Fuck! I gotta go to this damn job.” what Flight 360: The Takeoff is. We’re taking off. Dolla: You can’t really blame the listeners for that. But me and Dolla don’t feel that way. We’re happy There’s different phases of the game. Me and Tit everyday and eager to make music, because mak- How many songs did you record for the album? came up in an era when the game was all about ing music makes you more money. We can’t wait Tity: We did over 60 songs for the album, but we lyrics and who was the dopest emcee. It was all to get to the studio; ain’t no telling what we gon’ felt like certain songs fit the album and painted a about substance, so we caught on to that and all think of. // of that is in our style, but at the same time we are

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ometimes it takes sitting in confinement was confident and driven regarding his musical Dada” with Rich Boy. It was a record Dose didn’t for a minute to have an epiphany and real- prowess, but it wasn’t enough to keep him out of expect to blow—at least not as significantly as Size the significance of a second chance. the streets. Eventually, he got locked up, where it did. Soon, an option to sign with a major label Just ask Atlanta up-and-coming rapper Dose. he ended up with the nickname Dose. “When came from New York. DJ Clue heard Dose’s music I was in prison I used to say, ‘I’ma give these and signed the ATL rapper to his Desert Storm Many Hip Hop fans are just now being intro- niggas a real dose when I get out,’” he laughs. imprint on Def Jam. duced to Dose, born Michael Thomas, but he’s “[Inmates] were like, ‘When you get out they been working at his artistry for years. His success should start calling you that.’ They’d be in there Dose has a new mixtape, Overdose, on the way, was delayed because, according to him, he calling me Dose, and I just went with it.” hosted by DJs Scream and Clue, and a lead track, couldn’t (or wouldn’t) get out of his own way. “Where They Do That At?” featuring Fabolous Once released, Dose was hell-bent on making and Rick Ross. At the end of it all, his ultimate “Everything I’ve been through in life made me things happen. In his mind, he was rebuilding success would be to simply live a full life beyond who I am,” says the 21-year-old rapper. “I’ve been what he’d lost when he was sent away. “I saw what anyone could imagine for him. Dose adds, through a lot. I [thought] I was chasing the right Shawty Redd in the strip club and told him I’m “I’m excited to have a way out, to have a shot at thing but it was really the wrong thing the whole the next nigga up, on some real arrogant shit,” he making something outta my life. It ain’t even all time. You get detoured. God will let you step out chuckles. “I’d been a hypeman for an indepen- about the music. I wanna have a shot at a new but if something’s destined for you, he’ll put you dent label since I was 16, so I was always in the life.” back on that path. It’s up to you to follow the midst [of the music game]. I was in the dark back path.” then, but I was there.” Words by Nadine Graham Photo by Thi Chien Dose’s story is one that we’ve heard before: he His persistence led to the collaboration “Don

OZONE MAG // 51 52 // OZONE MAG Words by Eric Perrin Photo by Hannibal Matthews ou only get one chance to make a first impression. So while the world may have beenY introduced to Ridgeway, South Carolina’s Lil Ru as the scruffy voice behind the once ubiquitous “Nasty Song” and the multitude of ama- teur music videos the song spawned, Ru re-iterates he’s more than just nasty.

“‘The Nasty Song’ was great for my career,” says Ru. “But I’ve got so much more to my music. If people pick up my album I think they’ll be surprised.”

Perhaps they’d also be surprised if they knew just how hard Ru actually works. The man is constantly on the road or in the stu- dio, attempting to defy the odds and truly become the first mainstream rap artist from South Carolina. And though he is confident in his craft, the son of S.C. is aware that he still has much to prove.

Ru admits, “My biggest obstacle is just show- ing up and proving all my haters wrong. I’ve got to prove that I’m a solid artist who deserves to be supported. The main thing I’m focusing on right now is proving what I know is true.”

And while the deliverance of his Def Jam de- but hasn’t made the impact he would have liked, Lil Ru’s 21 And Up proves his talents are far beyond that of a one-hit-wonder. Spurned by his home state and former busi- ness partners, Ru is relying on the music to make his case—and he is poised to emerge victorious.

How is life as Lil’ Ru right now? Life as Lil’ Ru has its ups and downs. Good moments, bad moments. I’m still in grind mode, but overall, everything is beautiful right now. I’m definitely enjoying life.

What’s the biggest obstacle at this point in your career? I look at [being a rapper] like being a basketball player—you go from playing on the middle school team to varsity to college ball to NBA. Right now I feel like I just got drafted to the pros and now I’ve gotta play with LeBron and the big boys like T.I. and Wayne. I was playin’ college ball killin’ em, and now I gotta prove myself to the world. I got something to prove. As long as I do that, the sky’s the limit. I’m just gon’ continue to hit ‘em with those hits.

You’re one of the first artists from South Carolina that’s been given a substantial op- portunity to prove themselves. What was different about you? I just took all the negativity and applied that to my grind. People kept saying we can’t do it and that South Carolina can’t make it, and I knew that if you’re constantly making unde- niably hot hit records, people gon’ support no matter where you from. I just kept hitting ‘em with those hits and we’re here now.

OZONE MAG // 53 Would you classify your sound as “South Carolina rap,” or is it unique to He’s been pretty vocal about his dislike for you. What’s your side of the just you? story? My whole style is just a mix up of everything. It’s like a gumbo pot, from I definitely want to clarify the situation. I don’t have nothing to say to him “Nasty Song” to “Don’t I Look Good.” If you listen to those two songs, you because to me it’s more personal. Me and him know more than anybody won’t even think it’s the same person rapping. I just apply myself to the else. It’s nothing I want to address in a magazine, a record, or none of that. track, regardless of it’s my song or [someone else’s]. If I‘m featured on He know personally what he did to me, and I know what he did. To keep it something I just try to always bring life to whatever I’m doing. I really don’t all the way real, it was some fake, tricky contract, fine-print type shit that have a style, I just do me. We makin’ them hits. has caused me to have to give him a portion of my deal, but you know it’s nothing. Sometimes you have to take strikes in this game. But everybody What was it like growing up in Ridgeway, South Carolina? already knows what type of dude Charlamagne is. There was nothing really to look forward to as far as [professional] sports. Most people grow up with a team, like, if you live in Atlanta you can look You two used to be good friends, right? at the Braves or the Falcons and want to grow up and play for them, but in Of course, he used to be a friend of mine, so for him to just flip like he did— South Carolina we didn’t have an NBA team, an NFL team, a baseball team, money is a powerful thang, man. It’ll make yo mama flip on you, that’s just or even a hockey team. Carolina is really a country place so it was a blessing how strong it is. When money comes into play you never know how people for me to be able to rap. Even though it’s real country, Carolina is all love. gon’ act, because some people ain’t seen certain money before in they life. So, you say a number to ‘em and you never know what they gon’ do in life. How old were you when you started rapping? I’m just gon’ be the bigger man in the situation. I know what I gotta do, I I started rapping when I was about 8 years old, but as far as taking it seri- gotta a whole lot on my back, and Carolina is depending on me. So I can’t ously and trying to get paid wit’ it, I’ll say about 15. I had a song called “Will push no negativity, but me and [Charlamagne] personally know that we’ve Destroy” that started me out. got problems till we die. So it is what it is.

You’ve come a long way since then, especially with “The Nasty Song” There’s no way for y’all to resolve the situation? becoming so successful on the charts. When you first made that song did No, not unless he gives me my money back and tells me he’s sorry. It would you think it had commercial potential? be all good then, he’d have been a man. But other than that I can’t do noth- Never! I never even thought “Nasty Song” could be a single, but that just ing for him. I’ll see him when I see him. goes to show that if the streets approve it, radio doesn’t have a choice. It’s all about creating that foundation. “The Nasty Song”’s [success] was a What’s the situation with you and Collard Green. Are you two still cool? shocker to me just because of the content of the song, so it’s amazing, bra. Most definitely. Me and Collard Green are always gonna be cool. It’s deeper than rap with me and some of these dudes. Me and Collard Green got a re- Why did you shoot so many different videos for “The Nasty Song?” It lationship where I could sleep on his floor while he’s in the bed. We were in seems like a new version comes out every week. the same studio working since way back. That’s still the homie, that’s always The first one was just some shit out there that they had put together, but gon’ be the homie, it’s just that business separates things sometimes. I’m I’ve been pushing this song on an independent level for years, so I did a few more focused on my business than anything right now, so I have to sepa- of my own videos and it all just came together at the same time. I would rate myself from some people because they aren’t on the same page I’m on. have to say the BET one is my favorite version because its not as raunchy. The raunchy one is cool, but that’s getting a little old to me. Aside from music, what other kinds of business are you involved in? I’m doing everything as a whole, just coming into being a man, finding I know you’ve got some crazy stories from the road after putting out a myself as a person and just grinding. I’m trying to take control of my life. song like that. Most definitely, man. Night after night it’s been crazy. I had twins kiss each Since you had a record deal at 15 years old, what’s the main thing you other in the mouth just because of “The Nasty Song.” One night, I ain’t gon’ wish you had known back then that you’re aware of now? front, I probably had about 10 or 15 girls in the room at one time, and I Really, I just wish I was more mature back then, but at 15 you can only be so went through at least half of the team all because of that song. And that mature. I just wish I would’ve had better guidance and a more solid team was early, when the song came out, so now I’m at the point where I’m pass- around me. Everything happens for a reason though, because without all ing ‘em by. [The groupies] are getting old to me, but the shit is crazy. my struggles I wouldn’t be the guy I am today.

Damn, 15 chicks? What city was getting down like that? What does your day-to-day life consist of? (laughs) To be all the way real, I was in Augusta, Georgia. I was up there do- I definitely stay on the road daily, doing shows up and down the highway. I ing a show and it just went down. We took everybody up to the room and basically live on the road and in the studio. This rap life is my life now, it’s all they just went in. It was all kinds of girls in there: military chicks, girls that I got, so I’m basically doing this all the time. ain’t know each other, grown women—they were all just going in. Do you spend any time back home in South Carolina? Being that you’re on the road so much, what cities give you the most Matter of fact, I was in South Carolina yesterday just kickin’ it, but I don’t love, besides Augusta? really be in the clubs like that right now. There’s just so much tension right Definitely the whole state of North Carolina, from Charlotte to Fayetteville. now, I ain’t wit’ that. For me to be the person I’m becoming right now, I’m The entire state as a whole shows me a lot of love. I definitely get the most trying to stay away from all that, but I definitely will be back. It’s definitely love there. not a situation of me being afraid, I’m just grinding right now for us as a whole—they just don’t see it right now. It’s bigger than Lil Ru for real. You’ve been signed to quite a few different labels. Can you clarify the reasons behind the moving around? Would you say that you’re a victim of the crabs-in-a-barrel syndrome that Most definitely. I just want people to understand that I’ve been doing this plagues a lot of artists from smaller cities? for a long time and I come from a real independent grind. I’m not just an Everybody always speaks from a standpoint that they’ve never been in, overnight rapper that they found on the street corner; none of that. I’ve that’s the thing about it. Everybody’s got a comment, but they never had been making my face known and proving myself to the world for a long a record deal, so how they gon’ tell me how to act? “Naw, you can’t tell me time. I started out at 15 years old with Elektra, where I got a deal through that. Nigga, you ain’t got nothing!” I think we need more support. Angie Stone. Sylvia Rhone was the first lady to give me a record deal. I got dropped from [Elektra] and went back independent. After that, a dude from What’s your sales pitch for 21 And Up? Why should people go out and Baltimore got me a deal with Capitol. Vernon Johnson signed me to a single support your project? deal when I had “Don’t I Look Good,” but about 6 months into my deal Ver- The album is beautiful. I guarantee it’s one of the best albums the world non Johnson passed away from a heart attack. Through that situation, I was gon’ hear. I should get a Grammy. It’s crazy. The album is amazing. I call it dropped again, so I went back to being independent. Then I came out with 21 And Up because it has an older swag to it, but it’s still for everybody. If “The Nasty Song,” and now I’m signed to Def Jam. We here now! you’re struggling, hustling, partying, getting nasty—no matter what you doing in life, there’s something on this album for you. My second single is Okay, not to add fuel to a fire that’s already been burning, but I’ve got to called “Yeah, That’s Money” featuring Rick Ross. 21 And Up is a crazy album, ask you about the falling out between you and Charlamagne tha God. believe that. It’s food for your soul for real. //

54 // OZONE MAG n a time when rappers come off more like movie characters, Freddie Gibbs is reality ITV. Born and raised in Gary, Indiana, Gibbs’ last two mixtapes The Miseducation of Freddie Gibbs and Midwestboxframecadillacmuzik have garnered him a buzz amongst fans who have been yearning for raw rap music in a time where rap is becoming accepted, to a fault.

“Rap is supposed to be taboo,” says Gibbs, remembering when he’d have to turn down his Geto Boys tape when his parents were home. “The rap now? They’ve WalMart-ed it and made it accessible to everybody. Everybody can do Hip Hop, but this gangsta rap is supposed to be in its own corner.”

It was being on the corner that actually led Gibbs to become a rapper. Admitting that he never set out to rap, Gibbs sold local rappers some “inspi- ration” at his mentor and producer Fingeroll’s studio. After noticing their missteps, Gibbs figured trying it for himself wouldn’t be too hard. Two or three mixtapes later, Gibbs found himself signed to Interscope Records.

“I was the first nigga out of Gary to get a deal since Michael Jackson,” he says. “But [the city] didn’t support me like they should have.”

And neither did Interscope. After shifting their focus to more pop-oriented music, Gibbs’ fell out of favor with the label’s brass and his project was terminated. The windfall that followed is documented on his song “Close Your Eyes.”

“I stopped rapping,” he states bluntly. “I had a child on the way, I got back in the streets full- fledged. I went through depression, my girl lost the baby and I got on those pills hard. I really wasn’t interested [in rapping]. I’m lucky I had good friends to keep me interested in music.”

His “comeback” mixtape The Miseducation of Freddie Gibbs reintroduced him to the rap world as one of the freshest voices out. Drawing com- parisons to everyone from Tupac to to Z-Ro, Gibbs’ songwriting skills coupled with his own tailored Midwest flow make him a rare talent. Patiently “I came up listening to quality rap, and that’s what I want to make,” says Gibbs, who likens his delivery to putting puzzle pieces together, Waiting trying his best to leave no gaps on the beat. “I have something to prove every time I get in the booth. A lot of niggas get in the studio high and drunk just so they can say ‘I’m a rapper.’ I do this shit to the best of my ability.”

Words by Maurice G. Garland

OZONE MAG // 55 hile most sons of a tattoo artist would probably spend their time Wgetting inked up for free, Yung Ro instead used his father’s tattoo shop, Black Pearl, as a springboard for getting into the music industry. Growing up in St. Louis, MO, the home of rappers like Nelly and the St. Lu- natics, Chingy, and J-Kwon, Yung Ro received inspiration from rappers that walked in and out of his father’s tattoo shop. Watching them, he knew exactly what he wanted to do with his life.

“Black Pearl has been here for a good 15 years,” Ro starts. “When I was younger every- one who is anyone came to my father’s shop to get tattoos. Nelly, the St. Lunatics, basically everyone. Just hearing them talk about the business made me want to do it more and more. And now here I am.”

Working with his father’s industry connects as well as his developing his own, Ro created a certified frenzy around his movement and hit song “Donk That.” Produced by the Track Boyz, (who produced Nelly’s “Air Force Ones), “Donk That” already chartered at #3 on the Billboard Single Sales chart, and its catchy lyrics and thumping beat made it a favorite amongst YouTube users looking to prove they know exactly how to “donk that.” With the single still bubbling, Ro has added yet another leg to the project by pulling in Chingy and City Spud on the official remix.

“Donk Dat is really a song for women to dance to and men to enjoy,” claims the young rapper. “Now that I have added Chingy and City Spud to it, the song can only get better.”

To follow up, Yung Ro’s second single, “Runway Chick” from his debut album The Rising Son is yet another ode to women. With multiple pots in the fire, this 18-year-old rapper/CEO and owner of Black Pearl Entertainment, which already has a quality roster in solo artist Nu Money and the duo Mookie and Buddha, plans to take his career and business to a higher level.

“I’m always going to be at the tattoo shop because that’s where it all started,” claims Yung Ro. “But it’s just different now since people come in to see me [too, not] just to get tattoos.” Words by Lola Sims Patiently Photo by John Hennecke Waiting

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t doesn’t matter where you’re from,” Through lots of trial and error, Cash finally claims. “We’ve gotta go back to making that says the soft-spoken native of a entered the Billboard charts. With the help of his good music, because that’s the only way to “Ismall town called Grambling, LA. “It’s management team, Hustle Fam Music Group, build.” And even though he has girls “Walkin’ Wit the effort you put into it.” and ISG Ent., the indie label he’s been with since a Dip” throughout the South and Southwest, leaving his former rap group, Cash recently shot Cash doesn’t want to be known as a dance- Over the last several years, Louisiana Cash a video for “Walk Wit a Dip” and secured a major rapper. (otherwise known as Ca$h) has put in double deal with Jive Records. the footwork of the average rapper coming “When I first made ‘Walk Wit a Dip,’ it wasn’t a from a major market. Whether he’s passing out “This wasn’t an overnight process,” Cash recalls. dance – I don’t really dance,” he says. “I’m happy mixtapes, traveling to industry events, opening “Coming from a small area, there’s not really a it caught on, but it’s more to my music than that. shows, or just parking lot promoting, “C.A. Dollar” market [there] so I had to do extra work.” With I want people to buy into my story.” makes every effort count. And even though his everything he’s learned thus far, Cash knows that grassroots hustle spread throughout Dallas, having a recording contract is only a stepping Coming from his modest beginnings in North Shreveport, parts of Kentucky, and beyond, the stone, not the ultimate destination. Prior to plan- Louisiana, Cash’s childhood aspirations of star- hometown hero never denies his origins, even ning for his debut album, Cash is concentrating dom are materializing day by day – it’s a classic though he’s often mistaken as a Dallas artist. on showing his full range of talent by introduc- rags-to-riches story he hopes will encourage ing more music to his fans. others. “I got a story just like every other nigga “I made ‘Walk Wit a Dip’ after I had put out like comin’ from the projects, raised by a single par- 5 or 6 singles that just weren’t catching on,” he Mixtapes with DJ Chuck T and DJ Smallz are cur- ent,” he acknowledges. “I want to tell people to Patiently explains, of his current single. “The DJs in Dal- rently in the works. His D.O.D. (Death of Dance) keep pushin’, keep movin’ forward, and anything las really picked up on it first before it spread mixtape with Smallz makes a bold statement can happen.” back home to Louisiana, and then it spread to considering the popularity of his radio single. Waiting Kentucky.” “The dance movement is oversaturated,” he Words by Ms. Rivercity Photo by Sketch

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hanell Woodgette already has a long passion for entertainment. the YM emblem. She wrote and was featured résumé. Although the girl tagged as the on “Prom Queen,” the first single off Wayne’s S“softer, sweeter side of Young Money” isn’t D. Woods went on to make Diddy’s band, while forthcoming rock album Rebirth. She toured and the type to brag, as a dancer, choreographer and Shanell’s entertainment career began as a danc- performed on both the I Am Music and America’s songwriter, she’s already worked with the likes of er. “I’ve always done everything, but dancing is Most Wanted tours. Ne-Yo, Kelis and Danity Kane, all before signing what I started doing professionally first,” says her deal with Young Money/Universal Motown. Shanell, who has danced and choreographed for Her recently released Taste of Shanell mixtape has Ne-Yo, The Game, Snoop Dogg and Bow Wow. “I given listeners an appetizer for her free spirit and Now that she has joined Weezy’s Young Mula learned a lot because I saw more than an artist carefree musical persona, most notably on the movement, Shanell a.k.a. SnL (an acronym for that starts off being an artist.” remake of Eddie Murphy’s “Party All The Time” “Shut up n Listen”), is poised to present the world with former Danity Kane bad girl Aubrey O’Day. with a zest of music. “I’m an 80’s baby, and I listen In addition to dancing, she penned songs for Ke- She’s in the process of helping to complete Re- to Method Man, the whole Wu-Tang, Nas and lis, One Chance and Danity Kane, but still had an birth and her crew’s Young Money compilation, Biggie,” she begins. “But I also listen to Cyndi Lau- unyielding desire to be a recording artist. After and with her chance to finally have the spotlight; per, Madonna and Prince. When I’m in the studio, meeting Mr. Carter while on the road with Ne-Yo, she vows to go where other females in her lane a fusion of those sounds just happen. I think [my SnL finally got the break she was waiting for. won’t. music] is gonna be new, fresh and dope.” “I met Wayne on tour. I was actually dancing for “I haven’t seen a fun female [artist] in a long Born in Springfield, MA, Shanell, along with her Ne-Yo at the time, but I was so serious about time,” she says. “It’s okay to have fun. It’s okay mother and younger sister (former Danity Kane my music,” Shanell remembers. “[I] was trying to wild out sometimes. You don’t have to be so member D. Woods), relocated to Atlanta shortly to play music for everybody. I played my stuff uptight and perfect all the time, and as far as after the Summer Olympics in 1996. The two sis- for [Wayne] and he was like, ‘Well, what do you the lyrical content of my music, that’s what I talk ters were enrolled at Tri Cities Performing Arts, a wanna do? You wanna dance or you wanna about. It’s those things that other females are high school that produced talented entertainers sing?,’” she says, imitating Lil Wayne’s voice. “I was scared to talk about or admit.” like rap duo , comedian Kenan Thomp- like, ‘I really wanna sing.’” son and singer/songwriter Kandi Burruss. The Words by Randy Roper school helped the Woodgette girls sculpt their Shanell’s career came full circle since donning Photo by Allen Cooley

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he first time Mike Bless jumped on a along the Gulf Coast,” claims Bless. “I’ve worked Now with dry ink on the contracts, Mike Bless track, his ability to tell a story caught the hard to build up my following and flood those has a six-album deal with SNS Records. Tattention of everyone in the room and areas with my music. It feels good to know that rightfully earned him his stage name. Ever since people know some of my songs word-for-word “My first official single with Slip-N-Slide is then he’s been blessing tracks and riding his way out there.” called ‘Do It Like This,’” starts Bless. “It’s nothing straight to the top. With stops that include a daily like what I’m known for but it can be played grind, mixtapes, and a deal with Slip-N-Slide Aiding his quest to widen his following is the anywhere. It’s international. You can play it in a Records, life is truly working out for the 25-year- recent signing with Slip-N-Slide Records. What white club or a black club and people are going old up-and-coming rapper. Now as the newest started out as an opportunity to participate in to feel it.” signee to one of Miami’s most powerful labels, a Slip-N-Slide sponsored talent contest, quickly he’s ready to show and prove. “I have always turned into a worthwhile break for Bless. Taking Bless is preparing for his newest mixtape release done what I had to do to make things work,” to the stage to perform his street single “Wham,” 2 Sides 2 My Story and a promotional tour starting Bless starts. “I go hard like this because I know no he thoroughly impressed the judges, and the this fall. He hopes that on his way to the masses, one’s going to push me or my music like I can.” crowd was already familiar with the record. blessings will come every step of the way, and adds, “I know if other people can make it out of Originally from Akron, OH, before claiming new After winning the first step of the contest he was Akron and new artists can make an impact in residence in Pensacola, FL, this young rapper invited to Miami for the finals, and once again music, so can I.” had every intention of creating his own lane. won out over the competition and awed the That lane now reaches far along the Gulf Coast labels executives. Slip-N-Slide immediately de- Words by Lola Sims and beyond. “Right now I’m really known all cided they wanted him to be a part of their team. Photo by Corey Knight

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he Paper Route Gangstaz are polite between prominent artists in the Huntsville mu- national,” Mata says. Dawgy Baggz continues, Southern gentlemen who regularly roll sic scene, they settled on the name Paper Route “I think any artist that is trying to do their thing Tfrom hood to hood to spread awareness Gangstaz and put a grimy spin on a popular job needs a bigger machine in order to reach differ- about their music and product. Despite their description. ent parts of the country.” kind mannerisms and likeable swag, however, there are certain times when the rap crew could “It’s like the paperboy. He deals his route every Now the energetic four-piece wrecking machine be flat-out rude to consumers. morning throwing out papers [and] he goes back is prepping the release of Rocket Fuel, a six-track to collect his money. That’s what we were doing,” offering that boasts bangers including the kid- “If somebody calls my phone saying, ‘Yo, got Dawgy Baggz says, convincingly. “We were on friendly car delight “Woodgrain,” the hometown some of that OG Kush?,’ [then] I’m hanging up our paper route, throwing out our inventory, anthem “Bama Getting Money” and of course, the phone because shit - I don’t even know what came back and got our pay.” the infamous “Keyshia Cole.” And unlike other that is, as far as I’m concerned,” explains group collections on the market, the Paper Route member, Mata. “But if my dude hits me up and While they achieved underground success with Gangstaz heavily emphasize their hardnosed be like, ‘What up, man? Is Keyshia over there?’ “Lacs & Prices” featuring a pre-superstar T.I. in lifestyle. [Then I’ll say] ‘Yeah, she over here. Come on over. 2001, the PRGz would spend the next seven Come get you a CD.’ That’s good trap etiquette.” years re-configuring their lineup, releasing music “It ain’t like nobody else is speaking on,” Mata through Dawgy’s Paper Route Recordz, and sell- says. “We go more in-depth on the subject. You The Hip Hop quartet (also comprised of Dawgy ing inventory out of the trunk. just can’t just look at a trap nigga and then find Baggz, Jhi-Ali and Gunt) is referencing “Keyshia out all that stuff. You gotta actually be up on that Cole,” the hypnotic single from their EP Rocket But when they released their DJ Benzi and Diplo thing.” Fuel that both praises the R&B superstar and crafted mixtape Fear & Loathing In Hunts Vegas, serves as slang for marijuana. While that song is their trunk became empty rather quickly. That The Paper Route Gangstaz are honest men. Just carrying the group into the mainstream, they’ve led to a deal with E1 Entertainment. don’t ask them for any OG Kush. been patiently waiting for that jetpack over nine years. “We just got too big for ourselves, for real. We Words by Bear Frazer had places we couldn’t even supply. The demand Photo by Chris Dowdell Originally launched in 2000 as a collaboration was getting real major, so we had to take it

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he phrase “less is more” clearly doesn’t describe this Dallas duo known for the Tsong “Mr. Hit Dat Hoe.” Essentially a two- man group, Dallas natives Treal Lee and Prince Rick drew more attention to themselves when they added the entertaining antics of Mr. Hit Dat Hoe to their equation. Known for his involve- ment in the local dance clubs, Kedrick Wilson, eo, just a homemade display of Mr. Hit Dat Hoe’s adding them, and Collipark Music recently sign- newly known as Mr. Hit Dat Hoe, put boogie jiggin’ abilities. But it was enough to get people ing the group, Treal and Prince, along with their dance moves to Treal and Rick’s lyrics, and soon talking, especially those who didn’t understand sidekick Mr. Hit Dat Hoe, are ready for their shot. they were dominating YouTube and Myspace. the concept behind “Hit Dat Hoe.” “It’s not about Their immediate future involves recording more domestic violence,” Ked clarifies. “It’s Dallas slang songs, supplying their internet fan base, and “I was in the clubs, dancing and whatnot, build- for doin’ your thang.” expanding the awareness of their music. Not to ing a name for myself,” Ked explains. “They felt I be confused as dance rappers, Treal and Prince could contribute to the group as an entertainer.” Although this song initiated their national have a broad group of supporters that like their Soon after they began working with Mr. Hit Dat launch, Treal Lee and Prince Rick have a upbeat energy. Hoe, Treal and Prince coined a song after him, consistent track record of Texas club hits. After and it caught on regionally. leaving behind their high school rap group The “When you’re in the club you wanna enjoy your- Pawn Shop Boys, Treal and Prince eventually got self. You don’t wanna mope around being sober,” “It happened kinda fast,” Prince Rick recalls. “We serious with their careers when their first single Kedrick says. Furthering this concept, Treal Lee were sittin’ around and I was like, ‘We need to get “Bad Lil Braud” took off in 2008. Later that year, adds, “We don’t really dance, we just have fun. on YouTube.’ We went out in front of my house Treal Lee was featured on Young T’s “Work That We do us, and make good music.” and made a video. Days later the radio station Lumba,” another song rotating in the DFW area. was announcing all the websites we was on. It Keeping the momentum going, Treal and Prince Words by Ms. Rivercity was a trip.” released “Get Off Me Now” in early 2009. Photo by Juicy Graphix

The video Rick refers to isn’t an official music vid- Now with shows being booked, radio stations

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’m the lyrical guy that makes dope “I ran into Gorilla Zoe at the OZONE Awards last that he’s chosen to accept. “I wanna make sure club records,” Kentucky native year,” Nova explains, of the collaboration. “We I get the right deal,” he says. “You don’t wanna “IKasanova says. With a blend of witty had met a couple months prior to that, so he was jump on the first thing that comes along and wordplay and marketable swag, Nova broke already gonna do a record for me.” “Chain Swang” end up getting a slave deal.” ground in the Louisville scene a couple years ago was an automatic hit. and became one to watch in his hometown. When it comes to the tone of his music, Nova Now that the song has solidified him in his says, “I wanted to show people that you don’t During high school, Nova took his poetry writing region and is picking up in various locations have to be a gangster; you don’t have to talk skills in a new direction after being introduced nationwide, Nova is taking the necessary steps about slangin’ drugs; you don’t have to be the to Hip Hop wordsmiths like Ras Kass. A few to branch out. While focusing on his growth, he biggest baller. You can just make great music, be years later he left college and was fully involved says, “My next step is getting on the road and yourself, and still be successful.” in making music, having completed a couple branding my face, name, and songs all together. independent albums. His work soon captured The main thing I want is to make history; to leave Coming from a less-than-recognized mar- the interest of Heavy Hitter DJ E-Feezy. With the a mark and have a following.” ket Nova describes as tough to succeed in, assistance of this influential supporter, Kasanova he’s proud of achieving a sizeable audience. released The Lu-Breeze mixtape with DJ Khaled To appease his growing fanbase, Kasanova is “Kentucky is definitely a tough crowd,” he adds in 2007, followed by Nova The Vicious with DJ currently recording his debut album Mama’s triumphantly, “but once you got ‘em they stick Drama in early 2009. To date, Nova’s most popu- Basement, an ode to starting at the bottom and with you.” lar record has been “Chain Swang,” featuring working his way up. Presently Nova has been Gorilla Zoe. offered a few major label situations, but nothing Words by Ms. Rivercity Photo by Quinest Harrington

62 // OZONE MAG feel like it’s a good time for me to identify myself,” Bola says, of the development of “I her solo career. As one half of the female duo Xtaci, the Atlanta femcee has been making strides alongside her group-mate Sunshine since she was 15 years old.

“We met Tip, Jason Geter, and the whole Grand Hustle in 2000,” she explains, recalling how Xtaci got signed to T.I. and Jason Geter’s label. “In the midst of meeting them, we were doin’ talent shows and things like that. We just clicked and became family.”

Though Bola admits Xtaci wasn’t at their peak skill level at that time, Tip saw potential in the girls and put them in the studio, which back then was located in a small Atlanta apartment. Bola says T.I. became her mentor, and with his guidance Xtaci’s craft improved. Through trial and error they found their own voice and soon their music was initiated in the underground scene via DJ Drama and P$C mixtape features. A few of their songs made it to the radio, and the name Xtaci was commonly known in their hometown, but it wasn’t enough for Bola.

As the label’s roster grew, Xtaci took a backseat to art- ists like Young Dro, Big Kuntry, and Yung LA. Sunshine recently became a mother, and the group was put on hold temporarily. Bola explains, “People looked at us as, ‘That’s just a group on Grand Hustle’, and I couldn’t let that happen. I took it upon myself to keep grinding and keep our name strong so people don’t forget.”

Branching outside of her immediate circle, Bola is cur- rently working with her own management team, one she feels is devoted to her vision. “I wanted to show Jason that I could be more of a priority, even if I was doing my own thing,” she says proudly.

Still affiliated with Grand Hustle, Bola spends a major- ity of her time recording with her labelmates, includ- ing Yung LA, who is featured on her current single “Everyday.” The song, which originally belonged to L.A. before Bola added her lyrics and he offered her ownership, is doing well for her. The video for “Everyday” recently hit the net, spreading throughout all the popular blog sites, and introducing Bola, a.k.a. Black Betty Boop, to the Hip Hop community.

To back up her single, the first lady of Grand Hustle is covering all her bases with a new mixtape entitled Jus Gettin Started. Though she’s far from a new-comer in the rap game, Bola’s identity outside of Xtaci is just now beginning to surface. It’s a transformation she’s excited about. “It took both of our strong personali- ties to make up Xtaci,” she adds, “and I’m looking forward to lettin’ people see who I am.” Patiently Words by Ms. Rivercity Photo by Wiggins Studio Waiting Hair Stylist Sonya Marie

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lthough a lot of us would like to believe tape game,” he revealed. “I started to also check Juiceman, Playaz Circle and Lil Boosie, and went Hip Hop is universal, it’s not. Like any for the DJs that were doing these mixtapes.” from being nobody to becoming somebody. Aother business, it’s all about location, location, location. And like most up-and-coming Shortly thereafter, Korleon started his own label, As Korleon continues to pave the way for himself, artists seeking to make it in this industry, Missis- Rich Boy Entertainment. He recorded over 400 he has also recruited several artists from Missis- sippi native Korleon moved to Atlanta. songs and released three mixtapes: one with sippi to his label. “If I can help somebody [else], the Trap-A-Holics, one with DJ Black Bill Gates, I’m good with that too,” he explains. “You’ll never “Where I come from, there isn’t really a market. and Southern Ambassadors with Bohagon. While know where that can take you.” The only really successful person to come out of reaching out to whomever he could to collabo- Jackson [Mississippi] was David Banner. It’s not a rate with, Korleon learned fast that all that glit- Even if it is taking the music industry mixtape lot of people who come through there,” Korleon ters is not gold. “There are a lot of DJs that take by mixtape, he is still living out his passion as explains. “You can get a record on the radio with advantage of hungry, up-and-coming artists,” he he continues to grow as an artist, producer and two or three hundred spins but it doesn’t mean admits. “They’ll say ‘I’ll host your mixtape,’ they’ll CEO. With his lessons learned, he is able to relay anything.” harass you until they get you to commit. They’ll the message to other artists in Mississippi and get their money and send you back a mixtape continue to create opportunities that were never As frustrating as it was for Korleon, he had no with a bunch of drops and that’s it.” given. “When I came up, there were no outlets,” choice but to move to Atlanta. Then, he opened he begins. “Now I am the outlet. And I don’t up his own recording studios—one in Atlanta As aggravating as it seems, Korleon says he have to pay nobody to do it either. I can do it all and another in Mississippi. This allowed him the still owes all of his success to the DJs who have myself.” flexibility needed to record. “Once I got to At- supported his music. “This time last year nobody lanta, I started noticing how Jeezy, Yo Gotti, and even knew who I was,” he points out. Within one Words by Lexilex Gucci Mane were taking advantage of the mix- year, Korleon had singles with Bohagan, OJ Da Photo by Diwang Valdez

64 // OZONE MAG ith a current lack of male vocalists making a splash in rhythm and blues, Young Joe has real- Wized that the beautiful genre is yearning for a new voice to follow and believes he can be that new voice. In fact, the singer aspires to be the “Future of R&B” and has all the tools necessary to make that objective come to fruition; a deal with 2 Pistols’ label Bloody Money Union, charming vocals that pierces a female’s heart, and youthful looks. After all, he’s only 20 years old.

There was a time, however, when Young Joe felt conflicted. The Tampa, Florida-bred artist always enjoyed freestyl- ing with his friends and even had childhood dreams of becoming an NBA superstar. Then one day, when he was 14, he changed his tune just for the ladies. “I started sing- ing just to impress the girls. From there, I kinda took it to a whole other level,” he explains. “When I performed in front of my middle school and high school, I realized it was something I wanted to do a little bit more.”

Though Young Joe had the opportunity to play college hoops after graduating from Tampa’s Alonso High School in 2007, he opted to focus on a music career instead and stayed nose deep in the songwriting grind.

A year later, the singer had a smash record on his hands called “Lights Low” that he shopped around to various industry folks. Chaka Zulu, the manager for Ludacris, heard the track and was instantly mesmerized. “He wanted to purchase the record for Ludacris, but we didn’t go through with that,” Joe says, “because there was slight chance I would’ve came off the record.”

Young Joe ultimately linked up with fellow Tampa artist 2 Pistols in December 2008, sold him the track and sang on the hook. “The deal was a little sweeter to stay on the record and do a deal with 2 Pistols,” the 20-year-old says. “I was looking for a deal at the time and that worked out pretty well for me.” He signed to 2 Pistols’ Blood Money Union, which is distributed through Cash Money/Univer- sal.

The first project to come from this Florida alliance is the Lights Low Mixtape Volume 1, a 20-track collection that equally features 2 Pistols’ sex-crazed lyricism and Joe’s sensual vocals, as demonstrated on the young stunner’s supportive single “What You Need.” The crooner describes his offering as “kinda like a best of both worlds. We got me and 2P, and you get the best R&B and rap.”

While the future of R&B may be uncertain, Young Joe is confident that his musical abilities will make him the new voice to follow and for that, he’s grateful he stuck to the beautiful vocal genre as oppose to rapping or playing pro ball. Anyway, women dig singers more. “I don’t know if they prefer it,” he starts to say, “but I can tell you I get more reaction from the girls than the rappers, basketball players and the athletes [do].” Patiently Words by Bear Frazer Waiting

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o most Carolinians, when Lil Brod’s single you love to do, so I just went all the way in.” From there, “Do U Mind” became a regional hit, “Do U Mind” started getting played by and Lil Brod signed an independent deal with 9 Tevery DJ in South Carolina, the Columbia, He went on to release an independent project Million’s Head Hunter Records through his own SC rapper seemingly came out of nowhere. But called Vicissitude, featuring the single “Some- No Sleep imprint. As they wait on the right major contrary to popular belief, Brod was laying his times I” that caught the street’s attention. “When label situation, his music, including his latest groundwork years before “Do U Mind” became a I dropped that song, they didn’t know I could single “Babygirl” featuring R&B singer Sammie, regional hit. come like that,” he boasts. “Once everybody got continues to be a mainstay in the streets and on on it, that was a street bumper right there.” radio, while he finishes up a mixtape entitled Key He began recording and releasing his music on 2 The City, hosted by DJ B-Lord. a street level at 13. At 15, he hooked up the local Despite his modest street buzz, Brod’s name was rapper Jay Pacino, who had already built his buzz still a relative unknown to the vast majority in his “In a six month period [my] whole life changed in the city and featured Brod on a song called city, but that would soon change. After hearing from not knowing what was going to go on one “We Gon Be G’s.” The song received a few radio a beat that would later become “Do U Mind,” he day to the next day [knowing] I’m good,” he says. spins, but it was enough to peak the young rap- took the track to SC producer 9 Million (Lil Ru’s “Patiently Waiting, that’s the perfect title for per’s interested in the music business. “Nasty Song”), who immediately saw the poten- everything. The streets been on me, it was just tial in the record. “I let 9 Mill hear it, and he said, [about getting] the corporate people on me. And “I was on the radio at 15, going to school,” he ‘We can take this track, we can redo it way better I guess it worked.” remembers. “Ever since that day, once I saw how than it is,’” Brod says, recalling their conversation. fast everything could happen, I told myself I’ma “At first I thought it wasn’t going to work cause I Words by Randy Roper do this all the way to the T. This is what I love to was on some street [music]. But [we] gave it a try Photo by Clevis Harrison do, and I see you can get money from something and it took off.”

66 // OZONE MAG e like your music, but we don’t think a white Southern rapper “Wwould work.” These were the words that put so much doubt in Question’s mind that the 17-year-old left his group and stopped rapping altogether. Prior to the nationwide success of Paul Wall and Bubba Sparxxx, there weren’t many record labels willing to take a risk on a Caucasian rapper from Texas, so Question temporarily aban- doned his rap dreams and joined the military.

“I got back into rapping by accident,” he begins. “When I got out of the military, I went to music engi- neering school in California, and I started managing a group.” During his behind-the-scenes ventures, Question interned with Rafael Saadiq and made a lot of connections he was using to help his band get on. It was one of these connections that overheard Question freestyling and took him to JR Rotem, which eventually led to a major deal through Sony/ Epic Records.

With his newfound interest in Hip Hop, Question hit the studio full force, producing numerous mixtapes. In 2007, he released the San Antonio classic “Riding So Slow” featuring Sean Kingston, Bun B, as well as fellow San Antonio artist Kyle Lee. The record gained traction throughout Texas and beyond, landing Question a deal with Sony.

Question had some later success with his Gucci Mane assisted single “That Boy Bad,” which is still a fan favorite at his shows. But it was a dance record that brought Question the most mainstream atten- tion and ultimately caused a rift between him and his label.

“’Dance Like a White Boy’ was a joke I never meant to get out,” he says. “But the label heard it, remixed it with a new beat, and put it out.” The song went to #1 on San Antonio radio and spread throughout parts of Alabama and Kentucky, but Question did not sup- port the record, or the new direction his label was pushing him to go. “That’s not the type of artist I am,” he emphasizes.

As Question left Sony, he was able to take advantage of a loophole in his contract to maintain ownership of his masters. In order to capitalize from the music he’s already made, including songs he acquired from the label as well as new recordings, Question is releasing an album independently called Rehab.

“I never got into this for the money,” Question explains. “Of course I have kids and I want to be successful, but it’s a passion.” Eventually he plans to explore marketing and management, saying, “I’m gonna be involved with music in some way for the Patiently rest of my life. It’s just what I do.” No questions about it. Waiting Words by Ms. Rivercity Photo by Chris Morales

OZONE MAG // 67 pearheading her own movement that she affectionately refers to as “Yummy Pop,” SMuffy is far from your run-of-the-mill music artist. Combining the genres of Pop and Hip Hop into what she deems as a sound that’s so “delectable, tempting, and fun” that people will be clamoring for more, her outlook on music is as original as they come. Energetic as she is talented, her style and musical taste have often led to her being described as the black Cindy Lauper, or better yet, the black Gwen Stefani. While some people may dwell on these references, Muffy does the total opposite and instead chooses to do her and create her own lane. “To me, I’ve always been a star,” claims Muffy. “I’m just extra, not on purpose though. It’s really just me.”

Originally a New Jersey native before moving to Atlanta, thanks to parents who were a little more than just musically inclined, Muffy has been around music since childhood. While her father played the bass, her mother sang back up for the legendary George Clinton and kept a young Muffy in studio sessions. Even with musical influences surrounding her, it wasn’t until five years ago that she woke up one day and decided that she wanted to try music. Claiming she was “bad” at first, Muffy eventually found her own lane, which turned out to be only half of the battle.

“Once I started doing my demos, I had to get them out,” starts Muffy. “I really didn’t want to just walk up to people and say, ‘Here’s my demo,’ but one of my friends told me to give one to Coach K when we saw him out and I just did. Two days later he called me and we got to work.”

With Coach K, who managed Young Jeezy’s career throughout the early years, Muffy knew she was on the right path. With a strong belief in her music, and a continuous grind, Muffy has been able to propel herself into a position as an artist to watch. Now backed by super producer Bangladesh, her signature colored hair is not the only thing that will make her stand out from the crowd. “I’m focused on pushing away from the standard,” Muffy starts. “I just want to make good fun music.” As her venture with Bangladesh Productions/ Patiently EmanonMusiq develops, Muffy’s latest song “Get Um Girls” featuring Gucci Mane is expected to hit the airwaves soon. Waiting “I’m excited about everything that’s happening for me,” says Muffy. “I got some big things coming and I just can’t wait for things to take off.”

Words by Lola Sims Photo by The Horner Bros

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rom Slauson Ave in Los Angeles to Nostrand Ave in Brooklyn, there are many streets that FHip Hop has made synonymous with rough living. Rappers shouting out their street on records and backing it up with tales of poverty and crime has to do wonders for their city’s tourism industry. And even though Atlanta rapper Pill’s debut mixtape 4180: The Prescription pays homage to one of his old addresses, the name of the street isn’t one you should expect him to recite too often.

“I stayed on 4180 Cant Street,” he grins with a tinge of disbelief in his face. “Ain’t that fucked up? Ain’t that some governmental bullshit? You gotta come home from school to Cant Street. That’s some dirty shit.”

Ever since he picked up a microphone, it’s been tragedies like that Pill has worked to expose, even in the midst of living through them. Bouncing all around Atlanta as a child, Pill lived the life of an Army brat with- out the passport stamps. With his mother battling drug addiction, his older siblings staying in the grasp of the penile system and none of his family members wanting to shelter him for too long, football and music were the only sanctuaries Pill had. Equally passionate about both, he elected to pass up a couple football scholar- ships at small colleges and pursue rap as a member of Killer Mike’s Grind Time Rap Gang collective.

“But I was still out here trapping,” says Pill, shaking his head. “I’d be on stage with Killer and Devin the Dude one night, and the next, I’m right back in the trap. I started thinking, ‘What the fuck am I doing?’ I had to look myself in the mirror and ask myself if this is what I wanted to do. If I don’t swing the bat, I won’t get a hit.”

That moment of clarity led Pill to begin recording his own mixtape 4180: The Prescription. Powered by his video single “Trap Goin’ Ham” the mixtape is being rec- ognized as one of the rawest efforts from a new Atlanta artist in years. Using a diverse palette of production and key beat jacking as his backdrop, Pill is reintroduc- ing Southern lyricism with a very direct street edge, reminiscent of a Trap Muzik-era T.I.

“It all goes back to beats and rhymes, so I kept it simple. I put some hot shit on some hot beats,” says Pill, of the mixtape that has had major labels and high profile pro- Patiently ducers and artists itching to work with him ever since. “It was a breath of fresh air. A lot of rappers got in [the Waiting game] and shot up real fast, but I was staying down for what I believe. I had to display my talent and let people know I’m versatile and give them a cup of water to help them survive.”

Hoping to capitalize off his buzz, Pill is following up with a second mixtape 4075: The Refill that promises to shatter any mentions of a “sophomore jinx.”

Words by Maurice G. Garland Photo by Diwang Valdez

OZONE MAG // 69 arol City is known for a lot of things. The no- torious Miami ‘hood has been name-dropped Cby many artists hailing from the Sunshine State, and Rick Ross’ group Triple C’s – a.ka. Carol City Cartel - hails from the area. Most people are already familiar with the trio, consisting of Ross, Torch, and GunPlay, but recently a new face appeared alongside the original members – Young Breed.

Officially inducted into Triple C’s when Maybach Music inked an imprint deal with Def Jam, Breed had been working with the group, as well as other South Florida rappers, for a lengthy amount of time. “We’ve been grindin’ in the streets,” he says. “I was building a mix- tape buzz all throughout Florida and Georgia. I been doin’ a lot of features with GunPlay, Torch and Ross.”

One of Breed’s most widespread features was a collaboration with Desloc called “Make Sum Room” produced by Gorilla Tek. With the support of Tony Neal and The CORE DJs, the record became popular enough to take Breed on a club tour throughout South Florida, parts of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. It was one of several street singles for the young rapper. He says, “Another big record I had was ‘Real Niggas’ featuring Brisco and Iceberg. The remix to that was big too.”

While doing his own thing, he remained in connection with Ross’ and the group, and when the timing was right, he joined their movement. Appearing in recent Triple C’s videos and the current single “Go,” Breed is becoming more recognizable to the public, bringing a noticeable change.

“I feel like I bring that whole new vibe,” Breed explains of his contribution to Triple C’s. “It’s that young generation, that new money. Everything evolves and changes with time. We’re a brand new label – May- bach Music, and it’s with Def Jam so it’s a new look.”

The group’s album Custom Cars & Cycles is in stores now, and things have come full circle for the Carol City native. “For me it’s just the struggle,” he says, of his motivation for making music. “I been grindin’ in the streets, gettin’ it.”

Once shaped by his less-than-desirable environment, but always interested in music, Breed was able to turn things around into something positive. He explains, “I chose to focus more on my music, so I applied my hustle skills to music.”

Influenced by Miami heavyweights like Ross, JT Money, Trick Daddy, and Piccalo, Breed is inspired to have a lasting impact. “I’m real young so I’m lookin’ for longevity,” he says. While Young Breed may be the new generation, he’s hoping to leave his mark on the Patiently next generation. Words by Ms. Rivercity Waiting Photo by Lisa Lisa

70 // OZONE MAG Patiently Waiting

ise men have always said, “Timing officially became a group. “Instead of us coming together, their music has developed over time. is everything,” and that couldn’t be up with a name, the name sort of came to us,” Freestyle and Polo Richie sold beats under their Wtruer for Memphis’ own Paid Respect Polo Richie explains. “We’re from East Memphis. production team BNR and ‘N Sane the Fresh- Eastside Promoting Swag Stupid a.k.a. “The We have our own trend and our own style.” man was previously known as “East Memphis.” P.R.E.P.S.” The trio of Freestyle, Polo Richie, and However, their style is in no comparison to Together, the trio offers a brand new sound that ‘NSane the Freshman was in the right place at anybody else that’s from Memphis. Their music is has its own flavor of fusion. “It’s like we’re leaders the right time when they saw rapper Kia Shine at fresh, innovative, and within its own genre. “You of the new Memphis,” says Polo Richie. the barbershop. wouldn’t even think it’s the same group,” explains Kia Shine. “They’re not just artists, they’re pro- “Trust me when I say ‘White Vee’ is the simplest “We ran into him at the barbershop and we ducers as well. They have a little more substance record we have,” says Kia Shine. While the trio asked him to listen to our music. He didn’t even than those who compare them to other artists.” continues to grind, they’re not limiting their want to give us back our CD,” Freestyle recalls. options. “We’re working with a lot of different “At the time, they had a record called ‘All We Do Within ten months of recording as a group, producers from Drumma Boy to KE,” they explain. is Get Money,’ and it was really hot,” interjects the trio has a new video debuting on MTV for “But first we are definitely going to define who Kia Shine. Before then, the P.R.E.P.S. were just their single “White Vee.” They even have a major we are first.” three solo artists who had created a hot record. mixtape dropping called First Semester with Don It was Kia Shine’s idea to formulate the trio into a Cannon. “As far as music is concerned, we’re tak- Words by Lexi Lex group. “People were coming up to the truck ask- ing everybody back to the basics,” says Shine. ing me, ‘Shine, is this new music yours? and I was Patiently like ‘No, it’s theirs’,” Shine says. They’re more than grateful for the artists and DJs, in Memphis and beyond, that have recog- Waiting Shortly after meeting up with Kia Shine, the trio nized their music. Although they’re a fresh group

OZONE MAG // 71 KiD CuDi/Man On The Moon: The End of Day/G.O.O.D./Universal Motown For some people, KiD CuDi’s debut album is an alternative brand of Hip Hop that might be a tough pill to swallow. Playaz Circle/Flight 360: But for those that can think outside the proverbial box, The Takeoff/Disturbing Man On The Moon is creative gem. CuDi’s 5-part concept album is mix of Tha Peace/Def Jam inner conflict (“Soundtrack 2 My Life”), lonely nights (“Solo Dolo,”), persever- Ever since breaking through with “Duffle Bag ance (“Sky Might Fall”), nightmares (“Day ‘n’ Night”), dreams (“Pursuit Of Hap- Boys,” Playaz Circle has been constantly releas- piness”) and brighter days (“Up, Up, & Away”). And for listeners willing to take ing quality music, and their second album might a journey into the mind of Scott Mescudi, this album should impress fans be this College Park, GA’s best body of work. Jay-Z/The Blueprint 3/ with its blend of imagination, introspection and innovation. - Randy Roper From the opening track “Turbulence” to the Roc Nation/Atlantic club banger “Hold Up” to the lady-luring “Can’t Blueprint 3 is one of Remember” with Bobby Valentino, this album is the few examples of Trick Daddy/Finally Famous: full of bangers, while keeping their airline flight an album made by Born a Thug, Still a Thug/Dunk theme intact. On the downside, most of Dolla an emcee just for the Ryders Records and Tity Boi’s braggadocios content doesn’t go sake of putting out After a three-year hiatus, Trick beyond money, swag, women, guns, cars and good music. With all Daddy finally returns with a drugs, but their commendable beat selection the success he’s had, new album, and his first album not released through makes just about every song on the album and continues to have, his former label home Slip-N-Slide Records. Though the undeniable. - Randy Roper there is no need for major label budget noticeably wasn’t there for guest features and big-name Mr. Carter to put out producers, Trick still manages to put together a solid album featuring vintage another album. But thug music like “This The Shit That I Live” and “Gangsta Music,” mixed with his instead he comes out “Thug Holiday” side on cuts like “Everyday Struggle” and “Tears Of A Grown with an album that Man.” Finally Famous doesn’t surpass T-Double-D’s previous work, but as offers some of the pur- an indie release, it’s close to what we’re accustomed to hearing from Trick est Hip Hop of today. Daddy Dollars. - Randy Roper Injected with produc- tion from Kanye West, Pitbull/Rebelution/Mr. No ID, and Timbaland, 305 Inc, Polo Grounds/J BP3 is a musically rich Young Problemz/How’s My Rap- Despite the political connotations of the title, effort that outruns its ping?/Unauthorized Entertain- Mr. 305 gives us another album full of what we current competition ment/Asylum/Warner Music know him best for: Spanglish dance hits that with no mercy like Group To answer the question posed make the girls go crazy and the guys, well…hey, Usain Bolt. - Rohit by this album’s title, Young Problemz is a decent rap at least the girls are going crazy. With most of Loomba the bangers here produced by Lil Jon, Pit’s new group. Updating a classic Houston sound, YP adds their album seems to be more about fun than any- own element of fresh with songs like “Got Me F’D Up” and “Count My Cash.” thing else. “Krazy” and “Shut It Down” are two But there’s an obvious lack of hits and quality writing on How’s My Rapping?. standout tracks, but the whole album delivers Without the inclusion of “Boi,” its remix with Gucci and Mike Jones, and a few an upbeat vibe with great tracks. It’s definitely other decent selections, this album would be disposable. Thankfully there’s worth your $13.00. - Tony Burgos just enough impressive production and catchy hooks to salvage the project. - Ms. Rivercity

Lil Wyte/The Bad Influence/ Hypnotize Minds/Asylum/War- ner Music Group At times The Bad Influence mirrors the feeling of watching Sean Kingston/Tomorrow/ a poorly scripted B-movie, but it’s still entertaining none- Beluga Heights/Epic ESG/Everyday Street Gangsta/E1 theless. Wyte starts off with a rock-inspired intro that isn’t Sean Kingston’s sophomore album is a far cry half bad, except for the rapping part. From there, he dedicates one song to ESG is known in Hous- from the music of his debut album. Choosing nearly every illicit substance created, such as “Leanin Off Dat Yurple,” “One Lil ton for his freestyling to go more in the pop direction of his 2007 hit Pill,” “Oxy Cotton” (properly known as OxyContin), and “Maria,” which is appar- abilities, but when it “Beautiful Girls,” Kingston meshes reggae, rock, ently a new nickname for Mary Jane. By the end of this 15-track intoxicated comes to a full-length rhythmic and pop music throughout the al- joyride, you’ll have more drug education than a CVS pharmacist. And an album, most listeners bum’s 14 cuts. His single “Fire Burning,” “Shoulda urgent need to get un-sober. - Ms. Rivercity would probably rather Let U Go” featuring Good Charlotte and “Ice hear him freestyle. Ev- Cream Girl” with an assist from Wyclef Jean, are eryday Street Gangsta indications that Kingston has no intentions of has it moments, but spitting hot 16’s anytime soon. Nevertheless, for those moments are fans that can respect his pop approach, Tomor- accompanied by Bun B row is a fairly enjoyable album. - Randy Roper (“We Still Tippin’”), Cha- millionaire (“Soldier”) or Trae (“Get Around”). ESG is a respect- able rapper, but his freestyle skills surpass his bouncy flow and everyday street raps. - Randy Roper

72 // OZONE MAG Trap-A-Holics “Zaytoven: Swagganomics 101” Myspace.com/imatrapaholic 1. The Empire & Shoot 5 Ent. “ATL Two: Rebuilding The City” Myspace.com/evilempiremixtapes Inspired by the man behind many Gucci 2. Ill Fats “Coast 2 Coast 94“ Hosted by Grafh Coast2coastmixtapes.com Mane, OJ da Juiceman and Gorilla Zoe hits, the 3. DJ Cannon Banyon & MIDIMarc “Good Ass Remix Part 2” Twitter.com/djcannonbanyon Twitter.com/Midimarc Trap-A-Holics compiled a 24-track mixtape fea- turing nothing but songs produced by Atlanta 4. Bank! Beats “Dilla vs. Jay-Z: The Lost Blueprint” Twitter.com/bankbeats beatmaker Zaytoven. Swagganomics 101 has a 5. DJ Suga D & DJ Kris Stylez “Boss Chicks R Us: Chapter 1” Twitter.com/DjSUGAD Twitter.com/Djkrisstylez list of new, exclusive and previously unre- leased tracks like Yung Ralph’s “Bought That,” 6. Evil Empire & DJ Fletch “Property of October” Myspace.com/evilempiremixtapes Twitter.com/DjFletchDallas Young Buck’s “Money Maker” and Yung LA’s 7. DJ Chuck T “Down South Slangin’ 63” DJChuckT.com “Do The Math.” Any fan of Zaytoven’s sound 8. DJ Nik Bean “The Hip Hop Thugsta Remastered” Twitter.com/DJNIKBEAN will love and appreciate this mix. 9.The Empire, DJ 2Mello, Miami Kaos “Gucci Gang Bang” Myspace.com/evilempiremixtapes Twitter.com/dj2mello

10. Dj Spinz “Rhythm & Swag 6” Twitter.com/spinzhoodrich DJs, send your mix CDs (with a cover) for 11. DJ Young Prezzy “Light Grind” Twitter.com/DJyoungprezzy consideration to:

12. DJ XFactor “Panty Droppers 11” OZONE Magazine 13. DJ Knucklez & HardTargetGFX.com “The Re Up Vol. 4” Twitter.com/DJ Knucklez HardTargetGFX.com 644 Antone St. Suite 6 14. DJ Spinz & DJ Pretty Boy Tank “Space Invaders 4” Hosted by Travis Porter Twitter: @spinzhoodrich @djprettyboytank Atlanta, GA 30318 15. DJ Spinatik “Street Runnaz 39” Djspinatik.com

16. Tapemasters Inc “This Is Hip Hop 7” Tapemastersinc.net 17. J. GreenMoneyTalkz “My Bottom Bitch Vol. 18” JGreenMoneyTalkz.com

18. DJ Envy & Tapemasters Inc. “Purple Codeine 26” Djenvy.org Tapemastersinc.net 19. Ghetto All Stars, Nitram Knarf & DJ Pillzbury “Stupid Swag” Myspace.com/djpillzbury

20. DJ Haze “New Trap City” Haze-TV.com OZONE MAG // 73 end zone

Rick Ross (along with Triple C’s) Venue: The Kufa City: Saarbrucken, Germany Date: October 1st, 2009 Photo: Julia Beverly

74 // OZONE MAG YOUR FAVORITE RAPPER’S FAV AGAZINE

BONEPLAYAZ CIRCLE 7th Annual FREDDIE GIBBS PATIENTLY WAITING ISSUE PILL TRAE SHANELL LIL RU SCAM AFTA SCAM: SHADY BUSINESS IN GUCCI MANE’S CAMP