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OZONE MAGAZINE RANGE ROVER ALL WHITE LIKE HER TOE TIPS YOUR FAVORITE RAPPER’S FAVORITE MAGAZINE

THE ILLUSTRATION ISSUE: T.I. lil wayne scarface andre 3000 & more

T BACKRINA ON THE PROWL DEM FRANCHIZE BOYZ RICK ROSS |GREG STREET MAC-BONEY | OOOPS XVII | TAYDIZM And MUCH MORE! + ozone west DEM HOODSTARZ

SPRING 2008 STRONG ARM STEADY Cino: Organized Grind YOUNG L of THE PACK OZONE MAG // YOUR FAVORITE RAPPER’S FAVORITE MAGAZINE

DEM FRANCHIZE BOYZ + TRINA | CHERI DENNIS ozone west GREG STREET | RICK ROSS DEM HOODSTARZ THE FIRST ANNUAL ILLUSTRATION ISSUE STRONG ARM STEADY MAC-BONEY | OOOPS | TAYDIZM And MUCH MORE! Cino: Organized Grind YOUNG L of THE PACK 28 // OZONE WEST // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 10 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 11 PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF // Julia Beverly MUSIC EDITOR // Randy Roper FEATURES EDITOR // Eric N. Perrin ASSOCIATE EDITOR // Maurice G. Garland ART DIRECTOR // Tene Gooden illustrations ADVERTISING SALES // Che’ Johnson PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR // Malik Abdul 63 T.I. SPECIAL EDITION EDITOR // Jen McKinnon 65 PIMP C MARKETING DIRECTOR // David Muhammad Sr. 68 50 CENT LEGAL CONSULTANT // Kyle P. King, P.A. 67 JUVENILE 66 SCARFACE SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER // Adero Dawson 70 LIL WAYNE ADMINISTRATIVE // Kisha Smith 64 RICK ROSS INTERN // Kari Bradley 62 C-MURDER CONTRIBUTORS // Bogan, Charlamagne the God, Chuck T, Cierra Middlebrooks, Destine 69 ANDRE 3000 Cajuste, E-Feezy, Edward Hall, Felita Knight, 71 BOB MARLEY Jacinta Howard, Jaro Vacek, Jessica Koslow, J Lash, Jason Cordes, Jo Jo, Johnny Louis, Kamikaze, Keadron Smith, Keith Kennedy, K.G. Mosley, King Yella, Luis Santana, Luxury Mindz, Marcus DeWayne, Matt Sonzala, Mau- rice G. Garland, Mercedes (Strictly Streets), Natalia Gomez, Ray Tamarra, Rico Da Crook, Robert Gabriel, Rohit Loomba, Shannon McCollum, Spiff, Stan Johnson, Swift, Thad- monthly sections deus McAdams, Wally Sparks, Wendy Day STREET REPS // Al-My-T, B-Lord, Big Teach 82 END ZONE (Big Mouth), Bigg C, Bigg V, Black, Brian Franklin, Buggah D. Govanah (On Point), 14 FEEDBACK Bull, C Rola, Cedric Walker, Chill, Chilly C, Chuck T, Controller, DJ Dap, Delight, Derrick 36 TATTED UP the Franchise, Dolla Bill, Dwayne Barnum, Dr. Doom, Ed the World Famous, Episode, 18-20 RAPQUEST General, Gorilla Promo, Haziq Ali, H-Vidal, 34 TRUE RAPS Hollywood, J Fresh, Jammin’ Jay, Janky, Joe Anthony, Judah, Kamikaze, KC, Kenneth 80 CD REVIEWS Clark, Klarc Shepard, Kuzzo, Kydd Joe, Lex, Lil D, Lump, Marco Mall, Music & More, Nick@ 26 CHIN CHECK Nite, Nikki Kancey, Pat Pat, PhattLipp, Pimp G, Quest, Rio G, Rippy, Rob-Lo, Stax, TJ’s 15 JB’S 2 CENTS DJ’s, TJ Bless, Tim Brown, Tre Dubb, Trina 30 DOLLAR MENU Edwards, Vicious, Victor Walker, Voodoo, Wild Billo, Young Harlem 24 MATHEMATICS SUBSCRIPTIONS // To subscribe, send check 23-47 PHOTO GALLERY or money order for $20 to: Ozone Magazine, Inc. 32 CHAIN REACTION Attn: Subscriptions Dept 28 SIDEKICK HACKIN’ 644 Antone St. Suite 6 Atlanta, GA 30318 38-46 PATIENTLY WAITING Phone: 404-350-3887 Fax: 404-350-2497 76 DJ PROFILE: DJ AARIES Website: www.ozonemag.com 81 CAFFEINE SUBSTITUTES COVER CREDITS // Trina photo courtesy of Slip 74-75 TJ’S DJ’S TASTEMAKERS N Slide Records; Cheri Dennis photo courtesy of Bad Boy Records; Dem Franchize Boyz 78 BOARD GAME: DON CANNON photo by Ray Tamarra; Greg Street photo by Drexina Photography. DISCLAIMER // OZONE Magazine is published 12 times per year by OZONE Magazine, Inc. OZONE does not take responsibility for unso- licited materials, misinformation, typograph- ical errors, or misprints. The views contained interviews herein do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or its advertisers. Ads appearing in this magazine are not an endorsement or validation by OZONE Magazine for products or 53 GREG STREET services offered. All photos and illustrations are copyrighted by their respective artists. 52 CHERI DENNIS All other content is copyright 2008 OZONE Magazine, all rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any way without the written consent of the publisher. Printed in the USA.

12 // OZONE MAG TRINA pg 48-51

8 pg 54-5 DEM FRANCHIZE BOYZ

OZONE MAG // 13 Send your comments to [email protected] or hit us up at www.myspace.com/ozonemagazine

I get every issue of OZONE because it’s a real magazine for the streets. I’m an through the radio channels and came across a young voice shouting out, upcoming producer from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and I’m just trying to build a “Brand new music produced by Orlando’s own The Runners,” and I kept presence. I grind hard, and if I could get a picture in the Rapquest portion of listening to the show. After the show I checked out her Myspace and did a the mag or the Patiently Waiting, I would be highly appreciative. little research. Jessie Maguire is the Hip Hop music director for WPRK 91.5 FM – Daniel Cochrane, [email protected] (Tuscaloosa, AL) in Orlando. That evening she had the legendary KRS-One in the studio and did an interview with him for an hour and a half. While researching WPRK I found out that DJ Khaled and DJ Nasty used to spin at the station years I read JB’s 2 Cents article this morning, and all I have to say is: Keep doing ago. Recently, OZONE had a shoot in Orlando for the movers and shakers for what you’re doing. Keep your head up. Rapquest and I saw her hanging around with The Runners. I would love to – DJ Walgee (Orlando, FL) read a story about her. Most up and coming artists don’t realize that com- mercial radio station DJs have little say-so, if any, on what they play, but college radio is a whole different story in itself. I recently heard through The article you did on Lil Wayne for the December 2007 issue was awesome! the grapevine that she is going to be honored by one of those teen maga- A little explicit, but awesome! I was wondering where I can buy the t-shirts zines as one of the top young people making a difference in this world. If Wayne had on the cover and inside the magazine. I’ve been trying to find national magazines are highlighting her for her accomplishments, I figured them everywhere! OZONE, a magazine that started from her hometown, would show some - Byron Johnson, [email protected] (Tallahassee, FL) love. I have never actually talked to Jessie for an extensive period of time but she has played my music on her show before. A rep from Koch Records contacting me because they heard my song on her radio show and now I’m Definitely wanna give y’all props for showing some love to the DC Hip Hop about to sign a distribution deal, so she is the reason my dream came true. scene in the latest edition of OZONE’s Rapquest, but y’all really ain’t get the She’s the true mover and shaker in Orlando even though you neglected to full story behind DJ Rob being locked up. Members of Third World Klick, a DC mention her in your Classic weekend edition. area Hip Hop group, were also at DJ Rob’s studio the same day of the Feds – Carlos Dense (Orlando, FL) raid. They ended up getting locked up along with DJ Rob while putting the finishing touches on their debut mixtape. The Feds seized laptops and hard drives full of music from the Klick, threatening to halt the release of their Anytime you talk about Chicago entertainment, like in OZONE’s recent issue mixtape. Nevertheless, they kept it movin’ and still managed to release their of Rapquest, how can you not talk about Chicago’s #1 DJ Malik Shabazz of first official street release HungerStrike Vol. 1: Break Bread, hosted by DJ Rob. the CORE DJs who is at the top of entertainment when it comes to red carpet – Army of Kingz, [email protected] (Washington, D.C.) events, concerts, comedy shows, urban fashion, and street info in Chicago? – DJ Malik Shabazz, myspace.com/4djmalikshabazz (Chicago, IL)

So Weezy’s on the cover of XXL Mag, again! I love XXL and all, but they have been lax with their featuers lately. I just wanted to give you a shout for do- I just wanted to compliment you on OZONE Magazine. Great work and con- ing your thing with OZONE. I remember back in the day when cats could only cepts. I love it. I’m in the process of trying to collab with a photographer find it in downtown Orlando, or at specific spots in Winter Park or around UCF. that has shot models for your magazine. Besides that, The Pack is on the Then, about a year ago, I saw an issue in Borders in New York City. I pray for OZONE West cover for this month’s issue. Exciting! the day you guys get a better distribution deal so the whole world will know – Marissa Brown, [email protected] (Los Angeles, CA) about y’all! Be blessed. – Ross (Kissimmee, FL) We need a Hand Job page for the women in the next issue to find out who’s got the biggest pussy, like y’all did for the guys in the sex issue. Hey Julia, I just wanted to give you a shoutout and say that the mag is great. – Greg Street, myspace.com/djgregstreet (Atlanta, GA) This is actually the first issue I read of OZONE, and I have been cracking up on the train. Keep it up. I can’t believe that you wrote practically all of the stories in there. Do you sleep? That is true love and dedication. Appreciate the love me and Batman got in the Rapquest section for Virginia – Nekia Seymore (New York, NY) Beach. OZONE is definitely one of the hottest up and coming mags. We’re probably the two youngest in the game, but the most influential and the most consistent with party promo, events, and club nights in the 757. I’ve I’m an avid reader of your magazine but I was disappointed by the Florida gotta pay respect to cats out here like Ike White, Chuck Stewart, and Droop. Classic weekend edition. The Classic takes place in Orlando, FL and you com- The 757 is a hot area for talent. Look out for the Spot Raiders, Sic Mic, Big pletely forgot to include the biggest hustler from Orlando in your magazine. Kev, Big Tay, Peso, DMP, Saint, and B.I., and a whole lot of other artists. I found out about Jessie Maguire after I moved from Jersey and was flipping – Gee Hicks, [email protected] (Hampton, VA)

14 // OZONE MAG Send your comments to [email protected] or hit us up at www.myspace.com/ozonemagazine 10 Things jb’s 2cents I’m Hatin’ On ’ve never been one to speak out much when it comes to politics, PART 1 because it usually comes down to choosing between the lesser Iof two evils and I don’t care enough to research ‘em. But, like by Alexyss Tylor a.k.a. everybody else, I’ve jumped on the Barack bandwagon, and it’s the Vagina Power lady not just because I’d gladly be his Monica Lewinsky. It’s because he doesn’t come off like a complete idiot when he speaks. I’m all for Alexyss had so much hate this month we had to women in power, but Hillary seems fake to me, and our current re- split it into two parts! gime clearly needs to go because the president is on TV completely clueless that gas prices are approaching $4.00/gallon. 1. Homewreckers It bothers me because women are competing It doesn’t take an economist to tell us that we’re in a fucking recession. Any with other women’s pussies. They thinkin’ “I d-boy can tell you that. You know it’s bad when street hustlers are more just wanna show that bitch she ain’t shit. That’s aware of the state of our economy than the leader of the free world. But, why I wanna fuck her nigga.” So a lot of times it then again, I guess if I spent most of my time on a private jet and vacation- ain’t even about the nigga, it’s about the woman ing on a ranch, I wouldn’t have a clue either. on the outside that’s fucking the nigga just to JOHN REGER show the other bitch she ain’t shit, because she’s Gangstas in New York jealous what the woman has accomplished, or It was a loooooong winter, wasn’t it? The music industry is reeling, like because she feels insecure that she ain’t got every other industry I guess, and a lot has changed since I last sat down to nothing, or because she ain’t got a man of her pen my 2 Cents. The editor of XXL got fired and now he wants to be Face- own. It’s a lot of women out here, fucking out of book friends with me. Who am I going to talk shit about now? The Source? pussy competition. It ain’t even about the nigga. Too easy. Over here at OZONE, we also made some changes to get more positive vibes flowing around the office. At the end of the day, people don’t 2. Down Low Sistas change. If they’re a disgruntled lame when you hire ‘em, they’re gonna be I’m hatin’ on women that are sneakin’ around a disgruntled lame when you fire ‘em. Contrary to what anybody tells ya,

eating pussy when they got a husband at home, D-RAY OZONE is alive and kickin’ on the West Coast from the Bay to L.A. to Vegas to and won’t tell him that they really like fish. Big Bosses in Vegas AZ, and you already know we still rep Florida and the whole South. That bothers me because women are deceiving. They’re misleading their husbands, and they’re The OZONE Awards are going to be in Houston this year. But honestly, who tricking them. A lot of these women’s husbands are we going to give awards to? I really hope everybody steps their music are probably good men, hard working and hon- game up between now and August, because right now, the nomination est, and they’re committed to their relationships selections look kinda weak. and making it work, but the woman is tricking the man, putting him in a position where she can I’ve been expanding my little side hustles to compensate for all the broke have him to herself, and so he can’t share the advertisers who are fucking me recession-style, and one of those side

dick, but then she ‘round here eating up all the KING YELLA hustles is booking shows. The music industry itself is dirty to begin with, but pussy she can damn slurp up. Tastemakers in St. Louis booking agents and club promoters are the worst of the worst. They’re like 3. Down Low Brothas the used car salesmen of the music industry. On top of that, artists (or their Men around here sucking dicks, fucking multiple management) make up for their lack of record sales by trying to charge dicks, and they ain’t letting they women know $20-25k when they have one record. When promoters say they want an artist that they really like to suck dick and swallow for $5k, I just laugh. Those don’t exist anymore. sperms, and it’s bothering me because it’s a lot of treacherous ass, dick suckin’ ass niggas out You come across a lot of inept managers through booking shows, like the here that’s really cheating on the women, and ones who bounce you around to three different people and still won’t give misleading the women, pretending like they like you a straight response to the simple question you asked, or the ones who TERRENCE TYSON pussy when they really thinking about the boy’s insist you “fax an offer” instead of just texting you back the price. It’s 2008, Beverlys in New Orleans pussy that they got, that they like to fuck, and people. Are we really still stuck on fax machines? Some people won’t even that they like to suck. They professional dick respond to $50,000 offers. Must be nice. Then there’s other artists like Fabo- suckers, and these women don’t even know what lous and Gucci Mane who (if you’re lucky enough to get a response) refuse time it is out here. They not telling the women; to travel to host a party. If somebody wanted to give you, say, ten stacks to they just think it’s a funny game. And they’re not fly out to Vegas and hang out for the night, what would you say? Someday using condoms with their men lovers, and they they might be wishing they had taken those flights. come back sticking they dick in a woman’s mouth. It’s creating another cycle of HIV, AIDS, and STD’s But, I digress. Do y’all, cuz umma do me - word to Rocko who was a little for black women to have to deal with, and we’re already the frontrunners for STD’s and AIDS. sore at us after last month’s issue (and Roccett, and Jeezy, and Big Boi). I do Slutmonkeys in Miami talk a lot of shit myself, but being the editor, I also take the fall for 4. Hanging Nuts everybody else’s shit talking, which is dangerous now that we’ve I’m hating on hangin’, stankin’ nuts. A lot of men got plenty of smart asses on the OZONE roster. wear these damn tight ass pants. Niggas is walking around with these damn tight ass pants wit’ I can’t lie, 2008’s been kinda rough so far. But like those big-ass no draws on and you can’t see they dick, but you Obama posters say, I’ve got hope. You wanna see how it’s done? can see they nuts. It’s like hangin’ nuts showing Watch me do me. through the pants. It’s really nasty first of all for

a man’s nuts to be longer than his dick, that’s a KING YELLA - Julia Beverly, [email protected] problem, and then second, all you can see is his Pimps in Vegas long saggy nuts coming through the damn pants, or hangin’ on one side of his damn draw leg or pants leg. Get yo’ pants tailored, or taken up, or something, but we don’t have to see all that. Bun B f/ Sean Kingston “That’s Gangsta” B.O.B. f/ Amy Winehouse “Grip Your Body” RE’Splaylist 10. Penis Hygiene Kidz N The Hall “Driving Down The Block” [email protected] A lot of times we’re having to deal with men Stuey Rock f/ Rob Fetti “Nymphomaniac” that are uncircumcised, but then we pulling they Grind Mode f/ Rick Ross “I’m So High (remix)” Webbie f/ Letoya Luckett “I Miss You” skin back and it’s a odor, and it’s a lot of grease, 2 Pistols f/ T-Pain & Taydizm “She Got It” Joe Budden “All Of Me” what they call down here nap butter, and it cakes Rick Ross f/ Jay-Z “Maybach Music” Treal “The Crush” underneath the dick skin. // Lyfe Jennings f/ Lil Wayne & T.I. “Brand New” Shawty Lo “Foolish”

OZONE MAG // 15 16 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 17 T QUES DETROIT, MI: The Magic City Classic is getting bigger each year. Freewill Records RAP dropped Live From The Classic 3 The Mixtape which featured OZONE HITS THE STREETS TO SEE WHAT’S POPPIN’ Maceo, Corey Barbar, Haitian Fresh, Dirty Dolla, Bleu Davinci, Redd IF YOU FEEL THAT YOUR CITY IS MISREPRESENTED, OR NOT REPRESENTED AT ALL, HIT US UPEyezz, at [email protected] Laponne, Jiggalo of Suavehouse, Modesty XO and Nino AUSTIN, TX: Brown, to name a few. Larry Langford was elected the new mayor, Rapid Ric’s Whut It Dew Radio is available which should help bring changes around the city. R.W. Record Pool now. Tosin, James Dean, and TheScrewShop. found a new home at Mike’s Crossroads and the Come Claim the ALBUQUERQUE, NM com put on a throwback Swisha House Bash Mic networking event is growing. 95.7 Jamz is doing their thing It may get harder to throw a Hip Hop show in with former members Magno, Big Tike, Lil around the city and DJs like C.J. Sticman, Jukebox, Serious and the 505. In November there were two shootings Mario, Lester Roy and more. Slim Gutta of more do their thing on mixshows and at clubs. at two venues. Club Fantasia had a shooting On The Line Records headed to Desoto for - K. Bibbs ([email protected]) outside the club during the Latin Invasion Tour a halftime performance at an ABA Texas with Pitbull. Club Seven had a shooting inside the Tycoons game. Chingo Bling and camp came BALTIMORE, MD: club right before Hurricane Chris was to perform. through Austin for a show at Zocalo. Other HBO, Nonesuch Records, and Warner Music Group will be releasing the No one was killed. Rap group Da Young Gammaz performers included Latasha of Carnival highly anticipated soundtrack to HBO’s groundbreaking series The Wire. are coming up and getting airplay on stations Beats, J-Kapone, and DJ Crash to name a The Wire is an Emmy-nominated series based in Baltimore and has been throughout NM. Alex Thomas and Ricky Harris few. Will Hustle TV Vol. 4 is coming soon. DJ the top rated urban show for five years. The soundtrack will feature are coming to town at Laff’s Comedy Club. Juan Grip’s Down In Texas 6 hosted by Chalie Boy music of different genres and artists, but will be highlighted by some Gambino is still selling units throughout the will also be out soon. of Baltimore’s most talented rappers. The list includes Mullyman, Tyree Southwest. - O.G. of Luxury Mindz Colion, Bossman, The Get ‘Em Mamis, Ogun, The Dirty Hartz, DJ Rod Lee, - Beno ([email protected]) ([email protected]) and more. The lead single and video is the anthem “Jail Flick” by Diablo. - Darkroom Productions ([email protected]) BAY ST. LOUIS, MS: It always goes down at Nell’s Sports Bar & Lounge. Shawt came through and had the ladies going crazy with his hits “I’m Drunk” and “I’m the Man” featuring Mannie Fresh. The Swamp Root Klik always holds Mississippi down with their hits “You Know the Sound” and “I’m a Bay Boy.” The Gulf Coast welcomes 92.5 the Beat FM, who just converted from Gospel to Adult R&B/Hip Hop. - DJ Deliyte ([email protected])

WASHINGTON, DC: Local radio host/Hip Hop journalist/Morgan St. Professor Dr. Jared Ball is running for president with his campaign-mate Head Roc, a prominent backpack rapper that made his name along the U Street corridor. The Hip Hop scholar garnered the required petition signatures allowing him to run and he’s now campaigning to be Green Party’s nominee for president. Dr. Ball says his campaign is a way to mobilize the Hip Hop community and expand the reach of his independent political party by addressing the needs of the poor and disfran- chised. “Our campaign, just like the mixtape, is designed to reach the grassroots without corporate backing,” he says. - Pharoh Talib ([email protected])

CHICAGO, IL: Lee from WGCI was appointed to Atlantic Records for the Midwest market. Ill Eagle is an up- and-coming rapper in the underground scene. The Crossroads has the only 18 and under open mic event on Thursdays. Parkay has a new single that is getting some play on radio mixshows. DJ Shotime now spins 7 nights a week in various clubs. There’s a new DJ collective called the Hittsquad DJs. DJ Kool Ant of the Full Impact DJs is dropping new mixtapes. The Inf Click’s Dutch Dinero and Hymalaya are dropping two EPs at the beginning of 2008. CINCINNATI, OH: Soundmaster T of the Drokked Out Movement is looking for new artists. The New Year brings us a cleaner city, with drug sweeps taking - Jamal Hooks ([email protected]) several million dollars worth of drugs off city streets. The first annual Cincinnati Urban Music Awards will take place on March DUMAS, AR: 15, 2008 (contact 513-349-2622 or fortchangrecords@yahoo. It’s been off the chain down in the Delta with Lil Boosie performing in Pine Bluff, com for more info). Polo Collar and Rob B Monte Carlo (above) Arkansas and Greenville, Missisippi. DJ Drop, DJ Dynamite, DJ Sugarbear, DJ Big V, are hitting the streets with “Money, Money, Money.” The new DJ Soulmaster, and the HOT Jocks down in G-ville, Mississippi are doing their thing. song from the duo is on all the Amplified DJs’ mixtapes and The Countryside DJ Coalition is official. Record labels need to check out artists from mixshows are spinning the song like crazy. Arkansas because the underground is on fire. Artists are teaming up with each other - Judy Jones ([email protected]) to get to the top in the Southeast Arkansas area. The Delta is ready. The new club in Dumas just opened up – out-of-towners are welcome. - DJ Hiley ([email protected]) CLEVELAND, OH: Cleveland has now entered the list of top 10 deadliest cities in the U.S., with over 120 homicides to date. Councilman Zack Reed received his second DUI. He was found COLUMBIA, SC: blocks from his home asleep inside a running car with his foot on the brake. A local 100.1 the Beat held its Platinum Hood Awards at Club Level. Their new article has local artists accusing Bone Thugs-n-Harmony of “not keeping it Cleve- location is on 1800 Blanding Street. Level is twice as big and even land.” On the heels of receiving this year’s AMA and past Grammy awards, this claim better. Big Moe shut the city down when he had Plies down for his magnifies the hate and lack of support for our own. It’s been 14 years and no act birthday party. Big Moe, Get Em Boyz, Torri Ent., and New Level Ent. from Cleveland has approached the success of BTNH in any genre. are teaming up at The Coop for the biggest New Years Eve party. Rob - “X” Allah ([email protected]) Lo will be in the building to make it official. Be on the look out for up-and-coming DJs Chevy and Dolla. Daytona and B-Lord have been killing Club Level with last few parties they did. - Rob Lo ([email protected]) COLUMBUS, GA: R. Kelly kicked off the Double Up Tour in Columbus, GA. Not since Bobby Brown’s first arrest (which happened here) has Columbus had a show this big. Usually, major artists only come here before they’re famous. Some of your favorite acts got booed off a Columbus stage, blew up, and never returned. Back to Kells – the show was crazy! Foxie 105 literally rolled out the red carpet. Keyshia Cole lost a lot of fans by not performing, but since Ne-Yo is no longer on the tour, it all evens out. Ne-Yo and J. Holiday set it off; Kells shut it down. - Slick Seville ([email protected])

18 // OZONE MAG COLUMBUS, OH: Lil Wayne and Gucci Mane performed at the Vets Memorial. A few Columbus artists also performed. YG of the Yellow Tape Gang and Choppin Game Records are just a few that were in the building. This winter is really poppin’ in the city with celebrities like Gorilla Zoe who performed at the Club Ice and Freeway who performed at Major Woody’s. Go Bucks! - Jorden Martin ([email protected]) GAINESVILLE, FL: DJ Young Millz rocks out Friday nights at Venue Nightclub. C. Wakeley hosted the G’ville Music Summit, which was well organized. Klarc Shepard of Magic 101.3 has J. Holiday hosting Pink DALLAS/FT. WORTH, TX: LOUISVILLE, KY: Chocolate R&B Vol. 6. Mob B., Big Bud, and J. Rock The Definition DJs (above) celebrated their 7-Day all hit the streets with new releases. J. Dash held DJ Q of the CORE and Shadyville DJs along with Cipha Theory Party for a week. Tum Tum launched his Yum’s Soundz of MTV2 (above) are politicin’ the Fight Klub his listening party at Club Level with Miami’s own shoe collection and DJ Wildhairr officially signed DJ Furie. After the UF vs. FSU game, a man was through the ‘Ville. The battle went down at Divine with Swisha House. Toya has all the gossip at Lsl Hair C.U.T.S. Barbershop. D. Bricks, Tyrant, Duece Leader, and shot and killed in the downtown parking garage. Studio. Fatty Daddy is hitting the streets with his The alleged suspects are in custody. Loki’s “Count others showed what it takes to go to that next level. “Beverly Hills” single while “My Dougie” is the new Yes, International P. was in the building! Seth Firkins Da Money” and Dred Gator’s “Animal” are gaining local radio hit. Club Axis is your spot in Funkytown steam in the streets/clubs. Also on the radar are recorded the intro on Jay-Z’s American Gangster Forth Worth. Coby Savage dropped his album Beauti- album. All Hood brought the Playaz Circle to Club Villa. N. Fashions, Coconuts Barbershop, and Junior’s ful. Sunny South Dallas is back with Erykah Badu’s Restaurant. SOLO performed at TSU’s Homecoming in Nashville. new single “Honey.” Promoter Mychal Jeter got locked - Divine Da Instagata ([email protected]) - INfamous 6ixx ([email protected]) down for 8 years…stay strong. - Edward “Pookie” Hall ([email protected]) HOUSTON, TX: Trae’s Life Goes On and Chamillionaire’s Ultimate Victory are killing trunks on both sides of town. Uppa Dek along with DJ Chill are putting in work for The Nose Bleed Section CD (left) release. Ronnie Rich, a.k.a. God’s Gift 2 Da Mic, got the internet going nuts, while Boss of ABN got Gangsta Session heavy in the streets. G.M.N., Yung B, and Clarke Boyz do it big. And for all who forgot, Mista Mista Scarface is back to let you know why he is God of the South! R.I.P. Pimp C and Big Moe. - Jamar “J Gamble” Irby ([email protected])

INDIANAPOLIS, IN: With young gunners like Street Life Cartel making noise in and outside the city, 2008 looks promising. Not new to the game but making a rise in the music scene, DJs LP and Jesse James are making major noise on the club scenes. Model Ophilia has a spread in Black Men Mag. Model Ameya has also appeared in videos for T.I., Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled, and others. 3M Management has become the new power house management company in the city, inking some of the top independent talent. FORT MYERS/NAPLES, FL: - Lucky The Promo King ([email protected]) Watch out for up-and-coming artists from South- JACKSON, MS: west Florida. 2-Saint, Origin ILL, Steve Woods, EBGB, Maybe it was Flavor of Love season in Jackson because from Bootz to Hoopz, they were all over the city Complex, Pay Up Gang, S-Jayy, Wicks, Zigz, G-Spot and hosting parties. I guess they still need to get paid too. Shawty Lo came to town but his overall performance Tiny are making moves. On the last Monday of each lacked what people expected. Benz, representing 1Life1Love, has a new single circulating following the trend month, it goes down at Club Cachet with all these of synthesized vocals popularized by T-Pain. DJ Q45 and DJ Khaled gave Jackson DJs a lesson on how to step artists performing and battling at the Lyricist Lounge ya game up. McComb, Mississippi natives Brandy and Ray J rolled through the city spreading holiday cheer, South hosted by Twin and DJ Dito. Plies performed on although Ray J’s grand marshal parade privileges were revoked due to his sex tape. - Tambra Cherie (Tam- Christmas night charging $45 a head. 105.5 the Beat [email protected]) & Stax ([email protected]) brings Hurricane Chris to town for a special all ages concert at Club Envie. Speaking of Hurricanes, the JACKSONVILLE, FL: 2007 season ends without any ‘canes hitting Florida. Bigga Rankin hosts a new night at Soho’s. You It’s a celebration bitches! can catch him there for Celebrity Tuesdays. The - Jae Rae ([email protected]) Diamond Awards went down at Plush where Kansas MEMPHIS, TN: City’s Mon.E.G. shot a video with Rick Ross. Shot Playa Fly hasn’t missed a beat since being released MACON, GA Out has a new single called “U Don’t Wanna See Me” from jail. His new mixtape Prepare or Beware is get- It’s been a hell of a month for us in the Mac. First of which has been featured on 92.7 Yhe Beat. T-Roy ting some major love and attention in the streets. all, Oprah (yes, Oprah) came down to tape her show still hosts the open mic night at Endo Exo, and Club He was nominated for 3 SEA awards, one being and give us a few of her favorite things. Your boy Christopher’s is the Friday night hot spot. Southern Impact Artist of the Year, and plans to release a new Doski Wo (Myspace.com/3rdkuhzdoski) made the cover Syrup DVDs are circulating all around Florida. Hit group album by summer `08. Memphisrap.com held of the 11th Hour’s Who’s Got Next issue. Yall Street them up at Myspace.com/BreakPlat. Young Cash, a Showcase and Industry Networking Event on Janu- (myspace.com/yallstreet) is getting into position and Midget Mac, DJ Q45 and Bigga Rankin were partying ary 23rd at the New Daisy on famous Beale Street. Grinch (Myspace.com/lexcoop22) is on the grind. The like rockstars at Sobe Live in Miami. It’s rumored that an artist under DJ Freddy Hydro Paper Chasers (Myspace.com/paperchasers3) mixtape - Ms. Rivercity ([email protected]) has been signed to Jive Records. Paper… Paper Who? might be the next big question, - Deanna Brown ([email protected]) and Macon in ‘08 might be where the answer is. - Ali Roc ([email protected]) MILWAUKEE, WI: V100 threw the annual Lady’s Only concert which VIRGINIA BEACH, VA: MIAMI, FL: featured Milwaukee’s own Tank, Jahiem, Pretty Astrin and the Studio 76 Models kicked off their big Local artists are finally getting some love and airplay. Willie, Lyfe Jennings, and local artist Sincere. Lil launch party at Sevens in Norfolk. The event was In my opinion, it’s all due to the undeniable hot joints Gucci threw the Lady’s Only teen after party. 311 hosted by the newly crowned Miss 757, Cassandra they’re creating. Songs like “Shone” by Ball Greezy, “I’m held the Milwaukee Pimp of the Year Ball with Clark. Tribeca in Newport News is on fire every Sat- So High” by Grind Mode, “Naked Hustle” by Chowtime, Pimpin Ken, Sacramento Slim, Pimpin Cube and urday night with Young Fame on the mic. DJ Joe Pro and “The Other Side” by the Dunk Ryders featuring Trick others. DBoyz Ent. performed in the Unleashed hosted his DVD release party at the newly remodeled Daddy are straight sick. Do not sleep on these talents! Talent Showcase at Club Fusions. Trey Center will Flame 2. Lil Wayne came to Old Dominion University DJ Khaled held his annual party The Temple once again release his new CD, 3rd Street Boi. Ebonix was with Crime Mob and a host of others. This month, and it was pure insanity. R.I.P. Washington Redskin/UM featured in the issue of Vibe Magazine with Kes- WODU, Old Dominion’s college station, hosted Styles graduate Sean Taylor. Mad love to the family of slain hia Cole on the cover. Beef shot the second half P and Freeway to name a few on DJ Smirnoff Ice and UM football player Brian Pata. Let’s keep the peace. of his video for “Baseball Bat” at Chocolate City. Vic Roger’s show. - Supa Cindy (www.Myspace.com/Supadupe) - Raymond L. Davis - Derrick Tha Franchise ([email protected])

OZONE MAG // 19 RAPQUEST

MONTGOMERY, AL: brought in a crowd of school aged kids during the day to enjoy Ja Rule was in the muthafuckin’ building at the Rose but he was the music of one of the city’s favorite performers. The night show almost there by his damn self. I liked the way he mixed and brought out the adults and was cosigned by Power 106.7 and their mingled and seemed to be humble. Then, the next week Young staff of DJs. Also throughout the city, underground mixtape stores Dro came through with his baby mama Fantasia. Why ain’t nobody NASHVILLE, TN and barber shops are talking about the newest single “Whip tell me? She was repping her man – big belly, big lips and all. Game” by their very own super group Tha Coalition. “Whip Game” Longmoney Ent., Entrepreneur Ent., Street Raised Ent., L-Gin, is spinning on 98.5 the Beat – San Antonio’s premier radio station. Robert Hawkins, Creative Mindz., Fam Only Ent., Supreme, Hot Girl - Bishop Maxx ([email protected]) Productions, Nappy Roots, and Keep it Hot! all held it down at Maxximum Exposure. SAVANNAH, GA: - Hot Girl Maximum ([email protected]) Friday Nights at Frozen have been all the way live! The Dream came through for Thanksgiving weekend to show love to all the MYRTLE BEACH, SC: 10s. Cassidy came and did his “Drink and a 2 Step” and before that Myrtle Beach is the 4th fastest growing market in the country. Club Shawty Lo made sure “Dey Know!” 94.1 – Savannah’s #1 for Hip Toxic just brought Playaz Circle and Plies through. Dolla Boi and Hop and R&B – is still looking for the next Lady Nite Ryda for 7- Tity Boi are some cool dudes. Webbie, Boosie, and Young Ralph are 10p.m. BlaK Monii ENT. presents Thursday’s College Night at Island on the way. In 2008, The Kappas and Q Dogs from Coastal Carolina Breeze, SSU, ARMSTRONG, GSU and all surrounding colleges. CMP is University and myself are about to set it off on the party scene. on the rise locally with their song “Jig.” Hit me up for more info Of course I must hold it down for my Hittmenn family as well as ocala fl at Myspace.com/she_she. Carolina Elite. We got that work. I am also starting a rehab clinic - Lucky ([email protected]) for haters. - Mr. Smith (Myspace.com/SmithBigShow) SHREVEPORT, LA: The movie industry is doing very well in the Port City. We NASHVILLE, TN: constantly have film stars hanging out and about, just The music scene in Nashville, a.k.a. Cashville Tenn-A-Key, is enjoying themselves while they conduct their usual profes- now under a microscope due to a string of senseless violence sions. Currently Ice Cube and Ke Ke Palmer are gearing that police and various media outlets feel is music (or better up to shoot a movie entitled Comeback. Martin Lawrence yet Rap) related. The editors of Concrete will be releasing recently filmed here along with Samuel Jackson, Denzel a new magazine dedicated to the hair and fashion culture Washington, Nia Long and Sanaa Lathan. Hurricane Chris is in Nashville. Lil Bizzy has signed to Kinfolk Kia Shine’s label gaining much ground and many fans with his latest single and Cowboy just dropped 3 CDs in one day! The rest of the “Player’s Rock.” Bulletproof a.k.a. Teflon is in the studio city is gearing up for the 5th Annual Southern Entertainment working on his follow up single entitled “One of a Kind,” Awards as the city of Nashville is represented in 43 of the 68 which has that classic Rap-A-Lot attitude. categories! san antonio, tx - Cmac ([email protected]) - Janiro ([email protected]) ST. LOUIS, MO: NEW ORLEANS, LA: Top Ten Tuesdays’ DJ Appreciation Night was off the chain. Both HereWeGo Entertainment is hosting parties for All Star Weekend at STL DJ crews, Hittbreaka DJs and Derrty DJs, were in the house Club 300 in the French Quarter. HWG’s new artist Cypher may even strong. A lot of good mixtapes surfaced that night including DJ perform his new single “Mr. Average.” Bayou Classic was a fool Nice’s Now or Never, Youvee’s I’m Herre, Bishop V-Luv’s Got Sum’n with Lil Wayne and Birdman throwing separate Big Baller Parties. 2 Say, DJ AJ’s Holla @ Cha Derrty, Ex-L Eazy’s Eazy Money, M.C.’s The Human Jukebox of Southern University won the Battle of the Welcome 2 Rich City, and Blakk Gang’s Blakk Noise. KiKi, the 1st Bands and the Jaguar football team crushed the Tigers on the Lady at 100.3fm, is doing her thing along with other STL females. field. The Bayou Classic Weekend climaxed at Metro with Big Stan - Jesse James ([email protected]) Productions and Raj Smoove on Sunday. DJ Hollaback and DJ Lil Man are killing the club scene right now. DJ Hektik and B.G. have TALLAHASSEE, FL: a new mixtape out that feeds the streets before the release of B. Everyone’s still talking about FAMU’s Homecoming. It was off Gizzle’s Too Hood 2 Be Hollywood. the chain! Now the city is bracing for the return of Demp Week - Derrick Tha Franchise (www.Myspace.com/DerrickThaFranchise) (re-loaded). The hottest song on the streets of Tallahassee is by a Leon County born and raised artist named Blood Shot. His hot NEW YORK, NY: new single “Club Life” features Total Kaos. The latest mixtape The new album Blue Magic by Hip Hop icon Jay-Z is being con- on the streets comes from a female artist named 1 Chyna. She’s sidered a hood classic. I think Byrd Gang rapper Max B is going back home in her Tallhassee birth place by way of Daytona. The to be the future for New York. Word on the street is there’s a little shreveport, la new mixtape is called Tru Story. 1 Chyna was recently featured on friction between Lil Kim and Remy Ma. There isn’t much unsigned Blazin 102.3’s new radio show for local artists called Home Team talent in New York worth talking about. Where are the unsigned Friday. hypes at? - DJ Dap ([email protected]) - Young Harlem (www.Myspace.com/YoungHarlem00) TAMPA, FL: OCALA, FL: Gainesville Summit’s DJ of the Year award means more gigs The month kicked off with a blowout comedy show hosted for DJ Headbussa. He is working all over Tampa. Studio Inc by The Strangers followed by the after party. DJ Leezy shut it was rumored to be the location for Plies’ “I Am the Club” down. The Swamp Boyz’ mixtape In the Streetz Vol. 2 hosted video shoot. Lil Kee explained to TBT what he goes through by DJ Leezy is killing the streets. Other noted upcoming to be a rap star. The Hip Hop church held their 8th Annual mixtapes to look out for are M.A.D.E.’s I Will Not Lose and Flavor Fest which showcased over 30 artists in one weekend. C-Nial’s In My City. The Strangers will be back on the block Sixty pounds of weed was found on I-4 by a cleaning crew with an upcoming CD. K.S.B. and Wreckless Entertainment’s st. louis, mo and Florida Highway Patrol reportedly waited for someone to Tote tha City 2 is also in the streets. Beef among local DJs is gain- claim it. They received hundreds of prank calls all day! ing momentum. Stay tuned! - Mz T-Rock ([email protected]) - DJ Leezy ([email protected]) TULSA, OK: OKLAHOMA CITY, OK: Tulsa is bracing for the chill from ice cold lyrics produced by none The oh-so-sweet HoneySiccle made some major noise when ya other than Tulsa’s Native Son, PDA (Myspace.com/pdaonline). PDA boy Weezy F. Baby came to the Cox Center. Ya man Plies was in the recently graced the stage at the Otherside. Playya 1000 (Myspace. building for the ladies and goons with the sexy men of DeJaVu com/playya1000) and The Deeksta performed as the opening act Entertainment. I got to get at Moe Millions and Black Heff – so for Hurricane Chris at the Cain’s Ballroom in downtown Tulsa. sexy! When I get it, you will be the first on the info list. Hooch and Kwreck (Myspace.com/hoochkwreck) are in the labora- - PL ([email protected]) tory along with other members of Medu-Netr. Dangerous Rob (Myspace.com/dangerousrob), who is often considered a General SAN ANTONIO, TX: in the world of Hip Hop, is still moving his beats worldwide. As a This month saw a couple of local talents, Tha Coalition and GMC, major force in the DPGC Next Generation, he is truly a force to be showcasing their skills alongside Hurricane Chris who blew up the reckoned with. stage for two back to back showcases at Club Rio. The first show tallahassee, fl - Marshlynn Bolden ([email protected])

20 // OZONE MAG

22 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Yung Joc & Rick Ross @ the Dirty Awards in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly); DJ Khaled & Diddy on the set of Fat Joe’s video shoot in Miami, FL (Photo: Leon Lloyd); Lloyd & Benny D @ the Dirty Awards in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly)

01 // T-Pain & Sophia Fresh on the set of 2 Pistols “She Got It” video shoot (Tampa, FL) 02 // Scooby & Young B @ Shadow Bar for Scooby’s birthday party (Houston, TX) 03 // Chris- tiana Houston & Lil Boosie @ The Palace for DJ Sweat & OZONE’s Lil Boosie concert (Hattiesburg, MS) 04 // DJ Khaled & Tezz @ Club Dream during All Star weekend (New Orleans, LA) 05 // Webbie, Brother Hashim, Mouse, & Mel @ Roc A Fella 2.5 (New Orleans, LA) 06 // Rick Ross & Haitian Fresh @ The Moon for Demp Week (Tallahassee, FL) 07 // Snoop, BG, V 90 & Fiend @ House of Blues (New Orleans, LA) 08 // Bun B, Kiotti, Lupe Fiasco, Paul Wall, Guru, & Bannit on the set of Lupe Fiasco’s “Hip Hop Saved My Life” video shoot (Houston, TX) 09 // Gorilla Zoe & DJ Chuck T @ the Southern Entertainment Awards (Tunica, MS) 10 // Ms. Teka & Brandii @ The Moon for TJ’s birthday party (Tallahassee, FL) 11 // Luis Santana & DJ Christion on the set of 2 Pistols “She Got It” video shoot (Tampa, FL) 12 // 2 Pistols & video models on the set of “She Got It” (Tampa, FL) 13 // Boomtown & Smilez on the set of 2 Pistols “She Got It” video shoot (Tampa, FL) 14 // Joe Anthony & Ace @ Club Dream during All Star weekend (New Orleans, LA) 15 // Big L & BloodRaw @ Errupt Studios (Jacksonville, FL) 16 // DJ B-Lord & DJ Frosty @ Club Level for Randy Roper’s birthday party (Columbia, SC) 17 // DJ Storm loves leopard print @ Gainesville Music Summit (Gainesville, FL) 18 // DJ 007, Yo Gotti, & Vic Damone @ House of Blues for Yo Gotti’s mixtape release party (Memphis, TN) 19 // Q93 Staff during All Star weekend (New Orleans, LA)

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

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 2 233 mathematics Radio Spins: The Million Dollar Advice by Wendy Day of the Rap Coalition www.wendyday.com m

It’s no secret that I am a fan of artists putting out their own CDs. It’s also no Most radio promoters will take your money if you don’t know what you are secret that it doesn’t matter if the artist is trying to start his or her own label doing. They have families to feed. If you are stupid enough to try this route or selling CDs to get picked up by a bigger record label. When putting out a without the proper knowledge or a plan, they have every right to deliver to CD, all aspects must come together to promote that release (and the timing you what you are seeking: radio spins! When it doesn’t work, you will com- must be on point. All aspects must hit at the same time to be truly effective). plain that the radio guy took your money. You will neglect to mention that It’s important that you plan succinctly, way ahead, and have budgets for: you were also at fault for not doing the proper research! Marketing, Street and club promotions, Touring, Publicity, Advertising, Events (attendance at conventions and consumer events), Video promotions (if you Radio is expensive. There is no way around that. I work the region on the shoot a video), Tools (posters, flyers, flats, postcards, t-shirts, etc), Radio streets and club level getting the record hot long before going for radio. play, Pressing (of the singles, mixed CD, and/or actual full length CD), etc. I build it from the ground up so that it has legs. Then, I take it to radio in smaller markets first. For example, I would hit the smaller markets surround- Anytime you start a business, there are costs involved. The music industry ing Atlanta like Macon, Albany, Greenville, Columbia, SC before I ever went is no different. If you plan to put out your own music, you must be able to into Atlanta. Atlanta is an expensive market to work on the streets and at ra- properly afford it or you are just wasting what little money you have. It’s dio, so I prefer to get my record bubbling in smaller, more affordable places. also important to have someone reputable on your team if you aren’t going to hire a consultant to guide you. While I set up a free website years ago to If the market favors club hits that people can dance to, that’s what I work. If help people put out their own CDs (www.rapcointelpro.com), no website can the market favors more calm ride-to-it type songs, then that is what I work. tell you whom to hire, which service companies are best, or who is genuinely I match my singles to the markets and bring what the market wants. I never good at what they do. Experience, connections, and being inside the inner try to force records on people because I’ll lose unless I have Def Jam or P circle in this shark-infested business are the only ways to know who’s who. Diddy sized budgets. Kanye’s “Jesus Walks” was a huge hit for Def Jam. It most likely would have been an expensive failure for an indie label. Truth is, even the folks who are at the top of their game today may slack off (or be too busy to help you properly), or be replaced by a newer, more It’s much easier to get the attention of a major program director once I have hungry and aggressive person, and become the worst at what they do in spins in smaller markets, than to show up to a music day and say “Play my a matter of months. In addition, there are a slew of folks in this business shit, it’s hot!” Very few records are really hot and there is no rhyme or reason who make gobs of money from taking advantage of people who don’t know, to what catches on. So it’s important to test your record before you go full aren’t experienced, and who can’t smell a con man a mile away. Most people out on the budget. Better to lose $10,000 or $20,000 to find out you didn’t lose money in this business. Independent radio promotions is one of those have anything than to spend $80,000 out the box to find the same thing out. treacherous areas where an artist or label can lose tens of thousands of dollars with nothing to show for it. Hell, experienced people can lose a shitload Once your song begins to spin, it’s important to keep supporting it in the of money here, too, not just new people. marketplace. I offer the artist for free to the station for a show, or back up the spins through promotional tours or by doing give-aways with the station It’s important to have a goal when going to secure radio spins. That goal (tenth caller receives a free t-shirt, gift card from a store, a free CD, etc). must be more significant that just wanting to hear your song on the radio. There are also times when you have to believe in your record even if it isn’t Radio spins are not for artists trying to secure a record deal, nor are they for catching on quickly. Songs that took a long time to catch on were people without a healthy promotional budget. If radio spins led to a good Webbie’s “Gimme Dat” and “Bad Bitch,” Soulja Boy’s “Crank Dat,” Nelly’s deal that secured an artist’s career successfully, everyone with $50,000 to “Country Grammar,” etc. The key is being experienced enough to know when spend would have a successful career in the music business. And they don’t. it’s a good record or when to stop throwing good money after bad.

If you look at the top selling artists with careers (NOT the one-hit wonders), There’s a term in radio called “researching.” Research is when a radio station not one of them got a deal from having radio spins. There’s a good reason does a telephone poll amongst listeners. They play a portion of numerous for that. Having radio spins does NOT guarantee CD sales. However, spins do songs and ask people if they can identify the song or the artist. If listen- often equal ringtone sales ($2.99 each) and single download sales for 99 ers don’t respond to your song, the station takes it out of rotation. If the cents each, which make the record labels salivate at the thought of quick research comes back positive, the program director will often bump up the one-off money, but it has yet to build the career of a serious recording artist. spins because it means listeners like the song. Would you rather be The Shop Boyz or Jay-Z? Would you rather have one hit song like “Laffy Taffy” or be putting out your 9th CD like Snoop with multi- It’s important for radio stations to play what the mass of listeners want to million dollar touring opportunities, film and TV deals, endorsements, and hear. Radio is based on ad sales (commercials) and those prices are set quar- other income producing opportunities? terly by how many people in the market are listening. That’s called “share.” Share is all that matters to the radio station because that sets their pricing So there is really only one reason to go after radio play: to sell CDs. Any other or income. If Gangsta Grillz Radio in Atlanta has a 10 share, and their biggest reason, and you are just taking away a potential slot from an artist who has competitor in urban music has a 40 share at the station across town, the his or her shit together and came with a plan. radio station that airs Gangsta Grillz will make moves to replace the show, no matter how much you or I enjoy listening to it. Everything in radio comes There are two kinds of radio promotion people: down to numbers and money. Everything! 1) The kind who promise you 300 spins a week (no one can promise you an exact number because it depends on what other songs are out, how hot your Lastly, I want to remind you that as you go for radio spins, you must have song is, and how well it researches at radio), take your money ($15,000 to a competitive song. The sound quality must be as good, or better, than $40,000), and then deliver whatever spins they can get you (usually 45 a everything else at radio. This means it must be made in a professional quality week to 230 a week) at any radio station where they have a key relationship. studio, not your basement. It needs to be professionally mixed and mastered. 2) The kind who understand what your plan and goals entail, and deliver the I use Tony Rey at Dirty South in Atlanta for mixing (I manage him) and Big stations within your marketing territory with which they have relationships, Bass Brian and Bernie Grundman in L.A. (I wish I managed him) for mastering. in a time frame that meets with when your other promotional efforts are hit- They are the best at what they do, in my opinion. ting. These promo people are few and far between. If everything currently at radio is at 92 BPMs, don’t bring in a song at If you are releasing a CD independently, and the South is the market you are 80 BPMs. It won’t mix with the other songs properly. On the flip side, if targeting, radio spins in the Bay Area, St. Louis, Milwaukee, or Detroit are not everything currently at radio is slow, don’t come in with a super crunk dance helpful to your goal. No radio promoter should deliver spins solely where record trying to get it spun. Learn how radio works and you are that much they have relationships unless you are a major label targeting the entire US. more likely not to lose your entire life savings going after the And even then, the majors work region by region so as to impact their limited all-important radio spins. And for heaven sakes, don’t ever offer budgets. So should you, on a smaller scale! anyone at radio money to play your damn record! That’s illegal! //

24 // OZONE MAG m (above L-R): K-Foxx & Trina @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure P’s birthday party in Miami, FL; Rocko & Dolla Boi of Playaz Circle @ the Dirty Awards in Atlanta, GA (Photos: Julia Beverly); Midget Mac & Lil Boosie @ Plush in Jacksonville, FL (Photo: Terrence Tyson)

01 // Kiotti, Yo Gotti, & DJ Ammo @ Terrian Studios (Houston, TX) 02 // Midget Mac & Teddy T @ The Globe for DJ Q45’s birthday party (Jacksonville, FL) 03 // Roxy Reynolds & Fray (Atlanta, GA) 04 // Guest & J-Shin @ Chef Creole for World AIDS Day concert (Miami, FL) 05 // MonEG & Bigga Rankin @ MonEG’s video shoot (Jacksonville, FL) 06 // Rollo, Dawgman, Mighty Mike, Malik Abdul, & Wes Fif @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 07 // Dr Teeth & Bootz @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 08 // Neico, Brian Angel, & Berthell @ Party 104.9’s grand opening (Houston, TX) 09 // Haitian Fresh & Ivy @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 10 // Maddog, Stacks, Midget Mac, Young Cash, & Malik Abdul @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 11 // Reggie Reg, DJ Hi-C, & Crisco Kidd @ Party 93.3’s Toy Drive (Houston, TX) 12 // Rovella Williams, Scorpio, 4-Ize, & Randy Roper @ Hoodhard Day (Atlanta, GA) 13 // Mike Mac, Tre Prince, Scarface, & Alvin @ Scarface’s listening party (Houston, TX) 14 // DJ Headbussa & Earl B @ The Drink for DJ Secret’s birthday bash (Lakeland, FL) 15 // Guccio, Jus Bleezy, Craig Blac & Vic Damone @ Brainstorm (St. Louis, MO) 16 // Guest & Bedo @ Firestone for Florida Classic block party (Orlando, FL) 17 // DJ Sense, DJ Drama, Lloyd, & Don Cannon @ Velvet Room for DJ Drama’s album release party (Atlanta, GA)

Photo Credits: Carl Lewis (02,04); Eric Perrin (03,12,17); Intl K (01,08,11,13); Julia Beverly (07); King Yella (15); Malik Abdul (16); Ms Rivercity (05,09); Street Grindaz (14); Terrence Tyson (06,10) m OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 2 255 by Charlamagne Tha God c CHINCHECK [email protected]

If you are talking about rap and beef, I’m the wrong The section of the brain most involved person to talk to. I am from New Orleans. Cut your televi- in emotion and social interaction sions on. You know where I’m from. I’m from the murder becomes very active during puberty, while capital, ma. Beef is a different thing there. I have four the section most critical for regulating be- teardrops on my face and I have to look my mom in her havior is still maturing into early adulthood.” eye every day. I can’t lie to her. Fuck what they think and fuck what the world thinks, we real. My mom is real. The first day I got a “This explains,” Steinberg says, “Why teens are so susceptible to peer “teardrop I lied. I called her and asked her can I get a teardrop tattoo, but I pressure and why education and prevention efforts designed to keep teens had already got it. She said, ‘When you get it, come by me so I can see how from engaging in risk-taking behaviors don’t work that well. We have tried you look with it, cause I was thinking about getting one my fuckin’ self.’ We to prevent these behaviors by educating kids about the dangers of things don’t play. No, I’m not gonna rap about you man, I will murder you, your like smoking, drinking, taking drugs, and unprotected sex,” he tells WebMD. family, your child, a newborn, I don’t give a fuck. I could never go to hell “The thinking has been, if they know about the dangers they won’t do cause I’ma take over, bitch.” - Lil Wayne, OZONE December 2007 these things, but that is clearly not true.”

This is one of the most socially irresponsible things I have ever heard Damn right it’s not true, because if I’m a teenager whose brain is not fully spoken by a public figure in my life. To keep it one hundred, this fake blood, developed and I’m listening and following a jackass like Lil Wayne, that wannabe gangster, pill-popping piece of pig shit has lost his muthafuckin’ means I’m going to want to join a gang (and kids, you will get jumped in, mind. Please tell him to back away from that triple stack of Styrofoam cups you’re not going to pay your way in like Lil Wayne). Wayne, if you wanted he walks around with. This young man that is contributing to the degrada- to be an honorary member of an organization and pay dues you should of tion of our culture has had too much Hawaiian Punch and promethezyne. pledged A.K.A. I’m sure those fine women would have accepted you as one of their own. It would have made more Saying “I have four teardrops on my face” and “I come from the murder sense because pussy knows pussy. capital” is implying that you have indeed killed someone in your life. A teardrop tattoo is a symbol of having committed at least one murder; I call him pussy because only a pussy, during an interview with a national well, in North America it is. In Australia a teardrop tattoo has an entirely publication, would say he would kill a child or a newborn baby! If I’m a different meaning. It is forcibly marked on convicts who are accused child teenager and I’m following a jackass like Lil Wayne, I’m going to drink molesters! Now if I listen to Gillie the Kid, I guess that is why Baby, CEO of my syrup all day and I’m going to look for someone to kill for no reason, Cash Money, has his teardrop tattoos. It was said by Gillie that Baby used possibly a newborn baby, because Wayne said he would, and he’s the best to touch on Wayne when he was a child. Like father, like son? They say the rapper alive (allegedly)! apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree, but let’s just stick to what Wayne was implying. But the judge does not want to hear that a 17-year-old’s brain is not fully developed. By the time this not fully developed brain under the influence He was implying that he has killed someone and so has his mother. Imag- of drugs goes out and really kills someone and is arrested, then sentenced ine that I work for the Feds and I’m reading this. At first, I’d think this is an to life in prison, it’s too late. Case in point: the four young men who broke admission of guilt. Then I keep reading and see this idiot has relinquished into Washington Redskins player Sean Taylor’s home looking to steal. When all doubt because he says, “I will murder you”! Not just you, but “your fam- Sean popped out, they shot him and now he is dead. Now those kids are ily, your child, a newborn.” Could somebody get this kid a publicist, or has going to jail forever! he already said too much? I think the City of New Orleans should charge Wayne with some of the city’s unsolved murder cases. He is glorifying What influenced those kids to do that? I’m not going to blame that on Lil murder and admitting, even though I don’t believe him, that he has killed Wayne, but comments like those made by Wayne don’t help. If my brain is someone. “I will murder you” should be taken seriously in a court of law! not fully developed and this drugged out, fake gangbanger, possible baby killer is the closest thing I have to an influence, then what the fuck? Lil Have you ever seen Minority Report starring Tom Cruise, where a special Wayne said, “Fuck what the world thinks, we real.” police department called “pre-crime” apprehended criminals based on foreknowledge? Well, here we have the confession before the crime! Lil I hate that word because the definition of what “real” is in Hip Hop is not Wayne said he will “murder your family, your child, and a newborn”! Some- “real” at all. “Real” is not pulling into the parking lot of Walgreen’s in ATL, one save this guy from his self! Usually when someone snitches on you to in the middle of a Saturday afternoon and allegedly trying to purchase the Feds and says that you did something or were involved in some way, machine guns. “Real” is not being 38 years old and now pledging your al- the Feds come and arrest you on what they call a conspiracy charge. Lil legiance to the Bloods and flagging at award shows. “Real” is not being on Wayne snitched on himself, and his mother! I think they need to be picked DVDs pointing guns at the camera and licking shots in the air. Why incrimi- up and charged with conspiracy to commit murder. I just want him to be nate yourself like that? Lastly, “real” is most certainly not telling a national charged so I can hear him tell the truth and say, “I never killed anyone, I’m publication that you will kill children and newborn babies. just a rapper! I need to sound tough to sell records! I got these teardrop tattoos because it looked cute on Baby!” Going into 2008, I don’t want any rappers to say that they are keeping it real. The dictionary defines “real” as having verified existence; not an illu- This dude, ladies and gentlemen, is a fraud, a phony, a fake, and these sion. You rappers like Lil Wayne are about as real as the tooth fairy, Santa comments he made to OZONE Magazine are detrimental to society. Do you Claus, and the Easter Bunny. Poverty and unemployment are real. 40 million know how many kids this guy psychologically influences? Watch how many people with little to no healthcare in America is real. The war in Iraq is real. people you start to see walking around with Styrofoam cups; watch how The HIV/AIDS epidemic is real. Pedophilia is real. Incarceration is real. Our many kids start drinking his Hawaiian Punch and promethezyne concoction; people, continuously dying at the hands of one another, is real. watch how many kids will get that thought branded into their brains that they “will murder you, your family, a child, and a newborn”! Charlamagne Tha God says fuck Lil Wayne. I say fuck him because I say fuck Has anybody read the new study that shows most teenagers will indulge the devil every day. When you proclaim that you “can’t go to hell because in risk-taking behaviors because of poor brain development? Even if they you will take over,” what you are really saying is you are worse than Satan. know right from wrong, good from bad, positive from You are saying you are worse than God’s mortal enemy. Fuck Wayne and negative, God from the Devil; they will still ignore it because that is what any rapper or person that thinks like him. When I hear statements like they have been programmed to learn. The study by Temple University those made by Lil Wayne, I realize people’s value of life is at an all-time Professor of Psychology, Laurence Steinberg, PhD, low. I would hope the tragic and untimely passing of the legendary Pimp concludes from newly emerging research on adolescent brain development, C (who I am sure was an influence to Wayne), touched him in a way that that “teenagers seek out risk-taking behaviors because the brain systems makes him value and appreciate his life. Not just his, but his daughters involved in decision making mature at different times. lives and newborn babies everywhere. R.I.P. Pimp C. //

26 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Keith Sweat & Pleasure P @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure P’s birthday party in Miami, FL (Photo: Julia Beverly); Gil Green, Fat Joe, & J Holiday @ Karu & Y in Miami, FL (Photo: Malik Abdul); Cee-Lo & Diamond @ the Dirty Awards in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly)

01 // Bigga Rankin, Yo Gotti, & Pleasure P @ FAMU Homecoming concert (Tallahassee, FL) 02 // Guest, Redd Eyezz, Young Buck, & guest @ Sobe Live for Young Buck filming of Starz Network’s Hip Hop Raw & Uncut Series (Miami, FL) 03 // Z-Ro & Intl Red @ Mike Jones’ American Dream movie premiere (Houston, TX) 04 // Rob G & Slim Thug @ Party 104.9’s grand opening (Houston, TX) 05 // Anne Williams & Famous @ BET College Tour (Houston, TX) 06 // Jazze Pha, Jermaine Dupri, & Rage on the set of DJ Drama’s “5000 Ones” (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Carlos Cartel (Charleston, SC) 08 // DJ Khaled & J Holiday @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 09 // T-Pain & Brisco @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 10 // TJ Chapman, B-Rich, Playboy Tre, & BOB @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 11 // Wild Billo, Nick@Nite, Gorilla Zoe, & The Gov @ WBLX (Mobile, AL) 12 // Pryme Status & Tyra B @ Party 93.3’s Toy Drive (Houston, TX) 13 // Santana & ladies @ The Globe for DJ Q45’s birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL) 14 // Int’l Red, Big Tyme, & Tre Prince @ Bun B’s step daughter Breneshia’s birthday party (Houston, TX) 15 // Lloyd Prince & Dreadlocks @ Hush for OZONE’s Webbie concert (Houston, TX) 16 // Trillville’s Don P & LA with DJ Trauma @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 17 // Supa Chino & crew @ The Globe for DJ Q45’s birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL) 18 // Southern Syrup DVD, Haitian Fresh, & Pimp G @ Hood Magazine music conference (Jacksonville, FL) 19 // Rapid Ric & DJ Mr Rogers @ BET College Tour (Houston, TX)

Photo Credits: Bogan (02); Carlos Cartel (07); Intl K (03,04,05,12,13,14,19); Julia Beverly (06,08,09,10); Malik Abdul (13,17); Terrence Tyson (01,18); Thaddaeus McAdams (16); Wild Billo (11)

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 2 277 RICH BOY and POLOW

Rich Boy : What up Polow? I ain’t heard from you in a minute. You ain’t forgot about me, have you?

Polow da Don: I been busy. Rich Boy: What you been doin’? Polow da Don: Ah, you know, fuckin these white hoes, workin on Keri Hilson’s album and shit. I been doing some new shit for Fergie, Brittney Spears, and Mandy Moore, and Hannah Montana.

Rich Boy: I was thinking about my next single, I think it should be “Ghetto Rich” featuring John Legend. Dat my favorite.

Polow: Naw, nigga. You don’t get no more singles. Rich Boy: Why not? “Throw Some D’s” was a big hit last year, I’m ready for my follow up.

Polow: Boy, you done had 4 singles and you barely sold 300,000 records. Fuck it, and I made “Throw Some D’s” a hit. I made the beat, I came up with the hook. I had the best verse on the song, and I got all the white girls to be in the video for free.

Rich: But… Polow: You should have a picture of my dick on yo wall, nigga. I made OZONE EXCLUSIVE you. rich boy: Boy looka here, I’m bout to get my shit together and do a new Textin’ is no longer safe now that OZONE’s album, let’s get this paper. dangerous minds have hacked the system. Polow: Naw, you looka here mafucka. I’m droppin’ yo bama ass from my label.

Rich Boy: But I just bought a Cadillac. How am I gon’ pay the note? Polow: Hope you ain’t throw no D’s on that bitch. The only person puttin’ out an album on ZONE 4 is me, mafucka. It’s gon be called, “Me, Myself, and White Hoes.” I’m working with Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Celine Dion, Jessica Simpson, and Paris Hilton. I’ma outsell yo ass in a day!

Rich Boy: Damn, Can I get a verse on it? Polow: Wait a minute muthafucka! Didn’t you hear the album title? I told you it’s called, “Me, Myself, and White Hoes.” Not Rich Boy. Good things don’t last forever. I’m dropping you, but don’t worry, you will always be my friend. *This is just a joke. No, we didn’t really hack into anyone’s sidekick. hack into anyone’s didn’t really No, we *This is just a joke. - From the minds of Eric Perrin and Randy Roper

2828 // // OZONE OZONE MAG MAG (above L-R): Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, & Bun B @ BET College Tour in Houston, TX (Photo: Intl K); Rick Ross, Trina, & DJ Khaled @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party in Miami, FL; Deel- ishis & Slim Thug @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party in Miami, FL (Photos: Julia Beverly)

01 // TMI Boyz & Bigga Rankin @ Body Tap (Atlanta, GA) 02 // Tarvoria & Papa Duck @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 03 // Cool & Dre & DJ Nasty @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 04 // Young City, DJ Khaled, & Mack Maine on the set of Baby’s “Hundred Million Dollars” video shoot (Miami, FL) 05 // Gorilla Zoe & Emmanuel @ Emmanuel’s “Swagga” video shoot (Miami, FL) 06 // Venus & Trey Songz on the set of “Like Me” (St. Louis, MO) 07 // Shawty Lo, Rasheeda, Mike Jones, & Kandi Burrus @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 08 // Oops & Malik Abdul @ Onyx for OZONE talent search (St. Louis, MO) 09 // Fiya, 3 Phat Girls Promotions, & Famous @ KBXX’s car show (Houston, TX) 10 // Randy Roper & DJ Aaries @ the OZONE Atlanta office (Atlanta, GA) 11 // Green Eyes & Black @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure P’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 12 // Steve Bellamy & Suga D @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 13 // Tre Prince & Bone @ Bun B’s step daughter Breneshia’s birthday party (Houston, TX) 14 // Rickey Smiley & Wyclef @ 97.9 The Beat (Dallas, TX) 15 // Cheddar & Breneshia @ Bun B’s step daughter Breneshia’s birthday party (Houston, TX) 16 // DJ Smallz & DJ Quest on the set of Acafool’s video shoot (Tampa, FL) 17 // Ms Rivercity & Roccett @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 18 // 8Ball, Devius, guest, & Young Bleed (Dallas, TX) 19 // Hip Hop Friends & Stephanie @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL)

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

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 2 299 Lil’ Bit

Jus’ A Lil’ Bit Words by Eric N. Perrin

his is the story of Lil Bit, a 19-year-old Atlanta native who left her job working as a cashier at Chick-Fil-A to become a chick on display at another ATL spot known for its buttered buns. “I worked at Chick-Fil-A Tfor two years,” she laments “I hated it. They work you way too much for basically nothing. Strokers pays a lot better.”

While many young girls begin stripping to pay for college tuition or to take care of their own children, Lil Bit had a slightly different reason for needing the fast money that her fast food job couldn’t provide. “When I graduated from high school my mom had gotten really sick, and I had to start dancing to take care of her,” says Lil Bit.

If it’s one thing Lil Bit has learned in her year and a half of dancing, it’s that many people adapt negative views towards strippers without fully understand their circum- stances. “I think a lot of guys consider all strippers as being fast or promiscuous,” she says. “But we’re not all like that. I know I’m not like that.”

When the brown-skinned cutie isn’t at work or taking care of her mother, she’s busy playing mommy to her three younger siblings. “I have a little brother who’s twelve and a twin brother and sister who are 6. I love being able to take care of them, and I just want to make sure that they have the opportunities and experiences I never had.”

Though she didn’t inherit the type of opportunities she’s creating for her brothers and sister, Lil’ Bit is making her own way, and eventually plans on leaving her pole position to pursue her dreams of interior design.”I’d love to design houses or hotels. But my ultimate goal is to one day design my own strip club,” admits the angel Aquarius with a bright smile.

“A year from now I would love to be in school somewhere and no longer dancing,” she says. “I’ve wanted to be an interior designer since I was 7, and that’s what I’m going to do.” //

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

30 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Trae, Lil Jared, & 8Ball @ Party 104.9’s grand opening in Houston, TX (Photo: Intl K); Bootz, Buckeey, & Deelishis @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party in Miami, FL (Photo: Terrence Tyson); Lil Boosie & Cupid @ Battle of the Bands in New Orleans, LA (Photo: Marcus DeWayne)

01 // Kraze, DJ Smallz, & Gorilla Zoe @ Roxy for Frontline’s Florida Classic weekend (Orlando, FL) 02 // Young B, Kiotti, & MC Kane @ Bun B’s step daughter Breneshia’s birthday party (Houston, TX) 03 // E-Class & DJ Mr Rogers @ Hush for OZONE’s Webbie concert (Houston, TX) 04 // Trapstarz & DJ Big Bink @ 97.9 The Beat (Dallas, TX) 05 // E-Class & Slim Thug on the set of Fat Joe’s video shoot (Miami, FL) 06 // Boosie & Traffic @ Firestone for Florida Classic block party (Orlando, FL) 07 // Papa Duck & Yo Gotti @ Roxy for Frontline’s Florida Classic weekend (Orlando, FL) 08 // Mack Maine, Swizz Beatz, guest, Fat Joe, & KRS-One on the set of DJ Khaled’s “I’m So Hood” remix (Atlanta, GA) 09 // Rick Ross & Mob Boss @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 10 // DJ Drama & Block on the set of DJ Drama’s “5000 Ones” (Atlanta, GA) 11 // Grey & Horseman (Houston, TX) 12 // Aztek, DJ Playboy, Rob G, & guest @ Venue for Big Moe tribute (Houston, TX) 13 // Vince Phillips & Sabrina Montgomery @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 14 // Bun B family members @ KBXX’s car show (Houston, TX) 15 // Guest, Green Eyes, & Baby Bre @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure P’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 16 // Swordz & Ms Rivercity @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 17 // C-Ride & Cubo @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 18 // DJ 151 & DJ Smallz @ Roxy for Frontline’s Florida Classic weekend (Orlando, FL) 19 // Brothers Derrick Crooms & Mr Collipark @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 20 // DJ Dr Doom, Plies, & Suga D @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL)

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

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 31 31 … a

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S Rick ross THE BIGGEST BOSS hy’d I decide to make a chain of my face? Just I can’t tell you what’s next [for my jewelry game] but I always keep new shit “ the kush, y’know? I Just wanted to do something in the works. E-Class just fucked the whole watch game up with his canary- different in the game. I put my logo on everything yellow diamonds and an all-red interior with red stones. It’s crazy. We just anyway, so why not? I’m a boss. compete amongst each other; switching it up.

My jeweler out of Texas, Nick, did the chain. His company’s name is King The critics love to take pictures of the boss shining. That’s what they love to WJohnny. He’s the original. Nick is my guy. [King Johnny] is the name of the see. There ain’t no critics because we don’t see the critics. We don’t acknowl- company, but he’s the actual owner, you know? edge them. We do this for us, you know?

I ain’t gonna disclose how much it cost because I like to motivate the hood. I’m over the fascination with the diamonds. I done seen quarter million dollar But it’s over $100,000. I’ve still got all my jewelry. It’s a crazy number, I’d watches, so I’m over the fascination. I look at it as a hood investment. It’s my estimate, of what I’ve spent on jewelry. But it’s a good thing; it’s a wonderful hood laminate. thing. It’s that hood in me. That’s how we celebrate success, so it’s all good. There’s over 300 carats of diamonds in the piece. I just thought it’d be cool to I’m the biggest boss that you’ve seen thus far. Much love. // “do my face. I do the shit for the streets and the streets embrace it, so it’s cool with me. I love to shine. Words & Photo by Julia Beverly

32 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Devyne Stephens & Dallas Austin @ Stankonia Studios for Outkast’s Christmas party in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Eric Perrin); Bryan Cox & Keith Sweat @ the Bentley in Miami, FL (Photo: Julia Beverly); Big Gipp & BloodRaw @ The Globe for DJ Q45’s birthday party in Jacksonville, FL (Photo: Carl Lewis)

01 // Shawty & Big Gipp @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 02 // Mike Jones & Raw LT @ Mike Jones’ American Dream movie premiere (Houston, TX) 03 // Playaz Circle @ Central Florida Fairgrounds for DME’s annual Florida Classic car show (Orlando, FL) 04 // DJ Q45, DJ Dr Doom, Unk, & Baby D @ The Globe for DJ Q45’s birthday party (Jacksonville, FL) 05 // Gotti, Carl Lewis, & R Kelly on the set of Rick Ross’ “Speedin’” video shoot (Miami, FL) 06 // Chamillionaire, Sky, & Pimp C (R.I.P.) @ The Box car show (Houston, TX) 07 // Gorilla Zoe, Yung Joc, DJ Q45, & Block on the set of DJ Drama’s “5000 Ones” (Atlanta, GA) 08 // Stone, Lil Wayne, & Baby @ House of Blues for Cash Money Millionaires’ 10 Year Anniversary (New Orleans, LA) 09 // Gil Green & Rick Ross on the set of Rick Ross’ “Speedin’” video shoot (Miami, FL) 10 // Guest, Big Gipp, Piccalo, & Kia Shine @ The Globe for DJ Q45’s birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL) 11 // Terrence Tyson, Bigga Rankin, & BG @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 12 // RawLT & Webbie @ Hush for OZONE’s Webbie concert (Houston, TX) 13 // Trae & Horseman @ 97.9 The Box (Houston, TX) 14 // Dizzy & Stone @ House of Blues for Cash Money Millionaires’ 10 Year Anniversary (New Orleans, LA) 15 // Lil Duval & Pupp @ Central Florida Fairgrounds for DME’s annual Florida Classic car show (Orlando, FL) 16 // 8Ball & Cindy Hill @ Party 104.9’s grand opening (Houston, TX) 17 // Xtaci & Young Dro @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 18 // Bigga Rankin & Elora Mason @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 19 // TREAL @ Roxy for Frontline’s Florida Classic weekend (Orlando, FL)

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

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 33 33 “Independent” Webbie, Lil’ Phat, & Lil’ Boosie

Lil’ Boosie is having a heated argument with his baby momma, La- Trice. She found a homemade flick of him cheating and has decided to confront him. He is complaining that it’s her fault that he’s leaving because she’s lazy and taking their relationship for granted.

Boosie: I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T! Do you know what that mean, mane? LaTrice: I can spell. I know I ain’t finish high school but that don’t mean I’m stupid! What you gotta say about this bitch? What make her so better than me? Boosie: She got her own house! LaTrice: So!? Boosie: She got her own car!

LaTrice: And? Boosie: Two jobs, work hard. She a bad broad! LaTrice: I got two jobs too! One is raising your nappy-headed son and the other is dealing with your sorry ass! That’s 70 hours a week right there! Boosie: (pointing at the black leather couch) If you ain’t on sit down! LaTrice: (crossing her arms in refusal) I ain’t gotta do shit! I’ma stand right here! Boosie: (getting more frustrated) If you ain’t on sit down! LaTrice: Nope.

Boosie: (getting more frustrated) If you ain’t on sit down! LaTrice: I can’t believe you blaming all this on me! You coming in all times of night smelling like that bitch and now you making it seem like I’m in the wrong? Hell naw! Boosie: She got her own house. Drive her own whip! LaTrice: You sound like a broken record. Make a new point or something. Damn! Boosie: Range Rover all white like her toe tips! LaTrice: Who cares? My Geo Prism is all pink like this pussy you eat! Boosie: She got a pretty smile. Smell real good! LaTrice: I been asking you for like five months to help me with this rotten tooth. My Medicaid say they can’t do nothing. And don’t try me with smell. I keep me some Bath & Body Works body spray! Boosie: The only time she need a mane for that good juug! LaTrice: Good juug? You? Please… They didn’t put a Lil in front of your name for nothing, Boosie. Boosie: They buy the bar too! They superstars too! They be like, “You ain’t got no money? Take your broke tail home!” LaTrice: So you like her because she’s a female pimp? How quickly you forget everything I done for you. Remember before your deal? Matter of fact, before “Wipe Me Down” blew up? I bought everything from your draws to your golds! Boosie: Baby Phat they own. They clothes match they phone. They be like “Yeahhh!” when they song come on! Leave the club kinda early cause they gotta go to work. I mess wit supervisors who got credit like Big Turk. LaTrice: I leave the club early ‘cause I gotta take care of our lil the Music. one. Oh you mess with supervisors, huh? Well, I messed with Web- Behind bie last week when you was out town! agazine goes OZONE M True Rap Boosie: Dusty feet, please don’t bother me! I got independent Based On a dimes on my mind who spoil me! LaTrice: Well, fine then. I’m keeping the couch, the pitbull, and By Paul D. of THER.I.P.Y all the outfits I bought you. Where’d you get that new outfit from Photo by Julia Beverly anyway, with your trifling ass? Boosie: Coogi hat, Coogi fit so sick! That’s a gift from my independent chick. Yes sir!

34 // OZONE MAG “Independent” Webbie, Lil’ Phat, & Lil’ Boosie

(above L-R): Paul Wall & TV Johnny in Houston, TX (Photo: Intl K); Lil Boosie & friends @ Plush in Jacksonville, FL (Photo: Terrence Tyson); Gorilla Zoe & Alfamega @ the Dirty Awards in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly)

01 // Damon Eden & Jullian Boothe @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure P’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 02 // Stay Fresh, Lil Scrappy, & Big Teach @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 03 // DJ Bomb Shell Boogie & Mannie Fresh @ Lil Wayne’s Bayou Classic jam (New Orleans, LA) 04 // Bali & Dru of The Runners @ Roxy for Frontline’s Florida Classic weekend (Orlando, FL) 05 // Emmanuel, Tony Neal, & Boomtown @ Emmanuel’s “Swagga” video shoot (Miami, FL) 06 // DJ Q45 & Michael Watts @ Hush for OZONE’s Webbie concert (Houston, TX) 07 // Young Dro & Lil Duval @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 08 // DJ Q45 & Unk @ The Globe for DJ Q45’s birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL) 09 // Emmanuel & Yung Joc @ Emmanuel’s “Swagga” video shoot (Miami, FL) 10 // Lil Wayne & DJ Money Fresh @ House of Blues for Cash Money Millionaires’ 10 Year Anniversary (New Orleans, LA) 11 // Michael Madd & Fat Joe on the set of Fat Joe & J Holiday’s video shoot (Miami, FL) 12 // Omar Wilson & Xavier @ Scarface’s listening party (Houston, TX) 13 // Jit, Stacks, & Izzy @ Emmanuel’s “Swagga” video shoot (Miami, FL) 14 // Teddy T, guest, & Antman @ Industry Secrets seminar (Miami, FL) 15 // Trae, Teresa, & Z-Ro @ their photo shoot (Houston, TX) 16 // Vic Damone & Jus Bleezy @ Society (St. Louis, MO) 17 // Cindy Hill & Flo Rida @ Venecian (Houston, TX) 18 // Playaz Circle & DJ Demp @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 19 // Hot Boy Ronald & Cupid @ Battle of the Bands (New Orleans, LA) 20 // Slim Thug, DJ Chill, Crisco Kid, The Mexicanz, & DJ Coolaide @ Party 104.9’s grand opening (Houston, TX)

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

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 35 35 tyson

D-RAY D-RAY terrence up tyson

terrence tyson

terrence tatted tyson

D-RAY terrence

36 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Brandi Garcia & LeToya Luckett @ the Houston premiere of This Christmas in Houston, TX (Photo: Intl K); Bigga Rankin & Plies @ Plush in Jacksonville, FL (Photo: Terrence tyson

Tyson); Famous & Chamillionaire @ the Dirty Awards in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly) terrence tyson terrence

01 // Guests, Red Dogg, & Pimp J @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 02 // Toro & Durtered @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure P’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 03 // RukaPuff & Bigga Rankin @ Onyx for OZONE talent search (St. Louis, MO) 04 // Dyron D, Freda, & DJ Slab 1 @ Battle of the Bands (New Orleans, LA) 05 // Courtney & Phat @ Belle Noche (Baton Rouge, LA) 06 // Baby & DJ Ro @ Lil Wayne’s Bayou Classic jam (New Orleans, LA) 07 // Lil Wayne & Yella @ House of Blues for Cash Money Millionaires’ 10 Year Anni- versary (New Orleans, LA) 08 // Shawty Lo & Buckeey @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 09 // Vic Damone & Guccio @ Society (St Louis, MO) 10 // Yung Joc & Bun B @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 11 // I-15 & Maricia Magana @ Yates High School (Houston, TX) 12 // Chalie Boy & Ms Rita @ Block Ent. Show (Dallas, TX) 13 // Camron & Dukwon @ The Globe for DJ Q45’s birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL) 14 // Point Blank & OZONE party @ Da Real Ting Cafe (Jacksonville, FL) 15 // Roccett, Elora Mason, & Rick Edwards @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 16 // BOB & TJ Chapman get CRUNK!!! @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 17 // Joe Hound & Street Dogg @ Chef Creole for World AIDS Day concert (Miami, FL) 18 // Red Rat & DJ Element @ Sobe Live for Bigga Rankin’s party (Miami, FL) 19 // Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer @ Star Towers (Orlando, FL) 20 // Chris Ward, Slim Thug, & Killa Kyleon @ Roxy (Houston, TX) tyson

Photo Credits: Carl Lewis (17); Intl K (11,20); Julia Beverly (02,08,10); King Yella (03,05,09); Malik Abdul (14,19); Marcus DeWayne (04,06,07); Ms Rivercity (18); Terrence Tyson (01,15,16); Tre Dubb (12) terrence

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 37 37 PATIENTLY WAITING

TaydizmTALLAHASSEE, FL

“No one took my music seriously, even the people on my team,” eing a hypeman for chart-topping rappa ternt sanga T-Pain laughs the Tallahasee native via phone on his way to do a show in the seems like an easy job. “Wake up, travel, get paid and enjoy Bahamas. “I just wanted to show people that I could do it. That’s why I the best that life has to offer” pretty much sums up the recorded my whole project by myself.” B has burned throughout the South job requirements. But for Nappy Boy Entertainment recording artist His first mixtapeTha Hottest Hotboy Taydizm, its been somewhat of a task, since he’s eager to show that he since he dropped it last June. Instead of relying on - too is a competent solo artist. T-Pain’s industry rolodex, Tay completely conceptual ized and engineered by himself. In the process, he’s introduced himself as an artist set to step out of his high-profile friend’s shadow.

“When I did that, I got a lot of good feedback. It even surprised me,” admits Tay, who is currently featured on fellow Floridian 2 Pistol’s bubbling smash, “She - Got It.” “The only thing I asked T-Pain for was a stu dio. From there I did everything myself. I never even touched ProTools [before], but I taught myself.”

Even though recording an album and building a name for himself is a huge challenge, Taydizm has faced bigger obstacles. A product of a foster home, Tay already knows what it’s like to be an underdog. Born to a mother and father who both succumbed to the ills of drug abuse, Tay has virtually raised himself since he was five years old.

“You ain’t gonna hear me talking about drugs in music,” he insists, mentioning that he will address a portion of his personal challenges on his debut album, Another World. “Drugs fucked up my whole family. I can’t hate on dope boys because that’s how they eat. But when I see a dope boy, what [am] I’m gonna say to them? ‘Keep doing your thing?’ It’s them that put me in a foster home ‘til I was 18.”

Never one to dwell on the past, Tay is focused on letting listeners know that it’s still okay to dance in the club. If you’ve ever seen him on stage with T- Pain, you’d already know that. But in just in case you haven’t, he doesn’t mind reminding you.

“I hear niggas say they too hood to dance. I guess people just wanna sag their pants and look hard,” he laughs. “Where I come from, we used to have fun and that’s what I do. I don’t give a damn if people say I’m soft because I dance. As long as they don’t threaten me, I’m good.” //

Words by Maurice G. Garland Photo by Julia Beverly

3388 // // OZONE OZONE MAG MAG Taydizm

(above L-R): Baby & Yo Gotti @ FAMU Homecoming concert in Tallahassee, FL (Photo: Terrence Tyson); Mike Jones & Z-Ro @ Mike Jones’ American Dream movie premiere in Houston, TX Trey Songz & Scarface on the set of Scarface’s video shoot in Houston, TX (Photos: Intl K)

01 // Big Will, Maddog, Bigga Rankin, & Big Teach @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 02 // Young B & Grit Boyz @ Bun B’s step daughter Breneshia’s birthday party (Houston, TX) 03 // Dior George & BloodRaw @ The Globe for DJ Q45’s birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL) 04 // DJ Demp, Ms Dynasty, & Supastar J-Kwik @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 05 // Sean & J-Kwon @ Intercontinental airport (Houston, TX) 06 // Rico Love, Statik, & Pleasure P @ Stankonia Studios (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Duval County Rockstars @ Da Real Ting Cafe for Point Blank & OZONE party (Jacksonville, FL) 08 // K-Foxx, Young Twinn, & Jas Prince @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure P’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 09 // The Runners & KC @ Roxy for Frontline’s Florida Classic weekend (Orlando, FL) 10 // DJ K-Tone & DJ Scorpio on the set of DJ Khaled’s “I’m So Hood” remix (Atlanta, GA) 11 // Zane & M-Geezy @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 12 // Tweezy & Young B @ Hush for OZONE’s Webbie concert (Houston, TX) 13 // Guest, Willie the Kid, Young Tut, Yung Berg, & Lloyd @ Velvet Room for DJ Drama’s album release party (Atlanta, GA) 14 // Video model Baje on the set of Baby’s “Hundred Million Dollars” video shoot (Miami, FL) 15 // Guest & Qwote @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure P’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 16 // Freddy P & ladies @ Chef Creole for World AIDS Day concert (Miami, FL) 17 // Sistah Sondrah & Raheem DeVaughn @ 97.9 The Beat (Dallas, TX) 18 // KJ, Famous, & Rapid Ric @ BET College Tour (Houston, TX) 19 // Micha Porat & Mad Linx @ Sobe Live for Young Buck filming of Starz Network’s Hip Hop Raw & Uncut Series (Miami, FL)

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

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 39 39 PATIENTLY WAITING

) (Seventeen XVII PASS CHRISTIAN, MS

- henever Pass Christian, Mississippi rapper XVII picks up As the first rapper since Lil Boosie & Webbie to get a Pimp C en the phone, you’re liable to hear two voices. One is his- dorsement, you’d be wrong to think that a UGK crown would be too gruff, Gulf Coast-inflicted tone. The other is the com heavy for XVII’s wiry frame. Before meeting Pimp, he had already W produced three projects on his own. manding twang of his late mentor Chad “Pimp C” Butler.

“He’s gone and I can’t talk to him,” he says, driving as Pimp’s verse A group effort as a member of Da KG’z (Kingz of theUnderground Gulf), his 200 1 Die By This and a 2003 mixtape called from “Swishas and Dosha” blasts through as if he was sitting in the solo debut Heat Vol. 1, built his buzz in the Gulf Coast. But before he could backseat rapping it in person. “But I figure he can still ride with me follow with a second edition, the eye of and talk to me this way.” Hurricane Katrina hit, wiping out his buzz and his home. - With limited choices, XVII moved to At lanta, building alliances with Pastor Troy, Bohagon and Yo Gotti. However, when he sought out Pimp C for a cameo, he got a big brother and a new place to stay.

“Pass Christian is small like Port Arthur,” insists XVII. “Pimp got the same small- town feeling from me and made me move in with him to keep me out of the streets.”

With Pimp’s backing, XVII released his . With little to album Certified in late 2007 no promotion the album grew legs and garnered regional buzz with the single “She Love It” and national controversy via Pimp C’s feature on “True Story.”

“People caught feelings over that song,” sneers XVII about the track that was intended to be a post-Katrina survival tale and warning to so-called dope boy rappers. “In my verse I say, ‘Everybody think they’re Jeezy.’” Me and Pimp just met when we did that song. I didn’t know of anything going on between Jeezy and Pimp. The song wasn’t even a diss. People took offense, but we didn’t give a fuck as long as we didn’t lie about what we said.”

After Pimp’s passing, XVII left Texas and- returned to his slowly recovering home town. Debris still blankets the area, but offers escape from a mess of another sort.

“Distributors that Pimp turned down before he died started calling me the day his body was found,” he sighs. “They send me funky ass checks hoping I’d cash them so they can lock me in a deal. But like I said, I still listen to Pimp. He won’t want me to do that.” //

Words by Maurice G. Garland

4400 // // OZONE OZONE MAG MAG ) XVII (Seventeen

(above L-R): Tony Neal & Deelishis @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party in Miami, FL (Photo: J Lash); Pitbull & Cool on the set of Fat Joe & J Holiday’s video shoot in Miami, FL (Photo: Bogan); Unk & K Foxx on the set of DJ Khaled’s “I’m So Hood” remix in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Eric Perrin)

01 // Southstar, T-Roy, ladies, & Smilez @ Club Christopher’s for Midget Mac’s VH1 party (Jacksonville, FL) 02 // DJ Irie, DJ Drama, Willie the Kid, & Pleasure P @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 03 // Tim Drow & Lil Kee @ The Drink for DJ Secret’s birthday bash (Lakeland, FL) 04 // DJ Drama & Buckeey @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 05 // Breneshia, guest, & Young B @ Bun B’s step daughter Breneshia’s birthday party (Houston, TX) 06 // Gavin Luckett, Bryan Michael Cox, & Slim Thug @ LeToya Luckett’s party (Houston, TX) 07 // Trey Songz & Jus Bleezy on the set of “Like Me” (St. Louis, MO) 08 // Carol City Cartel @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 09 // Trick Daddy & the Dunk Ryders & DJ Demp @ Firestone for Florida Classic block party (Orlando, FL) 10 // Lil Scrappy & George Dukes @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 11 // J-Baby, Fee, DJ Dr Doom, & Bigga Rankin @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 12 // Roger & Mami Chula @ Primetime (Atlanta, GA) 13 // DJ Rob Fresh & Uptown Angela @ the Kool Experi- ence (New Orleans, LA) 14 // Sun, Spark Dawg, & BP @ Mike Jones’ American Dream movie premiere (Houston, TX) 15 // BF, DJ Jelly, Montay, Unk, & Baby D @ DJ Q45’s birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL) 16 // R Kelly & Ted Lucas on the set of Rick Ross’ “Speedin’” video shoot (Miami, FL) 17 // Teddy T, Pleasure P, & TJ Chapman @ The Globe for DJ Q45’s birthday party (Jacksonville, FL) 18 // Guest & DJ Epps @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure P’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 19 // Gazelle, DJ Demp, & Styles P @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL)

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

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 41 41 PATIENTLY WAITING Snook Da Rokk StarrColumbia, SC( via Newark, NJ) Aside from living a Travis Barker-esque lifestyle, Snook has established - et Columbia, South Carolina emcee Snook Da Rokk Starr tell it, himself as a standout artist in the Palmetto State. Raised in Newark, he had a rockstar mentality long before the Shop Boyz started- New Jersey, he moved to Columbia, SC in 1999 to attend Benedict Col partying. “I was the first one on that rockstar shit,” Snook pro lege, where his penchant for battle raps earned him stripes throughout L the city. After a few years of battling competitors, Snook left college claims. “I put my rockstar song on Myspace, probably about three, four weeks before the Shop Boyz even came out, before I even knew what a to make a serious push at a rap career. He started Southern Dynasty Records with his college associates Chris “Phatz P” Etheridge and Marcus Shop Boy was. I was in the club like every night. Sunday to Sunday, I’m “True” Winston, and in 2004, the label in the club, throwing money, getting drunk, poppin’ [bottles].” released Snook’s independent debut album 4.5.6. Banker. The album, which featured guest appearances by Sean Paul of the Youngbloodz, Lil Mo, and production by Khao and Polow Da Don, solidified him as a reputable artist. Once his single “When You See Me” with Sean Paul hit airwaves and clubs, the song became a regional hit and things seemed in place for Snook to capitalize on his newfound success.

But soon after the path to stardom seemed to clear, Snook’s father passed away. Promos, shows and recording sessions were all cancelled and the buzzing rapper was sent into a somber state. As quickly as Snook had risen, he had faded into obscurity.

In 2005, looking for a new start, he moved to Atlanta, GA. But when his business partner Chris Etheridge was arrested on federal charges, as a tribute to Etheridge, Snook decided to return to SC and finish what Southern Dynasty started.

Since returning to the Carolinas, he’s picked up right where he left off. In 2007 he flooded the streets with three mixtapes, From a Minor Drought Over with DJ Cleve, hosted by DJ B-Lord and DJ to a Major with Frosty, and a Real Nigga Radio Bigga Rankin. His collaborations with artists like Lil Boosie (“Models”), Yo Gotti (“Money”) and T-Pain (“Untouchable”) has further heightened anticipation fromAmerican his forthcoming independent album Rockstar.

While the rockstar movement seemingly - came and went faster than Weezy engage ment rumors, Snook insists things won’t change for him. “This the life I’m living,” he asserts. “I ain’t really partying like a rockstar, I’m living like a rockstar. That’s- my lifestyle, I really don’t fabricate noth ing.” //

Words by Randy Roper

4422 // // OZONE OZONE MAG MAG Columbia, SC( via Newark, NJ)

(above L-R): Chad Johnson & Baby @ Club Dream during All Star weekend in New Orleans, LA; J Prince & Roy Jones Jr before his fight @ Madison Square Garden in New York, NY (Photos by Julia Beverly); Allen Iverson & Dwayne Wade @ Sugar Mill in New Orleans, LA (Photo: Terrence Tyson)

01 // Treal @ Hip Hop Soda Shop for the filming of 2 Pistols “She Got It” (Tampa, FL) 02 // All Star, TJ Chapman, & Alli Nicole @ House of Blues for Yo Gotti’s mixtape release party (Memphis, TN) 03 // DJ Q45 & Suga D @ Plies “Bust It Baby” reality show casting call (Tampa, FL) 04 // DJ Demp & DJ Blak @ The Moon for Demp Week (Tallahassee, FL) 05 // Randy Roper, Terrence Tyson, Malik Abdul, & ladies @ Webbie’s listening party (New Orleans, LA) 06 // Rufus, Baby, & Glasses Malone @ Club Dream during All Star weekend (New Orleans, LA) 07 // Lil Boosie, Turk, Webbie, & Mouse @ Roc A Fella 2.5 (New Orleans, LA) 08 // K-Foxx, Rick Ross, DJ Krunch One, & Flo Rida @ White Diamonds for Rick Ross’ birthday party (Miami, FL) 09 // Lil Boosie & DJ Sweat @ The Palace (Hattiesburg, MS) 10 // Steve Francis & J Prince (Houston, TX) 11 // Sean-D & Grand Prix @ The Moon for TJ’s birthday party (Tallahassee, FL) 12 // J Baby, Shane, & Stephanie @ Plush for Cool Runnings Christmas party (Jacksonville, FL) 13 // Black, Turk, Slim, & BJ on the set of Webbie’s “I Miss You” video shoot (New Orleans, LA) 14 // Will & Ms Rivercity @ Dream (New Orleans, LA) 15 // Pops & Cox of Piccalo @ White Diamonds for Rick Ross’ birthday party (Miami, FL) 16 // Eric Perrin & Chris Turner @ Sugar Mill (New Orleans, LA) 17 // Cutty Mac & Michael Watts @ S&S Entertainment’s New Years Eve party (Des Moines, IA) 18 // Derrick & Webbie @ Webbie’s listening party (New Orleans, LA) 19 // Mannie Fresh & Show @ Club Dream during All Star weekend (New Orleans, LA)

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

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 43 43 PATIENTLY WAITING

MacboneyATLANTA, GA

“Anytime you got a great leader and he’s in a position where he can’t ver since the King of the South was caught holding army guns, lead, everybody goes this way [or] goes that way,” Pimp Squad Click Grand Hustle has been in quite a predicament. T.I.’s uncertain member Macboney says. “[T.I. is] needed to keep everybody together as future has led many to question if the Atlanta-based record a whole. But as far as me, it just showed me that I gotta work stronger E and harder. A lot of people wanna bring you down and I ain’t gonna do label can maintain without its breadwinner. But while the Grand Hustle house arrested head man awaits a suppression hearing, his ability to nothing but push forward, cause that’s what he would want me to do.” guide his team has diminished. Raised in Adamsville, a predominantly black neighborhood on the west side of Atlanta, Boney’s rap career started to take shape when he meet a then-unknown Bankhead rapper by the name of T.I.P. Boney, along with his cousin C-Rod, Big Kuntry, A.K. and T.I. formed the rap group Pimp Squad Click. And with T.I.’s career taking off, I’m P$C Serious was featured on T.I.’s debut album - and the group signed to Grand Hustle/Atlan tic Records. After appearing on T.I.’s follow and 2004’s up albums, 2003’s Trap Muzik , and catching the street’s Urban Legend - attention with a slew of mixtapes, includ Gangsta Grillz mixes ing earlier DJ Drama , like In Da Streets and Down With The King was released P$C’s debut album 25 To Life in September of 2005. But when the album struggled to sell, stalling out under 200,000 copies, P$C the group has seemingly been an afterthought. - Since then, the label’s goals have cen tered on making T.I. a crossover artist and breaking solo artists like Young Dro and Big Kuntry. Instead of being disgruntled, Macboney—who was paired in a group with A.K.— took to the streets. He released solo and The Rico Act mixtapes Processing Fee hosted by DJ Teknik, which upped his stock as a solo artist. “[President of] Grand Hustle, Jason Geter, he took me on for my solo project,” he says. “He said he was wit’ it and I stepped to the light. I said I wanted to do it.”

He is currently working on his solo debut album with one goal in mind. Even if T.I. makes it through his present legal issues unscathed, he wants his boss to be able to step back from the game. “My ultimate goal is to let my captain sit back and gon’ head let me lead the ship,” he says. “I wanna take it to the next level. And that’s everybody’s goal in rap but I wanna shock the world with this music.” //

Words by Randy Roper Photo by Eric Perrin

4444 // // OZONE OZONE MAG MAG ATLANTA, GA

(above L-R): Young B reading his OZONE article in Houston, TX (Photo: Intl K); David Banner, Alfamega, Jazze Pha, Yung Joc, Big Kuntry, & DJ Holiday on the set of DJ Drama’s “5000 Ones” in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly); TREAL @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards in Jacksonville, FL (Photo: Ms Rivercity)

01 // T-Streets, Mack Maine, & Raj Smoove @ House of Blues for Cash Money Millionaires’ 10 Year Anniversary (New Orleans, LA) 02 // Lil Boosie & Hot Boy Ronald @ Battle of the Bands (New Orleans, LA) 03 // King Arthur, Mami Chula, & guest @ Primetime (Atlanta, GA) 04 // B, Randy Roper, & Mac Boney @ Ecko Studios (Atlanta, GA) 05 // Malik Abdul & Slim Goodye @ Mansion for DJ Khaled’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 06 // Blvd & Tamiko Hope @ Stankonia Studios for Outkast’s Christmas party (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Tyga, Wayne, & Gata of Young Money @ Hot Beats Studio (Atlanta, GA) 08 // Entice @ Club Status (Orlando, FL) 09 // Potzee, Az One & Youvee (St Louis, MO) 10 // Phantom & J Leon @ Dragon Room (Orlando, FL) 11 // Ladies First @ Dragon Room (Orlando, FL) 12 // DJ Mello, MegaChick, & Preacher @ Club Status (Orlando, FL) 13 // Lil Hen & Face Murder @ The Globe for DJ Q45’s birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL) 14 // J-Money reading OZONE (Jackson, MS) 15 // D’Lyte & C Dog @ Club Cirque (Dallas, TX) 16 // Pimp J @ Club Status (Orlando, FL) 17 // Tre Dubb, Rapid Ric, & Ms Rita @ Beauty Bar (Austin, TX) 18 // Untamed, Big Dime, & Red Dogg @ Club Status (Orlando, FL) 19 // Wild Wayne & Cupid @ Bayou Classic (New Orleans, LA) 20 // Kango of Partners N Crime & DJ Raj Smoove (New Orleans, LA) 21 // Brandi Garcia, Chile, & Joe College @ Butter for Big Moe Tribute (Houston, TX) 22 // Erotic D (Dallas, TX) 23 // Miss 757 Cassandra Clark & Astrin White @ Studio 76 Models’ party (Norfolk, VA) 24 // Mutt Dogg & Derrty Boi Montana @ Club Viva (St Louis, MO) 25 // Veda Loca @ Club Cirque (Dallas, TX) 26 // Spark Dawg & the Grit Boyz @ Trae’s show (Killeen, TX) 27 // Pryme Status, Teresa, & Chris Parker @ SF2 (Houston, TX) 28 // Disco Jr @ Firestone for Florida Classic block party (Or- lando, FL) 29 // Fed Tyme Records @ Block Ent. Show (Dallas, TX) 30 // Garfield & DJ Benny Boom @ Club Whispers for record pool meeting (Orlando, FL) 31 // G-Money @ Club Status (Orlando, FL) 32 // Gotti Boy Chris & Chris of the Block Burners @ Bayou Classic (New Orleans, LA) 33 // Face Murder, Lil Hen, & Shawn Jay @ Da Real Ting Cafe for Point Blank & OZONE party (Jacksonville, FL) 34 // DJ Kut & Craig Blac @ Jus Bleezy’s “Like Me” video shoot (St Louis, MO) 35 // DJ D-Money @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL)

Photo Credits: 3535 Entertainment (14); Derrick Francis (23); Edward Hall (15,22,25); Eric Perrin (03,04,06,07); Intl K (21,27); King Yella (09,34); Malik Abdul (08,10,11,12,13,16,18,28,30,3 1,33); Marcus DeWayne (01,02,19,20,32); Ms Rivercity (35); Tammie White (24); Terrence Tyson (05); Tre Dubb (17,26,29)

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 45 45 PATIENTLY WAITING Ooops ST. LOUIS, MO battle rapping,” says Ooops. The 23-year-old rapper soon became so good at the craft that he began earning his tuition by battling local, f the purpose of going to college is to learn valuable skills that more established emcees for money. “I fell in love with it, and then will help you find a career and make money, St. Louis native Ooops about a year and a half ago a family friend suggested I should start Iis no different than any other textbook toting undergrad. But one- writing songs, and that became my true passion.” thing that separates him from the rest of the pack is that while most students major in a field of study such as Psychology or Business Man Over the course of a year and a half, Ooops has become known for his agement, Ooops discovered a completely different curriculum: Battle rap. witty lyrics and intelligentunparalleled delivery, but energy. perhaps He defineseven moreso his style for hisas a mixture between lyrical and energetic, but “Four years ago, I was at a community college and found a knack for still laid back at the same time. “I’m one of the humblest dudes out,” he stresses, “but people in St. Louis know, when Ooops comes, I’m gon’ put on a show. “

And he definitely put on a show for Disturbing The Peace Records last February, when he won- the Atlanta label’s “Who’s Next? Artist Show case” among 80 other hopefuls. Ooops proudly proclaims that winning the contest was the proudest moment of his career, but possibly an even greater accomplishment for the budding rapper has been the success of his current single, “Louie Dip (Triple Step).” - “The dance looks kinda like when girls are get ting ready to double-dutch and they just jump back and forth before they jump in, “ explains Ooops. “I was at the club one night and they started doing that to a beat. And since St. Louis is known for the dances we come up with, I decided to make a song for it.”

Though he admits his hometown has a history of making “lollipop” dance records, he adamantly feels as though people shouldn’t pigeonhole him- as a run of the mill rapper. “A lot of people criti cize dance records, and my rebuttal is: an artist’s job is to make songs for the people. If you know dance songs are moving right now, and you come up with a nice dance song and it’s well put together, then nobody can argue with that.”

One fact even less arguable is that Ooops is doing his part to re-establish St. Louis as a - premiere Hip Hop hub and dispelling the precon ceived views many fans have of his city.

“We got some real cats coming out of St. Louis, and I feel like our image has been tainted a little bit by our predecessors,” Ooops acknowledges. “But one thing I try to do in all my songs is stay true to my similes, and metaphors, because that’s what people expect from me. Even though I made a dance song, you can’t deny that // I ripped it. My lyrics are my signature.”

Words by Eric Perrin

4646 // // OZONE OZONE MAG MAG (above L-R): 3 Deep with their OZONE All Star special edition cover @ Webbie’s listening party in New Orleans, LA (Photo: Ms Rivercity); Julia Beverly, Roccett, & Rick Edwards @ Demp Week celebrity basketball game in Tallahassee, FL (Photo: Terrence Tyson); C-Murder with his All Star issue article @ Webbie’s listening party in New Orleans, LA (Photo: King Yella)

01 // Carol City Cartel @ The Moon for Demp Week (Tallahassee, FL) 02 // Steph Jones @ Party 93.3 (Houston, TX) 03 // Seventeen @ SEA Pre-Party (Tunica, MS) 04 // SL Jones & Killer Mike @ SEA Pre-Party (Tunica, MS) 05 // Rick Ross, Steve Bellamy, & Rick Edwards @ Demp Week celebrity basketball game (Tallahassee, FL) 06 // Making The Band 4 in Times Square (New York, NY) 07 // Big Teach, Uncle Luke, & Lex @ Magic (Las Vegas, NV) 08 // Streetz @ Webbie’s listening party (New Orleans, LA) 09 // Pimpin Ken & guest @ Hard Rock for Yo Gotti’s mixtape release party (Memphis, TN) 10 // Bobo Luchiano, DJ Fish, & Steve Below @ The Fare for Big Push’s birthday party (Dallas, TX) 11 // Willy Northpole @ Party 93.3 (Houston, TX) 12 // Benji Brown @ Demp Week (Tallahassee, FL) 13 // Kamikaze, the ladies of Vivacious Wear, & Gerald Girbaud @ the Southern Entertainment Awards (Tunica, MS) 14 // Ja Rule @ The Moon for Demp Week fashion show (Tallahassee, FL) 15 // Garcia @ the James L Knight Center for Hoodstock (Miami, FL) 16 // All Star @ the Southern Entertainment Awards (Tunica, MS) 17 // TR Flow @ Club Level for Randy Roper’s birthday party (Columbia, SC) 18 // Veda Loca @ Club Cirque (Dallas, TX) 19 // DJ Battle Cat @ House of Blues (New Orleans, LA) 20 // Lil V @ Plies ‘Bust It Baby’ reality show casting call (Tampa, FL) 21 // Chubby Baby @ Club Esso for Atlanta Record Pool (Atlanta, GA) 22 // DJ Holiday & B Rich @ Club Esso for Atlanta Record Pool (Atlanta, GA) 23 // Teddy T @ the Southern Entertainment Awards (Tunica, MS) 24 // P Brown & Dutty Laundry @ Club Esso for Atlanta Record Pool (Atlanta, GA) 25 // Sun & Lupe Fiasco on the set of Lupe Fiasco’s ‘Hip Hop Saved My Life’ video shoot (Houston, TX) 26 // Ms Re & Phat Girls Promotions @ the Southern Entertainment Awards (Tunica, MS) 27 // DJ Montay @ Club Esso for Atlanta Record Pool (Atlanta, GA) 28 // La Chat @ Southern Whispers for Bigg V’s birthday bash (Greenville, MS) 29 // DJ Judge Mntl @ the Southern Entertainment Awards panels (Tunica, MS) 30 // Dougski & Kottonmouth @ The Fare for Big Push’s birthday party (Dallas, TX) 31 // DJ Xclusive & P Brown @ Club Esso for Atlanta Record Pool (Atlanta, GA) 32 // DJ Wildhairr & Michael Watts @ S&S Entertainment’s New Years Eve party (Des Moines, IA) 33 // DJ Q45, DJ Epps, LA Smoove, & Jennifer @ the James L Knight Center for Hoodstock (Miami, FL) 34 // Cutty Mac @ S&S Entertainment’s New Years Eve party (Des Moines, IA) 35 // DJ Chuck T @ the Southern Entertainment Awards panels (Tunica, MS)

Photo Credits: Edward Hall (10,18,28,30); Intl K (02,11,25); Julia Beverly (03,04,06,07,12,13,17,23); King Yella (19); Malik Abdul (14,15,20,32,33,34); Ms Rivercity (08,09,16,21,22,24,26,27,2 9,31,35); Terrence Tyson (01,05)

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 47 47 Trina Words by Julia Beverly // Photo by Bogan

48 // OZONE MAG aving departed both her major Hlabel home (Atlantic Records) and a highly-publicized relationship (Lil Wayne), the Queen of Miami is back on the prowl... and loving it

OZONE MAG // 49 Your new album is coming out independently, right? and there would be a producer. I’d get myself into that zone and rock with Slip-N-Slide is through EMI, independent now. It’s just about understanding whatever they had picked out. But this time I went in there picking my choice what the independent deal was like and trying to understand what direction e of what I love, and it was great. I really enjoyed this particular session of were going to go with the project. Being independent is totally different from studio recording for my album. being with a major label, so there was a lot of stuff we had to compromise on. But it worked out for everybody’s best interests, especially mine. I’ve At the OZONE Awards, you, Jacki-O, and K-Foxx dressed as superheroes. What been with Atlantic my whole career, so it wasn’t a one-sided decision. I want was the intent behind that? Are the three of you planning to put out a group to move forward on my own and do something different; try something new. album or something? We’d ust outgrown each other. I’m excited, and EMI has been really helpful in No, it wasn’t that. K-Foxx is a radio personality and she’s a beautiful woman making sure the project comes out great. who is doing so much stuff to try to inspire and help women. She’s doing a mixtape featuring female artists. I’m not sure who all is on the mixtape, but So basically it was a mutual decision to part ways with Atlantic. I know I gave her some records, Jacki-O is on there, and I believe Remy [Ma] Yeah, my deal with Atlantic was up, and it was my decision to stay or leave. I is on there. She wanted to do this whole female vibe of, you know, trying felt like I’d been with them for so long I had outgrown their vision. I wanted to put all the females through and empowering us by creating a movement more control. Labels aren’t how they used to be; you’ve gotta put in a lot and being strong. There’s only a few of us and we really don’t get as much more work. Everything is so difficult, I guess with the bootlegging and so recognition as I feel we should get. I can’t speak for nobody else but I know much stuff being leaked on the internet, it’s just a harder fight. So I’m going for myself, I work extremely hard. I’m always working. Even without having to go through EMI and it was a better deal for me. an album out in two and a half years, I’m still working. I’m on the road. I’m doing shows. I’m overseas, I’m across country, so it’s still constant work for A better deal financially? me. I feel like there’s not enough females [in the music business] and we It’s definitely better financially, and as far as business in general, you get to don’t stick together. The unity is not there. So when [K-Foxx] came to me see more money. That’s what it’s about; it’s about making money. Thankfully about doing the CD, I was like, “That sounds hot. I’m all in.” She wanted to do I’m signed to Slip-N-Slide so they’re like the backbone to everything. I think flyers and for the mixtape cover the theme was to be superheroes. I wanted that’s the most important thing, because without the co-parent of Slip-N- to be Wonder Woman because I love Wonder Woman, and once I agreed to Slide, if everything was straight independent, I don’t know how that would’ve the idea, K-Foxx was like, “I’ll be Storm [from X-Men]” and Jacki-O wanted worked out. to be Superwoman. So we all went searching for costumes and trying to put it together to take the photo for the mixtape cover. I really had fun doing it; At DJ Khaled’s birthday party Trick said “fuck Slip-N-Slide.” Does the tension it was good to dress up and have a great time. So when it came time for the between your labelmate and your label ever put you in an awkward position? OZONE Awards we knew everybody was going to be there, so we were like, Not really. Me and Trick are cool and we’re always going to be cool. We have “Let’s just go as the superheroes.” It was about empowerment of women. I different relationships as far as we’re concerned and as far as the label is know a lot of people were like, “What are they doing?” and they didn’t really concerned. It’s two different things, and everybody understands that Trick get a chance to understand the whole movement. K-Foxx’s mixtape was actu- is his own individual. My relationship with Trick is totally different from ally supposed to come out for the OZONE Awards weekend but it wasn’t ready Trick’s relationship with Slip-N-Slide or anybody else. Everybody knows their and we couldn’t fall back on the idea [to dress up] because we were already boundaries and it doesn’t make me and Trick have any tension because what- ready to do it, even though the mixtape wasn’t out, the flyers and everything ever his issue is with the label is totally separate from me. were done. I thought it was fun. Females in the industry are always scream- ing that we need to work together, but it’s never really done. As women, we Your first single “I’m Single Again” is a little different style of music than have egos. We need to go on tour together like the guys and it would make what you’ve been known to put out in the past. Is that kinda the direction us bigger. It’s so shallow and shady. There are a lot of strong women in the you’re going with this album? industry and I think there’s just not enough exposure for us. Everybody’s not That track was produced by Big Chuck and J-Rock at Poe Boy, and that was getting the shine that they deserve. my first time working with them. When I first heard the beat, it was crazy. With this album I didn’t really go in the studio with a vision, like, “I want to put At one point there were rumors that you and Jacki-O had problems with each out these kind of records.” Sometimes if you go in the studio thinking about other. Was there a point where you sat down and squashed the “beef” or was what the fans want to hear, it’s not gonna work. I didn’t wanna get caught it never really that serious in the first place? up in that zone. I just wanted to go in with a free head and make records Whenever you’re doing something where you’re in the same situation - an- of whatever I like, whatever I love, whatever is hot. I just wanted to have other female artist – people are going to make that a big issue. Personally, I a clean visual and just go in there and make music. When I did that record never had a problem with her, and I don’t think she had a problem with me. It [“Single Again”] I really didn’t know what to expect, because I did the record was people on the outskirts; people want to see us going against each other before the hook was actually done. I was going back and forth trying to rather than staying with each other. I think sometimes you can get caught up decide what was relevant to me right now in my life. I was trying to make it in the hype of that. She’d never done anything to me, so I have no reason to meaningful and strong and make it be about myself, not really fabricated. It’s dislike her. We never fell out, argued, or got into any type of problems. So we really about me, the real deal. It kinda just came together. I was just in there were like, “Why do people feel like we [have beef]? This just needs to stop, so humming and figured maybe that should be the hook. It’s something for the let’s nip this in the bud.” So wherever that [rumor] started, I have no idea. It’s ladies. There’s a lot of single ladies, so I went in there and did it and liked it. just a waste of energy. We ran into each other at a studio and we just talked I was like, “Maybe I should put somebody else on here and let them sing it,” for a long time. It wasn’t about us, it was about women trying to make it and and they said, “No, it sounds crazy, you should just go in there and redo the have a career doing what you love, and how people can try to corrupt it and vocals and make it stronger.” I was like, “I ain’t gonna be singing, I ain’t no make you feel like there’s [beef]. It’s silly. It makes no sense whatsoever. singer. It was kinda funny at first and then when I went in there I wanted it to come out perfect, so I put the hook together and did it. So after that record, I One of the criticisms other people, like Khia, have directed at you is that you just went in the studio making crazy records, like all kinds of techno, sounds don’t write your own lyrics. Is that true? And if so, I mean, a lot of artists that were totally different from what I normally do. But when you’re in the don’t write their own lyrics, especially R&B singers and whatnot. Do you think club and you hear different kinds of music, that’s not just all Hip Hop. So for that makes the value of their art any less than if they were the actual writer? me to go in there and do a record that sounds like [techno], for Trina, it was I don’t think so. First of all, I write my album. I’ve had writers that have writ- totally different but I tried it anyway. I did a record with reggae flavor, I did ten songs for me before, songs that I loved. On my first album I worked with my crazy ghetto fabulous trash talking record, you know, I just wanted to Trick [Daddy], Rick Ross, Deuce Poppi, and some of the guys from the label be able to relate to everything that’s a part of me in my career. Sometimes [Slip N Slide]. I would come up with ideas and the’d say, “Okay, we’ll do this when I perform I’ve heard people say things like, “Trina’s soft now,” but it’s kind of song, go in this kind of direction,” and we’d make it pop. That does not like that. You just want to grow as an artist. I don’t want to keep coming not mean absolutely anything. I’ve written the majority of all of my albums. back out again and sounding the same from the first album to the second On my fourth album I wrote every song except one. When I came into this album to the third album, so I kinda toned down a little bit. This time I went business, it was brand-new for me. I didn’t even know how to rhyme in bars. in the studio with just a crazy attitude. It’s just me doing me. It’s emotional, The guys on the label would help make it happen. I’ve never said that I wrote it’s soft, it’s raw, it’s a record. When I did [“Single Again”] I was like, “I cannot every single song that I’ve done. I mean, who does that? Not everybody. believe I just did this record.” It’s crazy but it’s real, and that’s what I wanted Some people that say that they wrote all of their rhymes, well, maybe they to bring with this album. The track is different. I wanted to challenge myself shouldn’t have written all their rhymes and maybe they would’ve sold some and do stuff that I’ve never done before; stretch myself. And with me making records. Obviously nobody cares to hear what they’re saying. the whole transition from the [major] label to an independent, everything is like a new vibe. I have creative control and this is what I want to do, so it all That’s funny. worked out so great. I really never had that before. I would just go do records My thing is, I’m real about it. I came up in a camp where there are guys who

50 // OZONE MAG have ideas, visions, and views. They’d be like, “Look, yo, you need to do this kind Did the breakup with Lil Wayne inspire you to write “Single Again”? of record. This is fly, this is hot. Let’s rock with this.” Fine. You help me, I’ll help The song was inspired by my life, period. I am single. I’m not in a relationship you. I’ve done the majority of my own records. We helped each other and here and that’s just the whole swag of what’s going on with me. I’m doing me. I’m we are today, and that’s why I am the baddest bitch. It’s about being real. It’s very happy and in a peaceful place, and it’s fair to say that I was not always not that big of an issue. that way. I was going through different things emotionally. When you’re in a relationship or when you get out of it, you go through that phase of being hurt. Do you think the majority of your fans are men or women? I had to come around and find myself, and being single has taught me a lot It kind of varies. I think guys are fans, but it’s more of a fascination with the about myself, understanding my self-worth. When you’re in a relationship, you whole celebrity thing. When I do shows there are major guy fans and I’m sure kinda devote everything to the person you’re with and you kind of slack on you. there are guys that buy my albums. But I know that with women – all women, So now I am happy and single, and I wanted the song to be relative to my life. no matter who’s album it is – are going to get involved with the album. They’re It’s just me and it’s okay. I’m single and not unhappy. I am very happily single gonna listen to the album and they’re going to be at the show singing word for and [the song] is about being in a good space in my life. I’m not really looking word. So I have guy fans but I also have female fans that listen to songs that for nobody. I’m working. I don’t have time. I’m in the studio, on the road, doing have helped them get out of situations and helped them feel like they could be shows, performing, hosting parties, doing photo shoots, [and] getting ready for stronger. It’s kind of an equal split. the album. It’s kinda chaotic for me and I really don’t have the time to be in a situation right now. I’ve been single for a while and I’m enjoying it. What kinds of things have you been doing with your charity foundation, the Diamond Dolls? Around the same time there were pictures of you kissing Lil Wayne at Miami Live The Diamond Dolls is a foundation to help motivate girls and give them self- when he performed “Prostitute Flange,” Superhead was out promoting her book confidence. I run across so many different women – girls, young girls, mature and talking publicly about her relationship with him. Were you and him already girls – and everybody has issues, no matter what it is. It could be feeling lonely broken up by the time she came into the picture, or was that an issue for you? in their family or feeling abandoned. Some are not as fortunate as others. Some It’s been a while since my relationship ended. It’s been over a year, so anything have been molested or raped; some are runaways or got pregnant at an early after [we broke up] has nothing to do with me and I really don’t even care about age. And even with more mature women, so many of them don’t have confidence it. I don’t know her. Whatever they do, they’re grown and that’s their business or ambition. They feel like they can’t be what they want to be, or they’re not and I really don’t care. The Miami Live situation was just seeing somebody and strong enough, and that’s basically what the foundation is about. We’re not try- being like, you know, “Hey, I ain’t seen you in a while,” and it was a moment ing to dictate or change anybody’s lives or make anybody superstars, it’s just to where everything happened so fast. It was a crazy night and it was all over. reach out and talk to them. We try to let them know that even though they feel Everybody exaggerated it. It was just a moment and it was over, and that was like we’re so different because we’re celebrities or women in the music business, cool. It wasn’t a big issue. It wasn’t rekindling flames and all that; it was just a I think we’re just the same. I’m the same as any other woman. I’ve been through happy moment and that was that. some of the same situations. Being in and out of love, having friends that have been hurt, so many different things. You have your highs and your lows; times Wayne made a comment in Complex where he basically said that any woman when you’re still depressed and times when you’re feeling at your best. I think who used to be in his world, if she says she’s happy without him, she’s lying. everybody goes through that; not just regular people, or celebrities. Everybody I don’t know nothing about that. I am very happy. I’m happy with myself, and goes through some emotional things and this is just a chance to give back I think that’s the important thing. It’s not even because of a relationship. I and let them feel free to talk about their situations and how they can better found happiness within myself, and it’s easy to make somebody else happy themselves. We had a panel that involved a lot of different people, like Alonzo when you’re in somebody else’s world. But when you’re not in that situation, Mourning’s wife and a bunch of different business people and politicians to give the challenging part is to make yourself happy again. For me, it took awhile. It you different views about education and how to manage money and how to take took a lot of energy; a lot of hurt and pain. I’m no different from nobody else as care of your business. It was amazing to see some of the questions the girls a person. I had to deal with my own issues, insecurities, and emotions, and to asked. In February we’re going to do the second year of the foundation which overcome it, I think that’s when you become happy with yourself. I know for a should be amazing. I’m really excited about it. fact I am extremely happy, not because of the situation I’m in or out of, just because I am at peace with myself and when I wake up every day I feel blessed. I Like you mentioned, a lot of girls probably think you don’t have any problems have a career, and when I’m not performing or doing an event I’m with my fam- because you’re a celebrity. What’s one of your insecurities that people might be ily, and it’s just a moment of happiness and peace. There are so many people in surprised to know about? the world that have major problems, and I’m fortunate to be okay and be happy. I’ve always had the misconception of people being intimidated by me. People I’m so thankful for that. I don’t have a reason to be unhappy because I can wake think I’m a diva or I’m bourgeois, but I’m really totally the opposite from that. up every single morning and breathe life. I am very happy, happily single again. I’m very regular and down-to-earth, and my insecurity is being vulnerable. I You look like you’ve lost a lot of weight recently. Do you have a workout routine? don’t like to feel hurt. I don’t care if it’s a relationship or family or friends or I hate to work out, honestly. I don’t like working out. I just want to be toned, whoever, I take that to heart. I’m the kind of person who is very emotional and but I can’t go for more than a few days [working out]. I hate trying to get over saddened by it. I think every woman goes through that. I think people see me the soreness. I have a trainer, so I will work out like three times a week. I don’t on stage or hear me on a record and think I’m feisty and energetic, but I’m the want to be real buff or cut up, I just want to stay proportioned and toned. I did opposite. There’s times when I’m curled up in the bed crying for like a week a liquid cleansing diet for two weeks, and that helped a lot. It was something I because I’m real sad about something that’s bothering me. I talk to my friends challenged myself to do because I’d heard so much about it and I wanted to see about issues I’m going through; I want to talk about it and express it because if it really worked. I’m the type of person who hates to drink water. This liquid I don’t want to be sad and balled all up going through something by myself. cleanser thing is almost like unsweetened lemonade, so that’s the closest thing I’m always the one to involve other people. Talking to the girls, they’ll ask me to getting me to drink water. But that no-eating thing, I don’t know about that. questions, and I’m like, “I’m no different. I’m that way too.” I get mad. I have It drove me crazy for awhile. It’s kinda mind over matter. Once I got into the my bad days. I have great days, but I have horrible days too. I’m like anybody whole work-out thing, I was okay with it. I’m not dieting right now. It’s about else, and sometimes people just don’t see that. A lot of girls go through the eating the right stuff. I try not to eat late at night and just eat healthier than pressures of being a teenager or problems with their mom when they’re at before. I try not to eat too many Krispy Kreme doughnuts and eat stuff that’s home. It’s like, “Hello, I lived with my mom before.” And I understand, because healthy. It’s hard when you’re on the road travelling and eating a lot of stuff I was a teenager who wasn’t allowed to go to parties down the street. My mom from fast food restaurants and hotel room service, and I’m not the one to go would be like, “No, you cannot stay at your friend’s house over the weekend. You downstairs to the gym to do cardio. I just try to eat decent and work out every could stay in your own house, and that way I can watch and see what’s going now and then. on.” My friends used to be able to spend the night out and I would be so mad. But when you grow up and see the reasons why, you kind of understand. So, for What’s the name of your album? me to look at these girls and see them going through the same situation, it’s The album is called Still The Baddest and it comes out April 1st. Of course the amazing. I used to want to go somewhere and I’d be trying to sneak out the first single is “Single Again.” The album is crazy. I’ve got features like Rick Ross, window and my mom would tell me she’d beat my butt. It’s funny when you see Missy Elliott, Mya, Keyshia Cole, just to name some, and I’ve got producers like the next generation coming up doing the exact same thing. So we just have an Jim Jonsin, Scott Storch, J Rock, Big Chuck, and Young Yonnie. It’s a great album open conversation about life and the industry and being in a relationship; being and I know the fans are going to love it. I want my fans to see the growth. It’s in love, being out of love, you know, just anything you go through as a woman been almost three years since I had an album out. I’ve got the hood records, the growing up and finding out more about yourself, things that you love and things raw records, the raunchy records, sexy records, mature records, you know, you that make you happy. It’s a beautiful thing and I really enjoy it, and I can’t wait can see where my mind has elevated. I had a great time working in the studio until the second annual foundation [meeting] because I know it’s going to be and I’m just so excited for the album to come out. I just can’t wait. I’m going on more intense. I know the girls are going to be there with juicy questions and tour too, so I’m really excited about that; I’m going to be all over the world. It’s everybody’s gonna talk, and it’s gonna be really nice. going to be a beautiful 2008 for me. I am really happy. //

OZONE MAG // 51 TOUGH LOVE It’s been over two years since Cleveland native Cheri Dennis emphatically sang “I Love You” to the world. Though an album never followed, Cheri left an indel- ible mark on music, amassing a large fan-base along the way. And while her relationship with her label hasn’t always been a Portrait of Love, Bad Boy’s long tenured songbird is finally prepping for her debut release. On In and Out of Love Cheri is displaying her true emotions and life lessons in an offering complete with diverse music and a positive outlook.

What’s going on with you album? pursued getting a deal. My album is called In and Out of Love and it is an album about emotions and relationships, but it is not an album that makes you want to jump off a How exactly did you get your deal at Bad Boy? bridge; it still feels good. I think we got a lot of diverse music on it. I think I’m signed to a production deal to a company called Cozi Music, spearheaded we got something for everybody on there. It was never my objective to make by Jimmy Cozier. He had a friend who worked at Bad Boy who invited Puffy pop records, but I do have a couple pop records on the album. I do have soul and Kim Porter to a party, and I sang—I kind of freestyled, like ad-libbed over records, I do have street R&B records, but they all are cohesive; I don’t think the music that was playing and that’s how the interest got sparked in me that I’m all over the place with it and I’m just really excited that I finally get getting my deal. Getting my deal was fairly easy, you know—right place, right to have a body of work that people can listen to. time-but getting it to the point where you see it at now, packaged, pressed, and in stores, that has been journey for me. But it’s a journey that I don’t So, I hope you don’t have too many male-bashing songs on the album. regret at all because I’ve learned so much and it’s made me a stronger, better (laughs) You mean the man-bashing, “you hurt me all the time” records? Naw, person, and a stronger, better artist. I think if you’re a true artist a lot of the music you make its about where you are in your life at that moment, and I’m not gonna say you’ll never get those You had the “I Love You” single that did pretty good a few years back, and I type of male-bashing records at some point, because that might be some- know you had to be disappointed that it’s taken so long for you to get your thing that I’m going through at some point in life, but I love men. I don’t project out. think all men are dogs. I don’t think all men are the same. I think you need to I was frustrated at the time because I was ready to come out, but looking base everyone on individual merit, so on my records when I talk about being back in hindsight, my journey has been so long that I think that the album out of love, it’s just certain things that you go through in relationships. It’s needed revamping and refreshing. A lot of the records were old; they weren’t not from an hateful place, and it’s not like I’m jaded because I’ve been in a bad, but they were just dated. Also I had to restructure my situation; I have few bad relationships. I just speak on the things that go down in relation- new management now, so this last year has been about me getting my busi- ships. A true artist makes music that’s reflective of where you are in your life. ness in order. So looking back, I’m glad that I waited, and I’m happier with the album this time around. You created a pretty unique style that’s characteristic of Cheri Dennis. How have you gone about doing that? How is it working with Bad Boy? I know you probably can’t say anything bad I don’t try to set myself apart, I just make music. I go in and create from about your label, but— my soul and I guess it’s partly because of my personality, and partially just Hold on, you don’t know what I can say. Boy, let me tell you. (laughs) No, cause I don’t go in trying to make music like anybody else. I hate going in it’s up and down; it’s a job. I’m not going to sit here and say that ‘cause and saying, “This is my radio record,” or, “This is my club record.” I don’t go I’m signed to Bad Boy everything is peaches and cream, and shit is always in making those kinds of records, I just go in and surprisingly the [records] sweet, because it’s not. It’s a job for me, and there are days when I wake up come out with a mind of their own. and I don’t want to be bothered. There are days when I wake up completely frustrated with a decision that’s been made about my career: maybe this A lot of people may not know too much about your past. I know you’re origi- song I don’t like, or maybe this look I don’t like, maybe this show they feel is nally from Cleveland, but how exactly did you get involved in music? important I need to do, and I may feel like, “Why do I need to do that show?” I sang in the church choir very early on, and then I progressed to the school It’s up and down, its not always peaceful, and it’s not always a smooth ride, choir, and then I was in a singing group when I was a teenager. It was five but on the flipside of that I have to thank Bad Boy because they’re giving girls, five different personalities; groups don’t always last long, especially me an outlet to get my music out to people. I have to be grateful for that, so not with chicks. But that experience definitely taught me a lot; it definitely even with all the stress and tension that comes with it sometimes, there’s still prepared me for my professional career, and I don’t regret it at all, but I had love there because I’m being given an opportunity of a lifetime. // exhausted the whole music scene in Cleveland and I needed to go somewhere where there was a major music market. So I decided to move to New York and - Eric Perrin

52 // OZONE MAG reg Street is a cornerstone in the southern Rap industry. His DJ is to have a video with every song on the album so inside the album is gonna credentials at Atlanta’s V-103 and the annual Greg Street Car be a mix DVD with one of the retailers like Best Buy. I’ll be DJing the videos. Show are well acclaimed, but Street has years of history beneath Gthe surface of many well known labels. His forthcoming album on Interscope So you can find the videos on YouTube as well? Records features a select combination of renowned artists and fresh faces. Yeah, some of ‘em will be on YouTube, some of ‘em won’t. You’ll have to get ‘em when the album comes out. The whole DVD concept is designed for the For people who might not be familiar with Greg Street, can you explain what guys when they pull their cars out in the spring and summer, cars with the it is you do aside from just being a DJ? systems and TVs. They can listen to the album and have the video visual play- From 6-10 PM I do a radio show in Atlanta at V103, one of the #1 radio sta- ing on the screen at the same time. tions in the country, one of the biggest radio stations in the country, check Arbitron. Outside of that, I do a music car show tour. I do a lot of sneaker You mentioned that you have some things you want to get off your chest. events with some of the different brands like Nike and Adidas. I’ve worked What are some other things you want to talk about in this interview? with a lot of artists and labels over the years. Just about the whole South. We got a lot of DJs and a lot of DJ Crews. A lot of people get it misunderstood when it comes to the difference in breaking Tell me about the album you have coming out through Interscope. Is it a records and supporting records. A lot of people support records but when you compilation or a mixtape? How would you explain it? look at a lot of DJs’ careers and what they’ve done and where they’ve been It’s a mixtape. The album is gonna be crazy. There’s like 13 or 14 songs on the since they’ve been in the game, ask them how many artists they’ve broken. album. Most mixtapes have 25 or 35 songs on it and a lot of the songs are It’s not nothing personal against anybody. It’s not like calling names ‘cause throwaway tracks. This album is crazy solid from song to song. Almost every a lot of DJs are friends of mine. I’m friends with most DJs and don’t have no song on the album is a single. I played the album for the staff and they went problem with nobody, but a lot of people support records but don’t jump out crazy over the song selection. and be that one person that really leads it. When you start calling out DJ’s names, what records can you really identify them with being behind? Who So it’s not throwaway tracks, it’s more like specific songs you put together? broke that record? I was talking to an artist the other night and they were Some of them the groups put together themselves. That’s what makes it more like, “You were the first person behind my music, and a lot of cities I go to like a mixtape. I’m trying to keep it in the DJ element, not where it’s like I’m a lot of people claim to have broke my record.” I think it’s crazy when a DJ trying to make these records and be a producer, even though I do some pro- hears about a record that’s already big in another city and they support the duction and have song ideas. I’m taking songs from these artists and making record in their market, but that’s not really breaking a record. If an artist in it like Dr. Dre’s Chronic version for the South. That’s how it’s gonna lay out your market comes to you and you think the record is hot and you support it, with the skits but instead of me being a producer like Dre, I’ma be a DJ and then you’re breaking the record. A lot of people feel like if they hear a record put it together where it makes sense. from a DJ or radio station that’s playing it in another city and it starts to blow up, then they’re breaking the record. There’s nothing wrong with that ‘cause What records on there should we look out for? everybody has to start somewhere. I’ve never been into the hype of getting B.O.B. “Haters Everywhere.” I got a Nappy Roots record called “Good Day” in magazines or telling people what I’ve done but with the way the industry’s that’s crazy. It’s guaranteed to bring Nappy Roots back hard. Jody Breeze, going right now if you don’t let the people know what you do and what Jazze Pha, and Twista. Big Boi and Koncrete “What’s That Smell On Your Shirt.” you’re a part of, you don’t get credit for it. They look at it like you don’t have The controversial record from Riskay called “Smell Yo Dick.” Young Buck and a movement. Yeah you a DJ on the radio, but what else do you do? the Outlawz. Andre 3000 has a song by himself. Rich Boy. The girl [group] Mahogany has got a song called “DJ” featuring Game. Blood Raw featuring Is there anything else you’d like to add? Young Buck. Slick Pulla featuring Young Jeezy. Ludacris featuring Small World. I’m doing something creative with Interscope that’s gonna change the Plies, Rick Ross, Akon. 50 Cent is doing the intro to the album. It’s just stupid. mixtape game. The mixtape before the mixtape, part two, is called 6 O’Clock Kardinal Official with Rock City made an international-world remix of Rick Worldwide, and we’re putting out a limited edition of 10,000 copies. It drops Ross’ “Cross That Line.” March 11th to the streets and select stores. It’s gonna be Christmas in March on the bootleg circuit. Then the Interscope/Mixtaperecordings project will When does the album come out? drop in May: Greg Street’s Street Certified. People that got new music, send it We pushed the date back to like March or April to really get it all set up. We’re to Myspace.com/DJGregStreet or my assistant at [email protected]. // probably going to have like a 5 pack of songs drop in February then the official single “Good Day” with Nappy Roots is gonna drop with a video. My plan Words by Julia Beverly // Photos by Drexina Photography

OZONE MAG // 53 PARLAE

After label politics led their collaborator Jermaine Dupri to depart for Def Jam, the Atlanta foursome is determined to prove they can make hits on their own.

Words by Julia Beverly // Photos by Ray Tamarra PARLAE There were so many groups that came out of Atlanta around the same time, like Franchize, D4L, and Crime Mob, do you think the country has grasped who you are? What do you want people to know about Dem Franchize Boyz? I really think that out of all the groups that came out of Atlanta, people who are really into Hip Hop know us. A lot of the people who don’t know us are people who don’t really listen to Southern rap music. If you’re a fan of South- ern music then you know the Franchize Boyz, cause we started a whole genre of music just being ourselves.

Are you sticking with the snap-music formula like your first album, or going in a different direction? On our first album with JD, really, the only snap track we had on there was “Lean Wit’ It, Rock Wit’ It.” But because that song was such a big record, a lot of people kinda put us in that category because we’re the pioneers of that music. We’re the pioneers of snap music, so of course whenever somebody says “snap music” they’re gonna think of us because we’re the ones that introduced it to everybody. But we really ain’t did too many snap records. We got mislabeled as a “snap” group. Snap music was created on the West side of Atlanta; Bankhead. We’re from there. We did that in the club to have fun, but that’s not really us as artists. We do different kinds of music.

We interviewed Shawty Lo not too long ago and he was saying that a lot of artists who rep Bankhead aren’t necessarily from Bankhead. Do you think that’s true? I think all the mainstream artists that rep Bankhead are from Bankhead, or they stayed on Bankhead, or have some kinda previous history on Bankhead. But it’s a lot of artists that stay in Decatur or places like that, and they say they’re from Atlanta but really Atlanta is Fulton County.

How does Bankhead compare to the rest of Atlanta? We’re like our own city inside of Atlanta. Bankhead sets our own trends.

I see you’ve got a couple new pieces. Well, the “DFB” piece, that’s Dem Franchize Boyz and that’s our logo. Then the “10 Entertainment,” that’s our record label that me and Buddie have, and the White Tee Gang is my production company. I’m writing movies now too. I just wrote a movie called White Tee Gang and we’re supposed to be locking a deal down with Focus Films for like $12 million. Of course I wanted to do the “White Tee” piece to take it all the way back to when we got started; we always reminisce on where we come from.

What do you think is gonna be the next big record on this album? The new single is called “Talkin’ Out The Side Of Your Neck.” There’s a real popular song in the Sotuth that all the black college bands play, so we kinda started runnin’ again. My manager Chico got me in the gym and I started run- took that band style and took the concept and flipped it on some everyday- ning a lot and pumpin’ some iron. I’m trying to slim down. I ain’t trying to put living type shit based on the Franchize Boyz. Everybody’s always saying, “The on too much muscle, so I’ve just been doing a lot of cardiovascular exercises. Franchize Boyz ain’t comin’ back out, they ain’t gon’ sell no records. They ain’t gon’ put out no record without Jermaine. They can’t rap.” So we took that and What do you think is your role in Dem Franchize Boyz? put it on a record. When we first put it out a lot of people were sleeping on it, I’m the point guard. The quarterback. I feel like I’m the point man. I make because they stereotyped us as “snap music,” but really, that’s not what we sure that everybody on the team is good. I make sure all the linemen are do. I think the more people see and hear [“Talkin’ Out The Side Of Your Neck”], down on the line. I make sure all the receivers know their routes. I make sure they’ll catch onto it. I think it’ll be another real big record for us. the running back is on cue. I also produce; I produced the “Lean Wit’ It, Rock Wit’ It” record. Pimpin’ produces also. I do a little bit of everything. I did like Weren’t you on trial for murder at one point? What’s the story behind that three beats on this album. situation? When I had got locked up for the murder charge, it really wasn’t nothin’ like Do you produce for other artists also? that. The marijuana charge, it wasn’t nothin’. We were just in the studio puttin’ Yeah, everybody I fuck with, I’m gon’ mess with them. I’m gonna go the in work and [the police] came and found a little weed and a little cash and Mannie Fresh route. All the artists I’ve got on 10 Entertainment, all the hot, they just blew it out of proportion. Nobody else from the Franchize Boyz was hot tracks I make, I’m tryin’ to give it to them and get a hit and hopefully get int eh studio or had nothing to do with it, but you know how the media is, so another label deal in the future. I’m going to try to create another Franchize. they took it and blew it out of proportion. But that’s being taken care of right now, so everything’s good. I’m back on the road, traveling, and doing me. Who are the artists on your label? if you’re familiar with the original version of “I Think They Like Me,” we had And what about the murder case? an artist on their named Young Nut. He was also on the first verse of “Lean I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, and being who I am- I mean, Wit’ It, Rock Wit’ It.” He’s on the label, and my little brother Junior Junior is I’m the only person [there] that everybody knew. Everybody kept saying, on the label. Also, we’ve got Jay Spitter, Joe Blow, Dosha, and an artist from “Parlae, Parlae, Parlae.” But in the murder case, they ain’t even indict me. Queensbridge named City Black. I’ve also got an artist from Memphis named They ain’t got no witnesses or no evidence or nothing like that. It was just Calico Jones. I’m just tryin’ to get it poppin’. that everybody knew me, and when shit started going crazy they just named me. Is there anything else you want to talk about? The album is in stores April 1st, Point of No Return. The new single out right You look like you’ve been eating good. now is “Talkin’ Out The Side Of Your Neck.” So act like you know, don’t act like Yeah, I’ve been eating good. I had a little boy, but then I got in the gym and you’re slow.

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know if they’re gonna keep ‘em yet, but it’s been a lot of them.

Did the situation with Jermaine Dupri leaving Virgin Records leave y’all in a bad position? Not really. For those that don’t know, I made the track for “White Tee.” Parlae did the track for “Lean Wit’ It, Rock Wit’ It,” and I did “Oh, I Think Dey Like Me” too. We made all of our hits. Jermaine left Virgin and went over to Def Jam, and that whole year we were trying to negotiate and he was trying to take us over to Def Jam, but it didn’t work out. We ended up staying at Virgin. We’re still cool but his contract at Def Jam [says that] he can only work with Def Jam artists.

What does the album title mean to you? Point Of No Return means that right now we’re at the peak of our career and it’s no turning back. It’d be a little crazy if you just roll up to a McDonalds or Burger King and see us cooking burgers. We’re at the point of no return so we’re gon’ have to make it do what it do.

Worst case scenario, what would you do if the music thing didn’t work out for you? Shit, I’m gon’ be back in the streets. But that’s why I’m setting up business ventures. I’ve got a shoe store right now on Jonesboro Road [in Atlanta] and my production company is doing pretty good, so I’m gonna try to keep it moving when this rap game is over with.

What kind of shoes do you sell at your store? Custom shoes, something like I’ve got on right now. (points to his feet) Basi- cally, it’s the “you ain’t got these” that we sell. Everything you see us wearing in the videos, you can go right to the store and get it. The store is called Sportz Center and it’s on Jonesboro Road right in front of South Lake Mall.

Isn’t it hard to maintain a retail store when you’re on the road all the time? Naw, cause I have a silent partner. She handles everything while I’m gone. They send me all the inventory on my iPhone so I can check it, call ‘em back, tell ‘em what I want, and they ship it in and ship it out. We’ve got the internet camera [in the store], so I can always go on the internet and see what’s going on and then pick up the phone to call them like, “Tuck your shirt in.” (laughs)

What’s the best song on the album, in your opinion? What have Dem Franchize Boyz been working on during this trip to New York? Well, I’d say “Roll Your Arms,” which is another dance song. We had a We’ve just been getting ready to come back out. We’ve been taking a lot of disagreement of how we should present ourselves to the public. I think we pictures for a lot of different magazines and doing radio spots, and we’ve got should still come out on that snap shit, and right now “Roll Your Arms” is a show today for a school. Yesterday we got a couple awards from the school catching a big movement. You can go on YouTube, type in “Roll Your Arms,” for our community service. Basically, we’ve been promoting. and you’ll see the video that we shot for it.

What kind of community service have you been doing? What position do you play in the group? Just going to different schools and hollering at the kids. We tell them a posi- I’m the most business-minded. If I see a glitch in the matrix, I’m the one tive message: stay in school, do your homework, stuff like that. We’ve been that’s gon’ try to straighten it out. I understand it a little bit more so I’m doing this in the A, too. Elementary schools, high schools, middle schools, more business-like about it. I’m the one on the paperwork. They might not wherever. look at the paperwork, but I do, and I’m like, “Hold up!” Then I’ll bring it to their attention, like, “This shit here ain’t right.” I’m into the business side and It doesn’t make headlines when rappers do community service, though. the production aspect. Naw, they don’t care about nothing like that. They just like it when you get locked up; that’s when they really promote you. They don’t care about the Where do you think you got your business mind from? Did you go to college or good [stuff]. Some people do, but some people don’t. I love the kids, you is something you’ve always been into? know? I’ll continue doing it. Me, Parlae, and Buddie went to college. I stayed a semester and then dipped. I’m not the school type, but this mentality comes from hanging around older Why did you name yourself Pimpin’? people. All my friends are older than me, like 30 or 40. It just comes from I’m not pimpin’ women, but I’m pimpin’ this game. I’m pimpin’ these beats hearing their experiences. I like to keep my ears open and just listen, and I’ve that I sell; these verses. I put them on the track and that brings me money learned a lot. back. Plus, my older brother’s name is Pimpin’, so everybody in the hood used to call me Lil’ Pimpin’. I ain’t little no more, so it’s just Pimpin’. So the album comes out on April 1st? Yep, April Fool’s Day, y’all haters. Real talk. Do you and Parlae do most of the beats for the group? Yeah, but on this album I’ve been so busy working with other artists I didn’t Is there anything else you want to say to the haters? get any beats on the album. Parlae’s got like two, but I’ve got some songs Man, y’all can keep hating me, but you need to hate with a pair of my shoes coming up. I’ve been working with [Yung] Joc. I’ve got some tracks with some on your feet. So go holla at your boy at the Sportz Center right there on of our other artists, like Joe Blow and Young Nut, and I submitted a couple of Jonesboro Road. You can go to myspace.com/sportzcenter1 or call 770-961- tracks to some other artists. I don’t want to say any names because I don’t 2136.

56 // OZONE MAG PIMPIN’

BUDDIEFirst off, you know, you got a not-too-positive review in our last sex issue’s Yeah, folks kinda put us in the category of just being “snap artists,” and it felt Groupie Confessions. Do you want to respond to that? like we couldn’t step out of that. The dance to “Lean Wit’ It, Rock Wit’ It” was There was a little statement made about me and I can’t remember the situa- being done in the first “White Tee” video, whether you know it or not. If you tion so I really can’t make a response, but if it would’ve happened like that, listen to the lyrics of that song, if you really pay attention, when a nigga’s obviously it wasn’t what you thought it was. I was ready to get mine (laughs) in the kitchen doing what he’s doing you’ve got to lean that thing to rock it so you shoulda got yours, baby. All that other shit, I don’t know about. But up. Understand? But JD is a marketing mastermind so he took it in a different the ladies still love me, so it’s no issue. It don’t bother me, baby. I’m still get- direction and that’s what he came up with as far as the snap movement. So ting mine on a day-to-day basis, so it’s nothin’. on this new album, we’re showing the sound of growth. We stepped outside of the box. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve still got the dance tracks kids can dance Parlae mentioned that he does some of the production, along with Pimpin’. to. We’re still gonna please the majority of our fans-the kids- but we’re also What do you bring to the group musically? showing our growth and versatility. We can rap about almost anything and I do a lot of the concepts. I came up with the concept to “White Tee” and we can rap on just about any track, whether it’s up North, down South, hyphy, “Talkin’ Out The Side Of Your Neck”; a lot of the hooks. I ghostwrite for a lot Midwest, however you give it to us. of the artists on our label [10 Entertainment] that I have with Parlae. That’s basically what I do. I stepped into the music game [because of] Parlae. Parlae How did you come up with the concept for “Talkin’ Out The Side Of Your Neck”? was like, “You know how to write poetry and all that shit, so look here, you I came up with the concept for “Talkin’ Out The Side Of Your Neck” at a finna rap. We gon’ get this right.” And that’s how I got here. football game. I was just kickin’ it. Like that [Groupie Confessions] article we were just talkin’ about, she was talkin’ out the side of her neck. She wasn’t So you started out by writing poetry? talkin’ about no money, so I ain’t tryin’ to hear that conversation. So we were Yeah, I was writing poetry in high school just for the ladies. I’d be like, “Look, at the game just kickin’ it and the band just started playing the beat. I was baby. Read this. Tell me what you think about that.” (laughs) supposed to be enjoying the football game but I was still working, so I took heed. I was listening to the beat the band was playing and I liked it, so I just Are you the ladies’ man of the group? came up with the hook while I was at the game. As soon as I left the game I Well, you could say that. I’m known as Casanova, shawty, know what I’m shot right to the studio and dropped the hook. It took me a minute to put my sayin’? All my boys like ladies. We all like the females, I just take advantage. verse on there, so that’s why I’m last.

What do you think you’d be doing if you hadn’t gotten into the rap game? There have been a lot of big ringtone songs and dance songs lately. Since Whether you know it or not, I [used to] throw the pill like Broadway Joe. If you’re the hook man, have you ever heard a song and been like, “Damn, I you listen to Fabo on “Geeked Up,” he says, “Got friends like Buddie.” That’s wish I had thought of that first?” literally me, Buddie. He’s talkin’ about me. That’s my pa’tna. Shouts out to I wouldn’t say that, because I’ma keep it one hundred. I’d congratulate a Fabo; we’re from the same hood. I ain’t the one to brag about negativity, but brotha. I ain’t gon’ take something from him, I ain’t gon’ wish that was me. I was there [selling pills]. I’m for the community. I looked out for the kids I’m just gon’ do me and try to make my situation better. But the best dance throughout my hood and now I just continue to do what I’m doing. song I’ve heard lately was Soulja Boy with the “Youuuuuuuuuuu!!” (laughs) Nobody was expecting that to do what it did, but right now, he’s doing what Fabo’s a wild dude. Did you ever get high off your own supply? he’s doing. Naw, I stay away from that. That’s not my style. I don’t do nothing but smoke kush; that’s it. I just stay high. What are some of the other song concepts you came up with for this album? “Mr. Make You Feel Good.” I make a lot of ladies feel good, even though the What are your thoughts on the new album, and how would you categorize it? groupie said what she said, hey, ain’t no telling. I wonder where she’s from, Parlae said he felt that the group has been mislabeled as a snap though. Cause I’ve been around the world and from state to state, so it’s hard act. to keep up wit’ [the groupies]. If you ain’t important, baby, I don’t even know you.

Was there a particular situation that inspired “Mr. Make You Feel Good”? We were in the studio with Mannie and having a conversation with a couple of females that were there with us. The conversation was just flowing and folks were just throwing words out. Mannie was like, “Okay, you make ‘em feel good. Aiight, whatever.” So we took it to another level and Mannie went and did the hook. To me, it brought that old 1996 Cash Money Hot Boyz feel to the album.

What do you think is unique about Dem Franchize Boyz as compared to other rap groups? Regardless of what people say about us or think about us, we still gon’ be us. We don’t let nobody change our mind. A lot of niggas say they’re hood and say they’re from the projects, but we’re really there. We came from the hood so we’re not gonna get rich and switch; oh, no. That’s not in our lifestyle. We’re still in the hood from day-to-day, dolo, solo. I’m there by myself on Bankhead. We just stay loyal to each other and put this DFB thing first, and that’s what makes us successful.

Who’s idea was it to title the album Point Of No Return? Jizzal Man and Parlae were trying to figure out [the album title]. I left it up to them. I stepped away from it because we always gon’ have disagreements. I told them, “Whatever y’all choose, we gon’ roll with it.” They came up with Point of No Return and I started thinking about what it could mean, due to the situation with our transition and JD leaving Virgin [Records] and folks saying we weren’t gonna come out no more because we were nothing without JD. So the Point Of No Return means that we see what they want, so why would we stop? We understand what we’ve gotta do. We know it’s a business, so we’re gon’ keep pushing.

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venture off into that. I’ve been doing my little thing with cars. I like cars; I’ve been playing with race cars and stuff. I’ve been breeding pitbulls, too.

Not like Michael Vick, I hope? Naw, like Big Boi from Outkast. (laughs) Naw, not no Mike Vick type of situation. So I’m just working, trying to keep it going.

What’s your role in the group as far as the music aspect? I’ve been rapping the longest out of the group, so I’m more experienced. I’m like the veteran of the group. I bring a lot of experience, knowledge, and skill.

The name of the album, Point of No Return, was partially your idea? Exactly. Actually, it was my idea. We’ve been through some little changes as far as Jermaine leaving and firing our old manager, stuff like that, and I was like, “Damn, we done seen everything in the industry. We’ve seen it all, experienced it all, seen a lot. Can’t nothing else happen. We can go forward, or we can go backward.” Right now we’re at our peak, and we feel like there ain’t no turning back. We’re at the point of no return.

In the current climate of the industry, there’s not too many people selling records. Do you feel like it’s a challenge for you to get people to go out and buy the whole album instead of just downloading the hot single? I don’t think that’s a challenge for us as far as our records selling, because we get out and touch people while the other artists selling records don’t. They’ve gotten lazy. They won’t get out there and do that handwork; that ground work. I think it’s a challenge for us in another way, because people don’t think we’re gonna move units like we did because Jermaine [Dupri] is no longer involved in our situation. I do feel like that’s a challenge, because we’ve got something to prove.

How do you feel the situation with Jermaine is going to affect the group, or does it not affect you at all? We’re still cool. We ain’t tryin’ to cut each other’s heads off or nothing like that. The relationship is still there. He’s just over there [at Def Jam] working, and we’re over here still working too. It don’t really affect us.

Is he featured on the album, or who did y’all work with? No, Jermaine is not featured on the album. We got a gang of people on the album – T-Pain, Mannie Fresh, Lil Wayne, Young Nut – they know him from “Lean Wit’ It, Rock Wit’ It.” It’s a gang of people on there – big producers, young producers, unheard-of producers. Nitti, Jazze Pha, Maestro. The album touches everywhere. We’re very confident in this album, that’s why I’m tellin’ everybody to go get this on April 1st.

Do you have a personal favorite record? Yessir. My favorite song is called the “Killers and the Dealers” because that’s who I do it for. I do it for the killers and the dealers – that’s who I do it for.

What’s your favorite part of being an artist, and what’s your least favorite What’s up with D4L and Dem Franchize Boyz? Didn’t y’all have some friction at part of being an artist? one point? My favorite part of being an artist is the money. The money, that’s what I’m in Ain’t nothin’ up with us, man. We doin’ us, they doin’ them. It is what it is. it for. And what I don’t like about it is a lot of the stuff that comes with it. You That was a publicity stunt for them, because it wasn’t never really no beef have to over-protect your family. A lot of times I don’t like the attention. there. It was mostly DJs and people around them and people around us just hyping it up. That’s all it was. Is there anything else you’d like to add? Shout out to TV Johnny for these jewels that I’m rocking, and Paul Wall down What have you been working on since the last album? in Houston, Texas. Holla at ya boys, and everybody out there who’s been I’ve been working on my independent record company Gutter Entertainment. fucking with us. April 1st is when it happens again. // That’s the charm I’m sporting today. I’ve been working on my other artists and practicing on my acting skills. Parlae writes movies now, so we’re gonna

58 // OZONE MAG JIZZAL MAN

OZONE MAG // 59 60 // OZONE MAG The love of Hip Hop comes in many forms, not just music. Here, in our first annual Illustration Issue, meet some artists who display their love for the art form through paintings and drawings and the inspiration behind their work. Compiled by Tene Gooden & Julia Beverly No other reproduction or use of this artwork is permitted without written permission. All artwork is copywritten by the respective artists. Artists, if you would like your painting, drawing, or illustration to be considered for the next Illustration feature, send samples of your work to [email protected]

OZONE MAG // 61 Illustration by: J. Allen Contact: myspace.com/jamsharp or 570-704-6147 Size of Original Piece: 8” x 10” Medium: Acrylic Paint

Influence:“I am [incarcerated] in a similar situation as C-Murder was, and I am trying to come up like he did.”

Favorite C-Murder Song: “Down 4 My Niggaz”

62 // OZONE MAG Illustration by: Miami-Kaos, CEO of Hardcore Design Contact: myspace.com/miamikaos Size of Original Piece: 14” x 14” Medium: Pencils, Copy Markers, Illustrator, Photoshop, & Z-Brush

Influence:“I was moved by T.I.’s [legal] situation as well as his influence on the Hip Hop culture. I look for subjects that make a huge impact on not just Hip Hop but pop culture as well.”

Favorite T.I. Lyric: “I did it non-stop, now see how these niggas try to copy me? / I made it from the bottom to the top, where I oughta be / Who do it this good, and do it this fresh? / No matter what I do, you know I do it to death.” - from “Big Things Poppin’ (Do It)”

OZONE MAG // 63 Illustration by: Goldi Gold Inspiration: “[Rick Ross] is a marketing beast. In any field of work, Contact: myspace.com/goldigold or [email protected] you’ve got to respect a brother or sister’s grind and work ethic.” Size of Original Piece: 11” x 14” Medium: Pencil & Paper, Adobe Illustrator Favorite Rick Ross lyric: “Everyday I’m hustlin’.” - from “Hustlin’”

64 // OZONE MAG Title “The Pimp” Artist: Ron Mc Contact: www.backyardonline.com Size of Original Piece: 8.5” x 11” Medium: Pencil on Paper

Inspiration: “Pimp C represented Hip Hop’s Southern legacy. His style, lyrics that bounced and weaved with precision and ease, gave birth to how emcees in the dirty ride the track. He helped introduce the term “trill” and defined the term through his ac- tions.” Favorite Pimp C lyric: “When it’s real you can’t control what it do to ya” from Xxzotic’s “Caught Up” featuring Pimp C

OZONE MAG // 65 Illustration by: Craig “The Flux” Singleton Inspiration: “Scarface is an O.G. in this game and has been reppin’ Contact: myspace.com/craigthefluxsingleton or [email protected] since the early years. In my opinion, he is iller lyrically now than be- Size of Original Piece: 8.5” x 11” fore. I just wanted to give him some respect as a true Hip Hop artist.” Medium: Pencil, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop Favorite Scarface Songs: “Who Do You Believe In” and “Suicide Note”

66 // OZONE MAG Illustration by: Edwin Ray McSwine Inspiration: “Juvenile always had that rough and raw voice with a Southern twang. I got ahold of his first joint, Contact: [email protected] “Bounce For The Juvenile,” but I became more of a fan after “Ha.” I did this image a few years ago as a college Size of Original Piece: 12” x 16” class assignment. I met Juvenile in the Nashville area and showed him the original painting and he dug it. Juvy Medium: Mixed Media on Paper complimented me on my use of color, and said that he drew a lot as a child.”

Favorite Juvenile album: 400 Degreez

OZONE MAG // 67 (above)

Title: “Entrepreneur” Illustration by: Justyn Farano Contact: www.sportsartillustrated.com or 813-810-2505 or [email protected] Size of Original Piece: 40” x 56” Medium: Oil on Canvas

Inspiration: “The hustle and struggle of making on your own can be interpreted differently by each of us.” Favorite 50 Cent song: “This Is How We Do”

68 // OZONE MAG (below)

Title: “Andre 3000” Illustration by: Justyn Farano Contact: www.sportsartillustrated.com or 813-810-2505 or [email protected] Size of Original Piece: 24” x 40” Medium: Oil on Canvas

Inspiration: “Careful attention to detail and making the background flow with Andre in the foreground were important factors in creating this piece.” Favorite Outkast song: “Sorry Mrs. Jackson”

OZONE MAG // 69 (above)

Title: “Da Carter” Illustration by: Reginald Cornett a.k.a. Redd da Vulture Contact: Keith at 832-885-3093 or [email protected] Size of Original Piece: 24” x 18” Medium: Oil Painting

Other work by this artist includes the UGK piece shown above (Photo: InDMix.com) and the Baby & Lil Wayne piece shown at right (artist is pictured at right in the red shirt along with his management)

70 // OZONE MAG Title: “Marley” Illustration by: Reginald Cornett a.k.a. Redd da Vulture Contact: Keith at 832-885-3093 or [email protected] Medium: Oil Painting

Inspiration: “Just a tribute to one of our greatest revolutionaries. The blunt represents his thoughts of unity and the color scheme represents his passing.”

OZONE MAG // 71 72 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 73 “Would You Mind.” His desire to practice safe sex on the record will make all the parents proud who ignored the advice during their day.

4. Yo Gotti ft Pleasure P / Let’s Vibe - Inevitable Entertainment/TVT Contact: Grip - 901.361.6993

Yo Gotti and Pleasure P link up to update LL Cool J’s “I Need Love.” This song does all the hard work for the playas so if you still need to find love by the end of this tune, you have no game at all – “and that’s real.”

5. 2 Pistols ft T-Pain / She Got It – Universal Republic Contact: Andre Grell - 212.841.5100

With J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League on the beat and T-Pain on the hook, it would be very difficult for 2 Pistols not to have a great record. Thankfully, he pulls his own weight to create a record worth repeating.

6. Rock City / Somebody Lying - Kon Live Contact: Parrish - 678.343.8897

Rock City is one of those groups on the cusp of superstardom. With “Somebody Lying” they expose the fraudulent studio gangsters while making a fun record to head bob to.

7. Yung Ralph / Look Like Money – Universal Republic Contact: Andre Grell - 212.841.5100

“Look Like Money” is a club record that will immediately make you bop on the dance floor. Whether you look like money or not, playing this tune will make you have a good time free of charge.

8. Wes Fif / Like Me – DME Contact: DME Offices – 407.575.6085

O-town’s finest, Wes Fif describes why he is the flyest of them all on this song. The production on “Like Me” will greatly expose any car speakers whose bass bins can’t handle the vibe.

9. Lil Meta ft Lil Boosie & Young Capone / I’m That Dude – DBT Entertainment TJ’s DJ’s Contact: Lil Meta - 561.685.2808 4th Q 2007 Tastemakers With a bangin’ Boosie verse and Young Capone riding shotgun, Lil Meta proves to be that dude who can crank out good club tunes. Xclusive CD Reviews By Keith “1st Prophet” Kennedy – [email protected] 10. Kaliko / Superman – A1 Contact: Anthony Murray - 504.915.6135

If you wanna hang with Kaliko make sure you visit your friendly neighborhood agriculturist. After all, this song becomes that much better when you’re flying high like Superman. DISC 1 11. F.A.M.E. / Keep It 100 – J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League DISC 1 Contact: Ivan Rivera – 813.300.7641

1. B.o.B ft Rick Ross & Juvenile / Haterz Everywhere (Remix) F.A.M.E.’s flow fits well with J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League’s straight gutta beat. No wonder – Rebel Rock/Atlantic F.A.M.E. has no problems “keeping it 100.” Contact: TJ Chapman – [email protected] 12. The Xtremists ft Bootlegg & DJ Porter J / Sticky Situations – Harsh Reality With the budding success B.o.B has built, he recruited two stars that have seen Contact: Anthony Lewis - 561.281.7389 hating at its highest levels to help him cope. Rick Ross & Juvenile add spice to a record already filled with flavor to create a cornucopia happily devoured by the After much persistence, The Xtremists have fused their positive messages with a ear. fun uptempo track that makes you dance and learn at the same time.

2. Ballgreezy / Shone – Iconz Music 13. Emmanuel / Swagga – Filthy Rich Records Contact: Alex LaCount- 786.229.8140 Contact: Tony Neal - [email protected]

Drum Majors delivered a great track for Ballgreezy to properly showcase his Emmanuel’s voice is so strong that having a “swagga” about him is only natural. “Shone.” This smooth tune will have all those “mamas lookin’ thick” replay this Shouts to the Core DJs and Tony Neal who have discovered real music once again. many times over. 14. Notty Black ft T-Pain / Freaky Song – Nappy Boy Entertainment 3. Hurricane Chris / Playaz Rock – Polo Grounds Contact: Peners “P.L.” Griffin - 850.322.0487 Contact: Teach - [email protected] Notty Black and T-Pain go back to the days when they used to plan “Robberies” together. Now, Notty Black has called his homeboy to co-sign on the “Freaky Hurricane Chris displays his lyrical versatility by taking over Earth Wind & Fire’s Song” that most ladies will eventually dig.

74 // OZONE MAG 15. Tom G / I’m There – Team Fetti, Inc. 8. Jolli Boi / This Must Be The Life – 2-4-1 Records Contact: JP - 813.401.1912 Contact: Ski - 813.294.1160

This song is an ode to Tom G’s favorite lady who has everything necessary to keep We’ve all sat back and wondered what it must feel like to be free and living the him around. For those women who want to keep a man, take notes. good life. Jolli Boi successfully captures the feeling and delivers it on this track.

16. Jolli Boi ft J-Creek / Walk Like – 2-4-1 Records 9. TMI Boyz / Butt Cheeks – TMI Music Contact: Ski - 813.294.1160 Contact: Steve Reese - 409.256.7313

Jolli Boi carefully constructs his ideal woman on the song. Meanwhile, J-Creek With the TMI Boyz, too much information is never enough. On “Butt Cheeks” they checks in to provide some harmony. share their affinity for their favorite anatomy and make it fun at the same time.

17. Yung Tre / Trap Walk – D.S.A. 10. Killa Kim / Sick of Dis – City Slang Contact: D. Scott - 423.493.0965 Contact: Killa Kim - 561.667.8470

“Trap Walk” is a homage to those who work hard and take penitentiary chances. Killa Kim delivers an independent woman track. Finally, the ladies who have had Yung Tre gives them all something to celebrate with on this track. enough and are plain “Sick of Dis” have an anthem to toss their sorry man out to.

18. Blacc Wolf Cartel / Ridin’ – Cartel Muzik Group 11. Ratchet City / Pass Me Sum Wata – Polo Grounds Contact: Joe Hecht - 917.821.5420 Contact: Teach - [email protected]

For the longest time The Blacc Wolf Cartel have been ridin’ and hunting for a good For those that are rollin’, Ratchet City has provided the wata with this juicy track to record. They have finally found their mark with this tune. keep your party goin’.

19. A-Team / Get Money – White Label 12. 56Ace Federation ft Freeway / Bomb Blowed – 56Ace Federation Contact: DJ Secret - 863.559.3562 Contact: Scotty Scott - 561.856.0800

The A-Team bring their A game to present “Get Money” – a song tailor made for the Hailing from Palm Beach, b!tch, the 56Ace Federation went up the Freeway on I-95 strip clubs. to deliver this song that is da bomb!

20. Beadz / What It’s Hittin 4 – Manatee 13. Chantelay / Big Girl – Eye Catch Contact: Calvin “Doc” Flowers - 312.226.9034 Contact: Catch - 786.294.4966

C-H-I-C-A-G-O, Beadz shows the world why he’s the funk and “what it’s hittin 4.” Big girls need love too! That’s why Chantelay and her silky vocals dropped this tune to show you that just cuz you’re big, it doesn’t mean you can’t do big things.

DISC 2 14. Str8Hood / Git Mine – Str8Hood Contact: GA - 229.308.2855 1. Rocko / Umma Do Me – Rocky Road Contact: Coach K - 404.505.1495 Str8Hood inspired by 50 Cent’s mantra of get rich or die trying have created a tune to take it too another level. If “Git Mine” doesn’t make you wanna get up get out Rocko is an artist that is doing it his way, or in other words, “umma do me.” Much and get something, then kill yo self! like Frank Sinatra, Rocko will be mobbing the top of the charts for some time to come. 15. Lil Josh & Lil Earnest / Jigga Juice – Polo Grounds Contact: Teach - [email protected] 2. Papa Duck ft Mannie Fresh / Money All Around – Butter Boy Contact: Santana Melvin - 305.377.6757 Lil Josh may be a jit, but he most certainly has the Juice to get all the Jiggas jammin’! Papa Duck bolstered his production acumen by linking with Mannie Fresh on this track while taking control of the mic. With tracks like these, having “money all 16. The Xtremists / Descriptive Passages – Harsh Reality around” will be a permanent fixture for Papa Duck. Contact: Anthony Lewis - 561.281.7389

3. C-Ride / Sitting On My Porch – Polo Grounds The Xtremists, who can best be described as a Southern Public Enemy scripted Contact: Teach - [email protected] these passages to help you understand yourself in the hopes of transforming you into a diamond from the rough. According to the song “Sitting On My Porch,” C-Ride is fond of Makaveli tunes. Matched with these hard gangsta tracks, C-Ride won’t have to hail mary to achieve 17. Coup De Grace / Cake Daddy – Greedy World his ambitions as a ridah. Contact: Phillip Anderson - 850.345.7117

4. Chief / This Way – Presidential Traphouse Ladies, tired of having your bills pile up with no end in sight? No worries, Coup Contact: Smiley - 405.200.4357 De Grace is here to provide you with the “Cake Daddy” that is the answer to your prayers. The driving force behind this record is the boom on the boards that Chief employs to explore a powerful sexual encounter. This track definitely has a strong back 18. Charles Sweeting / Murk Something – 4th Quarter that will force you to ride it over and over. Contact: Charles Sweeting - 305.747.2820

5. Dat Boy Tragic / What Goin’ On – U.P.A. Worldwide Charles Sweeting does his hometown of Miami proud by murking this track leaving Contact: Berry “Mastermind” Tshibanda – 404.355.0772 nothing but waving crowds in its path.

“What Goin’ On” is Dat Boy Tragic has delivered a club record designed to quickly 19. Manopoly ft Zulu / Clap It Up – Manatee fill dance floors. If you don’t give this record a chance it will be a tragedy. Contact: Calvin “Doc” Flowers - 312.226.9034

6. Elee / OoWee - Euphratez Flow This party track will have fans clapping it up when the DJ spreads love and plays Contact: Sandra Grooms - 205.213.0564 this upbeat tune.

Elee’s “OoWee” is a tune that should give the ladies the power to be proud of their 20. Crystal Metz / Boom - Manatee poon. Fellas play it only if you can handle it! Contact: Calvin “Doc” Flowers - 312.226.9034

7. Cyco / Supa Freak – TrakMobb Crystal comes out as hard as her namesake leaving listeners with a powerful sonic Contact: Big Rick - 678.353.5045 “Boom.” //

Cyco’s “Supa Freak” contains a hint of a T.I. flavor while still maintaining its inde- pendence. You will be crazy if you don’t mess with this “Supa Freak.”

OZONE MAG // 75 thedjbooth

Words by Randy Roper dj aAries Photo by Eric Perrin e took his DJ equipment, left his small hometown of St. Matthews, Really nothing happened, it was just a…creative differences led me to start South Carolina and headed to Atlanta, where he quickly made a Hood Hard Hitmakers. I will leave it at that. It’s not nothing bad, I’m still cool Hname for himself. Now, DJ Aaries heads a DJ crew with over 150 with everybody. I just called Bigga Rankin last week and told him how tight members, a record pool, TV show, established himself as a go-to DJ when his mixtape is, [but] I’m not a Slip-N-Slide DJ. Me and Tony Neal are cool, it comes to breaking independent artists and is the new face in Rocawear [but] I’m not a CORE DJ. What I’m doing is called Hood Hard Movement, we advertisements. After those types of boss moves, where he’s from, Aaries is have DJs, but it’s not just the DJs, it’s the DJs and artists. We’re all working the definition of “hood hard.” together; it’s a little different from a record pool.

You moved from South Carolina to Atlanta to pursue a career as a DJ. Why did What was your reasoning behind starting the Hood Hard Hitmakers? you make that move? Well the whole reason behind is just like… Brown Sugar. The guy he kinda had I watched DJs like DJ Prince Ice; he’s real big on the radio in South Carolina a way that he wanted some things to go and instead of talking trash about it and [DJ] Shakim, the DJ for Bow Wow, So So Def. I remember all these people he just did it his way and how he felt it should go. That’s what Hood Hard is. and I watched other DJs, for the most part I watch DJs that have left and I kinda got a a way that I think that things should go and it’s way to the left, went somewhere else; they had more opportunities. And I knew I didn’t want evidently. It’s only been eight months, but you’ve seen me all over Rap City, I to be the local DJ, being 50-years-old in the club and then you get played got my own TV show that goes out in seven states, all these DJs that roll with out and fall off. So I decided to move to Atlanta. It was between Atlanta or me, Hood Hard Day, nominated for #1 DJ in the South [at the South Entertain- Charlotte, but Atlanta was the poppin’ place. So I came down to Atlanta and ment Awards]. People will say my name next to a whole lot of DJs that I used started building a knack for dealing with independent artist. I [would] find to listen to, like Drama, Scream, and Bigga Rankin. the real hot ones and then I noticed [that] when I say I’m dealing with an artist, other people deal with that artist. Where did you get the term “hood hard” from? In South Carolina there’s a song called “Hood Hard.” When I left Carolina, I What’s been the biggest adjustment for you in coming to Atlanta from South came here [to Atlanta] and I noticed Drama’s got the Gangsta Grillz going Carolina? crazy. Gangsta Grillz this, Gangsta Grillz that. So I [knew] I needed to brand The biggest adjustment was the first party I did and I didn’t know none something. I wanted to bring something to the table but I also wanted of the [Atlanta] music. So, I’m playing [Lil Jon’s] “Who U Wit’” and [Khia’s] point back to my state. And the hottest thing in my state was that song. “K-Wang” and everybody’s looking at me alike, “You got BHI?” And I’m like, That’s where the term came from, so I added the “hitmakers” to it. I don’t “B-H-what?!” I didn’t know nobody. Now me and K-Rab [from B-H-I] and ev- think nobody expected me to do what I’m doing, especially this fast. And erybody are cool, but I didn’t know them then. That was the only adjustment from the Hood Hard Hitmakers, I made it the Hood Hard Movement, so that and that only took about three months to get over. it encompassed all the artists and the DJs. [“Hood Hard”] means that you’re doing what you gotta do hard in your hood. See, people consider different What are some of the clubs you spin at in Atlanta? things hard. Giving back to your community, I consider that hard. Donating to A little bit of everywhere, like Upscales, Djangos, The Atrium, and Frequency. the homeless, I consider that hard. And this whole movement is a movement But I didn’t necessarily want to be the “club DJ” spinning at the club every that’s going to hit every hood real hard. week. That’s why I started this whole Hood Hard movement, [because] I have all these other DJs. I have like 150 DJs who roll with me. My main thing now, You won a Rocawear competition and now you’re the new face for Rocawear. kinda ended up being a face. So I’m the guy that has to show up at their How did that happen? events. I’m the guy that helps them put their things together. But I mainly put I did a DVD that gives you information and it tells you what my whole together Hood Hard Day. [We just had] the second one and it was ridiculous. intent is, what’s my purpose, why am I here. So, about a month after I got Kid Capri was there, Remy Ma came through, Tony Neal, and Bigga Rankin. And it pressed, I was on the internet one day and a pop-up came up. It said, right now I’m putting together a college tour, I’m kinda getting into those “Submit a story that tells how you overcame adversity.” I said, “Man, that’s type of things. And my main focus is finding those independent artists that the same thing as [my DVD]. So I uploaded it and mine won by 30,000 [votes]. are on deck to be next. That’s my niche. [Rocawear] flew me to New York, gave me a whole bunch of clothes, Allhiphop.com gave me an interview, and we’re about to do a whole lot of Before you started the Hood Hard Hitmakers, you were a member of the things together. The last faces [of Rocawear] were Chris Brown, Ciara, Rich Legion of Doom DJs. What happened with LOD? Boy, and Three Six Mafia, so now my name is up there with theirs.//

76 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 77 Boardgame don

cannonTHE ART OF STORYTELLING Words by Eric Perrin // Photo by Zach Wolfe

My sound as a producer is real theatrical, big, and electrifying. Those three words are something I live by. I like everything to be a big movie. On the Outkast record, my thing was to bring them horns out, to make it seem like it was their triumphant comeback, but it was still soulful at the same time.

The concept of the song [“The Art of Storytelling”] came right after we had that raid at our studio. Dram had the idea of doing a record talking about how they can’t stop us. We were back on the street and doing our thing. I thought the track was a great idea. I was just in a beat session and I came up with the beat in the studio. Dram sent it to Marsha Ambrosha at Flo- etry, who’s an incredible writer. We told her what we had in mind and she sent it back in like a day.

We sent it to Andre 3000 for him to do a verse, and after he was done with his verse he sent it back, and we were like, “Yo, this is unbelievable!” He did the greatest verse of all time, and he don’t really rap that much anymore. So then, we took the record over to Big Boi trying to get the Outkast thing going. We played the record for Big Boi, and he stood up like, “Yo, this is incredible! I’ll have my verse done today.” He started writing his rap right away. It took him no time. He did his verse, laid it, and then he called me in to listen to the record, and that was the record.

I’m not one of those producers that sits down and makes 5 beats in an hour. I’m one of them people that takes time to craft a hit. Out of the 15 or 16 records that I produced that are out in the streets, all of those are handcrafted to be professional records. I’m not just putting something out there to have my name out there. I’m one of those producers that wants to make classic hits. “The Art of Storytelling” is a classic hit.

I’m actually surprised they didn’t try to keep it for themselves, because it was such a great record, but it might have actually sparked up a little reunion going on. I seen them together twice last week lookin’ real regular at the club, lookin’ like that old Outkast. Last night I was at Stankonia [Studios] and [the engineers] were saying that Dre and Big Boi had been recording some records that were crazy. I heard they just did a track with Dre, Raekwon, and Big Boi; that’s gonna be a phenomenal record for Hip Hop.

Working with Outkast was definitely a big moment for me. I grew up listening to [artists] like Outkast, and to be able to work with them is just beyond me. I give thanks to God all the time for that. I think it’s incredible. I’d be riding the bus listening to the ATLiens album back in ’96 when I was in high school, and I did a record with them in 2007. (laughs) It’s crazy.

78 // OZONE MAG Words by Eric Perrin // Photo by Zach Wolfe

OZONE MAG // 79 Scarface/MADE/Rap-A-Lot MADE lacks the wide range of quality production that The Fix offered, but it does The-Dream/Love Hate/Def Jam have that throwback pre-millineum Rap-A-Lot slow roll that day one fans may Songwriter The-Dream delivers a solid have missed. With “Girl You Know,” “Go” and “Boy Meets Girl,” ‘Face touches on effort with his debut album Love Hate. The radio jam “Shawty is a 10” is actu- male-female relationships more than he has in the past. But he gets back into ally one of the weaker tracks on the Uncle Brad mode on the album’s pinnacles, the self-checking “Who Do You Believe single-laden album, which is masterfully mixed, with Dream In” and ultra-descriptive “Suicide Note.” Outside of “Get Out of My Face” and paying obvious attention to the flawless transitions between “Dollar” Mr. Jordan doesn’t do much to switch his flows, instead he relies on his tracks. Dream delivers Prince-inspired tracks that are well proven pen game on “Burn” featuring Z-Ro and the instant classic “Never.” Just written but have a few too many “eh”s, “oh”s, and “ella”s. Despite the excessive ad when you start believing that “rap is a young man’s game,” grown ass men like libs, tracks like “Falsetto,” “She Needs My Love,” and “Ditch That” make Love Hate an ‘Face come through and show that you still have to respect your elders. — Maurice album hard to hate. — Rohit Loomba G. Garland Beanie Sigel/The Solution Island Def Jam/Roc-A-Fella Probably the most underrated rap album from Def Jam this year. Beanie Sigel offers The Solution but seems more hampered by the problem of shrinking budgets and promotion. Guests of all sorts, from Ozzy Osbourne to Scarface, DJ Drama/Gangsta Grillz: The Album/Atlantic come through for Beans, providing interesting collabos such as “Dear Self” featuring James Blunt. Though his hiatus from recording was a bit After a few good listens to Gangsta Grillz: The Album you can’t help but ask your- extended, Beanie has proven with this album that he has not lost a step in his game. self questions like: What songs did the RIAA take when they raided the Apphiliates The Solution is a well put together project deserving of more recognition than it has office? Was Drama unable to get his favorite lost songs redone? Why didn’t it come received. — Jared Anderson out in the midst of Drama’s drama? The album has some high points, like Outkast’s “The Art of Storytelling Pt. 4” and “Gettin’ Money” by Paul Wall, Killa Kyleon, Lil’ Keke and Slim Thug that remind you how mid-90’s rap compilations used to sound Lupe Fiasco/The Cool/1st & 15th like. But some already dated material like “Keep It Gangsta” by Yo Gotti, Webbie Atlantic and Lil’ Boosie and “Talk About Me” by G-Unit holds the album back. GG: The No matter how deep his hypocrisy may run there is no denying that Lupe Fi- Album is certainly above average, but not the powder keg it should have been. asco is a fresh breeze in today’s rancid, — Maurice G. Garland humid world of Hip Hop. For fans feeling the lack of content and desperately gasping for lyricism, Lu’s sophomore album The Cool is the cure: play the album and let your ears take a deep breath of the clever metaphors the Chicago native manages to cleverly arrange over well-tailored production. Standout tracks include “Go Go Gadget Flow,” “Paris, Tokyo,” and “Intruder Alert.” — Rohit Loomba

Birdman/ Star Stunna/ Cash Money Gucci Mane/Back To The Trap House SO ICEY/ASYLUM Capitalizing on Lil’ Wayne’s popularity, Birdman has put out 5 Star Stunna, a solo Since his notorious beef with Young album that sounds more like a collaborative effort than anything else. Lil’ Wayne Jeezy and getting locked up, Gucci appears on seven out of the sixteen tracks, easily overshadowing his “Daddy” Mane has been on the brink of being on songs like “100 Million” and “I Run This.” Yet the Birdman manages to carry a breakout artist. His street buzz has been blazing the south his own weight on “Believe That.” 5 Star Stunna offers nothing new to the Cash for sometime and Back To The Trap House could make him a Money’s audience. Same story, same flow, and guest appearances are this album’s household name. “I Know Why” will be sure to dominate, with guest appearances by Rich Boy and the late Pimp C. Another standout from the 14- only saving grace. — Jared Anderson track album is “What I’m Talking Bout.” Like the album, it has the energy to carry in the club but the attitude to ride to in the street. —Jared Anderson

Chingy/Hate It or Love It Slot-A-Lot/DTP/Island Def Jam Chingy returns to DTP with Hate It or Love It which showcases a slightly darker, edgier Chingy than before, who Wu Tang/8 Diagrams/SRC/Universal Motown/Loud issues a warning to all who thinks he’s gone soft on the title track. The more aggressive Chingy does back down for tracks Staten Island emcee collective Wu Tang returns with 8 Diagrams, setting any dif- like “Fly Like Me” featuring Amerie, which stands to be one of ferences aside for the sake of Hip Hop. Rza, who almost single-handedly produced the album’s better tracks. Ludacris helps out a little with “Gimme Dat” but all in all the album, reintroduces the gritty Wu sound with the intro and keeps with the Chingy seems far from the jackpot he once found himself with thanks to mediocre sound throughout. The eight living members of Wu all deliver potent, violence- production and a lack of energy. — Rohit Loomba infused verses with the finesse that first established them. Method Man is flawless while Raekwon, surprisingly, falls short at times. Standout tracks include “Heart Gently Weeps” and “Starter.” 8 Diagrams is a tribute to the Hip Hop that once was Cunninlyguist/Dirty Acres When Kentucky rap outfit Cunninlyn- and throws fans back into the lyrical kung fu only Wu can master. — Rohit Loomba guist boasts that their state “ain’t just tobacco, some bourbon and where horse racing lives” on the rapid- drummed “K.K.K.Y.” its sounds like they mean it. With their 4th studio album since 2001, Natti and Deacon the Villian, powered by group member Kno’s airy production, move closer towards stamping their own sound beyond the Dungeon Family comparisons they’ve worn since they entered the rap race (even though the album opens with a Big Rube monologue). While the spiritual vibe from their previous offering A Piece of Strange is still heard here and there, it’s the worldly elements in songs like “Beautiful” featuring Devin the Dude and “Yellow Lines” featuring Witchdoctor and Phonte of Little Brother that show their ability to stretch out any box they may get placed in. — Maurice G. Garland //

80 // OZONE MAG DJ Spinz & DJ Scream “Southern Swagger 8” www.myspace.com/dj_spinz www.myspace.com/4045405000 1. Black Bill Gates “King Shit: You Can’t Buy Respect” www.myspace.com/theblackbillgates 2. DJ Rondevu “The Best of The Gang” www.myspace.com/djrondevu Once again DJ Scream hooks up with another 3. DJ Chuck T “Down South Slangin’ Vol. 46.5” www.djchuckt.com ATL DJ to serve the streets with more exclu- sives than the competition. This time Scream 4. DJ P-Cutta & DJ Scream “Street Wars 19” www.myspace.com/p_cutta www.myspace.com/4045405000 and A-Town mixtape up-and-comer DJ Spinz 5. Team Invasion “This Shit Right Here” www.myspace.com/teaminvasion06 team together and deliver new tracks from Shawty Lo (“Dunn Dunn” and “Dey Know 6. DJ Michael “5000” Watts “No Time To Waste” www.swishahouse.biz Remix”), Rocko (“Stripes” featuring Shawty 7. DJ Dub & Little Brother “Good Clothes” www.djdub.com Lo and “Umma Do Me Remix”) and Fabo (“She 8. DJ E-V “The Weezy Effect: Bottom of the Map Volume 2” www.myspace.com/djev Loose”). Add music from newcomers 9th Ward, 9. DJ 2Mello “Undercover RnB: Musical Massacre” www.myspace.com/supa_dj2mello Tha Joker and Grand Hustle’s newest artist Yung LA, and this mixtape supplies enough 10. DJ Bobby Black “The Carter Show” www.myspace.com/theofficialdjbobbyblack 678-851-0479 southern swagger to bring in the new year 11. E-Top Ent. “Whats Your Station Part Three” Hosted by Keya www.myspace.com/etopent 202-292-8236 properly.

12. DJ Cleve “Club Hits Vol. 1” www.myspace.com/scdjcleve DJs, send your mix CDs (with a cover) for 13. DJ Showtime & Jeff Johnson “Gone Off That ****!!!” www.myspace.com/ihustlehardernet www.myspace.com/thesouthpawoutlaw consideration to: 14. Pop-off Productions & Little Brother “No Justus No Peace” www.myspace.com/hevehittta www.popoffproductions.net Ozone Magazine 15. Poff-off Productions & D-Block “Rise of the Phantom” Hosted by Styles P www.popoffproductions.net 644 Antone St. Suite 6 16. KD “Worldwide 31” Hosted by Ma Barker www.kd-handyman.com 877-874-5653 Atlanta, GA 30318 17. DJ Cool Breeze “The Night Before Christmas” www.myspace.com/djcoolbreezelive 18. DJ K-Rock “Paypa Chasa” Hosted by Sporty O www.myspace.com/realdjkrock 19. The Empire “Southern Slang 9” 20. 31 Deegreez & DJ Phenom “Crank Dat www.myspace.com/gophenom OZONE MAG // 81 end zone

T-Pain & Flo Rida Event: DJ Khaled’s birthday party a.k.a. The Temple Venue: Mansion City: Miami, FL Date: November 19th, 2007 Photo: Julia Beverly

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