WELCOME TO MIAMI

DJ KHALED DUNK RYDERS 2 PISTOLS GIT FRESH 21 REESE GRIND MODE BALLGREEZY SMITTY BIZZLE TORO BRISCO & MORE WELCOME TO MIAMI

DJ KHALED 2 PISTOLS 21 REESE ACE HOOD BALL GREEZY BIZZLE BRISCO DUNK RYDERS GIT FRESH GRIND MODE SMITTY TORO & MORE

 | OZONE

PUBLISHER: Julia Beverly Section A 10 Editorial GUEST EDITOR: 11 Miami Map Jen McKinnon a.k.a. 12-13 EVENT LISTING Ms. Rivercity 16-17 CLUB LISTING 18-19 2 PISTOLS GRAPHIC DESIGNER: 20-21 BALLGREEZY 22-23 SMITTY Decap 30-31 TORO 32-33 GIT FRESH CONTRIBUTORS: J-Lash 26-28 ACE HOOD Quinton Hatfield Tanya James Tony Wilson Wuz Good Section b PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR: 8-9 SAM SNEAK Malik Abdul 10-11 DJ DEF 12-13 DUNK RYDERS Distributors: 14-15 BRISCO Big Mouth Marketing & 16-17 21 REESE Promotions 18-19 SUPA CINDY Lex Promotions 26-27 BIZZLE On Point Entertainment 28-29 GRIND MODE Strictly Streets 30-31 UNDA SURVEILLANCE 32-33 BEACH 2 DA BEANS SUBSCRIPTIONS: To subscribe, send check or 22-25 DJ KHALED money order for $11 to: Ozone Magazine 644 Antone St. Suite 6 Atlanta, GA 30318 Phone: 404-350-3887 Fax: 404-350-2497 Web: www.ozonemag.com

COVER CREDITS: Ace Hood photos by Wuz Good; DJ Khaled photos by J Lash.

DISCLAIMER: OZONE does not take responsi- bility for unsolicited materials, misinformation, typographi- cal errors, or misprints. The views contained herein do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or its advertisers. Ads appearing in this magazine are not an endorsement or validation by OZONE Magazine for products or services offered. All photos and illustrations are copyrighted by their respective artists. All other content is copyright 2008 OZONE Magazine, all rights reserved. No por- tion of this magazine may be reproduced in any way without the written consent of the publisher. Printed in the USA.

OZONE |  Guesteditor

eing a Hip Hop journalist, especially had hooked up cars with super sub-woof- a white Hip Hop journalist, people ers banging out Rob Base and L’Trimm. I Balways ask me when and why did attended middle school while the Geto Boys I start listening to Hip Hop. Even before I were knocking doors down for Southern ever published any articles and I was just Rap, and graduated from high school when kicking it in the club or at parties people Outkast was on top. were asking me that, and it’s been a major annoyance. Maybe I’m reading too much Because of this history, I can’t really say I into it, but it kind of insinuates that there like “real” Hip Hop, in the traditional sense was a specific day in my life when I stopped of the word. When I tell people that they listening to rock and country music and try to clown me and I usually end up in an picked up a 50 Cent CD. argument defending the contributions of 2 Live Crew (and other Florida bass artists) Over the last few years it’s become increas- and how they hold just as much weight as ingly hard not to give a smartass response Slick Rick, Eric B. and Rakim – in my book, like, “Probably the same time and for the anyway. same reason that you started listening to Hip Hop, jackass.” But recently I’ve been Miami has had so much influence in the thinking about the question and I’ve come world of Hip Hop, rap music, or whatever up with another answer. you want to call it, and how much history it continues to create despite the lack of credit I never really liked Hip Hop, depending on given. I pay homage to the DJ Khaleds and what your definition of Hip Hop is. When it Trick Daddys that keep the movement alive comes to what die-hard “real” Hip Hop fans today, and I also support the Bizzles and define the genre as, like the original days Grind Modes for ensuring that the move- of beatboxing in NY, four elements of Hip ment will have a future. Hop, backpacking on the subway, I’ve never been into that stuff at - Ms. Rivercity all really. Maybe that offends some people and they’ll look at me like, “How can you be a Hip Hop journalist and not know the history?” Well, I do know the history, and I respect it fully. But I didn’t grow up around that stuff so I don’t identify with it.

I came up in the midst of the booty music/bass era, in the skating rink where DJ Magic Mike and Uncle Luke held the crown. I kicked it with dudes in the neighborhood that

10 | OZONE SOUTH BEACH MAP

OZONE | 11 Memorial Day W eekend Events Carpet Ceremony - 5:00 PM Wednesday, May 21st @ HipHopSodaShop 2710 NW 167th, Miami Gardens, FL HipHopSodaShop - Grand Opening Derrick Baker - Celebration of Miami Hip Blaze B-Day Bash, Hop and Miami Live - 9 PM Scotty Boy Performing Live 2710 NW 167th, Miami Gardens, FL @ Take One Lounge 333 N.E. 79 St., Miami, FL 33138 All Star Wed. Mix CD Release Party (305) 751-9313 Hosted by DJ Khaled & Ace Hood @ Take One Lounge Lollipop Party 333 N.E. 79 St., Miami, FL 33138 Hosted by: Lil Wayne & Birdman, Khaled, (305) 751-9313 Ace Hood, K. Foxx Music by: Cipha Sounds, Prostyle, Bul- letproof, Street League, DJ Christion, DJ Thursday, May 22nd Zion Ladies free before 11 PM w/ a lollipop HipHopSodaShop - Grand Opening @ Opium Prive Ribbon Cutting, Marching Band, Xbox 136 Collins Ave., Miami Beach FL 33139 Celebrity Tournament, Red Carpet, Cel- (305) 438-9488 ebration of Miami Hip Hop and R&B 2710 NW 167th, Miami Gardens, FL 33054 Saturday, May 24th 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM 8th Annual Celebrity Basketball Game XXL Thurs.Haitian Jeff B-Day Bash Doors open @ 6 PM, Game starts @ 7:30 @ Take One Lounge PM 333 N.E. 79 St., Miami, FL 33138 Miami Northwestern Senior High (305) 751-9313 1100 NW 71st St. General Admission $10 Dunk Ryders Thursdays Floor Seats: $20 @ Diamond’s Cabaret 337 N.W. 170th ST., Cash Flow 2008 Party N. Miami Beach Hosted by Trick Daddy, Flo Rida, Fat (305) 654-3500 Joe, DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Ace Hood, Birdman, Lil Wayne Welcome to Miami Memorial Weekend @ Mansion Kick-Off 1235 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL Hosted by Uncle Luke, DJ Khaled, Ace 33139 Hood @ Mansion (305) 438-9488 1235 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139 Memorial Pool Party (305) 438-9488 Hosted by: DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Fat Joe, Ace Hood, Brisco, Flo Rida, Fabo- lous, Trina, Uncle Luke, Jabba Friday, May 23rd Music by: Cipha Sounds, Prostyle, & Bulletproof Entourage Ent. Presents Shawty Lo Live @ The Raleigh Hotel Hosted by Eye Candy Models 1775 Collins Ave. (18th St. & Collins) @ Sobe Live Gates open @ 4 PM, Ladies free before 1203 Washington Avenue 5 PM w/ swimwear Miami, FL 33193 (305) 438-9488 (305) 695-2820 King Magazine & Konvict Muzik Xbox Celebrity All White Affair Model Search Party Gaming Tournament - 4:00 PM Sean Kingston, Shawty Lo, Ne-Yo, and Grown & Sexy VIP Reception & Pink Alicia Keys

12 | OZONE Music provided by DJ Greg Street, DJ Mavado, Tarrus Riley, Junior Reid, Shifta, Monumental, Dj Spynfo. Demarco, Bugle, Assassin, DJ Roy, Party-goers are asked to dress all in Bobby Konders, Jabba, JamUSA, DJ white for this event. Khaled @ Chakra @ Bicentennial Park 1500 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach 1075 Biscayne Blvd, Downtown Miami (347) 398-1787 (305) 438-9488

Entourage Ent. presents Jim Jones Gospel Hip Hop Celebration – 3:00 PM @ Sobe Live Pre-Memorial Day Hip Hop Party – 12:00 1203 Washington Avenue AM (305) 695-2820 @ HipHopSodaShop 2710 NW 167th, Miami Gardens, FL Pre-Memorial Hip Hop VIP Reception & 33054 Party – 12:00 PM Xbox Teenage Celebrity Gaming Tour- Danity Kane & Day 26 nament – 4:00 PM @ Pompano Beach Amphitheatre @ HipHopSodaShop 1806 N.E. 6th St., Pompano Beach, FL 2710 NW 167th, Miami Gardens, FL (561) 832-6397

Memorial Day Fiesta Marathon Big Ballers Bash @ Take One Lounge Hosted by Bryant McKinnie & Cory 333 N.E. 79 St., Miami, FL 33138 Chavious (305) 751-9313 @ Take One Lounge 333 N.E. 79 St., Miami, FL 33138 (305) 751-9313 Sunday, May 25th Def Jam Recordings Party Hosted by LL Cool J, Young Jeezy, Ace Monday, May 26th Hood @ Mansion 1235 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL Sam Sneak & Scrapye B-Day Bash 33139 Featuring Dred Scott, Triple C’s, Brisco, Doors open @ 10 PM Ace, Bizzle, Unda Surveillance, Dunk (305) 438-9488 Ryders, & More @ Mansion Official Rich Yung and Muthaf***kin 1235 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL Famous XXL Magazine party 33139 Hosted by Fabolous and friends. DJ Greg Street, DJ Monumental, DJ Spyder Xbox Celebrity Gaming and DJ Spynfo on the turntables. Tournament Live – 2:00 PM @ Chakra Grand Opening Celebration – 6:00 PM 1500 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach @ HipHopSodaShop (347) 398-1787 2710 NW 167th, Miami Gardens, FL 33054 Alicia Keys - As I Am Tour @ American Airlines Arena Anything Goes Monday 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132 Featuring the World Famous Pinkey & 8 PM Beauty @ Take One Lounge 333 N.E. 79 St., Miami, FL 33138 Hip Hope (305) 751-9313 Featuring L-M-S, Seven Star & Omni- scient. B-boy & MC battle for cash. @ Studio A - 7 PM Tuesday, May 27th 60 NE 11th St., Miami, FL 33132 (305) 358-7625 Memorial Weekend Finale Sam Sneak B-Day Bash Part II Best of the Best 2008 @ Take One Lounge Featuring Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, 333 N.E. 79 St., Miami, FL 33138 Beenie Man, Sizzla, Barrington Levy, (305) 751-9313

OZONE | 13

MIAMI CLUB LISTING

90 Degree 3425 Collins Ave, Miami Miami Beach, FL 33139 90 NE 11th Street, Down- Beach, FL 33140 (305) 674-8018 town Miami, FL 33132 (305) 604-8688 Expose (786) 425-3545 Club 112 766 E 25th St, Hialeah, FL Amika 1439 Washington Avenue (305) 691-8980 1532 Washington Ave., Club 45 Fat Tuesday Miami Beach, FL 33139 4545 NW 7th St, Miami, FL 3015 Grand Ave, Miami, (305) 534-1499 33126 FL 33133 Angel Ultra Lounge (305) 442-6369 (305) 441-2992 247 23rd Street, Miami Club 66 Fifth (The) Beach, FL 66 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 1045 5th St., Miami Beach, Area 51 33130 FL 33139 950 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL (305) 371-6950 (305) 538-9898 33132 Club Boca GEM Nightclub (305) 358-5655 7000 West Palmetto Park 671 Washington Ave, B.E.D. Rd., Boca Raton, FL Miami Beach, FL 33139 929 Washington Ave., (561) 392-3747 (305) 674-0977 Miami Beach, FL 33139 Club Deep Glass (305) 532-9070 621 Washington Avenue, 432 41st St., Miami Beach, Big Fish Miami Beach, FL 33139 FL 33140 55 SW Miami Avenue Rd., (305) 532-1509 (305) 604-9798 Miami, FL 33130 Club Ebony Harrison’s Blue 12953 NW 7th Ave, North 411 Washington Ave., 222 Espanola Way, Miami Miami 33182 Miami Beach, FL 33139 Beach, FL 33139 (305) 685-5305 (305) 672-4600 (305) 534-1109 Club Escape Ivy Room Bricks 7707 NW 103rd St., Miami, 1233 Washington Ave, 66 SW 6th St, Miami, FL FL 30025 Miami Beach, FL 33139 33130 Club Warehouse (305) 532-1525 (305) 371-6950 90 NE 11th St, Miami, FL Jazid Café Iguanas 33132 1342 Washington Ave., 8358 Pines Blvd., Holly- (786) 425-3545 Miami Beach, FL 33139 wood, FL 33024 Coco’s Lounge Living On (305) 673-9372 (954) 433-8787 The Edge Krave Cameo 1430 NW 119th St, Miami, 1203 Washington Ave., 1400 West Ave, Miami FL 33167 Miami Beach, FL Beach, FL 33139 (305) 688-5005 (305) 673-5950 (305) 695-0517 Crobar Lady Luck Chakra 1445 Washington Ave., 1610 NW 119th St, Miami, 1500 Ocean Dr, Miami Miami Beach, FL 33139 FL 33167 Beach (305) 531-8225 (305) 688-1151 (305) 672-2001 Dream Level Nightclub Club Ache 1532 Washington Ave., 1233 Washington Ave,

16 | OZONE Miami Beach, FL 33139 7050 W. Palmetto Park Rd., Miami, FL 33193 · (305) 532-1525 Boca Raton, FL 33433 (305) 695-2820 Madonna Night Club Rain Sofi Lounge 1527 Washington Ave, 323 23rd St, Miami Beach, 423 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139 FL 33139 Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 534-2000 (305) 674-7447 (305) 532-4444 Mansion Rokbar Space 1235 Washington 1805 Collins Ave., Miami 34 NE 11th St., Miami Metropolis Downtown Beach, FL 33139 Beach, FL 33139 950 NE 2nd Avenue (305) 535-7171 (305) 375-0001 Miami, FL 33132 Rumi Spirits (305) 415-0088 330 Lincoln Road 5729 Seminole Way, Hol- Miami Velvet (305) 672-4353 lywood, FL 33314 3901 NW 77th Ave, Miami, Ruby Lounge (954) 327-9094 FL 33166 623 Washington Ave., State (305) 406-1604 Miami, FL 33139 320 Lincoln Rd. Mokai Santo Studio A 235 23rd St., Miami Beach, 430 Lincoln Rd., Miami 60 NE 11th St., Miami, FL FL 33139 Beach, FL 33139 33132 (305) 695-0288 (305) 532-2882 (305) 538-7625 Mynt Sax on the Beach Suite 1921 Collins Ave., Miami 1756 N Bayshore Dr, Miami, 1437 Washington Ave., Beach, FL 33139 FL 33132 Miami Beach, FL 33139 (786) 276-6132 (786) 924-5535 (305) 604-3664 Nikki Beach Club Scores Miami Take One 1 Ocean Drive 17450 Biscayne Blvd, North 333 NE 79th Street, Miami, (305) 673-1575 Miami Beach, FL FL Nocturnal (305) 945-6030 Tropics Nightclub 50 NE 11th St., Maimi, FL Seven 7100 Pines Blvd., Pembroke 33132 685 Washington Ave., Pines, FL 33024 (305) 576-6996 Miami Beach, FL 33139 (954) 985-8382 Onda (305) 538-0820 Vice 1248 Washington Ave., SET 1445 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139 320 Lincoln Road, Miami Miami Beach, FL 33139 Phone: (305) 674-4464 Beach, FL (305) 532-2667 Opium Garden a.k.a. Prive (305) 531-2800 Vision 136 Collins Ave., Miami www.setmiami.com 3015 Grand Avenue, Co- Beach FL 33139 Shine conut Grove, FL 33133 (305) 531-5535 1800 Collins Ave., Miami (305) 461-1118 Pearl Lounge Beach, FL 33139 Voodoo Lounge 1 Ocean Dr., Miami Skybar 111 SW 2nd Ave., Fort Beach, FL 33139 1901 Collins Ave., Miami Lauderdale, FL Penthouse Inc Beach, FL 33139 (954) 522-0733 1434 Collins Ave, Miami (305) 695-3100 Wet Willie’s Beach, FL 33139 SIN 2911 Grand Ave., Coco- (305) 538-4010 1532 Washington Ave, nut Grove, FL 33133 Platinum Plus Miami Beach, FL 33139 White Diamonds 7565 W 20th Ave, Hialeah, (305) 532-4786 737 Washington Ave., FL 33014 Sobe Live Miami Beach, FL 33139 Porterhouse 1203 Washington Avenue · (305) 761-6736

OZONE | 17 22 PISTOLSPISTOLS Tarpon Springs, FL

18 | OZONE The Florida Hip Hop scene is continuing to would’ve did. It would’ve been too easy. give shine on the music industry. I guess it’s called the Sunshine state for a reason and You have a hot song out with T-Pain. What if you look at the recent accomplishments, it was like working with him for the first it deserves the title. Rick Ross came in the time? game with his second major label release I worked with T-Pain more in the video than Trilla, which was one of the hottest albums I did in the studio. I was on house arrest to drop this year. Trina’s debuted at the top when I got the record done with him. I just of Hip Hop charts with her new album Still sent him the record and he did his thing. Da Nastiest. Plies is still holding it down I hooked up with him at a radio event in with that Goon Music and it’s much more. Tampa and I talked to him about coming here and performing; I used to do the pro- How about 2 Pistols, on the other hand? moter thing on the side too. I told him I do Smashing the charts with the hot single records too so I talked to his manager. He “She Got It” featuring T-Pain the Florida jumped on it and the rest is history. native is here to show that he’s got it also. In a brief interview with OZONE, 2 Pistols Do you think getting down with T-Pain was speaks on how the hate kept him motivated, one of your best career moves so far? getting down with T-Pain, and why that It’s a plus and a minus. It’s a gift and a comes with a gift and a curse. curse.

You come from a place in Florida that you How so? described in one interview as a crabs-in- With me working with him, it was like, “Aw, barrel situation. How does it feel with all the he’s got T-Pain on it, no wonder his situa- success you had lately compared to the tion is [successful].” I’m enjoying it for the time when you first came in? moment. It was great for my career to put I’ve just been trying to go forward, forward, him on there, but at the same time it kinda and forward. One day when I’m done with leaves people saying that if it wasn’t for music and doing something else, putting T-Pain I wouldn’t be nothing. other cats out, then I can sit back and look at what I’ve accomplished. I know in my Talk about the new album. How long have heart it feels a whole lot better not to be do- you been working on it? ing the things I used to do. On the regular I I’ve been working on this album since I’ve would be out doing anything just to get my pretty much started doing music. I had hands on some money. It feels good; I still those records when I went and got my deal. got haters on me, but it do feel good. I’m I’ve been grinding for a minute; I had the not sitting down like I’ve accomplished so streets on lock with the mixtapes, and in my much yet. area I was working hard.

With all the hate you received throughout Appreciate the interview. How fans can the years, what keeps you motivated to look check out the latest from you? past everything? Myspace.com/2pistols or you can just hit It kind of motivated me, because when me up on 2pistols.com. I’ve also got a site cats would try to tell me, “You can’t do for the females called doshegoit.com so you this,” that is my motivation. I think if I didn’t can go on there upload your pictures and have those people saying those things to see if you got it or not. motivate me it wouldn’t drive me. They make me feel like I ain’t doing nothing so Website: Myspace.com/2Pistols that made me really want to go hard and show them that I am doing something. Words by: Quinton Hatfield Without the haters I really don’t know what I

OZONE | 19 BALLBALL GREEZYGREEZY Miami, FL

20 | OZONE If you ask anyone what the hottest single It was BallGrum at first. As I got older it in the streets of Miami is right now, 9 times changed. My niggas gave me that name. out of 10 they’ll say BallGreezy’s “Shone.” I’m so swift with whatever I’m doing. I’m so While the term has recently received some greasy with it they called me BallGreezy. I controversy based on its slang use for “ak- just ran with that. shone” or action after the club, BallGreezy says the word has a different meaning to I know “shone” is a term that originated in him. Miami and so it’s probably accepted in the city by most people, but do any of your fans What’s going on with you at the moment? ever get offended by its meaning? We’re pushing the “Shone” record and Yeah, but shone has different meanings to we’re following up with “I’m the Shit” featur- it. I’m there to correct that. A “shone” is a ing Brisco. I got the mixtape coming out. I’m good girl that parties hard. In other words in trying to finish that before Memorial week. the hood, a shone is a girl who be wilin’ but We got Bigga Rankin hosting the mixtape. that’s not the meaning, really. It’s a good girl It’s called Before the Deal ‘cause I don’t that parties hard. It’s just something they have a deal yet. were saying down here and I stamped it.

Are you looking for a deal? I’m surprised What part of Miami are you from? someone hasn’t scooped you up yet with all I’m from Lil Haiti. the play the song is getting. Iconz did the music so they’re negotiating it. Tell me about the mixtape. They just trying to get a better position for We’re going to get it to you one at a time. me so I guess that’s why it’s taking so long. BallGreezy’s gonna rep for Miami. I already We have that “I’m the Shit” picking up too. got five songs in the streets and they bang- That’s more money. ing. Every bootlegger I run into got one of my songs. I guess that’s how we’re going to Last year Bloodline was a pretty big movie put the mixtape together. for the folks of Miami. Do you plan to pur- sue acting further? What are your plans for Memorial Day? If it comes down to it. It ain’t no thing. I’m trying to kick it all through the strip. I’ll probably hit Mansion, Sobe, all the big Do you think acting plays a part in being a spots. You’re gonna see Greezy and the musician or do you believe it’s two different street team. You’ll see Greezy everywhere worlds? Memorial Weekend. It’s different. Acting is more emotions. All you’re doing on the mic is speaking. With Have you promoted outside of the city at acting you gotta use body language and all all? that. The song just started taking off everywhere else. We’re working on that now, trying to How long were you putting out music before put a promo tour together. We’ll be hitting things really take off? up little small towns in Florida. I’ve been taking it serious for five years now. I bullshitted for ten years and took five So when the people meet you for the first years seriously. time, maybe in Miami or one of those other cities, what type of dude are you? Was being a rapper always on your BallGreezy’s a cool nigga. That’s a good agenda? Or did you plan to head in another nigga. I’ma be out there snapping pictures direction? with the people, getting it in with my people. Nah, I had another direction. This just Holla at me when ya see me. came around from the people I be around. I used to be in the studio so much and I Website: Myspace.com/Officialballgreezy- never rapped or anything. One day I got on myspace a song with somebody and they told me I needed to take it serious. Words: Ms. Rivercity & Tanya James Photo: 954 Magazine Where did the name BallGreezy come from?

OZONE | 21 SMITTYSMITTY Miami, FL (Lil Haiti)

22 | OZONE During a hectic schedule of contract signing In the beginning, I blamed other people. It and song selection with his new label deal was everybody’s fault but mine. I sacrificed under Chameleon/Blackground/Universal, so much of my time and efforts to make Smitty took a brief moment to talk about his that situation and it didn’t go the way I present and past endeavors since releasing wanted it to. No disrespect to J Records; “Diamonds on My Neck” and “Died in Your they spent $2.5 million dollars on me. A kid Arms” under J Records. like me coming out the ghetto with nothing, for somebody to believe in me to that point I hear you’re in L.A. What are you working speaks volumes of they character as well on out there? as volumes of my talent. I appreciate it. I I’m finishing up this new new record deal would never badmouth them and say they with Chameleon/Blackground/Universal. didn’t do shit for me. I just don’t think that I’m no longer with J Records. I got a new they had my best interest in mind when it single coming out called “100” produced came to the business side of things. And by Odd-N-Endz. I also called a new record that’s understandable because if I was a produced by Mr. Lee from Houston. I’m just businessman I’d do the same thing. I’m not getting myself in a position where the world mad at all about anything because I learned can hear all of my music, not just particular so much. I just saw so much bullshit, so records. Everything’s going smooth. The many promises; they’ll look you in the eye way the game is now, with people scratch- from the bottom of their heart and lie to your ing their claws to put out music and be face. I needed that. I needed to grow up relevant artists, I’m blessed. and go back to the lab. I needed to be drop- ping freestyles every day because most Do you have to start from scratch on your of the artists that are successful, like Rick album since you left the label? Ross, Lil Wayne, Jeezy, T.I., they gotta be I was smart enough to slow down my able to make a million records. I don’t even recording at J Records. There are a few think that was me when I first got signed. classic records I’m trying to buy back for my debut album, as any smart businessperson You had some clothing endorsements on would. With J Records going through a the table last year. Has that changed? transition, it definitely won’t be a problem I got all my checks off of those. You know buying those records back. I put out almost how clothing deals go – when you’re hot, four independent albums while I was on J you’re hot and when you’re not, you’re Records. That’s how I was staying relevant not. Shout out to Crown Royal, Pro Keds, in the game. I’ve always been the type of Seagrams. My manager Chase Michaels is artist to record on a daily basis so there’s hooking up a Courvoisier deal as we speak. no such thing as me holding on to records. It’s funny ‘cause a lot of problems I had with What else is in the works? J Records is that I was making too much I really do this. I go hard. I’m not an indi- music. When you got people that are not vidual that came with one record and no musically inclined [deciding] what a single one knows what happened to him. I came is, sometimes artists can make too much with another record and it didn’t go down. music and it confuses people. They don’t People don’t understand that. When I’m in know what to go with so you don’t get your the street, I don’t have a shirt explaining, full push. In this new situation, that won’t be “Oh, they fucked up my budget and that’s a problem ‘cause the more music I make, why the video wasn’t shot.” They think the more I can put out. you’re not a hot artist because no one’s supporting you from a marketing standpoint, Is the album name still going to be the DJs as well. The DJ ain’t gonna hop on it same? until somebody’s calling them from a label, Of course not. I was always a fan of [the no matter how big the record is. These are name] Life of a Troubled Child ‘cause the politics that we play. Shout to Chame- it spoke volumes about me. A lot has leon/Blackground/Universal, Close Range, changed for me as far as the industry and my fam, 305, Lil Haiti, Wildcard Entertain- my view on life. I don’t know exactly what ment, Trae the Truth, Paul Wall, Slim Thug, I’m going to call the new album yet. Grit Boys, the whole H-Town, and Julia.

Do you wish you had done anything differ- Website: Myspace.com/Smitty ent as far as signing with J Records? Or do you look at it as a learning experience? Words: Ms. Rivercity

OZONE | 23 24 | OZONE OZONE | 25 ACE HOOD Words by Ms Rivercity Photos by Wuz Good

26 | OZONE o be introduced to gratulations. We’re making history.” the world by a respected name like DJ Khaled is a Talk about some of the songs you have guaranteed attention grab- out now. ber. Ace Hood linked up The single I’m pushing right now is “Cash with the We the Best mogul Flow” featuring T-Pain and Rick Ross. I got earlier this year and things my mixtape joints with me riding on different have been advancing at full beats and other people’s singles. I’m gonna T be on Khaled’s first single. My second speed ever since. With support from We the Best/Def Jam and production by The single is “Gutta.” But we’re just pushing Runners, Ace’s first single “Cash Flow” “Cash Flow” right now. featuring T-Pain is becoming a new Florida favorite. You shot the video for “Cash Flow.” How was that experience? Tell me about your history as an artist. Everything was super good. I’m blessed to What made you interested in music? be in my situation to be backed by the big- My whole inspiration comes from my family. gest dudes in the game. It’s a life changing My step-father was into music as well so I experience. It was something new for me. guess he kinda rubbed off on me. My real The video is pretty big. It was Rick Ross, T- father was part of a band. Watching that Pain, The Runners, DJ Christion, and Bird- and knowing that I could grow up one day man came through. We shot it in Overtown. and change Hip Hop and be that next dude really inspired me. What are some of your favorite subjects to rap about? How did you end up on We the Best I’m versatile when it comes to music but I Records? would say I’m addicted to hitting hard mu- Me and Khaled met up at the station 99 sic. My slang and how I do things, I use the Jamz. I wanted to perform at his birthday term gutter a lot because it represents me bash but it ended up being something as a person and what I do, from my swag further than that. He saw a certain goal with to anything. I would pretty much say street me. It’s always something about somebody music, hood music, whether it’s whips, when you meet ‘em that gives you that money, jewelry, or representing my hood. I impression. Basically, he said he would can pretty much go any route. listen to the song and once he listened to it he called my manager back that night and What’s your favorite lines from a verse? told him he wanted to hear me on a bigger “Knock, knock, bang, bang, where the cash record. He sent “I’m So Hood” over to me at? / If ya ain’t got it, leave ya dirty like a and I ripped it down and sent it to him the Tampax / ‘Cause I’m shooting at you ducks next day. A couple weeks later he was talk- like Aflac / Then I foam in the suede black ing about signing me to We the Best Music. Maybach”

What’s it like working with Khaled? Have you been getting used to the It’s a blessing. Working with one of the top spotlight? Were you prepared for how DJs – if not the best DJ – that’s doing it fast things would move working with right now. DJ Khaled has a lot of clout. It’s a Khaled? lot of energy. It’s something new everyday. Yeah, I was prepared for the situation. It’s Khaled has great presence. I get hyped be- like second nature. You know Khaled’s ing around him; he’s a great guy. It’s great. always gonna prep you before it’s time to do your thing. Being on the road is good. Tell me about your distribution deal with I’ve done a lot of things and learned a lot Def Jam. of things. You see how other people do it We flew to New York. We had offers from where they from, learn other languages, Atlantic and a couple other labels. Once and all that other stuff. we met with Def Jam, I did a presentation for L.A. Reid with different songs that are What’s the typical day like since signing gonna be on my album. He ran “Cash Flow” with We the Best? back five times, literally. He never does that I wake up early in the morning and check for new artists. Once we did that, I stepped in with the DJs, basically let ‘em know I out of the room and twenty minutes later it’s appreciate ‘em playing my record and stuff We the Best/Def Jam. He told me, “Con- like that. Then from there, I may head to

OZONE | 27 the studio, depending on what I have to do. new music. How do you feel about being I may have to fly out that evening. Once I able to carry the Florida torch? do radio interviews, I may have to do some I’m honored to be the next up. I’m ready to street DVDs, and then back to the radio show a new swag. They already know what interviews, or back to the studio. Then later it is. To be a part of Florida and to be the on that night I might do a lil club gig. first artist out of my city, it’s a big look.

What are the plans for your album? Where are you from originally? The second single “Gutta” is coming. The I was in Port Lucie. That’s where my family album is dropping August 26th. That’s the is originally from. I moved to Broward Coun- date we have set right now. The album is ty when I was about 5 years old. I grew up titled Gutta. I got a couple of promo tours in Deerfield Beach. Broward County’s been coming up. I go on the road for the first my home for the longest. promo tour then I come back and go back again for a second tour to promote for the Why did you move to Broward County? album. My moms and real pops were going through a little situation that led them to separate. Do you go on the road with Khaled or by Once they separated my moms was looking yourself? for a new start. We figured if we moved to a Before the single hit the radio, I was on the small city in Broward County, with two sis- road promoting with Khaled. I was putting ters and two brothers. She moved here with out “Cash Flow” so people could get the intentions of making a better start.

“I use the term ‘gutter’ a lot because it represents me as a person.”

familiar with me for when they hear it on the At the end of the day, what do you want radio. The promo tour I’m going on now is people to get out of your music? a personal tour. We’re tearing up the South I want people to get a new energy. I want Coast so they can see my face. to bring a new swag to the game, give it a different look. Growing up in a small city, Which producers will be on the album? it lets people know that you can be from a I got JUSTICE League, Gold Rush, The nowhere city and grow up to be something Runners, Cool & Dre. The Runners are the major. Nobody blows up from where I’m biggest thing in the game right now. from. No one in my city has ever made it big. I want to produce great music and hit Ace Won’t Fold is your mixtape, right? records. Yeah. We dropped the mixtape a few weeks ago. It’s big in the streets. It’s a classic What words best describe you as a mixtape. It ain’t got big features on it; I just person? gave different looks to let them know who I’m a chill type of guy. I got a couple of I really am and show ‘em what I do. That’s homies but I’m not a person that has 50,000 basically the concept for the mixtape. friends. I’m low key. I’m full of swag.

Are you leaking any of the album songs Do you have any big events you’re pre- on the mixtape? paring for? Nah, I ain’t leaked no album cuts. I just I’ll just pretty much be at the clubs. I may do leaked one track called “Collection Plate.” a guest appearance at Summer Jam.

Florida is a good market for breaking Website: Myspace.com/Acemusiczone

28 | OZONE “I use the term ‘gutter’ a lot because it represents me as a person.” TOROTORO Miami, FL (Opa-Locka)

30 | OZONE After making several major moves last year, Memorial Day Weekend. It took a while with including his Khaled certified mixtape and him going through all the mixtape drama acting appearance in Bloodline, Toro is tak- [with the RIAA]. We had to take it slow. ing even more steps in the right direction. Here he discusses his new single with Rick What happened with your management Ross and his return to the movie game. situation? I was with Lifeline Management with Zo and You have some new features out right now. Jimmy Henchmen. My manager is incarcer- Who all have you been working with? ated right now but we’re still doing the same I have a new single that’s on the radio right thing. I got a new manager named Merc now getting a lot of spins. It’s featuring Rick with Big Idea Management. We’re still a Ross. It’s called “Ride” and it’s produced family. We’re doing shows and basically by Gorilla Tek. It’s blazing real heavy in keeping the buzz up in the streets. I got one northern and central Florida. Miami is killin’ of the biggest buzzes in Florida right. I’m ‘em. We’re just working that. I got another with the Iconz Music Group for production single with Brisco, BallGreezy, and Ice Berg so I’ve got the hottest tracks in Florida. called “We Live.” Iconz did the Bloodline movie, right? Do you think it helps an artist to have some Yeah. We just did Bloodline 2. I’m in that, major artists co-sign them? Bloodline, M.I.Yayo, East Coast Ridaz, the It’s good, but basically I built my buzz “I’m So Hood” video, Ace’s video, Plies’ myself. The artists that I do work with, we video. I’m just working right now. I’m just grew up together in the Miami industry doing everything I can. I got my “Ride” scene, like Rick Ross and Brisco. Those video on YouTube featuring Rick Ross. are my friends besides the music. E-Class, We’re just working right now. Flo Rida, I’ve known all of them forever. It’s a good look because you can attract their Was it difficult to get into acting? fans to your songs. You can all get fans at The role they gave me was just being my- the same time. self. I’m not an actor but I’m good at what I do. I can do anything I put my mind to. It’s There’s a lot of hot artists coming out of really nothing, memorizing the script and Opa-Locka. everything. I just changed it up a lil bit to We support each other and do a lot of cater to my lifestyle. It’s easy though. music together. You got One Life, Street Mob – that’s a group we just put together Which character did you play? with me, Brisco, and BallGreezy. We got Smurf in the firstBloodline . I was working like eight songs now. As far as Opa-Locka, under Koke (Suthunboy) and Ump. Now it’s a couple of artists we know of so far, but that Ump is gone, it’s just me and Koke. you never know what’s gonna come out of It’s gonna be really big. It will probably be there. But we work with everybody in Opa- released in the fall of ’09. We should be Locka, Liberty City, Carol City, and Miami wrapping up the filming in another month period. We’re not just messing with only our or so. Thanks for everybody supporting section; we messing with everybody. the firstBloodline movie. We did real good numbers on that. Last year you had a CD out hosted by DJ Khaled. Have you worked with him since What else do you want to say? then? I just want to let everybody know I’m the Yes. I worked with him on the Ace remix for best nigga breathing so just get ready for 99 Jamz. I do a lot of shows with them. As me. Check my track record. I got the mix- far as new music, I just reloaded my mix- tape game on smash. I got the movie game tape. I just added a couple of more songs on smash. We’re just vibing right now. Y’all to the one he hosted. I got the DJ Drama check us out. You seen me everywhere. I’m Gangsta Grillz that should be out Memorial at your flea markets, your malls, your clubs. Day Weekend. I’m getting independent money. Catch me riding on fo’s, selling my CDs out the back How long have you been working on the do’. That’s how I do it. Free Zo! Gangsta Grillz project? It took me basically a year to put it together. Website: Myspace.com/Toroiconz I had trouble with my management but we got it done. We’re ready to ship ‘em out Words: Ms. Rivercity

OZONE | 31 GITGIT FRESHFRESH Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, FL

32 | OZONE You may recognize the R&B quartet Git Pretty Sly: We knew we needed to reinvent Fresh by their former alias Deep Side. ourselves. Our old name was out there for Deciding to reinvent the group after parting a long time. Being on Jive and having our ways with Jive Records, Rude Boi, Pretty own production situation, we felt it was time Sly, Penny, and Mike Ezay created a fresh to move on. It was time that we took our ca- start with their own production company reers into our own hands. We changed the and a new deal with So So Def/Island Def name, got released from the label, and we Jam, not to mention a new take on Florida’s started fresh with a brand new beginning. “Booty Music.” The music is still the same good music and we’re still the same cool guys. Describe what your new song “Booty Music” is all about. Do you think the fans will have to adjust to Rude Boi: We were in Atlanta and I was the new name? Will they know it’s the same working on the beat for “Booty Music.” It group as before? originally started out as slower beat that Pretty Sly: Once the video drops they’re I decided to speed up. I sped it up and start- gonna get it. Once we get on TV and when ed writing the verse. I called the other guys they read this interview, we’ll explain to in the group and they liked it. It was pretty them exactly why we changed the name. I easy. The concept is like, when you say think it was a good thing because once we making love to booty music, I’m basically changed the name, we just felt brand new. telling a girl – down here in Florida we play booty music a lot in the club – and the way How did you come up with the image of the she’s dancing in the club when that music group? Y’all are all so different but you still comes on makes me want to make love to have a coordinating look. her right there on the dance floor. Rude Boi: We are all different and come from different backgrounds, but at the same The new song is getting airplay right? Has it time we grew up together. We’ve been a reached areas outside of Florida? group for tens years and I’ve known Sly for Pretty Sly: The song has rotation on Power fifteen years. We’ve been together so long 96. It’s a top five record on Power 96. If we can’t help but pick up different things you go to their website you can check out from each other. Even though we feel like the “Booty Music” record. Yesterday it was we aren’t that coordinated, people see us number one in the Top 6 at 9. And 99 Jamz and can tell that we’ve been together for a also picked the record up. They got it in long ass time. rotation right now. The record has not gone for adds yet in the entire country. Did you release any projects on Jive? Rude Boi: Nah, we’re starting fresh. What’s the story behind the new deal? Pretty Sly: The album’s probably going to Pretty Sly: We got a deal based on the re- be self-titled. It’s going to being our first ma- cord playing in Miami and Reno in the West jor release. It’s a great thing that we didn’t Coast. We had four labels interested in the put an album out on Jive. We only put out a group – Atlantic, Interscope, Universal and single. Now we have the new single and are the label we decided to go with was Island/ about to shoot the video in the next month. So So Def because we noticed the other labels were kind of chasing the record and What are some other things people should Island/Def Jam didn’t know we had a record know about your current situation? on the radio. L.A. Reid wanted to sign us Pretty Sly: If you want to know anything based on pure talent and what he saw in about the group you can go to Myspace. that room that night. We signed with them com/Gitfreshmusic. It has tour dates and 45 days after being released from Jive. our music. We write and produce all our own music. We got signed to Island So So Explain why you guys changed your name. Def through our own production company Was it related to changing labels? called Studio Monkeyz. Rude Boi: We changed the name because Rude Boi: And we’re starting to get into writ- we wanted to have a whole fresh new start. ing and producing for other artists now. We didn’t want to have any ties to the old shit that we was dealing with, no ties to Website: Myspace.com/Gitfreshmusic Jive or anything. That’s where the name Git Fresh comes from. And we wanted to own Words: Ms. Rivercity our own trademarks. Photo: Frank Antonio

OZONE | 33

 | OZONE

SAMSAM SNEAKSNEAK North Miami, FL

 | |OZONE OZONE Whether it’s the signature call-outs on I’m the only DJ in Miami that wears small records he cosigns, the unique haircut shirts. They say I’m the only dude that has designs, or his out-of-the norm wardrobe small shirts on all the time and fitted jeans. selection, Sam Sneak always stands out. I’ve always been a weird kid, ever since Making a name for himself on the under- middle school. They said I was special. ground radio scene, Sam is currently noted as one of Miami’s leading record breakers. Obviously being weird is working out well for you. You’ve come up over the last year. What’s Yeah, I love it. I’m blessed. I thank God been going on? every morning and every night. And every I’ve been working with more artists since time somebody calls me, like how you the last issue like Bizzle, Unda Surveil- called me [for the interview], I’m thanking lance, Grind Mode, Brisco, Triple Cs. I got God for being blessed and being weird. a gang of people I’ve been working on and breaking in Miami at Take One. I’m Triple What’s up with Jam Squad? Who’s DJ C and Rick Ross’ official DJ. I’m every- crew is that and how long have you been a where. I’m Poe Boy’s DJ. I’m Jam Squad. part of that? If you want to find me I’ma be at Take One That’s actually something I started back in every day of the week. Sometimes I might ’03 with me and three other dudes. It’s me, venture off and do Oxygen, or Mansion, or my dude DJ Papo, he’s at White Diamonds Sobe Live. and Diamond’s Cabaret. Teflon is Bizzle’s DJ and sometimes he’s at Rolex. It’s also You have a trademark slogan on all things Fatt Boi; he’s at Coco’s. He also goes by you put out. How important do you think Shrek. He looks like Shrek for real. I got the “Sam Sneak” voiceover has been to the younger Jam Squad dudes that are your career? trying to come up. We’re real tight though. It’s been major. Everywhere you go in Everybody’s cool with each other. Miami, and some parts of Florida, you’ll hear “Sam Sneak” or “Jam Squad” over What else has been going on career-wise a lot of records. A lot of times your record for you? ain’t bumpin’ if it don’t got that on there. It My lil brother Dred Skeezy is coming soon. makes it official. I won’t put that on every- We’re throwing him a birthday party at thing anymore. Certain tracks I’ll put it on Mansion on May 26th. They got the group and some I won’t. Hitman Enterprise with Fraigo Da Boss and Tef 2 Def. I drop in sometimes Friday Who does those signature haircuts you nights on Poe Boy radio on Streetsfm. get? com. If I’m not there it’ll be DJ Chronic, That’s my barber in Carol Mart. He hooks or one of the Poe Boy DJs. Shout out to me up all the time. Every weekend I feel XO Management, North Miami, the whole like doing it, I go to him and he hooks it Eastside and Westside of North Miami. For up for me. I got a high-top fade going on. anybody’s that trying to get at me to play I always get different things. I had Triple C their music, they gotta get their music and on there. If you go on my Myspace page business right. You can’t come to me with you’ll see everything. I had Sneak on the money; I gotta like the record. Don’t think side of my head, 80’s Baby. I had the dude I’m gonna make it happen and you gonna do so many different styles. sit on your ass either. You gotta work the record yourself too. You do a lot of different things to make yourself stand out. Have you always been Website: Myspace.com/Djsamsneak a different type of person or do you do these things to gain attention as a DJ? Words: Ms. Rivercity I’ve always stood out. You say it’s standing Photo: Dred from NLTG Photography out, but everybody else calls me weird.

OZONE |  DJDJ DEFDEF

10 | OZONE After spinning his way through the 80s and If I ever need anything from Pitbull as far 90s, DJ Def got his big break in 2000 when as a freestyle or anything, he’s always he won Power 96’s DJ competition. Since there. Grind Mode comes through. Ball- then he’s gone on to break artists like Greezy is another one. Unda Surveillance Pitbull, Pretty Ricky, Flo Rida, and several and Flo Rida. I was one of the first to play others. In addition to his full radio sched- Flo Rida. But I’m the type of DJ that says, ule, Def also mixes and scratches at Porter “Real DJs talk with their hands, not with House on Tuesday nights in Downtown Ft. their mouths.” I just like to show the real Lauderdale. DJing skills on the turntables. There’s a lot of DJs now that have gotten lazy and Being from an era of some old-school clas- they just talk on the mic and cut to another sics, how do you feel about the way Hip record. I’m still working the turntables. I’m Hop has evolved over the years? not one of the DJs that’s trying to be in Every year you have a new sound; new the videos. I’m in the crowd; I’m low key. I producers. A producer could be hot one don’t need the fame. I’m a regular person year and then you don’t hear from him for just like everybody else. a few years. Music is constantly chang- ing. I just evolve with the times and what’s What’s a common misconception about going on. what you do? They think it’s real easy to get any song Who are some artists in Miami that have played. It doesn’t work that way. Every- potential to blow up? What do you see in thing has a process. With politics and ev- them? erything else, everything has to go through If you want to get into artists I’ve broken, your bosses. But if it’s a good song and it I was one of the first to play Pitbull down has potential and some type of momentum here, T-Pain, Pretty Ricky, Grind Mode, in the streets and clubs, I definitely don’t BallGreezy, and right now there’s a hot have a problem showing love. group called Unda Surveillance. They have a big record in the hood called “On Deck.” Do you have any advice for others trying to I show a lot of people love, a lot of local come up? love. If you got something hot, bring it my A lot of people like to sleep; I don’t sleep. way and I’ll definitely show you love. I work seven days. When other people are sleeping, I’m planning my next move. What have been some of the most fulfilling There’s always somebody that wants to aspects of DJing over the years? take your place. Never give up and always I’m proud of making people happy. When grind. Always shake hands and be cool I’m in the club I’m focused on moving the with people. If you show love, they’ll show crowd. I get a good vibe with that. I see love. people in the street and they tell me they love what I do. I do the after party mix Speaking on your next move, what do you Monday - Friday at 9:30 PM. On Saturdays have coming up for the next year? I do a hangover mix at noon with Lucy I’m getting back into some production and Lopez. I also do a world famous Love Hour beats. I’m doing some remixes. I’m taking every Sunday - Thursday from 10 PM til my shows to another level. My love hour midnight, where we play all sexy slow jams is Arbitron rated number one. I’m going to and love dedications. I’m also a part of the keep hustling and do what I do. new Arbitron rated night show with JP. Website: Myspace.com/Djdef96 Do you think the DJ gets enough credit when it comes to artists’ careers? Who’s Words by: Ms. Rivercity good at returning the love?

OZONE | 11 DUNK RYDERSMiami, FL

12 | OZONE The Trick Daddy-assisted “Fuck Tha Otha ride up and down the street and say “We Side” (a.k.a. “Flag Song”) is presently one open!” That’s like a Miami thing. of the hardest records in Florida. But the Dunk Ryders’ recent recognition comes How is Trick Daddy’s involvement going to with bitter sweetness for Iceburg and Fella. help take the group to the next level? Soup, the third member of the group, is Shit, he’s got his hands in it 100% like he’s currently facing ten years in prison. Here in the group. He’s probably gonna be on Iceburg discusses the situation and how three or four songs on the album. He’s they plan to keep things moving. helping us out. He’s on the “Flag” record. He’s with us every step of the way, except The record y’all have out is killing the clubs. when it comes to our shows. We been on Did you know it was going to be a hit? the road with him for the last two years. We DUNK It’s still going. We’re good. We’re grinding. was on his album and everything. Miami, FL So what happened with Soup? Are you still doing Dunk Ryder Thursdays at Yeah, he got jammed up ‘cause a punk Diamond’s Cabaret? RYDERS ass snitch told on him. Somebody who he Yeah! If y’all are down here Memorial thought was real turned out to be unreal Weekend that’s where it goes down. We and told on him. He caught ten years. He had the Rollexxx but they started hat- was considered a career criminal. We’re try- ing so right now we ain’t really fucking ing to work on some stuff now. We’re trying with the Rollexx. It’s all about Diamonds. to bring him home. We’re praying for him. It’s a straight gentlemen’s club in there. Everything’s good in there. You got about How are you going to keep representing five police outside every night. You ain’t got him for the group while he’s away? no all-the-way goons or thugs. It ain’t like We’re working with the same team. We’re that hood stuff. It’s a good vibe all the way. not replacing my dawg. A lot of songs as If ladies come there they might get a meal far as our album, we kinda saved a lot of ticket. That’s where niggas with the money songs where he could at least be on a few are at. You can find a basketball or football of songs. player in there.

Speaking of the album, what are the plans How was the Rollexx hating? for that? They started doing all this lil conspiracy We’ll put in out probably in August. We just type shit. You know Rollexx got kinda his- shot the video for “Fuck Tha Other Side.” torical so niggas gon’ respect them but it’s a I guess they’re trying to trip but we ain’t lot of conspiracy shit. We had to move our gonna let ‘em. A couple of lil critics are tryna shit somewhere else. backdoor us, tryna talk about gang violence and gang relations and all that, but you Who’s your favorite girl at Diamond’s? know we’re still gonna try to push for that It’s a couple of ‘em. I got about five or six. I video and be out by August. got about three or four projects I’m working on right now so I can’t say no names and Nowadays you can put a video on YouTube blow my cover. and it will be just as successful. Why don’t you go that route? Is there anything else you want to mention Yeah, if they do blow it then we gonna have before we go? to go that route and then do something else Free Moose and Soup. Rest in peace for mainstream. But right now I’m tryin’ to Parker, Pooh, Sean, Dion, everybody we take that video mainstream. done lost in our journey to the top. We do it for the hood; fuck the otha side. And fuck all Have you come up with a name for the you haters ‘cause that Chevy is on the way album yet? out the shop right now. ’72 Impala coming Right now we’re kinda iffy about the name. soon. We’re probably gonna roll with Trick Daddy Presents the Dunk Ryders: We Open. “We Website: Myspace.com/Dunkrydersrecords Open” is like back in the days when we had John Doe in the trap and people used to Words: Ms. Rivercity

OZONE | 13 BRISCOBRISCO Miami, FL (Opa-Locka)

14 | OZONE After passing the rigorous hazing process him his lyrics. You know what he came Poe Boy enforces on all of its new prodi- from. Biggie kinda did the classic thing but gies, Brisco has come out of the studio a you more saw the Versace shirts and the seasoned artist with plenty of fired up lyrics glasses, the good part of it. With ‘Pac, you for his fans. After achieving notable success saw the hood. He was a regular cat. in South Florida with his record “In the Hood” featuring Lil Wayne, the Cash Money Is that how you want people to look at you? artist is now garnering a large regional buzz Yeah. I want ‘em to look at me as a regular with his strictly-for-the-streets banger called cat that knows shit to write about, a lot “Bitch I’m Me.” about music.

What’s new with you lately? The “Bitch I’m What are the plans for promoting and Me” song is really getting out there. releasing the album? It’s basically moving by itself with no radio Me and E-Class are really seeing how push. It’s just a straight street and club we’re gonna do it. E-Class, Baby, and Slim push. It was just a record I did when I was are sitting down about it. It’s going to be a mad at the world. I was going through a solidified classic album. Right now I’m just transition in my life. Me and my baby mama grooving, still learning a lot of things about was breaking up and I didn’t get to see my music. son. So that was an influential record talk- ing about the self-esteem part of people. It It seems like you fuck with a lot of the artists lets people know when I look in the mirror, I in your city. Would you say Miami is pretty see me. Who better but me? unified? Yeah, it is, but some people are doing bet- That’s real. Have you gotten over that tran- ter than others. It’s a lot of inside beef. You sition period or are you still dealing with it? can see it in cats’ eyes when you’re doing I’m still on that. I’m kinda over it but I’m still a record with them. That’s just the competi- dealing with it too. tiveness of Miami.

Are you doing a video? So is Opa-Locka hoping you’ll shine light We haven’t done a video ‘cause really we’re and bring some positive growth to the area? kinda scared of changing [the song]. You Yeah, I already did that. I continue to do it. can’t really change that bitch. That bitch The whole thing about my hood is, it’s in signifies the song. We did “Yes I’m Me” but the middle of Carol City and Liberty City, so it [didn’t have] the same impact as “Bitch we got all different types of problems. I just I’m Me.” “Bitch” is something emotional, ya shine light on it. I let the kids know and they know? say, “He’s signed to Lil Wayne; he brought Lil Wayne to the hood.” I eat breakfast in You make a lot of street records. Have you the hood every morning at a spot called made songs with more commercial appeal? Curly’s. They always see me in the hood, Do you feel that’s necessary at this point? come touch me and give me dap, hug me I’m a strong believer that the hood and the or whatever. I’m hood, not Hollywood. I’m streets boost you up to the mainstream. I still accepting the success and I’m over- want everybody to know me, to know my whelmed by it. growth, and to know how trill I am. I guess the formula with street records is good but What’s new with Poe Boy? Do y’all have I do have big huge records for radio. My al- any new up-and-comers on the team? bum is called Street Medicine. It’s like, you We’ve got an R&B cat named David Lyn. know the [Tupac’s] Makaveli and [Notorious He’s basically going through the hazing B.I.G.’s] Life After Death albums? It’s like a process here. Poe Boy and Cash Money combination of that; real lyrical and edgy. I are real self-contained. The biggest up- say the darkest things on my album. I just and-coming artist we have is Lil Brianna. did Gangsta Grillz with DJ Drama. That’s She was signed to Missy at one point. She what solidified my movement. It’s gonna be happens to be my blood cousin and she’s big. It’s coming out Memorial Day weekend. exceptional. You’ll want to be one of the writers to tap into her ‘cause she’s special. Did you listen to Tupac and Biggie a lot growing up? Website: Myspace.com/Brisco305 Biggie was my favorite, but I can’t lie, I liked Tupac a lil more ‘cause the hood gave Words: Ms. Rivercity

OZONE | 15 2121 REESEREESE Riviera Beach, FL

16 | OZONE Reppin’ the under-publicized town of What’s been your biggest challenge so far? Riviera Beach, 21 Reese has been on the Trying to get seen from this fucked up ass grind for some time now. Here the Florida location I’m at. Nobody sees Palm Beach MC tells us how he’s been getting his music as a place that generates music. We don’t out there, what he’s working on now, and get no respect and people don’t look at us what to look for in the future. ‘cause we ain’t never had no major artists to blow. So just really getting people to under- For those that don’t know, go ahead and stand we’re a force to be reckoned with. tell the people who you are and what you’re reppin’. How do you go about creating your music? Yeah this is 21 Reese, Palm Beach It ain’t no thing to that shit. I do it sometimes County’s own representin’ the 568 and with beats, sometimes without beats. It just Block Burnaz Entertainment. We in the city depends on how I feel. I might be on the of Riviera Beach doin’ it real big out here, toilet and pull out the pad. This shit comes tryin’ to let the industry know that it’s more out me anywhere. I done been in the club than just Miami poppin’ off in Florida. and had to jot something down. It can hap- pen anywhere. So what’s behind the name 21 Reese? It’s really very simple. 21 just means I’m a What do you feel is the biggest issue facing grown man ‘bout mine. Even when I wasn’t your generation in your community? 21 I always handled my business like a Right now it’s gotta be the gun violence. grown man. And Reese just so happens to The economy is fucked up and the violence be my real name. in my hood is a direct reflection of that. You ain’t got no money circulatin’. You got How long have you been making music? people hungry out here and they gonna do Shit about 13 years, but only 8 years where what they gotta do to feed theirs. Right now I been doing it seriously, trying to make a we got one of the top murder rates in the career out of it. state. It’s a lot of young black brothers dying in my hood for no reason at all. Describe your style for the people. It’s crazy. I’m everything a nigga wanna Describe your stage show for us. hear all in one. I’m one of the best lyricists I’m an entertainer. I come out there and in the world, ya feel me? On top of that, I I give the people a show. I try to electrify put a lil melody on it; I sing. I don’t just rap ‘em and I try to electrify myself. I try to get about one topic, so all genres of life can the crowd involved, all the emotion that I relate to me. I put something in there for give ‘em in the studio I give it to ‘em on the everybody. stage too.

What do you think about when you pick up What are you working on now? What the pen? should the people be looking for from you? First and foremost is getting my jitterbugs We just got done with the mix album, 2108 up out this bullshit hood we live in, ya feel Da Mix Album, and that’s hosted by DJ me? When I pick up the pen I think about Smallz. And we in the lab right now; I ain’t being the best that ever did this shit. I think finna say no names or nothing like that but about leaving a legacy, bigger than Jay-Z, it’s fire so we got some shit coming soon. bigger than Pac, bigger than Biggie. I wanna be remembered as that nigga in the Is there anything else you wanna shout out game. I wanna be remembered as the best or tell the people to watch out for? in my craft. Definitely hit us up on Myspace. We got a lot of unreleased, unheard shit. Make Basically you use your music as an outlet to sure y’all check that out and leave some express yourself? comments. I got that 21 Weight mixtape Most definitely. I’m from the woods of Flor- that’s gonna be released on the streets. I ida and ain’t nothing out there but sports. got Pleasure P on there. Shout out to all my But I wasn’t athletic when I was a jitterbug producers, Looney Tunez, everybody who so I had to find a different way to express did tracks on my album. myself. So I moved to Riviera when I was ‘bout 13 and that’s when I really got into it. Website: Myspace.com/Thereal21reese When I started writing shit down I felt like this is me; I can be me on here, ya feel me? Words: Tony Wilson

OZONE | 17 SUPASUPA CINDYCINDY Miami, FL

18 | OZONE If you want the 100% realness on what’s during the week. I’m trying to move it to an hot in Miami, holla at Supa Cindy. 99 Jamz’ earlier time slot. It’s only been on for three Supa Woman will give you the scoop on months and the ratings are excellent. It’s local and major artists, community events, about everything entertainment, everything and even the low down that no one else Miami. I interview local and known artists. I wants to air. She also uses her media go to community events. I film everywhere I power and friendly personality to help the go. You can YouTube it under my name and young females in her city. Kudos. In the Mix. My next step is getting into tele- vision. My only problem is I’m too greedy; What’s new Ms. Cindy? I can’t lose weight. You’ve gotta be a size I’ve always had my girls non-profit which zero to be on TV and I’m like, whatever. I is called Supa Friends. Every year I do a haven’t told anyone, but I’m also going to summit in April. This year I’m helping girls start a series of books for women. It’s not pay for their prom. I’m also going to have going to be a 300 page memoir; I tend to a graduation dinner for the top-achieving write short books, 20 pages tops, pinpoint- seniors in my non-profit. On July 26th, ing a subject – like a mini guide for girls and instead of my annual I Know I Can Summit, what they’re going through in life. I’m going to have a health fair specifically for girls and their moms so they can learn Who are some artists you see as the future about hygiene. It will be in Miami Gardens of Miami Hip Hop? and you can get info on the station’s web- I’m afraid to even say it ‘cause I might get site www.wedr.com. 99 Jamz is hooking up in trouble, but a lot of Miami artists have with me to do it. to go elsewhere to get love and then they end up coming back. It’s like there’s really Where does most of the funding for your no outlets for them to get played out here non-profit come from? besides underground radio. Only a handful Honestly, I go to every single baller, hood of people are getting played on mainstream nigga, drug dealer, any record label, any- radio. But as far as local artists, right now body I know that has money to spare, and Khaled’s artist Ace is getting love. Grind I ask them. I’ve been in radio for 8 years Mode, who I unfortunately heard they got so I have good relationships. I don’t really dropped from their label. They got a music have one enemy in this whole industry, to video but I don’t think it’s gonna air. Git my knowledge. That’s kinda weird since I’m Fresh, who had a different name before, an entertainment reporter. People think that they were in the loop for years. They were because they go big in radio that they can on Jive Records, did songs with R. Kelly, go beg anybody for anything. I’m not like all kinds of stuff. They basically had to fire that. I only beg once a year if I’m having their manager and change their name. They an event, and it’s not even directly for me; have a song on radio called “Booty Music.” it’s for my girls. When I step to them they BallGreezy hasn’t even been signed yet. always say yes. It’s so unfortunate ‘cause there’s so much talent but the artists are not getting the It seems like you’d be good on television. Is recognition they deserve. I don’t know if it’s that something you’re working towards? the recession causing the labels not to sign I have a television show in South Florida on people, but the game has just switched up. My Network. It’s called In the Mix Miami and it airs every Friday at 2:30 in the morning. Website: Myspace.com/Supadupe We’ve been getting a big response for it, so the programming department repeats it all Words: Ms. Rivercity & Tanya James

OZONE | 19 20 | OZONE OZONE | 21 22 | OZONE DJ KHALEDWE STILL THE BEST The current momentum and energy of Have you guys done any remixes to Miami Hip Hop can largely be credited his record “Cash Flow?” to its number one music cosigner, We haven’t done a remix yet. DJ Khaled. His Take Over show on 99 Jamz with K Foxx, along with the As far as We the Best goes, did you al- launching of numerous world-wide ways plan to get your own label going hits, has placed Khaled in a position to or was it something you did because it climb the ladder even further. Khaled was the natural next step? recently took his “We the Best” slogan That was always planned. That was to another level by stamping it on his always going to be a part of my career. own record label and signing a label That was a goal that I wanted to ac- deal with Def Jam. complish five years ago.

What’s your biggest priority right now? How were you able to finally pull it My main focus right now would be Ace together after planning it for five years? Hood. I got my new label deal called Well, I broke a lot of barriers with my We The Best/Def Jam. Ace Hood’s album. It shows that I work good with album is called Gutta. It’s dropping Au- artists and put a lot of hit records to- gust 26th. He’s got a hit record called gether. At the same time, I broke a lot “Cash Flow.” My main focus is also of artists on my album. I break artists my album called We Global Now. I’m on the daily. I’m a Hip Hop mogul right about to drop my first single in May. now. When I put my hands on some- thing it’s gonna come together. I got Who’s going to be on the single? that ear and marketing skills. I got that I’m real tight-lipped about it. When I knowledge of hot artists. It’s something leak it that’s when we can talk about it. I do naturally. I want to surprise people. Having all that power to break records, With everyone coming at you, what I’m sure tons of people come to you to made you choose Ace Hood to be on help push their records. Does it ever the label? get overwhelming? You can tell when he steps in a room It’s called life. It’s something we de- he’s got that star glow. When you see cided to do. I’m in the music business him he’s got that glow of a star. He’s for life. It’s always gonna be a lot of a superstar but also his swagger is people but I ain’t mad. People try to crazy. His delivery is amazing. win; people try to get on; people try to take it to another level so I’m not mad

OZONE | 23 at somebody’s that grinding. I respect you that you can’t do something, you the grind ‘cause I’m out here grinding. can listen to what they say but don’t You feel me? agree with what they say because I’m living proof. I remember people used to Now that you have such a large move- tell me that I couldn’t make a mixtape ment going on, you probably have a or an album. I put out a number one lot of people helping with the workload. independent album in the country. By Tell me about the team that helps you the way, I’m the guy that gave you “I’m stay on point. So Hood.” By the way, I’m the guy that Me and my team are a bunch of sol- gave you “We Takin’ Over,” “Holla at diers. My team is people that are trying Me Baby,” “Born and Raised.” By the to win and see the vision. We all have way, I’m the guy that broke Rick Ross. the same vision to win in the music game. You have Roc-A-Fella Records, So all those people that maybe doubt- Bad Boy Records, Murder Inc., all ed the movement in the beginning, are these are successful record compa- they believers now? nies and now it’s time for We the Best Everybody comes around. In this busi- Music Group to be one of those big ness, when you win everybody falls in Hip Hop labels. We’re the new energy. line. It’s a game and once you know My crew is a group of hard-working that, you can go through this game people and we get together and go a lil better ‘cause this game is very hard, from the streets, to the market- stressful. You gotta do what you gotta ing, to the radio, to the artists. We out do. When you win everybody falls in here grinding. line, haters fall in line, enemies fall in line. So what you do as an artist or a Why did you decide to partner up with CEO or a magazine or a street team, Def Jam? What were they offering anything you’re trying to do in this you? business, just win and go hard. I’m out Def Jam is my partners and I went here grinding. with them ‘cause Def Jam is one of the biggest labels in the business What made you decide to get from be- and at the same time, they see my hind the turntables and take on more vision. The support my vision and I of the spotlight? see their vision. Def Jam has Young In the world of music you should Jeezy, Mariah Carey, Ne-Yo, Jay-Z, always spread your wings. If you Ace Hood, Rick Ross. If you notice, ev- look at people like L.A. Reid, Jay- erybody that Def Jam touches become Z, and Fat Joe, they’re big CEOs superstars. We the Best is already now. Everybody’s got a story. I came established in the streets and now up DJing and producing; now I’m a everybody is headed to a global level manager of the biggest producers in with some big projects. So Def Jam the game called The Runners. I got was the way to go. It’s always been a my own record company called We dream for me to have Def Jam [behind] the Best/Def Jam. I have a whole my label. album coming out with Koch. You gotta spread your wings fully. I’m destined to Speaking of dreams and visions, was win. You can stop what’s destined. You your family supportive of your goals in can’t stop what’s written. It’s DJ Khaled music? – We Global Now; we global. Myself, I’m an inspiration for a lot of people. I inspire myself everyday so I What are The Runners up to lately? can imagine how many people I inspire The Runners have been working on a in the world, in my family, and with the lot. They produced my first single and fans. I always tell people to turn their my second and third single on my al- dreams into goals. If somebody tells bum. They also produced Ace’s “Cash

24 | OZONE Flow.” They’ve been working with I’m taking my record company to artists like Monica, Jeezy, The Clipse, another level. You never know, one E40, Ice Cube, Rick Ross, the list day I might run Def Jam. I might be goes on. The Runners are the biggest the next L.A. Reid. I want to do other producers in the game. This is what we stuff besides business. I might want do. We the best. to own some restaurants or some malls. I want to own over 100 acres You mentioned getting your start as a and develop big business offices and DJ. You started in college radio right? shopping centers. I want to do a lot of I started off in college radio in Orlando. things. You gotta spread your wings. I moved out of Orlando and did col- I believe that every business leads to lege radio in Miami. Then I got onto other businesses. It’s called building big radio. I also did college radio in relationships. It happens. New Orleans. I’ve been through every angle. I live in the streets. I came up Have you always been a big thinker? in the streets. The streets took me to That’s all I do is think big. I sleep where I’m at. We out here grinding. thinking big; I wake up thinking big. The great thing is I accomplish all the So would you recommend college ra- big things I put my energy into. It’s a dio as a good start for someone trying lot of hard work. God is good. We’re to get in the game? definitely written. It’s DJ Khaled – we I think anything is a good start. You global now. I’m out here grinding. gotta start somewhere. I got blessed through college radio. It was fun ‘cause I heard you don’t fly. Is that true? the streets, people at the college and Yeah, I stopped flying recently. I flew in the community, actually listened all my life but right now I’ve been jump- to it. We were playing that Hip Hop ing on that tour bus. I just like leaving so it was great. Then I was making anytime I want and doing what I want. mixtapes and doing parties. After that If anyone wants to book me, I’m just I spread my wings more and got into a drive away. I don’t like flying, man. I major radio. So anything you can start flew all my life. It’s just that right now with in the beginning is great. I feel like driving and watching them trees and fields go by. With flying, How many mixtapes would you say them clouds are too much for me. you do a month? I know you host a lot of local artists’ tapes as well as major What are some events you have artists. planned for Memorial Day Weekend? I just won Best Personality on a Mix- Memorial Day Weekend we’re doing tape at the Justo Awards. I do a lot of Mansion and Opium. We’re going to hosting. I did Rick Ross’ mixtape for take over and do a big Def Jam party. Trilla. I just did Ace Hood’s mixtape We’re doing a DJ Khaled and friends Ace Won’t Fold. I did The Suffix for party. We’re doing a Cash Money Lil Wayne. That’s a classic. I have a party. We take over Memorial Day lot of mixtapes. I just do them when Weekend. I got the key to the city. It’s they come. I’m about supporting other DJ Khaled, 305, Miami. I do it for the people. If someone reaches out to me city. I rep my city like a G. and says they want to use Khaled, that’s an honor that they thought of Is there anything else you want to say? me. I’m out here grinding. I want to shout out the number one magazine. Look out for Ace Hood. Talk to me about some of the personal goals you have in mind. Are there Website: Myspace.com/djkhaled some things you’d like to do that you haven’t conquered yet? Words by: Ms. Rivercity

OZONE | 25 BIZZLEBIZZLE Miami, FL

26 | OZONE Released only a few short weeks ago, the it’s a struggle for my life. The kids took it YouTube video for Bizzle’s “Naked Hustle” and did their thing. I guess they not even has attracted thousands of repeat viewers. listening to the words. Fueled by a mass of support from naked hustlers all over the country, and a market- Lex Promotions has been pushing the song ing push from Lex Promotions, the song hard. How long have you been working with has even caught on with the youth who them? appreciate its ability to provoke new dance I’ve been working with Lex since around moves. December. He’s a genius. He has Florida on lock. We were in Tallahassee and I didn’t So “Naked Hustle” is the talk of the town. even know the song was that big until I got What’s the history behind the song? there. It was like a movie. When Lex went It hit the street about seven months ago. to the clubs to get the record played, his The song and video created a movement, work was almost already done ‘cause all not just in Miami but wherever there is a the strippers already knew the record and strip club. Even with the saying, support all the DJs already had the record. One DJ the naked hustle, that’s what they’ve been told another DJ. Khaled told Entice; Entice crying for ‘cause I see a lot of broke dudes told Irie and he started playing it. Sam in the club that don’t be tipping. Sneak was one of the ones that started with the record. Is that why you made the song? Because you understand the struggle or because you Why do you have two aliases? were trying to get played in the strip club? Chowtime was the name I was going by Actually, that song just came out of no- at first. Chowtime Entertainment is the where. It was never planned; it was just record label’s name. I was locked up one sitting in the computer. I had a girl in the time and in jail, chowtime is a call-out that studio one night that happened to be a let’s people know it’s time to eat. Even if dancer and she heard the song. She took you don’t speak English, you’ll know what it to the club and a month later she called chowtime means. If you don’t get up, you me to the club for a party. When I seen the don’t eat. It’s a powerful saying. people’s reaction to it I was like wow. It took off from there. There’s like 30 remixes to the What are some things you’d like your sup- record. Rick Ross did 16 bars, Grind Mode, porters to know about you? BallGreezy. Dunk Ryders has a version I’m about a lot of different things but music that’s definitely out there. We haven’t even comes first ‘cause that’s what’s paying me come out with an official remix yet. right now. I’m a father of a lot of kids. I’m an entrepreneur. I’m about business, having Where was the video footage shot at? fun, some of everything, all the good things. That’s not the actual video. It’s just some clips of performances I did. It’s a YouTube So what do your kids think about their video, just to give people an idea of how we father’s new fame? do what it do in any club. Whenever I’m par- Most of them are too young to know. I have tying you can catch me at Take One, Silky’s, one daughter that was like, “They don’t Iguana, Black Gold, Rollexx, all the popular believe you’re my dad.” That’s a good thing strip clubs. It’s not only a strip club thing; if ‘cause I don’t have to worry about her being you watch the video we got the kids doing a dissed or kidnapped or anything. I’ll be able dance to it called the Wu-Tang. That really to give her what she wants and that’s all took off. The kids are involved heavy. that matters.

The song and video don’t seem to be What are your plans now? geared towards kids. Have you gotten any I’m working on developing myself as an art- negative feedback from anyone in regards ist. I plan to get used to being on the road. I to its content? never left Florida. I’m a real 305 hood dude. I was expecting that but I haven’t got any, Lex is helping me a whole lot so I can be not even from the mothers. If you listen to prepared to be a dude that people look up song real carefully, I’m not promoting being to. I’m very friendly and open. a stripper or saying it’s a good thing to be a stripper. It’s a struggle. They might be a Website: Myspace.com/Dabizzlelive single mom and she’s crying out to come dance with me and do something for me, Words: Ms. Rivercity

OZONE | 27 GRINDGRIND MODEMODE Opa-Locka, FL.

Grind Mode has experienced ups and What are you guys doing to ensure that downs both individually and as a collec- Grind Mode gets the recognition it deserves tive. With a rebirth of inspiration and a this time around? new found passion for what initially drew McKlezie: Grind Mode has pretty much them into the game, Chaos, Hunger, and been doing the same thing since the begin- McKlezie (formerly known as Stage Mc- ning – getting out there and working. We’ve Cloud) have embarked on a new vision that never sat still and waited for people to do has the entire city of Miami singing “I’m So things for us. We force the situation to hap- High.” pen. Right now we’re on a promo tour that we set up, doing a couple of cities in the

28 | OZONE southeast market. We’re currently heading other paths and we support them on that. over to Kentucky for a week; we’ve been to Atlanta; we did a Florida and Georgia run; What do you each bring to the table? we went to South Carolina. Chaos: Stage is more like the melodic guy. He’s the super-fly dude in the click, a ladies We’re in Kentucky recording and promoting man. There’s no real leader in the group. All and will probably head down to Louisville of us respect each other; we’re all equally and stop in Louisiana. The song has been important. We laugh together, grind to- spread throughout the world without any gether, deal with each other’s situations. It’s help really, all the way up to New York, a brotherhood, no different than a fraternity. California, Hawaii, Seatlle, a lot of mar- kets we didn’t really push for have jumped Talk about the concept of “I’m So High.” on the record. Miami is such nucleus for Hunger: It’s definitely about glorifying entertainment that when people come down women and building a relationship, that type and hear the record and love it, they take it of vibe. It’s about more than a one night with them. stand. A lot of people might think it’s about drugs. Music serves different purposes for Why did you change your name, McKlezie? different individuals, so we’re not mad when McKlezie: It was Stage McCloud and as I people take it for that. For the people that tell everybody, Stage McCloud is dead. It’s do listen to the lyrics, it’s about vibing with now McKlezie. It’s a rebirth of McCloud. I a young lady and that bond has you feeling rose from the ashes of what was to a more like you intoxicated. I had somebody hit me positive situation. Sometimes you shed up and say they just put some rims on they your skin in order to move forward and you car and because they rims are so big and have to get rid of everything else that was they feel so high, they got “I’m So High” negative. written in they paint job. People look a lot of things differently. We make good music and How is the present more positive than the hope people take to it and apply it to they past? lives however they see fit. McKlezie: It’s just a different situation – the mindset, the maturity, the knowledge of the Who’s singing on the hook? business and the music, the love of music Hunger: That’s McKlezie. He’s one of those is back. Being with Chaos and Hunger and dudes that has been in the game so long vibing together in the studio and creating that he’s done it all. He’s always been a music is a more affectionate way of doing different type of emcee, even before T-Pain. it. It takes the work out of it. It’s no different Even his raps have a different cadence than being in a relationship for years; you when he flows. He’s an emcee but he does make take the situation for granted and harmonies too and that’s how he chose to it takes a mistress to spark the love of it express himself on that record. again. Sometimes you gotta go through that in order to enjoy it. When Grind Mode linked What can people be expecting from you in back up, it was the enjoyment of bringing the near future? fun back to the music. It was becoming too Hunger: The album is done and it’s crazy. much of a regular day situation in Miami. We’re on the road promoting the single. People walk around with mad faces and are Even if it’s Butt-fuck, Egypt you can expect always angry but that’s not Miami and that’s us to be there. The album hits streets this not Grind Mode. We’re just trying to say it’s summer. You can expect change because okay to enjoy yourself. We do everything the vibe we’re bringing is different. It’s a with a positive attitude. whole movement happening in Miami with the vibing and jooking and we’re at the Weren’t there some other members of the forefront of that movement. group before? Chaos: We have the I Will Grind mixtape Chaos: We had extra heads involved but and album coming out. And it’s so vital for it’s like Making of the Band; it’s a chopping up-and-comers to get involved with open block over here. We stay in grind mode; mics. We been doing this. Ask Trick to Rick that’s what the name means. If you slackin’ to Pit to Trina to Missy Misdemeanor. on your pimpin’ you get traded or cut. We didn’t feel like the extra heads fit in the Website: Myspace.com/Grindmode puzzle. It’s no disrespect to them, but we had a different goal and vision. They chose Words: Ms. Rivercity

OZONE | 29 UNDAUNDASURVEILLANCESURVEILLANCE Miami, FL

30 | OZONE You gotta grind to shine. If that saying is Busta Free: A lot of times we just be at the true you should expect Unda Surveillance crib and I’ll call him and be like, “Yak check to be blinding sometime soon. The Miami this shit out” and I get on the phone snap- duo has been in the streets pumping their ping and that inspires him. mixtapes and performing at shows all over the state. Members Yak and Busta Free sat I know ya’ll are getting a lot of shows. Tell down with us and told us what’s been up the people what your shows are like. with them. Yak: The shows is the most incredible thing right now. If you on stage and you rapping Ya’ll have a very interesting name. How did your shit and you stop and they fill in the you come up with that? blank for you, that shit means so much Yak: Pretty much the meaning, like the more than the money man for real. Miami, FL name of the mixtape, says they watching. So Unda Surveillance is just letting the This mixtape ya’ll got out, how many of whole world know we are being watched. those have ya’ll pumped out? Yak: This one about 15,000. But with all our How did ya’ll come together to form the solos and all that shit we probably got about group? 50,000 units in the street. Busta Free: We both used to be open mic rappers. We both went to the same middle What’s the single you’re pushing now? school but we wasn’t never really tight like Yak: The hottest single in the world right that until we started seeing each other at now, look out for it. It’s called “On Deck” but this open mic shit. We started going to from my hood to your hood, it’s really called clubs together, fucking hoes together. Every “Shone On Deck.” Also look out for the new time we were in the studio we would do a single “Swagger.” song together so it jumped off like that. I’ve been hearing that word shone a lot What’s your inspiration for making music? lately. Tell those that don’t know what a Yak: Me personally, I just make shit for my shone is. hood. My job is to keep creating and hope Bustafree: Shit, a “shone” is a quick fuck. somebody else can relate to it and feel the Somebody that’s down for whatever, there way I feel. to get your rocks off. Busta Free: This is what I wanted to my Yak: It’s just a cool way to say you like to whole life. I wasn’t never no athlete, so I felt fuck something really. like this was my only way out and I been successful up to this point. Do the shones show love at the shows? Bustafree: Shit it’s all over now, with our Describe the style of your music. face on the fliers and everything. We’re like Busta Free: Shit we straight southern to walking billboards so we’re shone manag- the roach feel me. It’s universal but we gon’ ers now. keep it southern; we gon’ keep it gutter. Do it for the people in the struggle. We keep it What’s been your biggest challenge with hood. the music shit? Yak: Our style is straight swagger. Any way Yak: The biggest challenge for me was we come it’s gonna be straight swag. staying focused and not getting discour- aged. At any time I coulda slipped and went With the game so fucked up now as far as another route. sales, what do ya’ll feel you could do to Bustafree: My biggest challenge right now change that? is staying alive. Everybody dropping like Yak: In my opinion, niggas ain’t making real flies right now. So to keep moving and music no more. When real music is put out doing what you’re doing. To be honest with there you can still sell ‘cause niggas want you, I ain’t finish school. So I would either that real music. If you look back, everybody be in these streets slangin or I would be in who’s dropping real shit, they selling. That’s these streets bangin. That’s why I feel God why we put our heart into every song. put this in my life.

When ya’ll are making music what’s the Website: Myspace.com/Undasurveil- process like? lance305 Yak: Whatever the beat tells us to do, that’s what we doing. Words: Tony Wilson

OZONE | 31 DA BEANS BEACHBEACHMiami, FL22

32 | OZONE Cosigned by DJ Entice, Nak, Double radio friendly. Everybody that heard it was Threat, and A.T.G. (Ali the Great) are loving it, even the hardcore rappers that do quickly advancing via the Miami airwaves. gangsta stuff was like, this is hot. The trio known as Beach 2 Da Beans was recently completed with the addition of Your music sounds like it’s influenced by T- DA BEANS A.T.G. last year, who added vocals and pro- Pain with the whole Rap/R&B theme. Is that duction skills to their current single “Ipod.” an accurate statement? Double Threat: No, we change it up a What’s the story behind your group? How little bit. We just try to do original Hip Hop. did you come together? Everybody’s selling drugs and pimpin’ so Double Threat: The chemistry was always we just try to clean it up a lil bit and go back there. My homeboy Nak always rapped and to the roots. I sung. We used to sit around in his room A.T.G.: Change is gonna come regardless. and was never serious about it. People Music has a way of coming out with new started telling us to take it more serious so stuff and I feel like we’re gonna go with the that’s what we did. We actually featured change. It all depends on what’s going on in A.T.G. on a song and all three of us ended the music industry at the time. up being in a group together. It started as something we did for fun. The song seems to be targeting a female Nak: Yeah, it started with me and Double audience. Do you have a lot of female fans? Threat. We went to the same high school. Double Threat: More than anything we got A.T.G. was a solo artist. When we did the the girls. Once dudes find out other people “Ipod” song we saw that we was better off are feeling it or the see the song hittin’ then together as a trio. A.T.G. was a good addi- they start feeling it, but girls like it off rip. tion to the group. The guys take a while [to come around] A.T.G.: I joined the group last year in after they listen to it. August. They had their group and I had been in a group prior to being solo. Me and You’re with B2 Entertainment, which has a Nak used to work together in high school. lot of artists. What are the label plans? We had done some tracks together and Nak: We got Hood I.E., Ace 365, and us. we linked back up for the “Ipod” song. We We’re trying to get in the game and build figured it would be easier to work it if we B.2. Entertainment up. Right now we’re were all in the group. looking for a major backing to help us with funding. We’re probably going to try to put Are you all from the same part of Miami? ourselves under a major label. Nak: This is how the Beach 2 Da Beans name started – Double Threat is from Poke Have you done any full projects yet? N’ Beans Projects and I’m from North Miami Nak: Right now we got the “Ipod” song Beach. That’s how we got the name Beach playing on the radio stations in Miami. DJ 2 Da Beans when it was just the two of us. Entice is spinning it on 99 Jamz during the weekends. We’re trying to get it on during Talk to me about the “Ipod” song. rush hour. A friend of a friend introduced Double Threat: We were on the phone him to us at a club. We played the song for brainstorming on some new ideas and Nak him and he was loving it so he decided to wanted to talk about iPods. I started singing play it on the radio. “She got me on the iPod...” We came up with the hook and did the beat. What else should people know about you? A.T.G.: Nak and Threat came up with the Double Threat: Get ready. We’re on our idea and I produced it. I actually declined it way. because I didn’t think it was gonna work but A.T.G.: I want to let people know not to take Threat sang me the first line of the chorus us for granted. People are gonna hear the and it clicked. I called them back fifteen “Ipod” song and think we’re not real rap- minutes later with the beat and the chorus. pers. Do not take us for granted because we do our job on a track. We know how to You didn’t initially want to do the song? give people want they want when it comes Once it was done did you realize it had to music. potential? A.T.G.: Yeah! After it was done I was like, Website: Myspace.com/B2bb2 man we got something major on our hands. This can take us a lot of places. It was real Words: Ms. Rivercity

OZONE | 33 F.T.G.U. MUSIC PRESENTS

Debut Single AwwAww Yeah!!! Request at Your Local Radio Stations For More Info Log onto www.myspace.com/dukwonsmusic Ringtone Available @ Funformobile.com

34 | OZONE F.T.G.U. MUSIC PRESENTS

Debut Single

Request at Your Local Radio Stations For More Info Log onto www.myspace.com/dukwonsmusic Ringtone Available @ Funformobile.com