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OZONE MAGAZINE MIND NEVER WHAT HATERS SAY, IGNORE ‘EM TIL FADETHEY AWAY YOUR FAVORITE RAPPER’S FAVORITE MAGAZINE

T-PAIN E-40 BOSS HOGG OUTLAWZ UNK

REMEMBERING SHAKIR STEWART OZONE MAG //  YOUR FAVORITE RAPPER’S FAVORITE MAGAZINE

T-PAIN

E-40BOSS HOGG OUTLAWZ GORILLA ZOE PITBULL REMEMBERING UNK SHAKIR & MORE STEWART

28 // OZONE WEST  // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG //   // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG //   // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG //   // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG //  PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF // Julia Beverly MUSIC EDITOR // Randy Roper FEATURES EDITOR // Eric N. Perrin ASSOCIATE EDITOR // Maurice G. Garland monthly sections interviews GRAPHIC DESIGNER // David KA 15 10 THINGS I’M HATIN’ ON 34 BLEU DAVINCI ADVERTISING SALES // Che Johnson, Richard Spoon 22 ARE U A G? 52-53 BOSS HOGG OUTLAWZ PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR // Malik Abdul 72 BOARD GAME 68-69 GORILLA ZOE SPECIAL EDITION EDITOR // Jen McKinnon 73 CAFFEINE SUBSTITUTES 54-55 PASTOR TROY LEGAL CONSULTANT // Kyle P. King, P.A. 74 CD REVIEWS 62-63 PITBULL SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER // Adero Dawson 26 CHAIN REACTION 70-71 ROB G ADMINISTRATIVE // Kisha Smith 24 CHIN CHECK 60-61 UNK INTERNS // Jee’Van Brown, Kari Bradley, Torrey 44 DJ BOOTH Holmes 28 DOLLAR MENU features CONTRIBUTORS // Anthony Roberts, Bogan, Char- 12 FEEDBACK lamagne the God, Chuck T, Cierra Middlebrooks, 36 OZONE SPORTS Edward Hall, Jacquie Holmes, J Lash, Jason Cordes, 22 HOOD DEEDS 64-66 SHAKIR STEWART Johnny Louis, Keadron Smith, Keith Kennedy, K.G. 51 INDUSTRY 101 Mosley, King Yella, Luis Santana, Luxury Mindz, Marcus DeWayne, Matt Sonzala, Maurice G. Gar- 15 JB’S 2 CENTS land, Mercedes (Strictly Streets), Natalia Gomez, Ray 20 MATHEMATICS Tamarra, Rico Da Crook, Rohit Loomba, Shannon McCollum, Spiff, Stan Johnson, Swift, Thaddaeus 22 NAMES OF SHAME McAdams, Wally Sparks, Wendy Day 38-42 PATIENTLY WAITING STREET REPS // 3rd Leg Greg, Adam Murphy, Alex 23-43 PHOTO GALLERIES Marin, Al-My-T, Benz, Big Brd, B-Lord, Big Ed, Big 32 PRISON DIARY Teach (Big Mouth), Bigg V, Black, Bogan, Bo Money, Brandi Garcia, Brandon “Silkk” Frazier, Brian Eady, 16-19 RAPQUEST Buggah D. Govanah (On Point), Bull, C Rola, Cartel, 30 SIDEKICK HACKIN’ Cedric Walker, Cece Collier, Chad Joseph, Charles Brown, Chill, Chuck T, Christian Flores, Clifton Sims, 21 WHERE U BEEN? DJ Commando, Danielle Scott, DJ Dap, Delight, Derrick the Franchise, DJ Dimepiece, DJ D’Lyte, Bill, Dorian Welch, Dwayne Barnum, Dr. Doom, Dynasty, Ed the World Famous, DJ E-Feezy, DJ EFN, Episode, Eric “Crunkatlanta” Hayes, Erik Tee, F4 Entertainment, Fiya, G Dash, G-Mack, George Lopez, Gorilla Promo, Haziq Ali, Hezeleo, H-Vidal, Hotgirl Maximum, Hotshot, Jacquie “Jax” Holmes, Jae Slimm, Jammin’ Jay, Janiro Hawkins, Jarvon Lee, Jay Noii, Jeron Alexander, J Pragmatic, JLN Photography, Joe Anthony, Johnny Dang, Judah, Judy Jones, Kenneth Clark, Klarc Shepard, Kool Laid, Kurtis Graham, Kydd Joe, Lex, Lucky, Lump, Lutoyua Thompson, Marco Mall, Mario Grier, Marlei Mar, DJ M.O.E., Music & More, Natalia Gomez, Nikki Kancey, Oscar Garcia, P Love, Pat Pat, Phattlipp, Pimp G, Quest, Quinton Hatfield, DJ Rage, Rapid Ric, DJ Ricky Ruckus, Robert Lopez, Rob-Lo, Robski, Scor- pio, Seneca, Shauntae Hill, Silva Reeves, Sir Thurl, Southpaw, Spade Spot, Stax, Sweetback, Teddy T, TJ’s DJ’s, Tim Brown, Tony Rudd, Tre Dubb, Tril Wil, Edwards, Troy Kyles, Vicious, Victor Walker, DJ Vlad, Voodoo, White Boi Pizal, Wild Billo, Will Hustle, Wu Chang, Young , Yung DVS SUBSCRIPTIONS // To subscribe, send check or money order for $20 to: Ozone Magazine, Inc. Attn: Subscriptions Dept 644 Antone St. Suite 6 , GA 30318 Phone: 404-350-3887 Fax: 404-350-2497 Website: www.ozonemag.com COVER CREDITS // T-Pain photo courtesy of ; Pastor Troy photo by Albert Troy; E-40 photo by Ty Watkins. DISCLAIMER // OZONE Magazine is published 11 times per year by OZONE Magazine, Inc. OZONE does not take responsibility for unsolicited materials, misinformation, typographical errors, or misprints. The views contained herein do not nec- essarily reflect those of the publisher or its advertis- ers. Ads appearing in this magazine are not an cover stories endorsement or validation by OZONE Magazine for products or services offered. All photos and illustra- tions are copyrighted by their respective artists. All 46-49 E-40 other content is copyright 2008 OZONE Magazine, all rights reserved. No portion of this magazine 56-59 T Pain may be reproduced in any way without the written consent of the publisher. Printed in the USA.

10 // OZONE MAG interviews 34 BLEU DAVINCI 52-53 BOSS HOGG OUTLAWZ 68-69 GORILLA ZOE 54-55 PASTOR TROY 62-63 PITBULL 70-71 ROB G 60-61 UNK features 36 OZONE SPORTS 64-66 SHAKIR STEWART

LLOYD pg 58-60

pg 62-64 BG & CHOPPER CITY

OZONE MAG // 11 Send your comments to [email protected] or hit us up at www.myspace.com/ozonemagazine

I’ve been reading OZONE for a long time. I used to get copies over at ing. Richmond and Petersburg are running the show. Don’t let them BME. I have worked in music for over six years, but I left three years rag-ass bitches down in VA Beach fool you. We’re up here making ago because I got tired of the shadiness, lies, and people not want- good street music and begging these fuck-ass DJs to put our shit on ing to pay you. That’s why I love this magazine so much. I’m proud of the radio. They turn their shoulder and put them beach boys on. It’s Julia’s success and her ability to stick to it despite the bull and drama. bullshit! I ain’t mad at it because it’s all VA, but the ain’t the - Leslie Purifoy via Facebook, (Atlanta, GA) hardest group in VA, trust me. They’re good, but go to Petersburg or Richmond and stand on the corner and rep with those cats. And to Charlamagne da God, I know you’re a DJ and you took offense to Hey , I just read your $hort Stories column. Your article the saying “the DJ is dead” but yo, that’s the truth. When DJ Unk got in OZONE is the first shit I read every month when it comes out. I on the mic it was a wrap. Mixtapes are good for new artists, but let’s just got through watching you on VH1’s Honors. I’ve been be honest, who the hell wants to buy a record with DJ Khaled yell- checking for you since 1984. I’m from Omaha, NE, but now live in ing “!” over every track? That’s reason #1 the DJ is dead. Orlando, FL. I remember when my homeboy used to bring back Polow da Don doesn’t need to be either. Y’all need to be your tapes from Cali. I’ve been hooked ever since. When you came breaking records. Come to Richmond, VA and break some records to Omaha in 1989 you let me and my little crew get on stage while for us, dawg. you performed. I’m 37 and I know your award is - Mic Archie, [email protected] (Richmond, VA) long overdue. It’s bullshit that they took so long, but people from the West and the Midwest know what’s up. - Chris Mudd, via email (Orlando, FL) Great 2 Cents this month, JB. I have faith you can make it to the Olympics, and I’d fo’ sho’ put my bread on you in a race against . I cannot tell you the difference that you made in so many people’s - DJ Supa C, via email (, TX) lives this weekend by covering the Ohio Hip Hop Awards. My phone has not stopped blowing up since Saturday. We have been waiting so long for the industry to show us love and now OZONE is going JB, I was recently put on OZONE Magazine. I must say I enjoyed to be looked at as the forefront. The idea behind OZONE was a well- reading it because you touch on the issues that other mags don’t. I executed and ingenious plan. You focused on areas that everybody really love the fact that you feature a lot of underground artists. On else was overlooking. You have breathed so much life back into an another note, I’m very intrigued that you are a young woman with industry that has often become deaf to the underground Hip Hop your own magazine. You are a huge inspiration to me. movement. OZONE has taken off and now it seems every magazine - Jessica, via myspace (Alabama) is trying to fake the funk by piggybacking your concept. I saw a couple mags (who will remain nameless) go from a one page article to having half the magazine dedicated to indie Hip Hop artists. We OZONE is the Southern artists’ Bible. It is shit. But I live in can see through their bullshit and I know Ohio does too. the upstate of South Carolina and I feel that we aren’t represented - Rick Rucker, via email (Cleveland, OH) at all. There are hot cats up here just like there are in Columbia and Chucktown. TD the Don and Lil Ru did a show this past weekend here along with a local artist called Carolina James. Is there any way JB, I read your 2 cents in the Three 6 Mafia edition, and all I can say we can get up in OZONE? Our events go unnoticed. OZONE is the is WOW. I see your experiences with Publicists haven’t been too best mag out there, though. Damn the haters! exciting. I was actually surprised to read about your past and recent – Telly, via myspace (South Carolina) experiences. From reading, I can understand why you’re not too fond of publicists. But there are some stellar ones like myself who are just like you, grinding and hustling to build a dream and earn the respect Y’all did it again! Issue #71 was a success, way better then the last of the industry. I’m sure all Publicists don’t fall into the bad category. two. They were missing so much that I’m used to. Charlamagne for- I can’t speak for everyone else, but all I can say is that I respect the ever keeps it real and Wendy gives us inspiring artist information we hustle, from one hustler to another. wouldn’t know otherwise. I declare myself your biggest fan beacuse - Portia Jackson, via email (Las Vegas, NV) when y’all were here in Orlando I always had a copy. It’s motivation to me as a young artist to see that you can make it far despite of the so many others that’s trying to do the same thing. I’m still waiting What’s up, OZONE? Your mag is popping! I love how y’all do Rap- for y’all to do an issue on teen rappers. I should be the highlight! quest, but where is Richmond, VA? Virginia Beach ain’t running noth- - A.J.G Da Aviator, via myspace (Orlando,FL)

12 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 13 14 // OZONE MAG JB’s 2cents exist in the depths of solitude / Pondering my true goal / Trying to find peace of mind / And still preserve my soul / Constantly yearn- ing to be accepted / And from all receive respect / Never compro- mising but sometimes risky / And that is my only regret / A young Iheart with an old soul / How can there be peace / How can I be in the depths of solitude / When there are 2 inside of me / This duo within me causes / The perfect opportunity / To learn and live twice as fast / As 10 THINGS I’M those who accept simplicity. - This poem (from Tupac’s book The Rose That Grew From Concrete) is the only MOST HATIN’ ON thing I’ve ever considered permanently tattooing on my body. I’m an avid by Shawty Shawty ”What My Name Is?” reader who once devoured both the school library and public library, and it’s sad to see how books are becoming a lost art form. Most of us have devel- 1. GIRLS THAT WEAR TOO MUCH oped mini-ADD thanks to the internet and have no patience to sit and read MAKEUP a whole book anymore (myself included, unless I’m on a plane). But nothing I had this girl over at my house. She went I’ve ever read has summarized the secret insecurities of a true Gemini like to the bathroom and put on about 3 ERIC PERRIN this poem (I am proud to say that ‘Pac and I were born the same week). Most Me, Slim, & Candy @ the pounds of makeup: eye shadow, blush, and Dirty Awards people know that Geminis are twins, and even though I am one, after 27 mascara. Then she shaved her eyebrows years I have barely begun to figure out what that means. off, drew some mo’ eyebrows on, and put on some lip liner, teeth liner. I walked in the This duo within me causes the perfect opportunity to learn and live twice as bathroom and she asked, “What else do I fast as most of you, who seem to “accept simplicity.” I’ve always felt a burden need?” I said, “Embalming fluid, cause bitch, I can’t express in words. I know I’m different. I know I’m here for a reason and you dead!” I wish someone would tell me what the fuck it is. My work has brought me to incredible adventures all over the country, and I’m always wishing I could 2. Golddiggers just party and enjoy the moment and stop thinking so damn much. I’ll do for a woman, but I ain’t gon’ KINGPIN give her no money. I had this girl call me the Me & Wendy Day in Myrtle I feel disconnected from all of you. I could walk through crowds of thou- other day talkin’ bout she needed $700 dol- Beach sands of people anywhere - the mall, a concert, a rally, the airport, even the lars by 5:00 or they gon’ put all her furniture Vegas strip - and be completely alone. It can’t be just a Gemini thing, cause out on the curb. I told her, “I ain’t got $700 I know B.o.B. feels me. Ironically, writing this column is one of the few times dollars, but I got a truck.” I feel connected to other life forms, because of the random strangers - the T-Mobile store customer, the Wells Fargo telemarketer, or the Wachovia bank 3. Joe the Plumber drive-thru teller - who recognize me or my name and recite a line from my 2 He doesn’t represent the middle class. What Cents that touched them. about Barbara the Baby Mama? What about Fella the Felon? What about Freddie the I didn’t understand why everyone was shocked when Shakir killed himself. Faggot? What about Bobby the Bum? What

TERRENCE TYSON TERRENCE It’s a tragedy, to be sure, but he isn’t the only one dealing about ? Doesn’t he need a job? Me & Rocko @ the BET Hip with internal issues. Do you think he’s the only successful music industry Hop Awards executive that has contemplated this? Hell, I think about it sometimes. And 4. All women over 26 that ain’t who would I talk to? Who would stop me? Who would give a fuck? The last got no kids person I trusted with this type of information said I’m “too deep” for him. All She must got some bad pussy. You mean that expensive Ed Hardy gear sold for a reason: Love does kill slowly. So what don’t nobody wanna nut in her? choice do I have but to continue on in the depths of solitude, learning and living twice as fast? 5. Black women that don’t give head Kanye’s verse on “Put On” was the truest shit he ever wrote. The is so It’s some white bitches out there that’ll suck lonely because it’s the only place where you can afford to be. Being at the

New Orleans dry. ERIC PERRIN bottom is a communal struggle: you’re forced to have roommates, ask for Me & @ the rides when your shitty car breaks down, double or triple up in hotel rooms 6. The word “swag” Dirty Awards in ATL when you travel, and work shitty jobs where bonding with fellow employees A lot of y’all muthafuckas knew y’all was is the only way to get through the day. I’m nowhere near as rich as “fresh” back in 1985. Ol’ trendy ass nigga. Kanye, but now rhat I can afford to be in the “depths of solitude” it’s both a blessing and a curse. But it can only make me stronger. 7. Morehouse The rockstar era is over. Now, that means If I’m “too deep” for you this month, I apologize, and you can skip to you’re gay. You ain’t a rockstar, you’re a page 26 to read about Tity Boy’s big shiny chain (bling bling!). It’s cockstar. , word to . If another Tupac or Andre 3000 doesn’t come along soon, I’m about done with this shit. 8. My wife I’m hatin’ on my wife, ‘cause she keeps hatin’ Me, Eric, & Kerisha @ Hip Hop Awards - Julia Beverly, [email protected] on my girl.

9. All these “My President is Black” parties Jamie Foxx f/ T.I. “Just Like Me” Y’all know that nigga Barack Obama ain’t Kidd Kidd f/ “Living Room Floor” RE’Splaylist gon’ be there. Ne-Yo f/ Jamie Foxx & “She Got Her Own” [email protected] DJ B-Lord f/ Lil Ru & TD Da Don “Happy Juice” 10. Yung Berg (again) “I Wanna Know” T.I. “Illy” Nigga, GET SOME REAL SECURITY! Black Milk f/ Royce Da 5’9” “Losing Out” “Heartless” John Brown “Sarah Palin (I Wanna Lay Pipe)” Young Re “2nite” Check out Shawty Shawty at Uptown Comedy “Turn My Swag On” Joe Budden “Sidetracked” Corner in ATL every other Tuesday

OZONE MAG // 15 ABILENE/SAN Lola LuvO, TX: Citybird Base in Flight brought DJ Michael Watts and DJ Wild Hair to the Midnight Rodeo 3 Complex with EGZ, Slaughter House, Jubo, Bizz, Broke Kane and DJ Moody. West Texas Party Patrol hosted their First Annual Back 2 School Jump Off with DJ Fed and Sir Yungsta and Yung C. Big Sid hosted the and Tour along with Cisco Adler, First Class, Go Geda Records, Fresh to DALLAS/FT. WORTH, TX: Deaf, Fresh Off the Block, Playaz Choice, and DJ Skeet Skeet at Graham Central Big Chief released Vol. 6 of his Eat Greedy series at Club Enigma in the Station. First Class held it down with and Baby C. North. Exquisite and Jen-Gerbread have your PR needs. Bay Bay (above, - Christian Flores ([email protected]) with Big Chief) is officially in DFW everyday on K104 and they just added On Air Divas to the mid-day rotation. Ya-Ya has Member’s Only AUSTIN, TX: – your after-hours spot in the Southside. Definition DJ Steve D is hold- Bavu Blakes held it down on the Austin Ventures stage at the 2008 ACL (Austin ing down Club Starz. BMZ from Power Broker and DJ Wildhairr kicked City Limits) . DJ Kurupt from Hot 93.3 was Bavu’s DJ for the af- off their b-day bashes. Free Lil Soc, Bo Leg, Twisted Black, Mychal Jeter, ternoon. DJ Rapid Ric headed to Boston with for College Fest. Z-Ro from Red Rum, Lil Joe and Pat Bash! RIP Big Stuckett from HTE. Slim Thug, Pitbull, Trae, and Rob G were all on the same line-up for a show at - Edward “Pookie” Hall ([email protected]) Paradox. The Beat 104.9 was suddenly taken off the air. Original SUC () members, Lil Keke, Lil O, Big Pokey and ESG, came through town for CINCINNATI, OH: a show at Spiros. Maddwest Entertainment and their artist Ben Beamon have some hit - O.G. of Luxury Mindz (www.luxurymindz.com) songs blazing the streets of Cincinnati – “Fredd Flinnstone” and “Scooby Doo” are hot in the Clubs. DJ 96 is a Slip n Slide DJ in Lexington, KY. He’s BALTIMORE, MD: hungry and his fan base is rising fast. Studio Endure is customizing your The long awaited mixtape from Kode Street was finally released. Kode runs gear from head to toe with the most exclusive sneaker selections, as through flows with ease onKode of the Street and brings guest appearances well as graphic designers for Hip Hop Myspaces and websites. Contact from Comp, ShellBe RAW, XO, Rod Lee, and Samir. DJ DNA is back at it with Studio Endure 513-579-1120. WIZF has a new Program Director. Big a new line of mixtapes. He’s also managing a hot new artist named Kia Cal- Terrence “BT” wants to know how we can make the station better. Go to loway. Check her out at myspace.com/kiacalloway. www.wizfm.com and click on Email The Boss. - Darkroom Productions ([email protected]) - Judy Jones ([email protected]) , IL: COLUMBUS, GA: Macavelli has the #1 street team in Chicago covering all events, various artists, Another nice new club, Tabu, opened recently. H2O is a good spot for and steadily building clientele. Power 92 has discontinued the Power Hour. the mixed crowd. Lots of events have been popping off, like Cash P of J Lyn is a new R&B singer emerging on the scene and Implicit is a femcee Skintastic Body Arts’ Halloween Party which featured models in nothing making moves out here. Koch Records recently came to Chicago to scout but body paint. Smitty and J-Stylz of Foxie 105 did the City new talent. All artists catch up to industry standards by working singles to Classic special edition of the Urban Café, a jazzy event for the grown DJs, using blogs to expose music, going to industry events in and outside of and sexy. If you-know-who wins the election, look for a party of all par- Chicago, and building relationships. Stop thinking you got a buzz by getting ties to go down somewhere with yours truly smack-dab in the middle your record played on Go Ill Radio and harassing Timbuck2. Put in Work. of the dance floor! - Jamal Hooks ([email protected]) - Slick Seville ([email protected])

16 // OZONE MAG DAYTONA BEACH, FL: Grand Hustle’s Young Dro hit Club Aqua on the beach side with Ratt Productions and Wilin’ Entertainment. The Opa Locka Goon mur- HOUSTON, TX: dered a show at Club Xclusive with Tommie Tom The biggest thing to hit Houston recently was Hurricane Ent. and G-Type Promo. Barack Obama visited Ike, which left many homes flooded, without power, and the HBCU Bethune-Cookman University on his severely damaged. Without power for weeks, Houston was campaign trail to the White House. He spoke in in desperate need of ice. Chamillionaire, Trae the Truth, local the school’s Performing Arts Center to a packed radio stations, and the UrbanSouth/OZONE/Carnivo XO crowd. DJ Smallz and the Southern Smoke truck were there to help deliver. Speaking of Chamillionaire, College Tour made its first stop at Bethune-Cook- Mixtape Messiah 4 has been blazing the streets, as well as man and brought along Bizzle, Papa Duck, and Boss Hogg Outlawz’ Back By Blockular Demand. Daytona Beach’s own Sticks. - Ghost Da Hustla (Ghostdahustla.blogspot.com) - DJ Nailz ([email protected]) INDIANAPOLIS, IN: DENVER, CO: My O.G. bro came down from the M-Town for The last recording from Colorado legend Colfax a quick in and out show at a new club. Tink & Lifetime Ent. Cac, Elite Protégé, just hit the streets. It’s mixed killed the scene when they brought to Club by DJ Ktone and features Innerstate Ike, Young Industry over Labor Day weekend. Plies and the whole city Doe, Kevin Pistol, Dre Payne, Mr. Midas and more. came out to Club Tropicana for a sold-out performance. Killa WCM/Koch is now distributing Denver artists Will is holding it down. Unborn Records in Lafayette Square Young Doe, Hawkman, and Innerstate Ike. R&B is keepin’ the hood on the new music up-and-up. Pretty sensation Dom has something big up his sleeve, Ugly, Lil Nut, and DJ Black have come together for Indiana’s and Julox put in his two week notice. Urban Nerd first nationally distributed CD, featuring the top Indianapolis keeps the town in new fashion. Fly Mag is flood- artists, called Fuck-B-N-Local. ing the streets of the state. The Loft is still going - DJ Black ([email protected]) strong on Fridays, and Blue Ice is killing the town on Saturday nights. JACKSON, MS: - DJ Ktone (Myspace.com/djktonedotcom) Tambra Cherie held her annual Virgo bash at Freelon’s with DJ Aziatikk Blakk. OZONE Magazine was in the building , MI: and BET’s DJ Q45 hosted the event. It was definitely off the Detroit living legend dropped a new chain and brought out all the local entertainment and art- called Sacrificial Lambz. DJ DDT launched ists. Maino, , and Yung Steff all hit up the Annual whatsnextonthemenuning.com. Buff 1 from Battle of the Bands. Lil Will, MJG, and Yo Gotti hit the city Ann Arbor is gearing up to drop his new album. up too. The streets are starving for work with the recession Dingo A. Young of Deal Wit It Records is heating going on. The Sin City trip to Las Vegas giveaway was crazy. up the streets with his new single “D.I.N.G.O,” abd Everybody’s in Jackson putting in work. The Metro Music Expo went down at the Rock - Tambra Cherie ([email protected]) & Financial Showroom. Stax ([email protected]) - AJ ([email protected]) JACKSONVILLE, FL: COLUMBUS, OH: Midget Mac, P.I.T., and Loyalty Ent. are on tour promoting Rhymefest came through to rock the vote and Mac’s new single “Big Bank Roll” produced by Cashous Clay, talk about his new muppet show with Kanye. and P.I.T.’s “Lane 2 Lane” produced by M.Geezy. , Bobby Valentino, 8Ball and MJG, Pleasure P, and Young Dro, , Trina, and Fantasia all hit the city Plies stopped through, but the local music scene recently. Chopper Young City and Sean J. of Field Mob are was on fire! Wallabe dropped two back to rumored to be working on projects with Hustle House Ent. back: The Realest Alive and The Rapture. He was Bigga Rankin just released From Dade 2 Duval with Brisco, also just named Director of Arts and Entertain- and From Zone 6 to Duval with Gucci Mane. ment at Trendsetter Magazine in Atlanta. Check - Lil Rudy ([email protected]) him out at myspace.com/wallabe614. Two other groups from the CO have just put out mixtapes. The LAS VEGAS, NV: 3rd released The Fixtape and Fly Union collabed with Mick Young Jeezy held a listening party for The Recession with Boogie for Closed Doors Open Windows (above left). Check DJ Franzen. Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino is keeping them out on www.flypaperblog.com. the parties lit, with Too $hort at Club Asia and The Dream at - Yohannan Terrell ([email protected]) Prive Nightclub. , , and slid through town to party at Poetry Nightclub. For laughs, check out co- GAINESVILLE, FL: median Mike P’s comedy show at Poetry on Saturday nights. Whenever the Gators play, the city is insane. After every game, win or lose, Las Vegas installed x-ray vision scanners at the McCarran we party hard. Plasma Nightclub is the official hangout spot for UF athletes, International Airport when you pass through the security and is always swole on Saturdays after games. Mr. Ripper, a.k.a. King of the gates. No flying dirty. Club, also puts it down Saturday nights at the Venue. There’s some changes - Portia Jackson ([email protected]) at MAGIC 101.3, with the night show being taken over by Klarc Shepard and the late nights by yours truly. The Ville finally has a weekend after-hours Lola LuvES, CA: spot at The Panda, which doesn’t close until 5 in the morning. The Wiltern Theatre presented N*E*R*D and Common to a - Jett Jackson ([email protected]) sold out crowd courtesy of Power 106. N*E*R*D’s set was bananas and Common performed his old favorites and the HOLLYWOOD, CA: entirety of his new album Universal Mind Control. Janet , Pacific Division, and rocked the house to a set Jackson blew out the Staples Center a la . DJed by Jazzy Jeff at Area. DJ Quik was at the Key Club where he practiced The Avalon off Vine and Hollywood Blvd. had a daytime his crowd diving and performed all his hits with a live band. Ice Cube, WC, show featuring Strong Arm Steady. Living Legends and and Crazy Toonz got it in, promoting Cube’s new album Raw Footage at Murs held down the Anaheim House of and Jimmy House of Blues. Jeremy Greene debuted his music alongside Roscoe Umali Lovine held a showcase at his infamous Tom Tom club with for an event promoted by DJ Warrior. and Muggs held their al- a performance from Virgin Island born and Atlanta based bum release party for Pain Language at Whiskey-A-Go-Go. got down group R. City. with the St. Lunatics and Avery Storm at House of Blues with surprise sets - Devi Dev ([email protected]) from and Keak da Sneak. - Devi Dev ([email protected])

OZONE MAG // 17 PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL: Palm Beach County’s rap movement is at an all time high with unsigned talent such Finesse, Kanibal, Triple J, Smooth, Papa Duck and Mr. Flic. More and more northerners are moving to the Palm Beach Area and you know what that means – more variety in our underground Rap music. Club C&N is still jumping with their Wednesday night open mic show. Florida Atlantic University’s radio station is taking over the street on the south side, and Club Phantom, Club Pulse, Ultra Lounge, and Mirage are still running the night life in the 56Ace. - DJ Pro (Myspace.com/profeshinell) MEMPHIS, TN: KILLEEN/BELTON/FT. HOOD/TEMPLE/ Radio personality Tina Tilton formulated a great plan to help new artists WACO, TX: reach out to the city. Her show Video Waves airs on Comcast 30 Tuesdays Quick Mixx Rick of 97.9 The Beat aired “My Swag 2 Clean” by DJ Mack at midnight. She and other hosts put together a new show every night full featuring Lil Za of B.O.C. and Lil Wayne’s artist Lil Twist. Black Sound Ent. of interviews, inspiration, and new artists. Computer (pictured at right with released their new album. Damm D hit the stage with his single “Love Me” ), with Hypnotized Mindz, is back in Memphis utilizing his rap game at The Music Vault. Lil C Da Mic Wrecka performed at Spiro’s. Obsessions knowledge and computer skills to launch his booking and promotions com- by Carolyn held a Voter’s Registration Drive with The BabySitter of Clear pany, www.235kreative.com. He’s done a great job so far with clients like Lil Channel Radio Z92.3, and OZONE was there to represent. Motorcycle Jon, , and Gorilla Zoe. Free Sol and Justin Timberlake finished a Club’s number-one stunnas, Slo Motions and Soul II Soul, showed their new hit produced by Timberland and it’s breaking through repping the M. support. Ron Foster and KTCOK.com held a military tour for our US Troops - Deanna Brown ([email protected]) with acts like , 2 Face, J Xavier, Carl Thomas, DJ Mack, Trina, and at Hood Stadium. PITTSBURGH, PA: - Tre Dubb (Myspace.com/mackonthariserecords) It’s football season and everybody is headed for the goal line. Press shot a big-budget video for “She Wanna a D Boy” while Boaz and Owey have also MANATEE COUNTY, FL: turned their hit singles into videos. Ikey Bubz is still getting his shine on Tampa’s Acafool, a.k.a. “Mr. Hata Blockas,” is continuing the grind with his and F-Block is still in the streets. Treeze has Da Kushpack mixtape is coming newest single “She’s Ready,” which is featured on HollyWood Red’s Boycott soon and U.P.S., P.I.F.F. Boyz, Young Monk, M-Skeazy are all on their grind. Commercial Radio Volume One. S-N-S Street artist Chill the Million Dollar Timebomb is still killing the streets with the hottest gear and mixtapes. Man is promoting his newest mixtape Can’t Hide This Money hosted by DJ - Lola Sims ([email protected]) Khaled. Palmetto’s gigantic Club Hall is preparing for an upcoming Plies concert, presented by Firm Life Ent. TAMPA, FL: - Hollywood Red ([email protected]) The Tampa Bay Rays won the A.L. East divisional title, to the tune of Cristol’s “It’s Our Season” featuring Bay Boi and Big Gill. Tom G finally released a MIAMI, FL: video for his radio/club smash “I’m There,” while Rahim Samad delivered A new label is coming out of the 3-0-5 called Swagga Ent. The label another solid video for his track “John Horse.” The DJ team beat the Artists includes a Hip Hop male quartet called Da Freshman, Trina protégés Pretty team decisively in the 1st Annual DJ C.L.I.P.S. Charity Softball Game (right), Money, and even a rock band called Another Day, proving the label is be- which raised a considerable sum for the late DJ’s son. DJ Spinatik teams up yond versatile. The return of Karu n Y went down with 1,800 people deep. with T.I. for Street Runnaz: The Paper Trail Edition. Remember DJ Khaled’s album is in stores now! - Slick Worthington ([email protected]) - Supa Cindy (www.Myspace.com/Supadupe) ST. LOUIS, MO: MONTGOMERY, AL: Nelly’s new album Brass Knuckles hit stores with a total of 83,000 the first Small Tyme Ballaz recently had a reunion party and every original member week. DJ Sno had a nice turn out for his b-day party at Delmar Lounge. He’s showed up except Jungle Baby. Rich Boy and Jackie Chain did it big at still holding down the STL Home Jamz on 104.1FM on Sundays from 11 PM Club Boomerangs. Apollo Wednesday at Boomerangs has artists from - midnight. Radio vet Craig Blac has popped back up on the scene with his everywhere coming through to perform. Nito Da Don, OZ, and Pley Boi Renegade show on www.riverfrontradio.com. You can catch him support- are some of the mic champions. On Sundays, Herve Owens, DJ George, ing STL artists Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays 4-6 PM central. Another and Chris Hester hold down the comedy. The hottest local song right now STL-based internet station exposing local artists is THE WAVE at www.wav- is Eldorado Red’s “Stack of Ones” ft. King South and Killa Katt. Bama Ben is eradio1.com. They do a weekly podcast and a one-hour show on Saturday holding it down, and so is DBF. Rich Boy dropped an exclusive verse for DJ nights from 11pm-midnight. The podcast is carried on one hundred FM Frank White’s Alabama mixtape. stations in France. - Hot Girl Maxximum ([email protected]) & DJ Frank White - Jesse James ([email protected]) ([email protected]) TALLAHASSEE, FL: NASHVILLE, TN: FAMU’s Homecoming went down October 31 through November 2. Young Just in time for homecoming, Nashville got a preview of the newest Jeezy and T.I. were the headliners for the annual FAMU Homecoming con- additions to the city courtesy of Barfly, Lot 7 and the Wet Dymes. Paper cert at The Leon County Civic Center. In addition to the big weekend, the is already working on his next project with Coop and will be feeding the Homecoming edition of TJs DJs Tastemakers Music Conference went down streets once again. The new TV show Hip Hop in the Ville is off and run- at The Moon. You already know it was off the chain! ning, bringing additional light to the city and those making moves. Mix- - DJ Dap ([email protected]) tapes on the move are MUG with DJ Smallz and Deuce with DJ Teknikz. Rob Dee has the city buzzin’ with his new video. Speaking of videos, Iceman’s latest video was snatched from YouTube (it was hot!). - Janiro ([email protected])

18 // OZONE MAG WASHINGTON, DC: Dre “All Day in the Paint” hosts an open mic every Tuesday at the Legend Nightclub. Rapper 20 Bello hosts the Proving Grounds showcase Wednesdays at the Island Cafe. Brother Maniac and have assembled 20 of the best emcees in the DMV on a posse cut called “Roll with Us.” Former Roc- A-Fella executive Kenny Burns has struck gold again with Marky. Be on the TULSA, OK lookout for Marky’s first single “Sheila.” On the mixtape circuit, check outThe The 1st annual Black Wall Street Classic football game and Battle of the Bands First 48 by Solo (Queen of the DMV), Smokin on My Black by Carty Yeah, and between Langston University and Lincoln University took place at Booker Voice of the Metro by Lyriciss Flowz. T. Washington High School. DJ Biggrich and DJ Earthquake of the Fleet - Sid “DCSuperSid” Thomas ([email protected]) DJs conducted a very entertaining interview via Sirius Satellite Radio with Houston rapper Trae tha Truth. Trae explained the OZONE Awards incident MACON, GA: involving the scuffle he had with fellow Texas rapper . An up- DJ Rick Flare’s No Mercy mixtape just hit the streets and Tex James of the and-coming artist by the name of EP just released a new single called “Do Ya Kadalack Boyz is bringing some heat with his Back to the Streets mixtape. Swag” which is in heavy rotation on 105.3 K Jams. His single “This Side” is making some street noise. Doski Wo’s Mutiny on the - DJ Bigg Rich ([email protected]) Bounty mixtape is out and features a lot of great artists. They’re bringing it to a city near you with a 15-week tour (check your local listings). - Ali Roc ([email protected])

OZONE MAG // 19 DEATH | By Wendy Day (www.RAP-COALITION.COM)

had written an article for this month’s column about the proliferation of negativity and birthplace (city and state) Mother’s full maiden name, birth date and birthplace in this industry—namely, HATERS! It has gotten so bad that some of my more (city and state). Keep copies of your official birth certificate and social security card powerful friends have been holding conference calls to block and destroy the with this personal information. people who are attacking them with words (publicly and privately). I am a more • Personal Data: Year moved to current address; Education: High school attended, Ikarma-driven person than a pro-active blackballer, but I understand it. year graduated, colleges attended, dates of graduation and degrees. • Occupation: Employed by or retired from and any additional employment informa- But you’ll have to wait til next month to read about how to handle the haters in your tion you want known; Church Membership or Affiliation; Heritage/Ancestry; Veteran: life, because last night I heard that Shakir Stewart shot and killed himself. And while Branch of Service, Date enlisted, Serial number, Date of discharge, Location of I understand why people want to stop the pain they are feeling, I have to admit that discharge papers, Last rank, Additional military information (It is helpful if a copy of the news of his death shocked the shit out of me. It brought back the pain I felt when I the veteran’s discharge and form DD214 are stored with this personal profile); Profes- heard Pac passed, and when I got that call from Vanessa Satten at XXL telling me there sional/Fraternal/Charitable/Social Organizations. were rumors that had died. She wanted me to call his Mom to see if he was • People to Notify: List Full name, address, phone number and your relationship to okay. Nah, I’ll pass on making that call: “I hear your son may be dead. Have you heard?” this person I immediately called Chad’s cell phone and was able to leave him a voicemail—that • Personal Records: List all Bank Accounts-- Checking and Savings-- Name of bank, was an encouraging sign that his voicemail wasn’t full. I called Julia Beverly at OZONE Type of account, Address, Phone number, Account number; Safe Deposit : Name and Grouchy Greg at AllHip Hop, neither of whom had heard the rumor yet—more of bank, Address, Telephone, The name on the box if not your own, Location of key; In- good signs. Both did call me back within the hour to verify his death, however, while surance Policies List policies with name of Company, Policy number, Name of insured, my assistant called Greg Street who also verified it as truth, not fiction. Amount of benefit, Beneficiary, Location of policies; Pension Plan: Name of company, address; Real Estate Owned: Address, Location of Deeds and Titles, other documents The thing about death is that it is both personal and public. So not only do you have related to the real estate to deal with your own feelings of loss, but you have to deal with others’ reactions • Location of Important Papers: Automobile Registration; Birth Certificate; Income as well. So, not only did Shakir leave my life, and the industry, but he left the lives of Tax Records for past 3 years; Marriage Certificate/Divorce certificate; Last Will and Tes- his family, friends, children, co-workers, artists, and fans. He also left the people he tament; Original Last Will and Testament and the copies; Stocks and Bonds; Attorney’s interacted with along the course of his daily life, from the person who cut his hair to Name, Address, Phone number; Accountant’s Name, Address, Phone number; the guy who parks his car or sells him coffee in the morning. Executor’s Name, Address, Phone number; Real Estate Broker’s name, Address, Phone number; Stockbroker’s Name, Address, Phone Number; Authorized persons to arrange Bear with me as I write about death, because I’m trying to understand the loss of a guy final details of funeral (chose two); Additional information: extra keys, car title, bills, who from the outside looking in seemed to have everything going for him - success, a loans that need to be paid off, etc. dream job, a great life, money, connections, power, kids - but youu never know what • Funeral Service : Choice of funeral home, name, address and phone the next person is going through. number; Type of service, Catholic, protestant, new age etc.; Location of service, name address and phone Officiate, Clergy, other: Name, address and phone. Other speakers When Biggie passed away, it was a mess. He left behind a wife, a mother, children, and or readers at servicName, address and phone numbers; Participating Organization: a label CEO, all of whom seemed to have some stake in ownership in him. Biggie left Fraternal or Military Pallbearers: Name, Address, phone numbers; Honorary Pallbear- no will, no paperwork, no instructions for what HE wanted to happen after his death, ers: Name, Address, and phone numbers. Obituary: Yes or No, Photo attached?; Name so there was nothing to sort out the mess besides time and fighting. When Pimp C of newspaper, address; Family Visitation: yes or no; Public Visitation: Yes or no; Casket: passed, it was also a mess. He had a wife who had legal say, but also a mother, artists, Open or closed; Casket typSteel, Copper, Bronze, Wood, other; Casket Color, Interior a label, and a partner, all of whom had emotional claim to what came next. Chad also Color; Flag: Yes or No, Folded or Draped; Clothing: From current wardrobe or new; died without leaving any instructions. Jewelry: Yes or No; Preference of Flowers; Memorials: Full name and mailing address; Favorite Poetry, scriptures or other readings; Music; Items to Display: Collection of The outcome after your may be a scenario that you would never want to have Family Photographs, Favorite possessions, Family mementos, Awards received; Special happen. So handle it now. Here are the basics: Items to be placed in casket, etc. • A Will: A will is a legal document that enforces your wishes of what happens in the • Cremation: Urn: Wood, Metal, Steel, Copper, Bronze, other Disposition of Remains- event of your death. It says who gets what, whether you’ll be buried or cremated, if - Earth burial, Entombment, Kept by the family, Scattering, other Special instruc- you want to donate organs or body parts, and who gets to make decisions about your tions if kept by family: Special instructions for scattering. If Earth Burial: Outer Burial estate. When I die, I want to be cremated and sprinkled in the ocean, and this docu- Container: Yes or No Concrete, Steel, Bronze, Other Exterior Color Inscription Name of ment specifies exactly that. Cemetery: Location: Lot in name of: Section: Lot: Block: Plot: Inscription for memorial • Life InsurancIf you have children or loved ones that you want supported financially, marker: If Entombment: Name of Columbarium, Location, Inscription for memorial after you are no longer alive to do so, get an insurance policy. I pay a little under a marker thousand dollars a year for a million dollars worth of coverage. If I die, my Mom will become a wealthy woman because it is my intention to take care of her as she gets There are professionals who handle this planning for you before you die; lawyers and older, and if I am not here to do so, someone has to. accountants who specialize in estate planning. But the bottom line is that you need • An Estate Executor: If you are someone who has wealth, this is an important aspect to take care of it now. After you pass away, it’s difficult enough for those you leave of your instructions. You need to choose a friend, a family member, or a professional behind. Don’t allow them to fight amongst each other because you were too lazy, or (like an accountant, lawyer, or business manager) to handle your business when you too scared, to plan for your future beyond your life—especially if you have kids. are gone. Biggie’s mom handles his estate. Tupac’s mom handles his estate. A business manager named Artie Erk handles ‘s estate. My entertainment attorney will I have watched too many friends die and the uncertainty is cruel, at best. When Proof handle my estate. I trust him and he knows me well enough to know what I’d want passed away, he had an entire but no instructions on who’d run it, how and not want. it would run, how it would be funded, or what would happen to the staff and artists signed to the label. I can’t imagine Proof would have wanted it to end like that. When Here are some of the things an Executor will need to know: Pimp C passed away, the careers of his artists came to a grinding halt. This forced • Vital Statistics and Data: Parent’s address, children’s names and addresses (and his wife to wake up the next morning as a label owner, plus deal with her husband’s birthdates), and your correct date of birth. Gather this information in a notebook: death, whether she wanted that responsibility or not. Full Name, Address, Birthplace, Date of birth, Social Security number, Marital status, Husband or wife’s name, Children names and dates of birth, Father’s name, birth date Planning for your death doesn’t mean you are going to die anytime soon. It’s just the responsible thing to do. And if Biggie, Pac, Proof, Pimp C, and others made plans for what would happen when and if they passed away, it would have made the lives so much easier for those they left behind. Folks will already be grieving over your loss. To make them step up and handle business, make hard decisions, and fight over what remains (worst case scenario) is crueler than cruel. //

20 // OZONE MAG Missing In Action Archie Eversole Last seen: 2002 Spotted In: Atlanta, GA @ wild as hell. I was beating niggas up in the club, Chicago’s Very Own religiously. I was taking the anger I had towards [Phat Boy CEO Mason Hall] and how he did me Restaurant in out on some other shit. I’m a God- Back in 2002, 16-year-old Archie Eversole was fearing man, and you’ve got to forgive [people]. riding high on Atlanta’s pre- explosion If you don’t do that, you can’t move on. You wave. His debut album Ride Wit MDirty South can’t cry over spilled milk. You’ve gotta get up Style was one of the year’s most popular albums and keep grinding. I ain’t got time for that shit off the strength of his smash hit “We Ready.” The anymore. I’ve got mouths to feed. anthem that borrowed from Steam’s 1969 nov- elty hit and sports arena favorite “Na Na Hey Kiss Do you feel like a new artist more than a Him Goodbye” made the charismatic Atlanta- returning one? representer both a regional and national star. For the people who don’t know me, yeah, I feel Unfortunately, his shine faded away after years new. But the people who do know me, I’m still of contract disputes with his former label Phat me. I just got back from Miami, and people who Boy/MCA, practically silencing him for six years. still know me tell me I ain’t changed a bit, espe- Now 22, Archie has returned independently with cially at my shows. I dropped “We Ready” when I his new label Slummed Out Ent./Dry Rain Enter- was 16. The kids that were 10 [years old] at that tainment, a joint venture with platinum producer time are now 16 or 17. They might need an older Needlez (, Young Buck, Rich Boy, , dude to remind them who I am. ). With plenty of years still ahead of him, Archie is back on the scene with his new Do you look at going through the situation you single “What Money Sounds Like.” He wants to did so early in your career as a blessing? get the world ready all over again. I feel like that’s the biggest thing. I tell my part- ners that I feel like I’m the most blessed young What have you been doing? nigga in this music business. One, I got the op- I’ve been doing production. You know Ray portunity to have a name [already]. We all know Lavender from Konvict? I did a couple records that makes its that much easier. When the [radio for him on the production tip. I’ve been grinding, station] program directors see my CD they go, just trying to work. I was stuck in that [Phat Boy] “Oh, ? I fuck with that little nigga.” Being deal for like 5 years, and that’s what pushed me a youngin’ in the game, people want to help you, to the dungeon. I couldn’t put out any records like, “Oh, that’s my little homie.” So when they legally, so I had to start pushing in another direc- see you, they want to see you win. As soon as tion. I get in the streets here and there. Ask ‘em they hear that I’m not around [my former CEO] about me, they’ll tell you. anymore, they’re like, “Oh, what’s up!” That’s the biggest blessing of it all. What’s changed about you since then? Stepping in at a young age, you’re just doing it Words by Maurice G. Garland for the love of rapping. But then you start look- Photo by Ben Rose ing at these contracts and realize that it’s way more than just rapping. There’s money getting made out here. So I went in that direction. You Since Archie’s Last Album: need to pick up the book All You Need to Know George W. Bush created the U.S. De- About the Music Business. Read it, don’t breeze partment of Homeland Security through it. I did that myself, which got me into the situation I’m in now where I’m a partner in Two Olympic Games passed the label, not just an artist. Three Spider-Man movies have been You appear to be pretty happy. What’s kept you released from coming back out on bitter note? FUBU has gone out of style People that know me will tell you that I was

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

A. When was the me out because she of my music. I try to last time you walked wasn’t playin’. She was make sure everything through the mall by really serious. She was I put out is representa- yourself? definitely persistent. tive of me. If I don’t like I go places by myself Damn, something I’ll go back all the time. The trick is Bobby, this story in the studio and recut to go to lowkey spots. could’ve been it. I like my music to be Hood Deeds I was at Perimeter Mall so much better—for a almost perfect. By Eric Perrin in Atlanta myself a few wasted opportunity, This is a cop-out a few days ago. I go to you get no points. answer. A few months ago, the 12th annual Zo’s Summer Groove kicked off Phipps and the little in Miami, with the intention of raising money to benefit students of high-end boutiques. D. Have you ever G. Ever had a real life Miami-Dade County schools. “Our schools rank 47th or 48th out of 50 Bobby V gets been kicked out of a experience with a states in this country,” laments Mourning. “We’ve got 54 percent of the credit for being club or a hotel? lady cop? kids in Miami-Dade County not graduating from high school. Those able to walk Yeah, I was doing a Yeah, I got pulled over are very disturbing statistics to me.” through the mall show out in London by my house. I was do- alone, especially since and I got on the mic ing like 120, and it was Not only do Miami Dade County students have a tendency to drop- so many “gangsta” and told everybody late at night coming out, but they are much more likely to turn to violence and crime than rappers roll with more in the club there home from the studio drop-outs from other parts of the country. “Without the opportunities security than Barack was gonna be an and I was real tired. others provided for me and Dwayne [Wade] as a child, we wouldn’t Obama. after party in my hotel I already knew I was be in the position we’re in today,” says Mourning. “We believe every room. I gave out my either gonna get a fat child has the ability. They just don’t have the resources. It’s up to us as B. What’s the strang- room number and ticket or get taken to responsible adults to provide the resources for these kids to grow and est request you have everything, I was jail. But when the cop be productive citizens in our society.” on your rider? tripping! About 100 came to the car and it My rider is pretty basic, people showed up, was a lady, I got excit- The opportunity Mourning has provided, for the last 12 years, is Zo’s but I do have candy and it turned into a ed. She was young and Summer Groove. The three-day event, which is co-sponsored by and stuff like Starburst, big party. It got kinda cute; she was hot! I had Publix, was co-hosted this year by Dwayne Wade. “It’s very impressive sour Skittles, gummi out of control, so they to spit some game. Me [how] it has continued to grow,” says Wade. “There’s a lot of pressure on bears, gum, and a fruit kicked us out. and her became very mNow I’ve got to help it get better and better.” tray. I don’t really stress After the party close. Actually, we’re when it comes to the it’s the hotel still close to this day. rider, but I gotta have lobby…but And I definitely didn’t my candy. I don’t need damn, those hatin’ ass, get a ticket. She let me my M&M’s lined up in stuck up 5-star English go home. different colors or any- hotels. We gotta give If this story is thing, but I definitely Bobby credit for trying. true, Bobby gotta have my fruits V definitely and candy. E. What’s the weirdest redeems himself with Candy and fruit thing you’ve ever put this experience. are cool, but not in your mouth? 1. Lil Nut This Indianapolis rapper (right) actually changed his gangsta rider I don’t know what it Scor3/7 name from Big Headed Nut to Lil’ Nut. No, seriously. To requests at all. was, but it was some Bobby V shows flashes food I had when I was of gangsta potential, avoid having to follow every word with a “no homo” or a “pause,” we’ll just leave it up to your imagination to What’s the most in Japan. Whatever it but he still needs some C. come up with your own laughs. To his credit, though, interesting thing a fan was, it was real nasty. work to truly be a G’. Lil Nut’s music doesn’t sound all that bad. Think a laid- has ever asked you? It was like sushi times back DMX-like voice and delivery mixed with Gucci I was on a plane and ten. Over there they Check out his new Mane’s content and a Memphis attitude and sound. this girl asked for my eat pure, raw fish. album The Rebirth, autograph. Then, like No points. You could’ve coming in 2009 on Blu ten minutes later, she put something nastier Kolla Dreams/Capitol 2. Full Penetration Promotions had the flight atten- in your mouth a couple Records. This project, This company specializes in sending email blasts of their clients’ new dant deliver me a note questions earlier on his first since splitting music, but the name suggests they provide clients with another type that said, “I wanna do the plane. with DTP, promises to of service. Let’s hope they’re not raping people with their prices. it to you right now on be full of “real down to the plane.” The girl was F. What’s the worst earth music” - gangsta 3. Stayin’ High Records pretty bad too, but she song you’ve ever or not. Not sure how many albums you can expect to record and release if was kinda young so I recorded? you’re always high. didn’t do it. It tripped I don’t really regret any - Eric Perrin

22 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Young Jeezy & BG @ House of Blues for Young Jeezy’s party in New Orleans, LA (Photo: Marcus DeWayne); JR Get Money, Yung LA, & Young Dro @ Vibe Yardfest in Atlanta, GA; Freeway & Maino @ pool party during the CORE DJs Retreat in Myrtle Beach, SC (Photos: Julia Beverly)

01 // Young Jeezy & ladies @ Amore for Young Jeezy’s birthday party (Atlanta, GA) 02 // Jarvis & DJ Judgemental @ Frequency for GreenHitz & ATL Clubs’ DJ Event (Atlanta, GA) 03 // Ladies on the set of Yung LA’s “Aint I” remix video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 04 // Big Kuntry, DJ Chuck T, & Ike G Da @ Asylum Records showcase during the CORE DJs Retreat (Myrtle Beach, SC) 05 // Kaspa the Don, The Game, & guest @ The Artistry (Atlanta, GA) 06 // Taydizm & T-Pain @ Vibe Yardfest (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Big Kuntry, Yung LA, & BOB @ Kryptonite for The CORE DJs Award Show (Myrtle Beach, SC) 08 // DJ Drama, Gucci Mane, DJ Holiday, Yung Ralph, Yo Gotti, & Zaytoven on the set of Gucci Mane’s “Bricks” video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 09 // Tony Neal & Maino @ Kryptonite for The CORE DJs Award Show (Myrtle Beach, SC) 10 // DJ Dynamite & Nile Goodwin @ Kryptonite for The CORE DJs Award Show (Myrtle Beach, SC) 11 // David KA & Yung Joc @ Club 595 for Yung Joc’s Ace of Spades birthday party (Atlanta, GA) 12 // Hip Hop Friends & Piccalo @ The CORE DJs Retreat (Myrtle Beach, SC) 13 // Fiya & Mercedes @ Kryptonite for The CORE DJs Award Show (Myrtle Beach, SC) 14 // RawLT & Troublesome @ Trae Day (Houston, TX) 15 // BG & Hurricane Chris @ Seabreeze (Jacksonville, FL) 16 // DJ Lil Boy & Lloyd @ Vibe Yardfest (Atlanta, GA) 17 // Greg Street & DJ Infamous @ Vibe Yardfest (Atlanta, GA) 18 // Maino & P Wonda @ Atlantic Records pool party during the CORE DJs Retreat (Myrtle Beach, SC) 19 // Papa Duck, Bigga Rankin, & Rarebreed @ The Moon for Big Spendaz Ent (Tallahassee, FL) 20 // Michelle Brown of StraightFromTheA.com & Necole Bitchie @ Amore for Young Jeezy’s birthday party (Atlanta, GA)

Photo Credits: Eric Perrin (03,08,11); Ichigo (14); Julia Beverly (01,04,06,07,09,10,13,16,17,18,20); Kingpin (12); Ms Rivercity (02,05); Terrence Tyson (15,19)

OZONE MAG // 23 Glasses Malone is heavy in the streets of L.A. and CHIN CHECK he can move in any circle because he gets what he gives, and that is respect. We were eating at By Charlamagne Tha God a Denny’s in the middle of Watts and he had his Bentley sitting outside and no one thought of jacking that brother. Everyone from the patrons to the waiters was showing that brother love. DEAR , L.A., I do things when I’m with you that I don’t Crooked I set up bar tabs for me and had the do when I’m in New York or at home in South strippers give me free lapdances, and he wasn’t I never told you this before, but I really, really, Carolina, like smoke weed. When in Rome, do even at the club yet. Bishop isn’t into all that shit. really, fucks with you. I almost feel like I’m cheat- as the Romans do, right? Every time I inhale The realist thing he ever said to me was when I ing on you with my main, South Carolina. I try to some of that good ol’ Cali ganja I never regret asked him what was popping in L.A. that night. disillusion myself by saying, “I’m going to see my it. Remember when I was out there and Phil Da He responded, “I have no idea.” Bishop’s Confes- boo SC.” Southern or South Carolina, Agony from Strong Arm Steady had his born day sional mixtape makes you realize that every it’s all the same, right? Wrong! Home is where the party at this hotel I can’t remember the name of? emcee in L.A. is not all about Impalas, bitches heart is and my heart is forever in South Carolina, We were on the roof and my man King, who was and chronic. but when I’m out there with you, I feel - dare I say with Krondon and Mitchy Slick, was showing me - comfortable? I feel like I’ve known you forever. love, telling me he fucks with me heavy. Then L.A.’s new west Hip Hop scene is the shit. I just he reached in his pocket and gave me like $50 pray those brothers get the same chances that In 1992, The Chronic was the soundtrack to my worth of some good ass Cali kush. Do you know Snoop, Dre, Cube, Xzibit and other West Coast life. I was 13 smoking weed and yelling, “Bitches I got high and went into the Scientology Center emcees who came before them did. You would ain’t shit but hoes and tricks!” In 1993 I was pray- to ask if Tom Cruise was there? I asked the re- think those brothers would be putting more of ing Snoop didn’t get locked up for that murder ceptionist at the front desk if they had any spare these new West Coast artists in positions; giving charge. When he yelled, “I’m innocent!” at the spaceships I could borrow. them a hand, but I guess that’s hard to do when 1994 MTV Awards after performing “Murder Was you’re still trying to rap your damn self. “To Live The Case,” I was screaming at my mom, “I told you That’s how high I like to be when I do smoke. and Die in L.A.”, Pac said it best, “It’s the place to he didn’t do it! Now give me back my Doggystyle I don’t want to get high and do normal shit I be / You got to be there to know it, everybody CD!” L.A., there’s just something about you. I see would always do, and I can only get that high in wanna see.” I’ll be seeing you soon, baby. Writing why they call you the City of Angels, because I Cali. The other thing I do when I’m with you and this letter has me about to go to cheapair.com feel close to God when I’m with you. not on the East Coast is white women. Cali white and book my ticket and call my homegirl Toni at women are different. I’m talking about straight The Standard hotel downtown and tell her to re- I tell all the time that they haven’t Elizabeth Hasselback Republican white women serve my rooms. L.A., until I see you again, peace! lived until they’ve ridden down Sunset in a drop who dance off beat when T.I. comes on and who on the way to 7009 Sunset Blvd. That’s the In & would never think about bringing me home to Love Always, Out Burger. The locals, like my homegirl Devi Dev meet daddy. I don’t sleep with these women, we of 93.5 The Beat, tell me that In & Out is the most just have good drunk conversation. But I do think Charlamagne Tha God a.k.a. Charla Chronic overrated place ever. Every time I go there, the about banging them. For some reason I never lines look like I’m voting for a president and all have those thoughts on the east coast. Why P.S.: Stupid Dope Moves Inc presents No Time I’m trying to do is order a Double Double Animal don’t I sleep with them, you ask? Because I’m too Zone (Ode To The West) hosted by Glasses style (you have to check their Not So Secret Menu busy having sex with the prettiest Latino women Malone and The Game coming soon!!! You know for that) so I don’t know what she’s talking about. Cali has to offer. You know that line when Jeezy we’ve got this digital mixtape game on smash! Dev is on some veggie shit anyway. She had me says, “My Spanish chick in L.A., yeah, I owe her Over half a million downloads this year! Cali, I eating Thai food last time I was with you. It was one”? Man, I owe mine two, maybe three. got you! good, but I really wanted to go to Roscoe’s, and not the one on Sunset and Gower either. I used She’s so damn beautiful, I call her Sunshine. to go to that one until my other homegirl Keisha We like to role play. We act out Training Day. I Nicole of 93.5 The Beat told me that’s the one pretend to be Denzel and she pretends to be all the tourists go to. She said if I wanted the Eva Mendes. Remember the part were Denzel real Roscoe’s dining experience, I have to fuck walks in and tells her to fix Hoyt a plate and then with the one on Manchester and Main. I knew they show Denzel waking Hoyt up? We act out that one was going to be great when I pulled up the scene they didn’t show. Whatever Denzel and heard a brother out there threatening the and Eva were doing took long enough for Hoyt valet to find him a parking space. He must have to fall asleep, so we act that out. Yeah, man, L.A. really wanted that Roscoe’s Big Mama Special loves me and I love L.A. and its music scene. All (scrambled eggs delicately mixed with onions my new favorite artists are either from L.A. or and cheese, served with potatoes smothered in South Carolina. It’s weird because I have personal gravy and a biscuit). relationships with all these dudes, like Glasses Malone, Crooked I, Bishop Lamont, and the Is it fucked up for me to have the number to Strong Arm Steady Gang. I love these brothers’ Roscoe’s in my phone? Is that normal? Listen, music, and they’re good people.

24 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Alfamega & BG @ Crucial for Grand Hustle BBQ in Atlanta, GA; Buckeey & Black on the set of Gucci Mane’s “Bricks” video shoot in Atlanta, GA (Photos: Eric Perrin); & Young Jeezy @ Amore for Young Jeezy’s birthday party in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly)

01 // & Leo G @ Wildhorse Saloon for Young Buck’s party (Nashville, TN) 02 // Bankroll Jones, Breneshia, & Seventeen @ Picazo (Houston, TX) 03 // Bay Bay & Big Chief @ Club Enigma for Big Chief’s Eat Greedy Vol 6 release party (Dallas, TX) 04 // Ed from Miskeen, Keith Kennedy, & Malik Abdul @ The Edge for Keith Kennedy’s birthday party (Tallahassee, FL) 05 // Jose & Tonya Terrelle @ Kryptonite for The CORE DJs Award Show (Myrtle Beach, SC) 06 // Brisco, DJ Q45, & @ Club Aqua (Jacksonville, FL) 07 // Rico Brooks & Gorilla Zoe @ Georgian Terrance Hotel for the Hittmenn DJ Awards (Atlanta, GA) 08 // Young Dro, Maino, & BG @ Crucial for Grand Hustle BBQ (Atlanta, GA) 09 // Summer Walker & DJ Drama @ Vibe Yardfest (Atlanta, GA) 10 // DJ Khaled & Nicole @ Mansion for Lil Wayne’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 11 // Godwon & Slim Thug @ SEA’s Milkshake Thursdays (Houston, TX) 12 // Lonnie Mac & DJ Drama on the set of Willie the Kid’s “For The Love Of Money” video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 13 // Obama crew @ Vibe Yardfest (Atlanta, GA) 14 // DJ Benny Boom & Bigga Rankin @ Club Phantom for DJ Benny Boom’s birthday bash (West Palm Beach, FL) 15 // CORE Models @ The CORE DJs Retreat (Myrtle Beach, SC) 16 // Kinky B & Shakir Stewart @ The Tabernacle for Young Jeezy’s Recession concert (Atlanta, GA) 17 // MC Kane & Dr Teeth @ Vogue for Dr Teeth’s birthday party (Houston, TX) 18 // Bigg DM, DJ Chuck T, & Big CO @ The CORE DJs Retreat (Myrtle Beach, SC) 19 // BOB & Ed from Miskeen @ Kryptonite for The CORE DJs Award Show (Myrtle Beach, SC)

Photo Credits: Edward Hall (03); Eric Perrin (08,12); Ichigo (02,17); Janiro Hawkins (11); Julia Beverly (01,05,09,13,16,19); Kingpin (15,18); Malik Abdul (10); Ms Rivercity (07); Ter- rence Tyson (04,06,14)

OZONE MAG // 25 … a

all c I uck f tthe a t’swh a xin’, th xin’, la rted re a nd st a

CE LA NECK y m he Liked S

TITY BOY of PLAYAZ CIRCLE THE DUFFLE BAG BOYS PREPARE FOR TAKEOFF

go by the name “Tity Two Chains,” so it’s almost a part of 360 is another analogy for circle, and since the success of [our me to continue buying jewelry, especially necklaces, that single] “Duffle Bag Boys” we’ve traveled a lot. We saw a lot of differ- compliment what I’m doing and where I’m going with my ent cultures, a lot of different females, just a lot of different ways career. My new piece is an iced out airplane with wings of life, and style, and slang. Flight 360 is kind of like a celebration that are about 7 inches wide on my chest, and it comes out about of what the song “Duffle Bag Boys” did for us. It bought us jewelry, 3I inches like 3-D on the nose of the plane. Shout out to Avianne & chains, cars, rims, property, but we also used some of that money to Co., the jewelers in New York, for making the airplane. They’re in the invest in a studio. Since “Duffle Bag Boys” was the last thing people Diamond District and they’ve been holding me for down about 5, really know us from, we invested the money from that—which was 6, 7 years with the ice game. I don’t know how many carats are in a great deal—into things that will help promote, market, and move this piece, but I know it was expensive. I don’t really wanna mention this new project, Flight 360. what I spent, but it was definitely over $40,000. The plane on my neck symbolizes me being fly, it symbolizes the The whole concept and idea behind the airplane chain was to pro- takeoff, it symbolizes the Southside, because the Southside is right mote our new album, Flight 360: The Takeoff. I saw Rick Ross with a around the corner from the airport; I’m like a Delta mascot with this big ‘ol face symbolizing his album was coming soon. I saw Plies with piece. Really, the chain has like 100,000 meanings, but the one y’all a big ‘ol Goon piece symbolizing his album was coming soon, and I need to know is that Flight 360 is coming soon. // saw Yung Joc with a big ol’ ass “H” symbolizing his album Hustle- nomics was coming soon. So, Playaz Circle got a new album coming As told to Eric Perrin soon, and it’s called Flight 360: The Takeoff. Photo by Julia Beverly

26 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Alonzo Mourning & Dwayne Wade @ Zo’s Summer Groove in Miami, FL (Photo: Johnny Louis); Dr Teeth & Slim Thug @ Vogue for Dr Teeth’s birthday party in Hous- ton, TX (Photo: Ichigo); & Tony Neal @ Kryptonite for The CORE DJs Award Show in Myrtle Beach, SC (Photo: Julia Beverly)

01 // Mistah FAB, Greg Street, & Supreme @ the BET Hip Hop Awards (Atlanta, GA) 02 // St Lunatic Slo Down @ Chaifetz Arena (St Louis, MO) 03 // Madd Hatta, Common, & J Que @ KBXX The Box (Houston, TX) 04 // James Lopez & TI @ The Biltmore for TI’s Untouchables Part Deux birthday party (Atlanta, GA) 05 // C-Rod, Mike Peterson, Mike Lace, & TI @ Spice Market for Grand Hustle’s Power Lunch (Atlanta, GA) 06 // Big Kuntry & Maino @ Vibe Yardfest (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Grandaddy Souf on the set of Gucci Mane’s “Bricks” video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 08 // Yung Joc & Yung Ralph @ Club 595 for Yung Joc’s Ace of Spades birthday party (Atlanta, GA) 09 // Q Parker, DJ LS One, & Freeway @ 400 Club (Miami, FL) 10 // Trey Songz & BloodRaw @ Amore for Young Jeezy’s birthday party (Atlanta, GA) 11 // DJ Kool Aid, BloodRaw, & DJ Funky @ The Tabernacle for Young Jeezy’s Recession concert (Atlanta, GA) 12 // Fat Pimp & crew @ Trae Day (Houston, TX) 13 // Tony Neal & Supastar J-Kwik @ SoHo Lounge for Bigga Rankin’s birthday party (Jacksonville, FL) 14 // K-Rab & crew @ Vibe Yardfest (Atlanta, GA) 15 // AJ, Squeak, & Drumma Boy @ The Biltmore for TI’s Untouchables Part Deux birthday party (Atlanta, GA) 16 // DJ Drama & Gum- bo @ Vibe Yardfest (Atlanta, GA) 17 // Haziq Ali & Mr Collipark @ the Almost Famous Awards (Atlanta, GA) 18 // Terrence Tyson & DJ Misbehavior @ The Edge for Keith Kennedy’s birthday party (Tallahassee, FL) 19 // Pat Nix & Bizmarkie @ Frontline’s Greeknik 2008 (Orlando, FL) 20 // & actor Andre Pitre’ @ The New Orleans Arena (New Orleans, LA) 21 // Kalim Hasam, Ike G Da, & Carlos Cartel @ Kryptonite for The CORE DJs Award Show (Myrtle Beach, SC)

Photo Credits: Edgar Walker (12); Eric Perrin (07,08); Ichigo (03); J Lash (09); Julia Beverly (01,04,06,10,11,14,15,16,21); King Yella (02); Malik Abdul (19); Marcus DeWayne (20); Ms Rivercity (05,17); Terrence Tyson (13,18)

OZONE MAG // 27 This is the story of Queen—a small town girl who is still adapting to city life.

“Moving from Macon, Georgia to Atlanta was a big step for me,” admits Queen, who has been stripping for two years. “But it’s definitely more ex- citing out here. I’m still not used to seeing so many in person. Almost every rapper that’s on TV I’ve met and probably danced for.”

And it’s no wonder that all the rappers and athletes are attracted to the shy girl from the country town. Her distinct Southern drawl and good- girl image are two of the reasons she has so many famous fans. Another reason is her 36-26-40 figure.

Queen seems equally fond of her seductive shape, as she hopes to one day pivot into modeling. Later, she plans to finish school and become a registered nurse. “I can’t dance forever,” she bluntly states. “One day I’m going to finish school, but right now I make too much money stripping.”

Proving that her seemingly shy demeanor is just an act, Queen admits she sheds her good-girl image as soon as she gets a few shots of Patron and lime juice. “Patron makes me a totally different person. I think that’s probably why I’ve been so successful at my job.”

For Queen it truly is just a job, and not a lifestyle. But although most strippers choose dancing names to distance themselves from reality, 21-year-old Queen was actually given her by her father. “My dad used to always call me his queen when I was growing up, and that made me feel so special, so that’s why I picked that name,” she says.

When Queen is not at work, she’s likely at home playing with her own 4-year-old daughter or relaxing on her couch with a glass or Riesling. “I’m a homebody. When I’m not at the club I just like to chill,” says Queen. “I love to dance, but there’s nothing I enjoy more than spending quality time with my family.”

Words: Eric Perrin Photographer: Sean Cokes 404-622-7733 Make-Up Artist: Mike Mike 678-732-5285 Hair Stylist: Baby Boy 404-396-2739 Booking: www.myspace.com/strokersatl 770-270-0350 Websitwww.strokersclub.com

28 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Young Dro & TI @ The Biltmore for TI’s Untouchables Part Deux birthday party in Atlanta, GA; Maino & Young Capone @ Atlantic Records pool party during the CORE DJs Retreat in Myrtle Beach, SC (Photos: Julia Beverly); Greg Street & Young Jeezy @ North Georgia CD store for his Recession in-store signing in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Eric Perrin)

01 // DJ B-Do & ESG @ Picazo (Houston, TX) 02 // J Xavier & Fat Pimp @ KBXX The Box HIV benefit concert (Houston, TX) 03 // Markie Dee, K-Foxx, Joe, & guest @ Park West (Miami, FL) 04 // Big Chris, DJ Nasty, DJ Demp, DJ Young City, & Spiff @ Firestone for Greeknik (Orlando, FL) 05 // Gorilla Zoe & guest on the set of Gucci Mane’s “Bricks” video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 06 // Bizzle & BallGreezy @ Club Phantom for DJ Benny Boom’s birthday bash (West Palm Beach, FL) 07 // TJ Chapman, J Prince, & Madd Hatta @ KBXX The Box’s voter registration drive (Houston, TX) 08 // DJ Jelly & Yo Gotti on the set of Gucci Mane’s “Bricks” video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 09 // Yung Joc & Gucci Mane on the set of Willie the Kid’s “For The Love Of Money” video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 10 // ESG, Mama Wes, & Bankroll Jonez (Houston, TX) 11 // Allison & Dre Barrett @ The Biltmore for TI’s Untouchables Part Deux birthday party (Atlanta, GA) 12 // Klean Cutt & Charles Chavez @ Trae Day (Houston, TX) 13 // Guest, Romey, & Rick Edwards @ the BET Hip Hop Awards (Atlanta, GA) 14 // Papa Duck & DJ Benny Boom @ Club Phantom for DJ Benny Boom’s birthday bash (West Palm Beach, FL) 15 // Ron Stewart & Garnett Reid @ Atlantic Records pool party during the CORE DJs Retreat (Myrtle Beach, SC) 16 // Slim of 112 & crew @ Vibe Yardfest (Atlanta, GA) 17 // DJ Nasty, DJ Demp, & DJ Q45 @ Frontline’s Greeknik 2008 (Orlando, FL) 18 // T-Boz & Iisha Hillmon @ The Biltmore for TI’s Untouchables Part Deux birthday party (Atlanta, GA) 19 // Common & Brandi Garcia @ KBXX The Box (Houston, TX) 20 // Juvenile & G-Moe @ the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum (Biloxi, MS) 21 // Lucky Leon & DJ D-Tec @ Atlantic Records pool party during the CORE DJs Retreat (Myrtle Beach, SC)

Photo Credits: Edgar Walker (10); Eric Perrin (05,09); Ichigo (01,02,12,19); Johnny Louis (03); Julia Beverly (07,11,15,16,18,21); Malik Abdul (04,17); Marcus DeWayne (20); Terrence Tyson (06,13,14); Thaddaeus McAdams (08)

OZONE MAG // 29 SOULJA BOY & LOLA LUV

SOULJA BOY: U gotta donk! LOLA LUV: What? Damn nigga, you get straight to the point, huh? SOULJA BOY: Gurl, u know I ain’t lyin. U gotta donk. Where u at lil mama? LOLA LUV: Whatever nigga, I’m at a club right now. SOULJA BOY: I’m trying to cum see u shake sumthing. Damn, u gotta donk! Is it an 18 and up club? LOLA LUV: Um…they let Lil Bow Wow in. You’re older than him, right? SOULJA BOY: Yeah, baby gurl, I’m 24. I was just making sure there wasn’t gonna be no yung hoes up in there. But why don’t U just call me when U leave so we can link up? LOLA LUV: What you need to see me for? SOULJA BOY: U know why. U gotta donk! LOLA LUV: Shit, I ain’t even trying to see U tonight. I’m with Ne-Yo right now. SOULJA BOY: Ne-Yo? This is not the matrix, but I am the oracle. Do you wanna get with me? The question is rhetorical. LOLA LUV: That was a weak line. You gotta step yo’ game up, lil nigga. SOULJA BOY: Hooooold on! My flow is broadband, I know U diggin me. I got mo’ money than all them other broke niggas U be fuckin’ wit. Trey Songz ain’t got OZONE EXCLUSIVE my kinda bread. LOLA LUV: Yeah, but U a 5 second man, boo. U need to grow up Textin’ is no longer safe now that OZONE’s dangerous minds have hacked the system. SOULJA BOY: Just bring yo ass over here, my moms is outta town this weekend, and I want some of that artificial booty meat. U gotta donk! LOLA LUV: I’m not coming to yo fuckin mama’s house. Stop texting me lil nigga. SOULJA BOY: Bitch! Last nite ur 4-head was on my abs.

- From the minds of Eric Perrin & Randy Roper (Photos by D-Ray & Julia Beverly)

30 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Trae & Plies @ KBXX The Box HIV benefit concert in Houston, TX (Photo: Ichigo); Gucci Mane & DJ Drama on the set of Gucci Mane’s “Bricks” video shoot in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Eric Perrin); LeLe & Ludacris @ Clark Atlanta University for DTP’s block party in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Ms Rivercity)

01 // Shawty & Bishop of Crunk @ the Tabernacle for Young Jeezy’s Recession concert (Atlanta, GA) 02 // DJ Sense & Killer Mike @ Vibe Yardfest (Atlanta, GA) 03 // Nelly, Willie the Kid, Avery Storm, & DJ Drama @ the BET Hip Hop Awards (Atlanta, GA) 04 // Micha Porat, Monika Olimpew, & Izzy @ Sobe Live for Tony Neal’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 05 // Dow Jones & Roccett @ Justin’s for Young Jeezy’s voter registration drive (Atlanta, GA) 06 // Willy Northpole, Ludacris, & Small World @ Clark Atlanta University for DTP’s block party (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Day 26 @ Summer Jam (Portsmouth, VA) 08 // Playaz Circle & Greg Street @ Vibe Yardfest (Atlanta, GA) 09 // Former N.O Saint’s Michael Lewis & model Pinky @ The New Orleans Arena (New Orleans, LA) 10 // Rick Betemit, Hen Roc, & DJ Impact @ Atlantic Records pool party during the CORE DJs Retreat (Myrtle Beach, SC) 11 // Supa Chino & D Walk @ The Edge for Keith Kennedy’s birthday party (Tallahassee, FL) 12 // Young B, DJ B-Do, guest, & Cory Mo @ Picazo (Houston, TX) 13 // Maino shows some love to a guest on the set of his video shoot (New York, NY) 14 // Kerisha Smith & Eric Perrin @ the BET Hip Hop Awards (Atlanta, GA) 15 // Joe Gutta & Gary Smith @ the Almost Famous Awards (Atlanta, GA) 16 // Intl Red, , & Terri Thomas @ KBXX The Box HIV benefit concert (Houston, TX) 17 // Gholdy & ladies @ The Biltmore for TI’s Untouchables Part Deux birthday party (Atlanta, GA) 18 // Vic XL & VIC @ Throwbacks for VIC’s release party (Atlanta, GA) 19 // Benji Brown & Rick Ross @ Rick Ross’ Be Out Day (Miami, FL)

Photo Credits: Cooley (13); Eric Perrin (01,05); Ichigo (12,16); J Lash (04,19); Jacquie Holmes (07); Julia Beverly (02,08,10,14,17); Marcus DeWayne (09); Ms Rivercity (06,15,18); Terrence Tyson (03,11)

OZONE MAG // 31 Pictured at left in happier times (January 2007, at an video shoot), Zopound representatives Ali “Zoe” Adam and Derek “Toro” Johnson (a well-known Miami rapper who collaborated with Brisco, Rick Ross, and others) once ruled the streets of Miami. Zoe has been incarcerated since July 2007 on Federal charges of cocaine posession with intent to distribute and money laundering, and Toro was gunned down by an unknown assailant on October 18th, 2008, after leaving a Miami strip club. Zoe’s letter, curiously writ- ten in 3rd person, describes the unfortunate circumstanc- es under which these two friends departed the rap game.

(above, L-R): Zoe and Rick Ross in Miami, April 2007

Write Zoe at: Ali Adam #33276112 FDC PO Box 019120 Miami, FL 33101-9120

(below) Portions of Zoe’s plea to Federal charges of cocaine possession and money laundering

(below): Zoe in October 2008

32 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Jermaine Dupri & Jarvis @ Amore for Young Jeezy’s birthday party in Atlanta, GA; Tony Neal & Congressman Leon Howard @ Kryptonite for The CORE DJs Award Show in Myrtle Beach, SC (Photos: Julia Beverly); DJ Q45 & Brisco @ Mansion for Lil Wayne’s birthday party in Miami, FL (Photo: Malik Abdul)

01 // Young Steff & Yancey Richardson @ Vibe Yardfest (Atlanta, GA) 02 // Freddy Hydro, Trai D, & E-Nu Hitz @ Wildhorse Saloon for Young Buck’s celebrity party (Nashville, TN) 03 // DJ Holiday & DJ Drama on the set of Gucci Mane’s “Bricks” video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 04 // Nappyville @ Atlantic Records pool party during the CORE DJs Retreat (Myrtle Beach, SC) 05 // Pretty Ricky & fans @ K104 Summer Jam (Dallas, TX) 06 // Young 50, Mama Wes, & Lil C (Houston, TX) 07 // Young Cash & TayDizm @ the BET Hip Hop Awards (Atlanta, GA) 08 // BG, Young Buck, & Leo G @ Wildhorse Saloon for Young Buck’s celebrity party (Nashville, TN) 09 // Lloyd & Lola Luva of Top Model Request @ Cameo (Miami, FL) 10 // DJ Tony T & Coach @ Boiler Room (Biloxi, MS) 11 // Jarvis, Yung Joc, & Kadife Sylvester @ Club 595 for Yung Joc’s Ace of Spades birthday party (Atlanta, GA) 12 // Tony Neal, the CORE Models, & Malik Shabazz @ Jillian’s for the CORE DJs Circle City Classic afterparty (Indianapolis, IN) 13 // Lil Duval & Bankroll Jonez @ Trae Day (Houston, TX) 14 // Kenny Brewer & Jessica @ Club 595 for Yung Joc’s Ace of Spades birthday party (Atlanta, GA) 15 // Xtaci & Alfamega @ The Biltmore for TI’s Untouchables Part Deux birthday party (Atlanta, GA) 16 // Steven Jackson & DJ B-Do @ Picazo (Houston, TX) 17 // Big Kuntry & DJ Dr Doom @ Square One (Jacksonville, FL) 18 // Drumma Boy & Damien Wilkins @ Opera (Atlanta, GA) 19 // DJ Affect, TI, & DJ Zion @ Club BED for TI’s listening party (Miami, FL)

Photo Credits: D’Lyte (05); Edgar Walker (06); Eric Perrin (10,11,12,14); Ichigo (13,16); J Lash (09,19); Julia Beverly (01,02,04,07,08,15); Ms Rivercity (18); Terrence Tyson (17); Thad- daeus McAdams (03)

OZONE MAG // 33 Just days after BMF Entertainment president artist with my life. Scarface is a movie, just like Terminator BLEU DAVINCI was sentenced to five years and four 2. He died at the end of the movie too. People that months in prison for his role in the drug trafficking ain’t from the streets don’t realize that’s the way we arm of BMF, he reached out to OZONE to tell his eat. Some people finish high school, go to college, story. Currently serving time at a federal facility in get a scholarship, and play football. It’s hard to Lovejoy, Georgia, he was convicted of conspiracy to fathom for some people, but some people are in the possess or distribute at least 5 kilos of cocaine. streets for a living. It’s not about wanting a nice car or house. This is how people feed their families. Do you feel that your sentencing was fair? Yeah. Actually, in the Feds they [base the sentencing But with the extravagance that BMF was known for, on] a guideline grid. They held me responsible for it’s hard to argue that you were only doing this to 150 or more kilos. My grid was set at 260 months feed your families. At some point it was beyond that. originally, but I was eligible for a “safety valve” I never thought about that. I was just trying to fur- because I don’t have an adult criminal history. That ther my entertainment career. Before I met Meech allows the judge to depart from the Federal sen- I wasn’t on a corner selling crack, I was co-starring tencing guidelines, so that’s how my time started What’s your feelings towards Meech at this point? in movies. I was on stage with Ras Kass running going down. I had a mandatory minimum of 10 That’s my big brother. I’ma always love Meech. A lot around as a roadie. As a kid, I didn’t have dreams of years. Conspiracy carries a mandatory minimum of of people ask me that, and I don’t have any negative being Scarface. My dream was to be or Too 10 to life, but since I had no criminal history as an feelings towards him. Like I said, he always tried to Short. My life took a detour into another world. adult, it allowed the judge and probation office to keep me away from stuff like this. I made decisions recommend less. A probation officer came out and for myself. I did the things that landed me in this po- Looking at the conclusion of BMF and where every- interviewed me; they wanted to know how many sition. When I get out, I’ve gotta get back to work to body is today, do you think it was worth it? kids I have, what grade I finished in school, how help support him and his family the best I can since Actually, I do. Like I said, if I could take everything many jobs I’ve had, stuff like that. They recommend- he’s down. In the Federal system you’ve gotta do back I would do it differently, in a 100% legal man- ed 84 months, which is seven years. My grid came 85% of the time. I’ve been down for a year already, ner. But it wasn’t a waste of time. I wouldn’t be the back to 70 months after they did the reduction, and and I was recommended for the drug program for person I am today if I hadn’t met the people I’ve the judge departed from that by six months and the marijuana problem they felt I had, so that takes met. God makes everything happen for a reason. sentenced me to 64 months. The minor role adjust- another year off my sentence with six months in the God might have put Meech in jail because he wants ment and the safety valve dropped me down from halfway house. So basically I’ll be out in about two to save Meech. I might have been about to get shot level 38 on the Federal sentencing grid to level 32. years. I’ve got 20-24 months of actual jail time left. down in the streets. I don’t know what God’s plan When I signed the acceptance responsibility as part is. From this point on, all I want to do is take care of of my plea bargain, it dropped me down another You expressed some negative feelings towards my family and Meech’s family until he comes home. 3 levels to 29. That’s how they came up with my Jeezy in our last interview. How did that turn out? He’ll see the streets again one day. He’s not gonna sentence. They do it by the rules in the Feds; it ain’t Me and Jeezy have been through our personal do the rest of his life behind bars. And I can’t say I like the state. When you get locked up in the state ups and downs in the past, but he never stopped regret it because we had fun. Hundreds of families you can get a good lawyer to make stuff go away claiming [BMF]. We’ve had a chance to talk since ate. I’m not glorifying it, but that’s a fact. or knock a big sentence all the way down to a small then, and we got our situation together. I got much sentence. Here in the federal courts, they run it all love for Jeezy. He’s doing his thing. Every man has Hundreds of families might have ate, but what by a grid, and without a safety valve recommenda- to make decisions for himself. It’s not like he ever about the hundreds of families that have been torn tion they can’t depart from the federal guidelines. disowned my crew or had anything bad to say apart by drugs? How do you justify that? A lot of [other BMF affiliates] had a criminal history, about BMF. He always keeps the name going, so I’m We all know that drugs rip communities apart, as far so the judge wasn’t able to go under the mandatory definitely in his corner of support at this time. as drug use. I do agree with that. I’ve got an uncle minimum. That’s why a lot of people don’t under- that smokes [crack]. But when you’re out there do- stand how certain people got certain [sentences]. Pimp C made a comment before he passed that ing your thing on that level, it’s beyond that. That’s everybody wanted to wear the BMF t-shirts when how some people make a living. It is what it is. When we interviewed you previously, you were very things were good but when things turned bad no- emphatic that you were only involved in the music body wanted to rep anymore. Do you feel that way? Do you think the election will help change that? aspect of BMF and not the criminal aspect. Nah, I really didn’t feel like that. Everybody that I was Definitely. I’ve got young boys, 13, 8, and 4, and I Well, now everything’s out [in the open]. Of course messin’ wit’ at the time when Meech got picked up don’t want them growing up shooting guns and being interviewed prior to being charged with showed support. To me, it was even more support. selling drugs. I feel I’m an advocate of education. a crime, nobody’s going to tell you what they’ve Meech got picked up in October 2005 and I went on That’s the first step. We kept our people oppressed, done wrong. But when 12, 13 people are [testify- my first nationwide tour in February 2006. I had my like Biggie said: you’ve either gotta slang crack rock ing], you know, of course I’m going to plead guilty. brother J Diggs out there on the road with me, and or have a wicked jump shot to get out of the ghetto. But I didn’t have a major role in the whole scheme artists like Fabolous, Akon, even B.G., they all kept But that isn’t true, because my mom is an aero opti- of things. I still had a minor role, and they gave me it 100 with me. So I never really felt the way Pimp C cal engineer. She just retired this year. She worked exactly what they saw fit. I had a minor role on the felt, but I understood what he was saying. on night vision for F18 fighter jets. I definitely wanna street level of BMF. But as far as BMF Entertainment, urge the kids to get more education. You can still be I’m the president of the company. If you look at movies like Scarface or American Gang- of the streets and not necessarily be in the streets. ster or research the history of similar organizations, Why are you reaching out to media at this point? they always either end up dead or in jail. How did There was a lengthy feature on BMF in Creative Loaf- I haven’t talked to media this whole year because you think this would end? ing that exposed how the charges originally started. I didn’t know what the outcome of the situation We’re from the streets. Tomorrow is not promised. It’s a lot of snitches but the main one is William would be. I got picked up in December 2007 and I’ve got a that never made it to the Marshall. But that Creative Loafing is a crock of shit. I wasn’t gonna just jump out at the beginning of indictments because he got shot in Atlanta in ‘06, in They want a story fast and first, I guess for ratings, so ‘08 doing a lot of talking. But since I’m an artist and the middle of my tour. A lot of people I grew up with they go out and pick up little bits of information and I have people out there that check for me or just in my neighborhood didn’t make it to 25. We pray gas it up into a big story, but everything is wrong. wanna know what’s going on with me personally for today cause tomorrow is not promised. That’s Then people like me gotta correct everything she’s or the whole BMF Entertainment situation, I just how we always lived. I was trying to work as hard saying with the facts and paperwork. In the same wanted to reach out. I missed the OZONE Awards. as I could to get everybody out of the streets so we breath, it was a lot of people testifying witnesses That was a bummer. [My people] came back and could all live off music and movie money. I was try- for the government. A lot of people were like, “Aw, sent me a bunch of pictures and stuff like that. I was ing to beat the hands of time to become successful man, I can’t do no ten years.” A couple people were mad I didn’t get to go out there. and look out for everybody on a positive level. facing seventy years and they’re getting ready to go home early next year by assisting the government I read that during your sentencing, you apologized Everyone idolizes Scarface, but still, he dies in the with putting people like me in jail. Of course I don’t to the judge and expressed a lot of remorse. movie. Do you think rappers glorify that mentality? condone snitching. If I could turn back the hands of time I would I glorify God. The money, cars, and jewelry is just definitely do everything different. My man Meech a part of life. We don’t glorify the stuff that’s going When you get out do you plan on getting back to always tried to keep me away from [the criminal on in the streets. Whether people believe it or not, the music? aspect|. I just took it upon myself to butt into other we’re God-fearing people. A lot of people have Definitely. I don’t look at myself as being out of the things that I didn’t need to be butting into. My made mistakes and had chances to corect them. A music thing. I’m definitely gonna be back in the whole goal with Meech was to put together an lot of people have served time for stuff they’ve done studio working with Diggs. I’ma be right back like I entertainment company. I don’t have any regrets for and when they got back, they were still able to do haven’t missed a beat. // that. But I should’ve just kept it 100% entertainment positive things in the community. It’s just something without crossing the line. we went through and now I’m trying to move on As told to Julia Beverly

34 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): BOB & TI @ the BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Terrence Tyson); & Rick Ross @ Rick Ross’ Be Out Day in Miami, FL (Photo: J Lash); Rich Boy & Gorilla Zoe on the set of Gucci Mane’s “Bricks” video shoot in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Thaddaeus McAdams)

01 // DJ Rip, , & Big Bam @ Asylum Records showcase during the CORE DJs Retreat (Myrtle Beach, SC) 02 // Stay Fresh & Paperchase @ Justin’s for Young Jeezy’s voter registration drive (Atlanta, GA) 03 // Sam Sneak & Rick Ross @ Rick Ross’ Be Out Day (Miami, FL) 04 // Peaches, Mike Clarke, & Sweets @ Yaucatan Beach Club for THCK Battle of the Beauties (Copeland, TX) 05 // Hen Roc & Maino @ Atlantic Records pool party during the CORE DJs Retreat (Myrtle Beach, SC) 06 // Freeway & Young Capone @ Atlantic Records pool party during the CORE DJs Retreat (Myrtle Beach, SC) 07 // Lex, TI, & DJ Cox @ Bed for TI’s listening party (Miami, FL) 08 // Jazze Pha & Block @ Radio One’s music conference (Atlanta, GA) 09 // Monica, Devyne Stephens, & Melyssa Ford @ the BET Hip Hop Awards (Atlanta, GA) 10 // Marc Decoca & DJ Burn One @ Frequency for GreenHitz & ATL Clubs’ DJ Event (Atlanta, GA) 11 // Baje & guest @ Mansion for Lil Wayne’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 12 // BloodRaw & Trent “G-Dub” Soto (Panama City, FL) 13 // Webbie & Young Fitz @ Platinum (Birmingham, AL) 14 // DJ Q45, Bizmarkie, DJ Khaled, & DJ D-Strong @ Frontline’s Greeknik 2008 (Orlando, FL) 15 // DJ Q45 & Cherokee @ Club Moto (Pittsburgh, PA) 16 // Ebony Love & Rovella Williams @ the Almost Famous Awards (Atlanta, GA) 17 // Thaddaeus McAdams & Jenny Mae on the set of Willie the Kid’s “For The Love Of Money” video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 18 // BSU & Julius from Making the Band @ Club Laraza (Dothan, AL) 19 // Frank White & Vital @ Wildhorse Saloon for Young Buck’s celebrity party (Nashville, TN)

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

OZONE MAG // 35 OZONE SPORTS Lashawn Merritt

Reflections of Track Star adrenaline from everyone else. A lot of people cally, I would go with or Jay-Z. But if you have their iPods on, but I get in such a zone. I are talking about what’s playing in the clubs, it’s This summer, Virginia native Lashawn Mer- pull from everyone who is looking ready. I smell Wayne. Kanye, internationally, he can do it all. ritt represented America at the 2008 Beijing the Bengay and just take in everybody’s energy. I’ve tried many different crowds. Summer Olympics. He won gold in both the 400-meter race and the 4X400-meter relay. His I heard that you recently did a party with Trina. Since you’ve tried “many crowds,” are you East time of 43.75 ranked him the 5th fastest 400- The day Jeezy performed in Atlanta, I was there, Coast, West Coast, or Worldwide? meter runner in history. That’s pretty impressive. and a couple people from the Olympic team Worldwide! Snoop is my man. I am not one- Lashawn, like most other athletes, can occasion- that were from Miami went there. That was the dimensional. I like a lot of different things. I listen ally be seen iPod-clad, bobbing his head to the day me and Trina had our event. It was awe- to jazz, I listen to old school music, old school beat, and doing the same ol’ two-step. some. She’s a great person and a great artist. Hip Hop, and I listen to new Hip Hop and even some underground things, so it’s kind of a mix- What are you listening to in your iPod? Is she hot in person? Would you date her? ture with me. Whatever I am feeling like that day, Young Jeezy “I Put On For My City.” I have to do Yeah, I would date her. that’s what I’m going to play. it for everyone who has come through Virginia, who is forced to go somewhere else because of Wait…your friends are laughing in the If you could have theme music like a boxer, what they do. Because of the sport that I’m in, I background, am I missing something? Did who would you bring in with you? can’t stay home and make a living where I live. something pop off between you two? I would bring Hov…Jay Z. an icon in what Yeah, it’s cool. We’re under the same publicist. he does. He is smooth. He came from the bot- Do you think Hip Hop is dead? Well, I wouldn’t say the same publicist, but we tom, and now he’s at the top. He didn’t let any- No way. I feel like Hip Hop is the new way. Hip work with the same people. We are in the same thing get in his way. He’s diverse, and I respect Hop is its own life right now. circle. I don’t chase women, but if they come him as an artist and also as a businessman. we can definitely go out. If she comes, we can Old school or new school? definitely go out. We don’t talk on the phone. Do you have any last words? I’m more into new school Hip Hop, but my dad When I go to Miami, we are just in the same I’m not one-dimensional. I not only listen to Hip lived with me for a while so I had to listen to old circle. We kinda just see each other when we see Hop, I listen to it all. Believe in what you do. A school. Not old school Hip Hop, but old school each other. lot of young people who listen to Hip Hop are music. influenced by it, and they may become one-di- Who epitomizes new school Hip Hop right now? mensional because they only listen to one thing, What’s your first thought when you think of Lil’ Wayne is on top of his game. which may not be the best thing. Diversify your- old school Hip Hop? self when it comes to music. If you’re going to Run-DMC! Wayne is on fire right now, but we need a new listen to Lil’ Wayne, listen to somebody else too. direction for this genre. What about Kanye? Don’t just be one person. Listen to the Commons What’s your hype song or get crunk song? Which one is the best representation? and Kanyes, and just take Hip Hop as a lifestyle. DJ Khaled’s “Out Here Grinding.” When I am train- Well, right now the new Hip Hop is club [music]. ing, I may listen to music, but when I am actually Everybody is putting out something they can Words by Jonica Harris ready to perform, I don’t. I kinda feed off the play in the club. Everybody’s got a dance. Lyri- Photo by Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images

36 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Big Kuntry & TI on the set of Yung LA’s “Aint I” remix video shoot in Atlanta, GA; Maino, BG, & DJ Drama @ Crucial for Grand Hustle BBQ in Atlanta, GA (Photos: Eric Perrin); Fabolous & Red Cafe on the set of Maino’s video shoot in New York, NY (Photo: Cooley)

01 // Bigga Rankin, OJ Da Juice Man, & G Boy on the set of Gucci Mane’s Brick’s video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 02 // Big Boi & Fonsworth Bentley @ the Hittmenn DJs Retreat (Atlanta, GA) 03 // Kiki & Hope @ Chaifetz Arena (St Louis, MO) 04 // Guest & Alfamega @ Crucial for Grand Hustle BBQ (Atlanta, GA) 05 // Buckeey, , Eric Perrin, & Black on the set of Gucci Mane’s “Bricks” video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 06 // Guest, Flo Rida, Rick Ross, & Brisco @ Rick Ross’ Be Out Day (Miami, FL) 07 // Tiny & TI @ The Biltmore for TI’s Untouch- ables Part Deux birthday party (Atlanta, GA) 08 // Young Jeezy & guest @ Amore for Young Jeezy’s birthday party (Atlanta, GA) 09 // Rich Boy, DJ Drama, & Greg Street @ Vibe Yardfest (Atlanta, GA) 10 // Stay Fresh, Lil Larry, & guest @ Amore for Young Jeezy’s birthday party (Atlanta, GA) 11 // Mr Collipark & DJ G @ Frequency for GreenHitz & ATL Clubs’ DJ Event (Atlanta, GA) 12 // Hurricane Chris & Vanessa @ Seabreeze (Jacksonville, FL) 13 // Linda Robins, TJ Chapman, & Cheryl Dozier @ Kryptonite for The CORE DJs Award Show (Myrtle Beach, SC) 14 // T Roy & DJ Kool Aid @ Georgian Terrance Hotel for the Hittmenn DJ Awards (Atlanta, GA) 15 // Kaspa, Derrick Crooms, VIC, & P Brown @ Club Crucial for the Hittmenn DJs Retreat (Atlanta, GA) 16 // Rovella Williams & Johnnie & Cabbell @ Frequency for GreenHitz & ATL Clubs’ DJ Event (Atlanta, GA) 17 // Pretty Ricky @ Mansion for Lil Wayne’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 18 // Lil Jon & Big Teach on the set of “Go Crazy” (Miami, FL)

Photo Credits: Allwyn Forrestor (02); Bogan (18); Eric Perrin (01,04,05); J Lash (06,17); Julia Beverly (07,08,09,10,13); King Yella (03); Ms Rivercity (11,14,15,16); Terrence Tyson (12)

OZONE MAG // 37 Patiently Waiting

ne of the most sought-after elements in the world is gold. In you are because your music is great,” Gold expresses. “Hopefully one day it medieval times gold was seen as beneficial to health under will be like that everywhere I go and not just in Mississippi.” the belief that anything rare is ultimately healthy. Some modern esotericisms and alternative medicine assign metallic Gold has always had a love for music, his background in audio engineering Ogold as healing power. Rob Gold is hoping to become one of these rare has assisted his music career. While attending audio school in Houston, elements in the rap game. “Every area has their own swag, and my swag Gold ran into several Houston rappers who gave him opportunities as an is Mississippi,” the Jackson, MS native says. “My style hasn’t been heard engineer, and advice on the independent scene in Houston. “Audio engi- before. In my life I have seen and done a lot, some [of which] resulting in neering was my way in the studio,” Rob explains. “In Texas it’s a complete positions I didn’t want to be in.” independent grind. Being out there I met T.A. from CTE, and I met Slim Thug; he said ‘Fuck that major label shit, it’s not all what it’s cracked up to Different problems and situations almost stopped Gold from making be,’ and now he’s living real good.” music, but through music and guidance he was able to get through them all. “Since I started to do [music] I lost my mother and my father to cancer,” Taking advice from the Houston pioneers, Gold has chosen to go the Gold explains. “I caught a [drug] possession charge and was looking at independent route also. “I’m my own CEO and independent artist on Full some major time, but with God I got through it. That brief time I served put Blown LLC,” says Gold. His singles “Summer Girl,” “I’m Gone,” and “Why U So a pause on my music, but it just made me want to do it more once I got Mad,” have been making noise locally. His new mixtape with DJ Scream, out.” The Midas Touch, should help him gain even more respect in Mississippi and beyond. Now, Gold has hooked up with producers Khao from Grand Hustle and T.A. from CTE and has made a name for himself through out the state of Missis- Words by Jee’Van Brown sippi. “It feels good to walk around your own state and people know who Photo by Will Sterling

38 // OZONE MAG Patiently Waiting

(above L-R): Big Boi makes it rain @ the Hittmenn DJs Retreat in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Allwyn Forrestor); Jus Bleezy & Block @ Block Ent Studios in Atlanta, GA (Photo: King Yella); Dolla Boy of Playaz Circle & Willy Northpole @ the BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly)

01 // Ivory Orr, DJ Q45, & Malik Abdul @ the BET Hip Hop Awards (Atlanta, GA) 02 // Bun B & Cadi on the set of Willie the Kid’s “For The Love Of Money” video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 03 // Sean Paul & B-Locks @ The CORE DJs Retreat (Myrtle Beach, SC) 04 // Bigga Rankin & Kim Ellis @ Frequency for Street Report release party (Atlanta, GA) 05 // The CORE Models @ Kryptonite for The CORE DJs Award Show (Myrtle Beach, SC) 06 // Rick Ross & Gucci Poochie @ the BET Hip Hop Awards (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Dread, TV Johnny, & Spiff @ the BET Hip Hop Awards (Atlanta, GA) 08 // Alfamega & Young Dro @ The Biltmore for TI’s Untouchables Part Deux birthday party (Atlanta, GA) 09 // DJ Infamous, DJ Drama, & DJ Sense @ Vibe Yardfest (Atlanta, GA) 10 // Coach, Sug, & the Goon Squad @ Boiler Room (Biloxi, MS) 11 // 9th Ward & Nitti @ The Suite (New Orleans, LA) 12 // KC, Marco Mall, TayDizm, DJ Serm, & Cowboy @ Destiny for DME & Wil’in Ent’s Labor Day party (Orlando, FL) 13 // Big Kuntry & Sean Paul @ Kryptonite for The CORE DJs Award Show (Myrtle Beach, SC) 14 // Marley Mar, DJ Chuck T, Primo Starr, & Fat Boy @ Kryptonite for The CORE DJs Award Show (Myrtle Beach, SC) 15 // & Rick Ross on the set of TayDizm’s “Beam Me Up” (Miami, FL) 16 // Bigga Rankin, Bishop Jones, Young Cash, & TJ Chapman @ The Edge for Keith Kennedy’s birthday party (Tallahassee, FL) 17 // DJ Ike G Da @ The CORE DJs Retreat (Myrtle Beach, SC)

Photo Credits: Eric Perrin (02,10); J Lash (15); Julia Beverly (05,06,07,08,09,13,14); Kingpin (03,17); Malik Abdul (16); Marcus DeWayne (11); Ms Rivercity (04); Terrence Tyson (01,12)

OZONE MAG // 39 udging by her name, and often scantily-clad figure, you might Nicki and Wayne worked on a plethora of projects including Sucka FreThe mistake Nicki Minaj (pronounced “ménage”) as just another female Mixtape, which received overwhelmingly rave reviews, and while a label emcee attempting to use sex to sell records. But that notion disap- situation with Wayne’s Young Money seemed eminent, it never material- pears as soon as she grabs the mic. ized. Instead, Nicki was introduced to Gucci Mane and his aunt and long- J time business partner, Debra Hinton, who flew the sexy singa turnt rappa “Sure, sex sells,” she admits. “But it’s not just about being sexy. Your music to Atlanta and signed her to a management deal. has to actually sound good, [and] within the next twelve months every- body is gonna start to see all of my talents. It’s more to Nicki Minaj than “I don’t wanna upset anybody back home in New York, but the love in the what people assume.” Atlanta is just so much more real,” Minaj acknowledges. “The artists’ have so much camaraderie; it’s like a breath of fresh air.” Most people don’t assume that Minaj, who has frequently been compared to such salacious stars as Lil’ Kim and Foxy Brown, originally intended to In fact, she became so comfortable in Atlanta that she even dubbed become a singer. In fact, she began as a preteen, casually hooks herself “The New York Queen of the South.” Now that she’s been featured for local rappers in her native Southside Jamaica, Queens neighborhood. on projects with several Southern rappers including Gucci Mane, Soulja Eventually, she grew bored with singing hooks, but couldn’t bring herself to Boy, Gorilla Zoe, and OJ Da Juice, Nicki has certainly become acclimated to conform to the traditional rules of the R&B world. Atlanta rap.

“I didn’t want to have to sing love songs,” she confesses, “so I started rap- Although she’s still searching for the right record deal, Ms. Minaj is confi- ping instead. I would freestyle and make everybody laugh because I was so dent in her abilities and determined to prove she’s more than meets the whack, but little by little I starting getting good at it.” eye. “If you took a lot of swag and mixed it up in a pot with wit and humor, and a little bit of gangstress, that would be Nikki Minaj. I’m the complete As she matured, her fledging rap skills became more and more evident. package,” she concludes. Still, Nicki Lewinski, as she refers to herself, didn’t take her craft seriously until her peers began to cosign. “When people started really believing it, Words by Eric Perrin that’s when I started to go hard,” she says.

“Going hard” included posting her music on a Myspace page which at- tracted the attention of The Come Up DVD creator Fendi, who featured her on his DVD. Lil Wayne, who viewed the episode, was impressed enough to get her in the studio.

40 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): Trey Songz @ the Young N Sexy Tour in Hampton, VA (Photo: Jacquie Holmes); Yung Ralph & Yung Joc on the set of Yung Joc’s “Posted At The Store” video shoot in Atlanta, GA; Gucci Mane on the set of his “Bricks” video shoot in Atlanta, GA (Photos: Eric Perrin)

01 // Chopper City Boyz @ Crucial for Grand Hustle BBQ (Atlanta, GA) 02 // David Banner @ the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum (Biloxi, MS) 03 // Bu (Atlanta, GA) 04 // Big Chief @ Club Enigma for Big Chief’s Eat Greedy Vol 6 release party (Dallas, TX) 05 // Bizmarkie @ Frontline’s Greeknik 2008 (Orlando, FL) 06 // Yung Berg & VIC @ the Young N Sexy Tour (Hampton, VA) 07 // DJ Holiday & DJ Drama on the set of Gucci Mane’s “Bricks” video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 08 // Janiro Hawkins @ Tennessee Music Conference (Nashville, TN) 09 // Reppin’ OZONE (Baltimore, MD) 10 // TT Torrez @ her pink carpet event (Virginia) 11 // Big Righteous @ Club Laraza (Dothan, AL) 12 // Julian Boothe & Pitbull @ Diamonds Cabaret (Miami, FL) 13 // G-Boy @ Club 595 for Yung Joc’s Ace of Spades birthday party (Atlanta, GA) 14 // DJ Smiley @ Rhythm City (Dallas, TX) 15 // Lil D & his wife, Myko, & guest @ Kryptonite for The CORE DJs Award Show (Myrtle Beach, SC) 16 // Mr Lucci & Kazeeno @ Rhythm City (Dallas, TX) 17 // Afro Dothan reps @ Club Laraza (Dothan, AL) 18 // Cowboy @ Tennessee Music Conference (Nashville, TN) 19 // StreetTalk & guests @ Geisha House (Atlanta, GA) 20 // Foxx @ Wildhorse Saloon for Young Buck’s celebrity party (Nashville, TN) 21 // DJ Panic @ Jillian’s for the CORE DJs Circle City Classic afterparty (Indianapolis, IN) 22 // OZONE street team models Quita & Mekele & N.O Saints Charles Grant @ Ray’s Over The River (New Orleans, LA) 23 // Red Cafe @ Bulletproof celebrity basketball game (Miami, FL) 24 // KJ Hines & Jawar @ SW Georgia Radio & Music Conference (Albany, GA) 25 // Magnolia Grove’s Finest @ Boiler Room (Biloxi, MS) 26 // Cash Lingo & guests @ Club Laraza (Dothan, AL) 27 // Double Trouble & A+ @ Club Laraza (Dothan, AL) 28 // DJ Krunch One & BallGreezy @ Coco’s Lounge (Miami, FL) 29 // DJ Black & Mild & DJ Silver @ The Suite (New Orleans, LA) 30 // Yay, D’Lyte, Sara, & Ebony @ Club Enigma for Big Chief’s Eat Greedy Vol 6 release party (Dallas, TX) 31 // The Morton Sisters @ Club Moto (Pittsburg, PA) 32 // Scarface & guest @ Wildhorse Saloon for Young Buck’s celebrity party (Nashville, TN) 33 // Shane of Cool Runnings @ Frontline’s Greeknik 2008 (Orlando, FL) 34 // Kalim Hasam @ Kryptonite for The CORE DJs Award Show (Myrtle Beach, SC) 35 // DJ Funky @ the Tabernacle for Young Jeezy’s Recession concert (Atlanta, GA)

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

OZONE MAG // 41 Patiently Waiting

hen you strike up a conversation with Zomba/Jive record- “I didn’t really like the song at first. That’s not where my head was,” admits ing artist Lil Goonie you start to think that you’ve met him Goonie. “The people around me told me I was going backwards.” before. His voice sounds like one of the many you hear in the neighborhood barbershop. His demeanor resembles Not quite. Goonie wound up going upwards, to New York to perform in Wthat of the group of guys you pass everyday on the street on the way to front of Jive/Zomba Records, President of Urban Music, Mark Pitts. Instantly your destination. By the time you’re finished talking to him, you realize that impressed, Pitts signed Goonie to his Bystorm Entertainment imprint. It you just might not only know him, but be related to him somehow. didn’t happen quite that easily though.

Growing up in Nashville, Tennessee, Goonie’s experiences weren’t that “[Jive A&R] Memphitz had my CD, but it wouldn’t play in the radio at the much different from the average urban youth. He ran the streets, dropped time,” he says. “So my producers had to send it to Mark Pitts and it played out of high school, got tired of it and decided to rap. for him.”

“Yeah, I was in and out different schools. I was a problem child,” he sighs, Now that he’s on, Goonie’s first plan of action is to complete and release his without a hint of pride. “I wish that I could go back. I would have done a lot debut album Goon Life. Mentioning songs with straight-to-the-point titles of shit differently.” like “Man In My City,” “Raised Like That,” “You Know What It Is” and “What It Be” as the highlights, Goonie is looking to pick up where fellow Nashville But from there, as far as his rap career is concerned, Goonie has done native and former G-Unit artist Young Buck left off. things differently. Starting off making what he called “street gutta shit,” Goonie, with the advice of his older uncles (who are also his producers), “This album is for people that never had anything in life,” says Goonie, in- started penning songs to cater to radio and female listeners. The first one sisting that he had already adopted his name and lifestyle long before Slip he wrote, “Girls Gone Wild,” became an instant hit. Seeing what he had, he N Slide artist Plies made the term popular. “It’s for the drop outs, people in skipped past the prototypical mixtape route and went straight to the radio. the clubs, and people living everyday life.”

Words by Maurice G. Garland

42 // OZONE MAG (above L-R): 211 @ the Tabernacle for Young Jeezy’s Recession concert in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Eric Perrin); Lil Boosie & TQ in Baltimore, MD; Yung Berg reading about himself @ the Young N Sexy Tour in Hampton, VA (Photos: Jacquie Holmes)

01 // Alfamega @ Club Crucial for the Hittmenn DJs & Grand Hustle BBQ (Atlanta, GA) 02 // LeLe & Dean Jackson @ the Adidas store (Atlanta, GA) 03 // Jus Bleezy @ Jillian’s for the CORE DJs Circle City Classic afterparty (Indianapolis, IN) 04 // Keynote & OG Ron C @ Club GGs (Dallas, TX) 05 // Jay Love, DJ D-Strong, T-Roy, Young City, & DJ Q45 @ Frontline’s Greeknik 2008 (Orlando, FL) 06 // Guest & Tahira Wright @ the Adidas store (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Meany, Young Dro, & guest @ Crucial for Grand Hustle BBQ (Atlanta, GA) 08 // Lucky & Franchaska @ Jillian’s for the CORE DJs Circle City Classic afterparty (Indianapolis, IN) 09 // DJ K-Roc @ Club GGs (Dallas, TX) 10 // Carolyn & Ms Rita @ Obsessions’ Voter Registration Drive (Killeen, TX) 11 // Ace & DJ Khaled @ Summer Jam (Portsmouth, VA) 12 // Bryan Michael Cox (Atlanta, GA) 13 // DJ Misbehavior & TJ Chapman @ The Edge for Keith Kennedy’s birthday party (Tallahassee, FL) 14 // Dolla Boy of Playaz Circle @ the Adidas store (Atlanta, GA) 15 // Clay Evans & Lil Duval on the set of Yung LA’s “Aint I” remix video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 16 // Certified & Charles Wakeley @ The Edge for Keith Kennedy’s birthday party (Tallahassee, FL) 17 // Bigga Rankin on the set of Gucci Mane’s “Bricks” video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 18 // Big Ramp & Nitti @ The Suite (New Orleans, LA) 19 // Nokey @ the Tabernacle for Young Jeezy’s Recession concert (Atlanta, GA) 20 // J Que @ KBXX The Box (Houston, TX) 21 // DJ Clue @ Bulletproof celebrity basketball game (Miami, FL) 22 // Selah @ SoHo Lounge for Bigga Rankin’s birthday party (Jacksonville, FL) 23 // Danielle & King Ron @ Stankonia for Big Boi’s Hittmenn DJs listening party (Atlanta, GA) 24 // Young Jeezy & G Moe @ House of Blues for Young Jeezy’s party (New Orleans, LA) 25 // Richie Rich @ the Tabernacle for Young Jeezy’s Recession concert (Atlanta, GA) 26 // Deon Grant of the Seattle Seahawks @ Spice Market for Grand Hustle’s Power Lunch (Atlanta, GA) 27 // DJ G2 @ Club GGs (Dallas, TX) 28 // DJ Schooly @ The Lodge Dubai (Dubai, U.A.E.) 29 // Small World @ the Adidas store (Atlanta, GA) 30 // Wild Wayne & Ray J @ Q93 (New Orleans, LA) 31 // Triple Dynasty @ Yaucatan Beach Club for THCK Battle of the Beauties (Copeland, TX) 32 // The Kick Drums @ Cleveland Hip Hop Awards (Cleveland, OH) 33 // Randy Roper & Jee’Van Brown on the set of Willie the Kid’s “For The Love Of Money” video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 34 // Emperor Searcy @ Radio One’s music conference (Atlanta, GA) 35 // Freddy Hydro @ Tennessee Music Conference (Nashville, TN)

Photo Credits: Bogan (21); Edward Hall (04,09,27,31); Eric Perrin (03,07,08,12,15,17,19,25,33,35); Ichigo (20); Jacquie Holmes (11); Kenneth Clark (28); Malik Abdul (05,13,16,32); Marcus DeWayne (18,24,30); Ms Rivercity (01,02,06,14,23,26,29,34); Terrence Tyson (22); Tre Dubb (10)

OZONE MAG // 43 When Hurricane Ike came, we thought it wasn’t going to be too big. But it turned out to be a real big storm. I stuck it out; I stayed in my house. [When] I woke up the next morning it had rained all in my house. I had to leave my house; they’re still working on my house now. I went to Dal- las for a little while to chill out with my family, cause I’m originally from Dallas. I went there to chill at my parents’ house and a couple friends’ houses, and I stayed there for a week. I came back [to Houston] and the city was in turmoil. The storm itself was cool, but after it passed we had no electricity for a week and a half. No clubs were open, so there was no work for [any DJs]. I depend on working at the clubs. I work seven days a week, getting money everyday; that week, I ended up getting no money everyday. It took a toll on me, but it was a good thing I had some money saved up.

Artists like Trae and Slim Thug were out there themselves giving ice and free food away. The GO DJs donated to a foundation that was giving stuff away. It was tough out here, you know. People downplayed it. All those Dallas people were like, “Aw, man, it wasn’t that bad.” But when you came back and saw all the turmoil, all the struggling, man, trees were all over the street. You couldn’t even go down the streets. People were jammed up; traffic was a mess because there were no streetlights. It was worse than what people thought. It felt like we had just gone through a war.

I stayed in contact with all the GO DJs to make sure they were straight. A couple of the DJs needed a generator for their house to run the power. So the GO DJs got generators for the DJs that needed it. It took a while to get back intact. The first night back at the club it was off the chain because everybody was tired of sitting in the house. They were ready to get out and hear this music. It’s getting back to normal right DJ Hi-C now. City: Houston, TX [Musically], I think [Houston] needs to come out with some new faces. Everybody knows Slim Thug, [Lil] Keke, Trae, Scarface and all of them. WebsiTE: myspace.com/djhic They’re still hot, but we have a lot of new talent here that just hasn’t Affiliations: Go DJs, Core DJs, Atlantic gotten the chance to be heard outside of Houston. My job as the head Records, Rap-A-Lot Records of the GO DJs here in Houston is to help the crew grow outside of Hous- ton. We’ve got DJs in Louisiana, California, a couple in Atlanta, and San 3 Songs In Current Rotation: Diego. That’s how I’m going to help these new artists, by introducing Gorilla Zoe f/ Lil Wayne “Lost,” their music to GO DJs [around the country] so we can be heard other Scarface “High Powered,” places. Sometimes people are afraid to take a chance on a new artists, but GO DJs aren’t afraid to break new artists. That’s my whole motiva- C-Murder f/ Magic & tion behind the GO DJs; to break new music. That’s how I think we’re “Down 4 My Niggaz” gonna be able to get Houston back on the map like it needs to be.

44 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 45 WORDS BY CAMILO SMITH PHOTO BY TY WATKINS

46 // OZONE MAG Have you turned 40 yet? outside of Cash Money - with me. And you gotta There was a time, way back “They say 40 don’t act his age. 40 stay relevant. realize, I fucked with tough. I was on the when. Before cell phones, 40 ain’t never played. 40 ain’t no punk. 40’ll pull Last Don album. Mystikal and 8Ball & MJG, we go and before people rolled a gauge.” Man, to me, age ain’t nothing but mind way back. E-40 been fucking with the South. over matter. If you don’t mind, it don’t matter. You their weed in Swisher smell me? Old enough to know better, but young Who taught you how to rap? Sweets and Backwoods. A enough to not give a fuck. I heard my first rap when I heard the Suger Hill Gang in the 7th grade. Then I started listening to simpler time, many thought, But isn’t that going to be a special day for you, Grand Master and all them. Later on, it was when all of the Hip Hop you when your age and your name become one? Too $hort and some brothers out of Richmond, (laughs) Nah, that ain’t got nothing to do with CA. This dude named Freddy B used to rock with heard generally derived nothing, man. My name came from drinking Too Short, and there were some brothers out of from either New York or 40s in the mid-80s, man. My first name is Earl, Richmond, a few exits from Vallejo, called Magic Los Angeles. But while so so that’s where the “E” comes from, and the “40” Mike and Calvin T. [They were] some of the cold- is from drinking 40 ounces of Olde English. I’ve est rappers that you never heard of in your life. many heads had their ears been around forever, man, so I can do all kinds You mix that up with some of the Hip Hop that I trained on the electronic of words. I can say all kinds of things with the grew up on, like LL Cool J, KRS-One Kangol from grooves and nascent gang- number 40, you know what I mean? UTFO, and Ice-T...we can go on and on forever. sterisms bubbling out of What’s the background of a lot of folks who When did you land on your rap style? moved to the Bay? I started getting into my rap style in 1988, when the southern portion of Historically? A lot of cats come from the South, I did the EP with , Let’s Side. In 1989, I the Golden State, just a like Louisiana. My grandmama and grandaddy came with “Mr. Flamboyant,” and that’s when I came from Louisiana and had 11 kids. My grand really started to get into my start, stop, and go, few hours from L.A. the Bay dad was in the military. A lot of cats came from scoot style of delivery. It was a development. Area was bubbling with it’s Mississippi. A lot of cats in Richmond already had own scene. you could get permanent gold teeth because they’re from the On your new album Ball Street Journal, you South. The Bay had Alameda Air Force Base, the used another sample. What’s your player fix by listen- Oakland Army Base, [and] Travis Air Force base. the connection between your music and theirs? ing to Too $hort, or your The majority of ‘em are shut down [now], but The [song] “Yay Area” area on the last album, that’s why people came out here for work and , was successful on the gangster fix by popping brought their families out here. And that’s what underground. Every concert that I sing it at, they Spice 1 into your DECK, BUT happened to the Yay, the south. go crazy. That sample was so monumental. When did the “Yay Area” beat, I was like, “This it was E-40 who supplied the Does that explain the love between Bay Area shit finna be classic.” So I decided that instead endless swagger and soil music fans and Southern music fans? of me just always trying to duplicate [someone One thing that I always loved about the South is else], this is my sound now. I decided to take an- spit that made him a fixture they accepted all music. Years ago, they accepted other sample, and it was just saying, “Play me in on the international hip New York music, they accepted L.A. music, and the winter, play me in the summer, play me in au- hop scene with a longev- they accepted Bay Area music. Anything, they tumn, any order.” You can play me year round. It were fucking with it. They just love Hip Hop. Now was the perfect thing to start the album, because ity only rivaled by the best the South has their own representatives, so they I am the ambassador of the Bay. It’s a different in the rap game. Starting don’t actually have to accept none of our shit, sample [than before], even though it’s from the if they don’t want to. But they do fuck with a same group. The Digable Planets is a group that I with his independent grind chosen few, and I feel like I’m one of them. It ain’t admire and looked up to, and watched them do and working it into a deal just [the fact that] I’ve been in the game so long, their thing in their category of music. But at the it’s that I’m still relevant. I’ve been fuckin’ with same time, that’s my sound. It ain’t like I’m copy- with the majors, he’s one of them for many moons, and I’m giving muthafuck- ing somebody else. I don’t know nobody else the true stars of not only ers what they want to hear. Me and [my] cousin that used [the Digable Planets sample] besides B-Legit were on that , Bout It soundtrack. I me and Snoop. And Rick Rock produced both of the Yay Area, but THE WHOLE been fuckin wit Cash Money. “Baller Blockin’” was them, the “Candy Song” and the “Yay Area” song. COUNTRY AS WELL. the first video that they ever did with anybody Why fix something that ain’t broke?

OZONE MAG // 47 Everyone caught onto the element of 1989, so a lot of these youngsters don’t even The Under” was on my brother D-Shot’s album, the last album, and how it represented the really know what that shit is. The rappers know and I was on that song with him. “Practice Look- hyphy movement at the time. How has that that 40 is the nigga that put that “mob music” ing Hard” was another song that finally got some changed, or how is that different from this CD? out there. airplay. So 1993 was when we first started get- My thing is, I always have been hyphy. But even ting airplay. [During] the 6 years before that we on my last album, there were only like two or I’ve been in this for so long that it really defies had put out numerous records as SickWidIt Re- three so-called hyphy songs out of 20. I’m a logic for me to still be around. A lot of cats ain’t cords independently. A lot of cats couldn’t have well-rounded cat. I had my Southern stuff on never been through what I’ve been through. The done that. They couldn’t have done it without there. I had my mob music. I spit, man. The first streets fuck with me. The suburbs fuck with me. the big push from the machine, the big majors single was hyphy. “” wasn’t hyphy, Nationally, everybody fucks with me. There are behind them. This was all word-of-mouth. There but muthafuckers go dumb to it, though, you some rappers that’ve been around as long as me, was no big promotions. This was just all “soil smell me? This album is well-rounded, it’s the like LL Cool J and Too $hort, and I’ve got love for spit.” It was straight head shit we were spittin’, complete package. It’s me. It’s E-40. It’s what I do. both of them. But I’m in my own category. I’m so niggas related to it, and they fucked wit’ it. I make slaps, for the trunk. That’s what I make. I E-40, you smell me? I just feel like I’m a well- They rode to it in their cars, and woke up in the design it for the trunk, you know, the trunk and rounded cat. I rap all kind of different ways, you morning and ironed their clothes to our shit. You the clubs. Shit that’s going to make a muthafuck- dig what I’m saying? I can rap on any kind of beat smell me? And to this day, they still fuck wit it. er fuck with it. And I’ve got a lyrical display on you give me. A backpack beat, you smell me? On last album, muthafuckers said, “Aw, 40 done the album, where I show that I can get on some I’ll beat that shit back lyrically, you smell me? switched up a little bit...I like that old school old-school lyricist type shit on a few of the songs. You give me a mob-ass track with a heavy ass shit.” Nigga, this is the new old school. This is You smell me? And I got my own little way I get bassline with a swing beat. Something with that what it’s about. You smell me? They don’t make down, you know. I think I’ve got one of the real- gangster shit, where I can spit some gangster ‘em like me. You don’t see too many muthafuck- est songs in the world on my album. It’s called shit over it, put that dope game in it. Talk about ers that’ve been in the game for 20 years and “Tell It Like It Is.” I don’t recall nobody coming like life in general, talk about some bitches. Talk are still staying afloat like the Love Boat. Those that in a long time. about money, talk about all that shit, that’s what stubborn muthafuckers fall by the wayside. They I do. You smell me? Give me a party song. Give started right with me, but they wanted to stay in What do you mean by that? me something real international. Gimme a crunk one mode. They wanna rock one particular way. It’s telling them how it is. Not [about] rap, beat, gimme a snap beat. Gimme something And that ain’t no disrespect to nobody, that’s because I don’t give a fuck about this rap shit. that’ll break your ankles, I’ll get on that. I can rap just the consequences you got to deal with, but I’m talking about life in general. When they listen with the South cats, I fuck with them. That’s one me personally, I feel I’m a well-rounded rapper, to the song “Tell It Like It Is,” everybody’s gonna thing about E-40. I can do it all. You can’t put me and I’ve got a lot of shit to say. If you look at any be able to relate, because somebody is going in one category. People say I’m known for slang, of my music from way back in the days, from the through the same thing. Or somebody done had but I’m known for game, too. I spit that shit. Federal album in 1992, you’ll see I had versatil- that same shit done to them, or they did it to ity: I had a reggae style, and I spit some ole New somebody else. It’s just on some loyalty shit. You get love from so different areas: the sub- York shit, too. My style is so unorthodox, and so urbs of the Bay Area, and the push from cats muthafucking futuristic, I mean, it done lost a lot Who did the beat on that? like DJ Shadow, is that just some ecclectisim of people. To this day, some muthafuckers really Rick Rock did it. A lot of times muthafuckers are you get from working out of the Bay Area? think I’m whack, but they don’t know what the like, “I know it’s cool to be partying and hyphy, Earth is my turf. It ain’t just for dough. I got love fuck they’re talking about ‘cause the shit goes and going to the club, and throwing out money in the South, the Midwest, people don’t under- over they head. They’re just square as a box in the crowd, and riding on big rims and shit, but stand. Like, those who are just now finding out of muthafucking Fruity Pebbles. They’re lame where’s the real shit at?” So I got all that shit on who E-40 is, or those who’ve been knowing who suckas. They need to get some get-right about there. I’ve got that kinda shit on there. You just E-40 is; I don’t think they know how respected their macking, man. gotta listen. Sometimes my shit can go over their E-40 is globally. I’m not going to lie. I’m my big- head. And then a few years later, they’re like, “Oh, gest fan, but at the same time, I’m a humble and The unorthodox nature of your rhyme style, I didn’t know 40 said that, my bad, okay. That hungry dude. And I stay on the airplane, and to me, has a lot to do with the Bay Area. It’s an nigga be saying some shit.” You smell me? everywhere I go, [I get] the utmost respect. If a interesting mix of people and perspectives. muthafucker doesn’t respect for me, they must It’s an ill spot. You have place like Berkeley, What was the process of making that song? Did not have done their due diligence. They’re just San Francisco, Oakland, Vallejo, and San Jose the beat come first? on some of this right now shit. You know what I all coming together. You have the home of the It was all at the same time. When we were mean? Not knowing what I brought to the game. Black Panthers and black consciousness, mixed making the beat, I said I wanted to make a song I brought so much to the game, it’s ridiculous. with Silicon Valley types; hippies. called “Tell It Like It Is.” The beat made me do it. All that shit. Me and Rick Rock were fucking around at the And the real niggas? The real muthafuckers, up Orange Room, and the beat was so gangster and out that 80’s game? Them niggas know how What’s the difference between a lot of those sinister. It sounded like some shit I could just spit much I done brought to the game, or how far cities in the Bay? on. And I decided to talk on the hook, do the I done came because I was a real nigga in the There really ain’t no difference. Just people from hook, the whole thing. Take it to the face, you traffic, gettin’ gusty. Out there getting it. You different little cities. Really, the Bay ain’t know? So that’s me, talking to myself. I’m talking smell me? that big. So, you add all them cities up together, as if I’m somebody from the outside looking the whole Bay is just the size of one city in Texas. in. But it’s really me talking. And I just talk like, I don’t have to base my life on that. You know It’s really little. So we’re all connected to each “Man that nigga 40, man I fuck with him, whoop, how muthafuckers be like, “Aw, that nigga ain’t other, just a few exits away. We can get to any whoo, whoo. Cuz at 20 years in the game...stay real.” Nah, I just spit real shit. I spit real shit. soil in Northern California within an hour. In L.A., consistent, whoo, whoo, whoo,” You smell me? it take you 45 minutes to get from one side of That’s how I get down. I started from no airplay at all. None. For seven town to the other. It’s different cuts of cloth out years. I started [rapping] in 1987 and May 1993 here, but for the most part, we all breathe the With two decades in the game, how do you is when I first started getting airplay. We came same air. keep it fresh for yourself and for the fans? from nothin’. I just like to stay doing my thing, but at the same Let’s talk about that early independent grind, time mix it up a little bit. I’m staying current What was the first record you got played on like you and Short. You both seem to be still without going out of my jurisdiction. Spit some the air? making stuff that’s relevant to this day. What game, you know what I mean? And give the “Call Me On The Under,” which is me and my do you attribute that to? people what they want to hear, man. I know brother D-Shot. Mean Green broke that out Man, we’re just so ahead of our time. We just stay music has changed, though. A lot of people are there in Houston. And then “Captain Save a Ho,” creative. We came back [to the Bay], and that shit saying, “I want that mob music,” but they don’t Greg Street and the Bay Area DJs, way back in is like the ripple effect. You pass it on through even know what “mob music” is. They think “mob the days, they broke that. Greg Street broke it the generations, you know? Our OGs were music” is “shoot ‘em up, bang, bang” music. That out there in Dallas, and Mean Green broke it taught by their OGs and their OGs were taught “walk up to a muthafucker and shoot him in the out there in Houston. It started just circulating by their OGs and it trickels all the way down, you head” type music. That ain’t it. Mob music is a all over the place. Big Tigger was fucking with smell me? So it’s up to us to lace some of these certain sound. I’ve been saying “mob music since “Sprinkle Me, way back in the days. “Call Me On other youngsters.

48 // OZONE MAG just like , that album from 1995, came to his mind. There’s a dance that goes with A lot of the cats that were carved from the same you can’t duplicate that same album. I don’t plan it, so in the video, y’all will see it displayed. clay I was carved from are doing hard time on trying to duplicate My Ghetto Report Card. now. They’re solid; like Lil D, Black, and Beasley. But you never know if it’s going to be better or You had a lot of famous guests, like Game and All of those cats are locked up, and they were mediocre, or just there, until you put it out. But Snoop, on your album. some real cats. If some of them were out in the personally, I feel like I’m gassing on that mutha- Me and Game are cool. We talk from time to time. streets the whole Bay would be in a way better fucker. I feel like the muthafucker’s a winner. It’s I always wanted to do a song with him, but I position. A lot of times, some of these young- back-to-back slaps on there. It’s not dull shit. wanted to make sure it was the right song. Since sters are rattlesnakes, and they ain’t got no OGs me, Snoop, and Game are real West Coast fix- to tell ‘em [different]. The young rattlesnakes Sounds like you have a few that won’t have a tures, it’s only right for us to do a song together. are the most dangerous, because they can’t problem making it onto radio. Does it bother control the amount of venom they shoot. It’s a you to make those obvious radio-ready hits? I see you brought T-Pain on board. drought right now because there’s no cats to I’m not gonna lie, when I first started off, I was We were on his tour bus and he was making guide these younger cats, man. A lot of people stubborn. But nowadays, I’m a mature dude. I’m these beats from the ground up. We did about 5 are dying over shit they don’t need to be dying older now, and I’m making grown folks music, of them. He’ll do a beat and then start humming over. That’s what I’m talking about; the death and I’m making music for everybody. I’ve got to himself for like 10 minutes. He didn’t write toll. Back in the days, when a muthafucker was music for them youngsters, and I’ve got music anything down, just went into the vocal booth going to get it, they know what it was about. for people that are over 25. on the bus and did his thing. A Captain Save A Ho Nowadays they’re just getting [killed] for small is a muthafucker that tricks off his money taking shit that ain’t worth throwing your life away for. You got trap songs on there, too. care of a broad that ain’t even his broad. That’s “Aw man, that nigga stepped on my shoes.” And I got trap songs on there all day. a Captain Save A Ho, a muthafucker that just even though he said, “I’m sorry,” and bought you What made you work with Shawty Lo? comes to the rescue. That’s not the same thing as a drink, you’re still gonna kill him when he walks First of all, I remember Shawty Lo from D4L. What having a main squeeze. See, without my wife, I out of the club because he stepped on your know I wouldn’t be where I’m at, be- shoe. See, I don’t like that. That ain’t cool. It’s a “A Captain Save A Ho tricks off his cause she’s really a solid broad. And whole new ballgame. when I say “broad” that’s just my soil money taking care of a broad that spit. I’m not calling her a “broad” Tell me about your first Jive deal. ain’t even his broad. that’s not the [disrespectfully]. I encourage I was on there for 10 years. same as a main squeeze. without my muthafuckers: if you’ve got a good [female], you need to keep her. And How you feel about being on a major label wife, I know I wouldn’t be where I’m vice versa, for females, if you’ve got with so much time in the game and such a big at, because she’s really solid. recog- a good man, hold onto him. They’re fanbase? What do you think about a guy like nize a blessing when it’s in your face.” hard to come by. Recognize a bless- Ice Cube who’s doing well independently? ing when it’s in your face. No disrespect to Ice Cube or anybody else that’s independent, but when I was doing indepen- made me really recognize dude was that game I never looked for somebody to put me on. I dent, my shit was a one stop - Music People and recognize game, like when he said, “Like 40, don’t didn’t have an executive producer. Me, D-Shot, City Hall - they were the main hubs. Those were save her.” A lot of cats in the industry are phony B-Legit, and Suga-Tee didn’t have executive pro- the two little distributors in the Bay Area. My to me, but Shawty Lo wasn’t. That man said my ducers. We never did a 16 bars with a major dude uncle St. Charles would send out one-sheets to name and shouted me out real tough, and I love just to get on. We built our shit from the ground all the mom and pop stores and chain stores that. A lot of cats know I gas; they know I got up. Nobody helped us. I always looked up to Too with a copy of my CD in the package and say, straight spittems, I got bars. They grew up on my $hort, but he didn’t have anything to do with the “This is the new project that’s coming out. If you music and they know I’m still relevant. A lot of beginning of my career. We put our own selves like it and want to order, call this number,” which cats, when I see ‘em personally, they’ll say, “Man, on, through word of mouth, our business minds, went to City Hall Records and Music People. I grew up on your music, I got love for you.” But and family support. That’s how we were doing it. when I reach out to fuck with ‘em and get ‘em on my album or something, they act funny. They I try to encourage cats not to rely on the record Now, all these cats that are “independent” have either send an invoice or they’ll be like, “My label label. You’ve got to get out there and grind for real distribution. Their distribution is the same as ain’t letting me do any more features. Maybe on yours even harder now. It’s a brutal world out a major label’s distribution. When we were doing the next one.” And I know they took a page outta there and it’s an oversaturated market, so you it “independent,” it was a one-stop with a small E-40’s book. I ain’t talking about my dictionary, can’t just rely on the record label. You’ve gotta distributor. That’s the reason I signed with Jive just life in general. But Shawty Lo kept it all the get out there and network. You ain’t even got to Records, because I was only [reaching] 40% of way organic with me, and we got down with the be the best rapper in the world; as long as you’re the nation, as opposed to 100%. When I signed “Break Ya Ankles” song. I know how to separate making the right business moves and network- with the major, Jive, they had distribution that the real from the fake. ing and muthafuckers are feeling your swag, you [helped me reach] 100% of the nation. can do it. A lot of these d-boys don’t even know. Did you have an opinion about the Shawty Lo It’s like Rappin 4-Tay said years ago: “Man, a lot of I think independent is good too. But it depends vs. T.I. beef? these players’ll make some real good rhymesay- on how you want to do it. You’ve gotta under- I don’t give a fuck about that. I’m in my own lane. ers.” He’s talking about the average street nigga; stand that the way I was doing it, you gotta put People do songs with muthafuckers that’s in rap they can rap if they want to, and they’ll probably your own dollars in it. Your whole whoo-whop. beef all damn day. If that’s the case, I could be rap better than the muthafuckers they’re putting You gotta put it all in the hands of God, really. made at a lot of muthafuckers. You smell me? out. When you’re from that [lifestyle] and you You can benefit from being on a major label know it, it’s easier to put out music [about it]. because of the exposure. You can really get What about the “Recipe”? the perks and amenities from this thang. Being Oh yeah, yeah, that’s me, Gucci Mane, and Bun B. You were also on the “One Blood” remix. independent, you can still be underground and See, those are real niggas that I fuck wit’. They’re I don’t think a lot of people know that there’s a have just as much money as a muthafucker on a genuine cats. They’re my friends. The “Recipe” is difference between Southern California gang major, but that depends on if your shit sells and really just talking about the [drug] game, but at culture and Northern Cali’s street culture. It’s not if you’ve got the outlet. Sometimes you can have the same time, it’s explaining the consequences about colors or where you’re from. Muthafuckers a great album in stores but nobody knows noth- and repercussions. If you decide to elect yourself have turf wars, but it’s not about colors [in North- ing about it. It’s a dice roll, daddy. You just gotta into the game of dope, just know that it is cut- ern California]. When muthafuckers funk, they put that thang in the hands of God. throat. You can’t be crackin’ under pressure when funk over individual situations. Then that trickles you’re backed into the corner. You’ve gotta be down and a whole hood gets involved. But it ain’t While you were making this album, were you built for this shit. not color thing out in the Bay like that. Back in concerned with keeping hold of any fans you the late 80s and early 90s there were turf wars, picked up with your last album? What’s going to be the next single? but it was never about colors; just certain hoods, Me, personally, I criticize myself a lot. I go hard “Break Ya Ankles.” I could see that song coming certain soils, and certain cities. But don’t let the on myself. But I’m comfortable with this album. on ESPN. Shawty Lo came up with the concept. niggas with the dreadlocks that be dancing and I feel like this album is well-rounded. You know, When we did the beat, that’s the first thing that shit fool you. Muthafuckers been hyphy. //

OZONE MAG // 49

You might have run into Plati- num House founder and CEO Vee Johnson at the hottest industry parties on more than one occasion and had absolutely no idea of who he was or what he does. Even after having a brief conversation and asking for a business card, you still might not know what his Industry 101 job title is. But, once you find out about him, you’ll consider your- Vee Johnson self lucky to know him.

For the most part Johnson is one of those shad- built a recording studio [in the rim shop] and through mainstream television and film. I’m also owy music industry figures that always finds a Anthony Dent, Jagged Edge, 112, the Lost Boyz, in the process of building a music charter school way to capitalize. The Los Lola Luves native grew and Erick Sermon all came through there. After in Atlanta. I want to take the “bad” kids who may up bouncing around between California, the that I wound up taking a promo-type job with just be bored in regular school and teach them Midwest and Southeast. His introduction to the Dallas Austin. I knew him from school. After that music. We’re also trying to put together the Sam music industry came when he built a recording I ended up hanging with She’kspere in 1999 and Cooke story to make a film. We’re also still mak- studio inside of an Atlanta rim shop he owned went out hustling beats going around the coun- ing sure that Shakir gets the best results possible in the mid-90s. The studio helped cultivate the try selling tracks. Shakir Stewart came into our during his time at Def Jam by bringing him good careers of Jagged Edge, 112, and the Lost Boyz. world at the time, and we’re partners right now. music. We have a few more new things coming [Ed. Note: Shakir passed shortly after this interview. to the plate in the 1st quarter. After serving a brief stint in jail, Johnson R.I.P.] I also wound up going into a situation with returned with a newfound hunger, doing Devyne Stevens, who was a choreographer who What do you call yourself? What “title” is on promotions for Dallas Austin and opening the you might know now from working with Akon. your business card? once highly-popular Atlanta nightclub Platinum Vee Johnson [laughs]. When you find out what House. After too many shooting incidents Why did you choose to go into the music indus- connection you have to me, and I have to you, marred the club’s name, Johnson decided use his try? Sounds like you kinda just fell into it. the card won’t matter at that point. I tell people relationships to finagle a successful career in the I came in the game from the streets. I always that your relationships will define you. People music industry. had what the stars had, been where they was at. that I have day-to-day contact with are what If you saw me, you probably thought I rapped. make my job easier to do. I do bookings as well, Now using his Platinum House brand as a man- I’ve just always had a passion for music. I have a and I have relationships so I’m able to do book- agement, A&R and consulting power, Johnson tattoo that says “music is my state of mind.” My ings better than someone else. Not only can I is poised to continue to both contribute to and mind is always on music. My wife is Sam Cooke’s help with getting records for their project, I can capitalize of the music he so loves. granddaughter. I’m an MMA fighter right now, 5- take them throughout the Midwest and collect 0, and even when I fight I have to listen to music $100k from work and shows. The industry now So what exactly is Platinum House? to get me going when I train. I try to keep my is not just about selling records. Content is what Well, I own Platinum House consulting and body moving rhythmically, so that’s where I’m at sells. What else can they sell other than records? La Costra Nostra which is another company I all times, I’m in between the beat. I think musical What can they sell virally, at shows? The album is run with my wife Nicole Cooke-Johnson. We ears are something that’s given. like a flyer now, advertising the other things they run [Sam Cooke’s] estate. She’s also one of the sell. Everybody may not be Jay-Z, Wayne, Kanye, Three Brown Girls, you know the ultra-tainment Do you like being somewhat of a shadowy Biggie, or Pac, but there is still enough money company with Kim Porter. Together we are also figure? out there to be made. Music is recession proof. on Yung Joc’s management team and we do I come from the era of “you don’t know me.” I’m When people are sad, broke, and lonely, music is a lot of consulting with Too $hort as well. The a success story of the 80s to 2000s as a man who one of the things people run to. They run to the name came from the nightclub that we used to has been here for the full spectrum, people that bottle, drugs and music at the same time. You own. A lot of people came on my stage. I had the know me know I’ve been here. I’ve never been can always go to some club and see some drunk most incredible people of the time, like Michael in it for fame. I get the money and satisfaction person dancing. Jordan and Jay-Z, I had only party in the region of seeing people I helped go to the next level, with Pac and Biggie at the same time. They were and if things get hard, I know I’ll have favor with What do you think it is about you that’s af- both my friends, and I had special moments in them. When you get full blown, if you fall off, you forded you to be able to get involved in so time with both of them. We had an East vs. West fall hard. I’m not into people looking at me; that’s many facets of the industry? bang off one time, playing record for record, this for people who aspire to be a public eye figure. I’ve just been 100 with my feelings and the way was before the beef. That time period was very I like making money and I found ways to make that I am. I cage fight and I don’t pull punches. special, so I’m just taking that name and brand- money off public figures without being one. So when I’m out working, I don’t pull punches, ing it. When people hear “Platinum House” they I’m 100 and true with how I feel. There is a value know what kind of people are involved. What projects is your company working on in that. If I can do it, I say yes, if I can’t I say no. If I right now? like it I say yes, if I don’t I say no. Maybe that en- How did you get into the music industry? We’re trying to set up a new situation for Too ergy transfers to other people and they see it. // I opened a rim shop with some friends, right in $hort now that he is off Jive. My management the middle of downtown during . We branch is trying to make Yung Joc more visible Words and Photo by Maurice G. Garland

OZONE MAG // 51 Houston’s Favorite Team Wants To Switch Their Game Up In 2004 the grass looked so much greener on the other side of the fence for Slim Thug’s Boss Hogg Outlawz label. After ravag- ing through the South putting out what are now considered classic and hard-to-find mixtapes, the independent route seemed to be exhausted.

So, hoping to capitalize on the rap world’s new infatuation with all things Houston, Slim Thug opted to step his game up and sign with Interscope Records. In a deal that was supposed to propel Slim and his label into G-Unit like proportions, things started off decently. Slim was linked with űber-producer Phar- rell William’s Star Trek label while his major label debut Already Platinum was billed as one of the most anticipated albums of 2005. Unfortunately, it turned out to be too anticipated and was heavily leaked on the internet.

When the album finally did drop it received mixed reactions. Slim Thug fans said it had too much Pharrell and that it was too

52 // OZONE MAG commercial. New listeners said the album didn’t Have you ruled out the option of working with have enough Pharrell and that Slim was an aver- a major label again? age rapper at best. Either way, Already Platinum Killa Kyleon: I don’t really knock being with a ma- Killa Kyleon: It was just an idea I had. When I went gold. jor if I had the shot and they knew what they was heard the beat I automatically had a concept. doing. The difference is that at Interscope we Everybody comes with a record where the dude From there the plan was to showcase the artists had to wait and sit back to put out the records. is kissing the girl’s ass. But, some girls are playas on Slim’s Boss Hogg Outlawz label: Killa Kyleon, Then we had to have certain types of records. just like dudes. Everybody’s got that situation Chris Ward, PJ The Rap Hustler, Sir Daly, and new Independently, you crash and burn on your own, where the chick and the dude both got some- addition Young Black. But things didn’t quite so you’re in control of your own destiny. body else on the side. They’re like their playa work out. Like so many more before him, Slim pa’tna. That situation is more common than found out what it was like to not be named Slim Thug: I can’t see [myself] working with [monogamous] relationships. Curtis or Marshall. another major label. There’s no [major label] that I believe in like that, and they don’t hand out The song doesn’t sound like what people The first sign of frustration came when Slim opt- bankrolls anymore. That’s how Interscope got us. would expect from you. Did you want to break ed to release the first volume ofServe & Collect They handed us a bankroll but ain’t do nothing out from the stereotypical Houston rap sound? through Koch Records in 2007. In the following else. You can get a big check for something but Killa Kyleon: People categorized us for the music months, headlines were made when Slim began if it stops your other checks [from coming], it we make. But we set out to show them we’ve got revealing the true nature of his relationship with just doesn’t add up. If they give you a check for more lyrical content than what y’all think. both Interscope and Star Trek, saying that he was an album and it takes three years to come out never signed with the boutique imprint, likening but you can come out once a year doing it by You couldn’t decide if “Ride Wit’ No Ceiling” was the arrangement to more of a production deal. yourself, it doesn’t add up. a good street single. Can you explain why? By 2008 Slim was releasing another Serve & Col- Slim Thug: It’s the same ol’ shit. When I do my lect titled Back By Blockular Demand and leaving Don’t get me wrong. Everything ain’t perfect at show CD, I’ve got 10 songs about cars. I’m sick of Interscope. Koch either, but ain’t nothing perfect nowhere. the shit. We ain’t need to come out like that. I’ve Perfect example: On the first week of our release, got more talent than talking about cars. they fucked up just like the first [deal]. None of our CDs were in Best Buy in Houston, and that’s Killa Kyleon: We didn’t want to put that out. The Slim Thug: There are a log of talented artists on our main market. That’s the main store. Not to record was strong just like “Recognize A Playa” my label. We were all signed to Interscope, but mention that extra to be in the front. and it had energy, but it still put us in the zone of they were moving slow and had us waiting on The CD wasn’t even in the store. Making stupid a typical Houston record. But we still like to have some other shit. But I’ve got a lot of good artists mistakes like that will piss you off. We probably fun with the music. I don’t think cats have fun no on my label. lost out a lot because the people going to the more. They’re so hung up on trying to make a girl store to buy it didn’t see it and went out and song, a gangsta song or a dope song. Hip Hop Did Interscope’s handling of your project bought a burnt CD or something. was fun. It’s supposed to come out of what you disappoint you, or did you take it with a grain really are. When you first heard N.W.A, they put of salt? you in a mindframe of what the West Coast was Slim Thug: It was definitely disappointing, but I doing. When you heard Wu-Tang they put you in ain’t holding no grudge. That’s business. Every- Now that the album is out and the Boss Hogg the mindframe of what the East Coast was doing. thing that looks good on paper doesn’t always Outlawz are officially independent, they have a They ain’t care what you thought, they just did it, go right. The people at Interscope ain’t from entirely new set of obstacles to hurdle. Can they and you jammed to it. out here [in Houston]. They’re in L.A. and New break out of the “Houston music” box? How long York. They’ve never had a Southern artist except can six solo artists coexist? Will they prove to be Nowadays it seems like many artist can only Young Buck, and that was with G-Unit. They just the powerhouse they believe they are? Nothing serve one listening purpose at a time. You have trouble with the South. is guaranteed, but so far things are looking either listen on your computer at work, in promising. your car or at the house. Would you take it as a Killa Kyleon: I was signed [through] the same compliment or insult if someone said they only deal as Slim. On Interscope, the whole time they Since the firstServe & Collect dropped BHO has listen to your music in the car? were taking on Slim project, I already had a proj- lost one member and even had slight differences Slim Thug: Yeah, I see what you’re saying, but I ect done. They wanted to wait for his [album] to about the direction of the music they wanted to don’t give a fuck where you’re listening at. Hope- drop before ours came out. When you’re inde- present. Long time Hogg Sir Daly chose to live fully I’ll make an album where you can listen to pendent, you get a chance to shine. We didn’t a more stable life working a regular 9-5 and left it wherever. I ain’t gonna lie, we ain’t have to do have to wait on Slim. We had a powerhouse that the label. “Ride Wit No Ceiling.” We’re trying to get better could’ve matched up to or even surpassed G- like any other rapper. We’re in a certain circle and Unit. I feel like we can compete with everybody But his departure hasn’t slowed down the we know that. I know niggas in New York think else, but Interscope ain’t know how to work a label’s momentum as they’ve went on to grow we only talk about cars, but, they ain’t in cars, Houston record. That halted us from doing what an impressive web presence through a slew of they’re on subways. So I can’t expect them to un- the fuck we wanted to do. YouTube video singles, proving even more that derstand. But at the same time, we don’t wanna if given a proper major label push good things hear all that murder shit. I like to keep it real in Slim Thug: I’m on the business side of this shit. can happen. my records. If I ain’t got it I don’t talk about it. I’m When you work your ass off to make a CD and not saying every New York nigga raps about kill- one stupid muthafucker at the label fucks your Take for instance J-Dawg’s solo record “Ride ing, I’m talking about rappers in general who be shit up, it makes you feel like, “Fuck that shit.” On 4’s.” The laid-back song, slow enough to not talking about blowing heads off knowing they You wanna do a song your way, but the radio have to be screwed, quietly emerged as one of ain’t doing that. I don’t wanna hear all that shit. I wants shit for hoes or dance records. All these the most popular songs on the 2007 edition of like to hear shit that I can believe. rules they’re putting in the game is fucking it up. Serve & Collect. The buzz grew so much that BHO You’ve either got to get the money and sell out, decided to shoot an underground video for the Killa Kyleon: I disagree with that statement for or keep it hood and go broke. song. Videos for Killa Kyleon’s “Badge On My the simple reason that we’re got a song for every Neck,” Young Black’s “I’m Fresh,” and Chris Ward’s mood. Whether you’re hitting the club, on the Do you think the two years you spent caught “For The G’s” soon followed. block, or with your girl, we’ve got a record for up in that situation devalued your brand and every situation. We’re strictly for the streets. The music? Based off the response and reviews they streets are what made Hip Hop hot; we don’t Slim Thug: No. We were still doing our street shit, received BHO decided to drop Serve & Collect II: care about radio or corporate America. Everyday it didn’t devalue us because people know us out Back By Blockular Demand to capitalize. The first I’m in the street, and people stop me and tell here. The idea for me signing was to expand, single “Keep It Playa” featuring Ray J generated me that we’ve got the hottest record in Houston and that ain’t happen. We always rocking around moderate radio and video airplay, thanks mostly right now. I feel like our record symbolizes the here. Interscope was supposed to make it bigger, to the singing on the hook and smooth R&Bish streets of Houston. // but they didn’t, so we’re really in the same posi- feel of the song. But BHO insists that they weren’t tion we were in before. trying to make a “girl record.” Words by Maurice G. Garland Photo by SLFEMP

OZONE MAG // 53 dropped my first joint on September 28th, 1998. we’re promoting. I don’t promote those feature Pastor Troy has been at We dropped We Ready out of a trunk on the albums or do any interviews for them. But in war for a decade—as a weekend, and here we are still standing. 2000 they’re gonna see me 1st Quarter, 2nd matter of fact, this month Quarter, 3rd Quarter, and 4th Quarter. We’re Looking back over those ten years, how does coming winter, summer, spring, and fall. represents exactly ten your first project compare withT.R.O.Y. ? years since the Down South On this CD I’m showing my maturity. I’m 30 How is T.R.O.Y. a birthday present to yourself? years old now. When We Ready dropped I was CDs come out on Tuesdays, and my birthday, Georgia Boy infamously de- 20, so a lot of things are different. I know now November 18th, is a Tuesday this year. Every- clared war with Master P that this shit is just music. Niggas ain’t out here thing was just set up. I wanted it to come earlier, trying to pull none of this crazy shit off. Back in but I wasn’t all the way prepared, but then after on his 1998 debut, We Ready. the day you didn’t know what to be, or how to I finally did settle in the date, the Tuesday that be. Who even knew we were gonna have suc- was most appropriate was my birthday. I was Much has changed since 1998, but twenty cess at this shit? Then you end up with success like, “Damn, this is a helluva coincidence.” My albums and several record labels later, Pastor and you have to figure out what to do with it. music is real conceptual. I got a real concept Disaster remains as embattled as day one. He with this album. In ten years ain’t nobody gave began as an underdog emcee selling records Back when you were dissin’ Master P in ’98 did me nothing. I haven’t jacked nobody, and I ain’t with Select-O-Hits, and today he remains an you think that you would be sitting here ten bit nobody, but I’m damn sure getting bit. underground artist who recently returned to years later still putting out music, even years This CD is gon’ really show people the difference Select-O-Hits. He is still largely unappreciated after Master P lost his relevance? between them and me. in his hometown of Atlanta, where he receives Shit, I may have longevity, but I still ain’t got the almost no radio spins and inadequate respect. fuckin’ money he has, so shit, he’s still winning. What happened to your relationship with But after ten years in the game, P. Troy has noth- (laughs) But that joint was real pivotal. Whoever [independent label] SMC Records? ing to prove; not to his fans, not to the naysayers, knew that some dudes in the studio just fucking SMC is cool, but I went back to my roots with not even to himself. around would get Master P to respond to this Select-O-Hits. I didn’t feel like [me and SMC] damn bullshit? We were in the studio laughin’ were doing enough numbers to be partners, so With his latest project T.R.O.Y. dropping on No- and bullshittin’, and this dude called us out and I might as well go solo. With their office being vember 18th, his 30th birthday, the ATL veteran put us on his level. It was crazy, but it wasn’t no in San Francisco, and me being in Atlanta, and calls this album a present to both himself and hard feelings. We weren’t on no shit like, “We as much work as I did, I figured, shit, what the his fans. “I’m introducing a gladiator,” he boasts. wanna kill Master P,” or nothing like that. We fuck am I sending half the check out there “We’re just gon’ give the people what they want.” were meeting crazy muthafuckas on the road for? Fuck that! Now I’m straight up doing my that were ready to kill the man. [My response independent Mad Society Records, just like ten In giving the people what they want, Pastor Troy was], “It ain’t even that serious.” Much love ‘P. years ago, straight through Select-O-Hits. We has crafted a 20-track offering, complete with an are a major independent. 100,000 is platinum entire section dedicated to chivalry. These songs Out of the 20 albums you’ve released, which over here for us, and we ‘bout to do that shit in feature samples from such legends as Michael one is your personal favorite? a week. Jackson, Prince, and New Edition. The rapper Of course the first one always means the most, insists however, that T.R.O.Y. is more than just a because shit, without that first one there With your dedicated fanbase and the quality commercial record with songs about ladies and wouldn’t be no second one. That’s just how of your music, do you think you could see real love. P. T. promises his latest project is still brim- I ride with it. I appreciate all the albums for platinum success if you were on a major label? ming with the type of music that has cemented meaning something to me, but T.R.O.Y. here just Man, I’m so damn tired of hearing that shit I his place as one of the greats. His career hasn’t seem a little special to me because it’s falling ain’t even worried about it now more. It’s more always been glamorous, but after ten years in the on my birthday and it represents ten years. My about satisfaction and gratification for myself. game he’s still here. album artwork is crazy, my video is crazy; it If I sell a hundred thousand records, you better just feels real good. It’s a real good comeback keep my email address, because my phone Yes, Pastor Troy is still at war, but as a gladiator, album. I’ve been waiting for this one. You know, number ain’t gon’ be no good anymore, for real. that’s where he’s most comfortable. I’ve been putting out a lot of albums, and my (laughs) If I do those numbers with the situation fans have been supporting me through it, but I’m in, I’ll probably make a million dollars in a The new album is called T.R.O.Y.? they’ve been feature albums. They haven’t week. It’s a ten year anniversary CD that’s coming out included my production, or DJ Squeaky bangin’ on my birthday. I always had the T.R.O.Y. idea on the beats, or Fat Boy bangin’ on the beats. It seems like you’ve been blackballed by in mind from the movie, but I was just waiting mainstream radio. You don’t even get any love on the right album. T.R.O.Y.: Introduction To A What exactly is a “feature album”? in your hometown. Why’s that? Gladiator. Somebody might come and buy an album from It’s cool, man. When I had my words with Lil’ me, all in for $75,000 or something like that, and Jon they had a lot of influence in Atlanta. But What makes this album worthy of the name I’ll rap on ten of their tracks. And then they put it’s not hard to be blackballed when you ain’t T.R.O.Y.? the album out and collect all the proceeds. It’s givin’ them no music; I wasn’t even giving ‘em It’s just an album that I enjoyed making. It’s no big deal to me because I made $75,000 in a no music to play on the radio. I wasn’t recording a lot of songs on there, and it’s gon’ be a real week, and If I do a little more than ten of those any clean versions or stuff like that, as I was say- download. We’re just gon’ give the people what feature albums in a year, I’ve made a million ing before, though, those albums weren’t mine, they want and show ‘em that we appreciate dollars right there. I’ve been playing the game so I wasn’t trying to pull any radio spins in for them ridin’ with us, man. We’re ten years deep, like that, and that’s what’s been holdin’ a nigga somebody else’ album. I was trying to save the and I appreciate everybody that’s been with us. I over, but this album here is actually one that radio for this T.R.O.Y. album.

54 // OZONE MAG Do you feel that the lack of radio play has I know on the road doing shows. What everybody as competition. I’ve had so many hindered your success? are you some of the places you get the most [wannabe] Pastor Troys come after my style, this Naw, we’re still doing all our shows and all our love? shit is cookoo crazy. But shit, they don’t know no gigs. Atlanta is the only city with the bullshit— Man, I work every fuckin’ weekend. Charlotte, better, because it was too big of an event. They and I ain’t gon’ buy it. What the fuck would I buy North Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, all had to copy, because they couldn’t get away it with as many Birthday Bashes and shit we across Birmingham, Jackson, Mississippi, Florida, from it; it was a new sound. done packed, and how we done crunked the Tennessee, Memphis; we keep this shit rocking. city up and showed Atlanta love? I’ll be damned I’ve probably been to Charlotte ten times this Does it bother you that you’re not as appreci- if I go up there [to the radio station] kissing ass year alone. ate at home as much as you are on the road? trying to get the damn song [played]. I’m gonna I’m straight. I understand how it goes. I’m real, go somewhere where they wanna play this shit Atlanta seems to be a harder market to infil- and that means I’d rather be loved by some real gladly. I don’t know if I even have any haters, be- trate. muthafuckas than [a lot of] fake muthafuckas. cause I’m always around m’fuckers that love me. Atlanta is always gonna be harder market to I don’t like people being fake with me. Be real That’s the best way to do it. Why would I wanna infiltrate because it’s a million muthafuckas with me. It’s all good. be around some muthafuckas that’s always that wanna do what you’re doing, so they can’t throwing tomatoes at me? Fuck that! appreciate it and show you love. They look at Do you think Atlanta is fake? Let’s put it like this: a lot of Atlanta ain’t Atlanta. So I don’t know what it is, but I know the folks I fuck wit’ is real.

I was engaging in one of those classic “Top Five in the South” arguments recently, and your name came up in the discussion. Do you feel that you’re one of the top five emcees? These boys know. It’s about having a track record, a real fucking track record, a movement.

You’ve definitely outshone a lot of more recog- nizable artists throughout the years. That track with Big Boi on Rich Boy’s album was crazy, man. That was probably one of my favorite Pastor Troy verses. Those are the kind of problems I have - murk- ing tracks like that. Muthafuckas don’t wanna do songs with you after I done gotdamn get off like I get off. It’s not too many features or songs I did with anybody in these past ten years where the other muthafucka drowned me, but you I done drowned a bunch of muthafuckas! And I’ve done songs with everybody: Tip, Luda, Jeezy, you name it. I ain’t never got drowned, but I done baptized some muthafuckas, believe that. And I’ll baptize some more if they ever do songs with me. Nobody wants to do any more songs.

I know you have about 20 songs on the album, and you were telling me that you have a chiv- alry section on the album. That’s different. Yeah, it’s gon’ be an actual section. Songs like that [are] gon’ be in a certain section. And by chivalry I mean that you should be a warrior in battle, but meek to your lady. And that’s just something that comes along with the territory. Everybody’s all gangsta’d up, but even gangstas got a muthafuckin’ woman. So we gotta address that side too.

You’ve got a lot of big time samples on the album. How’d you pull that off? Yeah, we’ve got , Prince, and New Edition because we’re independent. We get it how we live down here. We don’t have the problems that the majors have with get- ting those joints cleared. My shit is more like a mixtape. Major labels have to go through a long process. Universal wishes they could put a sample on an album without getting that shit cleared. A Michael Jackson sample would cost them damn near half the company. I’d be done spending [the profits] by the time he came fuck- ing with me. //

Words by Eric Perrin Photo by Alfred Troy

OZONE MAG // 55 56 // OZONE MAG WORDS BY JULIA BEVERLY

THE HIP HOP CIRCUS ACCORDING TO It’s crazy how some artists like you and Akon “Sprung” popped off, you had actually pro- T-PAIN, a.k.a. THE RINGMASTER are such international superstars but you’re duced and directed a for the song still low-key enough that you kinda have a per- as well. Are you planning on directing any of The World’s Largest Elephant = Fat Joe. That sonal life without the paparazzi and people all your videos in the near future? nigga’s huge. up in your business. How have you been able Yeah, I’m still doing the same thing with my The Woman With No Arms = . She’s to maintain that distance? videos. I just don’t want the stress ‘cause all that skinny as hell and it looks like she’s got no arms. I ain’t that famous to have muthafuckas follow- shit comes with stress. I ain’t tryna have all that The Midget = Bow Wow ing me around with a camera. Akon has white responsibility. I’ma let other muthafuckas do The One-Eyed Monster = My penis. My penis is [fans] too, and the pop crowd. For some reason I that. I’ve done enough on my own. I’ve proved dropping an album called “Suck This.” can’t get out of the hood crowd. I guess it’s ‘cause that to myself [that I can do it] so I’ll let other The World’s Tallest Man = Slim Thug of what I talk about and how I look. people do it [now]. When I got the Producer Of The Strange Siamese Twins = The Girls From The Year [Award at the 2008 BMI Awards, along Crime Mob When you started out, was music the only with J.R. Rotem and Kanye West] I felt like I don’t The Bearded Woman = I been saying that’s Remy career path you had in mind? What do you really have to produce that much anymore. Let Ma. think you woulda ended up doing if this didn’t other muthafuckers have that stress. I’m real The Hairy Faced Family = The Wu-Tang Clan pop off for you? hands-on [with my video concepts], but I don’t The Monkey Boy = Soulja Boy I ain’t got nothing else. I still don’t got another wanna be known as the director. The last couple The Monster Man = Busta Rhymes career path in mind. This is pretty much it for me. videos I filmed, the [ideas] were really all me. The Four Legged Lady = Beyonce. Her fuckin’ When I started, it was just for the love of doing They had all the capabilities and control to really thighs look like they could be four legs music. I wasn’t watching the videos thinking, bring my shit out. Once I got hands on it really The Sky Diver = That would be . That “I’ma get this car,” or, “I’ma have this many girls brought it to life. muthafucker is always doing a show where he around me.” I wasn’t even into that. Kinda like comes in from the damn ceiling somewhere. how I am now, I ain’t got as many chains as What about your stage show? I read that Kanye The Fire Breather = Lil Kim everybody else. I ain’t ballin’ like everybody else, was really involved in the design and format The Contortionist = Ciara or it doesn’t seem like I am. I keep my [money]. of his stage show, with the whole spaceship The Human Cannonball = That would be Omari- That’s how the rich stay rich. Be cheap! (laughs) concept. Are you developing a theme for your on, cause he has a dance move where he rolls up stage show for the upcoming tour with Lil in a ball and rolls across the floor and shit. Buy the Mini Cooper instead of the Bentley? Wayne? The Strong Man = Rick Ross Exactly. I only got one expensive ass car, and Right now, I’m going with the circus theme. It’s The Women On Stilts = . Those bitches are that’s the Lambo. That was a gift to myself. just having fun. Fucking with people and fucking tall as hell. with their minds. I want people to ask, “Why When we did our first photo shoot, before the fuck is he doing that shit?” A lot of people

OZONE MAG // 57 don’t understand that’s really how you [become I heard some of the stuff Wayne is working on music digitally, instead of the traditional successful as an artist]. Don’t give everybody for his rock album. Are you looking at going in album-in-stores method, right? everythang, let ‘em have some kind of mystery a different direction as well? I’m not paving the way, I just see where it’s go- about you. That’s why a lot of people haven’t Oh yeah, I’ma definitely switch it up. I’m not ing. All the major record stores like Virgin and seen me without my shades on. So when I’m gonna switch it up hard, I’ma keep it classic Tower are shutting down. It’s getting stupid to ready to take my shades away from the image, T-Pain. If somebody didn’t know who Wayne the point where you’re starting to wonder where they still got something to look forward to, in- was, they really wouldn’t know what was going the fuck niggas gon’ buy CDs. The only choice stead of already knowin’ what I look like without on. But that’s awesome ‘cause he’s bringing in a you’ve got is the damn internet. We’re still gonna shades on. whole other audience, just like Kanye, so I think have physical sales, but we’re mainly focused on it’s great. I’ma just keep mine T-Pain and add internet sales. When you started, a lot of people doubted that different elements like I always do. the auto-tune effect would work for you. Obvi- ously, they were wrong. Are there any “I told I don’t want to be cliché and say that Hip “Nobody thought I would get past you so” moments that stick out in your mind? Hop is dead, but do you think Hip Hop ‘I’m Sprung.’ Everyone had to eat Any critics that had to eat their words later on? has lost some of its meaning and become their fuckin’ words... every record Pretty much everybody. Nobody thought I commercial? label and every artist I tried to would get past “I’m Sprung.” Then “I’m In Luv (Wit It’s depends on which Hip Hop. If you’re get on with didn’t think [the auto- A Stripper)” came out and they were like, “Okay, talkin’ about the music where you had to tune] shit was gonna work.” this is the last one .” Then “Buy You A pick up a dictionary just to listen to a damn Drank” came out and they were like, “This gotta song, hell yeah, Hip Hop is dead. But if you’re be the last one from this nigga with the auto- talking about music in general, then nah, we’re Rumor has it that there was a little incident tune.” And I just kept coming. Then I started do- very much still alive. Music is about having between you and Plies. What’s the situation? ing all the features with everybody and shit got fun. It’s not about using every word out of the I haven’t seen him since the incident so I don’t crazy. Everyone had to eat their fuckin’ words. I dictionary. Hip Hop isn’t really lyrical anymore, know if everything’s cool on his side. But I’m just had gone to everybody, and every record label and the people who grew up in that generation waiting to hear a response. He’s gotta talk to me and every artist I tried to get on with was like, where you had to be lyrical to make a song hate one day. “Nah, we good.” They didn’t think [the auto- that shit. When you’ve got Soulja Boy selling tune] shit was gonna work. But you know, they more than those lyrical niggas now, it’s killing What was the incident? couldn’t see the future. So fuck it. them, and they’re the ones who are saying that He basically told his security to get me off the Hip Hop is dead. stage when I tried to sing “Shawty” with him [at Do you think the auto-tune effect is gonna get a show in North Carolina]. His security didn’t played out like a lot of the other trends we’ve You have two kids now, right? [push me off], but it’s the fact that he told them seen come and go? Two and one on the way. to do it. He did the same thing to Trick [Daddy] It’s gonna get played out. It’s gonna come and in Orlando. I didn’t believe [Trick] until [Plies] did go after it goes through all the stages. As long Aside from the music thing, what’s your ideal the same thing to me. as it ain’t the same thing every time, that’s how day if you didn’t have to work? people get tired of you. If every time they hear All I’d do is chill out, hang with the kids, go buy So for the sake of Florida unity, you basically you on a song you’re coming with the same useless shit at the mall, chill with the family. I want to disregard the situation and move thing, using auto-tunes and doing the same buy useless shit like toys and fucking Halloween forward? rhythms or melodies, they’re gonna get tired masks. Dumb shit. That’s pretty much what I’m doing, but if it of it. comes back again, I’ve gotta address it. I ain’t Are your kids spoiled? ‘bout to be a nigga that’s just avoiding the Do you think your songwriting and production Yeah, but I go in Toys-R-Us and buy shit for my whole shit. It was a major situation. I feel like I abilities are something you were born with, or damn self. You gotta have fun. I gotta get all the had a major contribution in helping this dude. was there something in particular you did to stuff I couldn’t when I was a young man, a young I don’t know how he feels about the shit, but I develop yourself as an artist? stallion in the game. almost lost my damn career tryin’ to make sure It’s all about having experiences. If you ain’t got he got [the record] “Shawty.” I was cussing out no fucking experiences, there ain’t no reason for What’s up with the Nappy Headz now? the president of my label. I basically said, “[Give you to try to write a song. People can tell when I’ve been in Tallahassee for three days and him the record] and if the shit don’t work, then you’ve got a fake-ass song. When you talk about haven’t seen nobody from Nappy Headz. I don’t y’all can drop me.” Oh my God! I’m so glad the nice cars and you ain’t got no nice car, you’re know what they doin’. Last time I heard they shit worked, you know, but I really put my whole fucked. People can tell. If you’re singing a love were tryin’ to get back together, but they’re all career on the line [for Plies]. song and you ain’t got no girlfriend, what is you doing their solo thing too. talkin’ about? For yourself as an artist, is it important for you Do you think your success encourages artists to look out for the people that helped you get Do you think a T-Pain hook could resuscitate from small cities, like Tallahassee, to know that on? anyone’s career? they can make it too? Yeah, if people helped me out major. But if Not at all. If you have a history of sucking, then I don’t think people look at it like that, man, people gave me $2 to get a cheeseburger [back there ain’t shit I can do for you. People ain’t because the level of hate I’ve been gettin’ while in the day], they feel like they helped me get on. gonna accept it regardless of who it is. It ain’t I’m here [in Tallahassee] is so crazy. I didn’t even I had somebody ask me today, “You know Ken, really nothin’ I can do. If you ain’t gonna be ac- think it was gonna be like that, but I came down dawg?” I said, “I know a lot of Kens.” He said, “Well cepted by yourself, ain’t shit I can do for you. here and I’m gettin’ more hate than I do in some- he said he’s the one that got you on. He said he body else’s city. It’s kinda crazy. I mean, I get just helped you out a long time ago.” I’m like, “I don’t Do ever listen to the radio and get tired of as much love, but it’s amazing to see the amount remember that. I don’t know nobody named hearing yourself? of hate. It’s like people don’t care. People aren’t Ken that helped me do that.” I don’t really listen to the radio so I can’t say tryna get motivated or inspired to do anything that. I’m always listening to a CD. I like to control else with their life or their career. People talkin’ If you don’t remember their name they prob- what I’m [listening to] and niggas like to play a shit, people trying me in the club. Nobody cares ably didn’t do too much. slow song right after a Jeezy song on the radio. if you’ve . They think I’m trying to And niggas get mad at that. I don’t really know, They’ve gotta play certain songs [in the playlist] show off, but really, I’m just living my life. I’m I don’t remember a Ken that helped me out so there really aren’t any mixshow DJs anymore. enjoying what I’m doing. It’s really just getting like that. Niggas take the small shit and make it bad. Niggas are vandalizing muthafucker’s huge. Who has T-Pain’s permission to use auto-tune? houses down here just because they know me. Lil Wayne, Kanye, Diddy, and Timberland. You ain’t cool if you know T-Pain. Niggas are Why did you end up hosting the BET Hip Hop Everybody else can suck my left nut with two trippin’. Niggas try to figure out why I don’t go to Awards at the last minute instead of Katt Wil- lips. Diddy signed a contract sayin’ that I get Tallahassee much? This is exactly why. liams? What’s the real behind-the-scenes story points on his album just for using the Auto-Tune. with him? Diddy! He’s the biggest, man. This man has a So with your label Nappy Boy Digital, you’re That wasn’t even my business. We never had billboard in New York! experimenting with different ways to release any contact, except for the day after. He was

58 // OZONE MAG at the Ludacris video shoot and I shook his hand Actually, a townhouse. On the West side of Jack- that interview]. They were saying that my dad said like, “What’s up, Katt?” He was like, “You want a sonville off of 103rd Street. [Atlantic Records A&R] that to get rid of me, but really he meant that’s rematch on that breakdance thing?” I’m like, “What Mike Caren brought Sophia Fresh to me. He said all the money he needed. That’s what would pay breakdance thing?” Later on I found out that BET they had a hot new group they needed me to sign. his bills for a long time to where I wouldn’t have was saying we had a breakdance contest to host They showed me their shit and after that they were to pay his bills no more. A lot of people thought the show. Whatever he had going on with BET signed to my label [Nappy Boy]. it was like, “Give me $250,000 and you won’t have wasn’t my business. All I know is that they called to be my son no more.” He was saying, “Give me me, and I came. Do you eventually see yourself going in the di- $250,000 and that’ll pay my bills forever.” rection of Andre 3000, where you’re doing really Do you see more hosting gigs in the future? Like abstract things musically? Did you give it to him? the OZONE Awards? (laughs) I don’t think I can, ‘cause I’m so connected. When Hell naw! I don’t have $250,000 to spend like that. I don’t know about the OZONE Awards. As soon as Andre came out he wasn’t really connected [to I’ll give it to him in spurts but I just can’t give up we get a lil more organized and everybody can’t mainstream music]. I’m so connected to – not re- $250,000. I got shit to do. That’s not my responsi- get backstage. It already ain’t enough room for ally the hood - but drankin’ and strip clubs. bility anyway. Do you wanna bury your kids or do nobody and then Haitian Fresh always gotta bring you want your kids to bury you? his mascot back there. What are your Top 10 favorite strip clubs? Well my #1 is Diamonds. Ain’t nothin’ gonna top So that was taken out of context? Are you comfortable with your image as the un- that. I don’t know of nine others. Yeah it was. They took a lot of stuff out of [context likely R&B star? You said the label tried to get you in] that Blender interview. in the gym to get cute and all that, and it wasn’t So your wife wasn’t mad about “In Love With a really your thing. Stripper?” Yeah, your dad is an interesting character. I don’t know about the gym. I ain’t never been in Nah. She was in love with the same one. Me and He really is. the gym. I went in there one time and that was to my wife get it in. You let me know when you watch somebody else. wanna go in three ways. Do you think you’d be in the position you’re in now without your dad’s help? People expect R&B stars to look like, you know, Nah, I’m good, but maybe y’all and T.I. and Tiny Not at all. He kicked me off with [our rap group] . could get together. the Nappy Headz. He was our manager, our road They can be R&B stars, but them niggas still gotta Nah, I don’t know about that. I don’t think Tiny manager, everythang. When the group split up, write and produce they own songs. [My] phone gets down like that. that’s when I just told everybody I’ma do my own is ringing off the hook for [me to write songs for] thing. Usher and Chris Brown. They’re still calling me, so I don’t know, but that is the word on the street. ain’t nothing changed. I don’t know about the word on the streets. I Are you drunk right now? mean, I read something on the internet about I actually stopped drinking for a while ‘cause Striped dreads and all? some Atlanta artist that was taking his girl to the I’ve been smoking cigarettes. I’m just rebelling. Striped dreads and everythang. club and taking strippers home. But Will Smith and I wanna do something bad. Either I’m gon’ be a Jada got more money. They can pay for fucking alcoholic or I’m gon’ smoke. And when the the strippers. T-Wayne tour starts I’ma stop smoking and start “[plies] basically told his security drinking. I’ma be drinking Nuvo though. to get me off the stage when i tried So you keep things spicy at home? to sing ‘shawty’ with him. i feel like Oh yeah, believe that. You gotta keep What’s the difference musically between the i had a major contribution in help- things spicy. If it ain’t spicy it ain’t hot. T-Wayne album and the T-Pain album? ing this dude... i really put my whole First of all, T-Wayne is two people. I was just hav- career on the line [for plies.” In another interview you said that out ing fun. It may not be an album, it may be just a of 100 guys in a club, only 3 of them are mixtape because it may take too long to bring an macks and the rest are regular guys. album out. You’ve got Universal, Young Money, We recently interviewed rapper Ms. Cherry, I meant like, real pimps. Niggas that could come Konvict, Jive, Nappy Boy, and you’ve gotta make all who revealed on the VH1 reality show Miss Rap in this room right now and be like, “Ay bitch, come those splits. If we don’t feel like making all those Supreme that she had a child with you. Did that here,” and the bitch actually comes. Yeah, 3 niggas splits, then it’s just gonna be a T-Wayne mixtape. cause problems in your marriage? out of 100. Not at all. I’m very good. I’m real straight at the What can people expect when they come see house. You fit into the other category? the tour? I can’t say. My wife would have to be here. My wife The whole damn circus, puttin’ it down. I know Did you vote for Barack? would come in here right now like, “Ay bitch, come Wayne gon’ do his thing. I might even play guitar I didn’t vote at all. It’s hard enough to get one ‘ere,” and the bitch will come. with Wayne. It might even be a guitar battle in that person to run a record company, and you’re telling bitch, like Guitar Hero. me that this one dude is ‘bout to run the country? So your wife is more of a mack than you are? Did You know who I wanna vote for? I wanna vote for you get her or did she get you? You got Thr33 Ringz in stores now. Tell people the muthafuckas that’s behind Barack, the mutha- She actually got me. We were at a party for her what’s a couple significant records on the album fuckas you never see. sister. I was producing [music for] her sister at the that they might not have heard that they should time. We were at her birthday party and [my wife] be checking for. Tell me about your Nappy Boy lineup: TayDizm, Amber came in and was like, “Ay you, come here.” I You should probably listen out for “It Ain’t Me” fea- Sophia Fresh, Young Cash, and Jay Lyriq. was like, “Uh okay, cool.” She was pretty. I thought turing T.I. and Akon, talking about buying a bitch a Sophia Fresh is dropping “What It Is” right now. she was Puerto Rican and I like Puerto Rican girls. bunch of shit and I ain’t the person to do that. I’m We’re dropping Young Cash’s “Mega Movie.” It’s I walked over to her and that’s what happened. cheap as hell. And I got “Change” with me, Diddy, already been going for a while so that’s coming After that came marriage time. Mary J. Blige, and Akon, which is about changing out, and TayDizm’s “Beam Me Up” single featuring the world. It’s the Hip Hop version of “We Are the me and Rick Ross is all over 106th & Park. What’s up with that comment you made about World” with a lil less people. Ray J at the BET Awards? What attracted you to each of those artists and That was a joke on me. I still get interviews about Why should people buy Thr33 Ringz instead of made you want to work with them? [my come that Ray J had a big dick, in the Kim downloading it? Jay Lyriq has been with me ever since day one. Kardashian porn]. That was a long time ago and I ain’t saying don’t download the shit, if that’s what TayDizm’s been my hypeman since day one. I I’m still getting interviewed about it. It was pretty you feel like doing, but the reason you should buy didn’t want him to be a hypeman that can’t make much a joke. They’re still asking about it so I’ma my album other than somebody else’s is ‘cause songs. That’s what he does. Young Cash was with still talk about it. Why not? if you buy somebody else shit it’s gonna sound me before I had any kind of money. I used to bor- like me anyway, so just buy the original. If I was to row Young Cash’s shoes. (laughs) I used to sleep on In a Blender magazine interview, you were come out the same time as Roger Troutman, shit, his couch at his condo. talking about your dad blackmailing you. Like, buy Roger Troutman’s shit or Teddy Riley’s. It’s all “Gimme $250,000 and I’ll get out of your life.” about the originator. You want him or somebody The condo up in Toronto? (laughs) That was weird because they said a lot of shit [in that sounds like him? //

OZONE MAG // 59 60 // OZONE MAG For the last year and a Now you have a song with Ray J on your new there, and their fanbase is so big that every album as well, right? time I go over there it’s nothing but love and half it seems DJ Unk has Yep, that’s my homeboy, big shouts out to Ray clubbin’. They ain’t got nothing to do over there flown under the radar, J, because he snapped on that thang. Ray J but club, and they love my music. It’s all support has been doing his thing for years, so it was a over there, and the German women are lovable. but the “Walk It Out” am- blessing to work with him, and he’s on Koch, too. They hit the stage with me, they come dressed bassador insists he’s The song is called “She Freaky,” and the people to impress and it’s just a lot of fun. But now I’m gon’ love it; iTunes’ gon’ love it. We came hard back. Second Season is in stores now so I’m just flown everywhere but. “I’ve on that track. Like I said, it’s all about growth. promoting that and the new single, “Show Out.” been all over the world,” It’s my sophomore album, so I had to come with boasts Unk. “It’s unbeliev something hard. I also got a song called “Ridin’ I read somewhere that one of your favorite - Around” with a group called Blaze; we just signed things to do is go on YouTube and watch your- able how big my music is them to Big Oomp Records, and those guys there self perform at the ‘06 BET Awards when you overseas.” are multi-talented, especially in harmonies. You closed out the show. What other moments in can put them up against any other R&B group your two years of touring stand out the most? While his fans at home may have long grown and Blaze will shut ‘em down. I think the song I always wanted to have a big birthday party, tired of the once ubiquitous chants of “2 Step”, [“Ridin’ Around”] is gon’ be another classic. and for my 26th birthday I had a party in Japan. and “Walk It Out,” Unk’s international followers I don’t know if that sounds as big to everybody have faithfully kept him busy. “When it was 3 Do you think you have a song on Second else as it was to me, but I had a party—in Japan. o’clock in the afternoon in Atlanta, it was night- Season that you expect to be as big as “Walk It Man, there were Chinese people, Japanese time in Europe and I was on stage performing Out?” people, people in kung-fu suits walkin’ it out, over there,” explains Unk, of his questioned ab- “Walk It Out,” that was something unbelievable, monks and everything. The love I got on my sence in ATL. “I was eatin’ swordfish and dolphins man. It woke a lot of people up, and brought birthday over there was amazing. Everybody was right across from the Mediterranean Sea. It’s everybody together; it changed a whole lot. It bringing me gifts and singing “Happy Birthday” been a blessing, man.” wasn’t just a song, it was a mentality, the way in Japanese, it was crazy. They didn’t speak you carry yourself. It’s a stress reliever, and it’s hardly any English, but they knew every word to Now the Oomp Camp headliner feels blessed to also a good workout. So I’m not even gonna say “Walk It Out” and “2 Step.” return home, more cultured, more traveled, and I’ll have another song like that again, because more ambitious than ever. Unk has just released “Walk It Out” was priceless, and not just for For your fans in America that really embraced his sophomore project, Second Season, and myself. It touched damn near every household your music two years ago, but may not be while 2006’s Beat’N Down Yo Block! led him and in the world. checking for you as much right now, what mes- his “motivational” music on a trip all around the sage would you like to convey to them? world, DJ Unk stresses that his Second Season With your new music are you sticking with I just want everybody to know that if you liked displays the growth he’s experienced over the same style and formula, or are you switching my music before, this time around it’s Second past two years. Musically, he’s sticking to the it up? Season. Everything we do gets bigger and bet- same formula that led him to top in 2006. I stuck to my formula, but I’ve got a gumbo, and ter. It’s gon’ be more positive, more live, and if a gumbo consists of a lot of different ingredients. you sat down in the tub and you decide to get What’s the biggest difference between your I could do a third album, which will probably up, now it’s time to get your ass to the stage, first CD,Beat’N Down Yo Block! and this new be three years later, but the message I want because it’s all up. We’re going 200%. That first one, Second Season? to leave people with is that every time I drop 100% is what gets you in the game, the next 50% The biggest difference is just growth.Beat’N something it’s gon’ be something you’re gonna gets you to the next level, and if you turn it up Down Yo Block! was just me showing everybody want to listen to. I want to give them something another 50%, you can’t do nothing but go to the what I’ve got going on, and they saw it. This to wake up to, something to go to the club with, top. And that’s Second Season. project Second Season is the follow up album. and something that is there throughout all parts Everybody says it’s hard to come back with your of life. I want my music to let me get my point You worked with DJ Montay again for “Second second album [because of] the sophomore jinx across, whatever that may be. But at the end of Season,” right? and all that other bullshit, but this is definitely the day I just want people to have fun. Yep, DJ Montay has top quality production. You an album full of growth. It’s more maturity in heard him from the Flo-Rida track, and that the sounds, new flows, and new hits. It’s more You mentioned that you probably won’t drop “Low” tore it out the ass. Do you know how in-your-face, that’s why I’ve got a song on the your third album for three more years, which many plaques he got from that song? It was album called “In Yo Face.” I get my point across is interesting because it took you two years on top of all the charts, , Hot on records, and I have fun doing that. That song to come out with the follow-up to your first. , Ringmasters, that shit was off the “In Yo Face” made the [NBA] 2K9 video game, It seems that most new artists release CDs as chain. It’s just DJ Montay, and he’s got more to which is in stores right now. quickly as possible. Why do you choose to wait come. He did my first album, and he did the so long? second one, too. Montay, MC Assault, Mr. Jones, Being that the economy has changed so much A lot of new artists don’t get booked like I got Malcolm, Joe; our production team is top quality. in the two years since you last came out with booked. The bookings have just been stupid. I Ain’t nobody fuckin’ wit us. It’s just a matter of an album, do you think it will be difficult for can’t even explain it, that “Walk It Out,” just tore time. And we’ve landed so many projects. We’re you to replicate the kind of success you had it out the ass and we’ve been riding that thing on everybody’s stuff. with Beat’N Down Yo Block!? ‘til the wheels fall off. We got some good wheels; The hardest part will be just gaining attention because them muthafuckas still ain’t fell off. What do you think your place in the Atlanta rap and that all comes from what you put out. The We’re still gettin’ booked just off “Walk It Out.” All scene is right now? economy might be down, but shit, you can they want me to do is “Walk It Out” and “2 Step,” I see myself on top, man. But it ain’t just me, I got make something to motivate people and get and I’m good. We hit Japan, Italy, Greece, and a good company, I got a good foundation, I got a the economy back up. I just dedicate my music Germany like seven times. Every time we go to good surrounding. I surround myself with noth- to every different mood. I got something on the Germany we do like 5 to 8 cities. We usually hit ing but positivity, and that’s Big Oomp Records album for every mood swing. I try to cover as Germany and then drive up to Italy, drive back and the whole staff. They keep me motivated. much as possible, so it fits perfectly. to Germany and then go to airport. In the midst Our whole camp is up, and we ain’t doing noth- of all that, it’s just been shows, shows, and more ing but staying on top. There’s no going down, What’s your favorite track on the new album? shows. there’s no turning back. We can’t go nowhere Of course I love the [whole] album, so it’s hard to but up. pick one track. “That’s Right” is real gutter, but it’s Damn, so your passport game is probably sick also real easy, and it’s one of those songs that’s right now. What’s your favorite international gon’ put a big smile on your face. I got a song spot to visit? called “Make It,” which is a motivational song; it It’s gotta be Germany, just because I’m over there motives me as well. so much. Them boys keep me working over

OZONE MAG // 61 62 // OZONE MAG to have longevity like Celia Cruz who can still do shows and get love, but I also want to be an en- trepreneur like Gloria and Emilio [Estefan]. That’s how I want my career to be.

At what point would you say you took your destiny in your own hands, career-wise? I took my destiny in my own hands when I was on Luke Records. Luke is the blueprint; he sold millions on his own. When I got to TVT I formed alliances with everyone in the building. These art- ists walk into these offices like their shit don’t stink and think these people are gonna want to work for them. But Mr. Gottlieb tied [the employees’] hands behind their back and said he wouldn’t pay them if they kept fucking with me. At that point me and Team Pitbull went out on our own. That’s what it’s all about. When these artists go out on tour, they gotta pick up business cards. It’s all about networking. That’s the only way you survive.

Why did you decide to use this avenue this go You’ve recorded political songs speaking on the Though the title to his lat- around? situation in Cuba, but you’re more known for est single would lead you It’s an avenue for me to continue to sell. “Crazy” party tracks. Why do you think people would is at 250,000 sold on iTunes. With I rather hear those types of songs? to think that he is loco, only sold 100,000 in stores because TVT went I put out “American War,” a very political song, Pitbull is far from “Crazy.” bankrupt, but I sold 1.2 million digitally. So I’m not which is on YouTube right now. But to turn on the new to the digital game. iTunes and all the phone TV and see all the negativity, people want to go He knows exactly what carriers make money one way or the other. They to the club and escape. I make all types of music, he’s doing. Since busting help you market and get your radio up. I always but that’s the kind of music I have to continue to on the scene in 2003 with had a team in place, so when the company gives put out to survive. I cater to my fans in order to be me money, I give it to the team and do our thing. catered to, and now it’s my turn to give them what his Lil Jon-assisted ode But for a record like “Crazy” without a major selling I want to give them. The classic album that I never to ass “Culo,” Pit has built 250,000 in 5 weeks is pretty fucking amazing. got a chance to do, a full spectrum of music. Not just dope, the streets, or political shit, I’m gonna his name and brand as the You mentioned that you are in negotiation with be talking about everything they’ve been seeing. premier bi-lingual rapper major labels. What is attractive about them to I thank God I wasn’t plugged all the way in early you right now? because I got a good perspective on things now. on the planet. Whether it I’ve never been looked at as a big boy in the game be through keeping a musi- even though I’ve been doing big boy numbers. Over the years you’ve grown to become an It’s always been an independent grind for me, internationally known artist. How much do you cal alliance with Lil Jon or but now, I get to plug into the machine. I’m not think that has to do with your nationality? hopping on the right Reg- looking for an artist exclusive deal, and I’m going A lot. I was on tour with Akon in Australia. We gaeton hits, Pit is swiftly to cut a 360 deal either. I’m cutting a different both had a mutual friend who would tell us deal because I bring my own fanbase, a diverse about each other. He said that we were both approaching being a house- fanbase. going to blow one day. Akon comes from a hold name from the bricks different kind of struggle. If you’re talking about Speaking of which, tell us a little bit about your Senegal [where Akon is from] and you come to to the barrio. new social networking site. the States, it’s like Beverly Hills. Same with me PlanetPit.com is a place where I can keep up with being from Cuba and comparing it to the Pork N’ Even through poor promotion and well docu- the fans. Everyday I’m putting up new things to Beans. You’ve got a roof over your head and gov- mented disputes with his former recording home keep people updated, entertained and educated. I ernment help [here in the States], unlike third TVT literally had him on the shelf (his last two got someone who can handle the shit on the daily word countries. I think that’s why we’re winning. albums collectively sold half the amount of his and I tell them what I want on there. Personally, We talk from different perspectives. Gold-selling debut), Pit has taken an indepen- I’m computer illiterate. dent route making a name for himself through Do you ever look at some of your music peers a doing shows and using alternative avenues. His You have a television show now as well, right? certain way, for acting like their life was rougher latest venture, a single deal with digital power- Yes. La Esquina. It means “the corner” in Spanish. than it may have been? house The Orchard has seen his single “Crazy” It’s 2 weeks in and it’s the number one show on Everybody wants to paint their life as interesting. catapult to 250,000 copies sold on iTunes. Mun2. That network went from 6 to 24 million You’ve got [artists like] Kanye West who don’t viewers in one year, might I add. We touch on rap about doing crazy shit in the streets, he In the midst of riding the success of his new what’s hot in society and twist it and make it just knows how to flip shit with good wordplay. single and prepping to release his latest full- funny with a message in it. Jeezy and TI paint good pictures too. But a lot length Rebelution, Pitbull is taking a bite out of these cats know they’re green as fuck. They don’t as many pies as possible venturing into both the Back when you came on the scene around 2003, know nothing about the streets, but if there are online and television worlds. Here, Pit speaks on what were some of your goals? people who believe them, hey, more power to everything from his independent state of mind My goals have always been that by 30 I would them, because they’re good actors. Do they fuck to why he prefers an actual party over a political have my own company, ownership, living on with me? No. Do I fuck with them? No. It’s kinda one. an island, and to establish myself in the music like with homosexuals. I respect that you’re ho- game with my own lane. I’m the only one who is mosexual, that’s your thing, just never disrespect Tell us about the unique situation you’re in right bilingual who has been able to through me. So when I see a lot of rappers who paint now with your record label. all different cultures. I have my own company, pictures of a life they never lived, that’s not my After this single “Crazy” I’m a free agent. I’m negoti- Mr. 305 Inc., where I have my artists Cornbread, problem. Conscience is a muthafucker. It catches ating with labels as we speak. If anyone wants a Sincero, and Young Boss who is already signed to up with you. // sweet digital single deal I suggest you go through Universal Republic. So none of this should come The Orchard. as any surprise. It was all part of the plan. I want Words by Maurice G. Garland

OZONE MAG // 63 and developing new talent, overseeing produc- ers, and guiding the creative vision and brand recognition of the label.

He was awarded the position in June 2008 after working at the label for four years, serving four years as VP of A&R and Senior VP of A&R. In layman’s terms, Shakir stepped into the title that rap king Jay-Z vacated six months earlier. Based on his previous track record, the job looked like it would just be another notch on Stewart’s already star-studded belt.

Born and raised in Oakland, California, Stewart trekked out to Atlanta after graduating from Sky- line High School to attend Morehouse College to study marketing. His impact was felt almost immediately.

“Back then, Atlanta was the high moment for HBCUs,” says lifestyle specialist and founder of Studio 43, Kenny Burns. Burns was a friend of Stewart’s who attended Morehouse with him. The two met through mutual friends during Freaknik ’92. “As we started partying we saw the difference between us and them, you know?” Burns recalls. “[We] just had that glow and popu- larity. We had that upper hand.” His glow was realized before he even set foot in Atlanta. Even back in Oakland as a youngster, he had a rep.

“He was a go-getter. He was into the pursuit of a better life and happiness,” says veteran rap- per and childhood friend Richie Rich. “He was always assertive about going to school. He kept his head in the books. I remember going out to Atlanta for Freaknik ’93 and some of the guys he REMEMBERING hung with lost focus during the time I was down there, but not him. He hung out, but he ain’t miss SHAKIR STEWART no classes either.” During his time at Morehouse, Stewart was a know him or know him as well as you thought partner in Ivory Coast Entertainment, a party On the EVENING of you did ask the same question that his closest promotions team that also included Chris Hicks, November 1st, 2008, an ee- friends are asking. Why? Ryan Glover and Henry “Noonie” Lee who went on to form Noontime Records. rie text message traveled To people itching to get into the music industry, from cell phones in Atlan- maybe even to those who are knee deep in it, “[I was] the guy who was the head of passing Shakir Stewart had the dream job. Vice-President out flyers at seven clubs a night, seven days a ta TO THE EAST COAST, WEST of Def Jam Records. He was responsible for daily week in 20-degree weather,” Stewart is quoted in COAST, AND BEYOND: activities at the legendary label including finding Billboard magazine about those days.

Def Jam VP Shakir Stewart dead from suicide.

Of course, like most texts of that nature, you brush it off as a terrible rumor started by some- one who has nothing productive to do with their time. Especially when it’s coming from a number that you don’t have programmed in your address book. But when you keep getting that same text over and over again from people that you not only know, but respect, you finally start to realize that damn, it just might be true.

Still not convinced, you hop on the internet when you get home from whatever it was you were doing and go to a website you usually trust. They’re reporting the same thing you just read in your cell phone: Def Jam VP Shakir Stewart dead from suicide.

Then it sets in. A man who was loved by many, BURNS OF KENNY COURTESY PHOTO respected by most, known by plenty took himself This undated photo from his Morehouse days includes Stewart (far left), friend and business partner Kenny Burns away. Then you, a person who probably didn’t (2nd from right in the black hat), and Diddy’s “other” baby mama Sara Chapman (3rd from left in the blue dress)

64 // OZONE MAG When he graduated in 1996, Stewart continued he was making in the music industry. I remem- of Def Jam and what we put out was simply that,” to make a name for himself in the promotions ber when he first got the job at Hitco. He knew Stewart told XXLmag.com shortly after being aspect of the music industry, eventually catch- he was going straight to the top.” awarded the position. “I don’t look at it as re- ing the eye of music impresario and LaFace placement to Jay-Z. I think Jay-Z is, obviously, an co-founder L.A. Reid who hired him to join his When Reid departed the label to take over iconic rapper, a good label president, and a good Hitco publishing company in 1999. While there Island/Def Jam, he once again handpicked friend of mine. These are big shoes to fill for any- Stewart held two positions, Senior Vice President Stewart, this time as Vice-President of A&R. one to come in and say they’re replacing Jay-Z. I and General Manager, and secured his first big Naturally, even more success was expected of at don’t lend any thought or attention to that.” accomplishment by signing Beyonce to a pub- Def Jam, and Stewart delivered. The highpoints lishing deal. Simultaneously, Stewart served as of his tenure include the signings of Young Jeezy In hindsight after Stewart’s death, some are an A&R consultant to LaFace and and Rick Ross, who are now two of the label’s speculating that the pressures of the new job from 2000 to 2004. During that time he signed biggest stars. Those successes led to Stewart contributed to his demise. According to a state- Ciara, which proved to be another victory. being promoted to Executive VP of Def Jam in ment released by Def Jam, Stewart’s fiancee June 2008; a promotion that many referred to as Michelle Rivers said, “Over the past several “Shake was the most ambitious person I’ve ever “replacing Jay-Z.” weeks, Shakir’s behavior was inconsistent with met,” says rapper and fellow Oakland native Too the man we all know and love. As much as we all $hort. “He would be so excited about the moves “I was appointed as the Executive Vice President tried to help him, Shakir was in deep pain and largely suffering in silence.” Others claimed that he was “wigging out” during the weeks leading up to the incident.

“At the end of the day, it was the business,” hypothesizes Burns. “The pressures of whatever it was [he was dealing with]. How could some- body on a Saturday afternoon, a beautiful day in Atlanta, just take his life? He had a newborn and the best job on earth. You’ve gotta imagine what this business can do to you if you’re not prepared.”

“I talked to Shake a week or two before the inci- dent,” says Rich. “I used to talk to him all the time, but the conversations slowed down once he took that position. Over the last three months, when I talked to him, he’d be kinda ‘busy.’ But he always sounded the same. Didn’t sound like anything [unusual] was going on.”

Rich adds, “My thing is, the rumor is that he had been in a lot of pain and for the last 2-3 months he ain’t been acting the same. So my question is, if muthafuckas see this nigga ain’t acting the same, somebody’s got to be like, ‘Damn, what’s wrong my nigga?’ That’s ample time to get him some help if something ain’t right.”

Since his passing, many have theorized as to what could have led to such an abrupt ending of (above) Stewart and Rick Ross putting the finishing a seemingly happy life. Autopsy reports will not touches on the album at HitCo Studios in April 2007; be available for another 12 weeks, so the only (left) Stewart along with friend and business partner Vee sense of closure for those close to the situation Johnson at T.I.’s Untouchables-themed birthday party in September 2007; (below) In January 2008, Stewart (in the is knowing that Shakir left a good impression on striped suit) enjoyed ringside seats to the Roy Jones Jr. vs. thousands of people. So much of an impression Felix Trinidad fight at Madison Square Garden along with that the fact that he is gone is still hard for some Poe Boy//Rick Ross affiliates (l-r) to swallow. Geter K, GunPlay & of the Carol City Cartel, Gucci Pucci, and Slip-N-Slide CEO Ted Lucas “That’s a testament, man, you gotta reach out to your folks,” says Burns. “If shit is going on and it’s something you think you can’t deal with on your own, you need to reach out. I would have loved to have a conversation with him just to keep him going for another week, so he could have seen Obama win the election. It might have changed his whole outlook. It’s so sad the way it hap- pened. I could take my man getting murdered, but my man taking himself is unbelievable. The man I knew he would not have done that and left his kids [behind]. He had to be in a very dark place.”

“People say he was under pressure, but my nigga wasn’t cut like that [to crack under pressure],” says Rich. “You can tell by the moves he made and the time he made them in. I’m willing to bet that my man was not in his right mind. There’s PHOTO COURTESY OF KENNY BURNS OF KENNY COURTESY PHOTO something that nobody ain’t saying nothing about that’s playing a big factor in this shit right here. My nigga wasn’t the type to be like, ‘The

OZONE MAG // 65 job is too much, I can’t take it, I’m going out.’ Nah, he woulda just created With Stewart gone for reasons that still haven’t been determined, many are some new shit.” reevaluating what is truly important to them. Seeing a person who seem- ingly had it all, end their life so tragically will do that to you. He pauses. “I think the death of my homeboy really has a lot of us in this music indus- “It hasn’t settled in that my nigga done killed himself. I’ve been able to try sitting back like, ‘Whoa. Is it really worth it?” admits Burns. [accept], ‘Aw, they killed my nigga.’ But I can’t see none of my niggas doing that to themselves. Something just ain’t right.” “B-Mack, a dude Shakir looked up to, told him a quote that he told me,” shares Vee Johnson, Founder of Platinum House and a friend and business Stewart’s private funeral and public memorial service were held less than a partner of Stewart’s. “It’s a quote I think people in this industry should week after his death. At the memorial, held at his alma mater Morehouse’s adhere to: ‘We all should start paying more attention to what’s paying us, King Chapel, singers Ne-Yo and Chrisette Michelle delivered tear jerking and less attention to what’s paying attention to us.’ I think if we all did that, musical selections including Ne-Yo’s acapella rendition of “Its So Hard To we’d be better off.”// Say Goodbye.” The memorial was attended by a number of high-profile mourners ranging from Island Def Jam exec Steve Bartels to the label’s Words by Maurice G. Garland // Photos by Julia Beverly first artist LL Cool J. While it was a somber affair, laughs were still shared at the expense of Stewart’s fashion sense.

“Was that a red velvet blazer?” Def Jam exec Shawn “Peckas” Costner joked at the service. “With fur?!”

A testament to his colorful nature, the jacket seemed to be popular.

“He used to wear the funniest suits,” adds Burns. “I thought he was from Detroit because he used to wear block-toed gators. He always wanted to be flamboyant. He was wearing ascots before they were in style. He’d wear a leather blazer with a fur collar.”

“He was always fresh,” remembers Richie Rich. “He was the same as a youngster. When Ralph Lauren was hot, he had every color Polo.”

“I know a lot of folks in the industry, and I can honestly say that Shake was a one of a kind,” says Too $hort. “Everybody who knew him has to agree with me. Things just ain’t gonna be the same without him.” Less than two months before his death, Shakir Stewart (far right) joined Def Jam’s Shawn “Peckas” Costner and Murder Inc CEO Irv Gotti for Young Jeezy’s Recession concert in Atlanta

66 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 67 Growth & Development artist born Alonzo Mathis wasn’t living the type attire; tank top, designer jeans and sneakers of lifestyle that he does now. A product of South- that probably aren’t available to the general Surely you’ve heard the saying “you’re never west Atlanta, Zoe came up in an area and time public yet. His relaxed demeanor is telling of the too old to stop growing.” It’s sound advice for where life wasn’t easy. Opportunities knocked day he’s had. Prior to rushing to the studio for a anyone who thinks they know it all. The adage while trouble knocked harder. Zoe opened the listening session, he spent most of his afternoon seems to make sense everywhere else but in Hip door for the latter. helping out at a voter’s registration drive, en- Hop. In Hip Hop, unfortunately “growth” is often couraging boys and girls in the ‘hood, especially looked at as a bad thing. If you’re not saying Kicked out of school before he entered tenth felons, to register and vote for “change.” what you were saying on your first album on grade, Zoe wound up enrolling in Job Corps at your second, you’ve “sold out.” If you’re not using age 16. After spending a year in Kentucky and “This is the first time I’m registering to vote,” Zoe the same producers that you debuted with, picking up some skills in the culinary arts (no, admits. “I felt like the system had nothing to offer you’ve “changed.” If you’re not dressing the same that isn’t code language for drug activity; he me because I was in the streets, but it does. You way, you “forgot where you came from.” actually threw down in the kitchen with real just get to a certain point in your life where you food), Zoe returned home to Atlanta hoping to look at things differently.” Prepping to release his sophomore album Don’t start a rap career. Unimpressed with what he was Feed The Animals, Block Ent. recording artist producing, Zoe went the 9-to-5 route and landed “Different” will be a recurring theme for the rest Gorilla Zoe is going through his growth period. a job at Downtown Atlanta record store the Funk of the night. After experiencing moderate success with his Shop. Before long he scrounged up enough 2007 debut , powered by money to build his own studio, recruit better When Zoe instructs the studio engineer to pull his hit single “,” Zoe has seen what producers and thus make better music. Through up the collection of songs he’s recorded for Don’t it’s like to escape the zoo and live amongst mutual friends, some of Zoe’s music landed in Feed the Animals, a mischievous grin spreads civilization. He’s eaten dinners everywhere from the hands of Block Ent. CEO Russell “Block” Spen- across his face. It’s a grin that subtly says, “I’m Justin’s to Japan and graced stages from Harlem cer who inked him to his label in March 2007. about to fuck your head up.” After listening to the to Hollywood, but insists that he’s still the same songs, your head is indeed, fucked up. hood nigga, to a degree. A year-and-a-half later, success and travel has changed Zoe. It’s changed his address, wardrobe Zoe’s lead single “Lost” featuring Lil Wayne hints “I ain’t went too far away,” says Zoe, the night be- and means of transportation. It’s even changed at the direction Zoe is starting to take with fore he catches a plane to New York for meeting his taste in music. But it hasn’t changed him. his music. The Drumma Boy-produced track is with execs at his label home Bad Boy to pick and literally spaced out, but grounding at the same choose what songs will make the cut for Don’t “I can hit Club Crucial on Monday night and then time. Using the all-too-popular Auto-Tune effect Feed The Animals. “I ain’t make a whole bunch of head to the Lotus Lounge,” says Zoe, inferring for his verses, Zoe sings and raps self-analyzing money and start living on a yacht. I done made that he can kick it in both slummy Bankhead rhymes about uncertainty, confusion, paranoia some money and been some places, but I’m and swanky Buckhead in the same night. “You and being on the brink of insanity. It presents a growing gradually. My fans are a year older and gotta mix it up. Vegas and L.A. are different from vulnerability that doesn’t show in the scowl that we’re growing together.” Atlanta. They party to different music than we Zoe usually wears in his pictures. do. When I heard the original version of the song Zoe is relying on maturity from his fanbase to Kanye used for that ‘Stronger’ shit, everybody “That’s an emotion people feel, and I don’t want support his new album. Last year music listeners was rocking to it. It blew my mind.” to ignore that,” says Zoe, mentioning that he and were introduced to the gravely-voiced emcee as Wayne actually went in the studio and made the the newest member of . Never Of course, Zoe isn’t the first rapper to become song together, the same week that Wayne’s The attempting to “replace” former member Young a fan after hearing “Harder, Better, Carter III album dropped. “People feel like we Jeezy, Zoe instead established his own lane in Stronger, Faster” for the first time. But in all don’t tap into those types of emotions anymore.” the group, put in work on the mixtape circuit honesty, he’s probably the last one you’d think and built a big enough demand for more solo would become one. How many “hood niggas” do He adds, “I wanted to do stuff like that on my work. While genuine fans of his music support- you know enjoy Electronica music by two French first album, but it was too early. But this second ed, casual listeners quickly lumped Zoe into the dudes who perform in robot masks? album, I’m branching out.” prototypical Southern street rapper category. At the time, his subject matter didn’t do a lot to Welcome To The Zoo In the process of touring and recording Don’t dispute the idea. Zoe will tell you that himself. Feed the Animals, Zoe inherited an alter ego that When you walk inside Block Ent.’s meager he calls Lambo Zoe. Gorilla still gives you songs “Last year when I was making music, I felt like I headquarters, McCoy Street Studios, not a whole that speak on struggle, hustling and familiar was in a box,” says Zoe. “It felt like I was making not about it tells you that it’s home to what for “hood nigga” themes like the raucous “Untamed just real, great, club, hood music. There’s nothing a moment was arguably one of the most prolific Gorilla” and “Hell Ova Life” featuring local street wrong with that, but I couldn’t make feel good imprints and brands in Southern Hip Hop. The heroes Gucci Mane and OJ Da Juiceman. He also music, or even depressed music. There’s all kind fence surrounding the renovated former car shows conceptual growth on tracks like the Lola of emotions other than “I’ll bust your head,” or shop makes it look more like a place where Luva Winbush sampling “Smile” and the ultra- “I’m getting money.” People fall in and out of beatings and hits are taken more than a place descriptive “Neighborhood” that borrows from love, people lose jobs, people win the lottery. It’s where beats and hits are made. Mr. Roger’s iconic intro. so many walks of life that I want to cover.” Inside the main studio, Gorilla Zoe lays reclined “I’ve made enough records to show I’m the Up until after releasing Welcome To the Zoo, the on a couch in the standard off-the-clock rapper truth,” Zoe smiles while playing his new records.

68 // OZONE MAG “Not too many people can play in my lane. Ain’t Block, of Zoe’s latest creations. “But I like for an overused, if it sounds good, why not? nobody got a voice like mines. I’ma deliver. artist to come out of his zone and take their shit Everyday the songs get better and better.” to another level. When people don’t come out of “I use different plug-ins and programs to alter my their zone, they don’t grow.” voice,” Zoe says to defend himself against the no- Then comes Lambo tion that he’s “doing that T-Pain shit.” “Gucci Mane Zoe’s manager Rico Brooks adds, “You always and them did it years ago on ‘So Icy,’ so its been The music from Zoe’s alter ego will tell you one want to support the artist. I can’t hinder his here,” says Zoe. “Big up to T-Pain, but he ain’t of two things: Zoe has indeed “Lost” his mind, or creativity, if he’s open to different things, I’m go- come up with the program. It’s about being new, Zoe is really enjoying life at this moment. Neither ing to support him. Its good for him to get those so you have to be fresh in your own way. With one you can really be mad at. In a time where ideas out.” so many new sounds and tools at your disposal, everyone from the fans down to the artists why not use them?” complain about lack of originality, creativity and “I just wanted to have fun with the records,” says simply aspiring to be different from the norm, Zoe. “I started living life a little bit, breathing. By the time the Lambo portion of the album the Lambo side of Zoe can stand to be appreci- Getting chips off my shoulder. I’m not mean listening session winds down, Zoe reinforces a ated and encouraged. But damn if it doesn’t mugging everyday anymore. I’m seeing another thought that you already had: Gorilla Zoe has catch you off guard. side of life.” grown so much he’s damn near Lambo.

“That’s the reaction I’m looking for,” Zoe exclaims. For most of the Lambo Zoe records, he uses Love it or hate it, the music that Zoe is aiming to “I don’t want people to hear these songs just to Auto-Tune the entire song. The tool and effect release doesn’t sound like anything his peers, or say it sounds just like another song.” had been used by rock and R&B singers and pro- labelmates for that matter, are doing. With tenta- ducers for years to add an extra bump to vocals. tive plans to release Don’t Feed The Animals next Songs like the techno-esque “Love Her” and But recently, largely because of T-Pain, everyone January and follow up with a string of Lambo “I Like Girls” will surely raise more than a few from Snoop Dogg to Kanye West has been us- Zoe releases and possibly a mixtape afterwards, eyebrows upon first, second and third listens. ing the software, often choosing to harmonize it doesn’t look like the Gorilla is going to be do- “Superman” and “I’m So High” will take you on instead of actually rap. ing much hibernating this winter. a roller coaster ride that you won’t know if you enjoyed or not until it ends. The tool has been used so much that it’s war- “I record verses and songs all day,” says Zoe, who ranted magazine articles and internet video is now back on the clock, headed to the club “If I can say one word to describe what I heard interviews with everyone giving their take on for some quick facetime. “Work all day, party all at first, it would be ‘shocking,’” says label boss it. So far the consensus is, although it’s being night, sleep never.” //

WORDS BY MAURICE G. GARLAND PHOTO BY ZACH WOLFE

OZONE MAG // 69 70 // OZONE MAG Houston rapper Rob G has look up to as far as his work ethic and his grind. for your mixtape? I think once we came together and he heard me I did a mixtape series leading up to this called been through his share of really rapping, we started making all kinds of re- The Rob G Campaign just to get my music pain. He lost his father at cords together, because both of us are the same. out there and get people aware of the Rob G He respects what I do. He respects my grind and movement. So now The Inauguration is my op- age 12, nearly lost his own my vision, and I definitely respect his grind and portunity to be a leader in Hip Hop, not just for life in the streets, lost his his vision, so we just had to come together and my race and my culture, but for everybody in collab to try to bring this city up. general. Since this is my first album, I felt that the wife to cancer in January, title really fit what I’m trying to accomplish. I’m and nearly lost everything A lot of people outside of Houston would say not just trying to put out records and singles. I’m else when Hurricane Ike that Houston fell off. What’s your response to trying to make an impact in the community and that? the Hip Hop world, [and] all over the place. hit Houston in Septem- I think they just ain’t listening close enough. ber. Still, Rob has risen Falling off in the aspect of maybe the whole Since you chose to go with a political theme for national limelight…I’ll agree. We haven’t been your mixtape and album titles, do you actually through the storm, and in the spotlight as far as the and BETs go. follow politics? he’s here to tell his story. But truth be told, the same guys that opened In the past, I had the attitude like, no matter up the doors for us did their jobs. You know, the who’s in office, I’m still gonna have to get up and You’ve been through like a lot of personal Slim Thugs, Kekes, the Pimp Cs, Bun Bs, UGKs, go to work everyday. But with the state of the issues: being in the streets, losing your father and Chamilionaires, they opened up the door country right now, I think politics is something at 12, and your wife passing away earlier this already. Now it’s up to the next generation like everybody is getting into now. I definitely have year. How have you been able to cope with ev- myself, Trae, and all the other guys coming up to been following it. And now that I’m looking into erything and still concentrate on your music? put the heat on and take this Houston move- it a little bit more, I really do wish I had put a I’m very much of a realistic person. I know what ment to another level, and bring it back to where little bit more effort into understanding what it is I’ve been through, and a lot of people didn’t go it’s supposed to be, which is on top. And I’m that’s going on out there and how it affects us. It through things like that, but the honest to God very confident that it will be happening in the kinda just happened that my album is dropping truth is that there are people who have been next few months. I’m down here, so I kinda see around the same time as the election and it’s through more than I have. I just look at it as a what’s happening in the streets. I really feel that called The Inauguration. part of life. No matter where you’re from, wheth- Houston is going to come back on top. er you’re from the hood or the suburbs, struggle How did Hurricane Ike affect you and Houston? is something everybody goes through in differ- How great was it for the city to have the I don’t think the nation realized how major it ent shapes and forms. When you go through a OZONE Awards in Houston this past year? was. lot of things in life, you can let it destroy you or It was a great thing for the city. I was extremely It definitely affected Houston; it was some crazy it can make you a better person. And I chose to excited, and I think I can speak on behalf of all shit. I’ve been in Houston my whole life, and I let it make me a better person. I’m fortunate to the artists out here in Houston. First off, it was have never seen anything like that. Houston’s have great examples in my life, like my mother. a great thing just to bring everybody down to a big ass city and nobody got discriminated on She went through a whole lot of stuff while we where we’re at. We let them see our culture and [by Hurricane Ike]. Whether you were from the were growing up. I’ve learned from her that no how we get down and interact with all these North, South, East, or West side, some people matter what, the next day will come. I just keep people. From what I heard, people really liked got hit worse than others, but at the end of day, on going and strive to be a better man. [Houston] a lot. The OZONE Awards was real it was very difficult for us. I consider myself lucky good this year, and I hope we can bring it back because I was only without water and electric- As far as your music, what you working on the next year or the following year because ity for four days. Other people around the city right now? Houston really is a big part of the South, going were [without electricity] for a month. But at the My album’s gonna be coming out within the back all the way to the J. Prince, Scarface, and same time, I tip my hat to the people in Houston, next month, The Inauguration. It’s something days. We have a lot to do with this because I believe they did a good job compared that I’ve been waiting on patiently for a long whole Southern movement that’s going on right to other disasters I have seen like Katrina. They time. It’s going to be coming out through now. Hats off to the people at OZONE for bring- reacting by making sure that our city had what it Universal Republic and Latium. The album was ing it down here and showing that to the rest of needed. It was really an eye-opener for us. It re- supposed to drop a year ago but when my wife the country. ally set us back. There’s still parts of our city that got terminally ill, I had to put everything to the aren’t back up and running yet. side. Now that I got over that obstacle, I’m ex- How did you feel about the incident between cited to put this out. I’m excited to see what the Trae and Mike Jones? As far as Latin rappers, I know you’re looking to people think about it. Other than that, I’m trying All I say is that I know Trae very well, and I know be a Latin rap legend. Where do see yourself at to stay extra busy in the streets. I’m doing a lot of Mike Jones. Since I have a relationship with both right now compared to artists like Big Pun, Fat mixtape projects now. I just did a deal with Trae of them, I’m not gonna pick sides. But as far as Joe, or Pitbull? The Truth out here in Houston and we’re gonna me knowing Trae personally and working for The difference between me and those guys is be putting out some of his mixtapes. I’m starting him, for him to do something like that, some- that they’re already established. Pun was the first a company called Rob G Mixtapes. I’m gonna to body must have provoked him. I wasn’t there, Latin guy in Hip Hop to sell a million records. I be doing a lot of collabos with Trae and other so I don’t get involved with the he-say, she-say. think I’m on track to do that. As far as numbers guys in the city, putting their stuff out kinda But it was cool, it had Houston in everybody’s go, there is no other Latin artist in Texas doing like a label. Me and Trae are gonna be dropping mouths. I don’t really know where it’s gonna go what I’m doing, so I’m happy about that. Hon- a mixtape in the next few months called Black from here, I’m just concerned with doing my estly, there’s no other Latin in the South putting & Brown: Both Sides Of The Fence; just showing thing. On Trae’s behalf, it’s wasn’t no publicity up the numbers that I’m putting up, whether the Latino culture and African-American culture stunt. It was just a natural “you pissed me off, so it’s mixtapes sales or radio spins. I do represent coming together. We’re representin’ one city and I’m going to punch you” thing. Honestly, I don’t Latins to the fullest, because that’s my culture. one sound. I’m excited about all the things we think the dude needs a publicity stunt. The may- That’s my background. That’s what I live and have going on. or of our city gave him his own day. From what I breathe. But my music is really made to touch know, Jay-Z doesn’t even have a day in New York. everybody, not just my people. I wanna be color- How did you link up with Trae and why do you I know my opinion might sound biased because less to the people. Whether you’re black, white, think y’all clicked? I work with him and we’re friends, but for him to Asian, or whatever, I wanna make music that you First of all, me and him are from the same hood. do something like that, it means somebody had can feel. And I just so happen to be a Latin doing We’re both from the Southwest side of Houston, to provoke him. it, so I’m proud of that. // so that just opened up the door for the camara- derie right there. And he’s one of the guys I really Why did you choose the title The Inauguration Words by Randy Roper

OZONE MAG // 71 //Production Credits GUCCI MANE’s “So Icy,” “Pillz,” & “Bricks” OJ Da Juice’s “Make The Trap Say Aye” Yung Ralph’s “That’s The Move,” “About A Chick” Shop Boyz “Up Through There”

type beats, but people out here were like, “What is this? Nobody wants this.” I wasn’t in it to make money, I just enjoyed making beats. I didn’t care that nobody really liked my sound per se. But the longer I was here, I started adapting to the music.

Gucci Mane used to come over all the time. I used to go to school to be- come [a barber] and I met him through a friend there. He had a young dude he was writing for, and he wanted me to make the beats and we would put him out together. We tried to do that, but with the delivery Gucci had, I took an interest in him instead of the other guy. I told him he should be [rap- ping] so we just started recording. We weren’t trying to get a record deal, we were just recording. “So Icy” came about when Gucci got with Sign Ya Self [Records] and my buddy HB the CEO signed Gucci as an artist. He was gonna buy Gucci a necklace. That was the biggest thing in the world at the time. I didn’t want to be left behind. I had just made 20 grand out in the Bay at the time so I gave HB 10 grand and said, “I want a necklace too.”

I started thinking, man, I just spent 10 grand on a necklace, I just made a bad decision. But we were really excited waiting on those chains. One day Gucci called me at the barbershop and said Jeezy wanted do a song with us. This was before I had even heard of Young Jeezy. I came home to the studio, and Gucci started talking about those chains again and started singing, “All these girls excited...I’m so icy.” It was funny, so I started mak- ing a beat to it. I made the beat in 5 minutes. We did it real quick, went to Patchwerk, and had to sit around and wait for Jeezy to finish his session. When he finally listened, he said, “It’s aight. I’ll do it if you want me to. You got something else?” Gucci was like, “Zay, put something else on it.” I was like, “Nah, this is the song we came to make. At the time, I ain’t think of Jeezy as big-time. I’d never heard of him before, so he couldn’t just make us change [the song] we came to do. By the time the beat started playing again, everybody in Patchwerk started writing to it. Lil Will was there. We didn’t have a singer [for the hook] so he sang it. By the time the song was done, everybody in there was like, “Y’all got a hit record.”

We felt like we had a hit, so we took it to the club, but nobody liked it. I tried to give a DJ at PrimeTime $150 to play it and said, “Keep your money. This ain’t it. Come with something better.” We were heartbroken, like, “I can’t believe he just said that.” Jeezy was becoming the new hot dude in the street, and Gucci was building his name up too. The song got on a mixtape and people liked Jeezy so much they thought it didn’t sound like any of his other stuff, so they assumed it was his single. BMF liked it so much so they was the ones making it work in the club, requesting it in the club. Then Def Jam wanted it for [Jeezy’s] single, but Gucci wanted for his single, and they was born in Frankfurt, Germany. My pops was in the military and we weren’t get along. “So Icy” was the best thing to ever happen to me, but I moved around a lot. We lived in North Carolina, Columbus, Georgia, couldn’t even enjoy it because of everything that happened after. California, a lot of places. I tell people I’m from San Francisco because that’s where I went spent my teenage years and got all my game from. That song led to me doing a lot of other stuff with Gucci Mane, but it wasn’t I got started in music through church. I started playing drums, keyboard, until recently that people really started to get at me. I did some stuff with organs, that type of stuff when I was 5 years old. I still play the organ in Pastor Troy and a few others. I did the new Shop Boyz song “Up Through church every Sunday at Life Abundantly in Conyers, Georgia. There” and the new Yung Ralph “About A Chick.” I did the majority of Ralph’s project that hasn’t come out yet. I’m working with OJ the Juiceman I started producing music when I was 18. I used to play in the band at and Yung LA; for most of the artists I work with, I do the majority of their school in San Francisco. JT the Bigga Figga heard me playing the keyboard projects. All the guys I worked with didn’t even rap until they came to my in the band, playing all the songs on the radio. He must have seen me at studio. I feel like I’ve come up with all these dudes, I feel like they’re my art- the game and liked me because he wanted me to play keys on the beats ists. If I was in the position, I would have signed all of them. he was making. He took me to his spot showed me how to use all the equipment, and I was hooked from there. I did a lot of records for him and I prefer doing the majority of a project instead of just one song. I create a E-40, B-Legit, , and San Quinn. I can’t even name the songs, core sound for them. I still got that Bay Area sound in me, I go back [to the there were so many. They weren’t big hits, they were on compilations, but I Bay] every other month. I make music on impulse, I might start on a MPC felt like I was the man. or the keyboard. I’m a musician, so I really know how to play. I can come up with the melodies, chorus, and all of that. I don’t think, I just make the beat. When I started producing in 1998, my parents moved to Atlanta, but I stayed in the Bay for another 2 or 3 years doing music because I started A lot of my songs are street singles. I feel like the mixtape game is my stron- making a couple dollars making beats. I started spending every dollar I got gest point. People know me from that, they don’t know me from having the at Guitar Center buying my own equipment. Then got all my equipment new song on the radio. I love being low profile and low key. I’m a family-ori- and shipped it to my parents’ house in Atlanta. They had a big basement ented person, and a business person. I still cut hair. I’ve got a barber station for me to start working in. in the studio and I’m in business with First Class barbershop at Stonecrest Mall. I like to keep myself grounded and stable, doing a lot of things. I get I moved to Atlanta in January 2001. I had to start all the way over because up in the morning, I gotta do something. I like to take a break from beats, the music out here was totally different. I was used to making Bay Area- that way I can come back fresh. Cutting hair is like my outlet. //

72 // OZONE MAG DJ Green Lantern, , Barack Obama Yes We Can: The Mixtape 1. Mick Boogie “The Honor Roll” www.mickboogie.com www.djgreenlantern.com 2. DJ Chuck T “Down South Slangin Vol. 53” www.djchuckt.com 3. DJ Scream & MLK “Hoodrich Radio 12” www.myspace.com/4045405000 www.myspace.com/mlkng Just in time for Barack Obama’s presiden- tial campaign push, DJ Green Lantern put 4.DJ Bobby Black “Crack Addiction: Jay-Z & Barack Obama” www.myspace.com/djbobbyblack together the perfect mixtape to inspire Hip 5. S. Dott “Rhythm & Street Vol. 1” www.myspace.com/sdottmixtapes Hop fans to get out and vote on November 4th. This mix features commentary from 6. DJ Fletch & Ticketmasterstapes “Cool Whips” www.myspace.com/djfletchdallas Barack Obama, Russell Simmons,and Hip Hop 7. DJ Spinatik “Street Runnaz 23” www.myspace.com/djspinatik heavyweights like Jay-Z and Nas. New music 8. Ill Fats “Coast 2 Coast” Hosted by Juelz Santana www.coast2coastmixtapes.com from Jay-Z, Kanye, Styles P, and others help convey the “Yes We Can” and “Time For a 9. DJ Barry Bee “Hood Legendz 18” www.myspace.com/djbarrybeenc Change” messages. 10. DJ Scope “Street Certified 35” www.djscopemixtapes.com 11. DJ Unexpected “Year of the Aftermath” www.myspace.com/djunexpectedbx1 12. DJ White Owl “Drop That Part 37” www.myspace.com/djwhiteowl DJs, send your mix CDs (with a cover) for 13. DJ 31 Degreez “Forecast 26: Still Duck Season” www.dj31degreez.biz consideration to: 14. DJ Noodles “Fix Your Face Radio Volume 6” www.djnoodles.com OZONE Magazine 15. DJ Black Bill Gates & DJ Scream “King Shit: Madden/NCAA 09 Part 2” www.blackbillgates.podomatic.com www.myspace.com/4045405000 644 Antone St. Suite 6 16. DJ Kay “Blends For That Ass 6” www.myspace.com/cashiskay Atlanta, GA 30318 17. DJ Delz “Buck Against The World Vol. 2” www.djdelzonline.com 18. DJ E-Top “Get Ya Game Up 12” www.myspace.com/etopent 19. DJ Snake Eyes “Mixtape 100th” www.dacrossbreed.com 20. DJ Wheezy “Trill Skillz 11” www.myspace.com/djwheezy OZONE MAG // 73 Q-Tip/The Renaissance/Univer- The Foreign Exchange/Leave sal Motown It All Behind/Imagine Nation Q-Tip is back with The Renais- Music/Hall of Justus sance, an album many have

In today’s Hip Hop, where artists have taken long been anticipating. The the vocoder route on seemingly every rap 12-track release will definitely please A Tribe Called song, and one of the game’s biggest stars, Quest fans, and features the soul and jazz influenced Kanye West, has decided to sing his heart out sound you’d expect from Tip. Production on the album keeps moving and on his next album, it’s not uncommon for a varies from track to track, allowing him to switch up his delivery and make rappa to turn sanga. On Leave It All Behind, every track sound fresh without straying too far from the album’s underly- (one half of the rap group Little Brother), Les Deal/The Road Les ing sonic theme. Tip defines his own sound onRenaissance , making it a reunites with Netherlands producer Travels Vol. 1 welcome addition to your CD changer. - Rohit Loomba for their second album. This time Phonte opts A “true emcee,” Les Deal for more singing and less (almost no) rapping. is reminiscent of an old Phonte’s vocals, along with frequent assists from school rapper with new vocalists Darien Brockington, Muhsinah and school content. On The Black Milk/Tronic/Fat Beats , and Nicolay’s production make this Road Les Travels EP, the As a follow up to last year’s album an 11-track smooth listen that’ll seduce Orlando resident is at Popular Demand, the sopho- listeners into kicking off their shoes and vibing his best when grooving more album from Detroit to the melodies. - Randy Roper in a laidback lane on rapper/producer Black Milk, “Keep On,” “Tropicana,” Tronic, offers more of a futuristic sound. It’s a strong “Love” and “Taking My album from top to bottom. “Long Story Short,” “Los- Time.” But tracks like ing Out” featuring Royce Da 5’9”, “The Matrix” with scratching from DJ “Unreal,” and “For The Premier, and appearances from Pharoache Monch and Sean Price are most Record” are lukewarm, memorable. While Milk’s production is more live and synthesized this time when Les tries to around, the outcome would make J-Dilla proud of the lineage that’s fol- showcase his rap skills lowed his footsteps. - Randy Roper to boom-bap beats. Trae/The Beginning/ Overall, this project Rap-A-Lot proves that the road After Trae’s departure from the label, Rap-A-Lot Les travels is a path put out The Beginning. Any irony ends at the title worthy of a few follow- as the album itself offers a stern Trae on mostly ers. - Randy Roper somber, reflective tracks. Regardless of the situa- tion surrounding its release, Beginning captures Gucci Mane & Bigga Rankin Trae in fine form, hitting the faster flows at times From Zone 6 to Duval Nominated for Mixtape Mon- and maintaining substance in his tracks. Tracks ster at the OZONE Awards, this like “This Can’t Be Life” and “Hold On” display time Mr. La Flare hooked up an introspective Trae and shed light on the with Florida native Bigga Rankin to bless the trap stars instances that hardened him. Beginning is solid and hood affiliates with another one for the streets. The all around and hopefully will help this free agent energized track “My Rims Dancin” and “Hot Damn” will make listeners laugh find a winning team. - Rohit Loomba a little, with the buzzing fly and Al Green sample. But Gucci smooths it out with the sensual “Body Language,” and “On Deck,” where Mane raps about his everyday life. There are some decent tracks for non-Gucci fans, but defi- antly, this is a mixtape to add to the Gucci collection. - Jee’Van Brown

OJ Da Juiceman, DJ Project Pat & DJ Scream Drama & DJ Holiday A History of Violence Z-Ro/Crack/Rap-A-Lot Culinary Art School From the intro, Project Pat lets it be known that this mixtape Coming from a city known for rapping in slow On Culinary Art School, is strictly for the streets, so he motion, Z-Ro has made a name for himself Juiceman teams up linked with Mr. Heavy In The Streets, DJ Scream. “Favorite rapping with emotion. Admittedly happier in with Mr. Gangsta Grillz Things,” “Wit My Money” with Three Six Mafia and “Keep It Hood” featuring life nowadays, the usually bleak rapper opens himself to show that OJ Da Juiceman are notable tracks that deliver the North Memphis sound the album talking about finding and falling he can hold his own that Project Pat is known for. A History of Violence doesn’t come without a in love on “Baby Girl” but gets right back to without his sidekick few flaws, as Pat’s freestyles over “,” “Swagger Like Us” and “Cash Flow” the bitch-hating on “Call My Phone.” Naturally, Gucci Mane. Juice raps are beats that he should have stayed away from. But tracks with Akon, ‘Ro feels isolated later on “Lonely.” When the about his daily grind Gucci Mane and T-Pain make up for his mishaps, and when Pat stays in his Mo’City Don gets out of the blues and just raps, on “9 In The Morning” lane, he’s still one of the best Memphis has ever produced. —Randy Roper he still shines. The 9-minute Screwtape-style and continues to add freestyle “25 Lighters” shows that Ro indeed spices to the mix on has Screwston, Texas in his veins while “If That’s “Choppers Loose.” He How You Feel” featuring Lil Keke reminds listen- may have overcooked Lil’ Phat/Life of Yungsta ers there are still G’s in the city. Overall, Crack this tape with the Fresh off his appearance on is one Ro’s most well-rounded efforts to date, overuse of his favorite Webbie’s hit “Independent,” it’s showing that while he is still able to make the adlib, “Aye,” but aside Lil’ Phat’s turn to step through blues music he is known for, he’s also capable from that, the streets the door kicked open by Boosie of showing flashes of optimism . - Maurice G. will dig what OJ is and Webbie. This DJ Khaled-hosted mixtape follows Trill Garland cooking. He remains Ent.’s formula of bass-pounding beats, catchy hooks, and an artist to watch in gritty lyrics. Although he’s a less talented rapper than his predecessors, this 2009. - Jee’Van Brown mixtape has bangers like “That’s My Baby,” “Cold Cup” with Paul Wall, and “Neva Change” with Webbie that prove Phat’s worth to his team. But still, 20 tracks with Phat’s basic flow at the helm is a bit much. - Randy Roper

74 // OZONE MAG