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OZONE MAGAZINE I MY SPRITE EASTER PINK YOUR FAVORITE RAPPER’S FAVORITE MAGAZINE: 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

DEVIN THE DUDE RICH T-PAIN

PLUS OZONE WEST: TOO $HORT THE FIXXERS MISTAH FAB

DJ

DRAMAKEEPIN’ IT GANGSTA MAY 2007

* 20 MOST REGRETTABLE OZONE QUOTABLES * FIVE *YEARS GROUPIE OF OZONE CONFESSIONSOZONE& MOREPHOTOS MAG //  YOUR FAVORITE RAPPER’S FAVORITE MAGAZINE: 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

T-PAIN MANNIE FRESH RICH BOY DJ DRAMA **EXCLUSIVE** PLUS OZONE WEST: TOO $HORT THE FIXXERS MISTAH FAB

28 // OZONE WEST YOUR FAVORITE RAPPER’S FAVORITE MAGAZINE: 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

DJ DRAMA **EXCLUSIVE** T-PAIN MANNIE FRESH DEVIN THE DUDE RICH BOY PLUS OZONE WEST: TOO $HORT THE FIXXERS MISTAH FAB OZONE MAG // 1 2 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 3 4 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 5 6 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 7 8 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 9 10 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 11 PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF // Julia Beverly

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER // N. Ali Early MUSIC EDITOR // Randy Roper FEATURES EDITOR // Eric Perrin ART DIRECTOR // Tene Gooden ADVERTISING SALES // Che’ Johnson PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR // Malik Abdul MARKETING DIRECTOR // David Muhammad LEGAL CONSULTANT // Kyle P. King, P.A. SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER // Jason Brown ADMINISTRATIVE // Cordice Gardner, Kisha Smith CONTRIBUTORS // Alexander Cannon, Bogan, Carlton Wade, Charlamagne the God, Chuck T, Destine Cajuste, E-Feezy, Edward Hall, Felita INTERVIEWS Knight, Iisha Hillmon, Jacinta Howard, Jaro Vacek, Jessica Koslow, J Lash, Jason Cordes, Jo Jo, Johnny Louis, Kamikaze, Keadron 90-94 MANNIE FRESH Smith, Keith Kennedy, Kenneth Brewer, K.G. Mosley, King Yella, Luis Santana, Luxury 106-107 DEVIN THE DUDE Mindz, Marcus DeWayne, Matt Sonzala, Mau- rice G. Garland, Mercedes (Strictly Streets), Mike Sims, Ms. Rivercity, Natalia Gomez, Ray Tamarra, Rico Da Crook, Robert Gabriel, Rohit Loomba, Shannon McCollum, Spiff, Swift, Wally Sparks, Wendy Day STREET REPS // Al-My-T, B-Lord, Big Teach ANNIVERSARY FEATURES (Big Mouth), Bigg C, Bigg V, Black, Brian Franklin, Buggah D. Govanah (On Point), Bull, C Rola, Cedric Walker, Chill, Chilly C, 26 GREATEST HITS Chuck T, Controller, DJ Dap, David Muham- mad, Delight, Derrick the Franchise, Destine 30 STARTING LINEUP Cajuste, Dolla Bill, Dwayne Barnum, Dr. Doom, Ed the World Famous, Episode, Gen- 42 TRAINING DAY eral, Haziq Ali, H-Vidal, Hollywood, J Fresh, 44 FEELIN’ OURSELVES Jammin’ Jay, Janky, Joe Anthony, Judah, Kamikaze, KC, Kenneth Clark, Klarc Shepard, 46 FOLLOW THE LEADER Kuzzo, Kydd Joe, Lex, Lil D, Lump, Marco Mall, Mr. Lee, Music & More, Nick@Nite, Nikki 66-84 5 YEAR PHOTO SPREAD Kancey, Pat Pat, PhattLipp, Pimp G, Quest, Rippy, Rob-Lo, Stax, TJ’s DJ’s, TJ Bless, Tim 102-103 THANKSGIVING Brown, Edwards, Vicious, Victor Walker, 94 REGRETTABLES Voodoo, Wild Billo, Young Harlem 98 NEGRO PLEASE DISTRIBUTION // Curtis Circulation, LLC SUBSCRIPTIONS // To subscribe, send check or money order for $11 to: Ozone Magazine, Inc. Attn: Subscriptions Dept 644 Antone St. Suite 6 , GA 30318 MONTHLY SECTIONS Phone: 404-350-3887 Fax: 404-350-2497 Website: www.ozonemag.com 110-112 END ZONE COVER CREDITS // DJ Drama photo by Blake 14 FEEDBACK Ribbey (special thanks to Everise); T-Pain, Rich Boy, & photos by Julia 18-19 RAPQUEST Beverly; Too $hort photo by D-Ray; Gorilla Zoe photo by Randy Roper. 24 CHIN CHECK DISCLAIMER // OZONE Magazine is published 108-109 CD REVIEWS 11 times per year by OZONE Magazine, Inc. 17 JB’s 2 CENTS OZONE does not take responsibility for unso- licited materials, misinformation, typograph- 22 MATHEMATICS ical errors, or misprints. The views contained herein do not necessarily reflect those of the 28 POLE POSITION publisher or its advertisers. Ads appearing 32 SIDEKICK HACKIN’ in this magazine are not an endorsement or validation by OZONE Magazine for products or 23-47 PHOTO GALLERIES services offered. All photos and illustrations are copyrighted by their respective artists. 34-40 PATIENTLY WAITING All other content is copyright 2007 OZONE Magazine, all rights reserved. No portion of 113 CAFFEINE SUBSTITUTES this magazine may be reproduced in any way 17 10 THINGS I’M HATIN’ ON without the written consent of the publisher. Printed in the USA.

12 // OZONE MAG rich boy pg 60-62 DJ DRAMA pg 54-58

t-pain pg 50-52 OZONE MAG // 13 Send your comments to [email protected]

else will be held to a higher standard. Somewhere along the line you were exposed to something real and that has biased you for the better. Honestly there is no such thing as objective journalism. The only objective is to fool the masses into thinking what that media outlet wants you to believe. Allow me to get off my soap box, and get back to work, keep doing your thing. Stay true to yourself and although the load gets heavier the higher up the ladder you go, never let go of those two key elements: integrity and moral responsibility! - Rasheed Amin Chappell, [email protected]

The DJ issue was tight! I want to give some advice to all the artists that want us DJs to play their music, like you asked in the DJ issue. If you artists out there want DJs to listen and possibly play your music on-air or in the clubs, here’s some ideas: Do a personal and very creative studio drop for the DJ you are trying to network with. Or, do a personal freestyle for the DJ on a current hit instrumental, studio quality of course, so that we can mix to it. People will still jam to it, and it gets your name out. Or, submit your JB, I just read OZONE for the first time last week. My boyfriend works in a single with the DJ’s name in the intro. If you do things like this, all DJs will barbershop and he brought home the March 2007 issue and I read almost take you more seriously. You’ll stand out from all those Myspace wannabes every page. It’s crazy. It was all new to me, how real it was. You’re writing and unprofessional artists that are out there. about what your readers really wanna know. My boyfriend’s got this chip – DJ Thailo, [email protected] (Orlando, FL) on his shoulder about white people cause he’s had some run-ins with white cops and stuff like that. We have a different outlook on things and he makes fun of me and calls me white cause I talk proper and don’t smoke weed. The DJ Issue was fresh. You’re reppin’ Chicago in here with two of the most When I showed him who was editor-in-chief of this hood magazine that he deserving: V-Dub and Boolumaster. Love it when people get it right. Good supports so much, he was in shock. I like that you’re doing what you know shit! and you’re not like some corny white girl tryna act. This obviously comes -Shala, [email protected] (Chicago, IL) natural for you and it’s cool to see a white girl with a magazine like this. I can only imagine how much negativity, hatred, and jealousy you must get from black girls. Thank Port Arthur, TX, for UGK. , we need more men (not rappers) with – Toots Mickels ([email protected]) brains, not more jewelry in this “new” rap game. Thanks for standing up and letting people know the real deal in your Release Therapy article and how these labels are just the new plantation. I wish more rappers would You’ve done it again with the latest issue of OZONE magazine, with stand up and not just wait for a check. and Carol City Cartel and Young and USDA on the cover, who continue - The Green Kang, [email protected] to make good music (regardless of people’s opinion of their overused cliché of drugs, cars, and women). I read the magazine from front to back in its entirety on a trip to NYC, and of course your JB’s 2 Cents section is always I think I speak for all DJs when I say thank you, OZONE, for showin’ us love. on point. I’m from the East Coast but I respect good music and I don’t care Out of all the magazines I’ve read, y’all are the best, no question. where it comes from. At this point in time it’s plain to see that the South is Hpefully one day I’ll be in there, but until then, keep holdin’ it down. DJ doing what they do. Much respect, because they deserve it, and that goes for Drama, keep your head up! your magazine as well because you and your staff continue to bring interest- - DJ Shawny Boy, [email protected] ing articles. I don’t see your mag as being biased because you also cover any artist from the East Coast that is doing something except complaining about the South. Like DJ Khaled’s blazing single “We Takin’ Over” that is exactly I just read the Pimp C article on DJs and that dude told it right. I what OZONE is doing, and I see it continuing to be that way because you don’t know about them Carol City boys, they seem to have little focus. I’m don’t bullshit or sugarcoat nothing. Also, I really respect Wendy Day’s work glad to see BloodRaw got some justice. He’s a humble dude. I’m ethic and all the information that she provides readers via OZONE Magazine. about to finish reading the rest of the mag - this month is hotter! Keep It is truly helpful and valuable information and I appreciate her for it. I have bringing the real! always followed Wendy even before OZONE because she is a part of the cul- - Kash Kastro, [email protected] ture we call Hip Hop. If it wasn’t for Wendy a lot of individuals would not be where they are , and that’s just the truth. Can’t nobody take away what she’s brought to the table and what she means to the game. That’s why she Keep putting the mash on these other so-called Hip Hop mags that are out receives the love and respect that’s he does – because it’s deserved. there putting out garbage. But I couldn’t believe Baltimore wasn’t in the - Ray Matos, [email protected] Rapquest section of OZONE. You had D.C. and Virginia in there, two-thirds of what we like to call the Middle East, but you didn’t have the third and very important section of this up and coming region: Baltimore. Besides JB, kudos for another issue hitting the stands. Give yourself not a proverbial being home of the hottest urban show on television (The Wire), our area but a literal pat on the back for having the balls to name names, for those has quietly started an active Hip Hop scene. We have four artists signed to who lacked the vision to see what you were trying to do. I was taught that major labels (Bossman – Capitol Records, D.O.G. – Universal, Los – Bad Boy, sight without vision is the true definition of blindness. Many of us walk and Young Leek – Def Jam). My company Darkroom Productions produced around with our eyes wide open but our minds closed to the potential we original music for season 4 of The Wire and were featured in , possess and our souls closed to the power we hold, so you can’t fully blame Fader, and the New York Times. Also, we produced multiple joints for them for their shortcomings. I laughed out loud when I read your 2 Cents. , Sqad Up, and Maino. Baltimore is also home to Stay Getting One of the first things people shed when they climb up the ladder of success Productions, who have produced mad joints for the whole Diplomats family. is integrity. It’s a long climb and the less baggage you carry, the quicker If you go anywhere in the city, you’re bound to see someone out on the you’ll make it. People give up their integrity by saying things like, “This is corner pushing their latest mixtape. Our scene is jumping here and we’d what the people want,” so they rehash old stereotypes or alleged tried-and- appreciate the same love. true selling techniques. They abandon moral responsibility by saying things - Jamal Roberts, [email protected] (Baltimore, MD) like, “Who I am as an artist is not what I depict in my music.” To see that you have held on to those two things is commendable. I offer no critique and no advice, just a sigh of relief that there is still journalism available that Corrections: In last month’s April DJ Issue, the phone number for DJ Blak on provides a biased opinion. When I say “biased,” I mean that in the most com- page 83 was listed incorrectly. The correct number is 404-446-8504. Also, plimentary way. Once you have been exposed to something real, anything Isaac Frias name was spelled incorrectly on page 63. //

14 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 15 16 // OZONE MAG jb’s 2cents here’s a lot that could be said after five years. Now that we’re somewhat settled into our Atlanta offices, we pulled an all Tnighter sorting through the Uhaul full of back issues and I sat down with one copy of each issue, all the way from #1 to #55.

I started this game as a white girl with a hustler’s mentality but no knowledge of the game. I was bored with life and subconsciously 10 Things I’m Hatin’ On put myself in a do-or-die situation to motivate myself. I’m my own worst enemy and so are you. If you want something out of By Roland “” Powell life, you’ve got to find a way to motivate yourself to get it. The things that Disclaimer: This is really what everybody else is sayin’. worked for me might not work for you, but I’m living proof that you can I know I’m dead wrong, but I’m hating anyway. become anything you want to be.

Through all the parties I’ve snuck into, people that have come and gone in 01 // RAY J’s SEX TAPE my life both personally and professionally, opportunities I’ve been offered, Man, that shit was set up. Plus, he did a crazy road trips I’ve been on, events I’ve been kicked out of, people I’ve video with the wrong bitch. If he really battled, and all the other craziness, after reflecting on the last five years wanted the video to sell out, he should’ve there’s one thing that sticks out in my mind. It’s the importance of staying did one with Whitney . humble and true to yourself. Maintaining who you are and what you believe is so cute in and the qualities that brought you success in the first place. 02 // FEMALE ENTERTAINERS If you’re wondering why men in this I do talk a lot of shit in my editorial. You have to believe in yourself. But at business don’t really fuck with women in the end of the day, I appreciate every struggle I’ve been through and stupid this business that much, it’s because y’all thing I’ve done because I learned from it. It’s the little things that count. I’m get the big head quick as shit and turn successful because no matter how stupid it is, I care about every tiny detail. diva quick when you ain’t even had a diva If there’s a typo, that shit bothers me. I want everything to be right because career yet. I fucking care. I couldn’t even tell you why. I just do.

03 // TIMBALAND VS. SCOTT STORCH BEEF Through these 55 issues the biggest thing that stands out is how much everyone’s status has changed. That artist with a hot single who was a You can’t make me believe they’re serious. Webbie & Mannie trying to convince me to have the complete dick during his interview? He fell off hard and no one gives a shit OZONE Awards in Louisiana about him now. Talented people with promising careers have died or gone 04 // T-PAIN to jail. That guy throwing up the Roc sign in a picture in our photo gallery Now, this is my nigga, but there ain’t no labeled “producer” because no one knew who he was? He’s now. way in hell he’s gonna make me think that his ugly ass is gon’ “Flirt” and take any of People don’t come up by themselves. People come up together. While I was my bitches. a rookie interviewer learning the game, I came across “unknown” artists that just had that charisma and you knew they were official. Me and Noel 05 // “THIRTY IS THE NEW TWENTY” and Nick@Nite interviewed “Lil Rich” almost four years ago at a Mobile, AL Jay-Z got y’all old niggas thinking y’all Red Lobster and now he’s on our cover with the biggest song in the country. can wear Rocawear and Phat Farm and I conducted Jeezy’s first interview on the spot at Ciara’s video shoot (also look young. But y’all ain’t fooling nobody Better pay for your ad or an unknown at the time) because of the way people reacted to him – it was cause you still got on your nugget jewelry. we’re coming for you on obvious he was gonna be a star. Back when they were called Pretty Rickie some Bonnie & Clyde shit & the Maverix, I heard a record on 99 Jamz cruising down 95 at like 4 AM 06 // BLACK MOVIES one morning and texted everyone I knew in Miami trying to find out who Why do all our movies have to be about sang it. was fat and broke and wearing the same “Mississippi” relationships, starring Gabrielle Union? jacket the first three times I saw him but I believed in him. I saw get booed at a show and six months later he was platinum. I heard ’s 07 // NIGGAS ASKING FOR YOUR NUMBER “Welcome to Miami” freestyle on the radio years ago and was an instant fan. Why do you really think I will give you my direct cell number if I don’t know you? One hit wonders aside – anybody who lasts in this game, it’s not an ac- Just cause you say, “I got some money for cident. We work hard and believe in each other and that’s why we made it. We don’t shit on the little people. We have relationships with road managers you,” doesn’t mean you gonna get my cell and security guards and street team reps and interns and engineers and sec- number. Petey Pablo is mad he’s not on the cover retaries because you never know who somebody’s gonna be tomorrow. Man, I’m glad to see people come up. T-Pain, , Pitbull, Rick Ross, Webbie, 08 // FOLLOWERS Boosie, , the list goes on and on as you look through the pages We as black people need to really stop of these last 55 issues. To see anyone come from nothing to something is a with this gold rush mentality. Just because beautiful thing - if you’re not a hater. Personally, I’m not. If you’re willing to you see someone else doing something, put in the work, I’mma support you 100%. that doesn’t mean you should do it or it’s gonna work for you. Have your own mind And as for me - I never even dreamed I’d be in the position I’m in. If I can and do your own thing. Music ain’t the only stick it out for another five years, maybe I’ll really be the shit then. thing you can do to make money Taste the rainbow! - Julia Beverly, [email protected] 09 // RINGTONES If you’re a nigga and your ringtone is Beyonce, kill yo’self. Rich Boy f/ Zak, , & Big Boi “I Love You” 10 // WOMEN WHO DON’T KNOW THAT THEY Treal “I’m Not Lock Down” jb’splaylist SHOULDN’T WEAR EVERYTHING Smitty f/ T-Pain “Died In Your Arms” You should not be wearing a two-piece if UGK f/ “International Players Anthem” f/ T-Pain “Shawty” your stomach looks like a Coogi shirt. f/ “Slow Ya Roll” Lil Boosie “I Quit” David Banner f/ “Fly” Ne-Yo “Because of You” www.myspace.com/rolandpowell The Shop Boyz “Party Like A Rock Star” Flo-Rida “Birthday” Hurricane f/ Big Kuntry “Ay Bay Bay” Furtado “Say It Right”

OZONE MAG // 17 [email protected] ST HIT US UP at APQUE INDIANAPOLIS, IN: ROZONE HITS TO SEE WHAT’SFormer heavyweightPOPPIN’ champ Lamon Brewster is headed back to the ring and starting his own IF YOU FEEL THAT YOUR CITY IS MISREPRESENTED, OR NOTlabel. REPRESENTED The Midwest Music AT ALL,Convention, one of the largest events in the Midwest, will be held in our city this August. The group B.O.E. hit hard with their new single “Dope Boy Slide,” and rumor has it they just signed with Koch. Young Goldie signed with CTE and Lil Kev signed with Sony. Mike Epps has reached back to help his homie, comedian and actor Willie from the movie ‘Bout It, as they work on a movie about his life, and a stand-up comedy routine. - Lucky The Promo King ([email protected])

NASHVILLE, TN: With so much going on in Cashville, a.k.a. Nashvegas, it’s hard to pinpoint what the streets are really talking about. Is it Musiq Soulchild having to ask for crowd participation at a recent concert? Is it Young Jeezy packing out Club 615 and already being scheduled to come back at the end of March? Or is it the shocking increase in sales of Pacman’s mix CD with local DJ Chief Rocka? Buck the World is finally coming out, but without “Fuck The Police”! Damn censorship!- Janiro ([email protected])

MEMPHIS, TN Many fans have awaited the moment when the old Memphis rap sounds will return, and with the release of the new Prophet Posse The Return: Part 1 the wait is over. This new CD features old and new artists of the crew including , Skinny Pimp, , Hottsauce, and Kilo. This CD also features who was recently released from jail. Artists such as JAG and Kinfolk Thugs are getting their chance to shine and represent MONTGOMERY, AL: Why in the hell did some dude knock The Memphis to the fullest with their new hot singles flooding the Memphis radio airwaves. Much love to our local DJs Last Mr. Bigg’s mic down in the middle and radio stations for their support. Keep a look out for more Memphis artists making a comeback. - Deanna Brown ([email protected]) of his performance last week? Secu- rity rushed due out of the club while everybody got a kick and a punch in. At the same club, a chick got drowned with mace and started shooting. Anyway, Mr. Bigg’s “Wipe Me Down” and Dirty’s “Look At Her” are flooding DALLAS/FT. WORTH, TX: the airwaves and the streets. The most anticipated mix CD (other than Hot Girlz) is Mr. ’s Street Stubb-a-lean and Lucci’s single “I Like Surgence that’s dropping this month. Already, the station the keeps you up on local flavor is The Big It” is stuck in my head and I’m starting Station 107.9/95.9. to hear Inertia’s “Mo Bass” on K104. Play - Hot Girl Maximum ([email protected]) N Skillz shot a new video with Boomtown featuring Mannie Fresh and Slim Thug. Mannie told me to tell JB he got love for OZONE! Whether you want to or not, we need to support Tum Tum or we will still be asking that “What’s wrong with the Dallas scene?” question. Rumsquad SHREVEPORT, LA Four states keep the big station 99.7 KMJJ on lock seven days a week, got the production you need and I heard so it’s no wonder they’ve been #1 in the area for three years running, Club Blue has shut down. I know we are not to mention being named the #1 station in America for their market in DFW, but FREE my ‘SIP native Smoke D! - Edward “Pookie” Hall (www.urbansouth.us@ size by Radio & Records magazine. The hottest R&B act hitting the scene gmail.com) in Shreveport is Brotha, and local rap stars include Billy Broadway, Bul- letProof, and Willie. There are two powerhouse independent record labels making noise in the Port City: 5 Entertainment and Lava House Records. – C-Mac ([email protected])

AUSTIN, TX: JACKSON, MS: SXSW 2007 was a huge success with performances by UGK, JACKSON, MS: Tyrese a.k.a. Black Ty brought his Alter Ego tour to Trae, Devin the Dude, and a lot more. Local SXSW partici- Jackson, and Miller Lite’s Mississippi tour features Cadillac Don, pants included Basswood Lane, The Whut It Dew Family, J-Money, and other Mississippi artists. Lil Boosie’s bad azz had VIP, J-Kapone, Ryno, Set 4 Life, South Bound, MC Fatal, one of the biggest show turnouts in Jackson history. You know Nac, KJ Hines, and more. DJ Rapid Ric and Mr. Blakes just we’re all the way gangsta – the mayor of the city has a warrant dropped Woodgrain Collection, which consists of all-ex- out for his arrest! Mims shows why he’s hot as he hits the city, and clusive material. DJ Harvey Don’s Dons of Tha South will Tank brings his smooth voice to town. makes tracks to the be released soon. Top Dollar Clothing’s Music Videos Part 2 city as well. Music City presents its Welcome to Mississippi mixtape DVD is available now. JB came out to Spiro’s during Texas featuring the #1 d-boy Boo, Lil Boosie, and more. Relay weekend and brought and DJ Chill along for - Tambra Cherie ([email protected]) & the ride. ’s in-store signing at Music Mania was Stax ([email protected]) packed. - O.G. of Luxury Mindz ([email protected])

HATTIESBURG, MS: As the heat comes in, that springtime bug is biting! Look for major moves soon on a national level for Miz Smurff! The mixtape scene is slow-mo due to the nationwide bullshit the government is on. Though city officials are doing all they can to stop urban clubs from opening, parties and events continue to go down. The excitement of Greek Weeks (Que/Delta, Mandingofest, Bruhfest, etc) keeps the city abuzz! The Perfect 10 party series has women throughout the Pinebelt deliriously confused – 5’s and 6’s think they’re at dime status! Happy 4/20, fellow herb heads! - DJ Big Brd ([email protected])

1818 // // OZONE OZONE MAG MAG CINCINNATI, OH: WASHINGTON, DC: The weather is warming up and the Crime Stopper Through his popular Street Wars mixtape series, P-Cutta easily established himself as DC’s most prolific snitches are on the prowl, getting paid $500 a mixtape DJ, but that was a couple years ago. Word on the street is that underage mixtape phenom DJ bust and with the streets more active than they Rob is lighting a match under P-Cutta’s comfortable seat. Because of his Target Squad affiliation Rob’s have ever been they are constantly picking up various celebrity hosted have been gaining a substantial following in and out of the area. He that paper. Even teachers are getting busted generated enough buzz to be featured on MTV’s Sucker-Free Sunday and was nominated as Best New for buying drugs, serving alcohol to minors and Mixtape DJ on mixtapeawardsonline.com. Rob is about to spearhead a seven city Spring Break Tour with fondling babies. The entertainment in Cincinnati his Target Squad cohorts. He’s kinda like premature labor, it’s hard to stop the kid. has truly picked up the pace. Never has the city – Pharoh Talib ([email protected]) had so many good artists on the radio, thanks to VIRGINIA BEACH, VA: Eddie Bauer (PD) and Big Greg (MD) over at WIZF Alyssa hit the 106th & Park stage, representing for VA at Wild Out Wednesday. 101.1 for recognizing good music and real talent, D-Strange is creating a buzz in the streets, and Mims has the hottest joint in like Showtime. This young brother has got a real the club. Pharrell begins construction on his youth center. TeamHood is the stage performance and industry quality rhymes. most gangsta group in VA; a sea of red can be seen following them every- - Judy Jones ([email protected]) where in the Hampton Roads area. Their mixtape Da Makin’ is in the streets right now. Doubt Gotcha’s new single “Dopeman,” with The , is blazin’ . – Derrick Tha Franchise ([email protected]) ATLANTA, GA: The first ever A-Town Day went down at Morris Brown’s football sta- dium, featuring performances from virtually every Patiently Waiting act in ATL and more. The event was well-organized but at times seemed RALEIGH, NC: more like a community circus – literally. There were a whole bunch of The CIAA Basketball tournament takes place in Charlotte every year around this little kids running around, a funnel cake stand, and free giveaways. time. It’s the oldest black basketball tournament in the country. It looks like the Drama ensued between and Big Boi and their entourages, boys from are making some steady moves out of Durham to get but who “won” and “lost” the altercation depends on which camp you ready for the upcoming year. ask. D.G. Yola, shot in the face at a red light during an apparent rob- - Big K ([email protected]) bery attempt, is reportedly recovering. – Eric Perrin ([email protected])

COLUMBIA, SC: Lil Ru continues to keep the hits coming as his new single “Don’t I Look Good” is picking up momentum on radio and clubs through- out Columbia. Club Evolutions remains a premiere party spot with TALLAHASSEE, FL: performances from the likes of Yo Gotti and Lil Boosie, and a Monday Last month we had concerts from everyone – Pastor Troy, night talent competition hosted by the Bad Girl Venom that gives Fabo, DJ Unk, Lil Boosie, and the Heisman Boyz, largely led independent artists a chance to showcase their skills. Charlamagne by Blak of TUK Entertainment and Coach of Direct Con- Tha God celebrated his one year anniversary as co-host of the Wendy nect – who are the driving force behind Tally’s Hip Hop Williams Experience- Wendy, Deelishis, Jermaine Hall, and DJ Chuck T entertainment. Be Out Day at FAMU featured One Chance and were all in attendance. the recently released Shawn Jay of Field Mob. is - Randy Roper ([email protected]) back in town for the 305 to 750 Hood Rich concert at Baja’s on Easter night, so hopefully everybody went to church first! Blazin’ 102.3’s Birthday Bash (www.blazin1023.com) goes CHARLESTON, SC: down April 22-28 with Uncle Luke, Gorilla Zoe, Tank, Plies, CHARLESTON, SC: Since we ranked as one of the nation’s most dangerous cities and more. Exclusive J is the hottest new mixtape dude in last year, Hoodz DVD Magazine came through and did a special feature on life in Tally, and The Shop Boyz’ “Party Like A RockStar” is the hot- Charleston a.k.a. The Chuck Town, granting the nation full access into the United test new record in the streets - totally, dude! States’ newest murder capital. The streets are also buzzing about the release of - DJ Dap ([email protected]) TwinD of 1st Century Entertainment’s newest compilation featuring the city’s hot- test talent. Ferl Gates’ new mixtape Still In The Mix is still a best-seller in almost all the record stores. New singles and mixtapes from local artists Redrum, P.I.M.P., Venni Mussiani, and Carlos Cartel are also setting the streets on fire. – DJ Chuck T ([email protected])

ORLANDO, FL: DJ Nasty’s birthday bash at Firestone was the best party of the year so far, with Rich Boy, Plies, Rick JACKSONVILLE, FL: Ross, and more. Across town, a man was stabbed Believe it! Boosie, Webbie, Young Capone, and Yola all rolled through Duval. six times outside of Club Hush. Infinity Beats, who Swordz and Dukwon did their thing hyping up the crowd at Plush Nightclub. Duk- produced Mary J. Blige’s single “Take Me As I Am,” won’s new mixtape I Will Be Heard by DJ Smallz is circulating in the streets, along is currently working with 112’s Slim on his upcom- with the Roger for Mayor DVD hosted by Roger from Point Blank Ent. Bigga Rankin ing solo . Federal agents executed a search has been making major moves for Jacksonville and rumor has it Young Cash just warrant on Lou Pearlman’s offices and home, the did the photo shoot for his debut album. If you’re on the Southside, check out DJ latest in a string of legal problems facing the man 151’s new hot spot at Jim’s Place. Until next time, suck it easy, haters. who built the Backstreet Boys and ‘NSYNC. The - Ms. Rivercity (www.myspace.com/msrivercity) Young Buck and “show” at Club Leg- ends ranks right up there with Orlando’s greatest MIAMI, FL: flops, but at least the ice sculpture looked good. My 99 Jamz morning show partner in crime Big Lip was the talk of - Destine Cajuste ([email protected]) Wendy Williams’ syndicated gossip show. A female called in claim- ing he has a 7-year-old son in Charlotte, NC, that he doesn’t take TAMPA, FL: care of and that his wife doesn’t know about, and that he lives in Acafool’s “Damn I Look Good” Tour is coming to a city near you. DJ H-Vidal a $1 million home. Funny considering he has custody of his two is now the official DJ for the Tampa Bay Storm and the official tour DJ for sons, has never been married, and his house is nice but not worth Bubba Sparxxx! If you wanna hear a DJ that will make you fall out laughing $1 million! BET’s Spring Bling did its thing up in West Palm, but it and will support you if you sound good, tune into AM 1150 WTMP and 96.1 FM was the clubs on South Beach that were crazy! Speaking of crazy, o hear Big $$$ Ced – yes, we still have an AM station! Make sure you send get DJ Khaled shot the video for “We Takin’ Over” with dozens of ce- well wishes to DJ Doc D, who suffered a heart attack and is recovering. lebrities. With all the jumping and leaping Khaled did in this mini- - Mz T-Rock ([email protected]) movie, I see movies in his ! God help us all! ListennnnnnN!!! - Supa Cindy ([email protected])

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 19 19 20 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 21 by Wendy Day of the Rap Coalition mathematics www.wendyday.com How To Get A Record Deal I’ve already written about this, but since I still get So, how do you get signed to a deal at a whether it’s an indie, over 100 calls and emails a week asking me this a major, or a distributor without coming through one of the sub-labels (a same damn question, it looks like I’m going to have sub-label is G-Unit, or Shady, or Slip-N-Slide, or Grand Hustle, etc)? You to write about it yet again. Almost every artist I need a strong buzz, good music, and lots of leverage. Since this is a busi- know wants a record deal. There are basically three ness, whoever signs you will have to believe they can make a lot of money types of record labels that offer deals: 1) indepen- by putting your project into the marketplace. The economy in the music dent record labels, 2) major record labels, and 3) industry sucks right now. Rap sales are at an all-time low. At a time when those in-between labels that consider themselves music can be downloaded , the amount of good quality music is also “incubators” or “independent distributors.” at an all time low. This makes for a weak music economy for record labels, which translates into less risk, lower deals monetarily, and smaller budgets. An indie label is a record label that has independent distribution (meaning distribution that is NOT part Since 1996, the way that I have personally seen artists getting signed to of a major label pipeline). Examples of current indie successful deals is through having strong leverage. I’m not talking about labels in rap include Swisha House (Houston), SoBe (Florida), etc. just getting signed to a record deal. That’s not enough! I’m talking about getting signed to a deal that will come as close to a guarantee of success A major record label is one of the Big 4, and they are called major labels be- as possible. If you look at the deals I have negotiated over the years, cause they have their own major distribution companies attached that have almost all of the artists have gone multi-platinum. Just being signed to a a tight lock on the industry in terms of traditional distribution (traditional label is not enough — many, many, many careers are killed by well-inten- distribution means CDs sold through retail stores, which is slowly reducing in tioned labels (and some not so well-intentioned labels, too). importance with the rise of the internet). The major labels include: Universal (Def Jam, Motown, Republic, Interscope, and all of the sub-labels with You must get signed to a label that can create phenomenal success for you, deals through those labels, such as Jeezy’s label Corporate Thugz. G-Unit, create a lasting career, and allow you to share in as large a percentage of ’s Shady Records, Slip-N-Slide, etc); Sony BMG (Sony, Jive, J Records, your financial success as possible. This takes team effort on the part of the etc), EMI (Capitol and Virgin, which seem to have just merged); and WEA label and the artist. (Warner Bros, Atlantic, and all of the sub-labels such as Bad Boy, T.I.’s label Grand Hustle, etc.). The best way to build strong leverage is to put out your CD independently in your own region. Once you sell about 30,000 CDs (verifiable by SoundScan) An incubator, as they exist today (in my opinion, which does NOT necessary and get some radio spins, the labels will clamor to sign you. At this point, reflect the opinion of this magazine or any of its employees), seem to be a you should have enough leverage to get a top deal with a major label that middle ground for artists and indie labels that the majors do not yet feel can has the resources to push you to international fame and financial success. compete 100%, yet have enough value for them to sign to deals. The deals Or, you will have enough leverage to get a wonderful split and enough are smaller, the resources are less, and often if the artist or label experiences money to push your own release further with an indie label or distributor any success at all, they are upstreamed to the major label affiliated with the that has a track record of success in doing this for other rap releases. All incubator. This includes Asylum (WEA’s incubator), Fontana (Universal’s incu- labels are not created equal. Make certain that you pair your type of music bator), and Imperial (EMI’s incubator). The incubators and distributors seem and sound with a label that can excel at that type of sound. to attract the smaller artists and labels who can sell between 50,000 CDs and 300,000 CDs. If the incubator feels the artist can go gold or platinum, they I have seen many artists over the years spend a grip of money at radio to often upstream the project to the major label (the best examples of this are get some strong BDS spins (labels get excited when they see an unsigned Paul Wall and Mike Jones, who were upstreamed to Atlantic and Warner Bros act hit about 200 to 250 spins a week at BDS) with the intention of getting respectively from Asylum). Upstreaming usually occurs at a pre-agreed upon signed to a major label. [BDS is a company that measures radio play for amount of money, which benefits the incubator because it enables them to the music industry and you can get more details of how they do it and who sign deals for less money when the artists have far less leverage. they are at www.rapcointelpro.com).] The problem with artists who try to get signed through radio play is that it is not enough leverage to convince An indie distributor is a self-distributed company that takes on projects the labels to take a risk on signing the artist. A lot of radio play does not because they feel they can make a profit. Examples of rap distributors are necessarily turn into strong CD sales. Many artists have had a lot of radio Select-O-Hits, Navarre, RED, TVT, Koch, etc. Although each deal is as different play but did not sell in proportion to the amount of spins (, , as the distributor, most indie distribution deals are 80/20 splits (the indie la- Terror Squad, David Banner, etc). This makes labels very leery to put millions bel getting the 80% while the distributor makes the 20%). Some of the indie of dollars in promotion behind an artist who has only garnered radio play. distributors act kind of like labels (Koch and TVT) offering small advances and offering services (for a fee or a larger percentage split, or both) to the The only proof of potential sales ability, is for the artist to actually sell CDs. artist or label such as radio, video, marketing, etc. If you can sell 30,000 CDs in your region by yourself, with the strength of a larger label behind you, they figure you will be able to sell hundreds of Income from record labels and distributors depends on many things: thousands of CDs nationally (possibly even millions, the ultimate goal).

t How much money is spent on a project that needs to be recouped (paid back) For an artist, selling 30,000 CDs on your own through an independent dis- t The terms of the contract in the deal [how much of a split is supposed to be tributor like Select-O-Hits means close to $200,000 or more in income. With paid AFTER the CD recoups (breaks even)] income from sales, this makes you less desperate to take a bullshit deal,

t Whether the label or distributor actually pays (many do not) and it creates a financial starting point for the larger labels in signing you.

t How many production companies and sub-labels are between the artist and Releasing a record is hard work and has expense involved. You will need the person putting out the CD ( was a not-so-happy of this money to market and promote the release, so this is not for everyone. — he was signed to a St. Louis production company, which was signed to DTP, which was signed to Capitol Records. So after Capitol Records recouped all Many artists are not willing to grind to sell their own CDs. But, I have never of the money spent on the project, there were others getting a share of the seen an artist get a good deal from shopping a demo around to the labels. money before any trickled down to Chingy). I have seen many, many artists get great deals that have built successful careers by putting out their own CD and creating the necessary leverage to

t How many CDs actually sell, less the returns that come back to the label or distributor. have value to a larger label. For me, it’s the only way to go! //

22 // OZONE MAG PHOTO GALLERIES

01 // DJ Drama, Fabo, & DJ Sense @ Patchwerk for Rich Boy’s listening party (Atlanta, GA) 02 // DJ Khaled & on the set of DJ Khaled’s “We Takin’ Over” (Miami, FL) 03 // DJ Blak, Chaka Zulu, & @ Patchwerk for Rich Boy’s listening party (Atlanta, GA) 04 // Mr Collipark, Derrick Crooms, & Big Teach @ CORE DJs J Records private party (Miami, FL) 05 // DJ Quest, Ed the World Famous, & DJ Commando @ Area 51 for CORE DJs Award Show (Miami, FL) 06 // Haitian Fresh, George Dukes, & Zoe Pound @ Mansion for Akon’s 3x platinum party (Miami, FL) 07 // Lump & Young Buck (Houston, TX) 08 // Young Jeezy & Mac-Boney of the P$C @ The Velvet Room for Jeezy’s platinum party (Atlanta, GA) 09 // Rick Ross & Ike G Da @ Sobe Live for CORE DJs party (Miami, FL) 10 // Plies & DJ Nasty @ Firestone for DJ Nasty’s birthday party (Orlando, FL) 11 // Big Gipp & Oozie @ Patchwerk for Rich Boy’s listening party (Atlanta, GA) 12 // & Rick Ross on the set of DJ Khaled’s “We Takin’ Over” (Miami, FL) 13 // Smitty, T-Pain, & @ Hit Factory (Miami, FL) 14 // CORE DJs crew @ Mansion for The CORE DJs Retreat (Miami, FL) 15 // & Magno @ SXSW (Austin, TX) 16 // E-Class & Lil Keke (Houston, TX) 17 // Tony Neal & Derek Jurand @ the Bentley for the CORE DJs Retreat Def Jam event (Miami, FL) 18 // Jit & Stack$ @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 19 // Boy Wonder & Shock G @ Wildsplash (Tampa, FL) 20 // KG Mosley & Tampa Tony @ Wildsplash (Tampa, FL) 21 // Amir & Fabo @ Patchwerk for Rich Boy’s listening party (Atlanta, GA) 22 // Mista Maine & Stax @ Freelon’s Spring Break (Jackson, MS)

Photo Credits: Eric Perrin (08,15); Julia Beverly (01,02,03,04,05,06,09,11,12,13,14,17,18,21,22); Keadron Smith (07,16); Luis Santana (19); Malik Abdul (10,20)

OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 23 23 CHINCHECK by Charlamagne Tha God [email protected]

Now Walk It Out Like / If You Say Real Talk I long tees past your knees with hats that are four times your size. Fitted hats Probably Wont Trust Ya / If You Wanna Go To War, The should be on top of your head, not sliding down over your face like a football Gunz My Pleasure / Even Jesus Had 12 Disciples On helmet. If you want something that to come past your knees, buy a dress! You The Level, Trigger, Whatever / Pumm You Don’t Want might as well start cross dressing cause truth be told, that’s what your long Naw Beef With 3 Thou / I’m Like Jury Duty, You’re white tee looks like: a dress. Or as Mr. 3000 put it, a “nightgown.” So, make New To This Part Of Town / Your White Tee Well To Me your mama proud. Take that thang 2 sizes down. Looks Like A Nightgown / Make Ya Mama Proud Take That Thing Two Sizes Down / Then You’ll Look Like I COULD GIVE A DAMN ‘BOUT YOUR CAR, BUT THEN THAT WOULD BE IF IT WAS CON- The Man That You Are Or What You Could Be / I Could SIDERED A CLASSIC, BEFORE THE DRASTIC CHANGE IN PRODUCTION WHEN CARS Give A Damn ‘bout Your Car But Then That Would Be WERE METAL INSTEAD OF PLASTIC, VALUE IS WHAT I’M TALKIN’ ‘BOUT If It Was Considered A Classic Before The Drastic I could give a damn ‘bout your car! That’s for all you dudes who think your / Change In Production When Cars Were / Metal car makes you a better man. Pardon me while I laugh at you. If you’re not Instead Of Plastic Value / Is What I’m Talkin About fly standing barefoot in your briefs, you will not be fly behind the wheels of / Take Two Of These And Walk It Out / You’ll Be The a Phantom, Bentley, Maybach or whatever other expensive negro mobile you Reason They Talk It Out / You Cant Be The King Of The Parking Lot Forever / rappers make hot. Besides, cars are not investments! There a few exceptions Not Sayin I’m The Best But Til They Find Somethin’ Better / I Am Here No Fear to this rule, but in general vehicles are what we call depreciating assets. Glass Write Me A Letter ‘Til Then and plastic lose value over time. On average, cars and trucks lose more than 20% of their value in the first year! Some vehicles lose as much as 40%! The Where have you been, Mr. Benjamin? We missed you! Only you could make me opposite of depreciate is appreciate, which over time is what a house tends enjoy this 2007 negro spiritual! Can’t you just see the slaves singing, “Kunta to do. This means it actually gains value. The average age of cars in the US is walk it out, Toby walk it out!”? Everyone needs to recognize that these are somewhere between 7 and 8 years. Most families have two or more of them, some of the realest words ever spoken on a rap record. This verse should be which means on average they end up buying a car every 3 or 4 years. This, my a wake-up call for what I call Generation Now. I had to break this verse down people, could really fuck up your bank account! My advice from an investment for those who listen but may not understand. Please, on behalf of Charla- standpoint when it comes to cars: DON’T BUY THEM! I don’t care if it’s new magne Tha God and Andre 3000, pay attention: or used, don’t lease it, don’t finance it, don’t even rent-to-own. Just don’t fuck with them, period! Who am I kidding. Even though I know all this, I’m IF YOU SAY “REAL TALK” I PROBABLY WON’T TRUST YA still copping a Bentley GT this summer. Sorry Mr. 3000, but you still gave me Damn right I won’t trust ya. If you’re making a statement and your statement something to build on.... is true and not filled with falsehood, why do you negroes feel the need to try to convince me you’re not lying by saying “real talk”? Either you’re lying or YOU CAN’T BE THE KING OF THE PARKING LOT FOREVER you’re not secure in what you’re trying to convey to me, so you say “real talk” The simplicity but powerfulness of this statement is what I marvel at. I know like that’s the stamp that’s supposed to make me have faith in your word. If a lot of you hate to hear this, but it’s the truth. You can’t be the king of the you’re talking to me and telling the truth, say what you have to say and end parking lot forever! Honestly what you negroes are doing is called loitering! it with a verbal period. “Real talk” is a verbal comma. It just pauses the dia- Some people say trespassing! Can you go get a job? Maybe a hobby? Isn’t log long enough for you to continue scripting your fictional verbal paragraph there something you could be doing other than posting up in the park- that you recognize I’m not buying into. So now you’re going to continue ing lot of some gas station or fast food restaurant? It’s two in the morning! spewing this bullshit my way because you realize I don’t really believe you. No disrespect to the ladies, but where the pussy at! Nothing productive or That’s when you try to throw a “real talk” in, basically saying, “I’m not lying.” constructive is going down in the parking lot. Plus it’s only matter of time Well, if you’re not lying then why do you feel the need to tell me you’re not before you negroes start lying? If you feel the need to tell me you’re not lying then 9 times out of 10 fighting and shooting, you are lying. So if you say real talk I probably won’t trust ya..... so the reality of being the King of the Parking IF YOU WANT TO GO TO WAR, THE GUN’S MY PLEASURE, EVEN JESUS HAD 12 DIS- Lot is really being the CIPLES ON THE LEVEL, TRIGGER, WHATEVER king of nothing at all. This is a power statement. I take it as we all want peace. We know guns The Burger King got way contribute to the conflict of you going against your own, but let’s be real, more juice than the King you have to protect yourself in this day and age. These negroes out here are of the Parking Lot..... crazy. You are either going to be a predator or prey, victor or the victim, the choice is yours. So let it be known that I come in peace, but if you want to My people, if you stop wage war on me, the gun’s my pleasure. I take pleasure in knowing that I walking it out for just a will bust a cap in the name of the righteous on any negative forces that dare minute and pay attention try go against me. “Even Jesus had 12 Disciples on the level,” meaning even to what Pastor 3000 is Jesus had some sort of backup. The Disciples were gangstas; they protected saying you will realize Jesus. The disciple Peter even cut someone’s ear off when they came after this is ghetto gospel! Jesus. Even God’s only begotten son Jesus needed some sort of protection to This verse can really keep him from these no good, unrighteous, devilish bastards. Disciples on the make you change your level, trigger, whatever, it’s all the same… life if you have a proper understanding of what YOUR WHITE TEE, WELL TO ME, LOOKS LIKE A NIGHTGOWN. MAKE YA MAMA PROUD, Brother 3000 is saying. TAKE THAT THANG TWO SIZES DOWN, THEN YOU’LL LOOK LIKE THE MAN THAT YOU He’s only trying to help ARE - OR WHAT YOU COULD BE you become the man that Do I even have to explain? You Generation Now negroes are the reason the you are - or what you dress codes are so strict at every night club in Amerikka! When did the white could be. tee become the standard uniform for every negro in every hood in the ? Don’t get me wrong when it’s 100+ degrees in New York or the mighty Until next time, this has state of South Carolina you will catch me rocking just a plain white tee been a Public Street because I’m not sweating all over some fly uniform I paid some big money Announcement from the for. My problem is you negroes who wear those extra long tees past your Cerebral Assassin Charla- knees! What is the science in that shit?! Personally I think that’s some NY fad, magne Tha God.

24 // OZONE MAG PHOTO GALLERIES by Charlamagne Tha God [email protected]

01 // & Dizzy on the set of DJ Khaled’s “We Takin’ Over” (Miami, FL) 02 // DJ Drama, Big Kuntry, & Greg Street @ 97.9 The Beat (Dallas, TX) 03 // Big Gipp, Big Zak, & DJ Infamous @ Patchwerk for Rich Boy’s listening party (Atlanta, GA) 04 // Tracey Smith, TJ Chapman, Shawt, Chi-Town Shorty, & Star @ The Moon (Tallahassee, FL) 05 // K-Foxx & DJ Khaled @ 99 Jamz (Miami, FL) 06 // Coach K, DJ Drama, Kenny Burns, & Alex Gidewon @ Patchwerk for Rich Boy’s listening party (Atlanta, GA) 07 // DJ Khaled & on the set of DJ Khaled’s “We Takin’ Over” (Miami, FL) 08 // Choppa & Baby Boy (Houston, TX) 09 // Terrence Tyson makes a new friend @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 10 // Willie D, Xxzotic, & guest @ SXSW (Austin, TX) 11 // & Joie Manda @ Area 51 for CORE DJs Award Show (Miami, FL) 12 // Jim Jones & Lil Flip on the set of Lil Flip’s “Get Money” (Houston, TX) 13 // Petey Pablo, Lil Fate, & Small World @ Mansion for The CORE DJs Retreat (Miami, FL) 14 // Duece Poppi & Rick Ross @ Hitco (Atlanta, GA) 15 // Plies & Baby Boy @ Wildsplash (Tampa, FL) 16 // Moon, Don Adams, & Reality @ Area 51 for CORE DJs Award Show (Miami, FL) 17 // Randy Roper & Eric Perrin @ SXSW (Austin, TX) 18 // Alishea & Brandii @ CORE DJs J Records private party (Miami, FL) 19 // Carbon & Slick Pulla @ Young Jeezy’s video game release party (Atlanta, GA) 20 // Unk signing autographs @ Walk it Out Wednesdays at the Universoul Circus (Atlanta, GA) 21 // Nancy Byron & Greg Street @ Studio 7303 (Houston, TX) 22 // Lump & Shawty @ Studio 7303 for 8Ball & MJG’s listening party (Houston, TX)

Photo Credits: D-Lyte (02); Eric Perrin (10,17,20); Julia Beverly (01,03,05,06,07,11,13,14,16,18,19); Keadron Smith (08,12,21,22); Luis Santana (15); Marcus DeWayne (04); Terrence Tyson (09) OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 25 25 20GREATEST HITS In honor of our five-year anniversary, we’ve rounded up some of the most entertaining cocktales from our always-popular Groupie Confessions. And now, for the disclaimer: These “Confessions” are anonymous, so we cannot verify if they are true or not. All details (cities, club names, hotel names) have been removed. These stories do not necessarily represent the opinions of OZONE Magazine. These stories did not necessarily occur recently, so if you are cur- rently seeing one of these fine gentlemen, no need to curse him out. These stories are from different women.

01 // 11 // “[50] just dropped his pants. He had boxers on, and he was all hard. His penis “He’s a very interesting character. He’s a beast, he likes to tell you to lay was poking out, like ewwwww. It was small, like, ‘What the fuck!?’ I told my down, do this, do that. He’s very controlling.” (Issue #29 November 2004) homegirl it was gonna be small cause he got all those damn muscles, but she ain’t believe me. She was more devastated than I was after we saw it.” (Issue 12 // () #40 December 2005) “Havoc wanted to suck on a bitch’s toes and lick my asshole for like forty-five minutes. He’s a toe-licker and an ass eater. We took a shower together... he 02 // ALLEN IVERSON put my right foot in his damn mouth. I’m like, ‘Boy, you crazy.’ It was just a “[Allen Iverson] has the littlest, ashiest dick I’ve ever seen. It’s like, nonexis- cover up for his medium-sized dick. [The sex] wasn’t mindblowing or any- tent. He looks like he should have a pussy. And it’s dry. I would give him four thing. Like, Alright, see you later, where’s 50?” (Issue #40 December 2005) inches at best, and skinny.” (Issue #29 November 2004) 13 // NELLY 03 // BENZINO “Nelly’s got a small wiener. I’d compare it to those little sausage links; that’s “I would recommend Benzino. He’s freaky as hell. He’ll lick any hole that you how I’d describe his thing. ‘Bout the size of my Newport. (laughing) And try- ask him to. If anybody reads this, he’s gonna get a lot of pussy.” (Issue #29 ing to get me to swallow his pimp juice? Please.” (Issue #31 February 2005) November 2004) 14 // NOREAGA 04 // ELEPHANT MAN “Noreaga likes getting his ass licked. I was like, ‘Oh, hell no.’ He’s fat. He got “Elephant Man will have you all over the room. Carrying you around the to the a big ol’ stomach. He was bending over and I was on X, so I was gonna do it… sink, in the bathroom, all that. But it was all this pumping with no action, you He was bent over, I was thinking, ‘Why the fuck is this gangsta rapper bent get what I’m sayin? Like a jackhammer. His dick is like, short and stump. Girl, I over trying to get me to suck his ass?’” (Issue #31 February 2005) was in the bathroom on the damn sink! Are you serious? ‘Pon di river!’” (Issue #41 January 2006) 15 // PLIES “Plies got his own thing going on. He likes the lights on. He likes to see ev- 05 // FIELD MOB erything and look at everything. Before he about to nut he takes his condom “Shawn Jay is really nice and he’s good, great all the way around. I was off. Every time, he always takes it off so he can see it coming out. He do it fuckin’ Shawn but I liked Smoke. Both of them are really, really sweet. He’s every time.” (Issue #46 June 2006) great in bed, too. He’s big. He’s a keeper, trust me.” (Issue #41 January 2006) 16 // PRETTY RICKY (SLICK ‘EM) 06 // FREEWAY “It was pretty good, but… he liked to play around a lot. That’s kind of a turn “He’s nice, a sweetheart, a real nice guy. He’ll eat your front quick. He’s the off when I’m in the mood to do something and he’d be telling jokes, acting type that likes to please. But he wasn’t lying when he said he’s a Trojan guy. silly, playing around.” (Issue #37 August 2005) Not the Magnums, the regular kind.” (Issue #41 January 2006) 17 // SLIM THUG 07 // JADAKISS “He answered the door in his boxers... I started taking off all my clothes. I “Jadakiss is a minuteman, for sure. It doesn’t even count as sex because he don’t know why, I guess it was the adrenaline rush or maybe the Grey Goose. busted so fast he didn’t even really stick it in.” (Issue #29 November 2004) He threw me on the bed and that turned me on even more. We fucked for like an hour, and it was a good hour, too.” (Issue #46 June 2006) 08 // JAY-Z “[Jay-Z had] the biggest dick you will ever see in your life, but boring. Huge. 18 // TRACY McGRADY Like a one liter Pepsi bottle, what do they call those things? The 20 ounce “We’d watch TV first, while he put baby powder on his bed. He says it makes bottle…it could block the sun… And he screams like a bitch when he busts. It’s his skin soft. He’s real, real boring. Watch TV, start kissing, turn around, from horrible. He has a humongous dick and no idea what to do with it.” (Issue #29 the back, turn around, cum. Every single time. Same thing. I used to give him November 2004) head just cause I was bored.” (Issue #34 May 2005) 09 // 19 // TRICK DADDY “He does stuff during sex, like he might be smoking during sex or drinking “We were there for hours... his shit is like, king ding-a-ling for real. I don’t during sex… and he always says, ‘Please say the baby.’” (Issue #37 August know how long cause I didn’t have a measuring tape. I’d give him like 8 1/2 2005) inches. He’s very, very good. He was on point.” (Issue #40 December 2005) 10 // MARIO WINANS 20 // TYRESE “Mario Winans does drugs and I don’t. So he was real rude. He didn’t really “Tyrese’s mouth should be for rent. His mouth and dick are both good. He’s care about having sex anyway. He tried, but it only lasted like two minutes.” working with something major. It was, like, R&B sex. More sensual.” (Issue #29 (Issue #36 July 2005) November 2004)

26 // OZONE MAG PHOTO GALLERIES

01 // Willie D & Pimp C @ SXSW (Austin, TX) 02 // Tony Neal, Slim Thug, & Shawt @ The Venue for Jonathan Bender’s birthday bash (, LA) 03 // Basswood Lane @ SXSW (Austin, TX) 04 // Krazy Yogi, Jay Love, Kaye Dunaway, & DJ Nasty @ Orange County Convention Center (Orlando, FL) 05 // MJG, DJ Popa, & 8Ball @ their listening party (New Orleans, LA) 06 // Joe Hound, Dre, C-Ride, & Cool on the set of DJ Khaled’s “We Takin’ Over” (Miami, FL) 07 // Bobby Valentino & Chaka Zulu @ the Bentley for the CORE DJs Retreat Def Jam event (Miami, FL) 08 // Bun B & Lil Wayne on the set of DJ Khaled’s “We Takin’ Over” (Miami, FL) 09 // Dirtered & Gun Play @ Sobe Live for CORE DJs Atlantic Records party (Miami, FL) 10 // Paris Jontae & Young Cash @ the Bentley for the CORE DJs Retreat Def Jam event (Miami, FL) 11 // Hulk Hogan & TJ Chapman @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 12 // Southstar, Mistah FAB, & Smilez @ CORE DJs J Records private party (Miami, FL) 13 // Gil Green, Gloria Velez, & Fat Joe on the set of DJ Khaled’s “We Takin’ Over” (Miami, FL) 14 // McManne, Dizzy, DJ Raj Smoove, Sol the Jeweler, Baby Boy, & Curren$y @ Club 300 for Baby Boy’s release party (New Orleans, LA) 15 // DJ Jelly, Jibbs, & guests @ Houlihan’s for meet & greet (Atlanta, GA) 16 // DJ Q45 & Storm @ Metropolis (Miami, FL) - Storm 17 // DJ Demp & Plies @ Street Dreamz Tour (Jacksonville, FL) 18 // Rick Ross & Lil Chucky on the set of DJ Khaled’s “We Takin’ Over” (Miami, FL) 19 // Shawn Prez & MJG @ Sobe Live for CORE DJs Atlantic Records party (Miami, FL) 20 // Mad Linx & Apple @ the Bentley for the CORE DJs Retreat Def Jam event (Miami, FL) 21 // Tarvoria & Mr Collipark @ CORE DJs J Records private party (Miami, FL) 22 // Chase Pat and Lexlu @ SXSW (Austin, TX)

Photo Credits: Eric Perrin (01,15,22);Terrence TysonJulia Beverly(17) (06,07,08,09,10,11,12,18,19,20,21); Luxury Mindz (03); Malik Abdul (04,13); Marcus DeWayne (02,05,14); Storm (16); OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 27 27 You asked for it and now you got it - a model sec- tion. But in true OZONE fashion, we had to remix it. It couldn’t just be like every other mag’s model section, so instead of models, our Pole Position display showcases some of the most succulent strippers in the game. Capri Touched by an Angel

This is the story of Capri, a 27-year-old former factory steel welder who left welding steel rods for a new career erecting them. Today, you can find the captivating Black and Dominican mix at Strokers Club, one of ATL’s premier strip spots, which, according to Capri, is the place to be on Sunday nights. “If you wanna find me, go there on Sunday,” says Capri. “Sundays are always hot at Strokers, that’s the only day that I’m definitely in there.”

If for some reason the two golden arches between her shoulders and triple-thick thighs haven’t compelled you to make the trip next Sunday — and every Sunday after — then her double Big Macs in the back will definitely do the job.

“I get a lot of attention from my butt,” she shyly reveals, in an obvious understatement. “Both males and females seem to love my butt.” Truth is, her butt is beyond belief. And then, as if her small, 23-inch frame leading to a 38-inch derriere didn’t already attract enough attention, Capri has made her spacious behind home to an equally alluring angel tattoo; a tattoo so big it looks as though Shaq himself slapped her on the ass and left a permanent print. “I love my tattoo,” she gushes. “I think it fits perfect.”

The tattoo also worked perfect for her position as one of the most desired dancers at the club. Capri’s natural resources are so coveted that her customers will do or say damn near anything to get more than just a lap dance from the heavenly body. “One time I met this guy at the club and he told me that his wife died giving birth to his son, and I ended up dating him for about a year,” she remembers. “It turned out that his wife was alive and well, so now, I kinda stay away from customers.” //

Words by Eric N. Perrin // Photos by Sean Cokes Hair & Makeup by Christian // Model provided by StrokersClub.com

28 // OZONE MAG PHOTO GALLERIES

01 // DJ Q45 & Mad Linx @ the Bentley for the CORE DJs Retreat Def Jam event (Miami, FL) 02 // 8Ball, Hen-Roc, & MJG @ Studio 7303 for 8Ball & MJG’s listening party (Houston, TX) 03 // Paco, Big Tuck, Trini D, OG Ron C, & Tum Tum @ Sobe Live for CORE DJs Atlantic Records party (Miami, FL) 04 // Krazy Yogi, DJ Chino, & DJ Nasty @ Fire- stone for DJ Nasty’s birthday party (Orlando, FL) 05 // DJ Commando, DJ Sixx, & guest @ Area 51 for CORE DJs Award Show (Miami, FL) 06 // Guest, Petey Pablo, & Swirl @ Mansion for The CORE DJs Retreat (Miami, FL) 07 // Deuce Poppi & Young Cash @ the Bentley for CORE DJs Def Jam event (Miami, FL) 08 // Baby Boy the Prince & King Mello (Houston, TX) 09 // Mac Bre-Z & Mannie Fresh @ Patchwerk Studios (Atlanta, GA) 10 // Dre & K Foxx @ CORE DJs J Records private party (Miami, FL) 11 // Mistah FAB & Cool @ CORE DJs J Records private party (Miami, FL) 12 // TV Johnny & Fat Joe on the set of DJ Khaled’s “We Takin’ Over” (Miami, FL) 13 // Frank White, Kaspa, guest, & Klarc Shephard @ Patchwerk for Rich Boy’s listening party (Atlanta, GA) 14 // Chance & White Boy @ CORE DJs J Records private party (Miami, FL) 15 // Bun B & DJ Khaled on the set of “We Takin’ Over” (Miami, FL) 16 // TJ Chapman, Akon, BOB, & B Rich on the set of DJ Khaled’s “We Takin’ Over” (Miami, FL) 17 // Bigga Rankin & DJ EFN @ the Bentley for the CORE DJs Retreat Def Jam event (Miami, FL) 18 // DJ Impact & Young Sav @ the Bentley for the CORE DJs Retreat Def Jam event (Miami, FL) 19 // The sexiest CORE DJs Malik Shabazz & Big D @ Mansion (Miami, FL) 20 // Tony C & Malik Abdul @ Mansion for The CORE DJs Retreat (Miami, FL) 21 // Mike Caren & Mistah FAB @ Area 51 for CORE DJs Award Show (Miami, FL) 22 // Tambra Cherie, guest, & Harvey @ Freelon’s Spring Break (Jackson, MS)

Photo Credits: Julia Beverly (01,03,05,06,09,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22); Keadron Smith (02,08); Malik Abdul (04.07) OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 29 29 STARTING LINEUP Over the years, we’ve proved that we can talk shit about everybody else. Now it’s our turn // by Eric Perrin Mercedes

Ali Tene

Randy

Eric

Eric N. Perrin - Features Editor (Chicago, IL) Malik Julia Eric spends most of his day trying to convince anyone who will listen that Chicago is the center of the universe. Eric, however, is actually from Evanston, Illinois, (a north-side suburb) just outside of Chicago. He has been living in Atlanta the past two years and is (kind of) a full-time student at Julia “JB” Beverly – Publisher (Orlando, FL) Morehouse College, but basically lives in the OZONE office. You’ve probably seen him scurrying behind JB fetching her sweet tea at video shoots, OZONE Julia Beverly is the largest consumer of sweet tea in the South and wears parties, studio runs, and other industry events. He is also a photographer, white Air Force Ones like she owns a minority percentage of Nike stock, but his Radio Shack-clearance-rack-camera and seemingly 16-year-old ap- throwing them away after the first scuff mark. She eats a lot but gains no pearance make him look more like a male groupie who somehow snuck past weight, and is the single biggest celebrity in Orlando. If you don’t know who security. If you see Eric out and about, please do not ask him how long he Julia Beverly is, obviously this is your first time reading OZONE. For the few has been “interning” for OZONE. first time readers, “JB” is OZONE’s 25-year-old Founder/CEO/Editor-In-Chief/ Lead Photographer/Layout Specialist/Sales Executive/Promotions Man- ager/Senior Writer/Street Rep/Web Designer. Basically, she does a little bit of Randy “Exclusive” Roper - Music Editor (Charleston, SC) everybody else’s job, and has never been seen sleeping. Rappers, label execs, and managers, this is guy you need to speak to if Though she no longer writes 92% of the magazine (currently it’s at about you’re disappointed by the review your CD or mixtape received in the last 35%), JB still pens a significant amount of the content, including her few issues. Music editor Randy Roper is from Charleston, SC, but for now, you monthly 2 Cents column, which has been known to shut down more bogus can find him in the A. He truly believes he knows anything and everything businesses than Wal-Mart. If you bounce a check, beware, because it may about music, especially rap. We, however, feel more inclined to believe that end up in the next issue. And don’t think those pictures of JB with random Randy knows everything about South Carolina rap. At any given moment, rappers that run adjacent to her 2 Cents are there just for show; nope. JB is Randy “Exclusive” is trying to convince us at OZONE that some random South pimpin’, but like a true pimp, she’ll never announce that fact. Some of other Cack artist, who no one in hell has ever heard of, is the next to blow. We love names JB has been called throughout the years include Julie (it’s Jul-E-Ah, South Carolina, but come on. Randy has spent his entire time at Ozone trying not Jul-E), the OZONE lady, Pimp Red, slut monkey (her favorite), white girl, to convince JB that the mag needs a model section, because he secretly and many others. knows it’s the only way he’ll be able to pick up chicks in ATL. Sorry Randy, I guess you’ll be stuck hollering at big girls on Myspace forever.

Malik “Copafeel” Abdul – Promotions Director (Orlando, FL) Mercedes STREETS – Queen of the Streets (Orlando, FL) Malik has been with OZONE damn near longer than anyone not named JB, and although his title is Promotions Director, Malik does it all - from writing, If you look in the very first issue of OZONE, Mercedes name was right there to photography, to ad sales, and more. The legendary former pirate radio on the masthead. 5 years and 56 issues later, she’s still a major part of the DJ was once sentenced to four months home confinement with an elec- magazine. Mercedes plays an integral part in the magazine’s promotions and tronic bracelet and 18 months probation for operating several immensely also runs OZONE’s Myspace page (don’t ask to placed in the top 8; she won’t successful pirate radio stations throughout Central Florida. Today, OZONE’s even give such an honor to any of the new staff members). Mercedes rides or smooth criminal spends much of his time cruising the scene in his extremely dies for OZONE, literally. This past winter, she was involved in a car accident conspicuous OZONE/!!! truck looking for unsuspecting hoards of [white] driving from Orlando to Tallahassee with thousands of magazines in tow. women on which to prey. He is also responsible for nearly all of the half- Thankfully Mercedes is okay, however, she did break her right arm. She wears naked pictures of “video models” you see in the photo galleries of OZONE a CORE DJs customized cast, since she is also the Promotions Director for the (thanks, Cop). Malik lives in Orlando but spends most of his time on the road. DJ collective.

N. Ali Early - Chief Operating Officer/OZONE West Editor Tene Gooden - Art Director (Mandeville, Jamaica) (Richmond, CA) Art Director Tene (pronounced ten-ay) Gooden has been designing maga- Bay Boy N. Ali Early (we were gonna tell you what the “N” stands for, but he zines for the last seven years and still can’t spell worth a damn. She claims edited it out) graduated from and is a die-hard Kobe to be Jamaican but we have our doubts, primarily because Tene doesn’t have Bryant fan. JB couldn’t have picked a better, more knowledgeable West coast the slightest Jamaican accent. After living in Miami for 6 years and graduat- rap cat to head up the new monthly left coast tribute. Ali basically bleeds ing from the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale, she moved to Atlanta with a Bay soil. If you ask the veteran rap critic, he’ll probably tell you the best degree in Graphic Design. If you’ve been noticing the visual differences in rappers that have ever lived are Mac Dre, E-40, 2Pac and Too $hort; and he’ll OZONE the last few months, Tene is the one to thank. Though she claims go dumb on anyone that disagrees. Ali has been known to wear a different to love what she does, she gets visibly frustrated when a story is too long Bay Area t-shirt every day for a month straight and is the only dude riding or the pictures provided don’t look right. Even though she looks harm- around Atlanta bumpin’ with his stunner shades on all day long, then less, if you go too far over the designated word count, Tene will really turn poppin’ his collar on his way to Compound that same night. He is a very Jamaican on your rasclat ass and you’ll forever regret it. She is also the only unique dude who laughs uncontrollably at his own jokes and belches better one in the OZONE office who genuinely laughs at (or even listens to, for that than Booger from Revenge of the Nerds. matter) Ali’s jokes.

30 // OZONE MAG PHOTO GALLERIES

01 // hugged up with his big booty bitch @ The CORE DJs J Records private party (Miami, FL) 02 // Carol City Cartel’s Gun Play, Sam Sneak, & Torch on the set of DJ Khaled’s “We Takin’ Over” (Miami, FL) 03 // DJ Q45, Young Cash, Mad Linx, & DJ E-Feezy @ the Bentley for CORE DJs Def Jam event (Miami, FL) 04 // Guest & Young Buck @ TSU (Houston, TX) 05 // Kaspa, Greg Street, Polow da Don, & Yung Sean @ Patchwerk for Rich Boy’s listening party (Atlanta, GA) 06 // Stack$ Press Junket @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 07 // DJ Don Juan & Young Buck @ Spring Bling (West Palm Beach, FL) 08 // Mistah FAB & Clyde Carson @ Area 51 for CORE DJs Award Show (Miami, FL) 09 // Big Koon, Hollywood, & Corleone @ The Venue (Gainesville, FL) 10 // DJ & Skip Cheatham @ 97.9 The Beat’s car show (Dallas, TX) 11 // DJ Khaled & Disco @ Firestone for DJ Nasty’s birthday party (Orlando, FL) 12 // & The Pack @ Beauty Bar Patio for SXSW (Austin, TX) 13 // Jason Brown & DJ Drama @ Patchwerk for Rich Boy’s listening party (Atlanta, GA) 14 // Chris Johnson, Meshah Hawkins, & Trae @ SXSW (Austin, TX) 15 // Brooke Hogan, Stack$, & Hulk Hogan @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 16 // My Block Southside of H-Town (Houston, TX) 17 // Famous & Chamillionaire @ Spring Bling (West Palm Beach, FL) 18 // Duece Poppi & Plies @ Area 51 for CORE DJs Award Show (Miami, FL) 19 // DJ Chill & his son (Houston, TX) 20 // DJ EFN & Tony Neal @ the Bentley for CORE DJs Def Jam event (Miami, FL) 21 // DJ Nice, DJ Chino, & Rich Boy @ Firestone for DJ Nasty’s birthday party (Orlando, FL) 22 // Don Adams & DJ Blak @ Young Jeezy’s video game release party (Atlanta, GA)

Photo Credits: D-Lyte (10); DJ Chill (21); Eric Perrin (12,16,19); Julia Beverly (01,02,05,06,08,13,15,18,22); Keadron Smith (04); Luxury Mindz (14); Malik Abdul (03,09,11,20); Terrence Tyson (07,17) OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 31 31 jim JONES Jim: Yo Buck, whut up, son? Buck: Shit homie. This beef shit crazy, man. These muthafuckas actually believe Cam and 50 got beef!

Jim: I told you they would, niggas is mad dumb, B. Buck: We some muthafuckin’ geniuses. We gon’ sell millions off this shit. Jim: Fuck wit me, this is what I do, bruh. BALLLLLLIINNN! Buck: Hey, I gotta admit homie, that monkey lookin muthafucka in Cam’s Currrtis video look just like 50. I be laughin my ass off every time I see that shit. OZONE EXCLUSIVE Jim: Hell yeah, and that dude keeps fuckin calling us about gettin the part as Mase in Killa Season 2. I told that stupid nigga people already recognize him as 50. How he gon be 50 one day then mase the next?

Buck: Shit I don’t know. But is you and Cam gonna be at 50’s party in Con- necticut next weekend?

Jim: Naw, da boy Jay havin a little get together with Beyonce next Friday and you know Juelz and everybody tryin to fuck Solange, so we gon hit that up.

Buck: Aw man, I wanna go to that shit, homie. I heard Beyonce momma a Textin’ is no longer safe now that OZONE’s dangerous minds freak. I wanna fuck. have hacked the system. Jim: You nasty muthafucka, Tina’s like fuckin 60 or something. Buck: I don’t give a fuck, homie. That just means I can’t fuck around and get her pregnant or no shit.

Jim: I don’t think you can hit that shit. Poppa Knowles ain’t gonna honor no shit like that

Buck: I’m a boss, I can make it rain. Jim: Well, good luck. I heard she like it ruff. Buck: How you know nigga? Jim: Shit, Jay told me. Buck: Hell nah, Hov fuckin Beyonce and her momma? Jim: You ain’t know? Why think they let Jay stay wit B this long? He be fuckin both them at the same time. BALLLLIIIINNNN!!!

Buck: R U serious? Does Beyonce dad know about that shit? Jim: Hell yeah, he be the one the filming they ass. Jay be killin’ that shit. No homo.

Buck: That shit too crazy for me homie, but I gotta go homie. Tell the rest of the dips I said what up.

Jim: Okay. Tell Yayo that was fucked up how he did Jimmy Henchmen’s boy. Buck: Yeah, but that muthafucka Jimmy Henchmen owed Yayo money from a dice game last month in Cali. Yayo tried to warn him, but that nigga just don’t like to pay mafuckas.

Jim: Damn, I didn’t know that shit. If Yayo really wanted to fuck that nigga up he shoulda just gave dude some of Cam’s Snapple. BALLLLIIIINNN!! Yo, son, U should have 50 pretend to kick U out of G-Unit on the radio! You’ll sell millions!

Buck: Jones, U a fool. I’ma tell him. He callin’ Hot 97 in the morning. Jim: Word, I’ma tune in. ! Dipset! Dipset! Buck: G-G-G-ood Bye

- From the mind of Eric Perrin.

* This is just a joke. No, we did not really hack into anybody’s sidekick.

32 // OZONE MAG PHOTO GALLERIES

01 // DJ Big D, Mad Linx, Lil Jon, Big Theo, & DJ Suiside @ CORE DJs J Records private party (Miami, FL) 02 // BOB, Cedric Hollywood, & Jim Jonsin on the set of DJ Khaled’s “We Takin’ Over” (Miami, FL) 03 // Mali, Akon, Black-O, Scott Storch, & Gloria Velez @ Mansion for Akon’s 3x platinum party (Miami, FL) 04 // Wild Wayne, Tracey Smith, & DJ Black N Mild @ Club 300 for Baby Boy’s release party (New Orleans, LA) 05 // DJ D-Rocc, Mr. Collipark, & Carl Washington @ CORE DJs J Records private party (Miami, FL) 06 // Bun B & Lil Flip on the set of Lil Flip’s “Get Money” (Houston, TX) 07 // Jonathan Bender & Deelishis @ The Venue for his birthday bash (New Orleans, LA) 08 // Baby D, Big Korey, & Unk @ Walk it Out Wednesdays at the Universoul Circus (Atlanta, GA) 09 // Chaos & Mistah FAB @ CORE DJs J Records private party (Miami, FL) 10 // Tara & Elisa Lisa @ CORE DJs J Records private party (Miami, FL) 11 // Mixmaster Ice & DJ Dynamite @ Mansion for The CORE DJs Retreat (Miami, FL) 12 // Young Jeezy & Jim Jones on the Street Dreamz tour (Orlando, FL) 13 // Ike G Da, Grandaddy Souf, M-Geezy, & Tarvoria @ Area 51 (Miami, FL) 14 // Stack$ & his father Cecile Barker @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 15 // Papa Duck, D-Tec, & 2 Dog Records @ the Bentley for CORE DJs Def Jam event (Miami, FL) 16 // 8Ball, Tanesia May, & MJG @ WJBT 92.7 The Beat (Jacksonville, FL) 17 // Grafh & guest @ Area 51 for CORE DJs Award Show (Miami, FL) 18 // Dr Teeth & Lil Flip on the set of “Get Money” (Houston, TX) 19 // Tavis & Rickey Smiley @ 97.9 The Beat (Dallas, TX) 20 // Chinaman & JC @ Freelon’s Spring Break (Jackson, MS) 21 // Sherell, Lloyd, & Shayna @ Spring Bling (West Palm Beach, FL) 22 // DJ Nasty & Benisour @ the Bentley for the CORE DJs Retreat Def Jam event (Miami, FL)

Photo Credits: D-Lyte (19); TerrenceEric Perrin Tyson (08); (16,21) Julia Beverly (01,02,03,05,09,10,11,13,14,17,20,22); Keadron Smith (06,18); Malik Abdul (12,15); Marcus DeWayne (04,07,18); OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 33 33 ATLANTA, GA Heisman Boys single began when a beat made by a childhood friend was played for t’s 3:32 PM on an unusually warm Friday in early March. Cap, the group. D-Ray, and D-Nell are concealed in a small dance studio hidden

in the basement of the Atlanta’s Adamsville Recreation Center. “Basically we were just listening to the beat and it just came into IThey’re exhausted, but judging from their exuberant attitude and our heads that it was a dance song, so I started dancing and just envy evoking energy, you’d never know. The three teenage rappers/ happened to do a little stiff-arm and it just went from there,” Cap friends have been relentlessly rehearsing their stage routine (much concludes. more complicated then you may think) all day, and though our in- terview was scheduled for 3 PM, it is virtually impossible to interrupt A few months and millions of MySpace and YouTube video views their rigorous regimen; a dedicated hustle which indicates that this later, the three Heisman Boyz, now called 3rd Flo, witnessed their hit ATL Trio is more than a mere here-to-today-gone-tomorrow rap act. single become an enamored part of pop culture.

Though their infectious single “Do Da Heisman” may seem to be the “MySpace and YouTube is beautiful, man.” Cap relishes. “That was product of adolescent joy riders destined to fall into oblivion, their pretty much all we had for promotion when we were in school and it work ethic and demeanor suggest anything but. “We really gotta helped the world notice us.” take care of our business like men, because it’s our future that we’re living for right now,” affirms 19 year-old D-Nell. “YouTube really sparked it for us, after that, hundreds and hundreds of people made their own Heisman video,” D-Nell chimes in. Six months ago, their lifestyle was much different. They were freshmen in college, living in a third floor dorm at Albany State Unlike much of the music industry, which has brutally lambasted the University’s Andrews Hall. They participated in Campus activities, internet for everything from album leaks to bootlegging streaks, 3rd woke up early every other morning to attend English 101, probed Flo is thankful for being caught in the web. “It’s great, it shows that female dorms, and even ate the French fries and cheeseburgers in people can still have fun. Everybody in college wants to make their the residence halls. own video, and MySpace and YouTube are pretty inexpensive. All you

- gotta do is get a digital camera and go,” states D-Nell. “French fries. French fries never let you down,” states Cap. “And Cheeseburgers, we used to eat those double cheeseburgers every Still, the question remains as to whether 3rd Flo will stay afloat day,” vividly remembers D-Nell. after the campaign crafted by Youtube and Myspace inevitably fades. “Label us what you want, but we make music,” contends D-Ray. “We loved college, but an opportunity presented itself that we felt we had to take. We can always go back to school but right now we “We make music, period. When the album drops, you won’t be able to have a unique opportunity that may not always be there,” states 18 categorize us as just entertainers.” D-Nell adds. “We make music and year-old D-Ray. our music is complete, our album is complete. It’s well-rounded and it’s definitely not just isolated to one sound.” // Following the credo that great things happen all at once, D-Nell, Cap, and D-Ray were compelled to pull a Kanye. They threw the deuces Words by Eric N. Perrin // Photo by Julia Beverly to their classmates at Albany State and signed a deal with budding independent label J Million Records. Their unique and contagious

34 // OZONE MAG 34 // OZONE MAG PHOTO GALLERIES

01 // BOB, guest, Jim Jonsin, & Frankie J @ Hit Factory (Miami, FL) 02 // Willie D, Huntzville, & Pimp C @ SXSW (Austin, TX) 03 // Don Cannon, Big Zak, & Greg Street @ Patchwerk for Rich Boy’s listening party (Atlanta, GA) 04 // Mr 3-2, Pimp C, & guest @ SXSW (Austin, TX) 05 // Grandaddy Souf, Young Cash, & M-Geezy @ Area 51 for CORE DJs Award Show (Miami, FL) 06 // Shoeb Malik, Yancey Richardson, & Hen-Roc @ WJBT 92.7 The Beat (Jacksonville, FL) 07 // Bun B’s son Brandon quickly adjusting to the rap star life (Houston, TX) 08 // DJ Nabs & DJ Sense @ Patchwerk for Rich Boy’s listening party (Atlanta, GA) 09 // Lyfe Jennings & Tango Redd @ Young Jeezy’s video game release party (Atlanta, GA) 10 // Deelishis & Slim Thug @ Jonathan Bender’s birthday bash (New Orleans, LA) 11 // Jeanise Chaplin & Keinon Johnson @ Patchwerk for Rich Boy’s listening party (Atlanta, GA) 12 // Polow da Don & Rich Boy @ Patchwerk for Rich Boy’s listening party (Atlanta, GA) 13 // Trick Daddy & Young Jeezy @ Street Dreamz Tour (Jacksonville, FL) 14 // Fat Joe & Bernard Hopkins on the set of DJ Khaled’s “We Takin’ Over” (Miami, FL) 15 // Chingy & DJs @ the Bentley for the CORE DJs Retreat Def Jam event (Miami, FL) 16 // Pretty Todd & the Grit Boys @ SXSW (Austin, TX) 17 // K Foxx & Dirtbag @ CORE DJs J Records private party (Miami, FL) 18 // Baby Boy & Papa Smirf @ Area 51 for CORE DJs Award Show (Miami, FL) 19 // A Dubb, Lil Flip, & Mr Boomtown on the set of Lil Flip’s “Get Money” (Houston, TX) 20 // Michael Watts & Krazy Yog @ Sobe Live for CORE DJs Atlantic Records party (Miami, FL) 21 // Aleshia Steele, guest, & DJ Rip @ Mansion for The CORE DJs Retreat (Miami, FL) 22 // Lil Flip & Kuccur (Houston, TX)

Photo Credits: Eric Perrin (02,04);Terrence Julia Tyson Beverly (06,13) (01,03,05,08,09,11,12,14,15,17,18,20,21); Keadron Smith (07,19,22); Luxury Mindz (16); Marcus DeWayne (10); OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 35 35 SHREVEPORT, LA

“Hollyhood Bay Bay, that’s my Ace Booncoon,” asserts Hurricane. “He Hurricanegot his own radio show in Shreveport and we had a lil’ saying, since his hen most Louisianans hear the word Hurricane, their minds name is Bay Bay, we started a rhyme talking to him. We was joking with inevitably drift to the painful memories of Katrina; however, - him like, ‘A Bay Bay,’ and the song became snappy.” From there, the this Shreveport native is determined to change all that. His song went on to be a hit, and now Hurricane’s “A Bay Bay,” is finding its Wmaligned moniker, Hurricane, was given to him as a result his destruc way on radio station playlists and Myspace profiles nationwide. tive battle- skills; skills that not only evacuated his opponents’ pride, but also left the onlooking crowd in a disarrayed frenzy. “I switched it from just somebody’s name to a slang anybody can use. If you’re going to the club and somebody asks you, ‘You going to the club “Not to brag, but after each one of my battles I used to embarrass - tonight?’ You can say, ‘A Bay Bay.’ It means fa sho,” Hurricane divulges. [other rappers] so bad that when it was over, people used to just be One thing’s for sure; Hurricane has positioned himself to be a problem silent,” exclaims the semi-humble Hurricane. “Everybody would be look in the industry sure to take the game by storm. “I’m trying to relate to ing crazy, like, ‘What just happened? He destroyed ‘em.’ And that’s why everybody; from the people in the hood to the people livin’ the good they named me Hurricane, because after a storm it’s silent,” he affirms. life,” he says.

Though he silenced opponents, Hurricane’s category 5 type buzz had “I ain’t just rapping about one thing, I’m real versatile,” Hurricane con- the opposite effect on industry execs, and eventually led him to a major cludes. “I got club songs, songs that you can ride and bump, a little bit label deal with Polo Grounds Music /J Records, the brainchild of execu- of everything. It’s between a gangsta and a mack; it ain’t too gangsta to tive Bryan Leach (credited with discovering Lil Jon’ and The Ying Yang the point where certain people ain’t gon’ play it, but you still gon’ feel Twinz, among others). where I’m coming from. White folks, gangstas, and the thugs gon’ be able to ride to this.” // Today, Hurricane season is in full effect and the Shreveport savior is ready to reign atop the industry. His dangerously catchy single “A Bay Words by Eric Perrin // Photo by Julia Beverly Bay” has already become an immense success. Initially, it wasn’t even supposed to be a song; the quicksand-like track began as a way for Hurricane to say his friend’s name.

36 // OZONE MAG 36 // OZONE MAG PHOTO GALLERIES

01 // & D Shep @ CORE DJs J Records private party (Miami, FL) 02 // Polow da Don, Greg Street, & DJ Infamous @ Patchwerk for Rich Boy’s listening party (Atlanta, GA) 03 // MJG, DJ Slab 1, 8Ball, & Rob Fresh @ their listening party (New Orleans, LA) 04 // Lil Jon is proud to see Teach working @ CORE DJs J Records private party (Miami, FL) 05 // DJ Quote, Mims, & DJ Q @ Area 51 for CORE DJs Award Show (Miami, FL) 06 // Boy Wonder, Haitian Fresh, Stick 3000, & Dee Boi @ Orange County Conven- tion Center (Orlando, FL) 07 // T-Pain & Baby Boy @ The Moon (Tallahassee, FL) 08 // Bedo & Plies @ Firestone for DJ Nasty’s birthday party (Orlando, FL) 09 // Baby & Bun B on the set of DJ Khaled’s “We Takin’ Over” (Miami, FL) 10 // J Baby, his son, & Plies @ Street Dreamz Tour (Jacksonville, FL) 11 // Keith Kennedy & DJ Tech @ Young Jeezy’s video game release party (Atlanta, GA) 12 // The Runners & DJ Nasty on the set of DJ Khaled’s “We Takin’ Over” (Miami, FL) 13 // Mannie Fresh & Big Kuntry @ Patchwerk Studios (Atlanta, GA) 14 // Willie Joe & Mistah FAB @ CORE DJs J Records private party (Miami, FL) 15 // DJ Khaled & Nelly @ Mansion for Akon’s 3x platinum party (Miami, FL) 16 // Storm, Ashley, Dior George, & DJ Sixx @ CORE DJs J Records private party (Miami, FL) 17 // Bushwick Bil @ Sobe Live for CORE DJs Atlantic Records party (Miami, FL) 18 // Rahman Dukes & Gotti Bonanno @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 19 // Joe Hound & Rick Ross @ Mansion for Akon’s 3x platinum party (Miami, FL) 20 // Plies & Ted Lucas @ Area 51 for CORE DJs Award Show (Miami, FL) 21 // Jeanise Chaplin & Randy Roper @ Patchwerk for Rich Boy’s listening party (Atlanta, GA) 22 // King Arthur & 4-Ize @ Young Jeezy’s video game release party (Atlanta, GA)

Photo Credits: Eric Perrin (21); Julia Beverly (01,02,04,05,09,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,22); Malik Abdul (06,08); Marcus DeWayne (03,07); Terrence Tyson (10) OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 37 37 MIAMI, FL D Shep new-found love for storytelling. Just like his abilities as an athlete, his efforts as a rapper were quickly noticed and co-signed. In fact, his even years ago D-Shep was one of Miami’s top prospects; he first mixtape was hosted by two of Miami’s top record breakers – DJ had skill, stamina and some very impressive numbers. But the Khaled and DJ Irie. attention and recognition he was drawing upon himself wasn’t , introduced his current single “Stay Scoming from major label A&Rs. The interest was coming from football Rent Money His second mixtape, scouts. As a highly ranked high school running back, Shep was Real.” The song unexpectedly maneuvered its way onto Miami radio predicted to have a long and successful career in professional ball. – which is virtually unheard of. “I put out the mixtape and ended up But the predictions did not take into account the difficult life Darrell having two singles, that weren’t planned to be singles, spinning on Sheppard was living off the field. the radio,” he explains. “Miami is starstruck. If you ain’t nobody yet, it’s hard to get on the radio.” He attributes the song’s widespread Struggling in the streets of Miami’s notorious Southside, D-Shep was appeal to its message of being true to who you are and who you are forced to give up his football dreams in order to make ends meet. not. “I’m not going to change who I am or my attitude. I’m me one While the change of plans was disappointing, he found solace in hundred percent, regardless of who I’m around.” music. “To me, my music is therapeutic. I think a lot of people should be able to relate to my music by the way I bring it to them.” After high Radio is not the only outlet Shep uses to reach“When listeners. you perform He says, a song, school, he applied the same determination he had in sports to his you really get a chance to express how you feel about it. It ain’t nothing like getting on stage and people vibing with you.” The love from fans has inspired him to expand outside of his hometown. “Right now as we speak, I’m on a twelve city promo tour.” In addition to shows and street team promo- tions, Shep is also working on a remix with Trick Daddy. The remix will be featured on his first major LP, along with new tracks produced by DJ Toomp, Akon and his in-house producer Horn.

D-Shep is a testament that sometimes God’s plan includes taking the long road. Whether he stays independent under his label Conspiracy or breaks into the major league, Shep knows things will work out. He says, “I’ve gotten so far coming out of one of the toughest cities for rappers. I accomplished that and I’m real proud of myself.” //

Words by Ms. Rivercity Photo by Joe Wesley

38 // OZONE MAG 38 // OZONE MAG PHOTO GALLERIES

01 // 8Ball, OG Ron C, & MJG @ Studio 7303 for 8Ball & MJG’s listening party (Houston, TX) 02 // DJ Epps, DJ EFN, & Noreaga @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 03 // Troy Marshall, his wife, & Sweetness @ Area 51 for CORE DJs Award Show (Miami, FL) 04 // DJ Quest, Smilez, DJ Q45, & Southstar @ CORE DJs J Records private party (Miami, FL) 05 // DJ Chino, Haitian Fresh, & Mercedes @ Firestone for DJ Nasty’s birthday party (Orlando, FL) 06 // Chaka Zulu, Crystal Isaacs, & Jeff Dixon @ the Bentley for the CORE DJs Re- treat Def Jam event (Miami, FL) 07 // Flo-Rida & Brisco @ Sobe Live for CORE DJs Atlantic Records party (Miami, FL) 08 // Bubba Sparxxx & Shock G @ Wildsplash (Tampa, FL) 09 // Spiff & TV Johnny on the set of DJ Khaled’s “We Takin’ Over” (Miami, FL) 10 // Trina & DJ Khaled on the set of DJ Khaled’s “We Takin’ Over” (Miami, FL) 11 // Ms Rivercity & Bigga Rankin (Jacksonville, FL) 12 // Tay, Rich Boy, & Trae @ Studio 7303 (Houston, TX) 13 // Sabrina Montgomery, JT Money, & Kim Ellis @ Patchwerk for Rich Boy’s listening party (Atlanta, GA) 14 // Hurricane & Bay Bay @ CORE DJs J Records private party (Miami, FL) 15 // Gorilla Zoe, , Block, & Rico Wade @ Block En- tertainment (Atlanta, GA) 16 // DJ Drama & J-Bo @ Patchwerk for Rich Boy’s listening party (Atlanta, GA) 17 // Mims & Shawty (Houston, TX) 18 // Lunch Money & Smitty @ CORE DJs J Records private party (Miami, FL) 19 // DJ Christion, DJ Headbussa, & Drunk D @ Wildsplash (Tampa, FL) 20 // Lil Peace & E-Class @ 97.9 The Beat’s car show (Dallas, TX) 21 // Mr CC & Rich Boy @ Firestone for DJ Nasty’s birthday party (Orlando, FL) 22 // Malik Abdul & DJ Backside @ Mansion for The CORE DJs Retreat (Miami, FL)

Photo Credits: D-Lyte (20); DJ Chino (05); Eric Perrin (13); Julia Beverly (02,03,04,06,07,09,10,14,16,18,22); Keadron Smith (01,12,17); Luis Santana (08,19); Malik Abdul (21); Randy Roper (15); Terrence Tyson (11) OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 39 39 ATLANTA, GA Gorilla Zoe invested money into an Atlanta recording studio. The initial plan was to use the studio to generate income by charging artists for studio s cliché as this statement sounds, real does recognize real. time. But, Zoe found himself the studio’s primary inhabitant, teaching Take for example Block Entertainment’s newest member, himself the ins and outs of studio equipment. Within a year’s time, 25-year-old Gorilla Zoe. If you ask Block Entertainment CEO Zoe had mastered Pro Tools and with help from local producer Chris ARussell “Block” Spencer, Zoe embodies the veritable characteristics Flame, had completed enough songs to release an independent that draw him to an artist. “When I met the dude I just liked his vibe,” album. Block says. “He’s a , and I like real niggas. When I looked at him, he reminded me of me. He’s one of those real gutter, gangsta After a chance meeting with Block, those independent album plans ass niggas and that’s what I like. Niggas that really rap about what were hold. Before Zoe knew it, he was recording tracks from they really go through.” the Block Ent. recording studio. The always visionary Block had more plans for Zoe. “He said, ‘I wanna see what you sound like with Boyz But Zoe endured years of struggle to pen those rhymes that N Da Hood,’” Zoe recalls. “He threw us all in the studio. And over the enthralled his CEO. After leaving his mother’s home at 14, Zoe, an weeks that shit started sounding real good. We started to compli- Atlanta native, spent his teenage years working odd jobs, Job Corps ment each other.” From the chemistry that Zoe created with the three and street hustling before finding an alternative route that would incumbent members of BNDH — Jody —Breeze, Zoe was Big officially Duke and introduced Big Gee ultimately change his life. Zoe, along with his business partners, as the group’s newest member.

“I first built Boyz N Da Hood to represent different types of niggas in the hood,” Block says. “Jeezy was the hustler of the crew, now [Zoe] is the gorilla of the crew. He represents niggas in the hood that’s gon’ get it by any means.” Zoe’s solo single “Hood Nigga” is picking up spins across the country. And he has made a lasting impression on DJs who ranked him #5 on the list of Next Artists To Blow Up In 2007 in OZONE’s second annual DJ Issue.

As the group prepares to release Back In The their second album Chevy (tentatively scheduled for a spring release), Zoe remains con- fident that he can withstand the pressure of replacing a platinum superstar. “It ain’t no pressure, I’m a hood nigga,” Zoe says. “[Jeezy] set the standard so high, everybody thinks it’s pressure, but not for me. I done been to hell and back.” //

Words and Photo by Randy Roper

40 // OZONE MAG 40 // OZONE MAG PHOTO GALLERIES

01 // DJ Nasty, Disco, & Dre, & E-Class @ Firestone for DJ Nasty’s birthday party (Orlando, FL) 02 // Corey Cleghorn & the Clout Models @ 97.9 The Beat’s car show (Dallas, TX) 03 // Mike Clarke, Cecile Barker, & TJ Chapman @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 04 // Slim Goodye, Mob Boss, Nephew, & DJ Khaled @ Firestone for DJ Nasty’s birthday party (Orlando, FL) 05 // Baby, DJ Dagwood, & Lil Wayne on the set of DJ Khaled’s “We Takin’ Over” (Miami, FL) 06 // BT Express, Murphy Lee, Ali, Big Kipp, & Kewan @ Mansion for The CORE DJs Retreat (Miami, FL) 07 // Guest, , guest, & Jim Jones on the set of “Emotions” (NYC) 08 // Cecile Barker & Hulk Hogan @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 09 // Young Buck, Amir, & DJ Incognito @ WBFA (Columbus, GA) 10 // Big Swoll, DJ Big D, & DJ K-Tone @ Area 51 for CORE DJs Award Show (Miami, FL) 11 // Keith Sweat, Uptown Angela, & Nate Bell (New Orleans, LA) 12 // Baby Boy & Mims @ Area 51 for CORE DJs Award Show (Miami, FL) 13 // Strictly Business Records on South Beach (Miami, FL) 14 // , Harvey, & pimp @ Freelon’s Spring Break (Jackson, MS) 15 // Big Kuntry, Webbie, Big Gee, & Gorilla Zoe @ Patchwerk Studios (Atlanta, GA) 16 // Young A, T Hilly, , Jeremey J, Curren$y, & Shawt in the studio (New Orleans, LA) 17 // Guest, Ashley, Malik Abdul, Dior George, & Storm @ Area 51 for CORE DJs Award Show (Miami, FL) 18 // Sista Sondra, Paul Wall, & Headkrack @ 97.9 The Beat’s car show (Dallas, TX) 19 // R&B and Dre @ Area 51 for CORE DJs Award Show (Miami, FL) 20 // Top Notch & DJ Bishop @ Area 51 for CORE DJs Award Show (Miami, FL) 21 // Ryno & Will Hustle @ SXSW (Austin, TX) 22 // TJ Chapman & Koko @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 23 // Posey of the Miami Heat, Deeca, & Fred Taylor of the Tampa Bay Bucs @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL)

Photo Credits: Bogan (23); D-Lyte(11,16); (02,18); Rico da DJCrook Incognito (07) (09Julia Beverly (03,05,06,08,10,13,14,15,16,17,19,20,22); Luxury Mindz (21); Malik Abdul (01,04); Marcus DeWayne OZONEOZONE MAG MAG // // 41 41 TRAINING DAY Feel free to keep reading those other whack magz, where they sit in the office all day long and 90% of their former staff hate them. But it’s a well-known fact that over here at OZONE, life is one big never-ending road trip. A few former (and one current) OZONE contributors reminisce on their favorite mag moments.

NOEL MALCOLM (former OZONE assistant editor) Miami. It was only my second time ever in Miami, and after driving the OZONE What do you get when you put over 200 pounds of magazines in a 1999 Mer- truck all night from Atlanta, I was tired as hell. I had damn near overdosed cury Cougar and send off me and JB to visit five States in five days? Haven’t on CRUNK!!! Energy Drink and by the time we arrived on South Beach my heart thought of it yet? That’s because you get three things: The foundation for was thumping so fast I know I must’ve been close to cardiac arrest. We were OZONE becoming a monster in the South, 3,000+ miles on my damn car, and transporting over a thousand pounds of Super Bowl special edition magazines one memory that will stick with me for years to come! and the back of the truck was nearly scraping the ground. We made it to the OZONE mansion around 11 AM, and all I wanted to find was a bed. Instead, Five states in five days was a statement. Until that point OZONE was known I found a pool in the back of the house overlooking Biscayne Bay, and my mostly in Florida. Even though people from across the entire country were exhaustion evaporated. It was like taking an intravenous shot of the extra- feeling OZONE, we hadn’t really had the opportunity to live up to the tagline concentrated horny goat weed with Ashwaganda; I was ready. I don’t think I “Coming to a city near YOU!” But this proved to be a time when we needed to slept more than two hours that weekend, but with the slew of celebrity guests give a voice to more of the Southern artists out there – people who had been we ran into, as a 21-year-old college student, it doesn’t get much better than clamoring for some shine on glossy pages in a then Southern-prejudiced this. Source and XXL. So it was a simple mission: OZONE to the rescue. On that excursion, we found the talent that would inspire the first “Patiently Waiting WALLY SPARKS (former OZONE Music Editor) to Blow” issue. My favorite OZONE memory isn’t really a memory of my own. It’s really a con- gratulatory feeling for JB and my longtime friend TJ Chapman. The amazing We first met with TJ Chapman from TJ’s DJ’s, and he and numerous other DJs feat they were able to pull off with the OZONE Awards last August made me helped set us up with an underground artist map that would give the world feel good to see my friends accomplishing something monumental. I really first dibs on some of our hottest Southern talents today. Diligently we kept don’t want to turn this into a “you gotta be from the South to understand” on through the nights with JB and myself switching driving duties across type of rant, but for real, you have to have an appreciation for Southern rap thousands of miles of interstate. On our travels we found up and coming music outside of the T.I.s, Lil Waynes, and UGKs of the world to realize how talents like Lil’ Scrappy and Trillville. The artist that most recently made us much of a timeless moment that was. Speaking of UGK, Bun B said something proud is Rich Boy, who we met at a restaurant with DJ Nick@Nite on our first so real during his award acceptance speech that should tell you how big the trip to Mobile, AL. We linked up with DJs like B-Lord and H-Vidal and kept OZONE Awards were: “I wanna thank everybody that actually came to this pushing. Hooked up with David Banner in Mississippi, stopped at the Dungeon shit, cause I’ma be real and say what everybody ain’t gonna say. I ain’t know in ATL, introduced ourselves to Collard Greens in South Carolina and wrapped what this shit was gonna look like and I really didn’t know if I was gonna up everything back in Florida. come, but… I came out and supported and I’ma bring a hundred trill niggas with me next year, and y’all better do the same. This is some South shit right There were way too many names to mention from that one trip but many of here. Ain’t nobody else gonna come together and put this shit together for us the artists were featured in Issues #16 and 17 of the magazine and it was but us… We gonna do this shit ten times bigger next year.” Man, you couldn’t great being able to introduce them early to the masses. Their success has get a better statement from a more qualified person. That was the icing on helped build the foundation for OZONE. That trip became a benchmark for the the cake of the whole weekend of controlled chaos in the Florida sun with numerous other cross-country trips that happen almost on a monthly basis some of the most important people in the music industry. It felt good to know now, helping to spread the name of the magazine and take us from handing that my personal friends that I’ve learned so much from were responsible for them out at clubs to tagging them on newsstands. Five states in making it happen. It made me proud to be a head. five days, that was some fun shit.

RAYFIELD WARREN (former OZONE photographer) The two years that I spent with OZONE were the most memorable times of my life, as I experienced more during this period than a lot of people will probably experience in a lifetime. Whether I was taking pictures of Diddy in Miami, being told to take multiple photographs of Chingy for an article and coming back with only one that was usable, being scolded by Julia for not knowing who Elephant Man was at the “Get Low” remix video shoot or just hanging out with the OZONE family, every day was an adventure. (clockwise from below) Wally Sparks @ It began at the Chili’s on Semoran and University Blvd. where the Tech.Nitions conference in Vegas with I showed Julia some of my photographs. After about twenty OZONE’s Alabama affiliate Michael London; minutes of talking and eating cheese sticks she changed my life Eric Perrin having a lil too much fun at SXSW forever with five words: “Okay, you can be down.” Although I am in Austin, TX; Noel Malcolm interviewing no longer with the magazine, the lessons that I learned while Gloria Velez in Miami - strictly because of there are still with me and have played a major role in my devel- her emcee skills, of course; Rayfield Warren opment as a corporate executive. OZONE gave me the opportunity sitting in as a test lighting subject before a to build a strong foundation in Orlando which has allowed me to Rodney Jerkins photo shoot in Orlando reach many of my goals and dreams and for that, I will always be grateful.

ERIC PERRIN (current OZONE Features Editor) Since I joined the OZONE staff, literally every day has entailed some kind of adventure – from crackhead hunting on the West end of Atlanta to getting lectured by Pimp C in Austin, TX. One thing is guaranteed with OZONE: never expect a dull moment. It’s difficult to pinpoint my single favorite OZONE experience, but one that stands out in my mind was Super Bowl weekend 2007 in

42 // OZONE MAG who’s reading ozone? 01 // DJ Drama @ Club Esso for BMI Showcase (Atlanta, GA. 02 // Mannie Fresh @ Club Esso for BMI Showcase (Atlanta, GA). 03 // Young Jeezy & Slick Pulla @ Spring Bling (West Palm Beach, FL). 04 // 5th Ward Weebie & Baby Boy @ Club 300 for Baby Boy’s release party (New Orleans, LA). 05 // 8Ball & MJG (Chicago, IL). 06 // B Simm in the studio (Atlanta, GA). 07 // Big Neil @ Locdown Records club night (Cincinnati, OH). 08 // Boyz N Da Hood @ Club Esso for BMI Showcase (Atlanta, GA). 09 // Chris Turner & G-Money @ Firestone for Yung Joc concert (Orlando, FL). 10 // DJ Bishop & Top Notch @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers (Tallahassee, FL). 11 // DJ Fingerprintz @ Power 96 (Miami, FL). 12 // DJ Joe Pro & DJ Mista Nice @ The Aqua Lounge VA Beach, VA. 13 // DDJ Magic Mike @ Aqua Lounge for - Tarvoria’s mixtape release party (Day tona Beach, FL). 14 // DJ Money Fresh & Raj Smoove @ Club 300 for Baby Boy’s release party (New Orleans, LA). 15 // DJ Prostyle @ Spring Bling (West Palm Beach, FL). 16 // DJ Slym with - his BCR article @ BCR pool party (Day 17 // Fam-Lay @ The tona Beach, FL). 18 // Gun Play of Norva (Norfolk, VA). the Carol City Cartel @ Sobe Live for OZONE mag release party (Miami, FL). 19 // THot Boy Ronald & Baby Boy @ Club 300 for Baby Boy’s release party (New Orleans, LA) 20 // Jim Jones @ Spring Bling (West Palm Beach, FL) 21 // Lil Scrappy @ Club Leg- ends (Orlando, FL) - Julia Beverly. 22 // Lyfe Jennings @ Frequency for Legion of Doom showcase (At- lanta, GA). 23 // Marques Houston @ Spring Bling (West Palm Beach, FL). 24 // Mike Lighty (Orlando, FL). 25 // Mims @ Fiesta Medina (Orlando, FL). 26 // Paul Wall @ Music Mania (Austin, TX). 27 // Rapid Ric, DJ Chill, & Keio Gamble @ Spiro’s for OZONE’s Texas Relays party (Austin, TX). 28 // Rich Boy @ Spring Bling (West Palm Beach, FL). 29 // Rock City @ Greg Gates Music Conference (Pensacola, FL). 30 // Roland ‘Lil Duval’ Powell @ Spring Bling (West Palm Beach, FL). 31 // Sel Fish reppin’ Ozone & Smoke D (Jackson, MS). 32 // Slim Thug & Gu @ Music Mania (Austin, TX). 33 // Spectacular & Slick ‘Em of Pretty Ricky @ Spring Bling (West Palm Beach, FL). 34 // Tarvoria & Elora Mason @ Aqua Lounge for Tarvoria’s- mixtape release party (Day tona Beach, FL). 35 // The Ying Yang Twinz @ The Norva (Norfolk, VA). 36 // T-Pain @ Club Esso for BMI Showcase (Atlanta, GA). 37 // Wendy Day & KLC @ Greg Gates Mu- sic Conference (Pensacola, FL). 38 // @ Club Aqua for BCR (Daytona Beach, FL).

Photo Credits: Eric Perrin (06,22); Julia Beverly (01 ,02,08,10,18,21,24,27,36); Luxury Mindz (26,32); Ma- lik Abdul (03,09,20,23,28); Marcus DeWayne (4,14,19); Edward Hall (29,31,37); Poppy (11,15,30,33); Ms Rivercity (13,16,25,34); Terrence Tyson (38); Ken- neth Clark (17); Rohit (5).

OZONE MAG // 43 20FEELIN’ OURSELVES Our tagline claims that we’re “Your Favorite Rapper’s Favorite Magazine,” so we asked 20 rappers and industry execs to explain why OZONE Magazine is the shit. // Compiled by Julia Beverly & Rohit Loomba

01 // TRINA 11 // B.G. “OZONE allows artists to express how they truly feel. It’s for the streets, the “Anything you need to know about what’s going on, from independents to hood, and the artist who’s really tryin’ to get in this game.” the majors, it’s all in OZONE. I like lookin’ at all the pictures. There’s no tellin’ who you’re gon’ see. It’s always fresh and new.” 02 // RICH BOY “OZONE is my favorite magazine because y’all talk about the stuff that Holly- 12 // 8BALL & MJG wood people don’t talk about, and y’all get the artists that other [magazines] “OZONE is our favorite magazine because it’s raw. It’s the rawest. It’s not true, don’t say nothing about. OZONE most definitely does its groundwork; y’all it’s not real, it’s treal. Y’all have been around and gonna be around. OZONE take it from the bottom to the top. OZONE messes with people at the bottom ain’t goin’ nowhere.” and the people at the top, so y’all gotta know something more than most magazines to catch artists like me and Rick Ross before it happens.” 13 // DAVID BANNER “OZONE is the hottest magazine coming out of the Southeast, period. It’s easy 03 // RICK ROSS for somebody to jump on an artist after they blow up, but it’s magazines like “OZONE is the shit cause it used to be thin as toilet paper and now it’s one of OZONE that set the foundation. A perfect example is their ‘Patiently Waiting the most important parts of marketing an album for any artist in the game.” to Blow’ section. I think that’s how a lot of A&Rs get their check. They look at OZONE Magazine and sign somebody. Before OZONE, the South didn’t have a 04 // KILLER MIKE magazine that speaks from our perspective. It’s usually somebody else giving “It’s great to finally have an alternative to mainstream media. I’ve been get- us a spot when they feel like it, but OZONE is the voice for the South.” ting since ’92, XXL since their first issue, Rap Pages, Rap Sheet, all of ‘em, I’ve got ‘em, but OZONE’s ‘Patiently Waiting to Blow’ section was the 14 // ADAM FAVORS (National Mixshow & Street Team Director, Inter- best ‘who’s next’ I’ve ever seen.” scope Records) “OZONE helps break artists that are on the bubble, before they become 05 // (CEO, ) household names. When they’re regional, OZONE has already exposed them to “When it comes to marketing, OZONE is as close to the streets as you can get.” the world and brought them to people’s attention. It covers the whole South, a lot more than just Atlanta and Miami. You really hit the smaller markets too, 06 // PAUL WALL the Macons and Tallahassees, and that’s what I’ve always respected about “OZONE is a widely read and respected magazine that’s affordable to adver- OZONE. It covers the nooks and crannies of the South.” tise in. We as artists read it religiously, and the fans read it even more.” 15 // BLOODRAW 07 // PITBULL “OZONE has kept the same morals they came into the game with – staying “OZONE is the future. It’s helped break artists such as myself coming from the grounded with the independent artists and exposing them to national view- South. Bottom line, OZONE is a blessing.” ers, not just catering to mainstream artists.” 08 // DJ DRAMA 16 // LIL JON “OZONE is kinda like DJ Drama and Gangsta Grillz. OZONE came from the South “I love OZONE cause it’s got a lot of pictures!” and came in its own lane and murdered the competition from a Southern aspect and now it’s not even known as a Southern magazine, it’s just a Hip 17 // SHAWN PREZ (VP of Promotions, Bad Boy Records) Hop magazine. OZONE is the shit because they take chances, and they got a “OZONE Magazine is the most effective way to incorporate your product into lot of pictures.” the lifestyle of the Southern hip-hop community.” 09 // DJ KHALED 18 // BRYAN LEACH (CEO, Polo Grounds/J Records) “OZONE’s the #1 magazine in the world. Don’t get it fucked up.” “For breaking an artist, creating a buzz, or finding new talent, executives like myself always look to OZONE as that #1 source for info, news, interviews, and 10 // MANNIE FRESH a who’s-who gallery of pictures.” “OZONE is the next big magazine because they’re on the grind, and that shit 19 // ALI MUHAMMAD (former Director of Music Advertising, VIBE) is popping up everywhere you go. You see it in everybody’s face. They tell it how it is. Most people candycoat the shit, but with OZONE, if you don’t like it “OZONE is everything The Source used to be and everything XXL wishes it was then you just say you don’t fucking like it. And that’s real. I read articles and – an uninhibited platform for the overlooked and ignored.” get pissed off sometimes because I’ve got emotions, but that’s somebody’s opinion. So I always respect people that tell it like it is and don’t candycoat 20 // J PRINCE (CEO, Rap-A-Lot Records) shit.” “I know the truth when I see it.”

44 // OZONE MAG who’s reading ozone? 01 // & Slim Thug @ Palladium for K104 concert (Dallas, TX) - King Yella 02 // Trey Songz @ Powefest (Augusta, GA) - Julia Beverly. 03 // Yung Joc with his OZONE sex issue interview @ Legends (Hampton, VA) - Kenneth Clark. 04 // 3rd Degree & Tarvoria @ Platinum Club (Pensacola, FL) - Edward Hall. 05 // Big Karl of On Tha Real @ 97.9 The Beat car show (Dallas, TX) - Edward Hall. 06 // Bigg V & Johnson Boy @ Southern Whispers (Greenville, MS) - Edward Hall. 07 // Block & Gorilla Zoe @ Club Esso for BMI Showcase (Atlanta, GA) - Julia Beverly 08 // Chamillionaire @ Spring Bling (West Palm Beach, FL) - Malik Abdul. 09 // Charles Wakeley -& BloodRaw @ Greg Gates Music Confer ence (Pensacola, FL) - Edward Hall). 10 // Coco Renea & Pharrell @ The Norva (Norfolk, VA) - Kenneth Clark. 11 // DJ Grip @ Spiro’s for OZONE’s Texas Relays party (Austin, TX) - Luxury Mindz 12 // DJ Hella Yella @ Spiro’s for OZONE’s Texas Relays party (Austin, TX) - Luxury Mindz. 13 // DJ Hustleman @ Greg Gates Music Conference (Pensacola, FL) - Edward Hall. 14 // DJ Wats, B, & Young Sav (Virginia Beach, VA) - Ken- neth Clark. 15 // Hurricane & Bay Bay @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers. 16 (Tallahassee, FL) - Julia Beverly // Jam Pony Express’ Loc Cool Jock @ Club 112 (Tampa, FL) - Malik Abdul. 17 // K Foxx @ 99 Jamz (Miami, FL) - Poppy. 18 // Lil Keith & Brandi Garcia @ Matrix for Slim Thug concert (Houston, TX) - Keadron Smith. 19 // Lil Scrappy & Big Smooth @ O.C.’s (Virginia Beach, VA) - Kenneth Clark. 20 // Mac-Boney of P$C @ Frequency for Legion of Doom showcase (Atlanta, GA) - Eric Perrin. 21 // Maurice, Thoroughbred, & Derek Jurand @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers (Tallahassee, FL) . 22 // Mr. Pookie & - Julia Beverly Pookie from Urban South (Austin, TX) - Edward Hall. 23 // P Love, Wendy Day, & DJ Deliyte @ Greg Gates Music Conference (Pen- sacola, FL). 24 // reppin Ozone in the VIP @ The Norva - Norfolk, VA. 25 // Rico reppin- Ozone @ Club Red Velvet (New port News, VA) - Kenneth Clark. 26 // Slim Thug & Killa Kyleon @ Palladium for K104 concert (Dallas, TX) - King Yella. 27 // Steve Nice @ 97.9 The Beat car show (Dallas, TX) - Edward Hall. 28 // Street Pharmacy @ Greg Gates Music Conference (Pensacola, FL) - Edward Hall. 29 // Sway & DJ Drop @ Club Visions for OZONE’s SXSW party (Austin, TX) - Edward Hall. 30 // Swizz Beatz @ Fiesta Medina (Orlando, FL) - Malik Abdul. 31 // Tity Boy @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers (Tallahassee, FL) - Julia Beverly. 32 // 33 // Treal @ the Get Em Awards (Pensacola, FL) - Eric Perrin. 34 // T-Roy @ Sobe Live during Spring Bling (Miami, . 35 // FL) - Ms Rivercity Veda Loca & her son @ 97.9 The Beat car show (Dallas, TX) - Edward Hall. 36 // Wendy Day & Julia Beverly @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers (Tallahassee, FL) - Terrence Tyson. 37 // Wild Wayne & Mannie Fresh @ Q93 (New Orleans, LA) - Marcus DeWayne 38 // Young Jeezy inspiring the kids @ Hot 102.1 (Virginia Beach, VA) - KennethOZONE MAG // 45 Clark Photo Credits: Eric - Perrin (06,22); Julia Bev 20FOLLOW THE LEADER Back before mainstream media outlets started showing love to the Dirty Dirty, a lil magazine called OZONE recognized these 20 Southern up-and-comers who are no longer unknown. // Photos by Julia Beverly

01 // T.I. 11 // Trillville “I’m the King of the South because I know what I speak of. I’m not rapping “Trillville is any hood, any city, any state. If you livin’ that shit, be real to that about anything I haven’t seen or done.” – T.I. (Issue #4 August 2002, page 39) shit. Be treal to that shit.” – Dirty Mouf of Trillville (Issue #16 September 2003, page 36) 02 // Lil Jon & the Eastside Boyz “I think the reason the South is doin’ it is because we’re not trying to con- < 12 // Rick Ross form. At one point, everybody was like, ‘Be true to hip-hop.’ We didn’t give a “I’m the 300 pound handsome nigga with fuck about all that shit – we just made records.” – Lil Jon (Issue #5 September $80,000 worth of jewelry at the club.” – 2002, page 34) Rick Ross (Issue #17 October 2003, page 14) 03 // Ying Yang Twins “We’ve been in this game for many many years, way back when the dinosaurs 13 // Crime Mob was still in existence.” (Issue #6 October 2002, page 17) “I go to school, do my homework, and then go straight to the studio.” – Dia- 04 // Akon mond of Crime Mob (Issue #22 April 2004, “When I’m on the mic, I really feel like I’m speaking to somebody.” – Akon page 23) (Issue #13 June 2003, page 22) 14 // Slim Thug 05 // Pitbull “Being independent is lovely.” – Slim “Pitbull is one of those few people who don’t just say they rap, but are actu- Thug (Issue #22 April 2004, page 22) ally in the streets pushing a product.” - Noel Malcolm (Issue #13 June 2003, page 22) 15 // Mike Jones “If I keep grinding and building a buzz, < 06 // Pretty Ricky I know The quartet of blood brothers good things will happen.” – Mike Jones known as Pretty Ricky was origi- (Issue #23 May 2004, page 21) nally known as “Pretty Rickie and the Maverix,” named after their 16 // Young Jeezy > older brother. “I do feel good mu- “I’m on some hustlin’, gettin’ money shit. sic for feel-good people, so when I don’t just rap cause the words rhyme. you’re in the club and you vibin’ I don’t just say words cause they go to- and bumpin’ and that Pretty Rick gether. I spit from the heart. It’s not some comes on, it’s gonna be off the video-type shit. It’s for real.” – Young meter,” he said. (Issue #17 October Jeezy (Issue #23 May 2004, page 23) 2003, page 16) 17 // Lil Boosie 07 // Jacki-O “I really live my rhymes. A lot of people be “I did ‘Pussy’ just to shock people and get their attention, and I definitely got lying.” – Lil Boosie (Issue #24 June 2004, that.” – Jacki-O (Issue #16 September 2003, page 29) page 22) 08 // Lil Scrappy 18 // Chamillionaire “You won’t be sitting down when “I’ve been hot for a long time in the you go to our concerts. We’re tryin’ streets. I’ve always sold records, so I’m to make crunk ‘Fuck You’ songs gonna be alright when my album drops regard- and er’thang.” – Lil Scrappy (Issue less. I’m just positioning myself to get the deal #16 September 2003, page 34) I want.” – Chamillionaire (Issue #27 September 2004, page 38) 09 // Paul Wall “We got our own world out here 19 // Webbie [in Houston]. It’s weird.” – Paul “I just know it’s been way more hoes comin’ Wall (Issue #16 September 2003, up to me than before. That’s how I know [me & page 36) Boosie’s underground album] has been selling.” – Webbie (Issue #29 November 2004, page 10) 10 // Rich Boy > “I never was trying to rap, never < 20 // T-Pain thought nothing of it.” – Lil Rich “I just listen to the beat, go in the booth, hit a.k.a. Rich Boy (Issue #16 Septem- record, and see what happens.” - T-Pain (Issue ber 2003, page 38) #34 May 2005, page 19)

46 // OZONE MAG who’s reading ozone? 01 // DJ Drama @ Club Esso for BMI Showcase (Atlanta, GA. 02 // Mannie Fresh @ Club Esso for BMI Showcase (Atlanta, GA). 03 // Young Jeezy & Slick Pulla @ Spring Bling (West Palm Beach, FL). 04 // 5th Ward Weebie & Baby Boy @ Club 300 for Baby Boy’s release party (New Orleans, LA). 05 // 8Ball & MJG (Chicago, IL). 06 // B Simm in the studio (Atlanta, GA). 07 // Big Neil @ Locdown Records club night (Cincinnati, OH). 08 // Boyz N Da Hood @ Club Esso for BMI Showcase (Atlanta, GA). 09 // Chris Turner & G-Money @ Firestone for Yung Joc concert (Orlando, FL). 10 // DJ Bishop & Top Notch @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers (Tallahassee, FL). 11 // DJ Fingerprintz @ Power 96 (Miami, FL). 12 // DJ Joe Pro & DJ Mista Nice @ The Aqua Lounge VA Beach, VA. 13 // DDJ Magic Mike @ Aqua Lounge for - Tarvoria’s mixtape release party (Day tona Beach, FL). 14 // DJ Money Fresh & Raj Smoove @ Club 300 for Baby Boy’s release party (New Orleans, LA). 15 // DJ Prostyle @ Spring Bling (West Palm Beach, FL). 16 // DJ Slym with - his BCR article @ BCR pool party (Day 17 // Fam-Lay @ The tona Beach, FL). 18 // Gun Play of Norva (Norfolk, VA). the Carol City Cartel @ Sobe Live for OZONE mag release party (Miami, FL). 19 // THot Boy Ronald & Baby Boy @ Club 300 for Baby Boy’s release party (New Orleans, LA). 20 // Jim Jones @ Spring Bling (West Palm Beach, FL). 21 // Lil Scrappy @ Club Leg- ends (Orlando, FL) - Julia Beverly. 22 // Lyfe Jennings @ Frequency for Legion of Doom showcase (At- lanta, GA). 23 // Marques Houston @ Spring Bling (West Palm Beach, FL). 24 // Mike Lighty (Orlando, FL). 25 // Mims @ Fiesta Medina (Orlando, FL). 26 // Paul Wall @ Music Mania (Austin, TX). 27 // Rapid Ric, DJ Chill, & Keio Gamble @ Spiro’s for OZONE’s Texas Relays party (Austin, TX). 28 // Rich Boy @ Spring Bling (West Palm Beach, FL). 29 // Rock City @ Greg Gates Music Conference (Pensacola, FL). 30 // Roland ‘Lil Duval’ Powell @ Spring Bling (West Palm Beach, FL). 31 // Sel Fish reppin’ Ozone & Smoke D (Jackson, MS). 32 // Slim Thug & Gu @ Music Mania (Austin, TX). 33 // Spectacular & Slick ‘Em of Pretty Ricky @ Spring Bling (West Palm Beach, FL). 34 // Tarvoria & Elora Mason @ Aqua Lounge for Tarvoria’s- mixtape release party (Day tona Beach, FL). 35 // The Ying Yang Twinz @ The Norva (Norfolk, VA). 36 // T-Pain @ Club Esso for BMI Showcase (Atlanta, GA). 37 // Wendy Day & KLC @ Greg Gates Mu- sic Conference (Pensacola, FL). 38 // Young Dro @ Club Aqua for BCR (Daytona Beach, FL).

Photo Credits: Eric Perrin (06,22); Julia Beverly (01 ,02,08,10,18,21,24,27,36); Luxury Mindz (26,32); Ma- lik Abdul (03,09,20,23,28); Marcus DeWayne (4,14,19); Edward Hall (29,31,37); Poppy (11,15,30,33); Ms Rivercity (13,16,25,34); Terrence Tyson (38); Ken- neth Clark (17); Rohit (5).

OZONE MAG // 47 48 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 49 -

WORDS & PHOTO // JULIA BEVERLY

50 // OZONE MAG re you happy with the response to your debut album? want me to rap, but even fans wre like, “Man, you gotta rap more.” I guess How many copies did you sell? they’ve heard mixtapes or some of the other stuff I’ve done. We’re up to around 800,000 right now. Same kind of flavor as the last album? Were you hoping for a million? Yeah, I mean, I’ve got more knowledge now. I know what to do now. I’m not Shit, I was hoping for two. Two copies, shit. I saying that I’m going to follow the standards, but I know what people want was just hoping someone wanted to listen to see. I know what people want to hear from me now. to it and someone would buy it. I didn’t give a fuck. (laughs) So I’m happy You’ve got a new chain to represent Tallahassee, shaped like the capitol as hell. building. Are you into politics or any of that. Not at all. That really don’t matter. (laughs) But I gotta represent Tallahassee. How do you think your image has affected your They did give you a proclamation, right? record sales? Yeah. T-Pain Day. I’ve actually got two of them. One is July 17th and the other Oh, it’s affected it a lot. People is December 7th. didn’t understand it at first. They just thought I was the weed man. You know, the weed Why do you have two? man done got his own studio and shit. I guess I can’t hate I don’t know. They called me to Tallahassee and was like, “Hey, you got on that, you know, people got to get used to some different shit. another T-Pain Day.” I wasn’t gonna turn it down. (laughs)

So were you the weed man before you started rapping and singing? So what happens on T-Pain Day? Not at all. I wasn’t shit. I was one of the least cool niggas in my whole neigh- I come to Tallahassee. I mean, nobody gets off work or no shit like that. borhood. I was the only person that always stayed in the house. I didn’t ever do nothing. I ain’t egg nobody’s house on Halloween. I didn’t do none of that That’s how you’ll know you’re really famous. Did they give you a key to the shit. I was always chillin’. I ain’t going to act like I was the gangster of the city? year. My family owned two restaurants, so I was a little rich kid at first. Then Nah, they didn’t even give me a key to a car. when they lost the restaurants, shit got crazy. That’s when things started get- ting hard. People always say it was hard in their childhood, but for me, it was Speaking of that, DJ Khaled says he thought you were Jewish. Is it true that hard in my adult hood. It was just getting worse and worse as I got older, but you have a big stash somewhere? it’s all good right now. It ain’t hidden. I just know how to not be stupid. I’m not going to waste all my money on fucking Mercedes and gotdamn Bentleys and shit. You started out as a , right? What are some other songs you’ve done that people might not know about? You got a Mini Cooper instead? I just wrote a song for Britney Spears that’ll be her first single when she gets Yeah, I got a Mini Cooper. I got a Scion, an Escalade EXT, a ’72 Impala, a lil out of rehab or when her hair grows back. I wrote one for Joe, and one for Ford Expedition just to ride around in, and another Escalade. I got a lot of Mario. People are just starting to get wind of T-Pain as a writer. That just fucking cars. People know my house just by the cars in the yard. They think started happening as my second album has been progressing. it’s always a party going on, but it’s just all my cars. Right now I’ve got eight cars. “Sprung” and some of the other songs on your last album were initially for Akon, right? Basically, add them all up and you’ve got one Bentley. Yeah, but he wasn’t doing that type of stuff at the time. [The sound effect] Exactly, very smart. was just something I always wanted to do, even as a young producer. So when I got it I went crazy on it. Have you made any other luxury purchases besides your chain? My damn house. Charlamagne The God kinda clowned you on his radio show in South Carolina. How do you feel when people say you can’t sing? That’s not really a luxury purchase. I don’t really care. I’ve got songs I don’t use at home, and I don’t need all That’s luxury, trust me, it is. You go in that muthafucker and it’s luxury. I meet those [sound effects] to do it. With Charlamagne’s show, I know what that’s a lot of [artists] and a lot of them don’t have shit to show for it. about. I mean, I was hoarse from the [performance] and they brought me in right after the show and asked me to sing. If I hadn’t done it, they would’ve By “luxury purchase,” I mean, stupid shit that you shoudn’t buy. been like, “This nigga really can’t sing.” Stupid shit? Oh yeah, I waste my money on stupid shit. Like fucking figurines.

The average person probably doesn’t understand the demand on your voice Bobbleheads? that’s required when you’re performing every night. Little shit. I go to London, they have different cartoons over there. I waste Shit, all the time. My voice is fucked up right now. I’m trying to recoup and money on stupid shit like that just because I can. I’ve got a lot of guns too. I I’ve gotta get right back in the studio. like fucking guns. I think I’ve got more guns than Young Cash now.

Your features are all over the radio right now. Sometimes when an artist blows up from a small town, there’s a bit of a Yeah, I got a whole lot of things coming. I just did something for backlash. Do you still get love in Tallahassee? today. In the last few weeks, thirty something people have called me to do It’s okay. Not to say that I don’t like Tallahassee no more, but I try not to go hooks and be on their songs. And this isn’t even underground, I’m talking back to that [small town] mindstate. It was holding me back. There’s people about all major artists. I’m getting calls from A&Rs and getting song deals there that are still in the Tallahassee mindstate. They’ve got to understand left and right. Atlantic wants five songs from T-Pain. I got 12 songs for Jive, that it’s bigger than Tallahassee. It’s bigger than Florida. It’s bigger than the 10 songs for Interscope. Basically, they just want that T-Pain flavor. I’m doing United States, period. If somebody goes from Tallahassee to London, their way better than the first go-around. whole mindframe would change. They’d fucking move somewhere else just to get out of that mindframe. Even going from Tallahassee to Atlanta – that was When does your new album come out? my experience – just seeing the difference in cars, that’ll put you in a whole May 22nd as it stands right now, but [the release date] might move back or ‘nother mindstate. It’s a different environment. I think a lot of people could forward. The first single is “Buy You A Drink,” with Yung Joc. come from Tallahassee and make it big, but they’ve got to get out of that mindstate. Are most of the songs you write based off personal experience, even when you’re writing for another artist? So you live in Atlanta now? Do you like it better? Some are based on my personal experience. Some are based on the person Yeah, I live in Atlanta now, and I like it a lot better. A lot of people work I’m writing for, what kind of person I think they are, how they feel. I’m like an together up there, man. I was living in Miami at first. I lived in Miami for actor. I’ve gotta get into character when I do shit for somebody else, just to six months, moved up to Atlanta, and got more shit done [in Atlanta] in six try to turn myself into them so I can know how they think about situations. weeks than I had done in the six months I was in Miami. It was a big differ- ence. A lot of people call me and come to my studio to work with me. People Is this album more rapping or singing? don’t do that in Miami, for some reason. I have no idea why. People just act It’s definitely way more rapping. It’s about 50/50. I didn’t know people would funny. They want it all to theyselves in Miami. Or maybe I just wasn’t shit

OZONE MAG // 51 then, when I was in Miami. That’s probably what it was. (laughs) Ain’t nobody You come from a big family, right? gonna fuck with you when you ain’t shit. Yeah, a big ass family. Six muthafuckers. They’re going through a lot of emotional, stressful times. I guess life is catching up to them. Not to say that What’s been going on in your personal life that you incorporated into the I had them on my back, but I was pretty much carrying them because I was album? Cause I’ve been hearing some rumors here and there… everything: the producer, the engineer, the CD manufacturer. When I started (laughs) Here you go with that shit. I’ve been hearing shit too, I ain’t even getting busy and fucked up, they were like, “What the fuck?” They were so gonna lie. But I’m not gonna put it out there. I just have a different perspec- used to me doing everything that they decided they weren’t going to [rap] tive on life now. Different experiences make you appreciate life more. Shit has anymore, I guess. I heard they’ve all got their own managers now, so I’ve got changed. That’s the only change between my two ; you can tell that to follow protocol. If I want to talk to them or do something with them, I’ve I’ve experienced more. got to talk to their people.

What’s the name of the album? Are you a workaholic? It’s called Epiphany. Martin Lawrence had said “epiphany” in [the movie] Bad I am now. I damn sure wasn’t the first time around. I was being an asshole. If Boys and I always wanted to know what the hell it meant, so I looked it up I was going to work with somebody that I didn’t think was good, I would be and was like, “Aw, shit, that’s what happened to me.” I had an epiphany. I like, “I don’t like how he raps and I don’t like his music so I ain’t doing this really didn’t even know what that shit meant until I looked it up. My daddy shit.” Now I’m like, “Shit, let’s do it.” Let’s grind. I was just being an asshole taught me that. If you hear something and you don’t know what it is, just and being stupid, thinking I was the shit. Now I know that I’m not, so I’m just look it up and you’re one point smarter. trying to work with as many people as I can. Now they’re trying to work with me too so (screams) I guess I am the shit now! Your parents have been pretty heavily involved with your career. Are there good and bad aspects to that? You got to work with R Kelly. Who else would you like to work with musically? It’s good and bad to everything. They expect more out of me. They expect Devin the Dude. I talked to him today. I sent him something but I don’t think me to do more for them. Even if I feel like I’m doing everything I can, they’re he was feeling it. That kinda hurt my feelings. It was my first time sending like, “This is your family, you’re supposed to do more.” But every artist goes him [a record] and I guess I didn’t make a good impression. through that. You gotta send him a smoking record. So it’s a lot of pressure on you. That’s it. I can’t send him no other shit. I was trying to be innovative but I Yeah, hella pressure, even just from random muthafuckers. If I go to Tallahas- guess that doesn’t work anymore. see I’ll see somebody that I don’t even know and they’ll be like, “Boy, don’t forget about me.” (laughs) They’ll be like, “Boy, let me hold somethin’.” I Who else is featured on your album? don’t even know you, dawg. “Let me get a ride.” I’ll give a nigga a ride. I’ll do We haven’t finished yet but, Yung Joc, and I had J-Bo from the Youngbloodz anything for total strangers, man, but when a nigga comes up to me like I’m but we ended up putting that song on his album. We’re doing this rapper- supposed to do it, that’s when I get offended. turned-singer thing with Cee-Lo and Andre 3000, it’s going to be crazy.

What’s going to be the next single after “Buy You A Drink”? Have you gotten over your love for a stripper? It’s called “Lay Down,” it’s a rap song. I’m just getting people used to that, That wasn’t even me, that was J Lyric, but yeah, he was off that a long time tryin’ to get them ready for all the shit that’s going to be on the album. ago. No strippers should every try to get money out of me. They were having a hard time when the record was out, so they should already know. What’s going on with your group the Nappy Headz? The Nappy Headz? Wow. I don’t know what’s going on with the Nappy Headz. So you’re cheap at the strip clubs too. Yup. Very, very cheap. I don’t fuck around. Shit, I will make it mist in the strip Aren’t they your brothers? club. I will go get $50 in ones and that shit will look big as hell. That’s a A couple of them are my brothers. Two of them. stack: $50 in ones. //

(center) T-Pain performing at Wild- splash in Clearwater, FL, in March 2007 (Photo by Luis Santana)

52 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 53 KEEPIN’ IT GANGSTA Even while head, handcuffedDJ DRAMA and accused was of pinned“bootlegging to the andground racketeering” with M16 rifles for his at his Grillz creation - rap’s most coveted mixtape series - he knew his Puff Daddy mentality (“can’t stop, won’t stop”) would secure his place in historyGangsta

54 // OZONE MAG And basically the Morrow Police Department says that they didn’t know you were “famous.” Yeah, in all the interviews I’ve read with the police officers, that’s what they’ve been saying: They didn’t know I was famous. The quote I’ve seen them say the majority of the time is, “It’s like when you stop somebody for speeding and then you figure out they’re famous.” That’s the one I’ve heard over and over.

When I saw the arrest on the news, the officer commented that they were surprised they hadn’t found any “drugs or weapons” on the property. That was the insulting part. From my track record and my history, as far as who I am at the age that I am, that was insulting. I’ve never been arrested [before]. I’ve never had any drug charges or gun charges. I feel like I’m a success story and a positive person from all angles; in business and in family. I’ve been to school; never been locked up. So, why say anything about drugs or guns if you didn’t find anything? A lot of times, I’ve heard arguments where people say, “DJ Drama makes Gangsta Grillz,” even though I’ve been educated. But me making Gangsta Grillz is just like Martin Scorcese making The Departed. Just because I have a series of mixtapes called Gangsta – you know, anybody who knows me or has talked to me or seen me knows that I don’t personify that. Who I claim to be is who I really am. So to see that on the news in my hometown, where I’ve been living for the last ten years, that was harsh.

Did you have any family members or friends looking at you sideways wonder- ing if you really had been involved in drugs or other activities aside from just mixtapes? Naw, my family was very supportive. Everyone in the situation was very sup- portive. I come from a very conscious, socially aware family anyway, so they were aware of what it was from the jump. Everybody that knows me or knows The Affiliates knew that was an absurd and outlandish statement to make on the news.

The officer also stated that the profit margin on your mixtapes was similar to the profits from kilos of heroin. Do you think that was a fair statement for him to make? First off, as far as profits on mixtapes, that’s something I really can’t talk about under the circumstances because the case is still going on. But as far as my situation, being in the music business, being compared to a drug dealer or anything of that nature is kinda sensational.

But at the same time, even we in the music business compare it to drug deal- ing. Every rapper says the rap game and the dope game are the same thing. You definitely have a point. But for me, under the circumstances, it was a harsh statement.

Anybody in the dope game knows in the back of their mind that a day like that may come, and they save up for a rainy day. Did you always have a thought in the back of your mind that something like this could happen? No, because I never felt like I was doing anything wrong. I’m 28 years old and the only thing I’ve known in my life has been Hip Hop since the beginning. Mixtapes have been here since the beginning of Hip Hop. Mixtapes are how people in London or Connecticut or Philly or L.A. knew about Hip Hop. They heard about it through Lovebug Starski or Kool Herc, people like that were putting out mixtapes. There’s a whole ‘nother generation, from the Kid Capris to the S&Ss to somebody like Ron G who basically created what Puff got rich off of – R&B singers on Hip Hop beats. All I’ve known through my life is mixtapes – from watching those who came before me. Clue went platinum. There’s so many generations of it, and I’m just another part of that lineage in Hip Hop to do mixtapes. To me, all I’ve been doing was something that was part of Hip Hop, a part of the music business, something that I’ve always got- ten support in. So at what point would I be thinking I was doing something wrong?

What do you think ultimately was the cause of this situation? Did you just get too big? Too visible? Too successful? Do you think the fact that your mixtapes WORDS BY JULIA BEVERLY were being sold in Best Buy and other major retail outlets contributed to your arrest? PHOTOS BY BLAKE RIBBEY I really don’t know, and that’s my honest answer. All those things have come up since my arrest, but as far as the clear cut affidavit that led to my arrest, it came from a kiosk in the Riverdale Mall. If you go to FreeTheDJs.com you Do you think your arrest was a concerted effort to shut down the biggest can read it for yourself. The mixtape is as huge as everything in Hip Hop, it’s mixtape DJs in the game, or was it really a random bootlegging tip? definitely gotten to great levels, but I can’t say what led to this because I There’s a lot of theories, and of course a lot of them have come to my atten- don’t know. tion. I’ve gone over all of them in my head, but to be honest, all I really have to go on is the affidavit that basically broke down how the city of Morrow’s What exactly happened the day of your arrest? police department started their investigation. It started from a kiosk in the I was at the studio. It was the day after Martin Luther King’s birthday, so Riverdale Mall and led to them coming to The Affiliates’ studio for the arrest. we’d had a long weekend. We were just getting back to work and there were That’s public knowledge, so that’s all I really have to go off of. a couple guys from South Carolina who came to do an interview with us. We

OZONE MAG // 55 were outside of the studio at the time. I was getting into my car and heard ting me know, “They talkin’ the sirens and the undercover Tahoe pulled up on the curb. First thing I saw, about you on the radio I spent 24 hours from that first Tahoe about five police [officers] jumped out. Cobra unit outfits right now,” and, “You’re in jail, and it was a on, M16s drawn, and they were headed directly for us. on TV.” I tried to just stay long 24 hours... but it focused. I spent 24 hours What was your initial reaction? in jail, and it was a long 24 showed the amount My initial reaction was really just to be as cool, calm, and collected as I could hours. I’d never wanna see of support we have. I in the situation, because there were guns. I didn’t know what was going on. I the inside of that jail again, got out and saw ‘Free thought it was some big, big mistake, basically. I was put on the ground and but it showed the amount of when I told them my name, “Tyree Simmons,” they said, “We got one of the support we have. For me to “Drama and Cannon’ perps.” When they said that, my whole “cool, calm, and collected” thing went get out and see “Free Drama campaigns... I wasn’t right out the window. By that point, he had put handcuffs on me and pulled and Cannon” campaigns and even in jail for a night me up. Then they rushed into the office. I was still outside. everything, that was more important than any of the and a movement had Were you duplicating CDs in that office? supposed side comments started. I realized Nah, we don’t do duplication and all that. It’s our office plus recording studio, anyone was making. I wasn’t that it was bigger where we had been working on my album and Willie [the Kid]’s album. The even in jail for a night and officer told me that I had been charged with bootlegging and racketeering a movement had started. I than me. It was under the RICO law, which is the law they created for criminal organizations. realized that in a lot of ways bigger than Cannon. Just for the record, we haven’t been indicted or been to court, so there are no it was bigger than me. It was What happened to us official charges. That was what I was told originally. I was put into the cop bigger than Cannon. What car after that and taken to Wright Street, and I noticed that [Don] Cannon was happened to us represented a represented a bigger being arrested at the same time. bigger struggle. I got a lot of struggle. love. After that it was the time And there were other people in the office at the time? when the All Star and Super We had employees there, but they also were bringing other people from the Bowl events were coming up so area to our studio that weren’t employees of ours. So when they said they I was real heavy out and detained 17 people, that wasn’t 17 people that worked for The Affiliates. They about. People from all over knew what had happened and showed love. also said that they confiscated 81,000 CDs. I don’t know the exact number of Everybody was like, “Drama, keep your head up. Do your thing.” CDs but if I had to estimate, I’d say it was about 25,000 CDs that we had in our office. They went in [the office] and asked our employees, “Tell us where the What’s the difference between what you do and what a “bootlegger” does? guns and the drugs are. It’ll be easier on you if you tell us now.” Everything. What I consider a bootleg is like, if I was duplicating” and selling a Beyonce CD or a Jay-Z CD or a Young Jeezy Thug Motivation. “Bootlegging” I heard that there were rumors earlier in the day that police were coming. would be me making a copy of a major label release and putting it out on Nah. It wasn’t really no tip off. It was very random. After reading the affidavit the streets or duplicating other people’s works. Obviously, all of the mixtapes later it was quite interesting to me to see how the whole thing unfolded. that I do are pretty much 100% artist supported and label supported. It’s not me making a copy of Young Jeezy’s Thug Motivation. It’s Young Jeezy and DJ How long were you detained? Did they question you? Drama Present: Gangsta Grillz I Am The Street Dream. It’s like you going to Naw, they didn’t do none of that. I went to jail, me and Cannon. In jail, they the store and buying a frozen chicken. People bring that chicken to DJ Drama knew who I was. People were telling me, “We saw you on the BET Awards. You because he has the best stove, he knows the best spices to use, and he knows was shinin’.” I had a lot of Hip Hop conversations in jail. The guards were let- the exact degree to cook it at to make that chicken the best possible meal it could’ve been. The chicken was frozen when it got to me, but I cooked it and used my kitchen and put the spices on it and presented it to the world. The people that ate it said, “Man, that’s the best chicken I ever had.” If you gave that frozen chicken to somebody who didn’t know what they were doing, it would’ve tasted like shit. Just because the ingredients are there doesn’t mean that everybody knows how to make it. I consider myself an artist. I consider my mixtapes and street albums works of art; they’re projects in their own right. That’s something totally separate from a bootleg CD.

When you do a mixtape with someone like T.I. or Young Jeezy, do they get a percentage of the money made from sales of the mixtape? Yeah. Anytime I’ve done a mixtape with somebody, from jump street every- body is all the way involved. There’s a clear understanding of what I do. Ob- viously, with a lot of the main artists I’ve worked with, we’ve done [projects] on many occasions. There’s never been a situation where I did a mixtape that wasn’t supported on any level, on my end or their end. Everyone is clear on what our purposes are for the mixtape, and we go from there.

Not too many artists spoke out on your behalf after your arrest. There was a comment by Lil Wayne – maybe taken out of context – that came across as negative. From everyone I’ve come in contact with since the situation, I’ve gotten noth- ing but support. A lot of people have talked about the Lil Wayne comments. Again, those comments were made in a media forum. I’ve seen Lil Wayne since then, we’ve talked, and it’s been all love. Lil Wayne came through for me when I needed him for my album. We made history together. Jeezy has been right there for me, Tip, amongst others. I could name a whole host of people that have shown me support. I’ve had conversations with everybody from Chamillionaire to Busta [Rhymes] to Pharrell to Jermaine [Dupri], so I’ve gotten nothing but support. I can’t really go off the media hoopla or what people think other people are saying behind closed doors. All I can go off of is when I talk to somebody directly. For real, after the raid, I had lost a lot of my album because they took my hard drive. So I was on the phone constantly with all these artists trying to get everything done, and everybody came through for me when I really needed them.

What are the chances you’ll recover the items that were confiscated? (above) Tyree Simmons a.k.a. DJ Drama’s arrest warrant I’m hopeful and positive, but at the same time, I feel very blessed with my

56 // OZONE MAG mixtape DJ and getting to the level I’m at by making mixtapes. The mixtape game is at a point now where there’s gonna have to come some resolution, some communication, some dialogue between mixtape DJs, record labels, and the RIAA so that everybody can leave the room with a smile on their face or an agree- ment. I would never say, “I’m right and they’re wrong,” or vice versa, but obviously there’s been a breakdown in communication when it comes to the music business and the mixtapes’ value to Hip Hop. Where do we go from here? Mixtapes are not gonna die. They’re vital and necessary. So many people wouldn’t have careers if it wasn’t for mixtapes. Now we’ve got to move on. I’m glad that I’m in a position where I can help it move forward so it doesn’t die and a whole new generation of mixtape DJs can come up. There’s gonna have to be some type of guidelines put into order; some “t”s crossed and some “i”s dotted.

Before you were arrested, did labels pay you to do mixtapes? Yeah, labels paid me.

How much? Everything varies. From zero dollars to $20,000 to $25,000. Every situation is different. It’s like a pro- ducer. Producers may charge a fee when they get to a certain level, but if there’s an artist they really want to work with, they’ll work with that artist regardless of the money involved. So every situation is different. For me – and I tell people this all the time – it was ” never just about money. It was about the project and the artist that I was working with. It’s a lot of things that come into play. It wasn’t like I had a set fee and if you couldn’t match that, you couldn’t get a DJ Drama Gangsta Grillz. It all depended on the situation.

When you invoiced a label for a mixtape, was there a secrecy aspect involved? Were they paying you a “promotional fee” or was it very specific that they were paying you to do a Gangsta Grillz mixtape? That’s a hard one. I don’t know if I can answer that question under the circumstances.

You were involved in a legal battle with a distribu- tion company called BCD right before your arrest. Were they distributing Gangsta Grillz? I never had a distribution deal with BCD. I never supported BCD putting my mixtapes into Best Buy and Target and other retail stores. I don’t really know what they were doing. I just know that they had a lot of my projects in a lot of stores in a lot of places that I had never gave permission for. When the situation went to court and they were asked to show the contract for DJ Drama, they weren’t able to produce it.

Do you think there’s any correlation between that situation and your arrest? career. I went into my office No, I don’t. after the raid and saw it empty, after all the things we brought to the game with a brand we built from scratch. But instead of feeling like Pimp C did an article for our DJ issue. He feels that mixtape DJs make a lot of putting my head in the dumps and waving my white flag, I felt like, it’s time money off artists. Is that true, not just in your situation but in general? Do to get motivated. It’s time to get to work. I gotta go buy some new shit. If you think mixtape DJs are making huge profits off the artists? I never see anything back that I lost in this circumstance, or if I just receive First, being a mixtape DJ is not necessarily all about the actual mixtape. Being one thing back, that’s a blessing. It’s just a challenge to secure my place in a mixtape DJ means that I’m able to get a lot of money from a lot of places. the world, my place in Hip Hop, and my place among leaders. I’m hopeful I have endorsements, an album deal, and a label deal – that all comes from that I’ll get everything back, but if I don’t, so be it. I lost my hard drive and I what I was able to create in the streets by doing mixtapes. I think mixtape was still able to accomplish in three or four weeks what had taken me a year DJs are vital to the game. I think I’ve helped a lot of people sell records. I’ve before that to get my album done in time. God works in mysterious ways. helped a lot of people reach incredible heights with their music by adding my flavor to what they were already doing. I feel like I gave a stamp to a lot of In the DJ issue, we asked other DJs what affect your arrest had on the mix- people who were already doing their thing, and I helped. I might have helped tape game. What would be your answer to that question? bring attention to some of the greats that might not have been looked at. I For one, shout out to all the DJs because everybody pretty much showed love Pimp C, I respect Pimp C, and from his article I think he really showed support for myself and Cannon and what we bring to the game. Obviously, me a lot of support for me. I felt where he was coming from, but naw, I think being in the position I’m in and this happening to me, it has a lot of people mixtapes and mixtape DJs are a key element of Hip Hop. concerned. I call it “the day the game changed.” Again, it’s bigger than me, so it’s very important that I hold my head high and stand proud for being a So now you’re working on Gangsta Grillz The Album, right? Aside from just the

OZONE MAG // 57 I went into my office after the raid and saw it people around me for that support. empty, after all the things we brought to the Worst case scenario with the trial – what kind of penalties are you game with a brand we built from scratch. But looking at? instead of feeling like putting my head in the We haven’t been indicted so we don’t know any charges yet. My dumps and waving my white flag, I felt like, it’s lawyers are in conversations with the RIAA and the district at- torney. It’s not a Federal charge, it’s state charges. It’s the state of “time to get motivated. It’s time to get to work. . It wasn’t the Feds that came to our doorstep, it was the Morrow Police Department of Clayton County. So it’s not a Federal situation and everybody’s having an open dialogue, so I’m hoping that it can get resolved. I have no idea when that will be, but hopefully it’ll be sooner rather than later.

legal issues, how does it benefit you to do an album instead of just a mix- Is it an unsettling feeling, not knowing what’s going to happen next with the tape? case? The album benefits me because it’s a bigger platform. Having a major label Not really. The unsettling feeling was the 24 hours I was locked up, when I ”had to put that blue suit on. (laughs) behind me pushing me and pushing that button on a bigger scale is a great thing. This mixtape album is like the accumulation of everything I represent and everything I’ve done in the game over the last four or five years. To see it Did you post bond? come full circle to get here, in a lot of ways, I think it would be every mixtape We were released on $100,000 signature bond, which means the city or the DJ’s ultimate goal. We make mini-albums, so here I am with the opportunity state puts up the money and we were released on a signature to the state to paint my picture on a broader canvas. I think it’s important because over basically saying, I’m not gonna run. I don’t really have an unsettling feeling the last few years, DJ albums have been a little lackluster and haven’t really because I’ve got a lot of things to look forward to. I’m not locked up and I’ve gotten the support from the major labels that they deserved. We’re trying got good people around me and a good family. Things are moving forward. to take it back to those early years of the mixtape albums. With people like myself and Khaled in the positions we’re in, we’re really making good music Is there a “right” and “wrong” way to do a mixtape? For example, if Jeezy and putting out a good quality DJ album to open the doors for other DJs to brings you a track and wants you to put it on a mixtape, does he legally have come and do what we do. the right to do that? Or does his record label or publishing company own it? I think there are a lot of conversations that need to be had with myself, the DJ albums or compilation albums have been known to not sell very well be- record industry, and the RIAA to figure that out. From the RIAA’s perspective, cause a lot of times they’re just throwaway tracks from artist’s albums. How from what I’ve read, they don’t have a target on mixtapes. Again, they just do you avoid that stigma and really brand it as a DJ Drama album? use the line of “finding somebody speeding and realizing they’re famous” so I I’ve got a lot of answers to that question. First off, one of the things that I don’t really know where they stand on it. I know from conversations I’ve had knew early on that I have to my advantage is that I don’t consider my album with very powerful people in the music business, and from conversations my a compilation. Other people may disagree, but I consider my album a mixtape lawyer has had on their terms, the RIAA is very willing and open to finding album. Gangsta Grillz the brand at one point in time was even bigger than a resolution and making sure that everyone can go forward being happy DJ Drama. People knew Gangsta Grillz but didn’t know who the hell I was or – meaning them, me, and the labels. what I looked like. It’s not just about DJ Drama the individual; it’s also about the brand I’ve created and what it represents for the Southern movement Do you have a release date for Gangsta Grillz: The Album? and for mixtape culture and for Hip Hop and the stamp of quality that I’ve June. After that, we’ll be dropping . I’m gonna set it up for Willie brought to the game with my brand. Secondly, when I got the opportunity to to basically show how much of a monster he is on my album. He’s on there do this album, it was very clear to me that I didn’t wanna tarnish anything I like six or seven times. After that, we’re gonna put out his album. His album had created before. I’ve done a lot of classic mixtapes. There are no songs on is pretty much done so it’s just looking for the right time to put it out. Our my album that are throwaway tracks, or songs that were leftovers. I went into label AMG – Affiliates Music Group – is on Asylum, and Willie’s the first art- it with a blank canvas and paint, and I painted the picture I wanted to paint. ist off the label. I’m signed to Grand Hustle/Atlantic for my album. I’ve got Myself, Sense, and Cannon, we A&Red the album from scratch. We picked the endorsements, doing a lot of stuff with LRG, Stall & Dean, Stashhouse, a bunch artists and the beats and the topics. I wanted to get rid of that image of a “DJ of clothing situations. My main goal is to become more of an executive in album” just being a bunch of throwaway tracks. I wanted to make good music Hip Hop and at some point break into the film industry, probably behind the and make a good album. The single is called “Takin’ Pictures,” but under my scenes. As much as I’ve accomplished, I still have a lot to do. This is my first circumstances, a lot of people wanna call it “Feds Takin’ Pictures.” Instead of major label release. This is my first opportunity to show my ability to sell me running from my situation, I embraced it and made a song about it for records. It’s like the difference between college basketball and finally getting everyone that’s paying attention. I feel like the best music is made when you to the pros. It’s kinda like starting all over. When you get to the league you’re make it more personal and let people feel what you’re going through. I’m a rookie again and you’ve got to prove yourself. letting people see what I just went through and what we overcame. When you got out of jail you went straight to the radio station to promote the Do you think in the long run this situation will help you make more money by album? turning you into a bigger star than you already were? Yep, that night. I went home first. The positives have outweighed the negatives. Of course, I still have a criminal case pending, and the most important thing is to have a resolution for that. All in all – was it an unreal experience? Overall, God works in mysterious ways. It’s opened up doors. It’s put DJ When I put it in the context of my whole career, the shit blows my mind. I’ve Drama and The Affiliates and the whole movement on a larger scale. People been DJing for a long time, and I really love what I do. It all comes from who may not have paid attention before are definitely more aware of what having a passion for my music. I can’t believe I’ve been on major magazine we do. They’re embracing me and supporting what I do, so it’s a positive covers and I’m putting out an album, or just how big Gangsta Grillz got. When thing. This is not the last chapter of my book. This is just a chapter of my I put it all in context – even us being arrested and the “Free Drama and Can- book. If anything, I would wanna use January 16th [the day of the raid] as a non” campaign, the shit blows my mind. That’s why I really don’t look at it as platform for me to do bigger and better things. a negative situation. How many people can say they’ve had the career they’ve had, or gotten to the heights I’ve gotten to? Especially as a DJ, it’s just amaz- Have any of the labels that were paying you for mixtapes worked on your ing. It’s just proof that anything is possible. I remember when people were behalf in any way throughout this situation? telling me, “Why would anybody put you in a magazine?” And now I can’t stay I haven’t had any conversations with the labels. Except Atlantic Records, out of them. I’ve traveled the world, so when I put January 16th in that con- they’re about to put out my album, so that’s definitely support. But right text, at the end of the day, that’s not what I’m going to be known for. Look at now, I’m not looking for labels to come out and support me. I’ll support some other people in Hip Hop and the situations they’ve overcome: Snoop’s me. Everyone in the music industry knows how mixtapes have benefited the murder charge, Puff when Biggie died or Puff when he got the charge, Russell labels. Everyone knows how Gangsta Grillz have been topics of conversation Simmons and Def Jam. It’s not that I’m comparing myself to them – I hope to in marketing meetings at every single label and how mixtapes have helped be at their level one day – but this is just another step for me to prove that everyone from 50 Cent to Young Jeezy. Everyone has utilized mixtapes. Now, I’m one of the greats, overcoming adversity. I’m sure when Snoop was on I wanna take my position help everybody figure out where we’re gonna go trial he didn’t know what direction his life was gonna go, but if you look at from here. There’s gotta be some type of conversation, but I’m not looking for him now, he’s an icon. That’s how I put what happened to me on that day in any label to come out and support me. I have my own team; The Aphilliates, context. It’s motivation. That’s it. Motivation. //

58 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 59 I’m the underdog... that’s what gives me the upper hand because I can catch ‘em from the blind spot. If you ain’t expecting somebody to make no moves you can’t prepare for it and you can’t fight against it no kinda way, so I caught ‘em off guard with the album.

60 // OZONE MAG N. perrin words BY eric PHOTOS BY JULIA BEVERLY

riving through and then some people really believe they’re gonna make it. I really believed, Alabama on a you feel me? sluggish Sunday in early April is a Yeah, but was there any point during your trial that you were afraid you lonely experience. might not make it? The entire state Yeah, there was a time. One day I just woke up like, “Man I’m fucked up. I is literally tucked ain’t gonna be able to get out this situation. It’s impossible. Not in Alabama.” in by the time I was just fucked up. I knew it wasn’t gonna happen for me, and I was just the street lights depressed. I was real depressed; it got to the point where I just felt like, re- come on and the ally, it was over and I pretty much just gave up on the situation. only thing that stands out amidst So what moment turned it around for you? the never-ending It was like five minutes before I walked in the courtroom, they had the jury black backdrop is and everything. I thought it was just gonna go down and I was gonna be the congregation of stars highlighting the Alabama sky. Speeding east on I- fucked up, but they came to me at the last minute, like, “Okay, we’re gonna 10, racing towards Atlanta, it becomes evident that out here, the diamonds in offer you one more deal.” With the first [plea]I had to serve time, period. So the sky are the resident rock-stars; and they party like such every night until at the last minute they said, “We’re gonna sentence you to ten years, but you the sun comes up. In fact, stars are so permeated throughout Alabama that can execute it with three years probation.” Man, it was just a miracle. theD state’s license plates are adorned with a simple yet poetic phrase, “Stars fell on Alabama.” That had to be a triumphant moment, probably even more so than having your album debut at number two. But the success in the game this year has to But the logo is a lie. In Alabama, the stars have always been restricted to the feel almost as good. sky, millions of miles away from reality. For an eternity, it seemed impossible Yeah! [laughs] Yeah, it feels good. The number two debut was a big deal, for the state the stars fell on to actually produce one of its own. especially coming from where I’m coming from. It’s crazy, I can’t even explain how it feels. This type of situation is the first of its kind, especially from my Of course it would take a lot more than one catchy tune about rims and Cadil- state. lacs to change all that, right? Apparently not. By January 2007, Rich Boy had successfully bombarded the Billboard charts and witnessed his single “Throw A lot of critics didn’t respect you, and many still don’t respect you. How do Some D’s” ascend higher than anyone would have ever imagined. Multiple re- feel about that? mixes of the infectious hit have included everyone from Outkast to Jim Jones Well, you know, that’s just how the game is. I’m the underdog, but at the to Kanye West. By now, you’ve probably received the text message about the same time I feel like that’s what gives me the upper hand because I can catch boy who received all F’s on his report card and disgustedly told his teacher to ‘em from the blind spot. If you ain’t expecting somebody to make no moves “Throw some D’s on that bitch!” A hot single like Rich Boy’s is the envy of all you can’t prepare for it and you can’t fight against it no kinda way, so I artists, and has even eluded many of the best, most heralded rappers of all caught ‘em off guard with the album. They most definitely thought I was just time. But until recently, Rich Boy’s star-crossed path was one of few triumphs. gon’ be throwin’ some D’s on it throughout the whole album.

In 2003, when a dread-headed Lil’ Rich first appeared in OZONE, he had just You did a little over 100,000 your first week, and I know you have platinum dropped out of Tuskegee University and was more of an aspiring producer aspirations. Are you satisfied with your album sales thus far? than rapper. His image wasn’t fit for the mainstream; even worse, he was from On the record I’m satisfied, but I’m just the type that’s never satisfied, to tell Alabama, and ‘Bama’s didn’t rap — at least that’s what most of the critics you the truth. That’s just the way I am, but I’m happy with it. I feel like it’s a thought. Alabama was more known for the civil rights movement than the rap great accomplishment. movement and industry execs paid no attention to the multi-talented, driven emcee. But according to Rich, his underdog status is part of the reason he Definitely, but three years ago a CD as solid as yours might have sold a lot thrived. more copies. In today’s market, album sales have been really stagnant. Do you ever see the game bouncing back? After signing to super-producer Polow Da Don’s Zone 4 Inc. Records, Rich I feel like people just have to start touching on real topics instead on just Boy’s career seemed to be headed in the right direction; he had a growing following what they hear already and I feel that’ll bring the game back to industry buzz, a strong label backing and increasing spins on local radio. something refreshing. We have to keep the people refreshed. The game is so However, his career almost ended before it truly began. While at home in Ala- saturated right now that a lot of people just gon’ have to quit rapping for it bama, Rich was the victim of his own looming success and was forced to kill to really recover. The game is saturated to the point where it’s rappers every- a man out of self defense, resulting in an attempted murder charge. After a where you go. You can walk into any restaurant or any store and somebody lengthy trial, Rich was given a deal that allowed him to serve just 36 months in there raps; that’s why people don’t take albums seriously and they don’t probation with no prison time. purchase them anymore.

Rich Boy calls it a miracle and today, as Alabama’s brightest star, Lil’ Rich is One thing that stands out is the concepts in your music. on top - right where he always knew he would be. Yeah, I felt like my concepts are my strength. The difference between me and the average artist is that the average artist is tryna hit a lick; they’re tryna You were first in OZONE back in 2004 as a Patiently Waiting artist, then you get rich. They do it just to get rich so it ain’t no passion behind it and it ain’t were featured few times throughout the last couple of years, and now you’re no emotion behind it. They just think, “Okay, this tight. People gon’ love this, on the cover. Did you ever doubt that you’d be on top? so I’m gonna do it this way.” I never went in the studio questioning if people Man, I never doubted it. What’s so crazy is that OZONE was the first magazine were gonna like what I was doing, I went in there and just did what I felt. It to ever get at me. Julia came down herself to take the pictures. We did the was all off emotions. There would be days in the studio when I had my shirt shoot on the railroad tracks, and we did the interview at Red Lobster. I’ll off, almost finna cry recording a song like “Ghetto Rich,” or “Let’s Get This never forget that. It was crazy. But I most definitely knew at some point in Paper,” and then it’d be days when I’d go write a song right after a funeral, time something was gonna pop. Some people believe they’re gonna make it like “Madness.”

OZONE MAG // 61 Your dad owns a liquor store where you used for what they doing, the game would be crazy. It’s great to have money. to hang out at when you were young. I heard Everybody wants to have money. Shit, I wanna have money. But when I go in you witnessed a lot of traumatic events. How the studio that’s not what I’m thinking about. did those experiences influence your music? That was the main kick it spot, man. I’d say What kind of image would say you’ve crafted? that’s where about 70% of my music comes I feel like me and Polow made our own avenue, just cause we came different. When I first from. It started at that liquor store. But I I’m a totally different artist; I came with totally different music and a totally saw myself on didn’t wanna glorify it, so the way I recorded different tone. It’s just like something brand new, it’s like a gift to the game. it and put it down was in a certain way to My people at the label say all the time that everybody [in the game] is like 106th & Park, where a young kid wouldn’t hear it and think soup and I came out and was like shrimp and cheesecake. People were like, that’s when it was cool. When I say, “Bulletholes in your “Damn, this is great.” Some people are just so used to the soup that they’re it first hit me. house make it hard to sleep,” and stuff like scared to try the shrimp and cheesecake, but once they try it they love it. It’s Like, damn, that, it shows that it ain’t cool. that type of situation, man. I’m actually When you’re back home, do you still kick it at How do you feel about the Kanye West “Throw Some D’s” remix? doing this shit. your dad’s liquor store? I feel like it was a great look. I seen the video on YouTube, he called me and Yeah, I just pop up out the blue every now said he wants to give me four free [show appearances]. He just wants to come and then, cause people feel connected. They out and perform it. He loves it that much, which is great. He’s a fan too, I’m feel like we a team, so if I’m winning they feel just surprised people like that are fans. Even with Outkast, they just wanted like the city’s winning. If I separate myself to get on the album. That shit’s amazing to me. from them then we ain’t a team, so I most definitely stay in touch with everybody and go A lot of the biggest names in the game have been cosigning for you. out and reach people. Every time I go back to Yeah, even people that’s beefing cosigning together, like I got Game on my Alabama, I go back to the same spot. I still get my hair cut at the same spot. album and 50 Cent consigning my project; that’s real rare to me.

With success inevitably comes hate, and your triumphs have probably made Speaking of cosigning, when I was in the studio with you and Polow last some people envious. Have you felt the backlash of your success from anyone December you were joking about getting some Cadillac endorsements, what in Mobile yet? ever happened with that? I know most definitely that will come, that will come and go, but that’s I don’t think they like rappers. I’m gon’ have to see. I’m gonna have to actu- something I’ve been trained not to pay attention to. That’s how I caught my ally go in the building myself and see how they react. That would be outra- case, paying attention to the hate, so I know not to pay attention to it now, geous money. I would probably never have to work again. because it leads to other things. Yeah, that would be nice, and I know you’ve been working a lot lately. What’s But I imagine overall, the love you get from Alabama probably far outweighs been the one thing that’s stood out in your mind from the last couple of the hate? months? Yeah, and I feel it’s just like a plant. A plant got a root, and it’s in the ground, When I first saw myself on 106th & Park, that’s when it first hit me. Like, damn, so if you take the plant all the way out the ground, it’s not connected no I’m actually doing this shit. I just woke up one day and forgot that it was more and it’s gonna die. So that’s why I feel like I have to stay grounded in coming on, then I saw it on TV and was like, “Damn, I’m on TV.” I’ve seen the the place where I’m from. I have to keep a foot there. I have to keep a house video a million times, but it ain’t never hit me. I was always like, “Is this re- there in the city just ‘cause. I feel like you die, just like a plant, when you ally going on?” But then when I saw myself perform on TV live, that shit was disconnect yourself from where you come from. crazy. That’s probably the biggest accomplishment, being on show that I used to watch coming up, but I never thought I’d be on. // Why aren’t there more artists from Alabama in the position you’re in right now? Because a lot of them were probably underestimated before they got a chance. Alabama is just a state that’s looked down on, so as soon as some- body hands you a demo and say they’re from Alabama, 9 times out of 10 the person wouldn’t even listen to it, like, “This is just some Alabama bullshit.”

You’re definitely changing that with this album. It seems like everyone has a different favorite track on the CD. That was the plan, and I don’t wanna compare myself to Tupac or nothing, but if you hear a Tupac album, everybody likes something different on it. But my personal favorite is “Ghetto Rich” with . All the songs have substance on the album, but I feel like that one has the most.

Did you get to go in the studio and work with John Legend? No, he actually got on the album the last night before I had to turn the album in. He rushed to be on it, but he wanted to be a part of the album so he did out of love, you know?

How much has Polow Da Don contributed to your success? Most definitely he played the biggest part in my success besides me. If it’s anybody that really counted, it was him and [Mobile, AL radio personality and DJ] Nick@Nite. They are the two biggest people. Polow introduced me to the industry, period. He’s the one that talked me into trying to rap, because I wasn’t rapping at the time I met him. He was like, “Man, I’m telling you, you oughta try it.” So I tried it, and that’s when shit started poppin’. I just wanted to make beats and be in the background, but he helped me find a talent I didn’t know I had.

Do you feel that Polow overshadows you at all? No, I feel like we balance it out equally. It’s just like Timb and Missy Elliott or Dr. Dre and Snoop, I feel like we balance perfectly. We finna do a whole bunch of shit that the game ain’t never seen, because we don’t too much think about the money part, and I think that’s the trick. If you don’t think about the money, it’ll come if you’re great at what you doing. We just be trying to out- smart everybody when its time to go into the actual studio. It ain’t all about being rich. If people stopped caring about the money and just had a passion

62 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 63 64 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 65 They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Looking back over five years of OZONE photo shoots, please enjoy the following 18,000 word essay. - JB

66 // OZONE MAG Young Jeezy July 21st, 2006 Alley behind Mansion Nightclub Miami, FL Photo: Julia Beverly

“Being an American, I’ve got the right to freedom of speech. For me to connect with my people, I’ve gotta speak about what I’ve seen.” – Young Jeezy (Issue #34 September 2006, page 19)

OZONE MAG // 67 “If you don’t respect DJ Screw and the and the people that came before you and paved the way and laid the foundation for all this shit, then you’re stepping on people’s toes.” - Paul Wall (Issue #37 August 2005, page 27)

Paul Wall April 15th, 2005 Spring Bling Daytona Beach, FL Photo: Julia Beverly

68 // OZONE MAG “A lot of younger cats are making more money than me from the rap game. I’m not bitter, but I still need to get my money. A lot of cats before me got discouraged and just gave up. You can’t just do that. This shit makes too much money. The [record labels] try to get all your music and break your spirit before you learn the game.”- Bun B (issue #34 May 2005, page 23)

Bun B July 27th, 2005 Check Cashing store Houston, TX Photo: Julia Beverly

OZONE MAG // 69 Lil Scrappy August 23rd, 2006 Record Plant Studios , CA Photo: Julia Beverly

“I’m a real person, so through the hood music I slide God in there every now and then… You can’t just be out here in the streets and be waking up in the morn- ing by your lonesome think- ing there’s nobody to help you.” – Lil Scrappy (Issue #37 August 2005, page A49)

70 // OZONE MAG DJ Khaled June 15th, 2004 Jerusalem Studios Pembroke Pines, FL Photo: Julia Beverly

“Once I co-sign on a record, the artist can go ahead and make plans to buy that house or that Bentley.” – DJ Khaled (Issue #12 May 2003, page 26)

OZONE MAG // 71 Camoflauge’s murder scene May 23rd, 2003 Pure Pain Studios Savannah, GA Photo: Julia Beverly

“You have to be down for the cause. If you’re down [with somebody], be down forever. Don’t let a little bit of change come between you and your folk.”– Camoflauge (Issue #4 August 2002, page 46)

72 // OZONE MAG Field Mob August 20th, 2005 House of Blues Hotel Chicago, IL Photo: Julia Beverly

“I don’t wanna be that nigga with the chains on all the time just fron- tin’ like that. That’s not me. They’re just gay. Everybody’s gay. It’s sim- ple.” – Shawn Jay of Field Mob (Issue #38 September 2005, page A26)

OZONE MAG // 73 Plies October 31st, 2005 Ivanhoe Plaza Orlando, FL Photo: Julia Beverly

74 // OZONE MAG Turk March 1998 Royal Senesta on Bourbon Street New Orleans, LA Photo: King Yella

“Back then, [heroin] was just the thing to do. It was like a fashion statement. All the girls wanted a nigga with the dope dick. I didn’t think I was a junkie, but now that I’m not in denial, I can see it for what it really was… I guess God answered my prayers, because right now I’m supposed to be dead.” – Turk (Issue #37 August 2005, page B21)

OZONE MAG // 75 David Banner July 1st, 2006 His backyard Byram, MS Photo: Julia Beverly

“I define the American dream as a nightmare. I honestly don’t think I’ll be here long. I believe I will die young. The American dream is for those who fall in line. You’ve got to give up something to make it in America, you’ve got to take some- thing. That’s how America was estab- lished. It wasn’t bought or negoti- ated for, it was taken. All the things they tell other countries not to do, America already did.” – David Banner (Issue #11 April 2003, page 34)

76 // OZONE MAG Pitbull July 3rd, 2004 395 Bridge Miami, FL Photo: Julia Beverly

“These New York labels are fucked right now. Thank you so much for overlooking us and teaching us how to grind and how to sell our own shit and how to make our own relation- ships. It’s ridiculous, really, cause you go up there sometimes and they don’t wanna show no- body love. Thank you very much to the labels for overlooking the South, teaching us, putting us in a position where we had to learn how to do it ourselves. We appreciate that very much. Thank you. I will laugh all the way to the bank.” – Pitbull (Issue #19 January 2004, page 44)

OZONE MAG // 77 Dawgman January 15th, 2005 pirate radio station WDME Orlando, FL Photo: Julia Beverly

“[Operating an underground radio station] is a felony now… They’re tryin’ to say that a local police office can lock you up now for operating a pirate station. I’m like, what the fuck? You ain’t got nothing better to do with your time?.. That’s just the game, though. It’s just like being in the streets. You win some, you lose some. If you get knocked down you come back again. Them [radio] transmitters come a dime a dozen, and tell ‘em we’ve got a dollar. Quote that shit. We gon’ get our music heard, bottom line.” – Dawgman (Issue #31 February 2005, page 21)

78 // OZONE MAG May 15th, 2004 “ in the Back” video shoot Atlanta, GA Photo: Julia Beverly

OZONE MAG // 79 Pimp C and Bun B reunited December 30th, 2005 Texas State Penitentiary Huntsville, TX Photo: Julia Beverly

“I feel like I got put on the shelf, preserved, so I could come back and do something positive later. Maybe I will be in a position where I can prosper when I get out. I’m not going to challenge it, I’m just gonna take it for what it’s worth. If ‘Pac hadn’t got out [in prison], he might still be alive today. Maybe there was a worse fate out there waiting for me.” – Pimp C (Issue #34 May 2005, page 25)

80 // OZONE MAG Killer Mike July 26th, 2005 Purple Ribbon office Atlanta, GA Photo: Julia Beverly

“Niggas [are] telling you the truth about the good shit about coming up, but not the whole truth. Part of the truth is just as bad as a lie. Yeah, I used to make money off crack, but that shit ain’t good for the neighborhood. It fucked a lot of people up. The first time I ever counted out $10,000 to myself, just from the stench of the money and the thought of what I had to do to get it, I threw up. That’s the truth.” - Killer Mike (Issue #37 August 2005, page B31)

OZONE MAG // 81 “People just doubt you, and revenge is success. I love this position that I’m in right now, because I’m so confident…The Sound of Revenge, just watch me. I’m gonna create a hell of a story when I’m successful.” – Chamillionaire (Issue #37 August 2005, pg A24)

Chamillionaire July 27th, 2005 “Turn It Up” video shoot Houston, TX Photo: Julia Beverly

82 // OZONE MAG “I want to be a leader forever. When you want to be a leader, you’ll take any challenge that comes towards you. Challenges and competitions are differ- ent cause you can make them enjoyable. That’s what you strive for. With every challenge I get, I love it.” - Lil Wayne (Issue #42 Feb- ruary 2006, page 58)

Lil Wayne December 12th, 2005 W Hotel New York, NY Photo: Ray Tamarra

OZONE MAG // 83 “It’s definitely 90% grind, 10% sleep. I stay in the studio ‘til 5 AM. I go to sleep, wake right back up at 7 AM and do it all over again.” - Mike Jones (Issue #32 March 2005, page 29)

Mike Jones January 17th, 2005 recording studio Houston, TX Photo: Julia Beverly

84 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 85 86 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 87 88 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 89 KILLIN’ EMWORDS & PHOTOS BY JULIA BEVERLY WITH KINDNESS Even though superproducer MANNIE FRESH alleges that his former record label CASH MONEY owes him millions of dollars, all he wants to do is make music and give Cash Money CEO BABY a hug - trusting that his talent, God’s blessings, and a new Def Jam situa- tion will ensure he won’t end up on a VH1 special.

90 // OZONE MAG is this: It’s a label where you have a lot of artists and they don’t really know each other. They know of each other, but I want to really bring everybody together in unity and say, “Let’s take over this. Let’s be the next movement.” ou’re here at T.I.’s studio in Atlanta – what are you working on? It hasn’t been a label since the old school days that’s done that. Def Jam, This guy I’m working with right here is JR, Tip’s artist. From there, they got a powerful roster. They got Ludacris, Rick Ross, Jeezy, Jay-Z – so if I’m going to be working with B.G. I just finished T.I., and tomorrow we could all get together collectively and go out there and get it, that would I got Young Dro. So I’m working with everybody in their camp while be some shit. theyY got me here. Even with Jay-Z being in an executive position, there’s been some criticisms What else have you been working on? Beats for a lot of different artists? of some of his business moves. Do you think it’s hard for yourself as an artist Yeah, for real, the underdogs. If you’ve been paying attention to BET, [I or a creative mind to make that transition to working in a more corporate produced the tracks for] a lot of the little videos where them dudes are trying environment? Or is your situation not really structured like that? to get discovered. It’s partly me redefining myself, too. Sometimes you gotta Nah, it’s not that different. And dude [Jay-Z], he’s experienced, you know? start from scratch and build your way up. I still want to have that feeling Look at what he’s done with Def Jam. A lot of the moves are his moves. It’s that I can make a new artist. It’s easy to get in there with somebody that’s his call – go get this dude, go get this dude. I’m trying to put this team certified already and give ‘em a hot track. That’s easy because that’s what the together where nobody is bigger than nobody. I think I’m kinda like the record company is going to get behind. It’s not easy to get behind that new middleman. It’s a different thing, how we get down in the South. We’re more cat and make a new song. It’s more of a challenge and it’s a rebirth for me family oriented than New York, to make a long story short. because that’s where I started from. I always want to be in touch with what’s going on in the streets. I’m not that dude where you can’t reach me. If you’re Are there any new artists in particular you’re looking at signing? on a major label, yeah, I’m going to try to [charge] an arm [laughs], but if Not at the present time because my plate is full right now. I’m trying to finish you’re not on a major label, I’ll work with you. producing a few things and then I’m going to breeze through them little towns myself and check out what’s going on. A lot of people have said that it’s a production-driven game now. What percentage of an artist’s success would you say is attributed to their beat For an artist that’s trying to get on, is there a way they can send you material selection and the producers they work with? or would you rather just hear about them? I mean, it became a production-driven game. Everybody’s not that. Some More than somebody sending me a CD, I’d rather find somebody that’s making dudes still inspire me. But I ain’t even gonna lie, it’s been certain situations noise. If I was visiting Miami, I’d rather just ask around and say, “What’s the where I’ve been in the studio where it all falls on the producer. I ain’t gonna buzz?” I’d rather put you on the spot and see what’s going on with you. say no names, because I might not get business with them again. They want all your ideas. They want you to write the song, produce the song, arrange I you have a lot of people coming up to you freestyling. the song, and make [the artist] looks good. It makes you feel like, dude, you Yeah, all the time. [laughs] must know somebody. [laughs] For real. I’m not sayin’ this to be fucked up, but a lot of Hip Hop is bullshit right now. As far as raw talent, what impresses you most about a new artist? The biggest thing I could ask for from a new artist is creativity. And I’m al- So you’ve got a new situation with Def Jam. Is it a label deal or do you have ways thinking about longevity. When I hear a song, I want to know, what else an executive position at the actual record label? do you have after that? I’m looking for longevity, for real. You have a lot of It’s all of that, because I don’t really have a title. I can go sign whoever I major labels that are signing them ringtone songs. That’s what I call ‘em. You want. I get to work outside of the Def Jam umbrella. I can bring artists to know them songs – it’s gonna be a big ringtone, and after that, your career is them, and I get to voice my opinion. I went with Def Jam because they didn’t over with. I’d rather have somebody with longevity. ask me to do nothing exclusive. They were like, “We know how you eat. Do whatever you do, and when you have time for this, cool.” And I feel like I can You told us earlier that you had some things you wanted to get off your deliver on that. It’s not a strain on me. I can sign acts, I can consult, I can chest. Recently when you were doing a radio interview at Q93 in New Orleans, produce those acts, and I can also produce for artists outside of what’s going Baby called in during a commercial break and made some threats towards on at Def Jam. you. What exactly happened? The interview was basically about what’s going on with me. And some of the Are you involved on the business end as well? statements I made, apparently dude [Baby] didn’t like. I think he just called Yeah, because my [financial] splits with Def Jam are crazy. I’m not going to at the wrong time. He called when we went on a commercial break. I was say them, because I don’t want nobody else to go try to get a deal like that. like, “For real, you could’ve called when I was on the radio.” I welcomed him But you know, if I bring something there and I produce it or whatever, my to call back when I was on the radio and we could’ve discussed it man-to- splits on the album are crazy. man. I even promised on the air, I was like, “I’m not going to curse. You don’t curse, let’s just discuss what problems you have with me.” I told [Baby], “I’ll So it’s a big incentive for you to bring an act to Def Jam. give you the first three questions free. Ask me the first three questions.” And Yeah, exactly. So even if I just put my input on somebody else’s album, it’s he never called back. still a paycheck for me, so that works for me. Do you feel like those issues should be discussed in a public forum? Or have A lot of labels have started a “Southern” branch, tagging that “South” title you already had those conversations behind closed doors? onto an existing label, but in most cases it doesn’t seem to work. Do you I mean, I buried that. I left it behind me, but he called and brought it back up. think they just don’t have the right people in place? I don’t have no hate for them. I don’t feel nothing bad about [Cash Money]. I Yeah, that’s super important. If you think about it, when you meet most of the moved on; I’m doing me. But it’s just funny how whenever they get in articles people that run record companies, it makes you feel like it’s a family business. or do interviews, my name is smeared. And I’m like, dude, I didn’t do nothing You feel like they must have inherited their job or something. They have no to you. You did something to me. idea what’s going on. I think Def Jam’s approach is to have people that know what’s going on. If I want to sign [an artist], it’ll be easy for me to sign them, What did Baby do to you? as opposed to somebody that’s in a suit and doesn’t have no idea about their It was all-around bad business. If what I’m saying wasn’t true, he wouldn’t song. Somebody handed him a piece of paper that shows how many spins have been found guilty of nothing. I ain’t gonna air out everything that was you’ve got and told him that it’s a buzz. I think an artist should be listened to done, but the point I made is this: Every artist that was on Cash Money is not creatively. [Most executives] just see dollar signs. there [anymore] except Wayne. Is everybody wrong?

Will this situation also involve you working with the existing Def Jam roster? Why do you think Wayne is still there if everyone else was unhappy? Yeah, if they want to work with me, I welcome them. My dream for Def Jam Honestly, I have no idea.

“IT WAS ALL-AROUND BAD BUSINESS... I AIN’T GONNA AIR OUT WRONG?” EVERYTHING THAT WAS DONE, BUT THE POINT I MADE IS THIS: EVERYEVERYBODY ARTIST THAT WAS ON CASH MONEY IS NOT THERE [ANYMORE] EXCEPT WAYNE. IS OZONE MAG // 91 When Juve left, what were we stuck with? When everything else went down and The Carter came out, Cash Money was back to where it needed to be. So I feel like, dude, what am I really worth to you? Am I just a workhorse? I look at it like this: Some people in this game really love what they do, and some people do it to get paid.

You really love what you do. Yeah, I wouldn’t be here that long if I didn’t. Man, my first record was in ’87 or something. And all through my career, I’ve been through bad deals. So if I didn’t love it, I would’ve been walked away.

Whenever you hear of situations where an artist is beefing with their label over money, you’ve gotta wonder if the artist just wasn’t on top of their business and signed a bad deal. Is it possible you just agreed to a bad contract? Or was it just them not handling their part of the deal? It was them. I was over my bad paperwork days. It was just them not do- ing what they were supposed to do, not living up to their responsibilities.

What motive would they have to keep money from you? Like you said, with them giving you credit for a lot of things musically, why would they not want to keep you happy? But even for you, it seemed like things at Cash Money were good. Was I think that sometimes in life, money is somebody’s worst enemy. If you’ve there a point where things started going bad? got a legitimate business, you’ve got to look at it as a legitimate business. I was more in love with what I was doing [musically] than paying attention It’s not the streets. You don’t apply street rules to a legitimate business. to my business. But as time goes on and things happen in your life, you’re I think some people don’t know how to separate the street business from forced to pay attention to your business. I was forced to pay attention to legitimate business. A lot of times you don’t know the difference, but what was going on because it was affecting me. I was like, “Dude, this ain’t those rules don’t work with it. In music, the important thing is to keep the being taken care of, and this ain’t being taken care of, but yet I’m still here people happy that keep you in money. If you’ve got a producer or an artist, with y’all doing songs.” So it was a learning thing for me. it’s gonna hurt them. It hurts me to see you trickin’ off to somebody else right in front of my face when you owe me something. It’s gonna hurt me Basically, you just weren’t getting paid? as a man to see you steadily buying cars and shit and you owe me some Yeah. It was a learning thing with me. And he said in an interview he did in money. That’s crazy. And then you wanna show me that shit? Dude, how are another magazine that I just woke up and left. Like I just got up one morn- you gonna come around me like that and you owe me some money? When ing and said, “Fuck it.” Nah, dude, we talked about this. We talked about you owe me something, don’t give nobody shit around me because it’s this over and over again. Repeatedly. And if nothing happened, there was going to actually affect me. It’s going to hurt me. Chicks, dudes, whatever. only two places for me to go – up or down. It was time for me to move on. Don’t take care of your homeboys if you owe me something, especially Believe me, we wouldn’t be having this interview right now if they hadn’t if they don’t have nothing to do with the equation. You can’t have your said nothing about me. Dude, why can’t you leave me alone? Why can’t you dudes around you from off the block and decide that they’re “security” all let it be? I just want to make music. Stay on your side of the field and I’ll of a sudden. You know, “I gotta give security some cars to keep the goons stay on my side of the field. off me.” But you still owe me.

Allegedly, they forged your tax returns and B.G.’s tax returns, right? You seem like a real laid-back person, but did it ever get to a point where It was a whole bunch of stuff. Paperwork that wasn’t done right, taxes that you just confronted them like, “What’s up with my money?” wasn’t done right. All kinds of shit. And I’m more than sure you’ve done I mean, I think we’re past all that. We honestly talked about this. That’s the all kinds of interviews with other people that was on [Cash Money], and part that y’all don’t know. The first time that everybody heard about me they’ve told you the same thing. I’m not saying this to smear their name [leaving Cash Money], I had went up to them. Me, by myself, nobody else. or fuck up what’s going on with them or whatever. Either I’m crazy, stupid, I went up to their office and we talked about it, man to man. I was like, retarded, or I’m telling the truth. It was time for me to get the fuck up “C’mon, dude.” But nothing happened. Nothing changed. So it was time for outta there. [laughs] me to move on.

How much money are we talking about? What was their reaction when you went to their office? Millions. Not thousands. They were like, “Alright, dude. We feel what’s going on. We get you, and we’re gonna work it out.” If nothing happens, then that’s not working on Four million? Five million? it. And for the longest, dude kept saying that I was just upset about what It was more than that. But like I said, I was in love with what I was doing. happened with my album sales. It was never that, dude. I feel like in life, My all, my heart and everything was with Cash Money. you can’t win every battle. Some you gonna win, some you gonna lose. I’ve been doing this long enough to know that everything you do cannot be a Is there a lawsuit? hit. You move on. It ain’t had nothing to do with that. Yeah, I brung it to their attention. They had a little thing that said it was settled or whatever, but nah, it’s not settled. I’ll put it like this: It was a You said in an earlier interview that you didn’t even really want to do a payment made on it. But it’s not settled. solo album. Yeah, anybody who heard the earlier stories or saw me when I did 106th So did it go to trial? & Park knows, I never wanted to do that album. I was like, “Man, I’m not Nah, it was outright. Like, it didn’t even have to go there. It was just really into this.” At the time when I did that album, I felt like it was time outright. Believe it or not, Universal stepped in and was like, “We gotta to let go of the . We did three albums and got crazy sales out make this right. If we don’t make this right, this dude is gonna take us all of ‘em, doing some shit that nobody else on the planet could’ve pulled to the hoop.” And I was like, “For real.” So it was a payment made on it, off. Taking the producer and the CEO and making a group? before but it’s not settled. I don’t look at it like it’s settled. And I was big about people feel like, “Oh shit, this is just a big-ass hoax.” This is what I do. I it. I was like, “Okay, that’s cool.” I left it alone. Go y’all way, and I’ll go my produce. You go back to your office and let’s get this shit straight, the way way. But then it came, all this [talk] surfacing. [Baby] was saying this and it’s supposed to be. You can’t be an artist and run your company. that about me. He said when they got home they went on the block, and I went home. Where else was it for me to go? Y’all ain’t been on the block. Doesn’t Slim play a role on the business end of Cash Money also, behind Stop that. But for real, if you think about it, there’s a reason why I don’t the scenes? diss Cash Money. It came out of dude’s mouth repeatedly over and over Yeah, Slim is more of the business mind behind Cash Money. But it’s a lot and over and over again that “Mannie is the man.” You know? He’d be like, of things, even with me, where I wish Slim would’ve stepped in and just “Mannie wrote most of this. Mannie came up with this.” I’m like, dude, that outright said, “Dude, that’s wrong.” It could’ve been a lot of stuff solved came out of your own mouth. So if I was so much a part of it – you know, it Slim would’ve just told [Baby]. When you’re wrong, you’re wrong. You’re all our trials or whatever – whenever something [bad happened] I ain’t not supposed to be like, that’s my brother so I’ma overlook it. I’m like, taking all the credit, but it was up to me to dig Cash Money out of a hole. dude, you know this is wrong. You can outright see what’s going on.

92 // OZONE MAG Once when we interviewed Wayne, he said that if you couldn’t produce for Exactly. I just want to do my own thing. I’m independent. I made a promise him he didn’t want to do any more albums. Obviously, that changed. to myself: I’ll never let another man control what’s going on with me. I’m Wayne didn’t have a choice. He had to go out there and get it. I take my not going to do homie business, buddy business, none of that. It’s me. I’m hat off to him for doing what he did. He could’ve said, “I’ma settle for going to know what’s going on with my figures. If I end up on VH1 on a whatever [tracks] y’all bring me,” but instead he went out and found special, it’s my own fault from here on out. producers and found songs for his album. It’s kind of like a Dr. Dre situation where you’d rather just leave the past Since you had a chance to watch Wayne grow over the years as an artist, behind you and focus on making new music. how do you feel about Gillie the Kid claiming he wrote for him? Yeah, that’s what I’ve been trying to do from the get go. It’s just funny I can honestly say that I’ve seen Wayne grow into the artist he is now. I how dude and them can’t leave me alone. Just leave me out of your mouth, don’t know if Gillie wrote nothing for him. I’ve never seen that, but hon- dude, it’s just that simple. Wayne is y’all president. Y’all label has got a estly, I have seen growth in times. At certain times, I would listen to what president. Y’all got this, y’all got that. Y’all happy, dude. So just leave me he said, and he also would listen to what I said. I was like, “Dude, you alone. I don’t have nothing to do with y’all. Y’all don’t have nothing to gotta get back to the South and give the people what they want. You can’t do with me. But I don’t have no bad feelings towards them at all. Despite do those songs where you’re just trying to get on the radio.” The whole what they’ve done to me, I can’t move on feeling that way. I think it’s point of The Carter was to get back to our roots. better for me not to hate them, and that’s genuine. I still love ‘em. We were raised like brothers and we grew up together, but unfortunately business How was Cash Money able to develop such a roster changed all that. of talented artists SOMETIMES IN LIFE, at a young age? If you were able to come to an agreement as far as a financial settlement, It’s kind of amaz- would you go back to Cash Money if they wanted you to? MONEY IS SOMEBODY’S ing when you Wayne asked me to do something on his albums. I’m willing to do it, but think about it that there are stipulations. If it happens, it’s on him. He reached out and I WORST ENEMY... IT HURTS you had a group agreed to it. After the [radio] interview I saw Wayne in Atlanta. I was leav- with Lil Wayne, ing out the hotel and he was coming in, so I stopped him as a man and I ME TO SEE YOU TRICKIN’ , BG, and said, “Dude, I don’t have a problem with you. Do you have a problem with Turk, so long ago, me?” He was like, “Nah, we good,” and I was like, “Wayne, none of this had OFF TO SOMEBODY ELSE and they’re still anything to do with you. I understand [Baby] is your man and that’s who RIGHT IN FRONT relevant today as you ride with, and I’m cool with that.” solo artists. Our city was always Is there anything else you want to get off your chest? surrounded by tal- For real, I’m here to stay. If you don’t like it, shit, fuck you in your ass with OF MY FACE WHEN YOU ent. For instance, a broken piece of glass. [laughs] OWE ME. IT’S GONNA when Wayne came aboard, I was like, It’s good to hear we won’t be seeing you bankrupt on any VH1 specials. HURT ME AS A MAN TO “He’s the truth. [laughs] Not if I can help it. I’m not going that route. I’m blessed. I look - Y’all might see around and see where I’m at in my life and my accomplishments, and it SEE YOU STEADILY BUY him as unpolished ain’t got nothing to do with money or cars, none of that. It’s a good feel- right now, but let ing to be like, this is me. This is mine and I ain’t gotta worry about nobody ING CARS AND YOU OWE him hang around. taking it from me. I ain’t gotta worry about if I’m going to get all of [my ME MONEY. THAT’S CRAZY. He’s gonna be money] or not, or if I’m even going to get the message. For instance, if you that dude.” And went to somebody else to do the interview and I never got the message their work ethic when they were young, you couldn’t – now, you can come directly to me and I’m going to either say “yes” or stop these dudes from writing raps. B.G. would come in with tablets full “no.” Nobody can make me look like the bad guy. of songs. That shit is unheard of now. Now artists come to the studio and want to write their verse. And my opinion mattered in the beginning. How did Katrina affect you? Did you move from New Orleans? You’ve gotta think about what Cash Money did. They took some solo artists, I’m still there. I ain’t going nowhere. That’s my home, but it did affect me. put ‘em together and made a group, broke it down to some other shit and When [Hurricane Katrina] happened, it made you realize what’s important kept it moving. We took the producer and the dude that owned the record to you. You’ve gotta leave some shit behind, be it a Bentley or whatever. company and made a group. So it had to be a vision or something. You’ve gotta get your family. My whole family evacuated and it was one of those situations where the only thing left was a five-star hotel. If you’ve At one point, Wayne was talking about signing with Jay-Z. got your whole family together, it’s like, what’s going to matter to you? At the time, I can honestly say that he wasn’t happy. Something happened Your family or money? I was glad I was in a position where I could help and they made him happy, so he’s still there. But at the time he wasn’t my family, friends, or whatever. There were so many people scattered happy. He might not speak on it because that’s his people, but at the same everywhere, that made me realize that besides your family, everything else time, why even do that if you’re not happy. is obsolete. I think I’m blessed, so it’s going to keep coming to me anyway.

What’s the general feeling in New Orleans towards Cash Money? You seem to do a good job of keeping your family life private. Is that I gotta say it’s half and half. A lot of people take their side and some intentional? people take my side. That’s just life. I guess when I did the interview [on It’s definitely intentional, because there are some characters in this music the radio in New Orleans] dude felt like I was trying to smear his name or shit. Some good and some bad, and I don’t think that’s good for your fam- whatever, but I’m just saying what happened. I promised everybody when I ily. I’ve been doing this a long time, even before Cash Money. It was a gang get everything settled, I’m going to actually really say what happened and of years before them and I have learned some hard lessons. I believe you what it was all about. But at the time when it first happened, they were keep your family separated from what’s going on with this music game. like, “You can’t talk on it, you can’t speak on it, you can’t do this, you can’t do that.” My approach to it is different from everybody else’s. B.G. felt like, With the threats or statements that were made at the radio station, are you “Fuck ‘em.” I’m not that type of dude. I feel like the pen is mightier than afraid of Baby or anyone at Cash Money? the sword. I can curse you out, we can do diss songs and all that, but that Hell no. I don’t fear nothing but God. The fear of man, that’s just not in me. ain’t gonna get me nowhere. We’ve gotta realize that Hip Hop is still a growing thing. Kids are listening to [the radio]. It’s another generation coming up on us, so it kinda made Basically, you got some money but still feel like there’s money owed. me refrain from what I was really feeling right then and there. My kids Yeah, they still owe me, and I’m not ever gonna let it go. If God takes me could be listening, or your kids could be listening. If I had just gone crazy off this earth, I hope my kids inherit it. Go get it. Go after it, cause it’s [on the radio] that would’ve been a message that I’m sending somebody. rightfully mine. I can’t speak on the amount because of the settlement, Rather than that, I just said what I really felt, which is, “For real, dude, I but I can say that it’s a large amount. If they don’t go by the rules of what still love you. If I saw you right now, rather than punch you, I would give they’re supposed to do, then my next step is to bring it back to wherever you a hug.” // it’s gotta go to make them do what they’re supposed to do. Editor’s Note: We attempted to contact Baby and Cash Money/Universal And in the meantime you’re just trying to move forward. Records for comment, but have not received a response as of press time.

OZONE MAG // 93 20HIP Hop REGRETTABLES We’ve all said things we regret. Fortunately, for most of us, those statements aren’t recorded in print for history to reread and laugh. But for the artists on our list, these infamous quotables will live on forever.

“Any critic who calls us one-hit wonders has never even tried to do their “I don’t even wanna fuck with Universal cause they’re like a Velcro label. They homework. We have hits after hits after hits.” – Luc-Duc of the Iconz (Issue #6 just throw you out there to see if you stick, and if your shit fall off you’ll get - October 2002, page 18) dropped. Unless you Nelly.” – Young Cash (Issue #30 December 2004, page 15) UPDATE // The Iconz of “Get Fucked Up” fame have officially disbanded. UPDATE // Young Cash signed with D&G/SRC/Universal Records, and hopefully our reprinting this quote won’t push his release date back any further. “[JB], who the fuck cares about what you think? Your articles are shitty, your interview questions are so textbook, and your writing has no substance… “We also have a group called B5, which is five brothers from Atlanta. Quote You’re ugly. Where do you expect to go, looking like that? You need to stick to me on this: this group is gonna be a monster. They’re so talented. They sing, Orlando, because you ain’t getting any further.” – Feedback letter responding they dance, they’re photogenic, they play instruments, and I think they’re to JB’s editorial (Issue #8 - December 2002, page 10) gonna fill that void of where B2K left off.” – Shawn Prez, Bad Boy Director of UPDATE // Just fuel to the fire. Promotions (Issue #30 - December 2004, page 25) UPDATE // Just because it works in theory doesn’t mean it’ll work in reality. “Most journalists are just frustrated, wannabe rappers anyway. Honestly, most of them are just frustrated people who wish they could rhyme or DJ, but just “I may be signing with Jay-Z. Right now we just talking, but it’s sounding like haven’t been accepted into the society, so instead, they just write about it.” a good idea.” – Lil Wayne (Issue #30 - December 2004, page 11) – Benzino (Issue #10 - March 2003, page 18) UPDATE // Rumors of this Jay-Z/Wayne collaboration caused quite a stir until UPDATE // Do we really have to tell you? Baby clarified that his son was staying at Cash Money. Later, Wayne claimed to be better than Jay-Z in Complex magazine. “If you’re trying to do anything in the entertainment industry, as soon as you come down to Miami, you gotta in some kinda way. Whether you “I don’t even say [‘Who? Mike Jones!’] a lot on the album… Some people say come to record or throw a party, you gotta at least say ‘hi’!” – Abebe Lewis that I’m saying my name too much, but if I stop it completely, then some (Issue #12 - May 2003, page 37) people are gonna be like, ‘I like the old Mike Jones.’” - Mike Jones (Issue #32 UPDATE // Abebe still owes us money, so we’re gonna keep clowning him for fun. March 2005) UPDATE // Who? “I’m real cocky. Trina didn’t even go gold, she’s no competition. went brick.” - Gloria Velez (Issue #13 June 2003) “Mannie definitely holds the walls up. He’s the piece to the puzzle. It’s his UPDATE // And your album sold... how many copies? talent that has gotten us this far, so I wouldn’t have done it any other way. I wouldn’t fuck with this without Fresh.” – Baby (Issue #34 May 2005, page 21) “Before you even go in the store [to rob them], you make sure you got some- UPDATE // Mannie left Baby’s label Cash Money over a money dispute (refer to body with you that’ll watch your back. A lot of stores have floor watchers. You the Mannie Fresh interview on pages 90-93). just watch and pay attention.” – Jacki-O (Issue #24 June 2004, page 35) UPDATE // Jacki-O was arrested not long after this interview for shoplifting. “Ain’t no ‘Dame vs. Jay.’ That’s what needs to be stopped. People need to stop making up their own accusations. Where’s this coming from, that they’ve got “[Chamillionaire] has never made a hot song by himself. If he did, name one?” beef? Ain’t no beef.” – (Issue #35 June 2005, page 15) – Mike Jones (Issue #27 September 2004, page 44) UPDATE // Apparently, there was beef. Guess who Bleek sided with? UPDATE // Chamillionaire’s “Ridin’ Dirty” won awards at the VMAs, the Gram- mys, and the OZONE Awards (he sent in a videotaped acceptance speech from “I’m a natural born star. I believe I’m made for TV, magazines, videos, every- the Eiffel Tower). Cham and Mike Jones also recently squashed their “beef.” thing. Everything I do, I’ve perfected it.” – Tony Yayo (Issue #36 July 2005) UPDATE // Perfected everything except selling records, Yayo? “If I couldn’t have Mannie Fresh [produce] my albums, I wouldn’t make any more albums.” – Lil Wayne (Issue #29 November 2004, page 21) “[My album] is gonna come out in February [2006]. It’s gonna shock the world UPDATE // Refer to the Mannie Fresh interview on pages 90-93. with the first week of record sales.” – Aztek (Issue #38 September 2005) UPDATE // Aztek’s album did not come out, nor did it shock the world. “I would hit Trina from the back, all day! Bap, bap, bap! Lay down, open her legs from the back, put the pillow up under her, grab her hair – the part “[I don’t have a release date for my solo project yet] but it’ll be this year. I’m that’s real – put her hands up and bap, bap, bap!” – Lil Wayne (Issue #29 still doing a whole lot of shit.” - Jody Breeze (Issue #39 November 2005) November 2004, page 26) UPDATE // As of press time, Jody’s album is still awaiting release. UPDATE // Well, Wayne may not actually regret this quote, since apparently his dream came true. Perhaps OZONE played a role in the matchmaking? “I don’t worry about shit like [the RIAA]. They gonna do what they do… But them niggas ain’t gonna affect my grind or my hustle because I know that I’m “I had to have my seats lean all the way back in the Chevy Monte Carlo… I’m bringing something to the table. The RIAA can’t tell me a damn thing. When driving, and the bitch just starts gulpin’ like she’s about to throw up on my you see DJ Drama, DJ Don Cannon, and DJ Sense, you’re seeing a piece of work dick cause it’s big as fuck. She’s going up and down and then I pull over and that ain’t no fucking bootleg.” - DJ Drama (Issue #43 March 2006) put the rubber on... We was fuckin’ on the expressway!” – Lil Scrappy (Issue UPDATE // Great way to tempt fate, Drama. Tyree Simmons a.k.a. DJ Drama #29 November 2004, page 22) and Donald Cannon a.k.a. DJ Don Cannon were arrested by police working in UPDATE // Scrappy later claimed that his sex issue interview was full of drunk- conjunction with the RIAA on January 16th, 2007, for allegedly distributing en exaggerations, but we heard his baby mama wasn’t too happy anyway. bootleg material (see page 54-58).

94 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 95 96 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 97 23NEGRO PLEASE Yeah, yeah. We stole the name from XXL, but since we’re three months ahead of ‘em on everything else, it all evens out. Besides, there’s no other title that’ll fit these laughable quotes we came across during our five year anniversary recap.

“Even when I’m broke, people treat me like a star… Like, how I’m sit- “I might open up a soul food restaurant. I might open up a Laundro- ting here talking to you right now, some people might assume… that mat… I might make my own car and call it Yingsu.” – D-Roc of the we’re making love.” – Rated R (Issue #8 December 2002, page 17) Ying Yang Twins (Issue #35 June 2005, page 17)

“[Bonecrusher] sold his soul... [Bonecrusher] is banned from Mis- “I got my own clothing line called Fruity, for real. It’s for unique, sissippi. Print that. ‘Neva Scared’ was our song. It’s way bigger than diverse individuals. It’s really for women only. But I had to advertise Reese & Bigalow. Mississippi shows much love, and these people are it sometimes. That’s me, I gotta be fruity, too.” - (Issue upset. If he ever comes through here, there ain’t no tellin’ what’s gon’ #35 June 2005) go down.” – Reese & Bigalow (Issue #16 September 2003, page 32) “Shit, I got fans. If people love me and wanna give me some special “We made it cool to say you’re from Tally. We got everybody wanting attention, then that’s what’s good. If they wanna slob the knob or to be from Tally, wearin’ 850 shirts.” – Nappy Headz (Issue #21 April somethin’, cool.” – Neef of the (Issue #35 June 2005, page 2004, page 23) 17)

“I want to start a charity foundation for everyone who doesn’t have “The number one workout plan for me is fuckin’ three different hoes friends. Now that I’m a DJ, everybody’s my friend... Girls that didn’t three times a week. That’s the best cardio a man can get.” – Pimp of even speak to me give me head.” – DJ Q45 (Issue #24 July 2004) Dirty (Issue #37 August 2005, page A27)

“[Paris Hilton] looks frail. I don’t think she could take it though… I’ve “If I don’t go platinum, I’m going back to robbing niggas.” - Killer never slept with a white woman.” – T.I. (Issue #29 November 2004, Mike (Issue #37 August 2005, page A30) page 20) “I’m pretty without makeup. I don’t need a stylist and I don’t need “Young Buck is Jacki-O’s typical kind of dude, but I shoulda got him thousand dollar hairdos. Keep it real, you know those hoes look a hot when he was fresh. If I had got to him, he would be a whole different mess. You catch Trina early in the morning without all that makeup type of player.” – Jacki-O (Issue #29 November 2004, page 25) on her face and that hoe looks a .” - Khia (Issue #37 August 2006) “I can’t [eat pussy], man. I’d be kicked out of Swishahouse. It’s like a vegetarian who doesn’t eat meat; we just don’t eat that stuff at the “Even if [my career] was all over today, I had a good time. I made Swishahouse.” – Mike Jones (Issue #29 November 2004, page 29) a lot of money, had a lot of beautiful women, and traveled to a lot of places on the next man’s bread.” – Haystak (Issue #38 September “My favorite is Lil Wayne, Ludacris, and T.I., and I think they’d all be 2005, page A35) good in bed. I’m gonna find out and let you know.” – Khia (Issue #29 November 2004) “[The paparazzi] make me feel like a star. I’m gonna put out a magazine that just talks about all the other magazines. I’m gonna “I don’t get offended… I hang with white boys and I call them ‘my talk about OZONE, Source, XXL, all of y’all.” – Shawn Jay of Field Mob niggas’ and they call me ‘nigga.’ That don’t offend me.” – Trick Daddy (Issue #38 September 2005, page A26) (Issue #30 December 2004, page 22) “[Jive] wanted me to cut my hair off and lose weight and get toned “I was charged with being the ringleader of an anti-theft operation, up… I’ll never cut [my hair] off. It’s just me, plus, it’s low mainte- like, a chain of chop shops. Taking luxury cars and switching the VIN nance. I ain’t gotta comb it every day. They can style it and shit, but numbers and reselling them, putting in new registration, new title. it’s not going nowhere unless I get cancer and it falls out by itself. Me Like Gone in 60 Seconds, for instance. That’s what I was charged with. and my Sidekick, we on some totally different shit. We’re like Andre 3000.” – I’m not saying that I did it, though.” – Akon (Issue #31 February 2005, page 7) T-Pain (Issue #38 September 2005, page A33)

“Every person in the group [Boyz N Da Hood] is at a level of emcee “The South was slow, as far as socially. When I said ‘slow,’ I didn’t supremacy.” – Diddy (Issue #31 February 2005) mean ‘dumb.’ This dude took it out of context. I meant, socially and as far as the new styles and new things. Comin’ from New York, New “The Florida music scene is all fucked up right now. People in Florida York was always the epicenter of the country. It wasn’t just in the don’t listen to Florida music. DJs in Florida don’t play Florida music.” South. Everywhere you went, coming from New York, you was the man. And – Plies (Issue #33 April 2005, page 18) now, unfortunately, it’s not like that no more. It’s the opposite now. Now they come up here and get love. They come up here and steal our chicks. We used “We’re gonna be the next and the next Puff Daddy... to go down there and go to the mall and girls would be like, ‘Oh, shit he look We’re gonna be the next sex symbols out of the South.” – Pretty Ricky like he from New York,’ and we’d get all the love but that shit don’t work no (Issue #34 May 2005, page 21) more.” - Saigon (Issue #44 April 2006, page 67)

98 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 99 100 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 101 Shout outs to everyone over the years who’s advertised with us, let us in the club free, contributed an article, hooked us up with an artist, done an interview, taken a picture, given us some free publicity, dissed us, shit, contributed in any way. As you can see, it’s quite an extensive list. We’re sure we forgot a few people, so if it’s you, our apologies in advance.

102 Jamz Baby Stone Bobby Valentino Charlieo Cubo DJ 151 DJ Slym Models Grind Out Jacob York 105.5 The Beat Bad Boy Records Body Head Charmaigne Curren$y DJ Backside DJ Smallz Fat Cats Records Jacqueline 1st Lady El Bailey Bogan Chauntey Harvey Curtis Circulation DJ Big Bodie DJ Solo Fat Joe Grit Boys Taylor 2 Dog Records Baje Bogard Che Bosse Cynthia Coutard DJ Big Brd DJ Sosa Fatboy Grouchy Greg Jadakiss 2 Mindz BANG Bohagon Che Johnson Czar Nok DJ Big D DJ Statik Fats GTT Jade 334 MOBB Barry Underhill Boleg Chi-Chi Yeyo D Cooley DJ Black DJ Steel FEDS Magazine Gucci Mane Jae Millz 3535 Entertain- Basement Beats Bonecrusher Chill da Million D Shep DJ Blak DJ Suggablack Felisha Foxx Gucci Mane Jailbird ment Bavu Blakes Boo Dollar Man D Suave DJ B-Lord DJ Tech Felisha Palmer Gucci Poochie Jam Pony 4-Ize Baydilla Boo da Boss Chill Will D’Essence DJ Bobby Black DJ Toomp Felita Knight Guccio Express 50 Cent Bayer Mack Playa Chilly C D’Ville DJ Bull DJ Trademark Felli Fel G-Unit James Alexander 5th Ward Weebie Baylo Entertain- Boo Rosario Chingo Bling D4L DJ Caesar DJ Venom Fentz Haitian Fresh James Cruz 69 Boyz ment Boss Hogg Chino Da BackWudz DJ Chela DJ Vicious Fergo Half Mad Poets James Eichel- 8Ball BCD Music Group Outlawz Chonita Floyd Da Few DJ Chief Rocka DJ Vlad Fidel Cashflow Hankadon berger 904 Click Bedo Bossman Chop Shop Da Link DJ Chill DJ Voodoo Field Mob Hannah Kang James Gaspard 92 Blaze Behind Bars Records Choppa Da Muzicianz DJ Chino DJ Walton Fiend Happy James Gilchrist 95.3 Party Records Boston Naud Choppa Hill Da Scoundrels DJ Christion D-Lyte Five Star Grafx Harald Blakeslee James Jackson Abebe Lewis Belo Boulevard Chopper City Da Sick One DJ Chuck T DME Florida A&M Hardlyfe Records James Jacobs Abel Boyz N Da Hood Boyz Da Splitta Squad DJ Co-Lock D-Nice University Harvey James Lopez Acafool Benz Brad Wimpy Chops Da Streetz DJ Controller Do Or Die Florida Boy Hasan Brown Jamlando Ace Boom Koon Benzino Brandi Garcia Chris Imani Magazine DJ Cox DOA Intertainment Hav-Notz Record Pool ACE Magazine Bernard Gourley Brandi Garcia Chris Johnson Daed Jewels DJ Dagwood Don Cannon Florida’s DVD Hawk (RIP) Jammin’ Jay Acknight BET Break-A-Dawn Dain Burroughs DJ Dap Don Cody magazine Haystak Jana Fleishman Adam Diaz Beth Melillo Brian O’Hare Chris Turner Dakari DJ Delight Don Dadda FLX Haziq Ali Janet Renee Adam Favors Bethune Cook- Brian Rikuda Christian Lantry Damian Marley DJ Demp Don Diva Flyi DCG HBO Johnson Adam Gutman man Bridget Christina Clark Damien Lemon DJ Devro Magazine Fo Show Records Head Crack Janet Treadaway Adept BG Brisco Christina DJ Dimepiece Don Fo30 Heather Hunter Janiro Hawkins ADG BHI Brother C Saavedra Dan Higgins DJ Dr Doom Don P Fokis Heddy Bernstein Janky John Admission Bibi Gunz Brova Brotha Chubby Relle MixtapeAllStars. DJ Dr. Doom Frank Zambrana HellaFlow Jaro Vacek Granted TV Big Al Brummel Chuck Creekmur com DJ Drama Don Yute Records Jaro Vacek AJ Woodson Hank Germain Chyna White Danger DJ D-Rocc Donovan Freda Hen-Roc Jas Prince Akon Big Boi Bryan Leach Ciara Danny Blaq DJ Drop Astwood Freddie Lee Heroes Nightclub Jase Akright Records Big Bud Bu Circle House Dano DJ D-Strong Doug Peterson Freddy P Hezeleo Jason Brown Al Gator Big Cat Records Bubba Sparxxx Citty Dapa DJ Dutty Laundry Dove Freekey Zekey High Powered Jason Geter Big Cee Jay Budafuco City Limits Darnella DJ E-Feezy Dr. Teeth Freelon’s Bar Entertainment Jason Grimes Alan Powell Big D Buggah D. CJ Peters Dunham DJ EFN Dramills & Grill Hip-Hop Uncen- Jason Kpana Aldrick Williams Big Du Govanah CJ Stankiewicz Darren Thomas DJ Ekin D-Roc Fresh sored Jason Standard Alex Big Duke Buk CL Mecca Darryl Owens DJ Episode Dru Frizz HipHopDX.com Jason Alex Gidewon Big Earl Bulldog Clatties Moorer Darryl Phillips DJ Epps Drum Majorz Front-Line Hit Factory Jay Algierz Big Floaty Bulletproof Clay D Dave Goodson DJ Explicit DSR Promotions Hi-Tek Jay Exclusive Ali Alston Big Gates Bum Squad DJz Clay Evans Dave Mays DJ E-Z Cutt D-Tec FSU Hitmenn DJs Jay Love Ali Muhammad Big Gee Bun B Cleney David Banner DJ Finesse DTP Ful of Drama Hittaftahitt Alison Ramdial Big Gipp Bushi Bashi Clientell Radio David Himes DJ Folk Dukwon Records Hittin Licks Jay-Ski All Access DVD Big Karl Bushwick Bill Clipse David Paul DJ Fresh Dungeon Family Full Impact DJs Studio Jazze Pha All Fam Big Krit Club Millennium David Phanord DJ GQ Dustin Pedder Hittmenn DJs J-Baby All Star Big Kuntry Buttahman Club Paradise David Simminou DJ Greg G Dutty Laundry Funkmaster Olly Hollywood East JC AllHipHop.com Byron Trice Clutch Entertain- Dawgman DJ Greo Duval Streetz FUP Mob Homebass J-Dawg All-N-Entertain- Big Life C.O. ment Dawn Campbell DJ GT Magazine Furquan Homebwoi Jean Wooster ment Big Lip Bandit Cadence C-Murder Daz Dillinger DJ H Vidal Dwayne Barnum G Dash Hot 107.9 Jeanise Chaplin All-Star Big Mike Cadillac Don CN3 D-Bo DJ Hollywood Dwayne Thomas Gaby Acevedo Hot 97 Jeff Dixon All-Stars Big Money Ced Cai Entertain- Coach Deca Records DJ H-Vidal E-40 Gangsta Boo Hot Wright Jemal McClary Al-My-T Big Mouth ment Coach K DeeMoney DJ Iceberg Slim Eaion Connor Garcia Howard Chung Jenny Ebert Alphonso Big Neil Cam Coco Brother Entertainment DJ Ideal Earl Randolph Garfield Howard Ringer Jeremy Miller Alvarez Big Nod Camoflauge Cocoa Chanelle Def Jam DJ Impact Earthworm Gary LaRochelle Hubie Jermaine Amanda Diva Big Oomp (RIP) Code Red Dem Damn DJ Impereal Clothing Gee Hue Hef Jermaine Dupri Amelia Camron Codeblack Dawgs DJ Infamous Eastside Boyz General Humble Thugs Jermaine Amir Shaw Big Rich Capone Cody Chesnutt Dem Franchize DJ Infinite E-Class George Dukes Hungry Men Watkins Andover Place Big Rims Cara Donatto Cognito Boyz DJ Irie E-Cleezy George Lopez Entertainment Jerry Clark Apartments Big Ro Carbon Collard Greens Dem Hoodstarz DJ Jaycee Ed the World Germain Hydela Broad- Jerry Elmore Andre 3000 Big Ross Caribbean Beach Collisions R Us Denmark West DJ Jelly Famous Phanord bent Jeska Manrique Anduze Big Sam Club Coming Up Dennis Scott DJ J-Nice Eddie “Gigs” Lar- Get Cool Jesse Coleman Angie Chung Big Scale Enter- Caribbean Records Derek Jurand DJ Jukebox ronde Geto Boys I-20 Jesse Jazz Animal Chan tainment Sunshine Connections Derek Wash- DJ Junebuhg Eddie DeVille Ghetto Savvy Ian Steaman Jessica Koslow Anthony B Big T Carl “Che” Bosse Magazine ington DJ K-Funk Edgar Walker Ghost Writers Jessica Vasquez Anthony Cutujar Big Teach Carl Washington Cool & Dre Derrick Crooms DJ Khaled Edward Hall Ghostface Ice Shuler Jessika Anthony Big Tuck Carlos Amoedo Cool Runnings Derrick McKinney DJ Kool Kid Ee-De Ghostwridah Icon Nightclub Jewman Gonzalez Big Vic Carlton Wade Cordice Gardner Deshonica DJ K-Tone Efren Mauricio Ghostwriters Iconz Jibbs Anthony Murray Big Wee Carol City Cartel CORE DJs Desmond Clark DJ Majick Elephant Man Gigantic Enter- Iisha Hillmon Jibreel Anthony Pittman Big Will Carolyn Crump Corey Cleghorn Desmond John DJ Mars Elissa Cofield tainment IJ Records Jiggalo Antigua Bigg D Cartel Corey Llewllen Destine Cajuste DJ Nasty Elliott Wilson Gil Green Image Hair Jill Strada Antonia Jenae Bigga Rankin Cash Money Cortez Bryant Deston Bennett DJ Noodles Elora Mason Gilbert Alvarez Salon Jim Jones AP Biggs Cathy Detour Clothing DJ Obscene Emperor Searcy Gloria Velez Image Records Jim Jonsin Apollo Kreed Bill Rickett Caveman Cory Mo Detre Val DJ Papa Smirf Epiphany G-Mack Impact Jimmy Chocolate Aquil Birmingham J Cayenne Court Digga Deuce Poppi DJ Pat Pat Clothing G-Money Impressive Jimmy Cozier Armageddon Bishop of Crunk Magazine Courtney “Court DeVaughn DJ Paul Eric Johnson Gocha Printing & Design Jimmy Jamz Arrogant Black C-Bone Digga” Powell Douglas DJ Phantom Eric Johnston Goldfinga InfaRed Jimmy Song Arthur Papillon Black Chip- C-Dog Courtney Scott Devyne Stephens DJ Prostyle Eric Perrin Goldru$h Inner Circle Ashley Brath- pendales Cecile Barker Crazy Hood Diamond DJ Q45 Erica Valcourt Goode Mob Intense Adver- J-Khrist waite BlackFreak- Cedric Boothe Productions DJ Quest Erick Sermon Gorilla Tek tising J-Money Assassin Finder.com Cedric Collier C-Rena Dice DJ Quote Ericka King Gottaboogie Interscope Jock Smooth Blackjak Cedric Hol- C-Ride Dice Records DJ Ran Erik Mendelson Gotti Intox Entertain- Jody Breeze Atiba Music lywood Crime Mob Diddy DJ Rip Erik Parker Gotti Bonanno ment Jody Mo (RIP) Atlantic Records Blaqk Cedric Walker Cristal Bubblin Dino DeRose DJ Rob-Lo Ernest Wash- Grafh Invisible Records Joe Anthony Audio Illusions Block Chad Brown C-Rod Dior George DJ Rob-N ington Grand Hustle Iris DeGuzman Autumn Williams Blockwear Chaka Zulu C-Rola Diplomats DJ Ron Love Ernest Wilson Grandaddy Souf Isis Joe Pro Aziatikk Blakk Blood Over Chamillionaire Dirt Diggla DJ Sandman E-Scrilla Gravy Ivory Orr Joe Schofield Aztek Escobar Money Records Chaos Crunk Energy DirtBag DJ Sao ESG Green Lantern J Dash Joe Wesley B Rich BloodRaw Charlamagne Drink Dirtered DJ Saxwell Essence Greg Charles J Fresh Joe Wiggins B.G. BLOW Tha God Crunk Magazine Dirty DJ Scorpio E-Vicious Greg Fish J Lash Joey BA Boys BME Charles Chavez Crunk USA Disco & the City DJ Scream Exposure Greg Frankel J Prince Joey Colombo Baby BOB Charles Dixon CRUNK!!! Energy Boyz DJ Sense Magazine Greg G J Prince Jr Joey Nice Baby Boy Bobby Cree- Charles March Drink Disco Rick DJ Shadow Fabo Greg Street J Records John Lee Baby D kwater Charles Wakeley Crystal Isaacs Diszwone DJ Skream Fabolous Grenade Records Jacinta Howard John Monopoly Baby Drew Bobby Fisher Charles Young CTE Dizzy DJ Slice Fam-Lay Grill Jackie Chain John Richard Baby Lac Bobby Novoa Charlie Braxton Cuban Link DJ 007 DJ Slique Fantasy World Grind Family Jacki-O Johnnie Cabbell

102 // OZONE MAG Joie Manda Kydd Jo Marvyn Mack Ms Rivercity Paperview Scott Bedja State Property Tim Brown Vincent Edmond JoJo Kyle King Mary Datcher MTV Paradox Unit Ray Hamilton Scott Schafer Stax Timbaland Louis Jon Crecy Mase MTV Jams Parra Mo Ray Seay Scruface Stayin’ Hi Tito Violator Jonathan Bender La Mega MTV News Party Source Ray Tamarra SEA Records TJ Chapman Viper Jonathan Man- La Messa Masterlab Muck Wear Magazine Rayface Sean Cokes Steve Austin TJ’s DJ’s Virgin Records nion LaBerge Matt Daniels Clothing Pastor Troy Rayfield Warren Sean John Steve Bellamy TL Viviane Filias Joseph Patel Lady Essence Matt Sonzala Murda Mamis Pat Nix Raylo Steve Gottlieb T-Mo Goodie Voice of Da Josh Krause Lady Lyric Maurice Garland Murder Dog Patchwerk Rayvon Sean Starr Steve Mowatt TOK Streetz Joshua Lady Saw Maurice Rut- Magazine Studios Real Records Seaspot Steve Nice Tom G VP Records Jovan Dais Lamar Lawshe ledge Murphy Lee Paul Burgess Reality Magazine Steve Rifkind Tom Mahlke Vybz Kartel JPEG Graphics Latin Prince Max Minelli Murs Paul Clark Realm Z Sega Boys Stevie DeMann Tonari Wacko J-Shin Latoya Burgess Max-A-Million Music & More Paul Wall Rebel Life Serious Storm Tone Walgee J-Storm Laura Giles Records Music Choice Payne Records Serious L Street Dwellaz Toni Shinn Wallace JT Money Lavall McLucas Maximum Musikboxx PBG Reborn Sha Money XL Street Jamz Tony B Wally Sparks Juan Lawrence Security Mya PBT Red Dawn Shadyville DJs Street Runner Tony C Warhedz Judah Crumedy Maxwell Mykel Myers Peaches Red Dogg Shaheem Reid Streetmasters Tony Cohiba Warner Bros Judy Jones Legion of Doom Mecca Mystic Vibes Pee Wee Kirkland Redd Shakir Stewart Streets Mos Tony Draper Warren G Juelz Santana Legion Records Mega City DJs Peedi Crakk Shamee’s Magazine Tony Neal Wayne’s World Les Diehl Mel Testamark N. Ali Early Penny Palmer Reel Shamrock StreetWize The CORE DJs WBBT Julia Beverly LeToya Luckett Melinda Pas N’Ron Penny Palmer Reggie Benoit Shane Recordz Tony Reid WBTT Julia Schell Levon Porter Melvin Foley Na’sha Pete Aronson Regina Mack Shane Streetz Magazine Tony Sunshine Webbie Jullian Boothe Lex Promotions Memphis Bleek Nada Taha Peter Remington Shannon Mc- Strictly Streets Tony Touch WEDR June Lexington Steele Memphitz Naim Ali Peter Pan Steele Collum Strip Joint Tony Yayo Wendy Day Junebuhg Lick ‘Em Low Men of Business Name Brand Peter Spirer Remy Ma Shareefa Magazine Too $hort Wendy Morgan Jus Nyse Life Music Group Men’s Choice Promotions Petey Pablo Remy Martin Shawanna Paris Studio 456 Tori Alamaze Wendy Wash- Lil Bo Men’s Closet Nancy Byron Phantom Cognac Shawn Dowdell Studio 88 Torrey ington Juvenile Lil Boosie Mercedes Nappy Headz Phatt Lipp Rene McLean Shawn Hughes T-Pain Wes Fif K Foxx King Yella Mert Deezine Phsyc Mike Rhonda Baraka Shawn Jay Suave House TQ West Coast Grillz Kadallack Boyz Lil D Meshah Hawkins Nasty Beatmak- Piazo Rhymefest Shawn Prez Suave Smooth Tracey Smith WHAT Kadife Sylvester Lil Flip Meshaq Blaq ers Piccalo Ric-A-Che Shawnna Suga D Tracy McGrady What it Dew Kaine Lil Joe Method Man Natalia Gomez Pimp C Ricco Barrino Suga Suga Trae Magazine Kale Swanson Lil Jon M-Geezy Nay Fresh Pimp G Rich Boy Shawty Redd Suge Knight Transcon White Boi Pizal Kaliko Lil Keke Mia X Nelly Pimp J Rich Dollaz Sheek Louch Sunny Valentine Trea Davenport White Boy Kamikaze Lil Kim Miami Kaos Nelquan’s Touch Pimpin Ken Richard Johnson Shirronda Sweet Supa Cindy Treal White Dawg Kantrell Lil Larry Mic Fox Nemo Pistol Pete Richard Quadir Shock Supastar J-Kwik Tremedia Wideya.com Karen Douglas Lil Rob Micah Jones Neo Magazine Pitbull Davis Shoeb Malik Supastarr Tresa Sanders Wild Billo Kash Lil Rock Dogs Micha Porat Nevahdaless Platinum Richie Abbott Showcase Supastishun Trever Draper Wild Wayne Kaspa the Don Lil Ru Michael Black- New Money Magazine Rick Lee Magazine Superfriends Trey Wildside Katching Casez Lil Scrappy well Records Play-N-Skillz Rick Ross Shredda Swamburger Trey Songz Wilk Cajuste Katerina Perez Lil Shawn Michael Gerardo New York Post Plies Rickey Jones Shue Sway Trian Edwards William Canty Katt Williams Lil Wayne Michael London New York Times PM Ricky P Shyne Swift Trick Daddy Willie D Kawan Prather Lil Weavah Michael Rojas Next Level Poe Boy Rico Brooks Siege Swishahouse Willie Fisher Kaye Dunaway Lisa Coleman Michael Watts Magazine Poe Boy Enter- Rico da Crook Sign Ya Self Swizz Beatz Triggastate Willie Joe KC Liza Simmons Michelle Hunter Nick Love tainment Rico Wade Records Sydney Mar- Trendsetters Willie The Kid Keadron Smith Lloyd Micnificent Nick@Nite Polow da Don Rip Simon Gidewon getson Trill Entertain- Wine-O Loaf of Bread Mighty Mike Nikki Kancey Polow da Don Rippy Sir Knight Train T Waters ment Wiz Keith Dixon Records Miguel Lorne Nitti POP Riskay Skane T.I. Trillville Wizard Car Audio Keith Kennedy Locdown Mike Blumstein Nitty Cane Porsche Taylor RMP Studios Skinz Wrapz T.O.K. Trina & Video Keith Memoly Records Mike Brunscheen Nitty Kutchie Portia Kirkland Randy Roper Skip Tabu Trina Edwards WJBT Kenika Longterm Mike Calderon Nivea POSE Dancers Roam Skip Cheatham Tai Boogie Triple J WJHM Kenneth Clark Records Mike Clarke NMusic Power Moves Rob Gold Skip-A-Chuck Tai St. Louis Trish Duncan WLLD Kenny Brewer Loon Mike Frost Nnete Prestige Luxury Rob Jackson (RIP) Taj Tiljman Tropic & WMBX Kenny Burns Los Mike Jones Noel Malcolm Auto Rob Love Sky Tamara Palmer Tropical Magic Wop Kenny Kane Lou Pearlman Mike Li Noize Mob DJs Pretty Ricky Rob Mac SLFEMP Tambra Cherie Troy Hudson World of Denim Kenny Thomas Lua Loa Mike Lighty Noonie Princess Robert Gabriel Slick Pulla Tamiko Hope Troy Marshall Kerri Trayler Luc-Duc Mike Mo Noreaga Private Benjamin Robert Marley Slick Salt Tampa Tony Duplication Kevin Doyle Lucky Mike Sebastion Nozipho Producers Circle Robert Redd Slim TampaHipHop. Truck WPOW Kevin James Ludacris Mike Sims Nubreed Enter- Proof (RIP) Robin Rockman Slim Goodye com True Blunts Wrap Kingz Luis Santana Mike Watts tainment Prospect Rob-Lo Slim Thug Tango Redd True Magazine WVEE Kevin Schultz Lumidee Mikhale Richards Nu-Ridians P-Scheezy Rocio Castro Slip-N-Slide Tank TT Torrez Wyclef Kevin Valentini Lump Mikkey NuStar Record- Psychster Rock City Sloane Molot T-Town Wyze Kewan Lewis Minds Combined ing Puerto Rico Rob Rod Z Sly Tarvoria Tuesday Don- X Keyshia Cole Luqman Inc Nutty Boy Pupp Roger Erickson Smilez Tatiana Litvin aldson Xavier KG Mosley Luxury Mindz Miss B Entertainment Pure Pain Rohit Loomba Smitty T-City Promo- Tum Tum Xavier Hargrove Khao LVM Miss Info O Entertainment Records Roland “Lil Smoke tions Tuma Basa Xela Entertain- Khia Lyfe Jennings Miss Keke Obie Pure Records Duval” Powell Smoke D TDP ment Khujo Goodie K Foxx Mistah FAB Oddz & Endz Pure Tone Rollo SneakerStreet. Tech.Nitions Turk Xodus Kia Selby Lynn Hobson Mistaken OG Ron C Productions Romeo com Ted Lucas TV Johnny Xplosive KID Lyor Cohen Eyedentity OHB Purple Ron Stewart So So Def Teddy T TVT Records Magazine Kiera Lytle M. Shawn Mister Rush Omar Purple Ribbon Ron White So What? Records Temekka Twista Xtaci Killa Kim Dowdell Mitchell Boy Omar Wilson Pusha T Roxy Nightclub Sobe Entertain- Tene Gooden Twisted Black X-Trct Killa Kyleon M3s Mixtape Corner On Tha Real Q Roy Jones Jr ment Terrence Tyson Tye Dash XXL Killer Mike Mac-Boney Miz Magazine QD3 Entertain- Royal Blunts Sobe Live Terri Thomas Tym Yellow Jacket Kim Osorio Maceo MJG One Empire ment RPM SOG South Terror Squad Tyte Wurk Promotions Kim Tumey Macho Mo Muzik Enter- Oomp Ques R-Senal SOHH.com Tha Hole Tzar YGO Kimyatta Kimar Mack Dillingham tainment Oomp Camp Question Ruben “Swift” Sonny Chulo Magazine U Digg Records Ying Yang Twins Kinfolk Nakia Madd Hatta Mob B Oowee Quick Flip Vidal Sonny Spoon The Affiliates UGK Yo Gotti Shine Madd Illz MOB Records Oozie Records Ruben Em- Sony The Clipse Ump Yogi King Law Firm Maddi Mad MOE Entertain- Orlando Quik Flip manuel Soon Boy The CORE DJs Uncle Al Yola King Ron Magic Mike ment Orlando McGhee Quincy Jones III Rubox Sophia Jones The Federation Uncle Luke Young A King Yella Magno Mokah Dimes Orlando Sentinel R&B Rude Magazine Soul Brother The Game Uncle Nick Young Buck Kinky B Magoo Momento’s Café Orlando Weekly Raandu Avion Rudebwoy Kevin Universal Young Capone Kiotti Maino Money Mark Orlando-HipHop. (RIP) Entertainment Southbeat The Last Mr Bigg Unk Young Cash Kisha Smith Makin’ That Money Waters com Radio Raheim Rudegal Records The Moon UNLV Young City KK Holliday Money Monica Olimpiew Otonial Ruiz Rafael Rodriguez Ruff Ryders Southern The Next Level Unusual Suspects Young Dro Klarc Shepard Malice Montana Out Da Cutt Raheim Shabazz Russ Jones Entertainment Magazine Urban Living Young Gunz KLC Malik Abdul Monte Isom Records Rahman Ali Bugg Rusty Contella Awars The Pack Urban Mystic Young Harlem K-Lion Malik Darby Moses Media Outkast Rahman Dukes RX Southern House The Palladium Urban Pages Young Jeezy Knowledge Mami Chula Motor Car Outlawz Rahman Grayson Sabai Burnett Records The Product Urbanesque Young Noah Koch Entertain- Manifest Media Concepts OZONE Barber- Raj Smoove Sabrina Mont- Southstar The Replace- USDA Young Sav ment Mannequin Mousa shop Ran Rover (RIP) gomery Spark Dawg mentz UTP Young Stally Kofa Mannie Fresh Mr Cartoon Ozzie Oz Randy Roper Saigon Spiff The Runners Vanessa Turton Young Stunnas Konkrete Manny “Neg” Mr CC P Boy Stone Rap-A-Lot Sam Brown Spliff The Source Varsity Enter- Youngbloodz Konsole Kingz Simmons Mr Lucci P Love Records Sam Crespo Sport Cutz The Vault tainment Konvict Music Marc Decoca Mr Magic P Stonez Rapid Ric Sammy The Ying Yang Vaughn Wilson Yung Chill Kottage Boy Marco Mall Mr Mauricio P$C Rashaan Foster Samson SPS Twins Venetia Media Yung Joc Kottonmouth Marcus DeWayne Mr Pookie P. Jahbril Bryant Rashad San Quinn Sqad Up Theola Borden Center Yung Redd Kraze Marcus. Mr. Bigg Time Pacasso Rashad Tyler Sandman Sreets Mos Theresa Price Venus Yung Sean K-Razor Maricia Magana Mr. Blakes Paco Rasheeda Sandy Lal Magazine Theripy Vibe Yung Wun Krazy Yogi Mark Padgett Mr. Collipark Paid in Full Rated R Santana Stace Vic Yvette Gale K-Rino Mark Starr Mr. Mack Pamela Shelby Ratt Santiago Skillz Stack$ Thrill da Playa Vickie Charles Zak Kronick Marlei Mar Mr. Vegas Papa Duck Raw Sarai T-Hud Victor Walker Zay Kuzzo Maroy Ms Cherry Papa Keith Raw 94 Scar Studios Tiffany Chiles Video Mix Z-Ro Kuzzo DeVille Marv Burke Ms Dynasty Paperchase Raw LT Scarface Stat Quo Tigger Vince Phillips Zyoos

OZONE MAG // 103 104 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 105 devin the

dudeWords by Matt Sonzala Photos by SLFEMP

106 // OZONE MAG his is your third year doing South By Southwest. Is You’ve got a couple of really huge features on this album, this a big event for you? like Bun B, , and Andre 3000, but it sounds like a Yeah, and it’s getting bigger and bigger, actually. It’s lot of it really stayed in house this time. coolT to be a part of it. I got people from California that’s For the most part, that’s what it is anyway. All the previous coming down to it and asking about it, even people from albums that I did, it’s just the Odd Squad. They played a big Norway. Everywhere, man. It involves a lot of people, a lot part in all the projects. Rob Quest, Jugg Mugg, DJ Domo, we of cultures of music. It’s just a good time. Especially the have Funkafingaz on the bass, he’s been around for a min- spot where it is in Austin on 6th Street, man, it’s just a ball ute. We’ve been having keyboard players and stuff, like my every year. It’s getting bigger and bigger. homeboy Lester from Shreveport, and we also accept tracks coming from different areas. We work with up and coming Who all are you performing with this year? producers who have nice music. We invite them over and All the Coughee Brothaz. The Odd Squad has been a big listen to what they have. If it fits in with what we’re doing part, DJ Domo, Good Grief, T-Mac, 14K, pretty much all the and we can make a cool song out of it, then we’ll go with Coughee Brothaz. We got K-Rino and Evidence from Dilated it. That’s what made it real cool over the years. We welcome Peoples. It’s going to be good. anybody with open arms, any Coughee Brothaz, you don’t even have to smoke weed to be a Coughee Brotha. It’s just This year you’re not just going for a show, you’re celebrat- an in-house thing, we just like to have fun with what we do. ing the release of your 4th album, Waitin’ to Inhale. Yeah fo’ sho’, man. Waitin’ to Inhale, we been having a cool Is Snoop a Coughee Brotha? time with it. We been having as much fun as possible, trying Oh yeah, he’s an O.G. Coughee Brotha. We’ve been trying to to make it as humorous as possible and keep movin’ and get something together for a minute. Maybe we’ll have a groovin’. song together called “A Pound of Coughee,” with the Dogg Pound and the Coughee Brothaz together. We’ve been trying So we can expect more of the wit and wisdom of Devin the to get that together for years. Dude? Yeah, man. Well, there might be a song or two on there that You have Snoop and Andre 3000 on the same song? you might say, “Man, what in the fuck is wrong with this Yeah, on a song called “What a Job.” It’s a song done by dude?” It’s just all in fun, and you know we just having a Chuck Heat from L.A. and we were just expressing how our good time making the most out of what we have. Especially music and what we do in the studio is considered a job. A with Hip Hop nowadays, you really just can’t take it too lot of time, people wouldn’t consider what we do a job. We serious, man. You gotta know that there’s gonna be new have a lot of fun doing it. They hear about the hoes and the cats coming. It’s gonna be the old school that you love. bling and the drinks and the weed and they think it’s like a There’s different kinds of music with Hip Hop involved in it party for the most part. But it’s not. It’s work and it’s gotta and it just spreads and it’s really cool; the fact that it lives be considered work. You gotta take it seriously. And also, and breathes everywhere and you’re a part of it. a lot of other people depend on what we’re doing with our music and we gotta support each other with it. What are some of these songs that people are going to be wondering about? Are you taking shits on record again? You’re basically celebrating the life? Do you come from Ha! Well there might be a song called “Just Because” on three different perspectives? there that we did, and it sounds something like a “I Need All in all it’s about the studio and work being done in the Love” type song when it first comes on and it just gives you studio. On my verse I’m in the studio, on Snoop’s verse he’s the flip side of love and what people think about doing to at a radio station announcing, letting the shorties know their loved ones. And it’s just a thought, it’s nothing serious. and his family know what he’s doing, and on Andre’s verse I don’t want people to get the wrong idea. It’s just thoughts he’s actually communicating with a couple and hearing their that go through peoples’ minds. Then a song called “Cut You problems and letting them tell him how they feel about his Up,” on there. They might get the wrong understanding but music and how it’s helped them out through their lifetime. if they listen they’ll get it. He talks about downloading music for free and the artists get charged for it. It’s a trip, man, it’s wild. Wrong understanding of “Cut You Up”? It’s all in the wording. You got to listen to it from the You have been touring all over lately. Where will we see you beginning to the end and understand. If you’ve been this year? listening to my music since back in the day you might get We got stuff lined up. There’s some offers available and a good idea of what I’m talking about, but if not you might people looking forward to having us come out, which is a say, “This guy, something’s wrong with him. We might have blessing. People from Australia and London and places that to watch him.” And that’s just not the case. At all. A lot I’ve never been. That will be real cool. Hopefully we’ll get of listeners out there or critics get the wrong idea about something happening before the album comes out, get a certain songs and it goes the wrong way. This is just a way nice little buzz created, book up a solid tour and hopefully to fuck their heads up. All in all it’s just about something so we’ll able to get it structured enough to be able to have fun innocent and pure and natural and good for me and you. and give the people a good time.

OZONE MAG // 107 Young Buck Buck The World

G-Unit/Interscope Redman/Red Gone Wild/Def Jam Since record sales in the G-Unit camp have slumped to say the least, 50 Cent Reggie Noble might have messed around and spat his best stuff on the Live has called in the man deemed the “Clean Up Man” to bring the Unit back to From the Bricks mixtape that preceded this album. Still, the Funk Doctor prominence. And Buck doesn’t disappoint his G-Unit general or listeners with manages to crank out a healthy dose of his off-the-wall lyricism on this his sophomore album. Still one for confrontation, Buck keeps tough-guy long-awaited album. Even with minimalist production from Scott Storch on rhymes flowing on tracks like “Push Em Back” and “Say It To My Face,” while “Freestyle Freestyle” Red reminds you that rap is supposed to be about the showing glimpses of introspection on the title track and “Slow Your Roll.” rapper. But it’s still nice to hear him get down ’s funky horns and He takes a stab (no pun intended) at being a ladies man on “U Ain’t Goin’ pianos on “Gimme One.” Longtime Red heads will be pleased with his latest Nowhere” and “I Know You Want Me” before going off the edge on “Lose My “Soopaman Lova” episode and “Walk In Gutta” featuring Erick Sermon, Keith Mind.” Buck Marley comes through for the Unit on Buck The World. Get ‘em Murray and Biz Markie. His Gilla House cohorts also make memorable guest Buck! — Randy Roper spots throughout. Redman’s television and film career may have stumbled, but he hasn’t missed a step on the mic. — MGG

Rich Boy Rich Boy Zone 4/Interscope It’s safe to call Rich Boy an underdog, especially coming from a Dirty South Lloyd/Street Love/Motown city not known for rap music (Mobile, AL). But Rich Boy comes out on top on “You” is arguably the biggest R&B single this year and Lloyd’s sophomore his self-titled debut album. Although Rich Boy’s lyrics are decent at best, the album has more smooth R&B grooves to bang in the whip with your shawty album is carried by exceptional tracks from Polow Da Don, who handles the this spring. Whether he’s complimenting the ladies (“Incredible”), prais- bulk of the production, and songs like “Ghetto Rich” and “Let’s Get This Paper” ing himself (“Certified”) or giving his heart for a lover’s favorite holiday that go beyond expectations set by Rich Boy’s hit single “Throw Some D’s.” (“Valentine”), even thugs can relate to this crooner. Although Lloyd doesn’t - RR experiment with any new sounds or push any musical boundaries, Street Love is quality R&B music. — RR

Lil Flip I Need Mine $$ Asylum/Warner Bros. Black Milk /Popular Demand/Fat Beats Label drama has had Flipperachi fans waiting on I Need Mine longer than Dre’s Following in the footsteps of Midwest producers/rappers like Kanye West Detox (okay, maybe not that long). At last, Flip has returned. Over this lengthy and J. Dilla, ’s Black Milk is the latest double duty artists to make time period, the Clover G was able to compile enough material for a double noise laying his vocals over his self crafted soul sample beats. In wake of album. Through 37 tracks, Flip shows no sign of rust as the more-swagger- Proof’s and J. Dilla’s deaths, with flows as tight as his production on Popular than-substance emcee MC produces a comeback journey worth checking out. Demand, Black Milk displays the necessary tools to carry Detroit hip-hop The only bumps in the road are a few filler tracks along the way. — RR on his back. Although Milk’s bars are sometimes incoherent causing hard to follow verses, the Detroit native constructs a showpiece that should be in

Album of the Year talks come year’s end. — RR

Twisted Black Street Fame TVT Crime Mob/Hated On Mostly From street lyricism (“The Block”) to party starters (“Shake”) to cold street Crunk Incorporated/G’s Up/Reprise tales (“Coldest Summer Ever”) and rider music (“Throw It Up”), Twisted Black It’s advisable to listen to Crime Mob’s second album while under the influ- covers all angles. The production is sometimes weak, but Black makes up for ence, so it’ll be easier to tolerate the group’s simplistic flows and Dr. Seuss it with his charismatic flows and storytelling abilities. Unfortunately, Twisted rhyme patterns. Princess and Diamond consistently outshine their male Black was sentenced to 30 years in prison on drug charges, so Street Fame counterparts on songs like “Shine Cause I Grind,” and their hit single “Rock may be Black’s parting shouts. Regardless, it’s a solid debut album. — RR Yo Hips.” “2nd Look” and “Go To War” featuring Pimp C and Lil’ Scrappy are standout tracks, but with below average rhymes, mediocre hooks and limited “get crunk” subject matter, Hated On Mostly is a dull listen even by crunk standards. — RR

8Ball & MJG Ridin’ High Raheem Mills /Your Majesty’s Breath/Rah Records Bad Boy South Representing Orlando, independent artist Raheem Mills has a unique rhythmic Ball & G have come to a point in their career where they can do no right, even flow that entices the most reluctant listeners. Mills is brilliant on songs in the eyes of lifetime fans. Everything is going to get compared to their like “Who’s That” and “Cathedrals” where he spits lyrical masterpieces over Suave House-era music, and that’s not completely fair. Ridin’ High accurately melancholy production. But most of Your Majesty’s Breath are disconnected depicts where the Southern trailblazers are at in their career, and that’s a moments like the scattered thoughts on “Charmed” where Mills fails to convey place where they can do whatever the hell they want. Whether it’s bouncing his message. The poetic rhymes on “Amazing” would be a better fit for Def on the title track or getting head on “Hickory Dickory Dock,” the Fat Mack Poetry Jam. Mills walks the line between rap and poetry, and as a result, more and Pimp Tight have earned the right to experiment and be as vulgar as they time is spent deciphering rhymes than vibing with the O-Town emcee. — RR want. — Maurice G. Garland

108 // OZONE MAG Timbaland Timbaland Presents Shock Value/Interscope J-Bo & DJ Rip/Still Against The Grain Some producers need to stick to just making beats. Timbaland is one of those While Sean Paul has been racking up guest appearances, J-Bo has been the producers. As a producer/rapper, Timbo falls somewhere behind Diddy (and we all Youngblood member seemingly forgotten. Not to be outdone, J-Bo’s hooks know how badly Diddy raps). At least Timbaland is smart enough to know he needs up with the CORE DJ’s DJ Rip for his first solo mixtape Still Against The Grain. talented artists to bless his surefire production, soShock Value features guest ap- On this mixtape J-Bo dishes out that presidential Southern lyricism that pearances from 50 Cent, Missy Elliot, and . Unfortu- the Youngbloodz have been known for since the duo appeared on the scene nately, those guests aren’t enough to clean up the mess Timbaland makes on the with their debut album Against The Grain. But listening to J-Bo without his mic, and I won’t even mention Magoo. — RR drankin’ partna doesn’t have the same effect. Unfortunately, the mixtape is cluttered with features from unknown artists, taking away from J-Bo’s solo spotlight. — RR

Young Money Entertainment & Raj Smoove Lil Weezy Ana Volume 1 Termanology/Statik Seletak/Tony Touch/DJ Dead Eye On Lil Weezy Ana, Weezy F. continues the lyrical onslaught that has his name 50 Bodies being thrown around in “best rapper alive” discussions. In typical Kobe- Bryant-of-rap fashion, Lil’ Wayne seems to ignore his Young Money team On 50 Bodies Tony Toca flips his “50 MCs” theme to emblazon Lawrence, Mas- members, Mack Maine, Dizzy and Curren$y, who are noticeably out of their sachusetts newcomer Termanology as the next great Latino rapper by showcas- league when trading verses with Young Carter. We’d much rather hear Wayne ing the MC’s best 50 verses. 50 Bodies is a straight-to-the-point declaration of show what he’s got over Jay-Z’s comeback single with lines like, “Gotta talk Temanology’s lyrical abilities and reaffirms why he’s being touted as the most about the flow cause you is concerned / Only down South rapper coulda been prolific Latin emcee since the late, great Big Pun. But the short verses make the in the Firm / Or the Commission or Wu Tang, nigga / Tryin’ to tell you I can mixtape difficult to fully get into. — RR kick it like Liu Kang / Got that sub-zero flow, how you want me ma? / Make her get over here like Scorpion.” — RR

Young Chris/DJ Noodles Hired Gun Since we haven’t heard a peep out of the Young Gunz since “Can’t Stop, Wouldn’t Cardan & DJ Envy/The Rebirth Vol. 1 Stop,” we just assumed they changed their minds and quit. But nothing could be further from the truth as one half of the Gunz, , embarks on a solo You may recognize Cardan’s name from Mase’s Harlem World days, but he’s career. On Hired Gun, Young C impressively redefines himself as an artist capable determined to make listeners remember him for being his own entity, even if of handling solo duties on tracks like “North Philly Nigga” and the Junior Reid he’s busting on other people’s beats. He makes bold proclamations on “Hip assisted “Things I’ve Done In Life.” — RR Hop’s Alive,” shooting numerous holes in ’ argument. Cardi even takes on the challenge of rapping on Gnarles Barkley’s “Crazy” to create “Shady,” a humorous, what-if song about kicking another man in the nuts out of self-defense (trust, it’s worth a listen). However, the highlight of the CD is “Harlem Story,” where he borrows ’s classic beat and weaves an equally entertaining tale. — MGG

Foxx/The Mixtape Now that Webbie and Boosie have established Trill Entertainment as a bonafide Southern rap label, it’s time for Foxx to carry the baton. On The Mixtape, Mr. Wipe Me Down parallels Boosie’s street tales on songs like “Try Me” and Kill Yo Self.” He lets Webbie know that he can hit a bad bitch too on “Tap Out” and “So Wet.” But Dutty Laundry & Boyz N Da Hood Foxx stumbles on many of his jacked instrumentals and makes a wrong turn in Welcome To Atlanta remaking Beyonce’s “Irreplaceable” by telling police, “You must don’t know ‘bout me / I can have another brick in a minute / Matter of fact, it’ll be here in a minute.” Now that Gorilla Zoe has joined Boyz N Da Hood and Block Ent., BNDH teamed Foxx does rebound with standout lyrics over Trae’s “Swang” and Bun B’s “Pushin’,” up with Dutty Laundry to debut new tracks with their newest member. so the few mishaps on his first mixtape are forgivable. — RR Welcome To Atlanta is a prequel of what’s to come when Boyz N Da Hood’s second album hits streets later this year. And from the sound of things, Gorilla Zoe will fill in nicely for the departed Young Jeezy. - RR

Petey Pablo Missing Pages Volume 1 Curren$y/Life At 30,000 Feet “Where Da Cash At” was supposed to be the breakthrough single to position Curren$y as Cash Money’s next superstar. Things didn’t go as planned, but Curren$y After a long hiatus from the rap game Petey Pablo returns is still grinding as he verbally releases his frustrations on Life At 30,000 Feet. to fill in some missing pages of his diary.Missing Pages Throughout 27 tracks the Fly Spitta flaunts his skills over instrumentals like Jay- has quite a few gems, like the West Coast anthem “L.A. Z’s “Dead Presidents,” Bone Thugs N Harmony’s “Foe Tha Love of $” and the Clipse’s Dreamer” and the dirty South bounce of “Sticky Man.” But other tracks like “Wamp, Wamp (What It Do),” and shows the ability to switch flows when needed. the overlooped “If I Did It” need explanation, and “Fire” is a poor try at rec- Although many mixtapes get boring because of poor instrumental selections, reating the “Freak-A-Leak” vibe. But it’s evident Petey Pablo still has stories ’s mixtape offers refreshing twists to favorites like ’s to tell, the passion for rap and skills to carry the torch for the Carolinas “Electric Relaxation” and Tha Dogg Pound’s “New York, New York.” — RR when his next album Proper Procedures drops. - RR

OZONE MAG // 109 end zone Young Jeezy live

Location: Clearwater, FL Venue: Coachman Park Event: Wildsplash Date: March 10th, 2007

Photo: Luis Santana

110 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 111 end zone Lil Scrappy live

Location: Dallas, TX Venue: Palladium Event: K104 Scream Break Jam Date: March 17th, 2007

Photo: King Yella

112 // OZONE MAG Big Mike (Hosted by DJ Drama) “March Madness Pt. 2” 01. Dutty Laundry (Hosted by Lil Boose) “Leaders of The New South 4” myspace.com/duttylaundry 914-316-5307 Myspace.com/bigmikeofficial 02. Will Hustle & DJ Knowledge “Whatahustlers” 2 www.willhustle.com myspace.com/knowledge 03. DJ B-Lord (Hosted by Young Buck) “Trojan Man 3” myspace.com/scdjblord 843-260-6751 The RIAA may have shut down Drama’s mixtape operation but they can’t stop 04. DJ Obscene (Hosted by Chingo Bling) “Houston We Have A Problem Vol. 4” myspace.com/djobscene305 305-778-4390 him from hosting mixtapes. Drama 05. DJ Quest “Street Hustle 4” www.djquestdachamp.com 404-775-5810 teams up with mixtape monster Big Mike 06. DJ Green Lantern “Myspace Invasion” www.djgreenlantern.com for a classic mix just in time for March Madness. This mixtapes includes new 07. DJ Blade “Backroom Radio 4” myspace.com/thedjblade music from Lil Wayne (“Young Carter”), 08. DJ Raj Smoove “Lil Wayne: The Carter Files” (Hosted by Lil Wayne) www.rajsmoove.com 504-905-8426 Young Buck (“The Clean Up Man”) and 09. DJ Quote “Dollarado 2 Detroit” (Hosted by Tre Little & Royce Da 5’9) myspace.com/djquote Drama’s first single from his Gangsta Grillz album (“Feds Takin Pictures”). 10. DJ Chill & DJ Young S.A.M.M. (Hosted by Billy Cook) “Let Me Hold U 6” myspace.com/youngsamm myspace.com/mix2colddjchill DJ Ktone “U Don’t Even Know? Ktonais Part 3” (Rep’d by Mistah F.A.B.) www.djktone.com 720-404-6767 11. DJs, send your mix CDs (include a cover) to: 12. DJ G-Spot “Midwest Invasion 4” www.djgspot.com 917-592- 6917 644 Antone St. Suite 6 Atlanta, GA 30318 13. DJ Bizerkk “Candy Rain” myspace.com/djbizerkk

14. DJ Melo “Undercover R&B” 410-746-2335 15. Small World Music Group “Underground Road Trip” myspace.com/smallwordmusicgroup 936-371-2884

16. Hurricane Foss “No Stopping What Can’t Be Stopped Volume 2” myspace.com/hurricanefoss 407-729-2805 17. Haze & DJ Sosa (Hosted by The Game) “The Executives Volume 2” www.streetgrindent.com 646-267-4135

18. DJ Big Tyme “Fight To The Top T.I. Versus Lil Wayne” myspace.com/djbigtymeofficial 646-464-5646 19. DJ Barry Bee “Feel Good Music 5” www.djbarrybee.com 252-758-1122 20. Treunda “Audio Cocaine Crack’viles Part 2” www.treunda.com 631-220-5767 OZONE MAG // 113 OZONE MAG // 113 114 // OZONE MAG