WELCOME TO AUSTIN

FEATURINGTRAE & ABN RENEGADEZ

POOCA LEROY // + // DJ HELLA YELLA MARCUS MANCHILD // LE$ SXSW // DJ RAPID RIC 2012 LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY G’Z **special SKEWBY // TONY WILLIAMS ed ition** WELCOME TO AUSTIN

SXSW 2012 spec ial edition

FEATURINGPOOCA LEROY

TRAE THA TRUTH & ABN RENEGADEZ +SCHOOLBOY Q // DJ HELLA YELLA MARCUS MANCHILD // PAUL WALL SLIM THUG // DJ RAPID RIC // LE$ LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY G’Z SKEWBY // TONY WILLIAMS

2 // OZONE MAG 3 // OZONE MAG

PUBLISHER: SIDE A Julia Beverly 6-9 SXSW EVENT LISTINGS CONTRIBUTORS & CREW: 10 AUSTIN MAP Jason Potts 11 CLUB LISTINGS Stephanie “Eleven8” Ogbogu 12 DJ HELLA YELLA Terrence Tyson 14-15 SCHOOLBOY Q 20-23 PAUL WALL PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR: Malik Abdul 16-19 STREET TEAMS: & ABN RENEGADEZ ABN Eleven8 Money Mobb

CONTACT US: Phone: 404-350-3887 Fax: 404-601-9523 Web: www.ozonemag.com

DISCLAIMER: OZONE does not take responsi- bility for unsolicited materials, misinformation, typographi- cal errors, or misprints. The views contained herein do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or its advertisers. Ads appearing in this magazine are not an endorsement or SIDE b validation by OZONE Magazine for products or services offered. 5 DJ RAPID RIC All photos and illustrations are 6-7 LE$ copyrighted by their respective 8-9 MARCUS MANCHILD artists. All other content is copy- 10-13 SLIM THUG right 2012 OZONE Magazine, 14 LEAGUE OF all rights reserved. No portion EXTRAORDINARY G’Z of this magazine may be 20-21 SKEWBY reproduced in any way without 22-23 TONY WILLIAMS the written consent of the pub- lisher. Printed in the USA. 16-17 POOCA LEROY 18 MONEY MOBB

SXSW* 2012: WELCOME TO AUSTIN * This issue is not directly affiliated with or endorsed by the SXSW festival

7 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 7 10:30PM -10:55PM: IAMSU! & HBK Gang (Richmond CA) 11:00PM -11:25PM: J Stalin (Oakland CA) 11:30PM -11:50PM: Roach Gigz (San Francisco CA) SXSW 12:00AM -12:20AM: (Santa Monica CA) 12:25AM -12:45AM: Young L (Berkeley CA) 12:50AM - 1:10AM: Main Attrakionz (Oakland CA) 1:15AM - 2:00AM: Andre Nickatina (San Francisco CA)

SOB’s 30th Anniversary @ The Belmont (305 W. 6th St.) Event 8:15PM - 8:45PM: Maya Azucena (Brooklyn NY) 9:00PM - 9:10PM: Nikki Jean (Philadelphia PA) 9:25PM - 9:40PM: CJ Hilton (Baltimore MD) LISTING 9:50PM -10:05PM: Elle Varner (New York NY) 10:20PM -10:45PM: Miguel ( CA) 11:00PM -11:10PM: Anthm (New York NY) AUSTIN , TX 11:20PM -11:35PM: The Airplane Boys ( ON) 11:45PM -12:10AM: Travis Porter (Atlanta GA) TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2012 12:20AM -12:40AM: (Atlanta GA) 12:50AM - 1:10AM: Machine Gun Kelly (Cleveland XXL Freshmen Issue showcase @ 1100 Ware- OH) house (1100 E. 5th St.) 1:20AM - 1:50AM: (New York NY) Hosted by DJ Chill & DJ Rapid Ric 8:30PM - 8:50PM: (San Antonio TX) Welcome To @ Kiss & Fly (404 W. Colorado) 9:00PM - 9:20PM: Kydd (Austin TX) Hosted by Big Sid & DJ Grip 9:30PM - 9:50PM: The Niceguys ( TX) 8:15PM - 8:30PM: Die Slo Entertainment (Austin TX) 10:00PM -10:20PM: A.Dd+ ( TX) 8:35PM - 8:50PM: Dat Boi T (Houston TX) 10:30PM -10:50PM: (Atlanta GA) 9:00PM - 9:15PM: Uzoy (Houston TX) 11:00PM -11:40PM: (Los Angeles CA) 9:25PM - 9:40PM: HoodStar Chantz (Houston TX) 12:00AM -12:40AM: ( MI) 9:45PM -10:00PM: V.I.P. (Austin TX) 1:00AM - 1:50AM: (Compton CA) 10:10PM -10:25PM: Yung Quis (Houston TX) 10:30PM -10:50PM: Gerald G (Austin TX) Nerdcore showcase @ Flamingo Cantina (515 E. 11:00PM -11:20PM: Chalie Boy (Hearne TX) 5th St.) 11:30PM -11:50PM: League of Extraordinary G’z 8:00PM - 8:30PM: Brandon Patton aka BL4k Lotus (Austin TX) (New Haven CT) 12:00AM -12:15AM: Yung Nation (Dallas TX) 8:40PM - 9:10PM: Adam WarRock (Memphis TN) 12:20AM -12:40AM: Doughbeezy (Houston TX) 9:20PM - 9:50PM: Thesis Sahib (London ON) 12:45AM - 1:00AM: Marcus Manchild (Houston TX) 10:00PM -10:30PM: The ThoughtCriminals (Char- 1:10AM - 1:50AM: Killa Kyleon (Houston) lotte NC) 10:40PM -11:00PM: Teenburger (Toronto ON) MTV Hive and Yours Truly present In My Room 11:05PM -11:35PM: (Toronto ON) featuring Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q and more 11:45PM -12:15AM: Schaffer the Darklord (New - private party York NY) 12:20AM -12:50AM: (Halifax NS) Fake Four showcase @ 512 Rooftop (408 E. 6th 1:00AM - 1:50AM: MC Frontalot (Brooklyn NY) St.) 8:00PM - 8:25PM: (New Haven CT) WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2012 8:30PM - 9:05PM: (Ft Lauderdale FL) 9:10PM - 9:45PM: Dark Time Sunshine (Seattle WA) Young California showcase @ Treasure Island 9:50PM -10:25PM: (Seattle (413 E. 6th St.) WA) Music by Southern Hospitality DJs 10:30PM -11:10PM: (Denver CO) 8:00PM - 8:15PM: aKa Frank (Oakland CA) 11:15PM -11:55PM: & Factor (Los Ange- 8:20PM - 8:30PM: Bobby Brackins (Oakland CA) les CA) 8:40PM - 9:00PM: Starting Six (San Francisco CA) 12:00AM -12:50AM: (Los Angeles CA) 9:10PM - 9:30PM: Erk Tha Jerk (Richmond CA) 1:00AM - 1:50AM: ( MN) 9:35PM - 9:55PM: Alexander Spit (Los Angeles CA) 10:00PM -10:20PM: Berner (San Francisco CA) Pandora Discovery Den showcase @ Antone’s (213 W. 5th St.) 8:00PM - 8:40PM: K.Flay (Brooklyn NY)

8 // OZONE8 // OZONE MAG MAG 9:00PM - 9:40PM: Big K.R.I.T. (Meridian MS) 10:00PM -10:40PM: Young Guru (Newark NJ) 11:00PM -12:00AM: Theophilus London (Brooklyn) (Phoenix AZ) Hotel Vegas Patio (1500 E. 6th St.) 12:15AM -12:45AM: YTCracker (Colorado Springs 7:15PM - 7:30PM: Rusty Lazer (New Orleans LA) CO) 7:30PM - 7:50PM: Prom Date (Baton Rouge LA) 1:00AM - 1:50AM: MC Lars (Carmel Valley CA) 7:55PM - 8:10PM: Magnolia Rhome (New Orleans LA) showcase @ Scoot Inn (1308 E. 4th St.) 8:15PM - 8:40PM: Caddywhompus (New Orleans Music by Get Cryphy (Minneapolis MN) LA) 8:30PM - 8:45PM: Paper Tiger (Minneapolis MN) 8:45PM - 9:00PM: JC Styles (New Orleans LA) 8:45PM - 9:00PM: (Minneapolis MN) 9:10PM - 9:30PM: (New Orleans LA) 9:10PM - 9:40PM: (Minneapolis MN) 9:30PM - 9:50PM: Nola Fam (New Orleans LA) 9:50PM -10:20PM: Cecil Otter (Minneapolis MN) 9:50PM -10:15PM: Nicky da B (New Orleans LA) 10:30PM -11:00PM: Mike Mictlan (Minneapolis MN) 10:15PM -10:45PM: Katey Red (New Orleans LA) 11:10PM -11:40PM: (Minneapolis MN) 10:45PM -11:15PM: Mannie Fresh (New Orleans LA) 11:45PM -12:15AM: P.O.S. (Minneapolis MN) 11:15PM -12:00AM: Juvenile (New Orleans LA) 12:15AM - 1:15AM: Doomtree (Minneapolis MN) 1:15AM - 2:00AM: Wugazi / Get Cryphy (Minne- Life Or Death/R.A.P. Music/Mishka @ Lustre Pearl apolis MN) (97 Rainey St.) 7:30PM - 7:50PM: Children Of The Night (Queens THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012 NY) 8:00PM - 8:20PM: Cities Aviv (Memphis TN) 6:30 PM: @ Austin Music Hall (208 E. 8:30PM - 9:15PM: G-Side (Huntsville AL) Nueces) 9:20PM - 9:40PM: DaVinci (San Francisco CA) 9:45PM -10:15PM: (New York NY) 11 AM - 6 PM 10:25PM -10:50PM: Jacques Greene (Montreal QC) Unrefined Hype: @ Bat Bar (218 10:55PM -11:20PM: Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire E. 6th St.) (Brooklyn NY) Jhene Aiko, , Dee-1, , Miguel 11:35PM -12:00AM: Wavves (Los Angeles CA) 12:15AM -12:35AM: Trash Talk (Sacramento CA) The Warner Sound Captured by Nikon @ La Zona 12:40AM -12:55AM: / (Queens Rosa (612 W. 4th St.) NY) 9:45PM -10:00PM: (San Jose CA) 1:00AM - 2:00AM: Killer Mike (Atlanta GA) 10:00PM -10:15PM: XV (Wichita KS) 10:20PM -10:35PM: (Houston TX) Suburban Noize showcase @ Club 606 (606 E. 10:40PM -10:55PM: Curren$y (New Orleans LA) 7th St.) 11:00PM -12:00AM: Meek Mill (Philadelphia PA) 8:00PM - 8:30PM: Wheelchair Sports Camp (Denver 11:00PM -12:00AM: Stalley (Massillon OH) CO) 11:00PM -12:00AM: (Washington DC) 8:45PM - 9:15PM: DeLon (Los Angeles CA) 12:15AM - 1:15AM: B.o.B. (Atlanta GA) 9:30PM -10:00PM: Kyle Rapps (Harlem NY) 12:15AM - 1:15AM: T.I. (Atlanta GA) 10:15PM -10:45PM: Soul Khan (Brooklyn NY) 11:00PM -11:30PM: Na Palm ( IL) The Rumbler Lounge ft. XV, , Dee-1, 11:45PM -12:15AM: Kosha Dillz (Edison NJ) Rittz @ Peckerheads (402 E. 6th) 12:30AM - 1:00AM: Mickey Avalon (Los Angeles CA) 1:15AM - 1:45AM: Blaqstarr (Baltimore MD) Turntable.fm Does SXSW ft. , A-Trak, Quest- Love, AraabMuzik - 1100 E. 5th St Quality Control showcase @ Malaia Upstairs (300 E. 6th St.) Music Matters showcase @ The Stage on Sixth featuring C Plus, Chuuwee, Moe Green, NPire Da (508 E. 6th St.) Great, J. Pinder, , Nottz presents DMP, Radio Hosted by Buttahman Galazy, A Wax & YG Hootie Music by DJ Hella Yella & Michael “5000” Watts 10:00PM -10:15PM: Jingle Punks Hipster Orchestra Nerdcore 2 @ Malaia (300 E. 6th St.) (New York NY) 8:00PM - 8:30PM: Backburner Crew (Halifax NS) 10:30PM -11:00PM: Nneka (Warri Nigeria) 8:40PM - 9:00PM: The Extremities (Toronto ON) 11:15PM -11:45PM: Miguel (Los Angeles CA) 9:10PM - 9:30PM: Twin Peaks + Boom Baptist 1:00AM - 1:50AM: (Detroit MI) (Toronto ON) 9:40PM -10:00PM: Chokeules (Toronto ON) The Stage On Sixth Patio (508 E. 6th St.) 10:15PM -10:45PM: Dual Core (Cincinnati OH) 8:15PM - 8:35PM: Don Trip (Memphis TN) 10:50PM -11:20PM: Timbuktu (Toronto ON) 8:45PM - 9:05PM: Stalley (Massillon OH) 11:30PM -12:00AM: Random aka Mega Ran 9:15PM - 9:45PM: Kendrick Lamar (Compton CA) 10:00PM -10:30PM: Machine Gun Kelly (Cleveland

9 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 9 OH) 10:45PM -11:05PM: Smoke DZA (Harlem NY) 11:15PM -12:00AM: Big K.R.I.T. (Meridian MS) 10:40PM -11:00PM: Big K.R.I.T. (Meridian MS) 11:05PM -11:20PM: Prynce CyHi (Atlanta GA) S.O. Terik showcase @ Clive Bar (609 Davis St.) 11:25PM -11:45PM: Ace Hood (Miami FL) 10:00PM -10:25PM: Ab-Soul (Carson CA) 12:00AM -12:40AM: G-Eazy (Oakland CA) 10:30PM -10:55PM: (Watts CA) 1:00AM - 1:50AM: (Norwalk CT) 11:00PM -11:40PM: ScHoolboy Q (Los Angeles CA) 12:00AM -12:40AM: Kendrick Lamar (Compton CA) 8 PM JUICE: The DJ Official Showcase @ Malaia World Audible Treats showcase @ Kiss & Fly (404 W. Lounge (300 E 6th St) Colorado) Play N Skillz, DJ Hella Yella, DJ Rapid Ric, DJ Jas- 8:00PM - 8:30PM: THEESatisfaction (Seattle WA) mine Solano, DJ Amen & more 8:25PM - 8:50PM: SL Jones (Little Rock AR) 9:25PM - 9:50PM: Roach Gigz (San Francisco CA) Madison House showcase @ Beauty Bar (617 E. 9:55PM -10:20PM: L.E.P. BOGUS BOYS (Chicago IL) 7th St.) 10:25PM -10:50PM: A.Dd+ (Dallas TX) 8:00PM - 8:45PM: Cobraconda (Denver CO) 10:55PM -11:05PM: Moe Green (Vallejo CA) 9:00PM - 9:30PM: Mr. Lif & Chief Xcel of Blackali- 11:05PM -11:15PM: Truthlive (Santa Rosa CA) cious (Berkeley CA) 11:15PM -11:25PM: DJ Toure (Oakland CA) 9:30PM -10:00PM: & Amp Live (Oakland CA) 11:30PM -11:45PM: Georgia Anne Muldrow (Las 10:15PM -10:45PM: Chali 2na (Los Angeles CA) Vegas NV) 11:00PM -11:45PM: Minnesota (Santa Cruz CA) 11:45PM -12:00AM: Dudley Perkins (Las Vegas NV) 12:00AM -12:45AM: Latyrx (Oakland CA) 12:10AM -12:55AM: Talib Kweli (Brooklyn NY) 12:45AM - 1:15AM: Zumbi x The Are (The Burnerz) 1:05AM - 2:00AM: Souls of Mischief (Oakland CA) (Oakland CA) 1:15AM - 1:50AM: Blackalicious (Oakland CA) Malaia (300 E. 6th St.) 8:00PM - 8:20PM: Big Kannon (Chicago IL) Spinlet showcase @ Beso Cantina (307B W. 5th 8:30PM - 8:50PM: Future- TN (Nashville TN) St.) 9:00PM - 9:20PM: Crew54 (Killeen TX) 8:00PM - 8:30PM: N-Dex (Oklahoma City OK) 9:30PM - 9:50PM: Playdough (Dallas TX) 8:45PM - 9:15PM: JIM-E-O (Austin TX) 10:00PM -10:30PM: The Chicharones (Portland OR) 10:00PM -10:30PM: Bez (Lagos Nigeria) 10:45PM -11:15PM: I Am Many (Brooklyn NY) 10:40PM -11:20PM: Naeto C (Lagos Nigeria) 11:30PM -12:00AM: Phranchyze (Austin TX) 11:30PM -12:10AM: M.I. (Lagos Nigeria) 12:10AM -12:40AM: Shawn Chrystopher (Ingle- 12:30AM - 1:00AM: Blitz the Ambassador (Brooklyn wood CA) NY) 1:00AM - 1:50AM: Grieves and Budo (Seattle WA) 1:10AM - 2:00AM: 2Face (Lagos Nigeria)

Malaia Upstairs (300 E. 6th St.) Signature Sounds showcase @ Buca Lounge Hosted by Sarah West (422-B Congress Ave.) Music by DJ Jelly Music by GoDjKnowledge & The Trendsetters 10:30PM -10:45PM: We Present The CYPHER (Austin 8:00PM - 8:25PM: Sore Losers (Lancaster TX) TX) 8:30PM - 8:50PM: No One (Hawthorne AZ) 10:45PM -11:15PM: 9:00PM - 9:20PM: Minister Blakes (Long Beach CA) 12:00AM -12:20AM: (Lawrence MA) 9:25PM - 9:45PM: Focus... (New York NY) 12:30AM -12:50AM: (Lawrence MA) 9:50PM -10:10PM: (Brooklyn NY) 1:00AM - 1:50AM: EPMD (New York NY) 10:15PM -10:30PM: Sha Stimuli (Brooklyn NY) 10:35PM -11:00PM: Toki Wright (Minneapolis MN) FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2012 11:10PM -11:30PM: (Brooklyn NY) 11:40PM -12:10AM: Rapper from Little 7 PM Brother (Charlotte NC) Shady 2.0 SXSW Showcase @ Austin Music Hall 12:20AM -12:50AM: (Brooklyn NY) (208 E. Nueces) 1:00AM - 1:50AM: Slum Village (Detroit MI) , Big K.R.I.T., Schoolboy Q, Action Bronson, Don Trip, STS, Slaughterhouse, & Yelawolf. Vibe House @ Kiss & Fly (404 W. Colorado) The Airplane Boys, BJ the Chicago Kid, Dee-1, Don Def Jam showcase @ The Belmont (305 W. 6th St.) Trip, EVITAN (Jarobi from Hosted by Peter Rosenberg & Dres from Black Sheep), JoiStaRR, King Louie, 8:00PM - 8:20PM: Cris Cab (Miami FL) Mystikal, , The Stepkids, Trae tha Truth, 8:30PM - 8:50PM: Wax (Dunkirk MD) & Travis Porter 9:00PM - 9:45PM: Noisemakers with Peter Rosen- berg and (New York NY) Blacksmith Duck Down showcase @ La Zona Rosa 10:10PM -10:30PM: Asher Roth (Morrisville PA) (612 W. 4th St.) 9:00PM - 9:15PM: Promise (Toronto ON)

10 // OZONE MAG 9:20PM - 9:35PM: Iron Solomon (Brooklyn NY) 9:40PM - 9:55PM: Bad Rabbits (Boston MA) 10:20PM -10:55PM: Statik Selektah (Brooklyn NY) 3:15PM - 3:45PM: Viktory (Huntsville AL) 11:00PM -11:20PM: Smif N Wessun (Brooklyn NY) 3:45PM - 4:15PM: Omega Sparx (Charlotte NC) 11:25PM -11:50PM: Talib Kweli (Brooklyn NY) 4:15PM - 4:45PM: SaulPaul (Austin TX) 11:55PM -12:15AM: (Brooklyn NY) 4:45PM - 5:00PM: DJ Promote (San Angelo TX) 12:45AM - 1:15AM: Pharoahe Monch (New York 6:00PM - 6:40PM: Wesley Bray presented by Holy NY) Ghost Party! (Round Rock TX) 7:00PM - 7:40PM: The Carpenter Ants (Charleston 10 PM - Paul Wall @ Mexican American Cultural WI) Center (600 River St.) 8:00PM - 8:40PM: New Generation (Houston TX) 9:00PM - 9:50PM: River City Christianettes (San SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2012 Antonio TX)

1 PM iHipHop & Babygrande & Madbury Club show- Korg showcase @ Cielo (505 Neches St.) case @ Haven (409B Colorado) Idle Warship (Talib Kwei & Res), Dawn Richard, 8:00PM - 9:00PM: Statik Selektah (Brooklyn NY) Schoolboy Q, J*DaVeY, , & Terrace 9:00PM - 9:20PM: Mod Sun (Bloomington MN) Martin 9:30PM - 9:50PM: The Airplane Boys (Toronto ON) 10:00PM -10:20PM: T. Mills (Los Angeles CA) Texas Showdown showcase @ Barbarella Patio 10:30PM -10:45PM: Flatbush Zombies (Brooklyn (615 Red River St.) NY) Music by Stickygreen Productions 10:50PM -11:10PM: Marz Lovejoy (Los Angeles CA) 8:30PM - 8:45PM: Brain Gang Blue (Dallas TX) 11:20PM -12:20AM: (New Orleans LA) 8:50PM - 9:15PM: Above All (Austin TX) 12:30AM - 1:00AM: M.O.P. (Mash Out Posse) 9:15PM - 9:30PM: G$Baby (Austin TX) (Brownsville NY) 9:40PM - 9:55PM: DeLorean (DeLo) (Houston TX) 1:10AM - 1:50AM: GZA of Wu-Tang Clan feat. Grupo 10:00PM -10:20PM: Mookie Jones (Houston TX) Fantasma & Brownout (Brooklyn NY) 10:30PM -10:50PM: Tum Tum (Dallas TX) 11:00PM -11:20PM: Western Tink & Beautiful Lou DJBooth.net showcase @ The JR (603 Red River (Austin TX) St.) 11:30PM -11:50PM: Milli Mars (San Antonio TX) 8:30PM - 8:50PM: League of Extraordinary G’z 12:00AM -12:20AM: (Houston TX) (Austin TX) 12:25AM -12:45AM: Snow Tha Product (San Jose 8:55PM - 9:10PM: Nikkiya (Atlanta GA) CA) 9:15PM - 9:30PM: Shane Eli (Los Angeles CA) 12:50AM - 1:05AM: M.U.G. (Houston TX) 9:35PM - 9:50PM: (Raleigh NC) 1:10AM - 1:25AM: LE$ (New Orleans LA) 9:55PM -10:15PM: (Chicago IL) 1:30AM - 2:00AM: Slim Thug (Houston TX) 10:20PM -10:35PM: Thurz (Inglewood CA) 10:40PM -11:00PM: Torae (Brooklyn NY) Swishahouse showcase @ Beso Cantina (307B W. 11:10PM -11:25PM: Skyzoo (Brooklyn NY) 5th St.) 11:30PM -11:45PM: Rittz (Atlanta GA) 8:00PM - 8:30PM: Felo a/k/a Felony (Houston TX) 11:55PM -12:15AM: Wax (Dunkirk MD) 8:40PM - 9:00PM: Surreall (Houston TX) 12:50AM - 1:20AM: (Philadelphia PA) 9:10PM - 9:30PM: Lil Young (Houston TX) 9:40PM -10:00PM: Yung Redd (Houston TX) Vibe showcase @ Kiss & Fly (404 W. Colorado) 10:30PM -11:15PM: Fam 420 (Houston TX) Terrace Martin & 9th Wonder, Strong Arm Steady, 11:30PM -12:00AM: Swishahouse OG’s (Houston Skeme, Six, Self Scientific, Rocky Rivera, , TX) , , Bad Lucc, Alexan- 12:00AM - 1:00AM: Michael “5000” Watts (Houston der Spit TX) 1:00AM - 2:00AM: BMC (Houston TX) Reach showcase @ La Zona Rosa (612 W. 4th St.) 7:45PM - 8:40PM: Norah Jones (New York NY) Hip Hop Hope Unity Converence & City Takers 9:00PM - 9:15PM: DJ Official (Philadelphia PA) Weekend @ Carver Museum Boyd Vance Theater 9:15PM - 9:35PM: Thi’sl (St Louis MO) (1165 Angelina St.) 9:35PM - 9:55PM: High Society Collective (Atlanta 12:00PM -12:30PM: Tre9 (Houston TX) GA) 12:30PM -12:40PM: Too Phliy (Washington DC) 10:05PM -10:25PM: (New York NY) 12:40PM - 1:00PM: Jerrell Johnson (Tampa FL) 10:25PM -10:45PM: (Dallas TX) 1:05PM - 1:30PM: Enlitement (Atlanta GA) 10:45PM -11:30PM: Lecrae (Atlanta GA) 1:40PM - 2:00PM: Gifted Da Flamethrowa (New 11:45PM -12:05AM: KB (Tampa FL) Orleans LA) 12:05AM -12:25AM: Pro (Nashville TN) 2:00PM - 2:20PM: J.Kwest (Chicago IL) 12:40AM - 1:00AM: (Chicago IL) 2:20PM - 2:40PM: K-Drama (Cincinnati OH) 1:00AM - 1:20AM: J’son (Iowa City IA) 2:45PM - 3:15PM: theBREAX (San Diego)

11 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 11 A3C showcase @ The Main (603 Red River St.) 8:00PM - 8:30PM: Fort Knox (Atlanta GA) 8:45PM - 9:00PM: Boog Brown (Atlanta GA) 9:10PM - 9:25PM: Laws (Spring Hill FL) 9:35PM - 9:50PM: Young Scolla (Detroit MI) 10:00PM -10:15PM: Jon Connor (Flint MI) 10:25PM -10:40PM: Killa Kyleon (Houston TX) 11:15PM -11:30PM: (Decatur GA) 12:05AM -12:20AM: Hopsin (Los Angeles CA) 12:30AM -12:50AM: Homeboy Sandman (Queens NY) 1:00AM - 1:20AM: Brother Ali (Minneapolis MN) 1:30AM - 2:00AM: Prodigy/Mobb Deep (Queens NY)

Malaia (300 E. 6th St.) 8:15PM - 8:30PM: OBX (San Antonio TX) 8:40PM - 8:55PM: nosaprise (Houston TX) 9:00PM - 9:15PM: Karma Jonze (Austin TX) 9:20PM - 9:40PM: Perseph One (Houston TX) 9:50PM -10:10PM: Skewby (Memphis TN) 10:20PM -10:40PM: 4th Pyramid (New York NY) 10:50PM -11:10PM: Rockwell Knuckles (St Louis MO) 11:20PM -11:40PM: Blunt Fang (Atlanta GA) 11:50PM -12:10AM: Soul Khan (Brooklyn NY) 12:20AM -12:40AM: Boog Brown (Atlanta GA) 12:50AM - 1:10AM: Truth Universal (New Orleans LA) 1:15AM - 1:50AM: Max Burgundy (Brooklyn NY)

Malaia Upstairs (300 E. 6th St.) Music by Rusty Lazer 8:30PM - 8:50PM: Chilldren (New Orleans LA) 9:00PM - 9:20PM: Nesby Phips (New Orleans LA) 9:30PM - 9:50PM: Rhodes!! (New Orleans LA) 10:40PM -11:10PM: LuckyLou (New Orleans LA) 11:20PM -11:40PM: Nola Fam (New Orleans LA) 11:50PM -12:20AM: Jean Eric (New Orleans LA) 12:30AM - 1:00AM: Nicky da B (New Orleans LA) 1:00AM - 1:30AM: Magnolia Rhome (New Orleans LA) 1:20AM - 2:00AM: Katey Red (New Orleans LA)

Thrasher Magazine showcase @ Scoot Inn (1308 E. 4th St) 8:00PM - 8:20PM: (Detroit MI) 8:30PM - 8:50PM: Husalah (Pittsburg CA) 9:00PM - 9:20PM: The Jacka (Bay Area CA) 9:30PM - 9:50PM: SpaceGhostPurrp (Miami FL) 9:55PM -10:15PM: Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire (Brook- lyn NY) 10:20PM -10:50PM: (Gary IN) 11:00PM -11:30PM: EL-P (New York NY) 12:30AM - 1:00AM: (Leimert Park CA) 1:15AM - 2:00AM: of the (Hous- ton TX) SUNDAY, MARCH 18

7 PM: 2012 MTVu Woodie Awards @ Austin Music Hall (208 Nueces)

12 // OZONE MAG DOWNTOWNMAP AUSTIN, TX (SIXTH ST. AREA)

13 // OZONE MAG DJ HELLA YELLA WELCOMES YOU TO Is there anyone in particular you’re looking AUSTIN AND PUTS YOU UP ON SOME forward to seeing this year? OF HIS FAVORITE LOCAL SPOTS. I have to see DJ Jazzy Jeff play this year at the Red Bull party. That’s on my list of things to What was one of your favorite SXSW do before I die. memories? No question, my favorite SXSW was my first Are there any artists you’re working with SXSW. I ended up DJing for UGK and it turned right now? out being ’s last show ever in Austin. I still work with Music and also That’s by far my best SXSW memory. Yung Nation. They just dropped their a week before SXSW. Also I’m working with Since you’re from Austin, how do you feel Lil Tony from Dallas, he’s getting major spins about the state of Hip Hop in Texas? in the Bay Area. We’ve got a lot of positive I feel like it took a negative turn over the past things coming up this year. few years because people look at us like we only make dance records. It’s starting to get Where are some of the essential places back on the upswing though. We’ve got a lot for out-of-towners to visit while they’re in of good artists coming, not just from Houston Austin? or Dallas but the whole state is being repre- My favorite thing is, you have to get a waffle sented as well. taco. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s like the waffle is the taco and you have your chicken What are you DJing for SXSW this year? inside. I don’t think you can get that any- On the 15th I’ll be playing the official BET where but Austin, and that’s something you Music Matters Showcase. And on the 16th I’ll definitely have to experience. You can find be playing the Juice Showcase, which is an the waffle tacos in the waffle taco truck on official all-DJ showcase. I’m also doing some 6th & Waller. I promise you will not be disap- other unofficial parties, like the Unrefined pointed. For the sneaker heads, you’ve gotta Hype show on the 15th and the Interscope go by Nice Kicks. It’s one of the best sneaker party on the 16th. I’ve really been working stores in the nation. Those are my two main hard for SXSW just to show everyone what spots: Nice Kicks and the waffle taco spot. // Austin is about. I want to be a good host for the city and keep trying to push this Texas Website: DJHellaYella.com movement through the door for the whole Twitter: DJHellaYella nation.

14 // OZONE MAG 15 // OZONE MAG Schoolboy Q Words by Julia Beverly

TDE ARTIST SCHOOLBOY Q DISCUSS- ES HIS HABITS AND CONTRADICTIONS not at the top yet but we came a long way AND HIS EXCITING ADVENTURE AT from being nothing and nobody fucking LAST YEAR’S SXSW FESTIVAL. with us to selling our mixtapes on iTunes and touching Billboard charts. Me, Kend- I hear Top Dawg just signed a label deal rick Lamar, and Jay Rock, we all indepen- with Aftermath/Interscope. That’s a good dently touched Billboard with our records look for the whole camp. How will this af- and Ab-Soul is about to drop next. fect your next project? It’s cool, now I get to give ‘em the in-store Are you happy with the response you’ve album, so we’re gonna see how that works gotten so far to Habits & Contradictions? out. But I’m signed to TDE, we just got a Yeah, yeah, everything’s good. Every- label deal, so I don’t really know anything thing’s perfect right now, actually. A little about the situation yet. I’m new to it. But too good, you know what I mean? we worked hard for it and we got what we wanted. We decided we didn’t want to sign Too good? I’ve never heard that before. anywhere as a single artist, we wanted to I just wasn’t expecting the response to keep the whole team together, you know? be what it is now. I’m just trying to stay We came from nothing, from the bottom all humble and cool and keep working. I re- the way to where we’re at right now. We’re ally don’t have too much to say right now, I’m just so brain fried and shit. Right now I just wanna keep working.

16 // OZONE MAG Obviously everyone has their habits and contradictions. What made you settle on hands. I’ve sold to doctors, lawyers, some that for a mixtape title? of the worst junkies, people that steal Just like you said, everybody has them. It from their mothers - for the most part was a prequel to my first project, Setbacks. the people who buy Oxy are like Middle When you have bad habits and contradict America. Oxycontin is expensive. It’s like yourself, it brings you setbacks in your life. I $50-60 just for one pill so you can’t just be decided to mix it up and do something fresh. a nigga hustling cans [to buy one].

Have you overcome any bad habits? Mentally, did that ever get to you? The I’ve stopped hanging with the wrong people fact that your clients are ruining their and the wrong crowd, that’s one thing. I lives over your product? don’t hang out no more. I don’t be all in the At the moment, no. I was thinking about hood and shit chillin’ on corners and going feeding myself. Only the strong are gonna to liquor stores. I ain’t really ‘bout that. I don’t survive, that’s how I was looking at it. take pills either or no shit like that. I just Either fuck up this person’s life and eat make the music. or let this person fuck his life up anyway and still don’t eat. You know what I mean? Speaking on contradictions, a lot of artists They’re gonna do it regardless. The drug seem to have a totally different personality dealers will stop selling once there ain’t in real life compared to the persona they no more fiends. put forth on records. What about you? Yeah, [my personality] is pretty much com- What’s going on in your cover photo for pletely opposite from my music. I’m nothing Habits & Contradictions? like it. I’m not a high-pitched talkin’-ass The scene symbolizes the robbery, the nigga. I’m not an angry dude or a depressed pain. You’ve got me looking like a sad dude. I’m not pill-poppin’ and I don’t go puppy with a woman licking my face with to parties and shit, but I make that type of brass knuckles. That’s all a contradiction in music. My music is made from my past times, itself. I was gonna call it just Contradictions it’s not my current issues. Reflecting on the but I threw Habits in there too. past, that’s all. I just close my eyes and think back. I’m waiting for my debut album, which I heard you got into a little trouble at I’m about to work on now. I don’t have a SXSW last year. Are you nervous about date yet but [when that drops] I’m going to going back? give you the present Q. On my past projects I (laughs) Yeah, I am kinda nervous. gave you the past Q and now I’m gonna give Honestly, I’m really nervous though. [Last you the present Q. year] I had like a quarter of weed and shit on me and it was just all bad. I was Do you already have a theme in mind for gonna smoke before the show backstage your debut? and some dude that worked on the bar Yeah, I’m gonna put Habits & Contradictions told me I can’t smoke in there and tried together with Setbacks and give you the to grab my weed. My people got hot and complete version of me. I’m working on the tried to beat the dude up and then there title but I wouldn’t wanna put the title out was a big ass commotion. The police were right now because shit changes and the for- outside and I went to jail. (laughs) The bail mat of the album is gonna change. I wanted was cheap though. The bail was only like to call it Oxymusic but I figured that wouldn’t $300 so that was cool. really be a good idea. Hopefully you’ll have better luck this I read an interview where you talked about year. Maybe you need a weed carrier to when you were selling Oxycontin. What travel with you. does the typical Oxy addict look like? Yeah, but if I was in Cali I wouldn’t have It varies. I was [selling] in Seattle. It’s really in had that problem, period. I have my weed the suburbs, like Everest and Tacoma. It’s stu- license so I’m straight. // dents, lawyers, judges, doctors. The doctors, I’m thinking, “For sure, I know you could get Twitter: @SchoolboyQ the pills because you’re a doctor,” but I guess they don’t want [the evidence] on their

17 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 17 Trae Tha Truth +ABN Renegadez Words by Julia Beverly

YOU CAN’T BAN THA TRUTH. AFTER MOURN- ING THE SUDDEN DEATH OF HIS RIGHT-HAND MAN CLIP D, HOUSTON STREET FAVORITE TRAE THA TRUTH BOUNCED BACK WITH RENEWED MOTIVATION AND LANDED A DEAL WITH TI’S GRAND HUSTLE. HERE, HE INTRODUCES HIS CREW THE ABN REN- EGADEZ: JAYTON, YUNG QUIS, ROD C, & BOSS. GRAND HUSTLE.

18 //18 OZONE // OZONE MAG MAG The last time we spoke, you were suing Houston radio station The Box for banning Jayton and my cousin Boss and my cousin your music. I know that’s old news now, but Z-Ro were crips. One of my brothers Dub was there anything positive you were able was a blood. My other brother Clip and to take from that situation? them were 2-4(BD’s), so everybody was With that whole situation, I appreciate every- doing their own thing and I came togeth- thing. Good or bad, big or small, everything er to make it one big branch. I was trying is a blessing. That was a blessing because it to show the youngsters that it doesn’t gave me the energy to show what I’m really matter what set you’re from. It doesn’t capable of doing and who I’m capable of matter what hood you’re from or what being. It brought me to the level where I am gang sign you throw up or what color you now and it gave me that hunger again, so I’m wear, it’s about respect. As long as you kinda appreciative of them for doing that. I respect them and they respect you, every- wasn’t comfortable in that zone so I like thing should be good. You used to have this was mandatory – this is what I need. Let cousins from two different blocks who are me get out here and do my own thing. I’ve actual blood cousins that couldn’t even been running and haven’t stopped since. [speak to] each other because they’re from two different areas. You can still rep Radio isn’t as much of a factor today, [your neighborhood] and do you, but you period, because there are so many other don’t have to be closed off in that little avenues to get your music out there. circle in one block. You’ve got some broth- For some artists it’s mandatory, but for artists ers who rep different colors and they can’t like me and a lot of the newer artists, we can really live their lives because they feel like sell out venues without it. It can go both every person is looking at them crazy. I ways. In today’s music game there are more wanted to create an outlet where every ways around [radio]. Back then you had to man can be their own man. have radio and video, but nowadays you’ve got internet, streets, blogs, and all that. You’ve talked pretty openly about your past and the fact that you really didn’t Let’s talk about this Trae Tha Truth and ABN have a father figure to guide you in Renegadez project you’re promoting now. the right direction. With some of the The ABN Renegadez are a branch off of ABN. younger kids you’re mentoring, what The rap group ABN is me and Z-Ro, and we practical life skills do you give them? had a street crew called the ABN gang. The With me being from the streets, I under- Renegadez are some of the youngsters out stand the street way of life. It’s by any of who actually do music too. means necessary. I never turn my nose up Jayton and Lil Boss were a part of the crew or act like I don’t understand that lifestyle, when me and Z-Ro were doing our ABN but I also want to show them how I came thing. Me and Z-Ro are still touring right up. When I was young I was running with now. The new ones in the game are Rod the old heads, and a lot of the principles C and Yung Quis, they were younger than and morals that we had back then [are everybody. Jayton was young too, but he’s gone] today. Anybody around me, we been around. So we’ve got the ABN Ren- don’t rob, we don’t steal, we don’t hurt egadez project coming out on March 27th. kids, you know, some niggas will gas you Me and Z-Ro are back working again too. up thinking shit like that is cool. But all No telling when [that album] will be coming the real niggas I know, we ain’t standing out, but we’re back working heavily. for shit like that. I just let them know how they need to operate. Some people may When you say “ABN gang,” of course the look at you like you’re weak or something, word “gang” has a negative connotation, but every real nigga I know ain’t the but you do a lot of positive things for the show-off type. They just go out there and youth at the same time. take care of their family. With the “ABN gang,” a lot of people get so off track and don’t see the bigger picture. You’ve put out a lot of videos and music I was around a lot of different hoods and lately. Was there one in particular that crews and gangs and one thing they all had was very meaningful to you? in was the love they had for me The last CD I just put out, the King of and the faith they had in me. I was always the Streets Freestyles, is one of the most the one who stayed neutral. My brother

19 // OZONE MAG important ones. My brother, my ace, Money Clip D was just murdered on Thanksgiv- believed that [my career] should be a ing night. The crazy thing is, we had just lot farther along than where I am. So I gone out on Thanksgiving feeding all think the timing just worked out. With the homeless people and going through me and him, it’s kinda to the point the apartment complexes and projects where it isn’t even necessarily downtown and everywhere else about music. We were pa’tnas making sure people had food to first and foremost. We’re simi- eat. That’s just the kind of thing lar in a whole bunch of ways we do. When he was murdered, so everything just panned I just kinda shut down. Me and out. Now he’s got somebody him were together every day. on the label like me, I’m You know, every time you saw one finna get out there and get it of us, you’d see the other one too. JAYTON by any means necessary. He So I kinda shut down. The King of understands that with me, I’m the Streets Freestyles was my first not the average type of artist time coming back doing anything where you’ve gotta hold my rap-wise in months. I got in [the hand and walk me here and walk studio] and just fought myself to get me there. I think it’s definitely a out of that shell, and it turned out to power move because we’re both be a good thing. That tape alone led real dominant from Atlanta to to all kinds of crazy stuff happening Houston and that’s gonna bridge so that was a blessing, man. a different gap.

Did they find out what happened? Will you be spending a lot more My brother was just in the wrong time in Atlanta? place at the wrong time, man. He They know I live and die for was an innocent bystander in that Houston, so I’ma balance it out. situation, but that’s all I can really speak on. But you know, I’m a street nigga. I’ve gotta be in the streets, that don’t ever What do you miss about him most? change. I’m really out here with the lil Everything, man. We struggled from homies, and if some shit is about to jump nothing to having something to losing off and I feel that shit ain’t worth it I’m it all to gaining it all back and having gonna be the first nigga in the middle of something again. It’s hurtful because it deading it right then and there. I’ll now that he’s gone, I actually have forever be out there because I feel one of the biggest situations in like there are so few real niggas my career, with me and TI doing in the different neighbour- a Grand Hustle/ABN deal. He hoods and blocks and cities used to push to see me in [that and states. The few who are type of] situation, you know? there, make sure you reach out He was willing to sacrifice and try to involve some of the whatever to make sure we got youngsters. there. So it’s hurtful now that he ROD-C ain’t able to see it, but I’m gonna Was Grand Hustle involved get out here and handle my with the ABN Renegadez business to the utmost so while project? he’s up there looking down he Nah, that was actually done. The can still be proud. album comes out March 27. We’ve got Meek Mill, J Cole, , Jim How did your deal with Grand Jones, Krayzie Bone, Messy Marv, Hustle come about? Freeway, a lot of features on there. Me and Tip have been cool for a I wanted to showcase each of [the long time. It was just about timing, Renegadez] in their own way. and now is a better time than Everybody knows Jayton does ever. He had his eyes on different his thing, that’s my . stuff I was going through, and he Boss does his thing, Quis was up-and-coming, and Rod C is an- other real talented one that’s gonna shock

20 // OZONE MAG a lot of people. I just wanted to showcase them. I’m the backbone of it so I can pump it and promote it and make sure people are is actually my cousin, and he’s got receptive to it. Sometimes music industry a crazy following when it comes people don’t wanna try new shit. I wanted to the streets and the gangbangin’ to show that’s not just me, there’s a lot heavy. Boss is a G. His talent is more of us over here that are talented. I’m similar to that West Coast feel. actually very proud of this project. Yung Quis brings more of I’m not expecting it to do crazy, the Jeezy feel, the trap feel, ridiculous numbers out of the and Rod C brings more of gate because we aren’t even the pain and the struggle that type of artists; we have and the determination. So longevity. I think it’s gonna I think it’s a well-rounded be one of those projects that YUNG QUIS CD because you have songs comes out and people hear with niggas going off, you have about it and are like, “Damn, trappin’ songs, street songs, by- I was slippin’. I need to grab any-means-necessary songs, this and see what they’re talk- struggling songs, just all kinds ing about.” Me and Z-Ro are of shit. I think this CD will touring right now with Return of shock a lot of people. I always the Asshole doing sold out shows, set my mind high to make so we’ve got [the Renegadez] myself proud. My fans are real with us, Rod and Quis opening strict. It’s gotta be something up for us and it all makes sense. major to impress me, and It’s just one big family thing. I I’m actually impressed with really want the world to check the CD. them out. Jayton did a lot of music with a lot of major artists Are there any particular already, so people know what songs on the Renegadez CD he’s capable of doing. I just that stand out to you? wanted to showcase the whole camp, Well, “Lights Off” is the one that’s running, because [most major artists] have produced by CyFyre and “We Here,” which their camp and their camp is just is produced by Kaleon, another young aiight. I just gotta make sure my producer up and coming from the camp is up to par. East Coast. We’ve also got on there, he’s signed to Are you doing any SXSW events? RocNation now; he did “I’m We’ve got a lot of shows; they’re A Boss” for Meek Mill and gonna be running around with a bunch of other stuff. me. I wanted to be out there We’ve got Honorable [at SXSW] every day but I’ve C-Note on there; a lot got spot dates in different cit- of real crazy produc- ies so I’m working every single tion, man, so the project day. They did the video “Lights Off” L BOSS is gonna be something real featuring Freeway that was directed LI major. by Philly Fly Boy and he just shot an- other video for them called “We Here.” Anything else you want to say? Make sure you check for Jay- What are the qualities each group ton’s new project coming after member brings to the table? this Renegadez CD. Free my With Jayton, that’s my little brother, brother King Dinkie, that’s who so first and foremost you know we’re started me and that’s super similar in so many ways. I feel who I dedicate it to. All day every Jayton just brings the street gangster day I’m dedicated to my team and feel to it, period. He speaks for a lot of the my family. I ride for those who youngsters coming up because they ride for us. // follow his lead. You know, it’s all about the guidance, and he came up under Twitter: @TraeABN some real niggas so he’s out there doing his thang and he’s got a crazy following. Boss

21 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 21 Paul Wall Words by Julia Beverly Photo by MQI Images

22 // OZONE MAG AFTER DROPPING 100+ POUNDS WITH THE HELP OF A GASTRIC SLEEVE, NEWLY SVELTE PAUL WALL AND HIS WIFE CRYSTAL HAVE EM- they wanna hear your music. And if you BARKED ON A HEALTH AND FITNESS feed ‘em too much, they’re gonna get full. JOURNEY. OZONE CHATS WITH THE You’ve just gotta balance it out. PEOPLE’S CHAMP ABOUT ENTER- That’s a good analogy. Speaking of TAINING THE TROOPS IN THE MIDDLE Swishahouse, I heard there’s been some EAST AND HOW HIP HOP CAN TAKE internal drama lately. OVER THE GRAMMYS. I don’t really know what has been going on at the label, but I know Michael Watts You’re dropping a Gangsta Grillz today is still putting out mixtapes. As far as with DJ Drama, right? Do you want to tell Swishahouse as a I don’t us about that? know, I think it’s back to being what it Yeah, it’s all produced by GL Productions was traditionally - putting out mixtapes which is G Luck and B Don. They did most and Michael Watts DJing. But as far as the of Slim Thug’s mixtape and they do a lot execs I really don’t know the answer to of production. I’ve got a lot of Houston that. I’m gonna be doing a screwed and artists on there, like Slim Thug, , and chopped version of the mixtape with Z-Ro, and new artists like Marcus Manchild, Michael Watts and hopefully dropping Propain, and Kirko Bangz. Every week we’ve that during SXSW. been putting out a new track for Paul Wall Wednesdays; we just give em away, so this Speaking of screwed and chopped, the is a collection of all those tracks plus a lot of has put together new ones we didn’t release yet. a DJ Screw exhibit that runs March through August. That’s pretty major that People have different opinions about mix- a major university is acknowledging tapes. Some established artists feel like Screw Music as an art form. Have you they shouldn’t put out free music because been able to check out the exhibit or it will damage their album sales. Why did contribute anything? you decide to go that route? It’s amazing the type of respect they’re Well, we’ve always done mixtapes. Michael giving to DJ Screw and his contributions Watts always taught me that the sole to society and music. It’s incredible. Hats purpose of a mixtape is for promotion. off to the University of Houston for doing Even though sometimes you might make that. They have 1,000 of his original [vinyl] some money off it, at the end of the day, from his record collection. Some of my the purpose of a mixtape is for promo- favorite freestyles that I grew up listening tion. That’s just what he taught me. When to, they have the original, exact same vinyl we were putting out mixtapes before, we that he was scratching on. There are a were selling them to make money. Times lot of things that people donated. I think have changed now; no one sells mixtapes DJ Chill donated [the vinyl] but a lot of anymore, they just give ‘em away free. So it people donated other things. They’ve got is kinda hard for me to get used to giving it old rhyme books, there’s a [drycleaning] away; it’s hard to adapt to the new avenues hangar with a mixtape tracklisting on it, that you use to put out mixtapes. You don’t there’s a notepad with people’s numbers buy ‘em from stores anymore, the websites - like Z-Ro’s and Lil Keke’s numbers - it just are the stores. I’m used to sending them takes you back to how it was back in the out to stores, so I had to adapt to that. But day before cell phones and Blackberries it’s no pressure involved with a mixtape, and iPhones and all that. This is how it you just get in the studio and have fun was. I’m donating the grill that I wore on and give it away to the fans. It’s really for the cover of The People’s Champ to the the fans, because I don’t wanna keep them exhibit. The exhibit definitely deserves waiting and waiting and before you know it three years has gone by since you put out an album. It’s like a restaurant. If you stop feeding the fans they’re gonna go to another restaurant. People are hungry;

23 // OZONE MAG PAUL WALL CONTINUED: members and voted on by the members, so that’s something to keep in mind. respect but a lot of people might not expect that from a big university. They’re storing it in Last year Steve Stoute wrote a letter to the same climate-controlled room where they the Hip Hop community basically sug- have a first edition King James Bible - the first gesting that we boycott the Grammys edition ever. Next to that is DJ Screw. So that’s because he felt like we weren’t shown the level of respect they’re giving him. enough respect. What’s your thoughts on that? We previously covered your USO trip to Well, this year and last year, Hip Hop has Afghanistan with DJ Smallz. You recently gotten a lot more exposure than in years went back to the Middle East to perform for past. In the four main categories - Album the troops, right? That’s a big sacrifice for of the Year, Song of the Year, Record of the an artist to take that much time out of their Year, and New Artist - there were several schedule to perform for free. What’s your rappers nominated in each category. motivation for doing it? So that’s pretty big right there. People I feel like it’s our duty as entertainers to go are always going to feel that Hip Hop is over there and entertain the troops and bring overlooked, but really, Hip Hop is the new them a little touch of home. It’s an incredible pop music. opportunity to go over there and see people, because a lot of them are my neighbors. A lot An artist like the Black Eyed Peas, at the of them are from Texas so it’s an honor to go end of the day, is really a rap group. It’s over there and meet them and perform for a different style than the traditional rap them. It’s a huge honor. group, but they’re still a rap group. You’ve got Cee-Lo Green; he’s a rapper and he This last trip was a little different. Normally, ends up performing every year a the when I’ve gone in the past, I go through Grammys and being nominated for all Kuwait and there’s a lot of action going on kinds of stuff. Hip Hop has just evolved [because of the war in Iraq]. Now that the and grown. troops have pulled out of Iraq, Kuwait was real mellow. It wasn’t at all like it had been The Grammys are inclusive; they want you in years past. It wasn’t as populated. But the to be involved. If you’re not a member you other places we went in the Middle East, it’s can’t vote or nominate music. So the first still going down like normal. These people are thing I ask when people complain about putting their lives on the line, and not just the not winning or not getting nominated is, troops in action but also the service members “Are you a member?” Usually the answer who are behind the scenes making things is no. That’s not to say that if you become happen. Like I said, it’s an incredible honor a member you’ll get nominated for a and I think it’s an obligation and a duty that Grammy or win a Grammy, but Hip Hop a lot of people take for granted. As an enter- as a whole, we have to get more involved. tainer this is one way we can give back. We have to speak up because the Gram- mys want us to be involved. They’re trying You also volunteer on the Grammy Music to get us involved. I don’t see too many Committee, right? What does that involve? other rappers that are involved; MC Lyte is Yeah, I’ve been the President of the Texas the President of the Los Angeles chapter, Chapter and now I’m the new trustee, which though. Rappers should get involved. I’ve goes into effect in May. I’ll be a national trust- been a member since 2006 but I could’ve ee now. That’s another thing a lot of artists been a member since 2000 because of my take for granted. You can be a member of the credentials. The qualifications are there, Grammy Academy, and that’s a real big deal. Anybody who’s a voting member can submit music to be nominated [for the Grammys], vote on the music to see who gets nominat- ed, and vote for the actual winner. Any artist who wins a Grammy was nominated by the

24 // OZONE MAG so it’s not like you have to go platinum to be eligible.

What are the requirements? You have to have six album credits. Not six , but six album credits. So you get their life together. Thank God for me it have to have written on or performed wasn’t too late. That’s something we want to on at least six songs that were released encourage other people to do - to get them- on a CD, or twelve songs digitally. So any selves together and get in shape. When you artist who’s ever put out an album that look better and feel better you’re gonna have came out on a CD is eligible. Any producer a happier and longer life. that’s ever produced six beats is eligible. So there’s not an outrageous require- You’re also involved with Feel Rich and their ment. That’s the only requirement, period. running challenge. What is that all about? You have to have written, produced, or Feel Rich is a company dedicated to educat- performed on six tracks that came out ing the urban community about a healthy on a CD or twelve tracks that came out lifestyle. They’re basically educating the hood digitally. on getting in shape and living healthy. It’s QD3’s company - he’s Quincy Jones Jr.’s son. There are different levels of member- Quincy is also involved with it, and Shawn ship, too. There’s voting membership and Ullman, who’s from Houston and lives in associate membership. To be an associate Austin. That’s how I got hooked up with them, member you just have to work within because he’s from Texas. the recording industry in some way, and you can still nominate and you can still Crystal has a lot of fitness stuff she’s doing; a go to the Grammys. If you’re a journalist, segment called “Kickin’ It With Crystal” and a graphic designer, video director, engineer, video blog. She’s a Zumba fitness instructor lawyer, publicist, manager, record label too, she teaches classes every day and once a CEO, or anything like that, you’re eligible month she does a free one sponsored by Feel to be an associate member. Rich. They have a bunch of different sponsors and it’s a pretty big deal. In our last interview, you talked about losing over 100 pounds with the gastric I’m also doing Feel Rich’s Nike run challenge. sleeve. Since then, it seems like you and It’s my team against Noreaga’s team, and your wife Crystal have been getting we’re all running for the month of March. My really active in the fitness and health team’s miles every day combined against community. his team’s miles every day for the month of Growing up, it seems like when you March. Whoever loses, we’re going to go listen to Hip Hop and rap music, the perform in the winner’s city. If he wins I’m party lifestyle is always what’s promoted. going to New York and if I win he’s coming to You don’t ever hear people promoting a Houston. healthy lifestyle or having a healthy fam- ily. I don’t know what the reason for that Are you performing at SXSW? is, but it’s something I hope to promote. I Yeah, I’ve got a big Grammy block party on would hope that getting my health right Thursday the 15th and on the 16th I have a and getting my life together would help concert at the Mexican American Cultural motivate someone down the line in the Center. It’s a free concert for all ages. // next generation or even in my generation to do the same. Twitter: @PaulWallBaby Website: PaulWallBaby.com Although we all enjoy partying and that lifestyle, at the same time, we should promote a healthy lifestyle. Our health is something that people take for granted, and a lot of times they wait until it’s too late to try to do something about it and

25 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 25 26 // OZONE MAG 27 // OZONE MAG 28 // OZONE MAG Street that’s just all bars with music and bands DJ RAPID RIC and DJs. It’s all unique and grassroots. There’s a whole bunch of entertainment in one area. For people who aren’t familiar with you, As far as Texas is concerned, [geographically] what’s your background? it’s the midway point between Houston, Dallas, I started DJing when I was 15 on the border [of and San Antonio, and there’s a lot of music out the U.S. and Mexico]. I moved up to Austin for in Corpus Christi. Austin is kinda the epicentre college and stayed there for about ten years. I because it sits in the middle of this big state. opened up a studio two years ago in down- Austin City Limits is another huge festival they town Houston, DMG Studios, so I go back and have in the fall that’s similar to Coachella with forth from Austin to Houston. We had Kendrick all different genres of music. With SXSW and Lamar come through. We recorded the Big ACL, people know they’ve gotta check out the Sean verse on the album. Bun B records live music capital of the world. That’s made here at least once a week. The last Killa Kyleon Austin very dope and amplified Sixth Street. and Chalie Boy projects were recorded here.

Have you dropped any recent mixtapes? I got more into production so I’ve just been fo- cused on doing beats. I don’t drop my mixtapes as often, but when I do, I pick a theme. I’ve still been dropping my 420 tapes with pro-weed music, and the Whut It Dew album last year. I’ve been shopping beats; was the first one to pick one up for his new EP.

You’ve traveled extensively with and other artists. Are you surprised at the reception to Houston music worldwide? The big Texas movement that happened six or years ago definitely made an impact on the music that’s being made today, because even when I go other places, you’d be surprised at the [Texas] albums they have. Now you have artists like ASAP Rocky blowing up, and he’s [obviously] a big fan of that [Houston] sound, and other artists like Big KRIT. I think it’s really cool that they appreciate it. I meet people from Detroit and Pittsburgh that are big fans of Bun B. I think it’s cool that the Houston sound still resonates in music today. When [artists] Who are some of the new Texas artists you come down to Austin for SXSW, they get that have your eye on? feeling like, “Wow, I’m in Texas,” and we’re just as There are so many talented guys who are just a excited to have them in Texas. hit away from blowing up. Some of my favou- rites are Killa Kyleon, Treal Lee and Rick What are you expecting from SXSW this year? from Dallas, and Kirko Bangz from Houston. It gets crazier every year. Last year they had Beat King is another dude who’s always on the and Jay-Z performing and now Jay- radio. His songs are always playing in the clubs Z is coming again with . It’s grown to a and the college parties. There’s also Dough- household name. I think it’s a really cool way to beezy, a new cat out of Houston. He raps really interact with a lot of people who already have a crazy and the songs are really jammin’. There’s name or just wanna come back and re-estab- a whole new Houston movement; I guess it’s lish their name, as well as total newcomers. It’s kinda like the blog rappers that have a pres- a good place to network and see each other’s ence, the Marcus Manchilds and Propains and a talent and make use of those relationships. bunch of young cats who got their internet and YouTube hustle on. // How did Austin gain its reputation as the live music capital of the world? Website: WhutItDew.com I’ve been almost everywhere in the world and Twitter: @RapidRic I don’t think anywhere has a strip like Sixth

29 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 29 AS A CHILD, LESTER JR. ADOPTED THE MONIKER LES, AND WHEN HE EMBARKED ON A RAP CAREER THE NAME STUCK – SUBSTITUTING $ for S OF COURSE. WITH HOUSTON AND NEW ORLEANS INFLUENCES, HE SOON LINKED UP WITH SLIM THUG’S BOSS HOGG OUTLAWZ.

Being raised between New Orleans and Houston, those LE$ are two good influences for a Southern rapper to have. Words by Julia Beverly Growing up in New Orleans and being able to see Baby and them do it firsthand, it made you feel like, “Hey, I could really do this.” I used to be out here in Houston in the summer and I would go to the Kappa and see Slim [Thug] and Chamillionaire and Paul [Wall] getting money, and they were just from ‘round the way. So to see them coming from the bottom to the top, that just let you know it was possible.

I used to do this for fun with my pa’tnas. It was something I was good at so I invested in myself and bought some CD burners and started handing them out. DJ Mr. Rogers heard my mixtapes in the streets; he was Slim’s DJ and worked with the Party Boyz. When I started working with him that’s when I started thinking this could really happen and we started making some progress. The first mixtape I did, Settle 4 Les, he produced all the tracks on there. The last time I put out a mixtape I didn’t even have to look for beats because I already had them.

Houston has always had such a specific sound, with the screwed and chopped feel to it. Do you feel like you and some of the new artists are carrying on that tradition or how does the sound compare? A lot of people say my sound is pretty much the same sound as it used to be. I kinda stuck with it. Some people get mad at cats like ASAP Rocky but I feel like, you shouldn’t be mad at them because they’re influenced by the Houston sound. When I came up I was real big into the whole Swishahouse, SUC, Cash Money thing. I’m talking about the old Cash Money when Mannie [Fresh] used to do all their beats; smooth beats, the Big Tymers era. That’s where I got my style from. I think it’s pretty much the same Houston style but it’s a little more organic. It’s not forced. I don’t have a grill in my mouth, I just am who I am.

Speaking of grills, it seems like a lot of the topics in the Houston music just got cliche - the grill, the swangaz, sippin’ . What are some other topics you speak on? Not to be cliche (laughs), but literally, my favorite rappers growing up were Bun B and Pimp C. Listening to their music you just learn to put your experiences into the music. If you talking about coming down and ridin’ clean and all that, that’s cool for that song, but you’ve gotta have more substance. I’ve got a song on my last tape Beautiful Struggle called “Story 2 Tell.” It’s about a girl catching AIDS, and the second verse is about a guy who used to do crack who got off crack and then got back on it. I was really talk- ing about my uncle. You’ve gotta dig a little deeper, you know? I used to always hear Pimp C say, “If we don’t stop talking about these cars, we’re gonna lose it.” It’s more than just cars, that’s true. You’ve gotta put a little more real life into the music. Actual experiences.

30 // OZONE MAG How do you think Pimp C’s passing affected the Texas music scene? I think he was the life of this scene. Everybody says, “What if he was still here?” I don’t know. I didn’t know him personally. I got a chance to meet him three or four weeks before he passed. I was a huge fan and I got to meet him in front of strip club in Houston. I gave him a CD and we chopped it up and he was real cool. So, you can never really say for sure. I don’t know who would be here or who wouldn’t be here or what he would speak on, but it seems like it would be a stronger scene. I think we’re trying to get up out of the trenches right now, but you know, Bun is doing a lot to help too.

Houston really put sippin’ syrup on the map and then it became sort of a national epidemic. Do you feel like it’s still prevalent or has it fallen off with people like Lil Wayne and Paul Wall publicly talking about quitting? I really think right now it might be a bigger issue than ever. Just the other day a friend of mine showed me on YouTube how there are kids pouring up lean like ridiculously be- cause cats like and Lil Wayne were talking about it. You know, kids will follow whatever, and they don’t really know what they’re doing with the drug because they just take it and mix it up no matter how much they pour up. It’s kinda scary because they’re doing it not caring about what the repercussions might be. I have pa’tnas that have been addicted to it for years, since before it was “cool” to do it. It’s really not cool, man. I occasionally do it myself but I don’t go crazy with it because I’ve seen what can happen. I feel like if you know the repercussions and you have com- mon sense, you should know not to do it. But people really follow music and they’ll do whatever they think is cool.

What kind of repercussions have you seen - medical issues? Yeah, it really messes up your stomach, and of course it can kill you. Obviously we’ve seen it happen. People just have to be more careful. It’s not like weed. You can’t overdose on smoking weed, but drank, if you do enough of that, it’ll take you out of the game. Even trying to quit can be a struggle. I’ve seen that with people passing kidney stones and all that type of stuff. It’s not something you should really want to do.

Will this be your first year at SXSW? Nah, I’ve been going for a minute. This might be my fourth or fifth time going. I was out here grinding before I got with [Slim Thug’s] Boss Hogg Outlawz. It’s crazy to see the progression. I remember when you would go out there and see [major artists] just walking down the street with no security. Last year is the first year it really got crazy; you had Jay-Z, Kanye, all these big artists down there. I’ll be performing at like four spots. I just dropped my new single last week with Dom Kennedy and , so we’re go- ing to try to make the video happen [during SXSW]. //

Website: settle4les.com Twitter: @Settle4Les

31 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 31 Marcus Manchild Words by Julia Beverly

32 // OZONE MAG HOUSTON NEWCOMER AND AMG ART- Even when we were in New York, we had IST MARCUS MANCHILD’S CAREER HAS long talks out there. Me and [Slim Thug] TAKEN OFF QUICKLY. HERE, HE REFLECTS sat down and smoked and he was like, ON THE ADVICE HE’S GOTTEN FROM HIS “Man, just keep having fun. A lot of people OG MENTORS. get [too involved] with the business part of it and start learning [the business side] You had a brief cameo in the OZONE and then they just think that way. You can parody video “Shit Rappers Say,” but seri- tell in their music. Just have fun.” I talked to ously, it seems like it would be tough for the other day too; he called just to a new artist today because the game is so talk. He told me basically the same thing: oversaturated with so many cliche topics. “Stay humble, rep for the city, and have How do you stand out from the pack? fun. Don’t let the business side get to your Just speaking on everything I do personally. head because your music is going to go A lot of people who are rapping right now downhill from there.” I feel like that’s true. are trying to do it to impress everybody else, Sometimes when you start overthinking it but I think the people who are winning are you’re like, “I’ve gotta make music for this just having fun and talking about what they type of crowd,” and that always handicaps do on a daily basis. Just be you. A lot of these you. So if I just stay having fun and make people sound the same or sound just like an- sure I represent the city right and keep go- other rapper and they’re not being original. ing with my music, I’ll go far. I’m listening I think putting your own personality in the to [their advice] because they’ve had more music will separate you from everybody else. success than I have. They’re legends in the game so it’s just a blessing. You did a show in recently opening for 2 Chainz and brought out Slim Are there any other releases you’re work- Thug and Paul Wall during your set. ing on besides Space Jam 2? I wanted them to come to make a state- Yeah, we’re really getting ready for Free ment. I felt like it was a power move. I knew Yo Mind Music. It’s kind of like an album [the crowd] would know “Still Tippin’.” I was because it’s all original beats. We went nervous coming out because I know my deeper into my life. I’ve got Scarface, Twis- history and I’m trying not to get booed in ta, and Bun B on there, but not too many New York. So I took every avenue to make features. This time around I’m just telling sure it was a great show. When I saw how people who I am. Fuck it, I’m just going to the crowd reacted I knew it worked because express it and I’m not worried about what their ears were open. I rock with both of people think. We’re probably going to wait them personally and it was a good show. until we get my [label] situation right and I think everybody around the country is then release that. feeding off the South and looking at a lot of the things we’re doing. Don’t get me wrong, I hear you’re doing double duty today, even when I got on stage, I was like, “Oh shit, simultaneously doing a rap magazine I hope I don’t get booed.” But it was cool. I interview and handling daddy responsi- was excited and it was a blessing just to have bilities. How is it balancing the two? that experience. I couldn’t even believe how I have one daughter, and it’s kind of hard the show turned out. because it’s not what I expected. I didn’t expect [my career] to go as fast as it did Are you performing during SXSW? but now I see it. You’ve gotta make sure We have several shows lined up for SXSW you’re in the studio. Every big artist that and we have a video shoot [that week] for has made it, they’re in the studio 24/7 and “You Ain’t Trill” with and Scarface. that’s why they made it. Some artists are We’re going to shoot that out in Austin and not even cold. Some can’t rap, some can then I have to go to New York for more meet- rap. But it all depends on the material you ings with [major] labels. We’re just continu- put out. I try to balance being a father and ing to put out material to keep my name out still doing the music and showing my face there. Space Jam 2 drops tomorrow. at the parties. It’s hard but it’s starting to come together. I’ve gotta make it happen. Having worked with artists like Scarface, Ain’t no stopping on the grind now. // Paul Wall, and Slim Thug, is there anything they’ve told you about how to be success- Twitter: @MarcusManchild ful and have longevity in the rap game?

33 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 33 Slim Thug Words by Julia Beverly & Devi Dev Photo by MQI Images

34 // OZONE MAG IN THIS CANDID CONVERSATION WITH OZONE’s JULIA BEVERLY AND RADIO PERSONALITY DEVI DEVI, HOUSTON’S Devi: So how does something like that RESIDENT RAP COMEDIAN SLIM THUG unfold? Do you get a DM like, “Oh Slim, I TALKS LOSING HIS VIRGINITY, BABY love you so much!”? MAMA DRAMA, SWINGERS, SEX TAPES, Slim: Nah, it ain’t even about that. It’s just AND HOW TWITTER RUINEd HIS RELA- [convenient] because you don’t need TIONSHIP. nobody’s phone number. You can just meet a girl on Twitter. Maybe somebody Julia Beverly: Who responded to your mock retweeted a picture of her, or you see a Craigslist ad [for sex]? chick that you saw out somewhere and Slim Thug: It was some decent chicks that just follow them and it goes from there. actually hit me back, for real. It was like over 200 responses. They were for real though. Devi: Break it down for me. This feels like They were saying, “I’m married, so it’s going To Catch A Predator. How did your inter- to be confidential” and all this. They were action go from Twitter to the bedroom? serious. You can tell muthafuckers really do JB: Was it like, “Hey, do you want to come that shit. I ain’t respond to nobody though. to my house tonight?” Or was it a little I swear to God I ain’t respond. That shit was more conversation involved? funny as fuck. Devi: Did she check in on FourSquare? “Fourth person, I’m now the mayor of JB: So you said men are superior to women. @SlimThugga’s house”? Slim: Of course. That’s how it was made, Slim: (laughs) Nah, it don’t be like that. right? The woman is supposed to serve the It’s just like meeting somebody out [at a man. Y’all trying to change up shit. Men are club]. You see somebody on Twitter; you supposed to pay the bills. It’s like, if you get a see their picture. A lot of the pictures are flat [tire] I’m going to change your tire. If I’m false advertisement, though. So I don’t hungry, cook me something to eat. The fuck? go off just the picture. Maybe I saw them That’s what men do, that’s what women do. in the club before but I don’t have their phone number, or I know one of their Devi Dev: Is it hard to date a woman who friends. You know, “Hey, what’s up?” follows you on Twitter? Slim: Yes. Me and my ex broke up because JB: Do you meet girls on Facebook too? of Twitter, kind of. She says that I say too Slim: Whatever I tweet goes to Facebook, much wild stuff on Twitter. Twitter is just but I don’t actually [log on] Facebook. funny to me. I say wild random shit to make Maybe we need to check out that Face- people laugh, you know. I ain’t going to book. [to J-Dawg] Fool, you on Facebook? change. I think the best thing about Twitter is that people don’t get my jokes. That’s the JB: So the ex you just mentioned, was funniest thing to me. People believe I was that the girlfriend you were talking on Craigslist actually looking for chicks? For about in the article that got a lot of black somebody to be that dumb to believe that, women upset with you? that’s the funny part. Today people started Slim: Right. But she was black. I never hitting me back after I wrote “all black dudes stopped dating black women. I’ve never should fuck a white chick for MLK today.” I been in a relationship with a white woman. got all kinds of responses from muthafuckers with dreads that were on some real [MLK] JB: So she was half white and half black? stuff, like, “You fucking coon!” That shit is In that Vibe interview, didn’t you say her funny to me, that’s the funny part of Twitter. white half was the one that cooks for you, or something like that? Devi: What do your DMs look like on a daily Slim: Right, that was a joke. If you don’t basis? get it, you don’t understand my humor. Slim: My DMs are pretty light. I don’t really People don’t understand a lot of the follow nobody. I only follow the people who things I say because of my sense of hu- tweet me. I’ve slept with maybe, no more mor. Damn near everything I said in [that than five girls that I met off Twitter. Can’t be interview] was meant to be funny. I was more than that. I doubt it was five. I’ve been saying I had a black girlfriend, and my on Twitter for like three years.

35 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 35 brother teases me because he has no prob- lems with his white woman doing everything. the other one wants to see you that night. So I said when my girl is cooking, it must be It’s just crazy. It’s too much. her white half. JB: Were you faithful to your last girl- JB: Well, a lot of women took you seriously friend? and were offended. How did you feel about Slim: Right. I was. Y’all really be believing the backlash that came from that interview? what you see me tweeting. Tweeting is Slim: People get so riled up. Really, if you’re not really, you know, all the way accurate. not following me, don’t read my tweets. I It’s just for fun. I do shit to make you guess you can’t get the humor in what people muthafuckers laugh. write all the time. Even with text messages, how you text people and they talk shit dif- Devi: How old were you when you lost ferently or whatever. If you don’t know me your virginity? or don’t follow me, you won’t understand Slim: 12. I was in middle school and girls my sense of humor so why do you even care used to spend the night at my house. My what I say? That’s how I feel about it. Most of mama was at work. But even if she was the people who had bad responses were not there, she didn’t care. I’m the youngest fucking following me anyway, so I don’t really of seven, so there was no control in my care about them and what they think. house whatsoever. We raised ourselves, really. My mama was working seven days JB: So now that you’re single, are you look- a week, twelve hours a day. She couldn’t ing for a new girlfriend? control us. Niggas was trappin’. Niggas Slim: I ain’t gonna lie, I want to be in a rela- were into everything at the house. And tionship. People think I’m just a hoe ass nigga yeah, I was only 12, so I did it raw. The that fucks a thousand bitches at a time, but rubber probably ain’t fit around me when at the end of the day I want a family, I want a I was 12. girl to live with me. I’m not saying I want to be married right now; I don’t believe [I’m ready] JB: Do you have any sex tapes you’re go- for that. I don’t think that I’m ready to say, ing to leak to promote the next album? “For the rest of my life, I will never with Slim: I ain’t going to leak nothing out. I got another woman.” a safe about as tall as me with a hard drive full of [sex tapes]. So whoever gets the Devi: Do you think you’ll ever get to that code and can get in my safe, I ain’t trippin’. point? Slim: Yeah, you know, the older you get Devi: Have you ever been in love? [things change]. I’m 30 years old and I can Slim: Yep, twice. think about all the girls I slept with [in the last 30 years] and then imagine spending 30 more JB: So Twitter ruined your relationship. years only sleeping with one girl. I don’t get Slim: That was part of it. She said I tweet it. Maybe things will change because I won’t crazy stuff to girls, but it’s all fun to me. be going to clubs as much when I’m older, so She kinda believed it, you know? I don’t I might not be around an where know. I don’t get it. She was a nice girl. there’s a lot of women. When I’m 50 I might Smart, good. It was all good just a week not even want to fuck anymore. I got high ago. See, people think I don’t have a heart. blood pressure. (laughs) But the reason why we’re broken up is because I have a heart and I didn’t want Devi: Why do you want or need to sleep with her running around unhappy. She was more than one woman? I’m just curious. unhappy about me going to the clubs so Slim: That’s not really what it is. As long as much and talking crazy to girls on Twitter. one woman holds me down, I’m good. I can’t So instead of me dragging her through all juggle too many women. That shit is a job, that I said, “You know what? It ain’t work- you know, juggling five women. I think it’s ing right now.” harder being single than in a relationship. When you’re single, you’ve got one person JB: If you have two kids already and you to focus on. When you’re single you’ve got want a family, why not try to make it to juggle all these different emotions and work with one of your kids’ mothers? different chicks and whatever they’re going Slim: One of them I was never in a relation- through. Let’s say you’re talking to one and ship with, and the one I was in a relation- ship with, she’s crazy, you know? I’ll never

36 // OZONE MAG do that again. Actually, what happened with my baby mama was the same thing that Slim: I refuse to disclose this information to happened with my ex-girlfriend. We were just the public. (laughs) having fun. I was independent, selling mix- tapes, getting money. I’m from the hood; y’all Devi: Do you think it’s harder or easier don’t understand how low I was on the totem to date someone in the entertainment pole. I was just doing hood shit, shining in the industry? hood, feeling like this might be the best days Slim: I don’t know if it’s harder or easier. of my life. I come home and she’s crying. What [Me and LeToya] were cool, we had a good the fuck is wrong with you? I was happy [in relationship. Sometimes it’s hard with the relationship] but she was not happy. She scheduling. My last chick was a teacher, so got this dude’s number or whatever, and after when she’s off a lot of times I’m working. I heard about that, I put her up in her own So that’s another reason why we broke spot. I didn’t kick her out, I just put her in her up. She felt like she was always sleeping own spot, paid it up for six months, started in the bed by herself. All that plays a part. paying child support, put furniture in the I’m really a great guy. I could be a male house, and said “God bless you,” and that’s the chauvinist and do what I want to do and end of it. She still tried to get back with me shit on women, but I don’t. I’m going to later on but it was a wrap after I tasted that kill y’all when I get married. I’m going to single life. That’s what I’m scared of right now find me a bad bitch that thinks like me and after a break up. Once I taste that single life understands me and I’m going to marry and get used to not sleeping with that leg on her. I’m going to be the best husband. I me in the bed, it’s just not safe. ain’t going to cheat, watch. I don’t think I’m ready right now, even though I want to JB: What about your other baby mama? The get married and have a family. Maybe if I rumor that you cheated on LeToya [Luckett] had a woman that understands and says, and got somebody else pregnant? “You know what? If you do fuck up down Slim: It wasn’t cheating because we were the line, I understand that home is home, split up at the time. We were on a break. I people make mistakes,” maybe I would do was never in a relationship with [my other it sooner. baby mama]. I didn’t even see my second child born because she had a boyfriend and Devi: Maybe you can be swingers. she thought it was his baby. He was at the Slim: I want to do that shit one time. I went hospital with her. We found a blood test later to a swinger’s club on Halloween. I had an to find out and it wasn’t his. After I found out Obama hat and mask on. It was in Dallas. it was mine, I stepped up and started paying That shit was cool. I was just watching. my child support and taking care of my son. You’ll be seeing people talking, turn your head, look back and the guy is eating the JB: Child support is good but what about girl out. Shit was crazy. This one girl was spending time with him? just squirting everybody on the ground. Slim: I ain’t the best at that. I’m not trying to (laughs) And since I just took both of you make excuses but it’s hard when you have out to dinner, one of you has to give me two baby mamas and they don’t live near you. some. If I get you something to eat I get The kids go to school every day. They’re off to beat, that’s the rules. I’m paying the tab on the weekends and I’m working. I do spend and if I ever pay over $100 it’s automatic. time, but it’s hard. The other baby mama, I I get to have sex with both of you. If the can’t even get in touch with her. I have to call meal or the date costs over $100, it’s auto- my son’s cell phone and he’s only 9 years old. matic sex. That’s the rule. A lot of people don’t understand that. I ain’t making excuses for deadbeat dads, but some- JB: I’ve never heard of that rule before. times the mother is hurt from the relationship Devi: $100 is not a lot of money. and can make it real hard for the man to be in Slim: Yes it is. It’s a recession. // the child’s life. It’s a difficult task. It’s your child so you’ve gotta fight for it, but they make We had to cut excerpts in the interest of it hard. A lot of jealous women see you’ve space, but you can visit ozonemag.com or moved on and they hold it against you. .com/ozonemag for the complete interview. Devi: How much do you pay in child sup- port?

37 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 37 League of Words by Eleven8 Extra- ordinary G’z

Why did you decide to adopt the name League of Extraordinary G’z? Tuk-Da-Gat: G’z can stand for anything. Gentle- men, Gangsta, Genius, it just goes on and on. We took the idea from the movie where they each had their own individual gifts. We came together and became stronger as a whole than we were as individuals. We’re all different G’z. Everybody is a G in some way in their life.

How did the League of Extraordinary G’z come together? Reggie Coby: We’re all mutual friends and knew of each other through different circles. Austin isn’t that big. We all work on songs here and there, but what solidified [the group] was my birthday three years ago. On April 19, 2009, I had a party and everybody came through. We decided that the three groups - the COD, The Southbound, and Dred Scott - were going to couple other producers are at the forefront do a mixtape together. We wound up spend- of actually creating a sound for Austin that ing a lot of time together and becoming more we can have for years to come. like a family. Tuk-Da-Gat: Now we’ve got like five mixtapes What do you have planned for SXSW this and an album that’s about to come out. It’s year? grow exponentially. We ended up just sticking Tuk-Da-Gat: Man, we got a bunch of stuff together and riding it out. planned. We’ve got two official shows, one on Wednesday at Kiss & Fly and one on Being from Austin, Texas, do you feel like Saturday at Emo’s downtown. We’ve got your sound represents the city well? numerous unofficial events too. I know Mr. Greezo: Well, you know Austin doesn’t cur- we’ve got a couple on Friday, but I don’t rently have a sound. [No rappers] have come know the specifics. out of Austin yet that can develop and main- Mr. Greezo: Don’t forget about the mixer. tain a consistent sound. So, that’s part one. I Thursday from 2-6PM downtown at Soul do feel that we’re slowly developing some sort Fresco on Sixth Street. of theme. And there are hella groups in Austin that personfiy that as well. Reggie Coby is a You’ve been getting a lot of blog love phenomenal producer and I feel like he and a lately. Do you feel like you’ve “made it”? Mr. Greezo: Nah, I really don’t. There are nu-

38 // OZONE MAG merous blogs that still haven’t posted our music or acknowledged our existence too. And, you know, that’s just the pes- simistic side of me, but I am grateful to the blogs that have recognized us and do fuck with us. I’m sure eventually the other blogs will catch on. But we definitely do not feel like we’ve “made it.” We’re very humble about this and we understand there is a long path to follow to try to reach the level of success we’re trying to attain. So we just keep it moving one day at a time and we’re thankful for the blogs and writers and music journalists that do support.

For all the people who are coming down from out of town, what are some of the spots to visit in Austin? Tuk-Da-Gat: Make sure you get some good Mexican food. Every time I leave Texas, that’s the first thing i do when I get back is get some good Tex Mex. I would suggest the Mayo Taco Village. Reggie Coby: Tacos, Players Hamburgers goes hard. There are some dope places to eat in Austin. Tuk-Da-Gat: But it’s more than just that. It’s going to be everywhere. During SXSW Austin just grows into this different city almost. It’s a college town but when SXSW comes, there are people every- where and there’s so much to do. It’s hard to get a real feel for the city in its natural state. Reggie Coby: Instead of being centralized in the downtown area this year, they’ve got shit going on in Riverside, down south, and up north, so pretty much the whole city is going to be on that vibe.

Are there any SXSW shows you’re excited to see? Reggie Coby: I’m looking forward to see- ing T.I. and that Eminem joint. I’ve never seen Eminem live. Reggie Coby: I’m just looking forward to discovering new shit. Every year at SXSW, you can walk into any venue and find something that’s really dope taht you didn’t even know existed. That’s one of my favorite parts about it, besides seeing the people you already know. //

Twitter: @LOEGz Website: LOEGz.com Facebook: League of Extraordinary Gz

39 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 39 Pooca Leroy Words by Julia Beverly

40 // OZONE MAG DALLAS REPRESENTATIVE POOCA LEROY HAS BEEN RAPPING SINCE 1999. ALONG WITH HIS BROTHER MONEY MIKE OF real family thing. I’m the main artist on the MONEY MOBB ENT., THEY’VE CAUGHT label right now and we’ve got other artists FIRE IN THE STREETS WITH THE RELEASE signed to the label but we’re pretty much OF HIS RECORD “RAP.” trying to get through the door before we start pushing any other music. You’ve been rapping for quite a while. Was it just a hobby at first? Is “Rap” the lead single off an upcoming Nah, it’s always been serious, but you know, album or mixtape? you’ve gotta put in a lot of hard work. It’s Yeah, actually I dropped four mixtapes in just a whole lot that comes with the game. 2011. I did a mixtape every three months You’ve gotta keep grinding and working titled Before The Storm Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol and promoting and feeding the streets. Year 3., etc. All of the mixtapes are leading up after year of working out here and it’s finally to the actual album. The album is gonna starting to pay off. It took a toll on the streets be called The Storm. You know, when the and now we’re one of the hottest things out storm comes you gotta bring out the here in the city. umbrellas and stay in the house. (laughs) When the storm comes that means we What was the first record that really made made it through everything and it’s our noise for you? time to finally show the world what we’re This last one that I did is called “Rap,” and I made of and what we’ve been working so dropped it like a year and three months ago. hard for. That’s the hottest song out here in Dallas right now. Once that happened, I knew it Obviously “Rap” is a self-explanatory re- was gonna be a real good look for me out cord. What are some of the other topics here. We dropped the video for it a few you speak on in other records? months ago. Yeah, and I have the remix to “Rap” also with Gucci Mane and T Cash. I have an- Dallas has always been like Houston’s little other record too called “I Got The Streets” stepbrother. A lot of people expected the that has a real good buzz out here too. We DSR label deal with Big Tuck and Tum Tum just shot the video for that a few months to be the city’s big break but it didn’t hap- ago. I just did another record called “She A pen. What do you think is holding Dallas Freak” with Chalie Boy. You know, we have back from being on the same level as a a lot of street anthems and whenever we Houston or Atlanta in the rap world? drop ‘em the streets and the clubs get be- I think it’s [lack of] unity that’s holding us hind ‘em so hard so they become instant back. Everybody wants to be “the man” and hitss. I got a whole list; you can pick up they feel like they can’t share out here, man. a mixtape that’s full of hits on there. We Everybody wants to be the boss and I feel had over 20,000 mixtapes in the streets like that’s the only thing holding us back. just last year in 2011. We go hard with the We’re not unified. We haven’t come together online promotion too. Last year, I made yet the way the whole city should have. DJ Smallz’ Southern Smoke mixtape, so That’s starting to happen now because we I’ve started getting a lot of attention from have a few dudes in the game that believe in other markets too. this unity thing. If you had to describe your sound how And you’re signed to an indie label out of would you sum it up? Dallas, Money Mobb Ent., right? Very, very authentic, man. It’s like no other Yeah, my brother is the CEO and I’m the Pres- sound. When you hear it, there’s no one ident. It’s something we started a few years you could compare me to because I have ago and we’ve been running with it ever my own sound. It’s a breath of fresh air to since, doing it on our own out of the trunk. the rap game because it’s a new sound We hit all the mom and pop stores creating and it’s some real music. It’s very Southern a big name for ourselves. It’s become kind swag, but it’s some good music, man. // of a household name out here now so it’s something we’re gonna continue to run with Twitter: @PoocaLeroy independently. We are actually blood broth- ers, same mother and same father, so it’s a

41 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 41 POOCA LEROY & MONEY they’re supposed to have of Dallas. I believe MOBB CONTINUED: Leroy could bring that, as far as just his swag and his lyrics. There’s a message to his lyrics, AS CO-CEO OF MONEY MOBB ENT. it’s not just a song. He has a message behind WITH HIS BROTHER POOCA LEROY, each hit. MONEY MIKE HOLDS DOWN THE BUSI- NESS BEHIND THE SCENES FOR THEIR Pooca Leroy is the one to put Dallas on the RISING DALLAS RECORD LABEL. map. He’s the answer, you know? We had a lot of artists come out, and no disrespect to What do you think sets Pooca Leroy them, but they weren’t Leroy. They got next apart from other up-and-coming artists? but we’ve got now, and we’re ready to take He’s not just trying to rap, he’s looking at the world by storm. It’s not a one-hit wonder. the business side. He wants to venture Once we get there, we really believe that into movies and crossover, so he’s not just Money Mobb as a corporation will be able to trying to dominate the rap game. He’s got eventually be in the Forbes 100. a lot more to offer than just rap. I just feel like the world needs to see him and hear Wow, that’s a pretty optimistic goal. You him. The closest the world has probably said you have a background in trucking? ever gotten to see what Dallas is really Yeah, a background in logistics globally. about was Pimp C. We haven’t really been We’re trying to give the world something able to expose the world to our culture, new. Since our trucks are already run- and now we should. I believe Pooca Leroy ning across the 48 states, we’re going to will be able to do that. intertwine the two together and get this rocket taken off. Only thing the world needs What do you think the world needs to to do is just hear Leroy. He’s the best thing know about Dallas? since Tupac, and I’m not being biased. A lot It’s not about the dance [music]. It’s just of people use his name for the strength of the image that they have of Dallas in it but as far as the message, I believe the different regions [is incorrect]. I have a world took a great artist real early and they background of logistics in trucking. I go replaced him with Pooca Leroy. // out to different cities and when we pro- mote I see that they don’t have the image

(l to r): Money Mike, Pooca Leroy

42 // OZONE MAG 43 // OZONE MAG Skewby Words by Eleven8

44 // OZONE MAG FROM PRODUCTION TO VIDEO DI- RECTING AND UNIQUE VIRAL MAR- opposite. KETING, MEMPHIS RAPPER SKEWBY We’re living in a time where artists can try HAS TAKEN HIS CAREER INTO HIS different things and see what works. I’m at OWN HANDS. a point in my career where I can afford to do that. I’m not in demand by hundreds How did you get the name Skewby? of thousands of people so I have the room I got my name when I was playing basketball to try new things and be original in my as a kid. I used to make this very ugly face approach. It’s really just me being curious and my friend said I looked like Scooby. It and creative and trying to approach the turned from an insult to an actual nickname game in a different way. and it’s stuck with me ever since. What kind of response have you been How long have you been rapping? getting? Man, eleven years. I started when I was It’s worked out pretty good, especially twelve and I was dead serious. It’s been a compared to the previous responses. long, drawn-out process, but that’s when Usually if someone drops a new song and I made the decision I wanted to do it. I lis- then waits two weeks before dropping tened to a lot of Jay-Z, A Tribe Called Quest, the video, the buzz kind of dies down. , and - that’s a weird one. Since I’ve been putting the video out first, I’ve been able to have the same impact You kick a lot of knowledge on Twitter without the long, drawn-out anticipa- about the music industry. How do you feel tion, which I think is kind of overrated about the state of Hip Hop today? nowadays. Especially with lesser-known I feel like it’s in a beautiful state right now be- artists. Anticipation is cool if you’re Jay-Z cause people can do what they want to do. It or Kanye and you’re dropping Watch The hasn’t always been like that, you know? Hip Throne, but it’s not really as big of a deal Hop is something where usually the person when you’re an unknown artist. who conforms the fastest is the winner. Now, the person who’s original is the winner. I You’ve also been directing your own think it’s in a better state than it has been the videos. Why’s that? past few years. That’s just how my career has been. It’s the same reason I produce my records: I You’ll be performing at SXSW, right? Why don’t know anybody who can carry out do you think that’s important for an artist? my vision as well as I can. I remember It’s a pleasure because it’s an important audi- when I put out my first mixtape, Proving ence. That’s how I’ve always felt about SXSW. You Wrong Since 1988. I wanted to shoot a The people who are attending are not always video for “Sunday Morning” and I reached fans but they’re people who can change out to a few directors. I shot some footage your career. You never know who’s watching. for it and sent it to [the directors], but they To me, that’s why I hold the festival in such all came back bad. I remember watching high regard. I always wanted to be a part their edits of the video thinking, “If these of it, so it’s a blessing. Last year was my first guys can be directors, I can definitely be a time going, but I had always wanted to go director too.” So I shot my first video back and couldn’t afford it. Last year I decided I’m then for “Talk To ‘Em” and I’ve done every just going to work hard and earn the right to video since. perform there. Last year I met Erykah Badu at a Bun B show during SXSW and got a hug, so You dropped More or Less about a year that was very cool. I’m a huge fan of hers. ago. Are you working on anything else? I’m working on something new. It’s not a What shows are you looking forward to? “mixtape” or a “project”; I don’t really know Hopefully I can catch T.I.’s show. T.I. is very how to categorize it because it’s going to important to Hip Hop and very important to be something different. Like I said, I’m just the culture I come from and from the South, taking advantage of the times and doing so I would love to see him live. new things. There will definitely be a new music release this year, soon. // Most artists drop a song first and then the video, but lately you’ve been doing the Twitter: @Skewby

45 // OZONE MAG OZONE MAG // 45 EVEN THOUGH SINGER TONY WILLIAMS IS A BLOOD RELATIVE OF KANYE WEST’S, has never been about nepotism. If you know DON’T EXPECT HIM TO RELY ON HIS FAMOUS any of my bodies of work separate from him, COUSIN‘s NAME FOR MUSICAL ACCLAIM. then you’ll know I’m not inspired by what he does. He’s always respected me for my How long have you been in the game and uniquely individual artistry and he’s incorpo- where would people know you from? rated it. I don’t have to prove anything, just To me, entering “the game” would mean the listen to King or the Fool. first day somebody cut me a check to do [mu- sic]. I was about 21, so that was a long-ass time I feel like [King or the Fool] still has a lot of ago. You know, there was a time when artists growing and catching on to do, but that’s actually served their grind time in the streets, what I expected. It sometimes takes people working clubs for years before they rose in a while to catch on to something that’s not popularity. But I’m sure most people would the status quo. Sometimes they’ve gotta credit Kanye’s College Dropout album with be- make sure it’s cool to like something that ing my entry into the game, and that’s fine. doesn’t fit the norm. “Another You” is a huge song, even without commercial radio play. What’s your formula for making a hit? If people would look beyond that song, I don’t have a formula for making a hit. In fact, though, it’s not even one of the top three making a hit has never been my intention. I best [songs] on that project. We’ve just gotta only have one purpose in mind and that’s to let it grow organically. That will happen make a great song. There’s a huge difference. when the people who have supported and “Hits” are usually defined by rules and tenden- embraced what I do from the beginning cies that people have come to expect. I want start playing the album for a new audience. to make music that separates you from the Real soul music resonates with everybody. normal expectations, something different. In my opinion, music that defies expectations You recently released the Some Of My is the best kind. Of course, the hope is that Best Rappers Are Friends mixtape. Will any people will embrace the true genius of the of your rapper friends be joining you at product to the degree that elevates it to a “hit” SXSW? status in spite of its differences. Kyle Lucas, Cyhi The Prynce, Wale, and Fonzworth Bentley may be in town. I haven’t Why do you call yourself “The World Famous” exactly locked in what my presentation is Tony Williams? going to be. Last year I performed with my I’m so glad you asked that question. Most live band. It’s a disappointment because we people never ask that question, so I guess they applied to perform at the official showcase think I must really be on my own jock like that. this year but didn’t get accepted. That being They act as if they think I’m pretentious to said, my experience with SXSW is that when the point that I’d be offended if they were to you see me perform with my band, you’re bring it up. I want people to know that I don’t getting the real World Famous Tony Williams take myself that seriously at all. I’m a humble, experience. It’s different with a DJ. You’ll see lighthearted, fun kinda guy. The whole “World at the Unrefined Hype showcase at Bat Bar Famous” moniker is actually hilarious to me. on March 15th. It’s kind of a joke. I only came up with it so all the search engines could differentiate me from How has the response been to Some Of My the legendary jazz drummer who played with Best Rappers Are Friends? all the jazz greats like Miles Davis. That Tony I made a comment on Twitter saying it was Williams is the real iconic and world famous Grammy-worthy but there isn’t a mixtape one. He’s been dead for years and still if you category. It’s funny because as successful as Google search Tony Williams, you would have I thought that project was, when “Another to sift through a hundred of his articles before You” featuring Kanye dropped, it faded the you see any mention of me. rest of the project into the sunset. I really appreciate the response because I got a How do you plan to prove to the world you’re feedback on every song on the album. It had more than just Kanye West’s cousin? something for everybody on it. I got a lot of Prove? Is Kanye a genius? Well, then he might positive responses on it for different reasons just be astute enough to surround himself and different songs. I was pleased with it. // with geniuses. Our professional relationship Twitter: @TWFTonyWilliams Website: KingorTheFool.com

46 // OZONE MAG Tony Williams Words by Eleven8

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