datdat damndamn foolfool D.D. EllisEllis the artists of 13 entertainment ricky smiley morning show: Break ‘em theBeat Off Boyz of 97.9 & K-Tun making an 800lb. gorilla Steve the evolution of ghetto rock Austin Downsiid EntertainmentEntertainment Issue!Issue! Note from the Founder Xcentrix Magazine has done it again...we are proud to present issue number two...and we can’t be happier! Working on this issue really taught us the true “the elite in local entertainment” meaning of struggling and hard work. With every issue, our goal is to give you the best in local entertainment. We feel that we have surpassed that in this issue. Working with D. Ellis was such a pleasure for me. Vanessah McCarroll His energy is remarkable and his respect and positive words were very refreshing. We live in a world of such hurt founder / publisher and pain that we forget how to laugh, so it’s wonderful to have comedians standing strong to take us back to a Jamila Jones happier time in life. creative and editorial director I can honestly say working with each and every person in this issue was such a honor. We are looking forward to the next issue where we are featuring some of the hottest models, fashion designers, bartenders, hair salons, contributors barbershops and much more. ryan sanders ebony moore I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success to this issue. I would like to give a special thanks kevin pyle mary jefferson to God for blessing me with such a wonderful mother shawn lane sun child wind spirit (Corah Williams). I just want to let her know, I love you and thank you. jarriel jones mari michelle susie dillon jordan ramsey -Vanessah McCarroll dennis cail monte dj shi sage shayla mcclellon mashell jae emmy lee ian hall keith mcklish monique koohi a.d. just like that fotos How to Reach Us Our email address is [email protected]. You can also send letters via snail mail to Xcentrix Magazine, P.O. Box 98, Lewisville, Texas 75067. Advertising. For advertising rates and our editorial calendar, visit www.xcentrixmagazine.com or call cover photo courtesy of 972-415-4744 or 972-415-3204. just like that fotos contents vol. 1, issue 2 16 Neverset: 07 The Future Is Happening Now by chick draperfeatures Rappers Break’em Off Boyz & K-Tun: 09 Newbies Handlin’ Up by mary michelle D. Ellis: 21 Mastering Trades Jacked by ryan sanders Steve Austin: 25 Making an 800 lb. Gorilla by mary michelle The Rickey Smiley Morning Show: 30 The Beat of 97.9 by dennis cail and jordan ramsey Fashion nuBreed 16 Downsiid: Fashion Rebel Spread photography by jarriel jones Fort Hood Unleashes as always... 50 Newest Weapon Menology 12 by chick draper Black Snake Only Moans: Understanding E.D. by monte Wild Horses: Lone Rangers: Are Men Lonely? The Ranch (Belton, Texas) by ryan sanders 52 by dj shi Gypsy 27 Sisters of the Giving Movement: 21 Cheryl Jackson and Lynette Shofner by susie dillon X-Sessions 33 Gleesome Threesomes & Awesome Foursomes by sage Sexual Relationships: Is Bi-sexual the New Gay? by shayla v. mcclellon 38 Black Pearl Gallery Featuring the Commixx by sun child wind spirit Major League Djs by mashell jae 48 Studio Sessions Not My Child: Internet Protection for Your Children The Future is Happening Now Neverset Reaches for the Brass Ring by chick draper One of the things I’ve learned in life is to go for the gusto, live life to the fullest, take every opportunity to breathe deep and drink it in. You might say, “Never settle for less than you deserve.” Well, you would if you were Shawn Hamm, vocalist and prime mover for the Dallas band Neverset. He says that’s the inspiration for the band’s name. He would probably also say it’s Neverset’s credo. You can see that philosophy in full force on their current CD, “Behind Every Door,” produced by Eddie Head. They released it themselves and have already sold more than 4,000 copies in and around Texas. They are getting solid airplay on radio throughout the region and are being added to rotations throughout the country. and create something he could be happy with. He worked You can also see the “never settle” in their live show. hard putting together all the elements and now feels that The band has been touring almost non-stop for more he’s been successful. They’ve mixed these elements together than a year, and has seen the bulk of these United States and created something dark and hard, but melodic. opening for the likes of Nickelback, Hinder, Rob Zombie Songwriting is a collaborative effort, with everyone and others while sandwiching headlining gigs in between sharing duties. They are currently writing, although they as they go. They are routinely selling out those headlining have no plans to record in the near future. Sean says the gigs throughout Texas. They are preparing to go back out process is never the same and sometimes takes even days again shortly and will open for Static X, Papa Roach, and to hash it out. Other times, it’s BOOM and it’s done. Three Days Grace. One such “5 minute” song on the latest CD is “The Next Neverset has been together about three and a half years, Hardest Thing.” It was, apparently, inspired by a country and has a wide variety of influences. Joseph, the bass player, western song from yesteryear. There is no mistaking this as cites 311 as one of his main influences. Nate, the drummer, a country band, however. It is the mark of great songwriting digs the ‘80s hair metal. Bryce, guitarist and co-vocalist, when a song can translate across genres. You can easily hear likes Tool and the darker stuff. And, angling for the oddest “The Next Hardest Thing” with different production being of the bunch, Bric, the other guitarist/co-vocalist, loves a hit on your local country outlet. And yet, it fits perfectly Creedence Clearwater Revival, of all things. Shawn says with the rest of the material on Behind Every Door. he had been in several bands and did well but always felt Their almost relentless touring and solid recordings frustrated. He decided to take matters into his own hands have built a loyal fan base—at least regionally—but now 7 xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007 they’re ready for the next step. Iceberg at RenegadeRadio. net says the band has a legitimate shot to be “the next one” from the Dallas area to break out nationwide. I’m inclined to agree. The band has a master plan to make that happen and it’s already well under way. From the beginning they knew they wouldn’t be settling for the usual music business scenario wherein young band works hard, signs a recording contract, shoots their wad on the album, releases the album (with little to no support), tours their brains out (with little support), only to have the album sell nothing. Then they end up stuck in L.A., dumped from the record company and owing them money. There’s a million stories in the Naked City and they all sound pretty much like this one. They’ve basically shunned label interest of any kind up to this point. Shawn says their plan has been to develop a strong following, create name recognition, and sell solid numbers of their CD on their own. Their intention has been to create a more balanced relationship with any potential record company by bringing a larger, more complete package to the table and avoiding being forced to accept scraps. The strategy seems to be working. A girl Shawn dated introduced him to Jason Sakowski, who has worked with Theory of a Dead Man, Three Days Grace, Motley Crue, and Hoobastank. Jason is the co-founder of management company Lock Out Entertainment, and his partner is New Jersey Devils defenseman Brad Lukowich. The band and management company immediately felt that they were on the same page, and the relationship has paid off. In just a year, Neverset has gotten a video on MTV - where they were named the No. 2 up and coming band PAPER OR PLASTIK in the country, and now the band is set to make the rounds visual references & inspirations of New York record companies that they are interested in partnering with, like Jive Records. No one can predict the future and Nostradamus on the web at doesn’t live here, but it looks like Neverset might have put together all the elements to create the type of future they www.paperorplastik.com can be happy with. What is it that goofy Aussie used to say? “Champagne wishes and caviar dreams!” Maybe it’s a for more info pretty good philosophy then, so, “Never settle for less than call 323-852-1667 or you deserve!” email [email protected] xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007 8 Newbies K-Tun Handlin’ Up 13 Entertainment’s Artists Chart Their Own Courses by mary michelle When Carl Thomas is behind the scenes orchestrating all sorts of major business, the artists of the young 13 Entertainment don’t seem to just sit at home or go get their nails manicured. They work hard to perfect their crafts, and also help friends and family members who have talent and drive break into and remain in the music industry. That was the motivation behind Carl’s forming 13 Entertainment, which already has a “list” of artists that includes K-Tun, Omega Supreme, Lil’ Sen and T-Real.