BAD BOY V.P. OF A&R CONRAD DIMANCHE • URBAN MAGAZINE EDITORIAL …Then B.I. said Hov remind yourself, no one’s built like you. You design yourself… Damn, it feels good to have people up on it. It being this issue your holding. The first of many for those that missed out on the preview issue. In any case, allow me to reintroduce myself. I am BE’N ORIGINAL. And this …This is Urban Magazine. Not to be confused with Urban Network, Urban City, Urban Latino, or even URB, we are simply Urban, your Vibe Alternative. How dare a former scribe take on a major? I dare because I can. My father said I can do anything if I put my mind to it. He backs it up every time he cuts a check so how can I stop. To show you, how serious I am, I went and got one of hottest models in the game to rep on the cover. Vida wanted you to know what really happened. She doesn’t even have a Sidekick. I thought you knew! If that wasn’t enough, Urban Legend Teri Woods came through and broke down the publishing game, Em’s former bodyguard Byron “Big Naz” Williams reveals Shady Bizzness, and Bad Boy’s VP of A&R Conrad Dimanche breaks down what it takes to make their roster. Forgive me if my confidence offends you. I know it sounds cocky, but, what do you expect from a guy who buys XXL just to read the editorial. Elliot is the best that ever done it. See what you started. Shout out to King’s EIC Datwon who encouraged me to do my thing cause real dudes don’t sweat the next man’s hustle. This is how I rep where I am from. What am I giving back? A legacy for my kids to follow, knowing that they can and will own something in this world. Don’t hate me player cause I own a team …as you should. Get your own! Watch me make my momma proud BE’N ORIGINAL Owner|Publisher|Editor in Chief PS. It’s not about the page count, it’s about the content. This is dedicated to those who can’t relate. Next issue: Gloria Velez and publicists who hurt their client’s career. • URBAN MAGAZINE hile it may be easier for some to say absolutely Wnothing about the multitude of displaced African American victims of Hurricane Katrina, Kanye West spoke sincerely what many who embraced the urban culture thought as we watched New Orleans fall. Anyone who had a heart would be disappointed in the federal government’s pace to assist those in need. It is equally disappointing that certain artists voiced their displeasure with Ye’s words, yet failed to address those whose shoulders bear the responsibility to ensure the safety of our fellow citizens. Not one harsh word for the former officers who quit serving and protecting or the government officials who dragged their heels. And though many gave thousands for relief, Kanye West gave far more, something the victims needed most of all … A VOICE. - BE’N ORIGINAL All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing” (Edmund Burke). KANYE WEST: A LESSON IN LEADERSHIP Words: Yvonne Harmon “George Bush doesn’t care about Black people.” One simple sentence that reverberated through the country and altered race relations in this country. Only this time, it was not Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton who spoke out. Nor was it Julian Bond or Roy Innis demanding that something be done. This time, a hip- hop star stood up and spoke out about the injustice and tragedy that he saw. Kanye West has never been known to shy away from controversy when speaking his mind. Thus, it is not surprising that he chose to voice his opinion about the situation in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina during his live appearance on NBC’s relief telethon. It is also not surprising the amount of criticism he has received for exercising his right to free speech. Many felt that the timing was inappropriate. He should have kept the mood positive. Nevertheless, how can one be positive when everyday on television you see Black people starving and dehydrating surrounding by bodies. FOX News commentators repeatedly made comments that the survivors at the Superdome and Convention Center in New Orleans had only themselves to blame for being stranded, they should have heeded the evacuation warning and left. Day after day, the country watched and did nothing while little Black children were left without food and water. All Kanye did was call it just like he saw it. He forced white America to acknowledge what we all saw happening in New Orleans. Poor, Black people were left to die. For those who think Kanye was too harsh in his criticism of Bush, remember this is the President who interrupted his vacation less than six months ago to sign a law to save a brain-dead white woman in Florida. This is the President who talked about the sanctity of life and how precious all life was in whatever form. This same man, who felt so strongly then about saving lives, did nothing while he was well aware of the problems and complications in New Orleans. Kanye was not hard on Bush, nor was he unfair. He was simply calling a spade a spade. Most African-Americans agreed with Kanye’s sentiment, if not his actual words. An MSNBC poll showed that 70% of African-Americans believe the response would have been faster if the victims in New Orleans had been white as compared with 30% of white people. Kanye West is just a rapper, but his willingness to say what he thought and what he felt has led to America pledging to invest $200 billion into the New Orleans area. Even though Bush’s promise is a political move designed to save face, it is still a positive for people who may have the opportunity to own their first home ever. Change always seems to come from the least likely people. All it takes is one person willing to stand up and speak the truth that everyone sees, but no one wants to admit. All it takes is one person with the courage to speak his mind at a time when most are afraid speak at all. URBAN MAGAZINE • URBAN MAGAZINE | NEWS T.I. LENDS A HELPING HAND rand Hustle/Atlantic recording artist T.I. spent Labor Day getting personally involved in relief efforts to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina. The platinum- certified rap superstar reached out to Atlanta’s V-103 FM listeners for more than several hours, pleading with Gthem to lend their support to those whose lives have been disrupted by the disaster in the Gulf Coast. TI’s personal donation of $50,000 started the pledge drive as well as helped to raise over $263,000, with proceeds going to Mississippi-based producer/rapper David Banner’s Heal the Hood Foundation. In addition, T.I. has teamed up with a number of his fellow hip-hop superstars, including David Banner and Young Jeezy, for a massive food and clothing drive. The event was held at Atlanta’s Club Vision Tuesday, September 6th and Wednesday, September 7th, from 9AM to 9PM. Donators for “The Drive” were asked to bring such items as clothing, non-perishable food and drinks, children’s toys and games, and battery-included radios and flashlights. EMINEM TEAMS UP WITH SHOWTIME obert Greenblatt, Showtime President of Entertainment, announced an exclusive Showtime special event featuring Eminem. Eminem, one of the top-selling artists in music, takes his raw and uncensored concert exclusively to Showtime for a special December airing. Em’s full-length performance has been Rpre-recorded in August at the Madison Square Garden during this summer’s ANGER MANAGEMENT tour. Eminem’s performance will include songs from his latest critically-acclaimed album, “Encore” and other hits which led him to stardom, as well as the Oscar®-winning single “Lose Yourself”. “Eminem is-- one of music’s most outspoken and talented original artists today. Since you rarely see him in concert, this will truly be an event for our audience,” said Greenblatt. The show is directed by Grammy®-nominated Hamish Hamilton who has produced and directed specials for some of the biggest names in the music industry including Madonna, U2, Peter Gabriel, Norah Jones and also directed the exclusive Showtime hit event: ONE NIGHT ONE STAR: USHER LIVE in March 2005 COMING SOON! JANUARY 2006 | EMCEES ONLY NO RAPPERS ALLOWED | WWW.URBANMAGAZINE.NET URBAN MAGAZINE • 11 URBAN MAGAZINE | NEWS LIL’ KIM SAYS GOODBYE imberly Jones (aka Lil’ Kim) issued the following statement on, September 19, 2005 prior to reporting to prison: “I have unfortunately been assigned to a federal detention center instead of a prison camp as discussed, in the City of Philadelphia. I am not certain that this Kconstitutes fair & equal treatment” “However, today begins a new saga in my life which I expect to strengthen me and allow me time for reflection. I am blessed to have so many great things in my life - family, friends, and God. All will be in my thoughts daily. I plan to write music while in prison, read and pray regularly and will come out a stronger, more confident woman.” “I will write many of my fans, and expect the “Lil Kim” brand to be even bigger when I come out - I am just getting started in my career.