YOUR FAVORITE RAPPERS FAVORITE MAGAZINE

OTT GRICANIE YO R HU
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PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF // Julia Beverly MUSIC EDITOR // Randy Roper FEATURES EDITOR // Eric N. Perrin ASSOCIATE EDITOR // Maurice G. Garland GRAPHIC DESIGNER // David KA ADVERTISING SALES // Che Johnson, Gary Archer PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR // Malik Abdul SPECIAL EDITION EDITOR // Jen McKinnon WEST COAST EDITOR-AT-LARGE // D-Ray LEGAL CONSULTANT // Kyle P. King, P.A. SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER // Adero Dawson ADMINISTRATIVE // Kisha Smith INTERNS // Devon Buckner, JeeVan Brown, Krystal Moody, Memory Martin, Ms Ja, Shanice Jarmon, Torrey Holmes CONTRIBUTORS // Anthony Roberts, Bogan, Camilo Smith, Charlamagne the God, Chuck T, Cierra Middlebrooks, David Rosario, Diwang Valdez, DJ BackSide, Edward Hall, E-Z Cutt, Gary Archer, Hannibal Matthews, Jacquie Holmes, J Lash, Jason Cordes, Jelani Harper, Joey Colombo, Johnny Louis, Kay Newell, Keadron Smith, Keita Jones, Keith Kennedy, K.G. Mosley, King Yella, Luis Santana, Luvva J, Luxury Mindz, Marcus DeWayne, Matt Sonzala, Maurice G. Garland, Mercedes (Strictly Streets), Natalia Gomez, Portia Jackson, Ray Tamarra, Rico Da Crook, Rohit Loomba, Shannon McCollum, Spiff, Stan Johnson, Swift, Tamara Palmer, Thaddaeus McAdams, Ty Watkins, Wally Sparks, Wendy Day STREET REPS // 3rd Leg Greg, Adam Murphy, Alex Marin, Al-My-T, Ant Wright, Anthony Deavers, Baydilla, Benz, Big Brd, B-Lord, Big Ed, Big Teach (Big Mouth), Big Thangs, Big Will, Bigg P-Wee, Bigg V, Black, Bogan, Bo Money, Brandi Garcia, Brandon Silkk Frazier, Brian Eady, Buggah D. Govanah (On Point), Bull, C Rola, Cartel, Cedric Walker, Cece Collier, Chad Joseph, Charles Brown, Chill, Chuck T, Christian Flores, Clifton Sims, Dee1, Demolition Men, DJ Commando, Danielle Scott, DJ Dap, Delight, Derrick the Franchise, DJ Dimepiece, DJ DLyte, Dolla Bill, Dorian Welch, Dwayne Barnum, Dr. Doom, Dynasty, Ed the World Famous, DJ E-Feezy, DJ EFN, Episode, Eric Crunkatlanta Hayes, Erik Tee, F4 Entertainment, Fiya, G Dash, G-Mack, George Lopez, Gorilla Promo, Haziq Ali, Hezeleo, H-Vidal, Hotgirl Maximum, Hotshot, J Hype, Jacquie Jax Holmes, Jae Slimm, Jammin Jay, DJ Jam-X, Janiro Hawkins, Jarvon Lee, Jasmine Crowe, Jay Noii, Jeron Alexander, J Pragmatic, JLN Photography, Joe Anthony, John Costen, Johnny Dang, Judah, Judy Jones, Juice, DJ Juice, Kenneth Clark, Kewan Lewis, Klarc Shepard, Kool Laid, DJ KTone, Kurtis Graham, Kydd Joe, Lex, Lucky, Lump, Lutoyua Thompson, Luvva J, Marco Mall, Mario Grier, Marlei Mar, Maroy, DJ M.O.E., Music & More, Natalia Gomez, DJ Nik Bean, Nikki Kancey, Oscar Garcia, P Love, Pat Pat, Phattlipp, Pimp G, Quest, Quinton Hatfield, DJ Quote, DJ Rage, Rapid Ric, DJ Ricky Ruckus, Rob J Official, Rob Reyes, Robert Lopez, Rob-Lo, Robski, Scorpio, Seneca, Shauntae Hill, Sherita Saulsberry, Silva Reeves, Sir Thurl, DJ Skee, Sly Boogy, Southpaw, Spade Spot, Stax, DJ Strong, Sweetback, Syd Robertson, Teddy T, TJs DJs, Tim Brown, Tonio, Tony Rudd, Tre Dubb, Tril Wil, Trina Edwards, Troy Kyles, Twin, Vicious, Victor Walker, DJ Vlad, Voodoo, DJ Warrior, White Boi Pizal, Wild Billo, Will Hustle, William Major, Wu Chang, Young Harlem, Yung DVS, Zack Cimini SUBSCRIPTIONS // To subscribe, send check or money order for $20 to: Ozone Magazine, Inc. Attn: Subscriptions Dept 644 Antone St. Suite 6 Atlanta, GA 30318 Phone: 404-350-3887 Fax: 404-350-2497 Website: www.ozonemag.com COVER CREDITS // All cover photos (Yo Gotti, Pitbull, Hurricane Chris, and C-Ride) by Wuz Good. DISCLAIMER // OZONE Magazine is published 11 times per year by OZONE Magazine, Inc. OZONE does not take responsibility for unsolicited materials, misinformation, typographical errors, or misprints. The views contained herein do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or its advertisers. Ads appearing in this magazine are not an endorsement or validation by OZONE Magazine for products or services offered. All photos and illustrations are copyrighted by their respective artists. All other content is copyright 2009 OZONE Magazine, all rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any way without the written consent of the publisher. Printed in the USA.

features
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4TH ANNUAL DJ ISSUE

cover stories
70-72 66-68 74-76 62-65

C-RIDE HURRICANE CHRIS PITBULL YO GOTTI

monthly sections
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10 things im hatin on 24 aRE YoU a g? 80 BoaRD gamE 81 CaFFEinE sUBstitUtEs 78 CD REViEWs 22 Chain REaCtion 20 Chin ChECK 30 DJ Booth 28 DoLLaR mEnU 82 EnD ZonE 12 FEEDBaCK 24 hooD DEEDs 32 im JUst saYintho 79 inDUstRY 101 15 JBs 2 CEnts 18 mathEmatiCs 20 namEs oF shamE 36-46 PatiEntLY Waiting 19-45 Photo gaLLERiEs 34 PRison DiaRY 16-17 RaPQUEst 26 siDEKiCK haCKin

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Send your comments to feedback@ozonemag.com or hit us up at www.myspace.com/ozonemagazine

JB, I was reading your 2 Cents editorial in your seven year anniversary issue and found it moving. When you said that you struggle to be inspired to a rotation of the same ish, I think I can relate to how you feel. But when you said that you wake up in the morning and never know what the day might bring, I sense that uncertainty keeps you going. I can relate to that too. Im a junior at Morehouse College and I will soon be going back to begin my fall semester. I sometimes sense that same rotation of the same ish; go to college, graduate, and get that great Wall Street or banking job. That stigma circulates around the business majors at Morehouse. What keeps me going is knowing that I will learn something new that will eventually help me reach my true career goal. Congratulations on your seventh year anniversary, and stay motivated. - James small, via email (atlanta, ga) I like your JBs 2 Cents; thats a good article. I feel where youre coming from. You look good with the dress on in Miami. Thats a good look. Ive done four albums and Im getting ready to do my fifth one. Ive been repping West Texas for a long time. Its an undiscovered region. - Prez D, via email (West texas) JB, your 2 Cents in the 7 Year Anniversary issue of OZONE was sooooo on point. Ive been doing this since 2002 and its been a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, but I still love it. Much love and respect, and happy birthday! adam murphy, via email (st. Louis, mo) Just wanted to let you know that I appreciate all that OZONE does to further the image of Hip Hop in the South. I wish more people used their talents, efforts, and influence to support the culture. handsome Ken, via myspace Julia, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading your piece last month about your struggle getting your company off the ground during the early days. The determination you showed was quite commendable, and its refreshing to hear someone elses struggle. Good luck and keep doing you. Jared holzman, via email Hey D-Ray, I just read your Editors Note in the 7th Anniversary Issue and it truly inspired me this morning. The crazy thing is that for the past week, every time I picked up the magazine and started reading it, Id have to put it down. This morning after I said my morning daily prayers I was laying in the bed mentally preparing for my day when I glanced at the magazine and picked it up and it flipped open to your article. I say all of that just to say that I believe God works in mysterious ways and he knew I needed to read your article at that time. I struggle from time to time with personal sacrifices that I have to make and mask them when working. I had a death in my family recently and I cant grieve with my family because of work obligations that have to be fulfilled. Ive learned that in this industry, there

is no sympathy. Just like you said, theres the stress of dealing with promoters, managers, artists, and publicists. Sometimes I wonder if its worth it, but then I remember that Im the first person from my family doing things they never thought would be possible. I feel like Im the bridge God is building for my family and friends to make a better way. I have to be strong in my sacrifices and struggles. Your article and strength reminded me why I do this, and why I shouldnt quit. - makisha Johnson, via email (miami, FL) Hey D-Ray, Im new to the photography game and Ive kinda been going through it lately with a Bay artist whose head got a little too big and let his fianc come too far into his career. I just read your column in OZONE, Im Just Sayin Tho, and first of all Im sorry for the loss of your grandfather. Im sure hes proud of you. After reading your article, I feel a lot better. It makes me not want to quit, and reassures me that the ups and downs are to be expected. I lost a close friend in March from Richmond, Smacka, and I was doing a shoot with him an hour before he was killed. Thats the hardest thing Ive been through, but it keeps me going because I know he believed in me. I just wanted you to know that I support you and I really appreciate what youre doing as a woman. I strive to be like you, D-Ray. Real shit. Brittany, via email (Bay area, Ca) Your 2 Cents this month was very well written, JB. You and Tony Neal are on the same page right about now. Im sure youve seen his email about situations. Hip Hop has to be more responsible for its actions. People do fail to realize that this is a business, period. I personally think there are some entities that are trying to eliminate the Hip Hip genre on the basis of the problems you talked about: radio stations, record labels, television channels, and nightclubs. I encourage everyone to try to make a difference in Hip Hop. I love Hip Hop. Do you? - Christina Clark, via ozonemag.com (orlando, FL) JB, the second paragraph of your 2 Cents this month is definitely something that everyone in this business needs to take heed of. For those who love Hip Hop and the Hip Hop culture, we need to do everything we can to help people start respecting it. All the egos cause the beefs. The beefs cause the drama. The drama causes the negative perceptions, and those perceptions are causing corporate America to stop investing in our efforts (ie., Award Shows and similar events). Some people dont understand the bigger picture. This not only affects OZONE, but everyone in the Hip Hop culture. Hopefully your words will inspire people to humble themselves and allow you to put on the show and feel good about it. - Bels, via ozonemag.com Correction: The starting quarterback for the Raiders, Jamarcus Russell, appeared in the photo galleries in the last issue of OZONE but his name was spelled incorrectly. Our apologies.

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JB 2cents s T
10THINGS IM HATINON
by porn star Mr. Marcus
1. PEOPLE HATING ON AUTO TUNE Im not hating on auto tune, Im hating on the hating of it. I know everybody thats been to a club in the past year has danced, drank, and fucked to digitalized singing. Bring back beatboxing if youre fed up with auto tune. Matter of fact, auto tune beat-boxin. 2. RAY J Okay, Ray Js got the bitches. Im not hating on that. But get a show that displays true pimp skills. Make the bitches go get some cheesecake. Make them walk from Hollywood to Long Beach and back. 3. CELEBRITY SEx TAPES Celebrity chick makes 1 sex tape; gets more money, gets a reality show. Porn chick makes 151 sex tapes; still broke and no reality show. 4. SINGLE LADIES Yall know you aint really single, so put your hand down in the club. 5. SkINNY JEANS What the fuck? Why are brothas running around lookin like white boys in grade school. Actually, they aint running. They cant even walk cause the jeans are too TIGHT. And Im really hating on big dudes wearing skinny jeans (ie., Randy Jackson on American Idol). 6. NO HOMO Who started this and why? Does it really need to be said? 7. TWITTER If youre trying to avoid someone or not picking up your phone, dont be on Twitter telling people what youre really doing. You will get caught in your deceitful ways. 8. kARRINE SUPAHEAD STEffANS We all know she can suck a dick. Theres a tape to prove it, but the chick has selective memory. She wrote a book on how to get a man, fuck him good and keep him at home. But she forgot to mention her video that shows in 3 minutes how to make an impression and keep him close by. 9. MEDICAL MARIJUANA I love to shop at my local marijuana dispensary, but every week there is a new brand of weed. Whatever story is popular this week on CNN, expect a to find a way to smoke it. Right now Im smoking some Sarah Palin and when Im done with that I might have a toke of some Wacko Jacko. 10. CAMERA PHONES Can people STOP taking pictures with their camera phone in the dark with no flash? Youd be better off going back to a Polaroid.
ERIC PERRIN

he Very Well Written JB! You and Tony Neal are on the same page right about now. Im sure you seen his email on situations. Hip Hop has to be more responsible for its actions. People do fail to realize that this is a business period. I personally think that there are some things in place that are trying to eliminate the Hip Hop genre all together on all basis as you said. Radio, Labels, Television, Clubs etc. I encourage everyone to try to make a difference in HIP HOP. I love HIP HOP do you? - Julia Beverly, jb@ozonemag.com

Me & the crew at my ATL bday party

TERRENCE TYSON

Rockin Q45s Gucci @ my Jacksonville bday party

Cutting OZONEs 7th Anniversary cake in Jackson, MS

Me & Keak da Sneak @ OZONEs Get Famous showcase in San Francisco, CA

D-RAY

Flo Rida & I

State House f/ Lil Ru & Juney Boomdata Crank Dat Roy (Remix) Fabolous f/ Drake Throw It In The Bag (Remix) Jet Audio f/ Curt@!ns, Mickey Factz & Danny! Stand Alone Bobby Valentino f/ Bun B Hands On Me (Remix) R. Kelly f/ Keri Hilson Number One B.o.B. Do You Have The Stamina Paper Route Gangstaz Keyshia Cole Fly Union f/ Big Sean Poed Up

RESplaylist
Drake The Winner Jah Bless Hello Kitty Pleasure P Under Pill Trap Going Ham

randy.roper@ozonemag.com

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CINCINNATI, OH:
Heavy Wrist Entertainment features the artist O.P. who is blowing up in the Nati with his new hit Scale featuring Gucci Mane. G5 Jett (above) is making a lot of noise in the burbs with his song Cool Swag (Oh My). Roselawn Park has become the newest hang spot on Sunday, where you can see the hottest cars cruising and ladies cooling in their daisy dukes. The So You Think You Got Talent Showcase was held last month at the University of Cincinnati and was hosted by Bootsy Collins. The winner was Diamond Starr, who sang a Jennifer Hudson song acapella that gave everybody the chills. - Judy Jones (Judy@JJonesent.com)

COLUMBUS, GA:

AUSTIN, TX:

Bizzy Bone and B Real were in town for a show at The Mohawk. 2 Live Crew also performed there the following week. Chalie Boy and the Dirty Third Camp came through town to shoot his I Look Good music video. Austin MC Pimpin Pen shot his Lil Homie music video. Talib Kweli and the Strong Arm Steady Gang came through for performances at Emos. Trey Songz performed at The Monarch Event Center. Dorrough hit the stage at Club 8Ball. - O.G. of Luxury Mindz (www.luxurymindz.com)

Foxie 105s Family Day in the Park went relatively smooth. It featured Twista, Maino, Pleasure P, The GS Boys, and everyone else whose songs you know, but cant remember their names. There were two events put on in honor of Michael Jackson on the same day. At first I thought that was kind of suspect but both events had good turnout, with many attending both. Uptown Columbus Business District and Clear Channel hosted a nice outdoor tribute downtown. Foxie 105 did an indoor tribute, but took it outside for a candle light vigil. Both events featured performances, music, and dedications. Foxies event continued into the night, turning into a party. - David Britt (DavidBritt2nd@yahoo.com)

COLUMBUS, OH:

BIRMINGHAM, AL:

City Stages brought Young Jeezy to town. Monica and Case came to Platinum. 95.7 Jamz Car & Bike show took place as well. B-Money, local radio VJ/Promoter, presented several events around town. K.D. of Hollow Ent. dropped his new mixtape/album called Untouchable. Lil Boosie, Webbie, and OJ da Juiceman hit the town and performed at Club Continental. T Rose put on The 1st Annual Eat the Streetz Music Conference which turned out well. Upcoming female artist Elee continues to work hard, she shot a new video from her mixtape. Also Murc Camp dropped their new mixtape which features the hit single Hats Low. The song has been getting moderate radio spins. Fred P also dropped his new mixtape. Be sure to check www.bhammusicblog.blogspot for Birmingham related music news. - K. Bibbs (AllOrNothingPromo@hotmail.com)

The Summer Jam went down with performances from Wallabe, Fly Union, The 3rd, Kim Joyce (great voice), Danielle, Lee Debonair, and a host of talent from the CO. Drake made his way to the city and the girls went mad. Speaking of mad, if 107.5 goes any more mainstream its going to be time for another Hip Hop station. Maxwell and Jamie Foxx also visited the city. Fly Paper was named as people to watch in 2009 by Columbus Alive. - Yohannan Terrell (www.FlyPaperBlog.com)

DALLAS/FT. WORTH, TX:

Inertia is working with Tony Neal of the CORE DJs, Texas UMS II was a success, and the RKN Internet Radio Network is official. DJ Du2ce and the Paperchaserz have the metroplex saying Franky. YG Ray Paul and Gorilla Zoe shut down Crystals live with Tudilu produced by Feddi. Big Daddy and Virdiko.com are doing online distribution while Throwdown Sam and DallasSight.com are putting artists on stage. DJs Snake and Doo Rite are spinning at Onyx strip club until 6am. Ca$hs single Walk wit a Dip entered billboard. Viz and Fatz are keeping it Hip Hop with

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Final Fridays. Mr Hit Dat Hoe is in club rotation and C-Dog (Streetdog Ent.) is the truth. - Edward Pookie Hall (urbansouth@gmail. com) Gainesville is swaggin and surfin with Def Jams F.L.Y. (Fast Life Yungstas) as they promote their new single. Pretty Ricky stopped by as well and Alexandra Marie of 101.3 grilled Spec on his controversial video. The Commissioners new mixtape Mr. Gainesville is in the streets with a major buzz, while J Road is in the studio working with The Runners first signed artist Bali. Gainesville Police Department and Alachuas Mike Peterson of the Falcons put it down major for kids in the community with Operation Respect Yourself. They also held two huge cook outs, a sports camp, and pool party, all for charity. - Jett Jackson (g5jett@gmail.com) Twista was at Focus. R.I.P. to the young lady that was killed that night (Deangelia Bell). 6 Tre G celebrated great success with his mixtape Boss Muzik hosted by Bigga Rankin. PT from the group Untamed has been cooking up some heaters lately. He produced the Alabama Dodgers track for Jackie Chain. D-County just dropped their new CD. Newcomer Nate B has been in the lab grinding. Alternative group Sound of Silence has been recording with a lot of Huntsville Hip Hop groups. Mookie dropped his mix CD with DJ Holiday. Chrome 32 has been holding down Decatur. Greg Street and 103.1 are throwing a celebrity car show. For the fellas, check out www.lakenleshe.com and www.meshamodel.com. - Codie G (huntsvillegotstarz@gmail.com)

GAINESVILLE, FL:

Up and coming Memphis R&B artist K. Michelle got some shine by having Gucci Mane featured on her new song Self Made off her upcoming album Pain Medicine. Juicy J reached out to Memphisrap.com to speak about supporting change and unity in Memphis amongst artists. Gospel rap artist Mr. Del released his new label DMG and album Thrilla. He hosted a release party/listening party and his spiritual message is reaching out quickly. You may see Gangsta Boo jookin real soon since she hooked up with BET award winning Memphis jooker, Ladia Yates. Playa Fly introduced his video channel Fly TV with cameos from Memphis rappers Crunchy Black and Yung Kee. - Deanna Brown (Deanna.Brown@MemphisRap.com)

MEMPHIS, TN:

PHILADELPHIA, PA:

HUNTSVILLE, AL:

Tone Trump digitally released his album Trump Life through online music promotion company Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes. The Roots held its 2nd annual Roots Picnic at the Festival Pier at Penns Landing. The event featured Public Enemy, TV on the Radio, The Black Keys, Antibalas, Santigold, Asher Roth, Writtenhouse, Back 2 Basics - King Britt and Dozia, and Kid Cudi. 100.3 FM has a new morning show featuring Charlamagne. Pleasure P and Power 99FM held a concert at Plush Nightclub. Switch It Up Sundays at Shampoo Night Club features DJ Sojo, DJ Touchtone, Jay-Ski, and Gregg Nyce on the turntables. Streettalkin.com is a video magazine featuring Philadelphia Nightlife. Young Chris released a new song featuring Freeway called The Last Two produced by 9th Wonder. - Infamous6ixx (infamous6ixx@gmail.com)

RICHMOND, TRI-CITIES, VA:

Audra the Rapper is currently working on her 2nd mixtape Miseducation of Audra, inspired by Lauryn Hills first solo LP. Audra is working with Timbaland and his latest protg WizzDumb. Quick Flip Ent. CEO/Artist Ron Flip Da JumpMan is promoting his new single JumpMan from his upcoming album AWESOME!. Hes also pushing a song with Nappy Boy artist Young Cash thats available on Twitter. ChiChi The Kid released two hot singles digitally: Wear It on the Right Side and Shes Da Only Reason. Noah-O of Charged Up Entertainment is hitting radio hard with the new single/VA anthem I Got It ft. Streetz Deep & J-Nero, produced by Big Boyz. - Atiyyah Wali (atiyyahwali@hotmail.com)

TAMPA, FL:
The 6th Annual Tampa Music Conference included memorable performances from Dynasty, Prophit, and Lord Drak, and unfortunately ended with Young Joe involved in a scuffle with two other men. The economy continued to take its toll with the closing of multiple recording studios, including Music Matrix. Aych and many others celebrated the 3-year anniversary of Tampas premier Open-Mic and weekly performance forum Da Cypher. CBS announced this seasons cast for their hit reality show Big Brother which will include Street Laced DJ and Shut-it-Down Squad member DJ Mingle Mixx (above at right, with 3LG). - Slick Worthington (Myspace.com/SlickWorthington)

SACRAMENTO, CA:

In one month alone, Beyonce, Bobbi Valentino, David Banner, Yung LA, E-40 and The Dream all slid through the City of Trees. Sacramento artist JGib released his new single Sidekick feat. Raw Smoove to rave reviews. Sac heavyweight Bueno shot the video for his single 6AM and hosted a huge boat party on the Sacramento River. Former NFL linebacker Adrian Ross hosted his Maddbacker Celebrity Weekend and provided several high profile parties. - Lavega Kream Sims (Lavegais@yahoo.com) Hot 104.1fm did it big with Summer Jam 2 which had over 15,000 fans in attendance. Yung Ro not only sold out at his in store signing for his CD The Rising Sun, but he also charted #7 on Billboards singles chart with Donk Dat. Unladylike dropped their debut album Certified. DerrtyBoi Montanas album DerrtyBoi Muzik also dropped recently. Kenny Knox released his album called Popn That Metal and Family Affair released The Family Blessing. St. Lunatics are circulating their single Get Low 2 da Flo. Stevie Stone dropped his debut album The New Kid Comin under Ruthless Records. His single Wait a Minute is getting love coast to coast. Hot 104.1fms Tony J. does a live broadcast from Club Casino every Saturday night from 1-3am and 100.3fm The Beats Kiki da 1st Lady does a live broadcast 10pm-1am at STL Nites every Friday. - Jesse James (JesseJames314@aol.com)

ST. LOUIS, MO:

Its been reported that Spark Dawg recently knocked out local rapper Mic Wrecka at Greencitys mixtape release party for Strength in Numbers. San Antonio rapper Kyle Lee was also in attendance. Rumor has it the entire ordeal was caught on film. Killeen Texas R&B Artist Tylenol has a new single with Maxx Calzz ft. Big Bee, Jessie James, iTut, Kinfolk Corleone, and Young Ced that has is creating a buzz. New local Hip Hop club, Club Inferno, brought artists such as Dorrough Music, Lil O, and Z-Ro. Even with the top local radio station B106 running ads for these shows, they all had a small turnout. - Chris OA (jupzchris@gmail.com)

KILLEEN/BELTON/FT. HOOD/TEMPLE/ WACO, TX:

WASHINGTON, DC:

LOUISVILLE, KY:

Lil D, a.k.a. D. Wash, launched Gracie Urban, a label that serves as an outlet for Louisvilles up and coming artists. It was a good month for the University of Louisville Cardinals Terrance Williams, he was drafted by The Nets, and Earl Clark was taken by The Suns. Speaking of E5, he had an NBA draft party that was on swoll. Ellis Myles brought in DJ Envy on the 1s & 2s, and Young Dro gave the crowd what they wanted. Keenan Burton of the St. Louis Rams had an All Star Celebrity bash that was also nice. - Divine Da Liaison (OuttaDaShopEnt@hotmail.com)

The highly anticipated $1000 rap battle between King Swagg and ProVerb fizzled when ProVerb pulled out over a financial dispute with the promoter. XO has just released the Monumental mixtape which contains the blazing single F.R.N.O. (Crown Vic Music). Southeast Slim has finally dropped his latest CD The Medium. And Wales new mixtape Back to the Feature was produced by 9th Wonder. K-Beta is currently holding down first place in the Rap Leagues, a freestyle competition organized by Tyrone (Mental Stamina) Norris. - Sid DCSuperSid Thomas (dcsupersid@aol.com)

OZONE MAG // 17

SOCIAL MEDIA | BY WENDY DAY (WWW.RAP-COALITION.COM)

havent written much about the digital or online marketplace. Its not because I dont think it has value, its that because its such a cheap means of promotion that I dont want artists to think they can just promote on the internet and thats it. Many people choose to promote themselves online because they can do it from the comfort of their own home, its easy, and its cheap (almost free). Because of that, I am going to remind urban artists that the internet is only 15 to 25% of your sales base (less if your music is very gutter and street-oriented), so if you are ONLY available digitally, or only promoting digitally, you are leaving money on the table. Youre missing a large part of your fan base that still buys CDs and still puts value in the traditional methods of finding out about an artist: street buzz. Both traditional promotion and online promotion are important. You, the artist, are a brand. You need to spread the word about your brand into a movement. As your movement grows, you want more and more people involved in it and talking about it to others. This is the goal of any product, person, artist, or idea that is looking to be spread. It is important to reach people in their environment, on their time, whether they read publications, read blogs, surf the web, play video games, watch videos or TV/cable shows, hang out in clubs, go to the mallwhatever they do, and wherever they go, your brand/logo/mention needs to be in their face. The more they see you, the more they will wonder who you are, and investigate if you are worthy of their time and money. In a perfect world, you want them dancing to your song in the club, hearing your song on mix CDs, singing along to your song on the radio, noticing your song playing in other vehicles as they drive by, paying to see you perform in the club, buying your mix CDs and buying your music (and who gives a fuck if its a CD or the download of your album, as long as they are paying for it and not bootlegging it!). Social networking consists of exactly thatinteracting with people in a social environment, in an arena where they come to interact with you. Some great resources are MySpace (they can hear your music and learn who you are), Facebook (they can see who you interact with and who you do business with, plus they see what others are saying about you), and Twitter (they can interact with you directly and read what you say and how you respond to others). One thing about social networking sites is that the genuine y-o-u usually comes out, and hopefully thats a positive thing! If you are totally missing the boat, you can use these social networking sites as opportunities to sell stuff and over-hype and over-promote yourself, but people will tune you out pretty quickly. Or you can be smart and use these sites as little inner glimpses of who you are and what you believe to allow your fans to understand and gravitate towards you (or push you away if you are a tremendous asshole). Twitter is ideal for this because you interact with people in less than 140 charactersits short bursts. In addition to interacting directly with your fans and the industry on Twitter, you can build a blog. Its another great way to humanize your brand and share opinions and thoughts with your fanbase. You can talk about your life, who you are, where youre from. You can discuss opinions on current events and places. You can offer a running commentary on how you spend your days, if its interesting enough. You can post photos and blogs along the way. Blogspot, Blogger, and WordPress are the free ones I know about without

googling for more. You also have the option to build your own blog on your MySpace page. For those who want to spread their image as well (which is important), photos, YouTube, or UStream can be tied into all of your social networking efforts. Remember if you go live on UStream, having something to say is important. Not everyone is meant to have their own live reality show. Ive seen many that are as exciting as watching paint dry. I do enjoy the ones in the studio sessions where I can watch artists and producers record. Drumma Boy and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League offer some exciting ones! Also, TIs studio, Echo, has a UStream feed that offers technical tips and dos and donts from their head engineer, Dirt! Your live feeds also give you something to talk about , on your Twitter page, blogs, etc, before, during, and after the broadcast. When I was out on promo tour with BloodRaw we set up his own YouTube TV page and downloaded video footage at the end of every day so fans could tour along with us. We also had a blog page where we uploaded photos along the way so fans could see what we were doing and where we were. By the end of his 40 day promo tour, we had over 12,000 people riding along with us. And that was 18 months ago, before Twitter was popular. I think wed have more than 4 times the following now since its far more popular today and since we could have been instantly interactive (like Twitter). Podcasts are also a wonderful way to share your brand, and voice, with fans. Its a quick way to record your voice and share a story or experience in your own words. The podcasts can then be downloaded from your sites or blog, attached to tweets, or uploaded to iTunes if your demand is big enough. Vocals and visuals can often times make a story more exciting than just text. Ive heard some awesome podcasts by B Real discussing border crossings with weed in his pockets, back when he was touring with Cypress Hill. His amusing antidotes are funny, and are great experiences to hear. Facebook is a great place to interact with fans as well. A savvy artist can also set it up so that tweets post there as well as on their website, so it gives people multiple ways to reach you directly (or a staff member working for you). Ron Artests fake Twitter page (whos on payroll) is far more fun and interesting than his real page. Im not even going tell you which is which. Facebook allows you to post photos, join groups, interact with fans directly, blast information and posts, and keep up with other artists that youve befriended or who have similar fan bases as you. Its a great way to increase your reach and seen as more professional than MySpace (which seems to now skew younger)! As an artist, you need pages at both sites. You can also offer contests, discounts for shows, schedules of events, etc. Most newer artists havent navigated the world of iPhone and Blackberry applications, but if you have a strong enough following, they are definitely a source of income and promotion. Also, FriendFeed is a newer network that could become a player in the social networking mix for artists soon. It is a social media content aggregator that offers a community of people who conversate around content. And after all, you want people talking about you. Although its important to use traditional methods to spread your awareness and promote yourself, the internet is a great and inexpensive (but VERY time consuming) way to get your name and message out there. The trick is to find the right balance that works for you and best reaches your core fans and new potential fans. //

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(above L-R): Yung LA & Dorrough @ Hot 103 Summer Jam in Kansas City, MO (Photo: Ms Rivercity); Kanye West & Amber Rose on the red carpet @ the BET Awards in Los Angeles, CA (Photo: D-Ray); Shawty Lo & Rick Ross @ Phillips Arena for Birthday Bash in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly)

01 // Chuck Creekmur & Steve Raze @ Union Station for BET Awards afterparty (Los Angeles, CA) 02 // Omeezy, E-40, Droop-E, & J Diggs @ Poetry (Las Vegas, NV) 03 // Blake Griffin, Bu, & Chubbie Baby @ Phillips Arena for Birthday Bash (Atlanta, GA) 04 // Rapid Ric & Famous @ Dub Car Show (Dallas, TX) 05 // Rich Kids @ Tupacs Birthday Celebration (Atlanta, GA) 06 // Glasses Malone, T-Pain, Baby, & Rick Ross on the set of Glasses Malones Sun Come Up video shoot (Miami, FL) 07 // JT Money & Piccalo @ Take One Lounge (Miami, FL) 08 // The Jacka @ The Jackas Tear Gas album release party (San Francisco, CA) 09 // DJ Kaos & Slick Rick @ Body Tap II (Kansas City, MO) 10 // Dru Down, Julia Beverly, & Kuzzo Fly @ Poetry for JBs Vegas Bday party (Las Vegas, NV) 11 // Guest, 40 Glocc, & Sun @ Union Station for BET Awards afterparty (Los Angeles, CA) 12 // Shawty Lo & Clay Evans @ Phillips Arena for Birthday Bash (Atlanta, GA) 13 // DJ Tito Bell & Deltrice @ The Jackas Tear Gas album release party (San Francisco, CA) 14 // Kenny Diamondz & Black Walt @ Body Tap II (Kansas City, MO) 15 // Steel Will, Dame Fame, & Kafani @ The Room Ultra Lounge for OZONE Get Famous showcase (San Francisco, CA) 16 // Miami Mike & Soulja Boy @ Club Bash for JBs Denver Bday Bash (Denver, CO) 17 // Bavgate & Dame Fame @ The Room Ultra Lounge for OZONE Get Famous showcase (San Francisco, CA) 18 // BOB & Cory Mo @ Foot Locker (Atlanta, GA) 19 // Too Short & ladies @ Area for BET Awards afterparty (Hollywood, CA) Photo Credits: D-Ray (02,08,10,13,16); J Lash (06,07); Julia Beverly (01,03,05,11,12,15,17,19); Ms Rivercity (04,09,14,18)

OZONE MAG // 19

CHIN CHECK By Charlamagne Tha god

HOW TO KEEP IT HOOD (WHEN YOU REALLY
DONT HAVE TO)
Are you a brother or sister who used to live like the Evans family but now have moved on up like the Jeffersons? You never want people to say that youre acting brand new, or that youve gone Hollywood, or that youve changed. To ensure that youll never change, Charlamagne Tha God and Free have provided seven simple but effective tips to keep you in tune with the essence from which you came. pictures of your family on the wall with no frame, just a thumbtack through their head. Most importantly, have a floor model television with another television on top of it because the floor model doesnt work. 5) taBLE mannERs So youre out with a rich, classy new associate. Youre talking big business in a five star restaurant and utilizing all the table manners and dining etiquette you have been taught. Suddenly, you have a vision of your cousin Jamal in your head saying, Look at this old bougie negro. Who you think you is, Barack Obama? In order to get Jamals approval in your head, you can do one of three things: a) take the gum you have been chewing out of your mouth and stick it under the table, b) ask the waiter for a hot glass of water and stick your silverware in it to kill the germs that are not even there, or c) ask the waiter for water and sugar, pull out a pack of red kool aid, and make it right there at the table. 6) ChECK YoUR FootWoRK Every now and then, buy a pair of Air Forces out of the back of someones trunk. When youre done with the Air Forces, throw them over a power line in your new neighborhood just to remind you of home. Your rich white Republican neighbors should really appreciate that sight in the morning. 7) giVE BaCK On a more serious note, the most important way to stay in touch with the hood is to give back to the hood from which you came. Invest your money into building community centers in your old hood, sponsor the little league teams, be a mentor to some of the youth in your community. The bottom line is that you only become disconnected from your hood when you disconnect yourself from the hood. Always remember that

1) YOu ArE WHAT YOu EAT

Okay, your money grew up and youre living lavish, so Im sure now you want to eat some steak and lobster, wild Alaskan salmon, rare tropical fruits, chesapeake crabcakes, and all that other bougie shit. Thats cool every now and then, but when you want to put the hood into your digestive system, here are four meals that can get you right back in touch with your roots: 1) a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (store brand peanut butter and store brand jelly on White Wonder bread) 2) a mayonnaise sandwich (wash it down with sugar water) 3) Chef Boyardee ravioli, or 4) if youre really, really trying to keep the hood in you, Ramen Noodles.

you didnt go away to stay away, you went away to make away to make it easier for others to come behind you. These are the easiest and most simple ways to keep it hood (when you really dont have to). Now you dumb ass rappers and athletes can stop getting caught with guns, stop fighting dogs, and stop getting arrested for possession of marijuana. Your hood pass will always be good if you follow these 7 simple steps. PEACE. From The Minds Of Charlamagne Tha God & Free Follow Them On Twitter www.twitter.com/cthagod www.twitter.com/missfree

2) STAY PArAnOID

Even though you now live in a gated community that has police patrolling the block every five minutes, always remain paranoid! Make sure youre inside the house by the time the street lights come on. Even though your car is locked in the garage, put the club on the steering wheel anyway. If youre in your private study smoking a joint and you hear a knock at the door, run to flush the rest of your stash down the toilet. When youre driving in your neighborhood and one of those cops that patrols the neighborhood every five minutes happens to drive behind you, whisper oh shit to yourself, just because, and throw on your seatbelt! 3) PEttY thEFt Every now and then walk into a store and take (notice I said take) a pack of gum, a candy bar, or a magazine. Nothing more than $4, because thats stealing. Anything under $4 is just taking. 4) stiLL DoWn DECoRations Still Down Decorations is exactly that. You decorate your mansion or luxury condo to show that youre still down. Instead of curtains you hang up sheets, you have at least one flea market painting (the dogs playing pool is the best one). Put up

1. Shitake Monkey

www.myspace.com/shitakemonkey Were pretty sure that the name isnt pronounced how it looks, or is it? This NYC-based crew is known largely for their contribution to 88-Keys song The Friend Zone. Their music is unique, but you cant help but imagine what the studio smells like when these guys are around.

2. Gutter

Couldnt find much on this guy other than his music video for Right Hand Cookin featuring OJ Da Juiceman produced by Zaytoven. Apparently he didnt get the memo from Ace Hood that having gutter in your name is not a good look. Were assuming he has a cant go nowhere but up mentality. Well, we may be giving him too much credit.

3. Poke ChoP

www.myspace.com/thahoodhomie Not sure if his name is referencing the food or some painful karate move, either wayyeah.

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(above L-R): FloRida & Brisco @ Best of the Best in Miami, FL; Shawnna & T-Pain @ K 107 Summer Jam in Denver, CO (Photos: Julia Beverly); Young Jeezy & Trae on South Beach during Memorial Day weekend in Miami, FL (Photo: Thaddaeus McAdams)

01 // J-Diggs & the Dirty Girls @ Roscoes Chicken & Waffles (Los Angeles, CA) 02 // Spark Dawg, Chamillionaire, & Mike Clarke @ Dub Car Show (Dallas, TX) 03 // Gil Green & Papa Duck on South Beach during Memorial Day weekend (Miami, FL) 04 // Billy Blue & James Jackson @ Cameo for Briscos birthday party (Miami, FL) 05 // Memphitz & Enew @ Union Station for BET Awards afterparty (Los Angeles, CA) 06 // KC & Ciara @ Area for BET Awards afterparty (Hollywood, CA) 07 // Willy Northpole, I-20, & Ludacris @ K 107 Summer Jam (Denver, CO) 08 // Bow Wow, Julia Beverly, Soulja Boy, Sean Kingston @ K 107 Summer Jam (Denver, CO) 09 // DJ Franzen & J Diggs @ Poetry (Las Vegas, NV) 10 // Guest & Edgerrin James @ his pool party (Miami, FL) 11 // Chris J & guests @ The Moon for TJs DJs (Tallahassee, FL) 12 // Teleoso & Hezeleo @ Texas Urban Music Summit (Dallas, TX) 13 // Biggbody of OG Entertainment & guest @ Club Elixir (Anchorage, AK) 14 // Presidential Traphouse @ Texas Urban Music Summit (Dallas, TX) 15 // Dread & TV Johnny @ Union Station for BET Awards afterparty (Los Angeles, CA) 16 // Guest & Kuzzo Fly @ Poetry for JBs Vegas Bday party (Las Vegas, NV) 17 // B Wash, Rob Gold, & guests @ Mardi Gras for OZONE 7 Year Anniversary party (Jackson, MS) 18 // Redd Eyezz & Black Dada @ TIs Going Away party on Star Island (Miami, FL) 19 // DJ Quote & Willy Northpole @ K 107 Summer Jam (Denver, CO) Photo Credits: D-Ray (01,08,09,16,19); Edward Hall (12,14); J Lash (04,10); Julia Beverly (05,06,07,13,15,17,18); Ms Rivercity (02,03,11)

OZONE MAG // 21

She LIked my NeCkLACe ANd StArted reLAxIN, thAtS whAt the fuCk I CALL A

$250,000 remOte CONtrOL LAmBOrGhINI ChAIN

SOULJA BOY

Aint nobody ever built a muthafuckin remote control Lamborghini chain with black diamonds! What the fuck? This chain has got so many people on my dick coming up to me like, Oh my God, thats the most creative shit Ive ever seen! So I was only expecting certain niggas to talk bad about me for it. But Im not thinkin about none of that shit. I look at all of the attention as a compliment. The chain was a gift to me. I just turned 19 on the 28th [of July], and my jeweler was just looking out for me. It wouldve cost about 250 racks, but it doesnt matter if I paid for it or not. Bugs Bunny aint got this many karats. I dont know exactly how many karats are in it, but

got this brand new chain and put [pictures of it] it on the internet, and right away it created all kinds of controversy. But really I just think everybodys on my dick so hard that they had no choice but to give me backlash because of the chain.

can give you my jewelers number if you want to call him up and ask. He kept trying to take his time with it, but I told him to hurry the fuck up, so he ended up finishing it in about 3 weeks. I dont care what nobody says. This chain is fresh and I just love to be a trendsetter. Fuck the haters. I love all my fans who have been supporting me since day one, and I want everybody who hits me up on Twitter to know that I appreciate all the love. At the end of day, I dont stress over none of the haters. Make sure to check out Soulja Boys next CD, The DeAndre Way, coming soon. as told to Eric Perrin Photo by FLX

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(above L-R): Killer Mike & Bow Wow @ TIs Going Away party on Star Island in Miami, FL; Yukmouth & his fiance @ Union Station for BET Awards afterparty in Los Angeles, CA; Shawty Lo & Trey Songz @ Phillips Arena for Birthday Bash in Atlanta, GA (Photos: Julia Beverly)

01 // Julia Beverly, Malik Abdul, & Lori Harm @ Skye Nightclub for JBs Tampa Bday Bash (Tampa, FL) 02 // Big Rich & K-Loc @ The Jackas Tear Gas album release party (San Francisco, CA) 03 // J Rich & guest @ Area for BET Awards afterparty (Hollywood, CA) 04 // Kuzzo Fly, Haji Springer, & Lil Dre @ Rasputins for The Jackas Tear Gas in store (Berkeley, CA) 05 // Day 26 backstage @ the BET Awards (Los Angeles, CA) 06 // Outkast @ Phillips Arena for Birthday Bash (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Trae, Soulja Boy, & Gravy @ Union Station for BET Awards afterparty (Los Angeles, CA) 08 // Ray J, Shorty Mack, Julia Beverly, Ras Kass, & 40 Glocc @ Poetry for JBs Vegas Bday Bash (Las Vegas, NV) 09 // Rapid Ric, Chamillionaire, & Tum Tum @ Dub Car Show (Dallas, TX) 10 // DJ Princess Cut & Tina T @ Texas Urban Music Summit (Dallas, TX) 11 // Brittney & Will Hustle @ Texas Urban Music Summit (Dallas, TX) 12 // DLyte, Sara, Steve Raze, & Ebony @ Texas Urban Music Summit (Dallas, TX) 13 // Sean Kennedy & Lisa Raye on the red carpet @ the BET Awards (Los Angeles, CA) 14 // Fiya & Inertia @ Texas Urban Music Summit (Dallas, TX) 15 // Mitchellel & Mac Boney @ Echo Studios (Atlanta, GA) 16 // Reggie Ward & Gorilla Zoe @ KNBA (Anchorage, AK) 17 // DJ Cap, guest, Nick da Next Wun, & JuJu of Fam Life @ Texas Urban Music Summit (Dallas, TX) 18 // Lil Duval & Lil C @ TIs Going Away party on Star Island (Miami, FL) 19 // Guest & Miami Mike @ Studio 72 for OZONEs Birthday Bash afterparty (Atlanta, GA) Photo Credits: D-Ray (02,04,05,08,13); Edward Hall (11,12,14,17); Julia Beverly (03,06,07,16,18,19); Ms Rivercity (09,10,15); Ralph Smith (01)

OZONE MAG // 23

Are You A G? 7 QueStionS to FinD out iF r&B Star JeremIh iS the 7th letter oF the alPhaBet.
We put Mr. Birthday Sex to the test to see if the 21-year-old Def Jam signee is in fact the 7th letter of the alphabet, or just another typical crooner. A. Your birthday was last week. how many girls did you celebrate with? (laughs) It was only right that I kick it off the right way. I was actually out in Cali with my lil buddy from Chicago and she definitely took care of me for my birthday! But I had to get my paper up, so I did two shows on my birthday. Come on, Jeremih, you were in the land of milk and honey on your birthday and chose to import a chick from back home? No points for this one, homie. B. if you were in the boxing ring, what song would you come out to? Thatd probably be the song Im featured on with Fabolous called Its My Time.Thats probably what Id come out to; its something new and Im on the hook. Its one of those anthems thats real triumphant. Itll get you ready to take on anything. Jeremih couldve picked a classic like Tupacs Ambitions As A Rider, Twistas Adrenaline Rush, or even Lil Scrappys No Problems, but instead went with a more personal track and plugged he and Losos new record along the way. Thats pretty gangsta C. Whos the most interesting person youve met since becoming a star? Probably Rihanna. We actually went to dinner. It wasnt a one-on-one type of dinner, but a lot of artists on Def Jam went
24 // OZONE MAG

aBCDeFG

out one night and I sat right between her and another labelmate of mine, Kristinia DeBarge. I was like Damn, Im sitting next to Rihanna! She was too close for me not to try something, but it was one of those situations I wish I could re-live and say a little bit more than I did. It was kinda hard sitting between her and another beautiful girl like Kristinia DeBarge, but it was cool. I had a good time. Even though he didnt pull Chris Browns ex, well still award him points for trying. d. have any of your ex-girlfriends tried to get back with you now that youve made it? The first time I actually heard my [Birthday Sex] record on the radio, I was in downtown Chicago on Michigan Ave, riding around with one of my exes. When it came on we both just looked at each other and smiled. It was crazy because I didnt even know [the song] was gonna come on. Obviously she wants to hook back up now, but at this point, I just told her to move on. Im not trying to go back in time. The only way Jeremih couldve been more of a G in this situation is if he had pulled over as soon as the song went off and told his ex to Beat it. e. if you had to choose between a 1979 Caprice Classic or a 2010 BmW 760, which would you go with? Id go with the Caprice. I actually just got a 1976 Pontiac Grandville, antique style. Im thinking about starting a collection of old-schools and revamping em. I dont know

man, that 455 engine, theres nothing like it. Most R&B singers probably dont even know what a 455 is, so Jeremih gets credit for this response. f. Whats the most expensive thing youve ever stolen? Probably a mink coat, I aint gon lie. I was in Chicago on 95th and Western at Marshalls, and I gotta admit, I got caught. It was one of those dumb mistakes you make as a shorty; I aint perfect. I was young and thought I would get away with it. Hes definitely a G for stealing a mink coat, but from Marshalls? That had to be the most expensive item in the whole damn store; they probably put extra sensors on it and dedicated an entire security guard just to catch fools like Jeremih trying to run off with it. But regardless, well give Young J a point, even if it was a fake mink. G. Would you rather eat filet mignon at a five-star restaurant or a t-bone at the strip club? (laughs) Open up her legs, then filet mignon that but Id probably go with the strip club, dawg. You gotta be a G to eat anything at the strip club. SCORE 6/7 Jeremih may look like a typical R&B singer, but surprisingly the Chicago native scores higher on the Are You A G Chart than most would expect. His admission to mink thief, getting back at his ex, and dinner with Rihanna all solidify his G status. - Words by Eric Perrin

Hood By terrenCe tySon deeds WorDS By eriC Perrin // Photo

Boston Celtics small forward Marquis Daniels carries the state of Florida on his back, literally. But even the immense and extremely detailed map of Florida tattooed across his entire back cant compare to the charity work hes done to benefit the children of his home state. Daniels, who was born in Orlando and played ball at local Edgewater High School, has been giving back to his community and donating his time and resources for years. Unlike many philanthropists, most of what he does hasnt received heavy media attention. From sponsoring AAU basketball teams to organizing scholarship fundraisers for high school athletes, Marquis Daniels contributes much to the hood. Ive been doing things for the community for a minute now. I just never really did anything in the public eye, says Marquis. When I was growing up I didnt get to see guys from the NBA or NFL come back and contribute to their communities. Im in a good position now and I just want to help out as much as possible. In one of his first organized events, Daniels was able to help out over 350 children. His Marquis Daniels Charity for Children Weekend, which lasted from July 17th-19th, consisted of 6 events, including a basketball tournament and a back-to-school drive co-sponsored by Wal-Mart. The weekend was organized through Daniels Q6 Foundation and was a massive success. Event Planner Christina Clark has been working with Daniels foundation since 2006 and has witnessed his generous spirit. [Marquis] is one of the rare athletes that really gives back, she stresses. All the kids really gravitate to him, and hes so special because hes very touchable and real. He really cares about the city of Orlando. We didnt have many sponsors for this event [this year], so he ended up paying for most of it out of his own pocket. Thats how much he cares.

(above L-R): Young Jeezy & DJ Khaled @ Best of the Best in Miami, FL (Photo: Thaddaeus McAdams); Shawnna & Willy Northpole @ K 107 Summer Jam in Denver, CO; Keri Hilson & her mom @ the BET Awards in Los Angeles, CA (Photos: D-Ray)

01 // DJ Nasty, Ricky P, & Jimmie Rockstar @ Dragon Room (Orlando, FL) 02 // Memphitz & Mike Kyser @ TIs Going Away party on Star Island (Miami, FL) 03 // Gorilla Zoe, Willie of Y&W Limo, & Baydilla @ KNBA (Anchorage, AK) 04 // Julia Beverly & DJ Christion @ Skye Nightclub for JBs Tampa Bday Bash (Tampa, FL) 05 // Dame Fame & Honest Bob @ The Room Ultra Lounge for OZONE Get Famous showcase (San Francisco, CA) 06 // Drumma Boy, Mistah FAB, & Rob G @ the Avalon (Los Angeles, CA) 07 // Inertia, Big Hood Boss, & Roccett @ Texas Urban Music Summit (Dallas, TX) 08 // Traxamillion & his son @ Rasputins for The Jackas Tear Gas in store (Berkeley, CA) 09 // Glasses Malone, T-Pain, & Baby on the set of Glasses Malones Sun Come Up video shoot (Miami, FL) 10 // Stevie J & crew @ Cameo for Headliner Marketing party (Miami, FL) 11 // Tonio & Cino @ Poetry for JBs Vegas Bday party (Las Vegas, NV) 12 // Big Karl & Will Hustle @ Tupacs Birthday Celebration (Atlanta, GA) 13 // Lady C, Aleshia Steele, & Sway @ Texas Urban Music Summit (Dallas, TX) 14 // Scoot of Dem HoodStarz & his sons @ Rasputins for The Jackas Tear Gas in store (Berkeley, CA) 15 // Krizz Kaliko, JT Quik, & Tech N9ne @ Hot 103 Summer Jam (Kansas City, MO) 16 // Nooch, Tavia, & Dame Fame @ The Room Ultra Lounge for OZONE Get Famous showcase (San Francisco, CA) 17 // Slick Rick & DJ Fresh @ Body Tap II (Kansas City, MO) 18 // Ric Ross & James Lopez @ TIs Going Away party on Star Island (Miami, FL) 19 // Roscoe Parrish & Ump @ EJs pool party (Miami, FL) Photo Credits: D-Ray (06,08,11,14); Edward Hall (07,13); J Lash (09,10,19); Julia Beverly (01,02,03,05,12,16,18); Luis Santana (04); Ms Rivercity (15,17)

OZONE MAG // 25

YOUNG DRO & TINY

Tiny: Hey Dro, what you doing? Dro: Im in da studio wit LA. I got this fresh salamander polo on, wit the hat to match and a neon alligator belt with the stripes down the side. Boy, you should these sandals I got on, they straight black boy/white boy. Tiny: Oh, okay. What u doin at the studio? Im at the club with Toya and I was thinkin about u Dro: You thinkin about me? Well shit I dont blame you. Id be thinkin about me too if I wasnt me. Im the best thang smoking.I got on all this damn polo. P.O.L.O. spell Young Dro. Polo to da Flo!!! Polo Dro!! I walk by niggas and make em tuck they shirt in. Tiny: Dro, you so silly. Dro: Aint I? Lol! Tiny: I was thinkin bout getting dropped off at the studio when we leave the club. How long you gon be there? Dro: This nigga Young Leland Austin, wit his bitch ass cant get his damn verse right, so we probably gon be here all night. Tiny: Okay, well call me when he leaves. Im gonna have Toya drop me off over there. Dro: I think this nigga Leland got on a flea market polo shirt.. He cant be doing that shit representing Grand Hustle the wrong way. He aint really horsing around like POLO DRO. We on different EARTHES. Tiny: Dro, Ive been so lonely without Tip and Ive been thinkin bout you so much. Im really feelin yo swag.

OZONE EXCLUSIVE
Textin is no longer safe now that OZONEs dangerous minds have hacked the system.

Dro: This here black boy swag, white boy tags. Me and Ralph Lauren and is tight like you and Toya. Toya got a fat ass. She single? Tiny: Toya still in love wit Wayne. But I know a friend of hers that might be available, her mans in jail for a year and day. Dro: Aw shit, whats her name? Tiny: Her real name is Tameka, you might know her. Dro: Tameka? I dont know no bitch named Tameka. What she look like? Tiny: She real cute. She light skinneded, got long hair, angel eyes and a baby face. But she a freak though. And I think she used to be in a R&B group. U know who Im talkin about yet? Dro: Naw, hell naw. But Im still fuckin wit Fantasia and she dont play that shit. We should hook yo friend Tameka up wit Yung Leland. That boy need a girl. Tiny: Whatever Dro! Dont nobody want no Yung La. Call me when you decide to stop bullshitting! From the minds of Eric Perrin & Randy Roper Photos by Julia Beverly

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(above L-R): Ron Artest & Mistah FAB @ the Avalon in Los Angeles, CA (Photo: D-Ray); Vince Young, Young Jeezy, & Fabolous @ Gansevoort Pool Party in Miami, FL (Photo: Thaddaeus McAdams); Julia Beverly @ Mardi Gras for OZONE 7 Year Anniversary party in Jackson, MS (Photo: Julia Beverly)

01 // John Costen, Tuma Basa, & Dr Teeth @ Union Station for BET Awards afterparty (Los Angeles, CA) 02 // Nooch & Bueno @ The Room Ultra Lounge for OZONE Get Famous showcase (San Francisco, CA) 03 // Sam Sneak & DJ Nasty @ Take One Lounge (Miami, FL) 04 // Young Jeezy & Tracy Morgan @ Hot 97 Summer Jam (New York, NY) 05 // Gangsta Brown, Chu, & Too Short @ the Palms for Too Short & DJ Franzens private TV show launch party (Las Vegas, NV) 06 // Tyrese, TI, & Tiny @ TIs Going Away party on Star Island (Miami, FL) 07 // Big Von, Julia Beverly, & Drew Hef @ KMEL (San Francisco, CA) 08 // Bullets for Peace models @ the Eden Roc for Santana Mosss 30th birthday party (Miami, FL) 09 // Gorilla Zoe, Big Hood Boss, & Tum Tum @ Dub Car Show (Dallas, TX) 10 // DJ Merk & Blockboi @ Texas Urban Music Summit (Dallas, TX) 11 // Charlie Brown, Sam Sneak, & DJ Freddy Fred on South Beach during Memorial Day weekend (Miami, FL) 12 // Young Capone & Justice League @ The Moon for TJs DJs (Tallahassee, FL) 13 // Guest & Bigface Mike @ Mardi Gras for OZONE 7 Year Anniversary party (Jackson, MS) 14 // DJ Troyboy & guest @ Club Elixir (Anchorage, AK) 15 // Malik Abdul, Julia Beverly, & Bigga Rankin @ Rain for JBs Jacksonville Bday Bash (Jacksonville, FL) 16 // The Jacka & fan @ Rasputins for The Jackas Tear Gas in store (Berkeley, CA) 17 // D Woods, Malachi, & Mika Means @ Tupacs Birthday Celebration (Atlanta, GA) 18 // Dru Down & Shorty Mack @ Poetry for JBs Vegas Bday party (Las Vegas, NV) 19 // Klarc Shepard & Bigga Rankin (Gainesville, FL) Photo Credits: D-Ray (05,16,18); J Lash (03,08); Julia Beverly (01,02,06,07,13,14,17); Ms Rivercity (09,10,11,12); Terrence Tyson (15,19); Thaddaeus McAdams (04)

OZONE MAG // 27

New OrLeANS NAtIve dIvA wAS fOrCed tO LeAve her hOmetOwN BeCAuSe Of hurrICANe kAtrINA, But three yeArS LAter SheS StILL GettING rAINed ON.
The 21-year-old dancer with the devastating figure first escaped to Houston, where she commenced her strip club career, but recently relocated to Atlanta where she admits the money is better and the experiences are more exciting. Before her dancing days, the Crescent City cutie was raised by a strict mother who didnt let her get out much. She later worked at the airport and in various retail jobs as a cashier, but all that changed after the storm. After moving to Houston, there werent many jobs available, so Diva did what she had to do. Everybody tries to put all dancers in the same category, as whores, and its really not like that at all, she says. I dont like to be looked down upon, so thats the worst thing about this job. But overall, I like being a dancer. Although her name sounds somewhat clich, Diva claims she chose her alias long before it was defined as the female version of a hustler. I had the name since 2006, before Beyonce came out with the song, and I think it really describes how I carry myself, says Diva, in a Nawlins accent thicker than her 34-24-38 measurements. I have a lot of confidence. Shes also confident in her bisexuality, which she is claims is real and not made-for-TV. Ive been single for two years now, and thats because I cant pick between guys and girls, she says. I like men that are cocky, but not too cocky, and know how to treat a lady, but I love sexy and fine ass girls as long as they arent loud or ghetto. But if Diva sticks to her plan, shell have to conceal her bisexual statements for a while. She plans on enlisting in the military concluding her pole profession and either join the Army or the Navy. The Air Force wouldnt take me because of my tattoos, she says, and the Marines is just not an option. Either way, Diva will certainly be using her uniform as a recruitment tool, luring unsuspecting men and women to the desert. Words by Eric Perrin Website: Strokersclub.com Booking: myspace.com/strokersatl Photography: DC The Brain Supreme dcphotoimaging.com Make up and Hair Styling by Mike Mike 678-732-5285

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(above L-R): Dame Fame, Keak da Sneak, & John Costen @ The Room Ultra Lounge for OZONE Get Famous showcase in San Francisco, CA; Reggie Bush & Ciara @ Area for BET Awards afterparty in Hollywood, CA; Trae & Sean Kingston @ Union Station for BET Awards afterparty in Los Angeles, CA (Photos: Julia Beverly)

01 // Nick Ngo & The Jacka @ Rasputins for The Jackas Tear Gas in store (Berkeley, CA) 02 // Young Dro, Jason Geter, & Amir Boyd @ Tupacs Birthday Celebration (Atlanta, GA) 03 // Slim Thug, Gotti, & guest @ Union Station for BET Awards afterparty (Los Angeles, CA) 04 // Lucci & Mr Pookie @ K104 (Dallas, TX) 05 // Dorrough & Dee Sonoram on the red carpet @ the BET Awards (Los Angeles, CA) 06 // Keak da Sneak & Kafani @ The Room Ultra Lounge for OZONE Get Famous showcase (San Francisco, CA) 07 // Guest, Mistah FAB, & Philly @ the Avalon (Los Angeles, CA) 08 // JW & Trae on South Beach during Memorial Day weekend (Miami, FL) 09 // Huey giving JB a foot massage @ Union Station for BET Awards afterparty (Los Angeles, CA) 10 // Ray J, Kuzzo Fly, & Dru Down @ Poetry for JBs Vegas Bday party (Las Vegas, NV) 11 // Aziatikk Blakk & Bigg V @ Mardi Gras for OZONE 7 Year Anniversary party (Jackson, MS) 12 // Shamrock & Elle @ Foot Locker (Atlanta, GA) 13 // Steve Raze & Troublesum @ Texas Urban Music Summit (Dallas, TX) 14 // DJ Backside, DJ Nik Bean, & DJ Mike Smoove @ AllHipHop Mansion Party (Los Angeles, CA) 15 // The Jacka, Gary Archer, & DJ Tito Bell @ The Jackas Tear Gas album release party (San Francisco, CA) 16 // GS Boyz @ Phillips Arena for Birthday Bash (Atlanta, GA) 17 // Unladylike @ Union Station for BET Awards afterparty (Los Angeles, CA) 18 // DJ Fahrenheit & Swizz Beatz @ Hot 97 Summer Jam (New York, NY) 19 // Bigg V & B Wash @ Mardi Gras for OZONE 7 Year Anniversary party (Jackson, MS) 20 // DJ Princess Cut, DJ Ben, & Tex @ Texas Urban Music Summit (Dallas, TX) Photo Credits: D-Ray (01,05,07,10,14,15); Edward Hall (04,20); Julia Beverly (02,03,06,09,11,16,17,19); Ms Rivercity (12,13); Thaddaeus McAdams (08,18)

OZONE MAG // 29

DJ BOOTH
DJ WHOO KID
Interview by Ms. Rivercity

While some people consider going Hollywood to be negative, DJ Whoo Kid has capitalized on the realm of bright lights and super celebrities and turned it into a lucrative living. Not a conventional DJ, Whoo Kid took his mixtape entrepreneurship to a whole new level by enlisting A-list hosts, branching into television and films, and bridging the gap between Hip Hop and Hollywood. In the midst of marketing his entertainment website RadioPlanet.tv, DJ Whoo Kid explains how went from being virtually nameless to sharing marquees with top ranked musicians, sports players, and movie stars. tell me about the latest projects youve been working on. Ive been working on my site RadioPlanet.tv. Ive been doing a lot of creative interviews, projects, events. All the interviews on the site are hilarious. I just got tired of going to other peoples sites and it being the same stuff from everybody elses sites. I wanted to create my own fan base. The sites only been up for a few months and it gets a lot of hits a month. how did you get the site poppin so fast? Well you know, Em is my boy, and 50 is my boy, and I have my radio show Hollywood Saturdays. All these Hollywood stars call my show anyway, and some of them are so cool I can get personal with them. They allow me to fly to L.A. and go to their homes and do stupid, funny shit. I learned from being creative back in the day with mixtapes. Back in those days, in the East coast, nobody gave a fuck about the South, but I wanted my mixtapes to be bootlegged down there so I would fly down there

and get music from Juvenile, T.I., Trick Daddy. Id come back and Id have a mixtape with mixed content. Its like the mixtape I just did with Shaq and Scream, its all mixed content. Ive been having a lot of different hosting from Hollywood people. I already got with Lamar Odom and Lebron James. I wouldnt mind doing something with Kobe. has the recession affected your business at all? Of course. The days of trying to get it in the streets are over, but it balances out. Id rather have 200,000 free downloads than sell a few thousand CDs, because now theres an awareness of what I do and now Im booked relentlessly, everywhere. Every country is downloading me. They dont give a fuck about bootlegging in those places. so you think the internet downloading of music has been a positive thing? Its a negative thing for the ignorant DJ that just wants to make a certain amount of money a month and think hes rich. Its positive if you wanna be known all over the planet and build other situations to make money off of. Its hard to get in a position like that, but it works for me. Youve seen experienced a lot of the game over the years. Whats the experience been like? Its been 15 years or something like that. The experience has been overwhelming. Youd never think a mixtape DJ would go so far. It not only led me to going almost everywhere on this planet, it led me to working with incredible people like Eminem and Dre. Ive met everyone from Snoop Dogg to Bill Cosby to Nelson Mandela. It got me on radio and TV; it got me in movies. Ive done voiceovers for cartoons and video games. Ive produced songs and done historical shit. Ive hung out with princes and DJed for terrorists. I DJed for Khadafis birthday party, I mean, cmon man. They had balloons and everything. (laughs) The only place I havent been on this planet is Egypt, only because they dont give a fuck about Hip Hop. All they care about is

techno. Im gonna have to act like Im a techno DJ to sneak up in there. But Ive kinda done it all. how do you feel about being skilled in the actual art of DJing? Youre more of a mixtape DJ and personality than a technical DJ. Im not a traditional DJ, I dont cut and scratch and all that. Id rather just cut the checks. I did my research on the area of cutting and scratching and its just a bunch of fucking weirdos that like that shit. Its a male society. If you go to those events its just a bunch of dudes. Id rather do a party for Kim Kardashian or Shaqs birthday party. Thats where youll see me. Not only do those DJs get paid more, but they get more popularity. I mean, what am I gonna win? A fuckin trophy or a ribbon? I have respect for those people, but thats not who I wanna be. is there anything else that you want to accomplish after all youve done? or any artists youd want to tour with? Nah, I aint DJing for nobody else after 50. Ive toured 300 countries with him. Weve done like every club in America. A lot of people dont know that I DJed for Juvenile. He was the first artist I ever DJed for and hes the first one to show me what a tour is. That was back when he had Back that Ass Up. That was like 10 years ago, so I met everybody before they blew up. I have video of T.I. before he was anybody. I DJed for Lil Wayne when he was 15 or 16. The lil muthafucka came to an adult club with a bunch of little kids. What did you learn going on your first tour? Juvenile introduced me to the replay. He didnt have a DJ at the time, he had a big fat uncle in the back pushing a button on the replay. A lot of people didnt know what a replay was. Thats what I use today when I do concerts. 50 Cent is a gangsta rapper, so why would I be cuttin and scratchin [during his show]? Hes not Talib Kweli. Prior to DJing for Juvenile which led to the 50 Cent situation, you were just trying to get the mixtapes off the ground? What was your goal? Yeah, I was stealing peoples music. They called me Whoo Kid cause they didnt know who this kid was that was robbing people for exclusives. I had everybody trying to kill me. Even Nore wanted to kill me and I ended up being his DJ. But if you had music that was unfinished and you put it out, that was the hit back in the days. how were you able to get the exclusive music back then, especially when nobody knew who you were at that time? The A&Rs. You gotta understand, A&Rs and interns were not getting paid at labels back then. Id pay A&Rs shout out to beautiful magazines like this one, whod get the snippet album before it came out. One verse is good enough for me to sell a mixtape. So Id go to Source Magazine and a couple other magazines and pay the reviewers. What else do you have in the works? Another thing Im doing is free QuikVids for established artists. I did I Got Mojo for Soulja Boy. We did Gucci Manes Bitch Im Back. Theyre like one-verse videos I do with Dan the Man. Theyve got a lot of replay value cause theyre so short, and theyre hot. You can check out all the QuikVids on RadioPlanet.tv. Whats the best way for people to reach out to you if they want to work? If you want marketing, or to send me music, or hire my services, you can reach me at djwhookidmp3@gmail.com. //

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(above L-R): Paul Wall & his wife on the red carpet @ the BET Awards in Los Angeles, CA; Clyde Carson, Julia Beverly, & Ray J @ Poetry for JBs Vegas Bday party in Las Vegas, NV (Photos: D-Ray); Tigger & Shawne Merriman @ Union Station for BET Awards afterparty in Los Angeles, CA (Photo: Julia Beverly)

01 // Gaby Acevedo & Shawn Peckas Costner @ Union Station for BET Awards afterparty (Los Angeles, CA) 02 // Man @ Large, Gorilla Zoe, & Baydilla @ KFAT (Anchorage, AK) 03 // Soulja Boy & Kerisha Smith @ Studio 72 for OZONEs Birthday Bash afterparty (Atlanta, GA) 04 // The Jacka signing autographs @ Rasputins for The Jackas Tear Gas in store (Berkeley, CA) 05 // Kuzzo Fly & Cellski @ Poetry for JBs Vegas Bday party (Las Vegas, NV) 06 // Rick Ross with Tech N9ne & his son @ Hot 103 Summer Jam (Kansas City, MO) 07 // Lil Fate & T-Pain @ K 107 Summer Jam (Denver, CO) 08 // Too Short & ladies @ the Palms for Too Short & DJ Franzens private TV show launch party (Las Vegas, NV) 09 // Ray J, Julia Beverly, Dre Dae, & DJ Franzen @ Poetry for JBs Vegas Bday Bash (Las Vegas, NV) 10 // BH & Gangsta Brown @ the Palms for Too Short & DJ Franzens private TV show launch party (Las Vegas, NV) 11 // V12, DJ Drama, & Drumma Boy @ DJ Dramas album listening session (Atlanta, GA) 12 // Tonya Terelle & Skyy @ Texas Urban Music Summit (Dallas, TX) 13 // Bow Wow & Lil C @ TIs Going Away party on Star Island (Miami, FL) 14 // Mob Boss & Papa Duck @ Rain for JBs Jacksonville Bday Bash (Jacksonville, FL) 15 // DJ Princess Cut & Tony Neal @ Texas Urban Music Summit (Dallas, TX) 16 // Julia Beverly & Miami Mike @ Club Bash for JBs Denver Bday Bash (Denver, CO) 17 // Chris J & Supastar J Kwik @ The Moon for TJs DJs (Tallahassee, FL) 18 // Shawn Peckas & Tru Life @ Cameo for Headliner Marketing party (Miami, FL) 19 // Haitian Fresh & ladies @ the Bayfront Ampitheatre for Haitian Festival (Miami, FL) Photo Credits: D-Ray (04,05,08,09,10,16); Edward Hall (12,15); J Lash (18,19)Julia Beverly (01,03,07,13); Ms Rivercity (06,11,17); Terrence Tyson (14)

OZONE MAG // 31

edItOrS NOte IM JUST SAYINTHO BY D-RAY

he DJ issue always tends to show us that DJs have some of the BIGGEST EGOS. Why should have to chase a DJ to do an interview? Wouldnt you think they would want the free promotion? I tend to dislike some DJs a little during the time it takes to put this issue together. Thats an odd feeling for me, cause I am usually a believer in the DJs. I lived with one of the best DJs, one of the few Big Dawg Pitbull DJs, my brother Jazzy Jim! He always made time for an interview. He knew that taking the time to do interviews would make him that much more popular. He knew how to turn the popularity and skills into MONEY. DJs play the biggest role in the industry, hands down. The most important piece to breaking music is the DJ. The DJ relies on his reputation and respect. So, depending on the popularity and respect each DJ gets, they can help make or break music all day, every day! Being a DJ is a very tough job. I always wanted to be a DJ, you know, the life of the party. Im glad I chose another career. Instead of starting the parties, I capture them for everyones memories. I feel like I have to deal with a lot of nonsense, being a photographer and the editor of OZONEs West Coast coverage. But as a DJ, it gets worse. Youve got every level of artist that has no kind of business savvy running their mouth about being the BEST or the HOTTEST! Havent you been told, If your music speaks for itself, dont interrupt! If you feel like a DJ isnt supporting you the way they should, reflect on your interaction with them. I know I said DJs have EGOs, but their egos are nothing compared to that cocky artist who is claiming to be the greatest in the world without any evidence. No fans, no hits, no sales, and no money! So check your ego before you wreck yourself with some very important relationships that are needed to make you into that artist you already claim to be. Good music is good music, period! Its undeniable. In the same way, you need to make your movement undeniable. If youre really the hottest thing in the streets and everyone loves your song, you wouldnt have to talk about it as much. The people would demand it. Shouts out to D-Lo from Oakland with the song No Hoe! Its a smash that started in his bedroom, neighborhood, and high school, and now its on radio stations across the country. If DJs are sleeping on you, guess what? Its your job to wake them up! The great DJs act on hits, but the sad thing is that most DJs only react to the same hits. Who is breaking the records? I often go to clubs and events and am blown away by how much the club sounds just like the radio. I

thought it was supposed to be the other way around? I thought the club DJ was supposed to break the record and build the buzz so the artist could take it to radio. Now DJs at clubs act like they cant play anything that isnt already a radio hit. Well, youll never know if you dont play it. Because of my career, I spend a lot of time in the club, so I hear a lot of DJs spin. Some know how to build that crowd up to where they just cant take any more, while others mess up the mood or vibe by clearing the floor with the wrong record at the wrong time. Theres a right way and a wrong way to play a new song in the club. Can they see what I see? It makes me wonder if they need glasses, cause I need earplugs! Attention all DJs: we need you to keep breaking records. Be the leaders and the trendsetters. Theres a lot of good music coming from the West Coast, ready to bring us back. We have some great talent out here, like Mistah FAB, Roccett, Jay Rock, Problem, Glasses Malone, Bad Lucc, Husalah, Tha Jacka, Crooked I, Nipsey Hussle, Damani, Nio Tha Gift, J Diggs, D Lo, Dem Hoodstarz, and so many more. I could go on and on listing the new breed, not to mention the OGs that have been holding down the West Coast forever! Special shout out to DJ Quik & Kurupt for dropping a banging new album, Blaq Out. I see you hipsters! FIRE! Yes, the West is on FIRE! DJs, please take the time to listen to and break some new music. I know how hard it is to listen sometimes, but we as an industry depend on you to do just that; otherwise, no one is breaking records. You chose this career for yourself, so please get the passion back and love your job. You set the party mode through your speakers; we rely on you for that. Dont be afraid to test new music in the club, especially if the artist is in the building. This is the perfect chance for an artist to show you when they have a hit record. Its now visual no longer speculation. Then its not personal when you dont play it or do play it. Words arent always heard, but the visual is undeniable! If all else fails, if you put that new song on and the dance floor clears, play a Michael Jackson record and thats guaranteed to bring the life back to your party! Everyone is an artist today. There are no fans anymore. Lets be honest with ourselves. If this is your passion, run with it. But if its a hobby, keep it in your hood! Youre stopping real passion and talent from being heard. Believe that! Artists, do your part, and DJs, do yours. No need to stress if an artist stays in your face telling you, YO, PLAY MY SONG! IM NEXT TO BLOW! If you dont have a fan base, save the GAS! Keep it movin! - D-Ray, OZONE West Editor-At-Large dray@ozonemag.com

Roccett & me at the Avalon in L.A.

Me & T-Pains Big Ass Chain in Denver

Rico Tha kid & me in East Oakland

Husalah is free!

Mack 10 f/ Rick Ross & Lil Wayne So Sharp Mistah FAB Hit Me On Twitter Damani f/ Musiq Soulchild Im Ballin Traxamillion f/ Jayrock & Laroo Lights Go Down The Jacka f/ Andre Nickatina Glamorous Lifestyle Balance f/ Jimmie Reign, Big Rich, & The Jacka Cant Go Bishop Lamont f/ Sugafree, Butch Cassidy, Bokey, & Chevy Jones Nothing Could Be Better

tOP 10 SLAPS

DJ BACKSIDES
Kurupt f/ Problem Im Burnt Husalah Pray 4 U U-N-I Land of the Kings

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(above L-R): Mario & Hurricane Chris @ Phillips Arena for Birthday Bash in Atlanta, GA; TI, Tiny, & Killer Mike @ TIs Going Away party on Star Island in Miami, FL; Bun B & Moby Dick @ Tupacs Birthday Celebration in Atlanta, GA (Photos: Julia Beverly)

01 // Gorilla Zoe & Scoe @ Club Elixir (Anchorage, AK) 02 // Roccett, Chamillionaire, & Rick Edwards @ the Avalon (Los Angeles, CA) 03 // Dorrough & Ms Rivercity @ Hot 103 Summer Jam (Kansas City, MO) 04 // Willy Northpole & Mr Hit that Hoe @ Texas Urban Music Summit (Dallas, TX) 05 // DJ Quik, Kurupt, & kids on the set of DJ Quik & Kurupts Bees To The Flowers video shoot (Los Angeles, CA) 06 // T-Pain gets ready to play ball @ K 107 Summer Jam (Denver, CO) 07 // Ivory Orr & Idris Elba @ Bourbon St (Jacksonville, FL) 08 // Shorty Mack & Ray J @ Poetry for JBs Vegas Bday party (Las Vegas, NV) 09 // Bow Wow, Soulja Boy, & Sean Kingston @ K 107 Summer Jam (Denver, CO) 10 // Julia Beverly, Ludacris, & D-Ray @ K 107 Summer Jam (Denver, CO) 11 // Kwasi Kwa, Slim Thug, Benz, guest, & Kool Aid @ Union Station for BET Awards afterparty (Los Angeles, CA) 12 // DJ Pizo & DJ B-Easy @ Poetry (Las Vegas, NV) 13 // Cole & Papa Duck @ Rain for JBs Jacksonville Bday Bash (Jacksonville, FL) 14 // Doughski G, Willy Northpole, & DJ Drop @ Texas Urban Music Summit (Dallas, TX) 15 // Pimp G & DJ Fubu @ Studio 72 for OZONEs Birthday Bash afterparty (Atlanta, GA) 16 // Gabriel Hart, Janee Bolden, & guest @ Tupacs Birthday Celebration (Atlanta, GA) 17 // Showcase winner Tavia & friends @ The Room Ultra Lounge for OZONE Get Famous showcase (San Francisco, CA) 18 // Young Jeezy & Tru Life @ Gansevoort Pool Party (Miami, FL) 19 // OJ da Juiceman & Cash @ Club Flow (Dallas, TX) 20 // Stephen Hill & James Cruz @ Union Station for BET Awards afterparty (Los Angeles, CA) Photo Credits: D-Ray (02,05,06,08,10,12); Julia Beverly (01,09,11,16,17,20); Keith the Beast (15); Ms Rivercity (03,04,14,19); Terrence Tyson (07,13); Thaddaeus McAdams (18)

OZONE MAG // 33

texas rapper twisted Black was hyped by his label tV t Records as the originator of cocaine rap, but according to the Feds, he was doing more than just rapping about the drug. Charged with conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, twisted Black emphatically proclaimed his innocent but was still sentenced to 30 years. now appealing the sentence, he describes the alleged set-up: For Prison Diary submissions contact RapCoalition@aol.com

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(above L-R): Bigga Rankin & Lil Boosie in Gainesville, FL (Photo: Terrence Tyson); Soulja Boy remembering Michael Jackson on the red carpet @ the BET Awards in Los Angeles, CA; MC Hammer & Mistah FAB @ Mistah FABs Hit Me On Twitter video shoot in East Oakland, CA (Photos: D-Ray)

01 // DJ KTone, DJ Jus, DJ Kelo, & DJ Fubu @ K 107 Summer Jam (Denver, CO) 02 // Ron Stewart & Jimmy Henchmen @ TIs Going Away party on Star Island (Miami, FL) 03 // Chris J & BallGreezy @ Club Dolce (Miami, FL) 04 // Mike Kyser & Ted Lucas @ TIs Going Away party on Star Island (Miami, FL) 05 // Enew, Huey, & Ron Stewart @ Union Station for BET Awards afterparty (Los Angeles, CA) 06 // Slick Rick & Black Walt @ Body Tap II (Kansas City, MO) 07 // Willy Northpole & Ludacris @ K 107 Summer Jam (Denver, CO) 08 // Julia Beverly, Tom G, Buckwheat, & Pretty Ricky @ Wild 98.7 (Tampa, FL) 09 // Vee & Too Short @ Area for BET Awards afterparty (Hollywood, CA) 10 // Pimp G & Keith the Beast @ Studio 72 for OZONEs Birthday Bash afterparty (Atlanta, GA) 11 // Big Teach & Yo Gotti on the set of Birdman & Lil Waynes Stay Strapped video shoot @ Karu & Y (Miami, FL) 12 // 8Ball, Mike Epps, & MJG @ Tupacs Birthday Celebration (Atlanta, GA) 13 // Bigg V & Southpaw @ Mardi Gras for OZONE 7 Year Anniversary party (Jackson, MS) 14 // Benz & Wild Wayne @ Union Station for BET Awards afterparty (Los Angeles, CA) 15 // J Diggs, Julia Beverly, & Kilo @ Roscoes Chicken & Waffles (Los Angeles, CA) 16 // T-Pain & Johnny Kage @ K 107 Summer Jam (Denver, CO) 17 // Out da Cutt ladies @ Club Elixir (Anchorage, AK) 18 // Osiris & Roccett @ the Avalon (Los Angeles, CA) 19 // Guest & Big Kuntry @ TIs Going Away party on Star Island (Miami, FL) Photo Credits: D-Ray (01,07,15,16,18); J Lash (11); Julia Beverly (02,04,05,08,09,10,12,13,14,17,19); Ms Rivercity (06); Terrence Tyson (03)

OZONE MAG // 35

Patiently Waiting
any have had big city dreams of moving to the Big Apple and becoming a star. But more often than not, chasing a dream in NYC turns into driving taxis for a living. Fortunately for rapper/producer J. Cole, the first artist signed to Jay-Zs new record label Roc Nation, taxicab confessions wont be his fate. Born Jermaine Cole and raised by his mother in a single-parent home in Fayetteville, North Carolina, the future MC was introduced to rhyming at the age of 12 by his cousin who was visiting from Louisiana for the summer. [My cousin] used to freestyle, and Id try to rap too, like Yo, how you do that? he recalls. When I first started, I was doing No Limit raps. It didnt take me long after he left to get into other shit. I got real heavy into Canibus, and then Eminem came along. I went from Master P to Eminem. I just kept molding my style based on [the artists] I was into. He soon convinced his mother to purchase a beat machine, and learned the skill of producing. I begged my mom to get me a beat machine, and she finally got it for me after months and months of begging, he says. Thats how I started out making beats. Since I was 15, Ive been producing for myself. After graduating from high school, he accepted a full academic scholarship to St. Johns University, mainly to pursue his rap career within the city that never sleeps. I went to a school I never visited before, he says. I just applied and showed up. Cole never planned to finish college, believing his musical abilities would lead to a record deal in no time, but the aspiring MC quickly learned that pipe dreams dont happen overnight. He went on to spend four years at St. Johns, graduating magna cum laude, while continuing to develop his music. Soon after graduation, in 2007, he released his debut mixtape The Come Up with DJ On Point. Although it didnt set the streets ablaze, he received positive feedback from many listeners. While in the process of completing his follow-up mixtape The Warm Up, J. Coles music wound up in the hands of Jay-Z, who heard the song Lights Please and signed Cole to Roc Nation in 2008. Coles signing with a rap legend, rave reviews that followed the release of The Warm Up (which was released online on June 14th, 2009), and a vital internet presence has many anticipating the release of J. Coles yet-to-be-titled debut album and mentioning his name amongst the games hottest newcomers. My goal is to put out a classic album on the level with some of the greatest first albums that ever came [out], he says. Having a very long career of quality albums and consistent hits; those are my goals. Words by Randy Roper Photo by Rahan Cotterel

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(above L-R): Nipsey Hussle & Chamillionaire on the red carpet @ the BET Awards in Los Angeles, CA; Three 6 Mafia on the red carpet @ the BET Awards in Los Angeles, CA (Photos: D-Ray); Cassie & Diddy @ Justins for The CORE DJs Bad Boy event in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly)

01 // T-Pain & his jeweler Mo of Icebox @ K 107 Summer Jam (Denver, CO) 02 // Girl, Rick Ross, & Shawn Costner @ Cameo for Headliner Marketing party (Miami, FL) 03 // Willy Northpole, Soulja Boy, & Arab @ K 107 Summer Jam (Denver, CO) 04 // Roccett & Octavia Bostick @ AllHipHop Mansion Party (Los Angeles, CA) 05 // Papa Duck & Spark Dawg on South Beach during Memorial Day weekend (Miami, FL) 06 // Mitchellel, JR Get Money, Young Dro, Lil C, Killer Mike, & Bow Wow @ TIs Going Away party on Star Island (Miami, FL) 07 // Spark Dawg & Dorrough @ Texas Urban Music Summit (Dallas, TX) 08 // Brisco & Billy Blue @ Cameo for Briscos birthday party (Miami, FL) 09 // Young Jeezy, Boo da Boss Playa, JW, DJ Khaled, & Rick Ross @ Club Cinema for JWs CTE signing party (Pompano Beach, FL) 10 // Furious & DJ Impereal @ The Jackas Tear Gas album release party (San Francisco, CA) 11 // Que P, DJ Lil E, & Sway @ Texas Urban Music Summit (Dallas, TX) 12 // Cole, Terrence Tyson, & Julia Beverly @ Rain for JBs Jacksonville Bday Bash (Jacksonville, FL) 13 // Lil Chuckee & Kadife @ Phillips Arena for Birthday Bash (Atlanta, GA) 14 // DJ Nasty, Uncle Luke, DJ Epps, & DJ Ice T @ Cameo for Headliner Marketing party (Miami, FL) 15 // Danja & Kenneth Crear @ Area for BET Awards afterparty (Hollywood, CA) 16 // Janky John, guest, Boo da Boss Playa, & CTE crew @ Gansevoort Pool Party (Miami, FL) 17 // Spark Dawg, Fat Pimp, & OJ da Juiceman @ Club Flow (Dallas, TX) 18 // Shonie & Ted Lucas @ Cameo for Briscos birthday party (Miami, FL) 19 // Kevin Liles & Young Jeezy @ Hot 97 Summer Jam (New York, NY) Photo Credits: D-Ray (03,04,10); Edward Hall (11); J Lash (02,08,14,18); Julia Beverly (01,06,13,15); Ms Rivercity (05,07,17); Terrence Tyson (09,12); Thaddaeus McAdams (16,19)

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Patiently Waiting

I had [an offer] from Def Jam and I flew to New York, Alley explains. But what they were tryin to give us for the [deal], we already got that in jewelry. And then they wanted parts of my publishing. All in all, it wasnt right. Alley came back to Atlanta without finalizing paperwork with Def Jam, only to fly right back the next day after receiving a call from Atlantic. They put up more [money]. They wanted it more, and ended up giving us a 50/50 joint venture. Because Atlantic didnt sign Alleys entire label, Duct Tape Entertainment, Alley and the labels CEO Big Bank Black are still able to brand their independent business venture. Big Bank Black, known for his popular hit Try It Out, is responsible for keeping Alley Boys name relevant in the streets, even when Alley was serving prison time. Due to his high demand, Alley inked a deal less than a month after his release from jail. We were mashin hard. I had dropped the song Look at My Charm, and right before Gucci got locked up he dropped a verse on it, Alley says. We were holding the song, and I got locked up a month after him, so we just put it out. Then my brother dropped Try It Out and shit took flight. They were reppin me hard.

n todays music industry, its virtually unheard of to sign a major deal without a song already in rotation on the radio. But for Alley Boy, a well-respected rapper in East Atlanta, a bidding war between labels didnt impress him, even with no single in rotation.

Through hard work and some well-timed collabos with his affiliate Gucci Mane, Alley was introduced to a lot of listeners that took to his sharp lyricism. Niggas know that I can spit, he says. I aint no dummy. I aint tryin to swag my way in. People feel better about dealing with some authentic shit. When it comes to gimmicks and one-hits, Alley Boy has strong opinions and its obvious he doesnt plan to take that route. Everything I got, we fought for. This aint a fad, I aint on no futuristic shit. Im just here to stand for real niggas. In telling his story, one that involves growing up with parents addicted to drugs and fighting to stay out of jail, Alley Boy found an angle that people could relate to. While doing so, he also caught the attention of the powers that be with his natural gift. People respect the flow. A lot of these dudes get a quick deal when they got a little song on the radio, I aint got no shit like that. They just fuckin with me. At this point, Alley Boy is focused on putting in work for Atlantic Records, and coming up with new music for future projects. He recently recorded Ima Smash It with Gucci Mane, produced by Drumma Boy. Whether or not Ima Smash It makes it to Billboard is yet to be determined, but theres no doubt that Alley Boy will have plenty more smashes on deck. This aint just trendy and catchy what Im doing, he asserts. Im tryin to push all these trendy niggas out of the way. I know this shit Im doing aint gon never play out cause its real. Words by Ms Rivercity // Photo by Ms Ja

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(above L-R): Redd Eyezz & Plies @ Club Dolce in Miami, FL (Photo: Terrence Tyson); Diddy & Young Jeezy @ Best of the Best in Miami, FL (Photo: Thaddaeus McAdams); Big Hood Boss & Dorrough @ Texas Urban Music Summit in Dallas, TX (Photo: Ms Rivercity)

01 // TayDizm, Young Cash, T-Pain, guest, & Glasses Malone on the set of Glasses Malones Sun Come Up video shoot (Miami, FL) 02 // Guest, Nipsey Hussle, Roccett, & guests on the set of Roccetts Bang video shoot (Los Angeles, CA) 03 // Lil Bankhead & Soulja Boy @ Studio 72 for OZONEs Birthday Bash afterparty (Atlanta, GA) 04 // Young Jeezy & Janky John @ Gansevoort Pool Party (Miami, FL) 05 // Guest, JW, & Young Jeezy @ Gansevoort Pool Party (Miami, FL) 06 // Roccett & Big Hood Boss @ Texas Urban Music Summit (Dallas, TX) 07 // T-Pain & Ludacris @ K 107 Summer Jam (Denver, CO) 08 // DJ Khaled & Rick Ross @ Take One Lounge (Miami, FL) 09 // E-40, Cousin Fik, & Droop-E @ Poetry (Las Vegas, NV) 10 // Rated R & Lenny @ Dragon Room (Orlando, FL) 11 // Averi Minor, guest, & DJ Commando @ the W Hotel for the CORE DJs Retreats Def Jam Showcase (Atlanta, GA) 12 // Paco, guest, & Mr Boomtown @ Texas Urban Music Summit (Dallas, TX) 13 // Shonie & Sam Sneak @ Take One Lounge (Miami, FL) 14 // Ace Hood & Kiko @ Cameo for Headliner Marketing party (Miami, FL) 15 // Kenny Diamondz & Dorrough @ Hot 103 Summer Jam (Kansas City, MO) 16 // C Bone & Big Boi @ Phillips Arena for Birthday Bash (Atlanta, GA) 17 // Lil Shawn & guest @ UCF Arena for DJ Prostyles birthday bash (Orlando, FL) 18 // Big Hood Boss, Soulja Boy, & DJ Fubu @ Studio 72 for OZONEs Birthday Bash afterparty (Atlanta, GA) 19 // Models Brittney & Alondus @ Texas Urban Music Summit (Dallas, TX) Photo Credits: D-Ray (02,07,09); Edward Hall (19); J Lash (01,08,13,14); Julia Beverly (03,10,11,16,18); Malik Abdul (17); Ms Rivercity (06,12,15); Thaddaeus McAdams (04,05)

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Patiently Waiting

a mixtape entitled The Bailout, which incited the groups outcry. And later, their breakout single Boi, a Lil Wayne A Milli influenced song (that would later feature Gucci Mane and Mike Jones), sparked these problem kids movement throughout Texas. I was listening to the A Milli a cappella, and I heard Lil Wayne say, boy, I got so many bitches, like Im Mike Lowery, says Chyco, who produced the single. I did a remake of it, and we did a Southside H-Town flow on it, kind of to pay homage to the O.G.s. But we got so much love off the song, we gave it to the DJs and it started picking up.

ouston, we have a problem. And this problem has nothing to do with Yao Mings bad foot or Trae Tha Truth sucker punching Mike Jones at last years OZONE Awards. Rather, this issue comes in the form of a rap new group from H-TownDatBoyChyco, J-Yung, Star Struck JM and Just-Ocollectively known as Young Problemz. Well do pop, well do rock, theres no limit to what we do, DatBoyChyco explains. Were real young, and were problems. Long before this quintet assembled, the young rappers were members of separate Southside Houston groups, buzzing in their own rights. However, following numerous collaborations amongst the various groups, DatBoyChyco, J-Yung, Star Struck JM and Just-O felt the chemistry in their joint efforts should be permanent. And in 2007, the accompanying groups dissolved and Young Problemz was born. Everybody was doing their own thing, and we came together and created a super-group, JM expounds. Everybody had talent, and everybody could stand on their own, so we picked everybody from different groups that were the grinders, and we made one group. YP proceeded to release a single called Whatcha Talking Bout, and debut

Couple the street success of Boi with the internet buzz of their song Fuck Yo Myspace Page, a humorous ditty based on the popular social networking site, and Young Problemz solidified a deal with Asylum Records/Warner Bros. and Unauthorized Entertainment. The groups debut album Howz My Rappin will be released on August 25th, and these Houston new bloods hope to shake off any doubts of one-hit wonderisms while adding a new style to the Houstons Hip Hop lineage. We catch a lot of hell off Boi, Just-O says. They think were some one hit wonders, and were making dance songs. We can make those songs, but thats not what Young Problemz is about. Youve never heard nothing like this come out of Houston before, JM adds. [You] might hear a song and say that sounds like something Kanye would do, or you might hear another song and say that sounds like something Drake or KiD CuDi would do. Or we might do something alternative and theyll say that sounds like something Nickelback would do. Its not the same thing that youve been hearing. Its younger. Its different, and its fresher. Words by Randy Roper // Photo by Ron of NVision Studios

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(above L-R): Bavgate & Keak da Sneak @ The Room Ultra Lounge for OZONE Get Famous showcase in San Francisco, CA (Photo: Julia Beverly); T-Pain, Willy Northpole, & Shawnna @ K 107 Summer Jam in Denver, CO (Photo: D-Ray); DJ Toomp & Memphitz @ TIs Going Away party on Star Island in Miami, FL (Photo: Julia Beverly)

01 // Guest, Micah, & Herb Dorsey @ Skye Nightclub for JBs Tampa Bday Bash (Tampa, FL) 02 // Smurf, Roccett, & Drumma Boy @ the Avalon (Los Angeles, CA) 03 // Cory Mo & Spark Dawg @ The Moon for TJs DJs (Tallahassee, FL) 04 // Antonio Bryant, Ump, & Edgerrin James @ TIs Going Away party on Star Island (Miami, FL) 05 // Devi Dev & Erk da Jerk @ Union Station for BET Awards afterparty (Los Angeles, CA) 06 // Danja & KC @ Area for BET Awards afterparty (Hollywood, CA) 07 // JBar & Soulja Boy @ Studio 72 for OZONEs Birthday Bash afterparty (Atlanta, GA) 08 // Young Jeezy & CTE crew @ Gansevoort Pool Party (Miami, FL) 09 // Piccalo & Rick Ross @ Take One Lounge (Miami, FL) 10 // T-Pain & Shawnna playing with autotune @ K 107 Summer Jam (Denver, CO) 11 // Too Short & ladies @ the Palms for Too Short & DJ Franzens private TV show launch party (Las Vegas, NV) 12 // Guest & JBar @ Studio 72 for OZONEs Birthday Bash afterparty (Atlanta, GA) 13 // Jason Wiley & Tigger @ Union Station for BET Awards afterparty (Los Angeles, CA) 14 // DJ Teknikz & Randy Roper @ DJ Dramas album listening session (Atlanta, GA) 15 // Krizz Kaliko, Ms Rivercity, Tech N9ne, & Kutt Kalhoun @ Hot 103 Summer Jam (Kansas City, MO) 16 // Brisco & Spectacular & Slick Em of Pretty Ricky @ Cameo for Headliner Marketing party (Miami, FL) 17 // Play, guest, Dr Teeth, & Turro @ Union Station for BET Awards afterparty (Los Angeles, CA) 18 // Mistah FAB & Roscoe @ the Avalon (Los Angeles, CA) 19 // BallGreezy & Brisco @ Cameo for Briscos birthday party (Miami, FL) Photo Credits: D-Ray (02,10,11,18); J Lash (09,16,19); Julia Beverly (04,05,06,07,12,13,17); Luis Santana (01); Ms Rivercity (03,14,15); Thaddaeus McAdams (08)

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Patiently Waiting
hen you have the luxury of being backed by the best production money can buy courtesy of the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, it has to be easy to just relax on a track, right? Really, what motivation do you really need other than simply not messing up the beat? Life is my motivation, says Brazil-born, Tampa-raised rapper Laws deadpans. Im trying to escape my daily life and never go back. Dont get it twisted, though, Laws daily life isnt of the pushing rock on the block toting a glock variety. Its actually more akin to the common working man in America. Even though it didnt quite start that way. Born in Natal, Laws mother opted to put him up for adoption rather than raise him in a hostile and impoverished environment. He was adopted and raised by a Puerto Rican family in New York before they relocated to Florida. Around the time I left, there was a lot going on, reveals Laws, who never met his biological mother. When I get my situation right I want to go back and look for her. But for now, Laws is focusing on his new approach to making music. Admittedly jaded by the industry at the start of his career, Laws has adopted (no pun intended) a new attitude that is already having a positive impact. Looking back I can only blame myself, but I came to conclusion that I have to stop blaming others for my music not being successful and just try something different, he admits. I was ignorant and trying to make music for other people instead of just myself. I had to stop making excuses and start making music. Since hes made that decision, hes managed to craft the increasingly popular mixtape Your Future Favorite Rapper hosted by DJ Smallz and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League. While many are quick to compare the Latin rapper to the closest frame of reference, Big Pun, Laws promises that when its all said and done, people will know him for him. [The comparison] used to bother me when I was younger, but I learned to understand that people tend to label something that makes them uncomfortable so they can then become comfortable with it, he says. People think they know me, but they havent heard the best of me yet. I hope whoever makes any comparisons takes the time to listen and realize that Im different. Words by Maurice G. Garland

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(above L-R): Trina @ Club Flow for Trina concert in Dallas, TX (Photo: Edward Hall); Toya & Tiny @ Phillips Arena for TIs Going Away Concert in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Ms Ja); Rick Ross @ Club Cinema for JWs CTE signing party in Pompano Beach, FL (Photo: Terrence Tyson)

01 // Yung Envy & Juney Boomdata @ Tupacs Birthday Celebration (Atlanta, GA) 02 // Trae @ Best of the Best (Miami, FL) 03 // ET & the Durrty girls @ Club Miami (Atlanta, GA) 04 // DJ Hella Yella & Block Boi @ 97.9 The Beat (Dallas, TX) 05 // Greg Street @ Phillips Arena for TIs Farewell Concert (Atlanta, GA) 06 // Killer Mike @ Phillips Arena for TIs Going Away Concert (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Chris J @ Dolce (Miami, FL) 08 // Slick Em of Pretty Ricky @ Skye Nightclub for JBs Tampa Bday Bash (Tampa, FL) 09 // NBA Entertainment @ Phillips Arena for TIs Going Away Concert (Atlanta, GA) 10 // Kiki J @ Tini Bar for Dorroughs signing party (Dallas, TX) 11 // Lil Ronnie & Damm D @ Crystals (Arlington, TX) 12 // DJ Fubu @ Studio 72 for OZONEs Birthday Bash afterparty (Atlanta, GA) 13 // Stax & Nino @ Mardi Gras for OZONE 7 Year Anniversary party (Jackson, MS) 14 // BallGreezy @ Club Dolce (Miami, FL) 15 // Spark Dawg & BBU @ Crystals (Arlington, TX) 16 // Money Hog of Yea Yea Man Records & Carol OConnor @ Mardi Gras for OZONE 7 Year Anniversary party (Jackson, MS) 17 // Rob Gold & ladies @ Mardi Gras for OZONE 7 Year Anniversary party (Jackson, MS) 18 // CJ of Konsole Kingz @ TIs Going Away party on Star Island (Miami, FL) 19 // Guest & DJ Lazy Boy @ Ear to Da Street music conference (Birmingham, AL) 20 // B Giles (Virginia) 21 // D Lyte & DJ Lil Lex @ Crystals (Aggtown, TX) 22 // Sara of Underground Modeling & Corey Cleghorn @ Dallas Convention Center (Dallas, TX) 23 // Papa Duck & Julia Beverly @ Rain for JBs Jacksonville Bday Bash (Jacksonville, FL) 24 // Will Hustle @ Tupacs Birthday Celebration (Atlanta, GA) 25 // Butch & Big Clint @ Stilettos (Euless, TX) 26 // Vet, Stay Fresh, & T da Barber @ Tupacs Birthday Celebration (Atlanta, GA) 27 // Tina & Kel from Richmind @ Tini Bar for Dorroughs signing party (Dallas, TX) 28 // Big Hood Boss & Lil Wil @ Studio 72 for OZONEs Birthday Bash afterparty (Atlanta, GA) 29 // Dirt Diggla @ Bourbon St (Jacksonville, FL) 30 // J Rich @ TIs Going Away party on Star Island (Miami, FL) 31 // Jeevan Brown & Mz Skittles @ Studio 72 for OZONEs Birthday Bash afterparty (Atlanta, GA) 32 // Supastarr & Skillz on the set of Hurricane Chriss Halle Berry video shoot (Dallas, TX) 33 // Supa K, Veda Loca, Ms Rivercity, & Spark Dawg @ 97.9 The Beat (Dallas, TX) 34 // Amir Boyd, Jason Geter, guest, Maino, Yancey Richardson, & guest @ Phillips Arena for Birthday Bash (Atlanta, GA) 35 // Stax & Rob Gold @ Mardi Gras for OZONE 7 Year Anniversary party (Jackson, MS) Photo Credits: Cream Shah (20); Edward Hall (04,10,11,15,21,22,25,27,32,33); Julia Beverly (01,02,12,13,16,17,18,24,26,28,30,31,34,35); Luis Santana (08); Malik Abdul (19); Ms Ja (03,05,06,09); Terrence Tyson (07,14,23,29)

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Patiently Waiting

Im rockin with everybody in Dallas, he explains, of the importance of supporting his market. Im just trying to get on the level of people before me and take it further. Though helping others essentially paid off for the Dallas advocate, it also came with a hefty sacrifice. In September 2008, Big HoodBoss was shot five times, allegedly by fellow D-town rappers. Doctors said he wouldnt be able to walk for at least six months, but after a month and a half the resilient rapper was back in the clubs as determined as ever. I got shot over Dallas music, he recalls, of the unfortunate scenario which gave him a new direction. I got shot by some people I put on. This time around Im focused on me. With his own sound and a proven track record, HoodBoss hit the streets heavy, releasing his most recent project VIP BIG with DJ Scream. The mixtape features Im from Dallas, a long-running hit in local clubs, in addition to new songs like How I Rock featuring Rocko, which was produced by Drumma Boy. Along with his mixtape buzz, HoodBoss doubled his stock with a Mr. Boomtown-directed video for his current single I Got It, featuring Tum Tum and Lil Wil. Listening to his present collection of music, its obvious HoodBoss isnt riding in on the Dallas novelty dance wave. Hed rather stick to the triedand-true method of building a true audience. Ive been consistent with my music, he emphasizes. I might not be on the radio as much as other people, but the fan base is still the same. Words by Ms Rivercity Photo by Chics With Pics

In 2002, he listened to the advice of his close friend Tum Tum (formerly of the group DSR) and took a more active role in pursuing a rap career. During this time he introduced his first mixtape HoodBoss to the DFW area. Over the next several years, HoodBoss continued developing his solo career and involved himself heavily in the local rap community. Alongside Tum, HoodBoss became an integral member of the Dallas group T.B.G.z., who recently combined forces with Play-N-Skillz to create TBG4 an entity HoodBoss describes as a super-group. While hes always been focused on his own music, HoodBoss saw the long term value in putting on for his city as well. In 2007, his company, V.I.P. Management, propelled the career of Lil Wil and increased the mainstream visibility of his hometown. It was a business move that helped open the floodgates for D-town, whose music scene has burgeoned with new talent over the last year. It also put HoodBoss in a prime position himself.

he new era of Dallas Hip Hop is ushering in a movement of jiggin and boogying artists but Big HoodBoss adamantly stands outside of the dance craze. Im one of the street artists that stands out, he says.

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(above L-R): Rob Gold @ Mississippi Delta Music Fest in Leland, MS; Lil Wil @ K104 in Dallas, TX (Photos: Edward Hall); Plies @ Dolce in Miami, FL (Photo: Terrence Tyson)

01 // Pastor Troy @ Tupacs Birthday Celebration (Atlanta, GA) 02 // Murs @ Hot 103 Summer Jam (Kansas City, MO) 03 // Strizzy & Nard @ Phillips Arena for TIs Going Away Concert (Atlanta, GA) 04 // Shorty Mack @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 05 // Video models on the set of Hurricane Chriss Halle Berry video shoot (Dallas, TX) 06 // Lil C & Rich Kids @ Phillips Arena for TIs Going Away Concert (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Spodee & Mac Boney @ Phillips Arena for TIs Going Away Concert (Atlanta, GA) 08 // Johnson Boy & Bigga Rankin @ Mississippi Delta Music Fest (Leland, MS) 09 // Doo Dez, Hurricane Chris, SHO, & JuJu of Fam Life on the set of Hurricane Chriss Halle Berry video shoot (Dallas, TX) 10 // Brisco @ Club Cinema for JWs CTE signing party (Pompano Beach, FL) 11 // DJ Duece & DJ Cap @ Paperchaserz video shoot (Dallas, TX) 12 // George Dukes @ Club Cinema for JWs CTE signing party (Pompano Beach, FL) 13 // Trap Squad Cartel (Ft Worth, TX) 14 // Tekaboo @ Tupacs Birthday Celebration (Atlanta, GA) 15 // Xtaci & Wild Child @ Phillips Arena for TIs Going Away Concert (Atlanta, GA) 16 // Tom G & Slick Em of Pretty Ricky @ Wild 98.7 (Tampa, FL) 17 // Guest & KD @ Club Flow for Trina concert (Dallas, TX) 18 // DJ Nasty, Tony Khuu, & Ricky P @ Dragon Room (Orlando, FL) 19 // DJ Infamous @ Foot Locker (Atlanta, GA) 20 // Cap-One & Tity Boy of Playaz Circle @ Tupacs Birthday Celebration (Atlanta, GA) 21 // BOB @ Foot Locker (Atlanta, GA) 22 // Drumma Boy & guest @ Red Carpet Lanes for their Dream Land event (Atlanta, GA) 23 // FLY @ Stonecrest Mall for 95.5 The Beat concert (Atlanta, GA) 24 // G Wiz, Dorrough, & Eazy E @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 25 // Guest & Benny @ Primal (Atlanta, GA) 26 // Lil Hen @ Silver Fox for Bigga Rankins Bday Bash (Jacksonville, FL) 27 // A1 Divas @ Mariachi (Atlanta, GA) 28 // Carbon @ Silk for Kinky Bs birthday party (Atlanta, GA) 29 // DJ Holiday & Nelly @ Primal (Atlanta, GA) 30 // Clay Evans, Vawn, & Jazze Pha @ Primal (Atlanta, GA) 31 // Young Dose @ Upstart Record Pool meeting (Jacksonville, FL) 32 // Roger @ Primal (Atlanta, GA) 33 // Ms Dynasty & Mike Epps @ Silver Fox for Bigga Rankins Bday Bash (Jacksonville, FL) 34 // Carlos Cartel & guest @ The Coop for South Carolina Music Awards (Columbia, SC) 35 // Boo da Boss Playa @ Silk for Kinky Bs birthday party (Atlanta, GA) Photo Credits: Edward Hall (05,08,09,11,13,17); Julia Beverly (01,04,14,16,18,20); Malik Abdul (28,35); Ms Ja (03,06,07,15,23,25,29,30,32,34); Ms Rivercity (02,19,21,24,27,31); Terrence Tyson (10,12,26,33)

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Patiently Waiting

a 24, 30 bar verse. It was just dope. I loved hearing myself on a record. [Thats when I knew] this is what I want to do.

s superstitions go, its bad luck to walk under a ladder. Also, if you break a mirror, they say it will bring you seven years of bad luck. And everyone knows its bad luck if a black cat crosses your path. In the West, theres another path that rappers dont want to cross, and as the superstition says, he goes by the name Bad Lucc. I got the name on some corny shit in high school, he says. I was heavy into the battling, so it was a thing where it was bad luck to battle me, cause you were going to lose. Born in Inglewood, California, and raised in Watts, a Los Angeles neighborhood known for historic riots in 1965 and 1992 and prevalent gang violence, Lucc never partook in gang or drug activity. He grew up writing poetry, and later, followed the footsteps of his older sister, who was in a local rap group. At age 10, Luccs sister wrote his first rap that he later performed at a family get-together. That small taste of rap stardom would become Luccs catalyst. He spent the rest of his school years writing raps, battling and recording. One of my guys used to rap all the time, he says. He took me to the studio with him one day. It was my first time ever in the studio, and I wrote about

Luccs music started hitting the streets and helped him meet artists like Swizz Beatz, Jadakiss and West Coast veteran Damani. Damani helped him connect with Snoop Dogg, Daz & Kurupt, and Soopafly. Bad Lucc, Damani and Soopafly eventually formed a rap group called Dubb Union (formerly Westurn Union), and made their debut on Like This from Snoop Doggs 2006 album, Tha Blue Carpet Treatment. In 2008, the trio released their first album, Snoop Dogg Presents: Dubb Union on Doggstyle/Koch Records. Now, the L.A. rapper has set his sights on solo aspirations. Dubb Union is still a group and has plans to release another album in the future, but for now, Lucc has been working extensively with L.A. rapper/producer Terrace Martin. He signed a deal with We The West Media to release a solo album called Dear Speakers. And on the side, hes one of the most used ghostwriters in Cali (but keeps mum about who his pen works for). Even though this L.A. emcee carries the name Bad Lucc, his fortunes seem to be anything but poor, and in the end, he just wants reverence. I never really cared about who was the best out, he says. I am one of the few that cares about the rhymes. At the end of the day, all I want is to be respected. Words by Randy Roper // Photo by D-Ray

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THIS IS OUR YEARLY TRIBUTE TO THE fOLkS SPINNING YOUR fAVORITE CLUB CLASSICS, STREET ANTHEMS, AND RADIO HITS. This year we surveyed some of The naTions mosT influenTial hip hop and r&B record Breakers, asking Them aBouT everyThing from payola and shady promoTers To Their mosT emBarrassing momenTs on The joB. nexT Time youre in The cluB, saluTe The dj THEY WORk HARD SO YOU CAN PARTY HARD.

OZONE MAG // 47

DJ 03

(Columbus, GA) Now a personality, mixer, and mixshow coordinator for 98.3 The Beat WBFA, DJ 03 started off doing college parties and interning with the station. Since his humble beginnings, 03 has come a long way by doing mixtapes, promoting his artist D.K., and linking up with the Hustle Squad DJs and Firm Grip Music Group. mixshowmonster03@ gmail.com, Twitter. com/DJ03, Myspace. com/DJ03MixtapeKing

close associate of DJ Irie, DJ 360 learned the game by studying some of the citys top DJs. He now spins for Mixx 96.1 and recently released The Grind: Poe Boy Edition mixtape. Twitter.com/DJ360, Myspace.com/DJ360Music (Photo by James P. Photography)

DJ Amen

DJ Ace

DJ 360

(Miami, FL) DJ 360 can be found playing for some of the hottest club parties in Miami. A

(Atlanta, GA) After throwing numerous concerts in the A, DJ Ace expanded into mixtapes. Aces takeoff project, Gucci Manes Mr. Perfect, put The Souths Top Dawg DJ on the map. Also the co-owner of The Gate lounge on the southside of Atlanta, DJ Ace helped promote the careers of Gucci Mane, OJ Da Juiceman, Yung Ralph, and more. djace_06@yahoo.com, 678-851-0565

(North Bay Area, CA) For the last three years DJ Amen has been a part of the 106 KMEL team in San Francisco. In addition to his position with the radio station, hes also an integral part of the BumSquad DJs, NoizeMakers, and The Imperial Guard. Amen@DJAmen.com, DJAmen.com, Twitter. com/DJAmen3000, Myspace.com/DJAmen

U.S. artists including Flipmode Squad, Grand Hustle/P$C, Aphilliates Music Group, and most recently Roccett. DJ Ames belongs to the Fleet DJs, Coast2Coast DJs, and Above All DJs. This year Ames became the first UK DJ to win a Southern Ent. Award for Best Host on a Mixtape. Djamesmp3@gmail. com, Twitter.com/ DJAmesUK, Myspace. com/DJAmesUK

Big Von

DJ Big Severe

(Bay Area, California) As the music director for 106 KMEL in San Francisco, Big Von has a big say in Bay Area Hip Hop. You can catch him on the air Mon-Thurs 3pm10pm, Fri 3pm-1am, and Sat 6pm-midnight. Big Von is also a part-time comedian (not professionally though, just on Twitter). BigVon.com, Twitter. com/BigVon

and Promotions Director at WCLD, WAID, WMJW, WKDJ for Radio Cleveland Inc. Hes also the Mixshow Director at Jammin 104 and Power 106.5, a member of the Hittmenn DJs, and runs a successful promotions company. vradio@gmail.com, 662-347-4136, Twitter. com/BiggV, Myspace. com/BiggV2

DJ Bionicman

DJ Ames

(United Kingdom) Alongside his mixtape work with international artists, Ames has also worked with several well-known

(West Palm Beach, FL via NYC) Originally from New York City, DJ Big Severe now resides in West Palm Beach where he keeps the airwaves live on WMBX x102.3. bigsevere@gmail.com, Twitter.com/BigSevere, Myspace.com/BigSevere

Bigg V

(Cleveland, MS) Born and raised in Leland, MS, Bigg V now serves as the Asst. Director of Sales

(Dayton, OH) DJ Bionicman got his big break by opening up for DJs like Kid Capri, Green Lantern, and Whoo Kid. An associate of the CORE DJs and Gods of Steel, Bionicman makes mixtapes, plays at clubs across the country, and mixes for internet radio on Faceland. com/TrillTalkRadio. Djbionicman@gmail. com, Myspace.com/ DJBionicman

Lantern, Doo Wop, Whoo Kid, Dirty Harry, and DJ Khaled. Bionicman I used to hang out in the clubs with other DJs just trying to get on and observing what they did. One night a DJ was really tired. He looked back and flagged me over and said, You said youre ready right? Show me what you got. I got was nervous as shit, I remember my hand shaking when I picked the needle up. I rocked for the last 20 minutes the club was open, but I think after that night I earned my DJ title. 360 I started throwing concerts in Atlanta with artists like T.I., Lil Jon, Pastor Troy, Ying Yang Twins, Rocko, and Gorilla Zoe. Gucci Mane, who I went to elementary and high school with, wanted me to manage him and be his DJ. Then I started pushing OJ da Juiceman. I dropped the Juice World mixtape and then Guccis Mr. Perfect. Its been nothing but gwop ever since. Ace I solidified myself in my hometown, then in and around the Bay Area scene. What really got me in the big leagues was when Big Von, the MD at 106 KMEL, asked me to join the squad 3 years ago. Amen Opening up for a lot of DJs like Kid Capri, Green
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love for music, electronics and sound. One night a friend of mine needed a DJ for her church retreat and my best friend at the time told her that I had a lot of music and I could do it. So we split the $350, and Ive been DJing ever since. I was in the 10th grade. frosty My brother is in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and kept giving me DJ jobs. I started out DJing with a dual tape deck, then moved up to Technic 1200s and Serato. I DJed for Kid Sensation, Sir Mix-aLot, Too $hort, Young Buck, E-40, Livio, Cool Nutz and some other people. funkdaddy My first big break was spinning in the Mega Mix on Hot 107.9. I got a call from DJ King Arthur who was organizing the mixers at the time. He said, Here is your chance. I ended up doing the primetime slots in Atlanta on the Durrty Boyz Show with E.T. & J-Nicks. Ill Will In a nutshell, someone stole a mixtape that I did, and almost got on the radio with it. They found out I was the real DJ behind it and thats how it happened. - J. Espinosa Completely by accident. I was hanging with a friend at a college radio station and the next jock didnt show up for her shift. My boy pushed the mic towards me and said, Youre on. That next hour was painful, my boys sat in the adjacent studio and laughed their asses off. Apparently I didnt suck that bad, because I got offered a job. JT Quick

I Was DJing at Golden Glide skating rink and DJ Q-Tip noticed how good I was and asked me if I was interested in doing Club Fuel with him. I was only 16 but I rocked it anyway. Blak DJ Prince Ice gave me my first break as a mixshow DJ at WWDM on Saturday nights. Then after that I was doing the 5 Oclock Drive and went to WXBT where I do Friday nights with Frankie B. D-Tec When I came to Miami I started working at Static Nightclub in South Beach as a busboy. DJing was a hobby of mine since I was 13 years old back in Argentina, so before the night started at the club, I would go to the booth and start playing with the light system and the turntables before the DJs got there. One day the opening DJ was gonna be late so the GM asked me if a wanted to play, I said Yeah. The rest is history. Element Jack Brewer from the Minnesota Vikings hooked me up with DJing in Mazltan for 10 days during spring break. Enferno I never intended to be a DJ. I just always had a

I got my first big break DJing in college with my older brother. I started doing a lot of shows and homecomings in ATL. Thats how everybody started to know who I was and that I could DJ. kno It All Ive been mixing since my 8th grade year. My big break came from mixing college parties at Prairie View A&M University, where I attended college. The music scene is huge down there. If your music doesnt break at PV, it probably wont work anywhere in Texas. Merk

My Southern Smoke mixtape series, which originally started out as a demo CD to get me nightclub gigs while I was in high school. Smallz I was called by John Monopoly, Kanye Wests former manager, to spin at XXL Magazines Late Registration party for Kanyes sophomore album. At the party I was asked by Def Jams execs to premiere Diamonds in front of Jay-Z, Beyonce, Jermaine Dupri, Amerie, and John Legend. Treats

By breaking snap music in Atlanta. T-Roc Hot Rod of G-Unit made me his official DJ and we toured the world, which gave me a stronger name. I was a Shadyville DJ rep all day, which is a co-family of G-Unit Records. I got to know people and met a booking agent that booked me throughout Germany, the Middle East, a lot of countries. Things changed after that. Woogie

CC Cruz

DJ Blak

(Atlanta, GA) Starting off as a skating rink DJ, Blak has since traveled all over the world as a tour DJ for artists like Yung Joc, Gorilla Zoe, and Pleasure P. Blak also puts out mixtapes, owns Blak Boi Publishing LLC, and is working on his debut album titled I Am. Dj.blak@gmail.com, Twitter.com/WhoIsDJBlak, Myspace.com/ DJBlakFae

(Central, TX Killeen, Temple, Ft. Hood, Waco) CC Cruz holds the title of Program Director for B106 The Hip Hop Station, 106.3 KQXB. A significant contributor in the Central Texas music scene, CC has broken records on-air, on mixtapes, and in clubs like Enferno where he currently plays. Myspace.com/CCCruz Mailing Address: B106 The Hip Hop Station KQXB, 608 Moody Lane, Temple, Texas 76504

DJ Element DJ Class

DJ Freddy Fred

(Baltimore, MD) This Baltimore native is not only a DJ, but also an artist and member of Kanye Wests production team and Unruly Productions. Dubbed the Club King in B-More, Class current single Im the Ish is highly ranked on iTunes Hip Hop sales chart and his album is slated for release this year. imdjclass@classheat. com, Twitter.com/ DJClass, Myspace.com/ DJClass

(Miami, FL) This Argentina native started out as a busboy before becoming a resident DJ at SOBE Live, one of the hottest clubs on South Beach. He also spins at Club Dream and is a representative of the CORE DJs, Salute South, and Loudshell Ent. DJElementMiami@ hotmail.com, Myspace. com/DJElement

(Miami, FL) Under the guidance of his mentors DJs Khaled, Wrek, and Black Spliff, Freddy Fred worked hard to learn the business of DJing. Now his resume includes club spots at Opium, Prive, Voyage, Mansion and SOBE; show DJing for Pitbull, Charles Sweeting, and Willy Northpole; and radio spots on Mixx 96 and Shade 45s CORE DJ Radio. Djfreddyfredmp3@ gmail.com, Twitter. com/DJFreddyFred, Myspace.com/DJFreddyFredMusic

DJ Fubu

(Eatonton, GA) DJ Fubu is currently the tour DJ for Soulja Boy Tellem and rocks clubs, arenas, and other venues across the country. The Eatonton, GA resident also represents the Hittmenn DJs. djfubu@gmail.com, Twitter.com/DJFubu, Myspace.com/DJFubu

DJ Enferno CJ tha Sticman DJ Blurray

(Austin, TX) Otherwise known as The Mixtape Slayer, DJ Blurrays claim to fame came with the success of his Southern Comfort series in 2005. Since then his mixtape series have expanded and hes become a show DJ for the Central Texas rap group Green City. Blurray also spins at Troubadors and Bayou Lounge, and mixes on www.907jamz.com. Djblurraymp3@gmail. com, Myspace.com/ DJBlurray

(Birmingham, AL) A staple in the Birmingham DJ arena, CJ mixes on WBHJ 95.7 Jamz, WBHK 98.7 Kiss, and WGFX GoodfellasRadio.net. Belonging to the CORE DJs, Bumsquad DJs, and the Go DJs, CJ tha Sticman has broken numerous artists in his market and holds the TJs DJs Platinum Needle Award, The Dirty 30s Favorite DJ Award, and The Madskillz Best DJ Award. cjthasticman@ gmail.com, Twitter. com/CJthaSticman, Myspace.com/CJthaSticman

DJ D-Tec

(Columbia, SC) Following his position on WWDM on Saturday nights, DJ D-Tec relocated to WXBT 100.1 the Beat where he currently mixes on Friday nights. The Columbia DJ has also toured with Pastor Troy and recently won the CORE DJs Jam Master Jay award. Boutwhat2@gmail. com, Myspace.com/ scdjdtec

Minneapolis, MN via Milwaukee, WI) DJ Enferno got his big shot at DJing when Jack Brewer from the MN Vikings set up a gig for him in Mazltan during spring break. Everything took off from there. Now the official Hood Nerd DJ/VJ can be found spinning in numerous clubs in Minneapolis like Auggies, Visage, Karma, Aqua, Epic, and Myth. djenferno@gmail.com, Twitter.com/DJEnferno33, Myspace.com/ EnfernoVision Mailing address: 15429 Radium St. NW, Ramsey, MN 55303

DJ Funkdaddy DJ Frosty

(Columbia, SC) DJ Frosty spins for WXBT, 100.1 the Beat in Columbia and represents Stupid Dope Moves and Streetsweepers. When hes not dropping mixtapes, at the radio station, or DJing at Club Level, Club Ice, Club Moon, or Club Cream, Frosty is winning accolades like Club DJ of the Year, Mixshow DJ of the Year, Best Mixtape, and the Jam Master Jay Award. djfrosty@djfrosty.com, Twitter.com/DJFrosty, Myspace.com/DJFrostyDotCom

(Seattle, WA) Seattle residents may recognize Funkdaddy as a guest DJ at Hot Jamz KMIH-FM. He has also rocked shows for artists like E-40, Sir Mix-a-lot, Too $hort, Young Buck, Cool Nutz and more. Funkdaddy recently celebrated his 100th mixtape release. Current mixtapes out now include new volumes of Ear Candy, King of the Blends, and Soft Funk. funkdaddyofficial@ gmail.com, Twitter. com/DJFunkdaddy, Myspace.com/FunkdaddyOfficial

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DEsPERatE aRtists WiLL Do anYthing to BE hEaRD. FRom PEnniEs to PantiEs, thEsE DJs haVE BEEn oFFERED somE UnUsUaL things in EXChangE FoR sPinning a RECoRD.
A post-dated check. 360 Sex from a female artist. Ace This rapper/entertainer sent his little bopper to the stage and she put a Corona bottle down her mouth then said, Play #5 on this CD. Bigg V One night in the club I had one artist offer me a bag of dro, and another guy offer me a $50 Chilis gift card. Blurray Panties. CC Cruz A book of coupons and a pink and blue t-shirt. CJ tha Sticman

DJ Greg G

CHEESESTEak. IT WaS DElICIouS. ClaSS

A gun. Yes, a gun. Enferno Some head. freddy fred $500. I guess its not strange, but its a lot of money for a record to be played in the club. frosty A five dollar bill. Greg G The strangest thing would probably be change. I dont know what the dude was thinking, but he actually gave me some quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies. I have to admit, he went hard so I had to work with him. Ill Will A lap dance. J1 A night with they gal. J. Boss Someone offered to wash my car for a month if I played their song. Jay-fields A gift card to Best Buy. kno It All A date with his girlfriend. I laughed, and got her number anyway. Nasty Naz A kidney (left side). Reconn A $20 Applebees gift card. I flashed $40 and told him to get lost. Shawty Slim A jump drive. T-Roc Ive never told anyone this, but the strangest thing anyone ever offered me to play their song was a bag of Oreos. Whut It Dew I was offered a chain off a guys neck to play a load of Dipset music in the club, and I was offered a Cadillac Escalade to mix, host, and promote a West coast artist. Woogie

(Orlando, FL) When hes not mixing on 102 Jamz, Greg G can be found DJing in a variety of popular Orlando nightclubs like Icon, Antigua, Envy, or Ember. He belongs to The CORE DJ and Desert Storm movements and is known for his Street Heat mixtape brand. djgregg@gmail.com, Twitter.com/GregG, Myspace.com/BigLifeProductions

a shot to mix at Hot 107.9 on the Durrty Boyz Show. Since then he has gained a name in Atlanta, DJing at top clubs around the city like Motions, Miami, Verve, and Tongue and Groove, to list a few. Ill Will also puts out mixtapes and works with Atlanta artists like Sean Teazy, Joe Stu, and Young Snead. djillwill@tmo.blackberry.net, 404-5795866, Twitter.com/ IllWilltheDJ, Myspace. com/IllWilltheDon

Twitter.com/GoDJJBoss, Myspace.com/ GoDJJBoss

J-Flex J. Espinosa

DJ J1

DJ Ike G

(Fayetteville, NC) Also referred to as The Carolina Trendsetter, DJ Ike G keeps Fayetteville partying on WCCG 104.5. He also takes his skills to the club when hes spinning at Club Toxic, Bentleys, and Club Exceptions. Ike G is a recipient of the CORE DJs Jam Master Jay Award and also belongs to the Nitram Knarf DJs. Djikegda.wccg@gmail. com, Twitter.com/ DJIkeGDA, Myspace. com/DJIkeGDA910

(Atlanta, GA via Harlem, NY) J1 started his music career at the Harlem School of Arts where he played the piano before taking in interest in DJing at the age of 14. He would later become a successful party promoter in Atlanta and move on to DJing for Hot 107.9 at clubs like Velvet Room, Motions, 10 Pin Alley, Pure, and Pearl Bistro where he can be currently heard. Posterchildj1@ gmail.com, Twitter. com/PosterChildJ1, Myspace.com/DJJ1UL

(Bay Area, CA) With a #1 rated mixshow in the San Francisco Bay Area on Wild 94.9, J. Espinosa is a go-to guy in his market. J. is also a producer and his remixes can be heard throughout the Bay Area, including the clubs he spins at like Infusion Lounge, B4 Twelve, Wet, Tabu, Fluid, and Element. You can catch J. Espinosas nightly mixshow Monday through Friday. Twitter.com/J_Espinosa, Myspace.com/ DJJEspinosa

(Greensboro, NC) After one of his mixtapes landed in the hands of a radio program director, J-Flex was asked to mix for college radio station 90.1 WNAA at NC A&T State. J-Flex graduated from college radio and now spins at 102 JAMZ in Greensboro. Jflex102jamz@gmail. com, Twitter.com/ DJJFlex, Myspace.com/ JFlex336 Mailing address: 4411 Rehobeth Ch Rd., Greensboro, NC 27406

JT Quick

Jay-Fields

Go DJ J. Boss
(Houston, TX) Repping the Go DJ crew, J. Boss is a tour DJ for Trae and Z-Ro. He has many outlets for breaking new records including a long list of club connections at Club Glo, The Office, Zula, Shadow Bar, Harlem Knights, and Club One. His skills can also be heard on his latest mixtape installment Grind City Volume 3. Gojboss@gmail.com,

(Seattle, WA via Springfield, OH) Jay-Fields established himself after moving to Seattle in 1997 and landing a job with X104.5 FM where he worked for 5 years. Radio gave Jay-Fields the opportunity to open for big names like Snoop Dogg, E-40, Spice 1, Devon the Dude, B-legit, Dru Down, and many more. Currently the Seattle DJ spins at Club Sno, JRs, and MC Cabes, and regularly puts out mixtape projects. djjayfields@gmail.com, Twitter.com/DJJayFields, Myspace.com/ DJJayFields

(Kansas City, MO) JT Quick got his start in radio when a college radio jock didnt show up for her job. JT swooped in and took over. Now hes moved on to Hot 103 Jamz KPRS where hes been nominated top on-air personality 2 years in a row. jtquick@kprs.com, Twitter.com/JTQuick, Myspace.com/ DJJTQuick Mailing Address: KPRS / JT Quick, 11131 Colorado Ave., Kansas City, MO 64137

DJ Kno-It-All

DJ Ill Will

(Atlanta, GA via Bronx, NY) After relocating to Atlanta to attend Clark Atlanta University, DJ Ill Will was given

(Atlanta, GA) Repping The Untouchables crew, DJ Kno-It-All got his start in the business while DJing college parties and homecomings. He now DJs at Club Miami and Geisha House, prime party spots in ATL. He also mixes on internet radio for

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Flavor450.com. djknoitall@gmail. com, Twitter.com/ DJKnoItAll, Myspace. com/DJKnoItAll

DJ KTone

thing from driving the company van to working the boards. His hard work eventually paid off and now Mic Tee also has residencies at The Rumba Room on Tuesday, Level 2 on Saturday, and Cactus Jacks on Sunday. Micteek97@ gmail.com, Myspace. com/FranchiseDJMicTee The ability to travel and network, but most importantly, you work for yourself. 03 For one, you get to drink on the job. You get to hear music before anyone else, and your opinion actually makes a difference whether the song gets pushed or not. 360 Being in the forefront of popular culture, from events, to the freshest gear and kicks. Working with the real tastemakers and big factors in the game is always a good time. And traveling to new places is always fun. Amen Just to see a muthafucka lose they mind to a record is enough. If a cat walks across the room to give you dap for a song, that means something. Big Von The power, traveling and living in unusual and far away places like Guam, and meeting people you might never had met otherwise in normal settings. CC Cruz Meeting new people in our industry who have the same goals, passion, and drive that I possess of being a trendsetter and record breaker. And of course the girls. Mic Tee Free alcohol, easy pay, meeting interesting people. Pretty Boy Tank T-shirts from labels, and I can walk into any club [free]. But the biggest perk to me is making people enjoy themselves. Shawty Slim Its easy to get music and you can build your own brand. Slytay Getting special privileges at the club like not waiting in line or having a dress code. Spinatik Traveling for free, building an iron stomach to all the filth you take like food, criticism, and requests. Practicing condescending lines, and believe it or not, insomnia imagine what you can do when you barely sleep. Treats

(Denver, CO) Associated with the CORE DJs and Derrty DJs, DJ Ktone is a mixtape champ in his area. The Turf DJ is also a chief DJ at clubs in and outside of his city, and he also mixes for WeTheWest.com and Shade 45 CORE DJ Radio. ktonetv@gmail.com, Twitter.com/DJKTone, Myspace.com/DJKTonedotcom

Mike Smoove

DJ Merk

(Dallas, TX via Houston, TX) Now a tour DJ and manager for Dorrough Music, DJ Merk made his mark DJing college parties at Prairie View A&M University. Merk belongs to the CORE DJs Streetz, Hustle Squad DJs, and represents NGenius Entertainment. Look for DJ Merks popular Outbreak Radio series which can be found numerous mixtape websites. ngeniusptcblast@ gmail.com, Twitter. com/DJMerkMusic, Myspace.com/DJMerkMusic

(Santa Ana, CA) Mike Smooves present mixtape projects include Best of the West with DJ KTone, Who the Fuck is DJ Mike Smoove and the newest title United We Stand. The Santa Ana DJ tours with 211 when hes not playing at local clubs like Falcon, Cinespace, Lax, and The Avalon. djmikesmoove@ gmail.com, Twitter. com/DJMikeSmoove, Myspace.com/ImSmooveBitch

WorkIng on your oWn SCHEDulE, gETTIng SPonSorSHIPS, BEIng aBlE To Work alongSIDE CElEBS, anD of CourSE THE grouPIES. BuT THoSE arEnT alWayS a gooD THIng. J. ESPInoSa
Getting new music early is always good. Groupies are cool. Not having to punch a clock is great. Free food and drinks is always a plus. There are many more. CJ tha Sticman Free drinks, and I would say women, but Im married now. fubu Cash, sex, alcohol, the satisfaction of making thousands of people dance and enjoy themselves every week. Meeting new people every night is cool. Watching artists go from nothing to everything is amazing when you see it from a DJs perspective. Greg G Money, clothes, trips, women, living good. J. Boss Getting to hear new talent before anyone else, and being able to break new artists to the public. Also, being in parties and seeing all the beautiful women. ATL has some of the sexiest women. kno It All Really, youre damn near an artist. It takes creativity, hard work, networking, and technical skill. And if you do those things well, youll have all of the things a good artist has in return. T-Roc Getting in all the spots with your entourage for free. Truly Odd You get all access at shows. You get exclusive music first from labels or artists that you know. It comes to a point where the label or artists demand a certain DJ to do their project because they were the host for the streets. Woogie Being able to travel and stay in nice hotels and eat well without having to pay for it. Meeting people from all around the world and networking with them. Not having to work a 9 to 5, plus DJing pays very well. Opportunities to be on television/radio and become well known. Free gear, clothes, and sneakers. Youre constantly around beautiful women and pretty much get paid to party. Basically just being able to make a living doing something you enjoy. - Wreckineyez

DJ Nasty Naz

DJ Mic Tee

(Memphis, TN) Before Mic Tee got a permanent on-air position with WHRK K97.1, he did every-

(Canada) Nasty Naz is more than a DJ. He also holds the titles of hypeman, entertainment reporter for Rogers Television, emcee, concert promoter, and radio personality for Z103 and KOS. Alongside all of those responsibilities, the international turntablist also plays at shows for Akon and Sean Paul and owns the awardwinning restaurant Caribbean Flavas. Twitter.com/DJNastyNaz, Myspace.com/ DJNastyNaz Mailing Address: DJ Nasty Naz c/o Caribbean Flavas, 123 York Street, Fredericton, NB, E3B 3N6 Canada

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One night I spilled my drink in my mixer during prime time and the club had to close down. J. Boss

not EVERYthing is sWEEt in thE WoRLD oF DJing. somEtimEs JaCKEDUP EQUiPmEnt, LaCK oF REstRoom BREaKs, anD too manY FREE DRinKs Can LEaD to somE PREttY EmBaRRassing inCiDEnts.
I was trying to learn Serato on the fly at a packed-out event. There werent any major problems, but sometimes its just better to read the instructions first. 03 The Serato froze up for 5 minutes. I had to verbally rock the crowd with old school songs. Bionicman I was DJing at Clark Atlanta Universitys Homecoming for Yung Joc and my instant replay machine almost fell off of the table. As I went to catch it, my hand slipped and hit the button for another song right as he was rapping the hook to Its Going Down. Blak That would probably be my very first live gig. I was given a 45 minute slot and they told me all I had to bring was the vinyl I needed to do my set. Long story short, the DJ hosting the party forgot his headphones. I couldnt cue up any of my records, find my markers or anything. It was ugly. Blurray The club was packed at the peak hour and this guy was hassling me about playing his song. So to get this dude off my nerves, I played it without listening to the song first. The party immediately

stopped and everybody started booing all at once. CJ tha Sticman I had a burrito before the club. One thing led to another and you know the rest. Thank God for iPods. Class I got so drunk that I couldnt even DJ. I was knocked out cold. I dont even know who was DJing for me. D-Tec The first event I DJed was a Michael Blackson comedy show. He asked me to do something and I fucked it all up so he clowned me the rest of the night. I was DJ Luke Warm all night! Enferno I dont have an embarrassing moment, but Im generally embarrassed when Im doing a show for an artist and theyre too drunk to perform their own lyrics. freddy fred I was DJing a New Years Eve party and had to run to the bathroom for a #2 right before the countdown. fubu DJing at an empty club would be at the top of my list. It makes you look bad because people relate the club being dead to you, even though youre not even the promoter. Psycho girls stalking at the club would be next, and doing the pee dance is up there too. funkdaddy My first time mixing live on air I accidently played Pop Dat Pussy instead of Pop Dat Coochie with the station owners and GM right there watching. Thank God I had a good mic man behind the boards. Ike G

I was DJing at this local rappers CD release party, and all his people were in the building. I was trying to pump up the performance on the mic, and right before he [went] on I totally said his name wrong. The whole crowd booed me. J. Espinosa The first time I opened for E-40 I was real nervous so I tried to throw back a shot of 151. I missed my mouth and threw it right into my eyes. Jay-fields I was spinning at a packed club, and Ive been eating a lot so I had started getting a little belly. I was mixing and my stomach moved the crossfader to the other side and dead air hit. It took me about 20 seconds to figure out that my stomach had moved the fader over. kTone I was DJing a BBQ for the Ques (a fraternity) at my university and they asked me to play Atomic Dog. I accidentally started playing Flashlight, which is the Kappas song. One of the old alumni Ques ran up and put his hand on my table to stop it and said, Thats not funny, bro! Merk I had a DJ buddy who played a trick on me. I was in the middle of a killer Hip Hop set, and when I turned around to get a record from my crate, he switched my Ludacris [vinyl] with a country [record]. I scratched the track, and then played it, and was shocked outta my mind. He laughed, I yelled, and had to get on the mic fast to cover it up. Nasty Naz I was live on the air and my headphones got caught on the tonearm of the turntable and scratched the record extremely loud as it skid. QuickMixx Rick I played the dirty version of Khias My Neck & Back on-air [on the radio] and didnt realize it because I had turned the volume down to answer my cell. By the time I caught it, 2 and a half minutes had rolled by. Shawty Slim I almost electrocuting myself while connecting a speaker. Dying before a gig would not have been good. Treats I was DJing at the club and when I turned around to go through my record crate, my boys Niko and Jay One taped the turntable platter so that it wouldnt spin. I kept trying to turn to power on and off, and even unplugged the turntable, but the platter still wouldnt move. The song ran out, and I had to drop the needle back to the beginning of the song. I was pissed and started flipping out on the promoter, and told him that his turntable was busted. Then, all of a sudden, my boys showed me the tape. Hopefully I can pull that same prank on another DJ one day. Wreckineyez

Pretty Boy Tank

(Stone Mountain, GA) A member of Hoodrich Ent., Pretty Boy Tank DJs Wednesday nights at Club Libra and recently dropped three volumes of Space Invaders mixtapes with DJ Spinz. Pretty Boy Tank is currently on the road with F.L.Y. (Swag Surfin), a group he helped develop in his market. djprettyboytank@ gmail.com, Twitter. com/DJPrettyBoyTank, Myspace.com/DJPrettyBoyTank

(Dallas, TX) QuickMixx Rick has been with 97.9 the Beat in Dallas since 2002 and has been rated the #1 radio mixer in the area by Arbitron for the last four years. Rick is also a part of the roster at Sirius XM 67 Hip Hop Nation and belongs to the Violator AllStar DJs and Turntable Assassins. quickmixx@gmail.com, Twitter.com/QuickMixxRick, Myspace. com/QuickMixxRick

QuickMixx Rick

DJ Reconn

(Orlando, FL) Reconn began his career while working part-time at 107.1 RYTHYM FM, an underground station in Ft. Lauderdale. After moving to Orlando he earned a name in street promotions before landing a permanent gig with 102 Jamz. Alongside his radio and club duties, Reconn works with local artists Young Trama and Stick. Djreconn1@gmail.com, Twitter.com/DJReconn, Myspace.com/DJReconn

Scrap Dirty

(Ridgeland, MS) Founder of the Violator Allstar DJs, Scrap Dirty can be heard on Violator Radio on Sirius/XM as well as WRBJ 97.7 FM. He also has a long running mixtape series called DirtySoul and tours with Slum Village. Twitter.com/ScrapDirty, Myspace.com/DJScrapDirty

I WaS So Drunk WHIlE I WaS MIxIng THaT THE SPEakEr WEnT ouT anD THE MuSIC WaS only CoMIng ouT of My HEaDPHonES. BuT I STIll THougHT I WaS JaMMIn. BIg Von

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Shawty Slim

(Macon, Savannah, Albany, GA) Shawty Slim has accomplished quite a lot since his days of spinning in the cafeteria at Fort Valley State University. He now has a mixshow at not one, but three radio stations: 97.9 WIBB in Macon, 96.3 WJIZ in Albany, and WQBT 94.1 The Beat in Savannah. He also recently dropped the 17th volume of his Sucker Free R&B mixtape series. shawtyslim@gmail. com, Twitter.com/ ShawtySlim, Myspace. com/ShawtySlim

branded his Fear Factor series. The Tampa DJ tours globally and assists many upcoming artists build a buzz via his marketing company. DJSmallz.com, Twitter.com/DJSmallz, Myspace.com/SouthernSmoke

EVERYBoDY KnoWs thE mUsiC BUsinEss Can BE a DiRtY gamE. WE asKED thE PanEL oF DJs thEiR oPinion on thE BEst WaY to hanDLE a PRomotER that Wont PaY UP.
I dont. I send my lawyer after them. 360 Thanks to my partner Mike, I have my own club on the Southside of Atlanta so I am my own promoter. I dont really have problems with other clubs. I make sure my business is up front if I deal with someone else. Ace Blacklist them bitches. Ring the alarm! Let the people know and air their asses out. Amen I smack the shit outta them. Big Severe

Promoting is a tough gig so Ill give a promoter a few chances to tighten up. Greg G Promoters get one chance with me. Im a street ninja before Im a DJ so I will bust your ass. Ike G Dont show up to the gig the next week. J1 I try to resolve the issue. If there is no way we can work it out then I make sure to warn other artists and DJs so they can learn from what Im dealing with, and I wont work with that promoter anymore. Jay-fields I dont. Ive been at it long enough to just not care. JT Quick Make em sign contracts, and stay on they ass til they get me my money. I got money to collect right now. I promote myself too so if they wont pay me Ill pay myself. Mike Smoove Thats what contracts are for. Pretty Boy Tank I let AB Butler at Violator Management/Back in the Game Ent. deal with that stuff. Scrap Dirty I always ask around before dealing with most people. Shawty Slim Ive put them on blast on the internet before. Id give out their names and their info on my website DJSmallz.com and all my social networking sites like Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter, and I let other artists and DJs know about them. Smallz I respond with some ignorant records like The L.O.X. Fuck You, Young Jeezy Who Dat, The Diplomats I Really Mean It, Keep It Thoro by Prodigy, and Breakfast by LeLe. Treats With violence...Im just kidding. I just wont work with them any more after that. Truly Odd Depending on how I feel, Ill either air them out to my other DJ friends, or Ill just let it roll off like water on a ducks back. Whut It Dew Dont ever work with him or her again, or if you do, sign a contract and get money up front. I still have promoters/club owners who owe me money. Eventually you have to take them to court, or put them on blast. Wreckineyez

DJ Spinatik

(Augusta, GA) A Hittmenn and Fleet DJ, Slytay began his radio career over 10 years ago at WCKX in Columbus, OH. The Ohio native now spins for WFXA 103 Jamz in Augusta, as well as Club 3000, and also produces mixtapes. djslytay@gmail.com, Myspace.com/SlyTay Mailing Address: 2217 Pepperidge Drive, Augusta, GA 30906

DJ Slytay

(Tampa, FL) Spinatik holds club residencies at Mirage and Skye, as well as a weekly mixshow called Friday Night Lockdown on 95.7 The Beat from 9pm12am. His newest mixtapes include Yo Gotti: Pyrex King, Jadakiss: Kiss the King, and Street Runnaz: Vol. 34-36. Mp3@djspinatik.com, Twitter.com/DJSpinatik, Myspace.com/ DJSpinatik

Drag the promo niggas name through the mud, do whatever to bury the fuckers, cause they know they dont have them celebs coming to the party. Please stop the flyer fuckery. Big Von Cut the music off right in the middle of your set and walk out of the booth. But you have to make sure that there isnt another DJ there that can replace you. Blak I deal with them only once. CC Cruz I avoid them. They will try to beat you every chance they get. Just remember to avoid the unlucky and unhappy, these people cause their own misfortune and they will draw it on you too. CJ tha Sticman I hang em, then I cut em, then I shoot em, then I kill em. Just joking. No dough, no show. Class Get your money up front. Promoters need to understand that the DJ is a pre-existing expense and we should be paid our full fee regardless of the outcome of their event. All DJs need to start making clubs and promoters sign contracts. Other than that, keep your goons with you at all times. Enferno Dog bites you once, shame on the dog twice, shame on you. fubu Never negotiate. They always hire you for an amount and if its dead, they wait until the end of the night to tell you they have no money. Your fee should be your fee whether the club is packed or not. You still showed up to work and did your job. funkdaddy

DJ Treats

DJ Smallz

(Tampa, FL) DJ Smallz began his mixtape takeover with his Southern Smoke phenomenon and has now successfully

(New York) Treats tours with Mickey Factz and spins at Sway Lounge, The Studio at Webster Hall, The Delancy, Sutra, Bobs, and Ella. Treats has a strong appreciation for creativity which is displayed on his latest projects Michael Cera vs. Scott Pilgrim, DJ Treats Presents: The Sneaktip All Stars, and Deconstructing Mickey Factz. iamdjtreats@gmail. com, Twitter.com/ IAmDJTreats, Myspace. com/IamDJTreats

I HaVE a BEST frIEnD/BroTHEr naMED Hulk. HES 305 PounDS of MuSClE, all naTural. HE HanDlES THaT. look HIM uP on youTuBE.CoM/quICkMIxx. HE MakES IT lIkE CHrISTMaS TIME. quICkMIxx rICk

OZONE MAG // 53

With thE PoPULaRitY oF intERnEt DoWnLoaDing anD BLog sitEs LEaKing mUsiC, thE DJ gamE has ChangED tREmEnDoUsLY somEtimEs FoR thE BEttER, anD somEtimEs not.
On the good side, you dont have to search and dig as hard for music as much as you used to, but on a bad note, the music isnt exclusive to the elite DJs anymore. Everyone gets it damn near at the same time now. 03 I started DJing when there was nothing but records. There was no internet so you had to mail the songs or drive them to whereever you were trying get your music heard. The internet makes it easier to promote your music to other cities and states. You can cover a wide map area in a short amount of time. The negative side is music thats not supposed to be heard is getting leaked out before its supposed to. Ace

As a DJ, you can find just about any record youre looking for in about 2 minutes on the internet. I think that also goes in the negative category, because theres no such thing as exclusive anymore. Its really about how you play your records more than ever. Everyone has the same tools, but not everyone can build a house. J. Espinosa The internet helps artists get their music out to way more people than CDs and radio alone. Its also a good way to get back info on how your music is doing. The bad part of that is it takes away some of the hustle, grind, and struggle that gives artists their hunger of trying to make it. Jay-fields Man, I love blogs. Theres great independent music everywhere. Even the majors can pre-release tunes that just werent right at the time. The negative is theres a huge amount of crap out there. Digging for music is a full-time hustle. JT Quick

DJ T-Roc

The music gets around faster and with Serato you can I think its great that people are able to share and suphave the new music playing the same night. Its probport what they are feeling, but all these dudes are just ably bad for artists because theres not a lot of money jacking songs from other peoples websites and blogs, made off the music anymore. Artists gotta change with and not giving the times. Mike Smoove the credit for their THE gooD THIng IS I gET EaSy aCCESS To work. Theyre Artists can get feedback MuSIC. BaCk In THE Day I HaD To BEg laalso letting out unfinished and BEl rEPS To SEnD ME MuSIC. lET ME TakE and fix any problems before committing the music to the reference tracks THIS oPPorTunITy To Say fuCk you To album. It also increases the before the artist artists fan base. Users see if all THE rEPS THaT nEVEr SEnT ME SHIT. really gets to do they like the album before their thing, which anD THE BaD THIng IS I gET EaSy aCCESS buying, because its disapTo MuSIC. THErE IS JuST Way Too MuCH kills the actual pointing to buy an entire alsong for me and garBagE To SIfT THrougH anD laBElS bum for just one good song. the fans. Amen WIll SEnD ouT anyTHIng THESE DayS. The negative effects would be artists may lose sales, BaCk In THE Day THEy WoulD PrESS a The music goes and of course there is the rECorD WITH an a anD B SIDE anD Prostraight to the issue of piracy and copyright people, and you MoTE THE rECorD. noW THEy MaIl ouT infringements. Nasty Naz can find out if 100 MP3s anD SEE WHICH onES STICk. youre hot or The positive is getting the grEg g wack in minutes. exclusive music. The negative The bad thing is is that everybody wants to be some records only last a couple weeks, cause everyone a rapper. Pretty Boy Tank wants whats new, not whats good. And lastly, any bum can call themselves a DJ. Big Von Having Slum Village on our label, I see a lot of people who show love on the net, but also it becomes a real Its free promotion. The internet is the best way to curse because my fam doesnt see revenue. Scrap potentially get millions of people to see and hear your Dirty music. Without the internet there are a lot of artists we would have never heard of, like Soulja Boy. But now The positive is getting to break the new songs first and everyone is flooding the internet with their music and fast, and you get instant feedback. The negative about at some point its going to get regulated. Enferno the internet is that the anticipation of an album dropping no longer exists. Shawty Slim It helps the artists get their name and music out there. But if thats their only hot record, chances are If youve ever spent over $100 bucks at a time on vinyl, no one is going to go to the store to purchase their you know the relief of downloading an mp3 for free. album. Back in the day if you had a hot record people On the negative side, an internet hit is not necessarily a would run to the store to buy it. Now, you actually radio hit. Treats have to have a hot album to sell records. frosty It gives artists a wider audience to get their music heard, but damn, dont post the whole album. Let the artist live a little. Ike G

(Atlanta, GA) If youre in Atlanta, make sure you check out DJ T-Roc at the famous Club Crucial. T-Roc is responsible for breaking a majority of the new music in the area, including snap music which put him in the game. T-Roc is a member of the Hittmenn DJs, RocHarder DJs, and also promotes his brand in RocHarder Magazine. Rocharder1@gmail. com, Myspace.com/ DJTRocEnt

Truly Odd

(Los Angeles, CA) Truly Odd is the director of the Heavyweight DJs Record Pool and a member of the Bumsquad DJs and Shadyville DJs. When hes not on-air on Sirius satellite radio, hes touring with artists like Strong Arm Steady, Warchurch, and Brandoe the Younger. Twitter.com/DJTrulyOdd, Myspace.com/ DJTrulyOdd Mailing Address: 14731 Manecita Dr., LaMirada, CA 90648

54 // OZONE MAG

oUR CoUntRYs EConomiC sEtBaCKs haVE EVERYonE FEELing thE EFFECts oF thE RECEssion. somE oF thEsE DJs haD to aDJUst thEiR gamE PLan, WhiLE othERs saY thE RECEssion has aCtUaLLY hELPED thEiR BUsinEss.
I dont think it has affected the streets as much as it has the industry. It seems like the labels are reluctant to spend sponsorship money for major DJ events and conferences, but its all good now cause weve got Obama. 03 Clubs arent making as much money as they used to, so a lot of new DJs are starting to undercut just to get their foot in. Im talking about 60% under average rate. 360 I dont feel that it has had an effect at all. If youre a true hustler and good at your craft, then getting money shouldnt be a problem for any DJ. Ames Hopefully it has made the DJ take on a debt-free attitude. The recession should have also made DJs take their craft more seriously. Bigg V We are business men and women too, so when people cut back or dont want to pay you what you deserve, thats a blow to the pockets. On a lighter note, it can be positive as far as people resorting back to music as a means to escape and be entertained when things too much for them and they need a break. Class

(Bunkie, LA) Winner of the 2009 Southern Ent. Awards Best Mixtape Duo with DJ Scrill, Whut It Dew is a respected mixtape DJ in the Lousiana/Texas area and beyond. He was a 2008 Justo Nominee for Best Chopped and Screwed DJ and received several other award nominations recently. Be on the lookout for his new podcast coming soon. djwhutitdew@ gmail.com, Twitter. com/DJWhutItDew, Myspace.com/DJWhutItDew Mailing Address: 40071 Branca Dr., Frederick, MD 21702

DJ Whut It Dew

DJ Woogie

(Scranton, PA) A representative of the Shadyville DJs and an official mixtape DJ for Soulja Boy and SOD Money Gang, DJ Woogie puts in noticeable work. In 2008 he won the Justo Mixtape Award for Rookie of the Year and Best Canadian DJ. Woogie spins part-time at 97 BHT and can also be found at The Colloseum Nightclub and Club Evolution. Twitter.com/DJWoogie, Myspace.com/ DJWoogie Mailing Address: 1840 N. Main Ave. Ste. 204, Scranton, PA 18508

DJ Wreckineyez

(Atlanta, GA via Ludlow, MA) Wreckineyez is a tour DJ for Asher Roth and holds club residencies at Utopia, Sutra, Via, Sabor, and Django in Atlanta. An all-around DJ, Wreckineyez also spins on Sirius XM Radio Hip Hop Nation during DJ Jamads Afromentals Show. wreckineyez@gmail. com, Twitter.com/ Wreckineyez, Myspace. com/DJWreckineyez

The recession has made people want to drink more and forget their troubles. It hasnt necessarily hurt my DJ gigs. The last big event that hurt DJ gigs was 9/11. No one was going out, period. Even Vegas was empty. It was sad. - funkdaddy

Its hard for a real DJ to get the pay he orshe deserves because either somebody will do it cheaper, or they just use iPods, mixtapes, or some other bootleg way to do a party. kTone I havent felt any effects of the recession. Shit, I was broke before the recession. (laughs) In corporate America you have to learn how to multi-task. They wanna know if you can see the bigger picture. In the streets they wanna see if you getting money. Mic Tee Well, Im allergic to the recession, so I wouldnt know. Scrap Dirty Big radio companies are cutting budgets for mixshows. People still [go to the] club though. Shawty Slim I think Young Jeezy said it best on his album, Its a recession, everybody broke! Were not getting paid to do as many things and the prices [were paid] are going down, but equipment and what not is going up. Whut It Dew This is a promotional-use-only game and people arent buying [albums with] artwork like they used to. They tend to just download off the net and arent spending a lot of money. Mom and pop stores are closing due to rent not being paid, you know. Woogie

The recession is all propaganda. If you feel like In my case, not much has changed. I have the theres a recession, stop being lazy and push honor of working in a nightclub thats been harder. Its gonna take more than a word to stop doing well. But now more people want your job. me from eating. Ike G Theres way more competition and sudBEIng PrIMarIly a MIxTaPE DJ, IVE SEEn I would say [the recession denly you got a MaJor DEClInE In HoW Many arTISTS has caused] these wannabe or laBElS ConTaCT ME To MIx anD HoST promoters to DJs that have hire $50 DJs, THEIr TaPE. laST yEar, I HaD ProBaBly never touched but they were 4 or 5 ProJECTS lInED uP aT any gIVEn vinyl before doing that that will work TIME. So far THIS yEar, IVE only BEEn before the for almost free. HIrED To Do a SMall HanDful of ProJrecession, so it Element hasnt affected ECTS. Blurray me. J-flex Club owners and promoters arent paying DJs as much, but Its given the new kids an opportunity to untheyre also not spending money for radio prodercut big dogs. To be honest, a lot of big dudes motions either, which opens up the door for DJs had it coming. There are a lot of lazy crappy DJs who are connected with promotional companies that get gigs based off their name. Its made who can promote for a fraction of the cost of me stronger. I found new revenue opportuniradio ads. In the end theres more money for the ties. For example, I spin at a lesbian club on the DJs. Enferno weekends and they love it. You gotta put that personal BS aside and get money. JT Quick The DJ game is recession-proof. People are gonna party whether theyre happy or sad. J1

OZONE MAG // 55

iF giVEn thE ChanCE to BattLE an EXPERiEnCED VEtERan, most oF thEsE DJs WoULD gLaDLY aCCEPt it, BUt not BECaUsE thEY thinK thEYD Win. most oF thEm JUst Want to sEE thEiR FaVoRitE DJ LiVE in aCtion.
Im not too big on the whole battling idea. Ive pretty much rocked with every DJ I ever looked up to except Grandmaster Flash or Red Alert. 360 Kid Capri, because Im a crowd rocker and so is he. I DJ like Im performing and thats what he always did. Ace Jazzy Jeff would be big for the highlight reel. Hes pretty high up there on my list of living legends, but he has kept up with the times and I already know he would give me a run for my money. Rev aint human either. Amen Kid Capri. I would probably lose, but I wouldnt look bad because it was expected. (laughs) Big Severe DJ Craze is one of my favorite DJs. Element Jazzy Jeff or Roc Raida so they could kick my ass and then teach me how to be better. fubu The legendary Kid Capri. He is definitely one of the innovators that changed the art form. Ill Will Funkmaster Flex. Hes really famous, so if I won,

instantly people would hear about me. Also, hes not the most technical DJ, if you know what Im saying. And when the battle is over he could probably give me some cool tips on what type of 39-inch rims I should buy. J. Espinosa Jazzy Jeff. I really wouldnt battle, Id just watch. J1 I looked up to and respected DJ Jazzy Jeff the whole time I learned and perfected my craft. Hes always been a true DJ with the skills that range from party rocking to shows and battling. Also DJ Scratch for the same reason. J-flex Kid Capri because his status is so damn high. If I beat him its a wrap, Ive secured a spot in DJ history. kTone I would probably want to battle Michael 5000 Watts because he is one of the main inspirations that got me into DJing. All I used to listen to, besides my rock music, was Swisha House mixtapes back in middle and high school. Merk Jam Master Jay. Not only was he a very talented and amazing DJ, but he played an influential part in defining the whole Hip Hop game. Nasty Naz I would battle Bad Boy Bill because I used to listen to him as a kid. I learned a lot of my scratches and techniques from watching him. Thatll be dope. QuickMixx Rick David Roddigan, even though I know I would die 6 million deaths. I still would be honored. Reconn I wanna battle DJ Clark Kent because we always talk shit to each other and I think that would be great for DJs to see real body tricks and juggles. Scrap Dirty

funkMaSTEr flEx. WHEn I WaS youngEr I WoulD go To CInCInnaTI on THE grEyHounD To gET THE funkMaSTEr flEx MIx CDS of HIM off of HoT 97. I WoulD Try anD IMITaTE HIS EVEry CuT anD BlEnD. BIonICMan
I would like to battle DJ Jazzy Jeff because hes my favorite DJ. If I win, I would throw him out of the club like they did to him on Fresh Prince. Im just kidding, hes my hero. Shawty Slim DJ Mix Master Ice. I worked under him at WFXA in Columbus at one point. Slytay DJ Whoo Kid. Were both marketing geniuses in the mixtape game. Smallz I dont really battle but I would say DJ Jazzy Jeff. Hes amazing and hes still on tour. But I love Cool DJ Red Alert and respect all the legendary DJs like Kay Slay, Ron G, Kid Capri, Funk Flex, and many others. Woogie

Im in two crews so I dont think theres anything wrong with it. We all support each other anyway. Blak I cant knock their hustle, but for me I was chosen by the best crew: The World Famous SuperFriends. I try to be on the best team instead of a bunch of teams. D-Tec A lot of DJs think being in a crew is going to help their career somehow, but it doesnt. You have to work your way to the top. frosty It depends. I think its okay to be down with a large network of DJs like The CORE and a smaller, more exclusive crew like the Heavy Hitters. Greg G

DJ CluE anD BIz MarkIE CauSE I fEEl lIkE THEyrE oVErraTED. J. BoSS

hoW manY DJ CREW aFFiLiations aRE too manY? is it a mattER oF LoYaLtY, oR nEtWoRKing? WE asKED thEsE gUYs thEiR oPinion on haVing moRE than onE assoCiation.
Well, loyalty is everything and you cant be loyal to all the crews at the same time. I dont understand why DJs belong to more than one crew, but if they make it work, I can only let them do them. 03 Thats their prerogative, but Id rather do my own thing and deal with my own DJ crew. Artists

and labels are paying the head of these DJ crews thousands of dollars to play their music and the DJs in the crews arent all getting paid. Why blow up this company you are so-called with if youre not getting any of the funds? If you are one of the DJs getting some of the cut then do your thang. Ace Its good to be a part of DJ crews, and I myself am a part of multiple crews. In a way its very beneficial because you can all work together and open doors for fellow DJs. Ames I think its whack. Rep your crew to the fullest, then put other DJs down [with the crew], but most of all rep yourself. Big Severe If the goal is to have access to breaking more music and help independent artists at the same time, then cool. But just to say Im a this DJ, Im a that DJ is some bullshit. Bigg V

If you run with a national crew and a local crew I can see that, but damn, if you send me a message to my blackberry and your list of crew [affiliations] is longer than the message, something is wrong. Ike G Its not worth it to me cause you have no loyalty. Who are you gone ride with at the end of the day? J. Boss

THaT SHIT IS WaCk. ITS lIkE BEIng In HElla gangS. you nEVEr HEarD of SoMEonE BEIng an l.a. CrIP, ny BlooD, anD a laTIn kIng. Do you go To CollEgE anD JoIn 5 fraTS? no. unTIl THEy STarT SEnDIng ouT MonTHly CHECkS or SoME HEalTH CarE, IM Cool. BIg Von

56 // OZONE MAG

If youre down with one crew that should be it. You can be affiliated and cool with another crew, but you cant be a part of every damn DJ crew. Some of these crews arent really crews, theyre just record pools or DJ networks. Theres a difference. kno It All I belong to two crews, The Core DJs and Hustle Squad DJs, and both are national. I personally feel like once you hit 3 crews, you should probably chill on it. Its not cool to be in 40 different crews. Merk Its a marketing tactic to get more money from different promoters who may be interested in different crews. However, it doesnt really bother me. Nasty Naz I think its a great idea. Youre not selling either out, youre trying to do you. One crew might be real strong in one part of the nation, whereas the other isnt. If youre part of two or more you can get exposure and relationships in many ways, not just one. QuickMixx Rick Thats whack. I dont belong to no crew but the company I co-own with DJ D-Strong. I dont rep no marketing companies that front like DJ crews. Those DJs just become another piece of the puzzle, but Im trying to be the dude that designs and boxes the puzzle up. Reconn

Who aRE thE most REsPECtED PERFoRmERs? YoUR FaVoRitE DJs EXPLain Who thEYD BE honoRED to toUR With anD What maKEs thosE aRtists so REVERED.
Probably Plies. I saw him perform in Orlando, when he was only getting like $5,000 in Florida, and ever since then I always want to do business with him. - Ace Man, if Detox ever comes out, Dre I got you. I saw Jay-Zs rider too. It must be nice rollin with Hov. - Amen Ive been an Ice Cube fan since I was a kid. It would be an honor to tour with him. - Ames Jay-Z. To see where he came from to where he is today is amazing. You could learn so much about the game from him as an artist/ promoter/CEO/businessman. - Bionicman It would have been Michael Jackson because you just can get no bigger than that. He sold out stadiums. I would have loved to experience that once in my career. - Blak Devin the Dude can go overseas and sell out a venue of 20,000+, then come back to Texas and do a hole-in-wall venue with a capacity of 150. Nothing is too small or petty for him. He stays humble and I respect that. - Blurray Kanye West because he is the best. - CC Cruz I may be touring with Kanye soon, and I would like to set something up with Jay-Z. Jay has had an impact on Hip Hop and has been one of my inspirations from the start. Im also looking forward to my tour with LMFAO this summer. - Class Redman, Common, Gangstarr, Q-Tip, Snoop Dogg, and Nas. No need to explain why. - Element Pitbull. His shows are always live and there are always packed crowds. - freddy fred Keri Hilson, so I can propose. - Greg G Scarface. Hes on a whole other level as an artist. Just look at his longevity. - Ike G T-Pain, cause he has great showmanship and thats what I have too. - J. Boss I would like to go on tour with LL Cool J because his shows are crazy hype but he still makes time to stay in shape. I would love to

learn how to be that disciplined on the road. - Jay-fields Busta Rhymes. Hes a vet and he knows how to put on a show. A lot of artists just rap and get off the stage, but Busta gives you your moneys worth. - kno It All Probably Mistah FAB because he makes it easy for the DJ. Hes great with the fans and other DJs. If something needs to be done, he does it. Its easy to promote him because he promotes himself already. - ktone Soulja Boy goes hard, and his shows are hype. I like the crowd to be rockin. - Mike Smoove 50 Cent. Hes just so powerful controversial yes, but thats why people respect him because he can back his talk up. Hes a real dude. Im a huge fan. - QuickMixx Rick I would love to go on tour with Jay-Z, B.o.B, and/ or T-Pain. They dont just get up there and do songs, they put on a show. - Shawty Slim Travis Porter. I like their energy. - Slytay I would like to tour with Gucci Mane. He has become an icon in southern Hip Hop and I personally like all of his music. - Spinatik The Roots. Id want to be the Glengarry Glen Ross of their shows always be closing. - Treats It would probably be an artist that is versatile like Keri Hilson; someone that is making good music for the people; and someone that can make a difference with their music and put on a show. - T-Roc My own artists: 2k tha Murdaman and T. Gunz. Established artists already have DJs and Im not about trying to gain a little fame from those that already have it. I want to help my artists get to where these others have already made it. - Whut It Dew S.O.D. Money Gang Ent. because they made me family and gave me a chance to rep a major crew. Ill do it until Im discharged of my title. - Woogie Honestly, I dont think I could be DJing for a better artist than Asher Roth. If I did have to choose an artist Ive never been on the road with, it would be Phonte of Little Brother or Elzhi from Slum Village. Theyre my favorite MCs. I know Phonte, and dude is hilarious. Being on the road with him must be entertaining as hell. Wreckineyez

I DonT SEE any ProBlEM WITH rEPPIn MulTIPlE CrEWS, THaTS WHy I Do IT MySElf. THIS IS a HuSTlErS gaME, anD IT all BEgInS WITH nETWorkIng. BElongIng To MulTIPlE CrEWS alloWS a DJ To nETWork anD CollaB WITH MorE DJS, arTISTS anD ProDuCErS. Blurray
To quote J Dilla, Its all bullshit. Scrap Dirty To each his own. I personally choose to stay solo and promote my own brand and movement. Smallz There is nothing wrong with spreading your wings. I see it as a win/win [situation] for both parties. T-Roc I dont really care. Do what the hell you want to do. Truly Odd I dont see it as being loyal. How can you give 100% to all crews? All crews have different standards. Not all can play certain rappers music so you could be looked at funny from the crew leaders. Just rep one crew and stay loyal. Woogie Its cool. Working with different people can bring many opportunities. I tried the crew thing, but it wasnt for me. Id rather have a tight circle with a couple of DJs that are on the same page as me, and are trying to look out for one another. Wreckineyez

POLL QUESTIONS

Have you ever taken money to play a song?

Yes 64% No 29% Too Scared to Answer - 7%

Who is the next big artist?

28% of DJs polled say Drake is the next big artist

Is it Ok for DJs to belong to multiple crews?

Yes 46% No 26% Dont care either way 28%

Best Mixer?
Rane 57SL 42% Rane ttm56 w/ Serato 16% Pioneer DJM800 13 % pioneer DMJ400 6.5%

CoLLECtiVELY, oUR DJ PanEL has CoLLaBoRatED With EVERY maJoR PLaYER in thE mUsiC inDUstRY. hERE thEY giVE PRoPs to thE aRtists that thEYD LoVE to WoRK With again.
From my experience Id say Ron Browz. That dude is down to do whatever it takes perform, drops, whatever. Him and his manager, Rick Broomfield, do everything it takes with no hesitation. 360 Gucci Mane. He goes in, gets the work done, and its on to the next mission. Theres no playing games. Ace 50 Cent and David Banner. Interviews, speaking, dealing with the people; they get it. When they speak it makes your ass listen. Big Von Working with Kanye West is a real experience. That guy is really gifted and creative. Ive been in this business since the 90s but I can say that every time we get in the studio its a fresh experience. Thats something to appreciate as a producer and an artist myself. Class Murphy Lee, Yung Ralph, Yo Gotti, Young Jeezy, F.L.Y., Ace Hood, Gorilla Zoe, and Plies, just to name a few. If I need a drop or even host a mix CD, they have no problem showing love. D-Tec Trina was just down to earth and did good business. Greg G

I had the opportunity to DJ for Snoop Dogg. He had the utmost respect for DJs and made me feel comfortable, like I had [DJed] for him before. Also, Lloyd is cool. Element Young Jeezy. He comes on stage and interacts with me and the crowd, and his songs arent too long. Enferno E-40 is down to earth. Litefoot, Livio, Dough, Too $hort, Mistah FAB, Mac Dre, The Reallionaires, and the Turf Grindaz are all down to earth. Funkdaddy Gorilla Zoe is so talented and humble. It makes it very easy to work with him. Ike G Tech N9ne is a true professional and a really good friend. Weve had some great times together. JT Quick

akon, SEan Paul anD WyClEf JEan. THEy TrEaT ME lIkE ParT of THE faMIly, anD noT JuST a Tour DJ or HyPEMan, or a Tour CHEf. THEy TrEaT ME faIrly anD WITH uTMoST rESPECT. naSTy naz
Slum Village, because we break bread together and have a great working relationship. Scrap Dirty From a mixtape DJs perspective, its Gucci Mane, Young Jeezy, Lil Wayne, Yo Gotti, and Rick Ross. A lot of artists still dont see the value in mixtapes, but these artists continue to make them and embrace the mixtape culture. Its helped pave their way for a successful career in the music industry. Smallz I would have to say the best artist Ive worked with so far is Jadakiss. He is really easy to work with and hilarious. Spinatik Mickey Factz. Theres no limit to what hell rap over. Treats Krondon is just an all-around professional artist. Truly Odd Soulja Boy Tellem. He gave me a huge chance by allowing me to do all of his official mixtapes. Woogie Asher Roth. Hes extremely talented and has given me the greatest opportunity so far in my career as a DJ. Plus, hes extremely humble and is a great person. Ash is real easy to work with, very laid back, and is all about enjoying life and having fun. Wreckineyez

THE BEST arTIST IVE WorkED WITH So far WoulD HaVE To BE yung JoC. HES aBouT HIS BuSInESS, BuT HES noT HollyWooD aT all. kno IT all
Innerstate Ike from Denve. He drops music every other week and when you need something done, its done quickly. Ktone The best artist to work with is my artist/business partner Dorrough Music. Weve been working together since 2005 and now we are finally where we planned to be. He keeps bringing me hits and I keep breaking them. Merk Glasses Malone always shows love. Whatever I need from him he makes it happen. David Banner, Crooked I, Steph Jones, Damani, Roccett, Mistah Fab, Bangloose, and 211 are good too. Mike Smoove

rICky roSS. HE knoWS WHaT HES DoIng. HE alWayS CoMES CorrECT anD HES alWayS SMokIng THaT og kuSH. frEDDy frED

WE gaVE thE DJs a ChanCE to CaLL oUt thE aRtists that aRE haRD to DEaL With. UnFoRtUnatELY, onLY FiVE oF thEm haD EnoUgh BaLLs to sPEaK UP. EVERYonE BasiCaLLY saiD UnPRoFEssionaL aRtists aRE thE WoRst to WoRK With, BUt thats a giVEn. hEREs thE sCooP on Whos JUst a Pain in thE ass.
Tango Redd. He was young and didnt have no hustle at all. Blak Lil Wayne. Im still waiting for him to show up for a show date. Ike G
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Maybe Lil Wil. He did some punk-ass shit when he came to my city. He doesnt sell enough records to be acting like that and turning down shit to help his career. I broke both of his records in [Denver] and he tried to play me like a square. Ktone

DorrougH MuSIC (rIgHT) IS alSo THE WorST arTIST To Work WITH aS WEll aS THE BEST. (LAUGHS) WHEn WErE ouT on THE roaD, ITS HEll To WakE THIS guy uP. MErk
I have yet to encounter an artist that was difficult to work with. There was one time at the 95.7 The Beat Family Reunion that Mike Jones wouldnt take a picture with me, but we cleared all that up. Spinatik

bor, maybe my grandma. Element Charles Sweeting, Papa Duck, Brisco, and Billy Blue. The next big producer is definitely CP Hollywood. Freddy Fred

The next one is a cat named Young Trama from Seattle and this artist named Stick from Orlando. Reconn The era of next big artists is over. Scrap Dirty B.o.B., Playboy Tre, Young-R, Wes Fif, and P.P.C. They all have hunger, great energy, quality music, and they stay true to themselves. Shawty Slim Travis Porter, because their style is crazy. They have a huge fan base already and dont even have a deal yet. Slytay Clete from West Palm Beach. His street experiences are real and he writes dope hooks. A lot of people rap what they seen and lived vicariously through their own lyrics, Clete doesnt. Also, Laws from Spring Hill, Florida is an incredible lyricist. Fear the future. Smallz Yo Gotti has gained a tremendous buzz and been on almost every mixtape Ive dropped in the last few months. Spinatik Mickey Factz, Supreeme, and Jade. Like myself, these artists are willing to take chances creatively, ultimately raising the bar for how far musicians push themselves. Treats

EVERY YEaR, nEW aRtists EmERgE to taKE thE PLaCE oF Last YEaRs FaVoRED PLaYERs. hERE aRE thE DJs DRaFt PiCKs FoR thE UPComing sEason oF Who Wants to BE a RaPPER.

kEVIn CoSSoM, BECauSE HE Can SIng, DanCE, anD WrITE, PluS HE HaS an InCrEDIBlE Work ETHIC. anD HES froM orlanDo. grEg g
The streets are talking real big about J. Money. [His record] First Name Last Name is real crazy in the hood right now. He is consistent, he has a good following, and hes organized. Ill Will Ami Miller, C. Stone and Fat Pimp. They are very talented and hungry for this rap game. They want it too bad. J. Boss

DrakE. THaT DuDE IS noT only TalEnTED, BuT HE HaS THE rIgHT PEoPlE BaCkIng HIM. oJ Da JuICEMan IS EVEryWHErE rIgHT noW. THErES SoMETHIng aBouT BIlly BluES MuSIC THaT CaTCHES My aTTEnTIon EVEry TIME I HEar IT, anD HE alSo HaS THE rIgHT PEoPlE BaCkIng HIM. 360
J. Moneys got the streets gone on the whole futuristic swag situation. He works hard. He would call me to play his music while he practiced in the club with no one there but me and him. Thats work and now its paying off for him. Ace Being in the UK its kinda hard for me to predict these things because big artists in the U.S. are not always known overseas. But Id have to say Roccett. He always has hot joints and his work [ethic] is on point. I can see him doing big things worldwide. Ames Papa Duck, Yo Gotti, Lo Fat, Show, Lil Buck, Money Carlo, and G-Mack. Mississippi is coming, its so many to name. These names jump out because this is what you hear in the clubs and on the streets, and they are requested. Bigg V I have to go with Spark Dawg and Yung Texxus. When you work as hard as they do, and rap as good as they do, you cant help but be the next big thing. Blurray The next big artist will be the one that comes up with the next new fad, whether it be a dance, a walk, or a trip and fall. CJ tha Sticman DJ Class is one of the next big artists. My single Im the Ish is doing very well, and the follow up single is gaining ground too. I plan on putting B-More clubs on for my city. Class Boss G, Lil Brod, Marley Mar, Team IRAQ, Jah Bless, Snook, Mista Taylor, Grand Flip, Billy Blue in Miami, Rich Kids in Atlanta, Bettie Grind in North Carolina, Nipsey Hussle in L.A., Unladylike in St. Louis, K Michelle in Tennessee, Damm D from Dallas, and Attitude from Alabama. D-Tec Nowadays who knows? Maybe my neigh-

SEEMS lIkE DrakE IS THaT guy. HES BEEn PuTTIn IT DoWn on THE BlogS, HIS MIxTaPES arE lEgIT. HIS rESuME IS gooD, WITH THE aCTIng, TV, MoDElIng. yEaH, I goT a Man CruSH on HIM, So WHaT. J. ESPInoSa
(EDITORS NOTE: WERE TAKING THE LIBERTY OF ADDING A PAUSE TO THE ABOVE STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF J. ESPINOSA.)

Vaughn Anthony because hes not only a talented singer, but a writer as well. It also helps that his big brother is John Legend. Jay-Fields Drake, because his buzz is crazy and his material is good. Next would be Ricco Barrino. Hes written hooks and songs for a lot of major artists. Its only a matter of time [until] the world takes notice of his talent. J-Flex The next big artist in the industry would have to be Drake, thats obvious. In ATL it would have to be Young Snead and Stuey Rock. Theyve got a lot of hot songs playing in the clubs and on the radio without the help of a label. Kno It All From my city I would have to say Rockie, Young Doe, and Hawkman. Drake is making hella noise without any albums out. Nipsey Hussle from L.A. has a big buzz and his was the only mixtape I got on the streets when I was in NY. Ktone Drake and Yo Gotti are the peoples champs right now. They have the industry buzzing over their future, and their whole cities are behind em. Mic Tee Band Geakz, Travis Porter, Young Capone, and J. Money (Futuristic) because they know how to keep it with the streets and know the politics of the music business. Pretty Boy Tank All the Dallas artists are making a lot of noise, but if I had to pick Id say Treal Lee and Prince Rick. They have a greatest hits collection already. (laughs) And Drake is gonna be big. I have all his mixtapes and he spits real talk. QuickMixx Rick

JuST Do a Song WITH TPaIn. HEll gIVE you a HIT, THEn BooM, youll BE a BIg arTIST. Truly oDD
Hakeem tha Dream, Chalie Boy, SparkDawg, 2k tha Murda Man, T. Gunz, Grafh, Roccett, and a lot of others. These artists are bringing something to the game besides dance music. Im all danced out, its time for a new era. Whut It Dew Yall gotta look out for this artist Im working with by the name of All Starr da Great, mark my words. Woogie

THErES a loT of nEW arTISTS THaT IM a fan of, BuT I THInk aSHEr roTH, DrakE, kID CuDI, anD B.o.B. arE THE nExT BIg arTISTS. THEyrE all MakIng grEaT MuSIC, arE ExTrEMEly TalEnTED anD CrEaTIVE, anD HaVE a SErIouS Buzz. IM alSo a BIg fan of MICkEy faCTz. WrECkInEyEz DJs, if you would like to be considered for coverage in the next DJ Issue of ozonE, please contact jen@ozonemag.com

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done hands on. Me signing with TVT was like they werent really there. Them muthafuckers aint assist me to get to the next level . They just benefited off what I did in the streets and they got what they could get out of the situation. Thats all I know, is to do it myself and be hands on with it in the street. With Cocaine Music 3, what should people be expecting that they didnt get on the first and second one? is it like a continuation of what youve been talking about? First of all, Cocaine Music is a brand. Like, Drama has Gangsta Grillz and other DJs have their brands, like Smallz Southern Smoke. So, I said I was gonna form Cocaine Muzik to where when you hear this shit you already know its that real street trap shit, the shit that you got to have. I started off just doing me. So, I got Cocaine Muzik 3 coming then Im going to skip 4 and go to 4 1/2. Im going to try to put that out right before the album drops. If you heard Cocaine 1 and 2, youd know that on Cocaine 1 we rapped on other peoples beats and we had movie clips in there that related to the whole shit and made it a movie. But we couldnt do that on Cocaine 2 because we went in the stores and that was a part of the situation of me getting out of the deal with the people that bought TVT. So, on 3 were going to go back to this shit like we did on 1 and make this shit a whole movie. Why did you choose to use Cocaine Muzik as a brand? obviously, when people hear the word cocaine, it has controversial connotations. Im from North Memphis. When I get to Pittsburgh and Richmond, Virginia and Baltimore and Portland, Oregon where were doing these shows and Ive never had a video on TV, when I get into their city and its 1,000 1,500 people there in the club and theyre paying me just as much as theyre paying the nigga on TV. When I drop the music they know every word. I mean, what else spreads like that [besides cocaine]? The addiction of the music, that shit is natural. How do these people this far away from where Im at know this shit like this? To me it aint too much shit that spread like that. Thats the whole concept behind the Cocaine Muzik and if you put Yo Gotti CD in your CD player, youre bound not to take it out, youre bound to be addicted to it. If you take one hit of cocaine, some people are strong enough [to resist addiction] but the majority aint. Theyre [hooked]. since youre able to go to these different cities, obviously the people are hearing something that they like or relate to. how much do you get to experience and interact with these people that arent from memphis but seem to relate to everything in your music? I get to interact with fans at every show. I take pictures with the women, holla at the niggas, whatever they want to do. You dont really see me come in the door and walk straight to the

YOUVE HEARD ABOUT THE MEMPHIS RAP SCENE. NO UNITY AND CRABS IN A BARREL ARE THE PHRASES OFTEN USED TO DESCRIBE IT. JUST ABOUT EVERY CREW THAT HAS COME FROM THE CITY HAS EITHER SEEN THEIR NUMBERS DWINDLE OVER THE YEARS OR SIMPLY DISSIPATE COMPLETELY. THOUGH HE CAME IN THE GAME WITH AN AFFILIATION TO LOCAL LEGEND KINGPIN SKINNY PIMP, YO GOTTI HAS PRETTY MUCH BEEN AN ONE-MAN SHOW HIS ENTIRE RUN IN THE RAP GAME. RIGHT NOW, THATS LOOKING LIKE A GOOD THING. HE HAS NO ONE TO BLAME WHEN THINGS GO WRONG AND HE CAN ENJOY ALL THE SPOILS WHEN THINGS GO RIGHT. HE DOESNT GET DRAGGED INTO ANYONE ELSES BUSINESS, SO HE HAS ALL THE TIME HE NEEDS TO FOCUS ON HIS.
After toiling through a less-than-productive run with the now bankrupt and defunct TVT Records, Gotti is inching his way back onto the national scene with a new deal at Polo Grounds/J Records. Backed by the momentum of his Cocaine Muzik mixtape series and some key features on the Gucci Mane hits Bricks and Ridiculous, Yo Gotti is poised to redefine Memphis rap as we know it. Catch everybody up with what youre doing. Cocaine Muzik 3 is in the streets right now and Im working on my album Live From The Kitchen for my new situation with J Records/Polo Grounds. TVT went bankrupt and I was able to get myself out of the contract. as far as the label stuff, what attracted you to take advantage of that opportunity? You have independent and underground roots and a lot of people say major labels are not what they used to be. I went from doing my thing in my neighborhood, to signing a deal with TVT a couple years back so, still to this day I never experienced the work of a J Records or a Universal, what you would call a big machine. This shit is something new to me. Everything that I have done up to this point Ive

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stage and when the music goes off Im back out to the tour bus. We kick it in the club after the show so we actually get to rap with niggas and we be in the malls before the show. Were around the city getting something to eat at the soul food spots or we in the malls, so we get to interact with people all the time. Street life is a culture and the shit is the same to a certain degree everywhere. If Im hustling in Memphis and youre hustling in your city, were damn near hustling for the same reason. Some people are hustling to get their family out of the hood to a better place. You got [some] niggas just hustling, what I like to call, just bullshitting around. [Some] niggas dont know whats real; theyre hustling just to get some tennis shoes and shit, playing with your life. Youve got those types of niggas everywhere. So, I think its the same. I got a song on my new album called Looking in the Mirror. When I approach another nigga, thats what youre doing. If you a real nigga and Im looking at you and you a real nigga and you looking at me, we looking in the mirror. No matter what city, what state we from. Do you experience a lot of them in your travels? Do you seem to have fans that are reflections of you or do you have fans that are probably nothing like you, they just happen to like that music. We see both kinds. I think I got a good way of looking at a nigga and sensing if its a real nigga or not or if this a nigga trying to put his front on because he in front of you for fifteen minutes. At the same time thats a hard determination to make within fifteen to twenty minutes. All I can do is I be real with everybody. as an artist and listener do you see a difference in the street music and the commercial music these days? most radio stations are playing street shit. It really aint a difference. If Ive got a big radio record, theyll say thats a commercial record. To me that record is the production, the sound of the beats sound big. I just talk about my life, I only know one way. So no matter how big that beat sounds or [if ] we got a R&B singer on the hook or what not, Im still going to be talking from a street nigga perspective because thats all I know. So, I dont know how to make that commercial hit. So if the beat sounds commercial and its a big beat and its a record thats very successful, that aint commercial to me. You listen to the verses and you a street nigga, you hear what Im saying. If you really come from that shit like I do, you know the consequences behind that shit [we were doing] in the hood. Nigga, are you trying to get out? Im not saying youre trying to leave the hood or not fuck with your niggas from the hood, but youre trying to get to a better life. It kills me to hear niggas say, Aw, man, Im staying in the hood. In that case you shouldnt be rapping. Go re-up. With so many street records coming out from rappers who may or may not have really lived that life, why do you say you continue to make that kind of music? Youve got some success, so why do you decide to still cater to that street type music even though you may or may not have to endure those struggles anymore? For one, thats what got me here. Two, this is what Ive been living for twenty-something years, so this is what I can tell you about the best. I know this, I done this, I seen this. I can tell you this exactly how it went. If I try to tell you some shit I dont know about, I dont know if the song is going to be that good. Im not trying to make

no big records, I got keep this shit street. I am getting with bigger producers to take my shit to the next level. But Im still going to keep the same subject matter. how has it been so far trying to balance the two and learn along the way as far as getting with bigger producers and making more quality products, so to speak? Ive been doing this shit professionally for a minute so, I think I got it under control. As far as working with different people, I dont think Ive ever been on some starstruck shit because a producer was big. I go in that motherfucker and whether this is your first beat and Im about to use it on my album or you had ten number ones, I kind of approach this shit the same way. But I respect the nigga that had the number ones, so when Im in the studio with him, if he says we probably should go in this direction, Im listening to the nigga to consider his opinion. When I was coming up I was around some of the biggest street niggas; niggas that been had money. They was superstars to me, so I figure Ive already been around stars before I got in the rap game. tell us about your experience growing up in memphis, if it was different or the same as some of the artists that we hear come from there. Weve heard a lot of stories of pain and struggle. For me it was like, a young nigga trying to get on and just hustling with my homeboys. I was just doing me. Theres most definitely pain and struggle, but that shit [exists] in every city. Youve got artists like 8Ball & MJG coming out talking about pimping and shit and theyre from Memphis, but Im from Memphis and I aint no motherfucking pimp. Im a hustler, but at the same time, that just shows you two different lifestyles in that same city. Was it hard trying to come from that angle? You know, Ball and g came out on that pimp shit. three 6 mafia was doing what they were doing. then you had the Playa Flys and tommy Wright iiis. at one time, other than Criminal manne, you were probably one of the few other memphis rappers coming from that street hustler side of things, content wise. Its kinda crazy because my situation is a little different from a lot of niggas. My shit didnt have a blueprint when we started. When you start, youve got plans on making it big, so you cant remember if it was hard or not. When my shit started, we was just doing it, hustling, young niggas with money. We paid for the studio and flyers and wed be in these cars riding around shining and rapping for fun. We were doing shit just for the neighborhood. I wasnt even focusing on running after DJs to get my shit played. I was just doing it for the hood. DJs started calling me. I aint know nothing about that shit. So in a way, it was a long time getting here, but I cant say it was hard because I wasnt focused on it. I was just doing the shit and it popped off. thats interesting. You come from the im not a rapper, im a hustler mold, but what you just said is actually quite hip hop, when you think about it. When Im in the booth, to me, its a feeling I get out of talking to a million niggas like me. I know when Im in the booth and say what I got to say I aint just saying it for me, Im saying it for a million niggas like me. Im speaking for me and them, and I get enjoyment out of that. So that makes me feel good just to say that. So I guess it is like Im doing it for the love at the same time.

But as a hustler youve got to feed your family. You cant act like the money doesnt matter. The money most definitely matters. If I cant feed my kids and take care of my mama and little sister and make sure my brother stay out of the pen, I gotta go back to doing what I was doing [before rapping], no question. if you had it to do all over again, what would you want to do other than hustle? Man, listen. My daddy was a hustler. Hes 58 years old and hes in jail right now as we speak for a dope charge. My mama was a hustler. My aunties [have] done Fed time. I wouldnt change nothing. I come from a life of hustler and I figured that the shit the streets teach you, a school cant. If I didnt see what I saw, I wouldnt be ready for the world. Only other thing I had in mind as a child was, I used to tell my family I wanted to be a lawyer so I could get my family out of jail. Thats the only other thing I ever wanted to be. I never wanted to be hustler, I didnt plan to be hustling, but the shit just happened like this. We havent hardly said anything about your album yet. take a moment to talk about it. Its called Live From The Kitchen. Im at Cool & Dres studios right now. I worked with J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League. I worked with Hot Rod, he did 5-Star Bitch, I just signed him. I work with so many producers that I cant even remember. Im trying to create a classic. Weve got 63 songs right now so by the time I pick the 13-14 we use, Ill probably have 100 songs. I just want this shit to be a classic album that niggas remember. We want to show that we can take this shit to the next level. to you, what are the ingredients of a classic? A classic has to have at least five or six singles. Niggas nowadays have one [hit record] and you throw the CD out. We need to have five or six singles, even if its three on radio and three in the streets. Then the CD has to be be well thought out. how often do you record? I record every day so I dont have to open up my budget to get in the studio. Im already in the studio anyway, fucking with different niggas. Im on the road every weekend doing shows and shit. Thats my break from the studio, so its like Im working still. Youve got to be dedicated to this shit. People look at the NBA players, talking about his $100 million dollar contract. But that nigga practices. Hes always away from his family; he only gets to go home twice a month. Thats what niggas dont see when theyre counting another niggas money. ive spoken with artists who talk of needing inspiration, or looking for it. What inspires you? it sounds like you dont have much time to actually be inspired. My inspiration is freedom and making sure my family lives how they want to be living. Every day when I wake up, Im getting phone calls from my homeboys in the Feds and sending out money orders and pictures. Thats my inspiration, because I could easily be where they are. My mama got the house and car that she wanted. Right now Ive got seven or eight homeboys in the Feds. Of course they want to get out, but theyre men so theyre gonna hold their head up. Niggas gotta stay strong; they aint gonna tell you when theyre fucked up. They just want to hear that youre doing good. You dont know how good that makes them feel and how easier it makes it for them to do their time. In exchange, they tell me about different books I need to read. //
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ADMIT IT, WHEN YOU FIRST HEARD HIS 2007 HIT AY BAY BAY, YOU PROBABLY THOUGHT HURRICANE CHRIS WAS JUST GOING TO BE ANOTHER ONE-HIT WONDER BOUND FOR EVENTUAL OBLIVION. HE CERTAINLY HAD ALL THE SIGNS OF A ONE-AND-DONE PHENOM: HE CAME OUT OF NOWHERE AND ASCENDED TO THE TOP FAST AND WITHOUT FIRST BUILDING A CORE FOLLOWING. HE WAS YOUNG AND KNOWN FOR MAKING DANCE RECORDS, AND BLAMED BY MANY HARDCORE RAP FANS FOR THE DEATH OF HIP HOP. BUT TWO YEARS LATER SHREVEPORTS VERY OWN HAS SUCCESSFULLY PROVEN YOU AND THE REST OF HIS DETRACTORS WRONG.
In the last month, the Ratchet City representative preformed during a session of the Louisiana State Legislature at the Capitol building in Baton Rouge, had his video top BETs 106th & Park countdown, and toured the country promoting in next album Unleashed. Hurricane Chris can no longer be looked at simply as a radio rapper. He has gotten to the point where his lyrical prowess, uncanny freestyling ability, and knack for creating club bangers is undeniableeven his biggest critics cant argue with the fact that HC has talent. But of course success is always followed by controversy, and this remains true in the case of Hurricane Chris Dooley, Jr., who is facing an onslaught of hate from allegedly stealing his current hit, Halle Berry (Shes Fine) from a local artist in Dallasa claim Chris maintains is unfounded. He feels he committed no wrongdoing and that the track, which is rapidly rising up the charts, is rightfully his. Chris has also faced

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backlash in his hometown of Shreveport, which was spurred by his apparent falling out with the DJ whose name Chris chanted to celebrity status two years ago. Yet, regardless of whatever drama he has encountered, the 20-year-old has triumphantly weathered the storm. He is still signed to Polo Grounds, he is still relevant in the clubs and on the radio, and he is still poised to prove his claim of being the hottest thang holdin a microphone. First of all, congratulations on the success of shes Fine (halle Berry). its undeniably one of the summers biggest hits, but its drawn a little controversy too. First of all, why did you change the hook from halle Berry to ms. Berry? Actually, the legal department at J Records wanted to change it to Ms. Berry because they were scared that Halle Berry was gonna have a problem with it, or that her people would. But once they [saw] her endorse it and knew that she didnt have a problem with it, it was cool and we switched it back to Halle Berry, like I had it at first. how gratifying was it to actually see halle Berry dancing to your song on Ellen Degeneres show? Man, shout out to Halle Berry; I appreciate her for endorsing the song. Anything she need I got herIm gon dance at her wedding if she have a wedding, and Im gon dance at the next one if she have another one. I appreciate Halle Berry and Ellen for supporting the movement. initially the song belonged to superstarr, right? how did that whole situation come about? Actually, I went down to Dallas, and Play-N-Skillz had the beat and hook already laid down with an artist named Superstarr J on it. They asked me to hop on it, so I hopped on it and put a verse on there. The verse so fire I was like, Lemme put another verse on there. So we put another verse on there and then shot it out on YouTube. Superstarr J had the middle verse, and when it hit YouTube people got to dancing to it, so we told them we wanted to make it my new single. Thats when I bought the beat and we did it. obviously you have a good situation with your label. thats something to be thankful about, because of artists arent able to have so much creative freedom over their projects. We runnin it right now. We all the way on the ground; we all the way in the sky. Polo Grounds, we got a lot going on right now, and as you can see we moving. We aint stoppin, ever since we came in the game we havent sat still, you feel me? We getting real live on the cover of OZONE. We got Gotti, Pitbull, you gon see me live in the flesh, Hurricane. You know Ima get ratchet wit it. But weve just been grinding, its been a long road, a long time coming but were here and we aint going nowhere. are you excited about your new labelmates Yo gotti and Pitbull, and have you worked with them at all yet? Im always excited to have some new energy come around. The music game always needs so new twists and something thats gon keep it jumpin. Im a musician, so Im ready to work with whoever. When they [Pitbull and Yo Gotti] came it was already love, you feel me? Much love. how does the dynamic of your label change when new artists are brought on board? It actually just helps us reach farther. You know
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Pitbull has a different fan base that touches a whole different audience, and hell be jumping into this ratchet stuff I got going on and just gon mix it up. We aint gon act saditty wit it at all, we gon give it to em and let them figure it out. speaking of the ratchet movement, i went to shreveport for the first time earlier this year and got to see your city. i checked out all the famous spots like Club Kokos and Brothers seafood. Do you still live out there, or have you moved on to a bigger city? Yeah, yeah. I just left the city. You went to Kokos? Yeah, we had a good time. We went out there for Bay Bays birthday party. The city on fiah, the city on fiah. Before you dropped the ay Bay Bay single i honestly hadnt heard much about shreveport, so clearly you helped put your city on the map. a lot of times in small towns theres a lot of backlash when a hometown hero becomes mainstream. are you a victim of that at all. how do the locals in shreveport respond to you now? Man, the city loves me. They aint never turned they back on me. When I come through the city they respect it, you know, we pull the cards out. We give the city a good time, and they love us. The streets, they respect me to the fullest, they already know what it is, were 51/50, 101% real. are you still cool with Bay Bay? i know when you first came out you said he was your ace boon coon. is that still the case? He be down there in Louisiana [still], but I think hes in Dallas. I aint heard from him since I did Ay Bay Bay, but hes down there in Dallas. They say he got a radio show, so he supposed to be doing his thang on the radio. how did you guys lose communication? What happened? Man, you know. People get that fame, and they get to working and doing different stuff. But I dont know, man. Ive always been the same dude, Im still down there in Ratchet City chillin. I cant really change too much, and I cant really speak too much for nobody else but I just be me and stay 51/50, 101% real at all times. in what ways have you, as an artist, changed since two years ago when you first came out? The only way I changed is that Ive matured a lot more on the business side. I learned a lot, and Ive matured financially. Im the same dude, but I learned that the business of the game is real important; you gotta stay focused on that. If you dont focus on that you gon get left behind. It doesnt matter how cold you are on the mic. Youve gotta get that paperwork right. thats interesting, because you were only 17 when you first came out, right? Being so young, do you feel people tried to take advantage of your finances? Yeah, I had a bunch of people around me trying to take advantage of me. I had to fire a whole management team and get myself structured right. As I matured and found out what everything was supposed to be, I started looking at my situation and had to fix it. Theres a bunch of people that are just around for the lights and cameras, faking like theyre there for a reason, but really they aint got no purpose. i know youre on Polo grounds, but you were originally discovered by smurf. Whats the situa-

tion with you and Collipark music? Man, I aint heard from Smurf. I aint heard nothing from Collipark since Collipark signed me. We dropped and we worked a little bit, and then Smurf disappeared. Im lookin for him. If you see Smurf, let me know, cause I aint seen him. on your new project, Unleashed, who all are you working with? I got two tracks wit Bobby V bout to drop, that boy been working, so shout outs to Bobby. He came through and we got it in. I also got something with Beenie Man, and you know I had to get Busta Rhymes and my patna from Lousiana, Lil Boosie, on there. speaking of Louisiana, how is the relationship between rappers in your state? are shreveport artists cool with new orleans and Baton Rouge artists, or is there occasional tension between parts of the state? The whole Louisiana is rocking right now. Were just focused on being together and taking over. Were real strong and confident in what were doing; were ready to bring it to the world because we know they want it and theyre hungry for it. If you come to Louisiana, you gon see us rocking together. Aint nobody siditty, we aint hatin or fakin on nobdy, and we aint on no rap beef, cause its real where we roam. Louisiana artists are real humble. When you come down to Louisiana, before you even get into the music, my city and my state be bout respect, feel me? Youve always been known for your freestyling abilities. if you could battle any rapper to prove your dominance, who would it be? Hurricane Chris, Im the hottest thang holdin a microphone right now at the present time. If you put anybody on the mic wit me Im gon eat they ass upinside out. Thats from A-Z, your favorite rapper, go get em. I freestyle, I do this. They talk about it, but you can turn on YouTube and see my being about it. When I freestyle Im gonna give it to you real raw, I aint gon fake wit it, I aint gon give you no freestyle and then you turn around and find out that was something I wrote. Im gon give it to you real every time I give it to you. Straight outta my head, real talent; Im raw with this, I play with this. Im gon super say it, if you get on the mic wit me Im gon make tears come out your eyes. //

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FRESH FROM HIS OZONE COVER SHOOT ROCKIN A CUSTOMIZED MIAMI DOLPHINS GUNSHINE STATE TEE WITH THE MIAMI SKYLINE FRAMED BEHIND HIM IN THE BACKGROUND C-RIDE IS IN A HURRY. IM GLAD ITS OVER, HE SAYS BY PHONE. FOR REAL. IVE GOT TO GO TO THE STRIP CLUB. MAN. IM RUSHING TO GET TO THE STRIP CLUB. REMEMBER THE STRIP CLUB CONVERSATION WE HAD?

Less than a month earlier, while on set of the video shoot for fellow Floridian 2 Pistols record Lights Down Low, C-Ride was overheard urging a special someone back home to immediately wire him $500 via Western Union so he could hit the local tampa strip clubs after the shoot. What followed was a discussion in which the editor/owner/ad salesperson of oZonE mag (yours truly) debated with him the expected returns of investing $500 in the strip club vs. investing in a magazine ad. Well, since you brought it up, why do you think its more important for aspiring artists to spend their money at the strip club then on ads or something that will have a more direct affect on their career? When I see an ad in the magazine and I dont know who that person is, I dont even pay attention to it. So I would rather spend my money in the strip club, because if some people see you, theyre gonna be like, Oh, yeah. I remember him. He was the one spending money in the strip club and showing love. I think its better promotion. Well, its a much smaller number of people that may see you spending money in the strip club as opposed to the number of people that might read this magazine. But regardless, whats the difference between tricking and showing love? Tricking is when you pay to have sex. Showing love is when you show the hard-working females how much you appreciate them dancing. Its hard for them to dance with those high heels on, getting on stage doing tricks and stuff. I just show love. I look halfway decent so Ive never had to trick. The only time Ive ever paid for it was if I was [having sex] with my girlfriend and we were role playing. Well role play like shes

the prostitute and Im the customer. Youve got to spice it up, you know? Otherwise youre just gonna get tired of it. are you still with Cool & Dre and Epidemic music? Yeah, Ive always been with them. We just had a business opportunity to hook up with Polo Grounds, and its a great situation. After turning down Sony, Universal, and a couple other [major labels] they linked up with Bryan Leach [at Polo Grounds]. I think the people [at those other labels] looked at me as a monkey, not a human being. We dont want to be treated like monkeys. We went with Bryan Leach because I felt like he believed in me. He wanted to do business with me and not just make me work for him. Youre not into the shucking and jiving? Nah, I got my 40 acres and a mule a long time ago. Im trying to get more now. so you felt like this situation was less slavery than the typical major label situation? I really believe that, with all my heart. Im a mixtape artist. I got signed off mixtapes and didnt even have a single already on the radio. I feel like you should only go with a major if youre already huge in your region. Not even just your city, but your region. Other than that, I think you should go with somebody that sees your vision and wants to work with you from step one. theres been a lot of different sounds and vibes that have come out of miami. Where do you think you fit into the spectrum? are you speaking to the females, making club records, or more like a grimy, gritty type style like trick Daddy? The C-Ride category. Its a new category. I rap

about life; whatever I wake up and do every day, thats what I rap about. I got this far just by doing that alone, so whatever new shit I see Im probably just going to rap about it. Then Im gonna throw in a couple stories to let you know that Im better than the average nigga from the South. What do you wake up and do every day? give me some examples of the types of things you rap about. I aint had a job since I was like 16. I aint stayed with my [mother] since I was like 16, so I had to pay the bills. Whatever Ive gotta do to pay the bills, whether its talking to a fat bitch and taking all of her money, or being the middleman on some stupid retarded illegal deal that I dont need to be a part of. Whatever Ive gotta do to pay the bills, Im gonna get it done. Every day I wake up thinking of the next way to pay the bills, and have fun in the strip club. Between those two [responsibilities] I have a lot of shit on my hands. so right now rapping is paying the bills? Yeah. It didnt at first, but for about a year now its been paying the bills. I aint gonna lie. Do you have a release date for your official album debut, Automatic Vibe, yet? I have one, but I dont even want to say yet. Its before the New Year, so well just leave it at that. Is it a challenge to make that transition from being a mixtape artist to actually having to put out a structured album with radio-friendly records? I feel like if youve got a gift, youve got a gift. I feel like I ran rap over whatever [beat] you play. Ive always had that confidence. I dont know how it is for other people, but for me it was really easy. My first single sounded like a mixtape record to me because of Teddy Pinnedherass-

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down or [T-Pain] or whatever he calls himself right now. (laughs) Its so big because of that guy [on the hook] that I think its going to explode. I approach every record thinking that Ive gotta slaughter the beat. I put the beat to rest; its a funeral for your beat and its a funeral for the guy thats on the song with me. It doesnt even matter who you are. Welcome to your funeral. Whats the name of the single? Its called Money Round Here. We have really big plans to shoot a video. Speaking of videos, I just shot a video with 2 Pistols. He just signed to Cash Money. Its a real nice baby-making song called Lights Down Low produced by Cool & Dre, who are kinda like my brothers. Yeah, i think i was at the video shoot. Yeah, I think I saw a Caucasian girl with a nonCaucasian body at the video shoot. after the t-Pain single that youre about to shoot the video for, do you have the next single picked out? What direction are you planning on going with the album? Its an Automatic Vibe. Weve got like four singles lined up, and were gonna see what me and Teddy P can do on the first go-round. [The reaction] to that record is going to determine what we put out next. I wanna go with a girl record next because that young nigga Plies showed me what you should be doing on the radio. Youve gotta talk to the ladies [to get on the radio] so Im trying to go that route. so youre going the female route for the radio records but still keeping the street side. Of course. Last time I saw you, you told me I needed to get in the gym. So since that day Ive been in the gym, so I cant wait to see you again. Did i? i must have been talking shit that day. Yeah, you were. Do you have a six pack yet? Real niggas dont get six packs. Thats that gay shit. Whats one of the most significant songs youve got on the album that really came from the heart? Its gotta be the one with T-Pain. Im not just lying to you because thats [the single] thats coming out right now. Money Round Here, thats from my heart, I swear to God. I love it, I pray about it, I eat dinner with it, I sleep with it and everything. I love that song. What do you think of the overall miami rap scene right now? at a certain point it seemed like there was a lot of unity and everyone pushing forward at the same time. Recently it seems like theres a little friction. Im gonna be all the way honest with you, because youre you. I think were still far behind. Shout out to Dallas because I keep seeing new songs with dances coming out from Dallas. In Miami weve been dancing since way before I was born, but somehow our dance songs cant break nationwide. So I dont think weve got our shit together yet. I think its going to take a young nigga that everybody knows to sell over a million records and sit the city down and tell them what they need to be doing. I dont know who that guy is; maybe he will come out this year. I think were losing. We need to stick together and push each other. We dont do that,

but we need to. We all know each other, but we need to do more [together]. Miami is not a friendly city. If youve ever been to Miami on the other side of the bridge, then you know were not a friendly city. Were not like Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia where theres love. southern hospitality. Yeah, were not even really the South sometimes. Thats what I think, my personal opinion. If you dont like it you aint got to buy it. But I think we have a lot of catching up to do, as far as being [part of ] the South. Once we get it, I dont think nobody is going to be able to take it from us. Thats why its taking so long. so you think the city needs to develop some miami hospitality? Yeah, we do. But its going to take something major to get us to start liking each other like that. strip clubs are big in miami. Do you think strip clubs can break a dance record for the city? it seems like it would go hand in hand. We play our own records here, but we dont allow [outside] records in. And it seems like we dont push our records out. Its weird that you can bust down here and still make stacks on deck, but you might not go nationwide. For whatever reason, strip clubs always seem to be the home base for breaking records, especially in the hood. The hood goes to the strip club. Down here in Miami so many records break from the strip club, but it doesnt go past Florida. Were trying to figure that out. C to the Ride is probably going to be the one to figure that out. Im still working on it everyday, like Im doing my homework. are strip clubs your weakness? Its actually my job. I found out how to make money at the strip clubs, so all the money I spent from years past, Im working on recouping it right now. Ive got a [club] night at the strip club that I love going to the most, which is Cocos. I talked to the owner and got my own night. Every Thursday is C-Ride Night. So now I make money from the strip club. They owe me from all the time and work I put in, so I felt like it was only right for them to give me a night. are you involved with strippers or you just enjoy watching them and you date the good girls? I just show my appreciation. As far as dating goes, Im married to the microphone. Why not show your appreciation for women who work hard with their clothes on? it seems like theres a lot of focus on stripping as an occupation for women, but there might be better job opportunities out there for them. Youre absolutely right, but when you show your appreciation to the strippers they compensate you. If the regular hard-working ladies would start compensating us thats not really showing appreciation then. if youre just giving them something to get something back. No, thats just if you have a bad heart. If youve got a good heart you know that its showing love, and its not just giving to get something back. Youre wording it all crazy. I show you love, you show me love. Were in this together. Thats what this is.

Right. giving to get something back. You can take a hard-working girl and give her [the same amount of money] you give to a stripper and she probably would do way more [for you], to be honest. how much money do you spend at the strip club in an average month? They call me Mr. Five Hundred Ones. But I mean, I make the money back. Dont get it twisted. Im not spending my rent money or anything like that; dont get it confused. I think if you can [spend] under $500 on every visit, youre doing good. how many times a week do you go to the strip club? Three or four or five or seven times a week. (laughs) so at least five times a week. thats $2,500 a week? Probably more like $1,500 a week. But it comes back though [on my night], so you cant really count it. It basically evens out. Its just me living the C-Ride life, the shit I rap about. Im absolutely a regular at Cocos. Im shooting my video on top of Cocos, like [Rick] Ross did [when he shot his video at] the Rollexx. interesting. When you hit the road to promote your album, are you going to go through Cocos withdrawal if youre not able to go there five times a week? You know, I thought about it. I prayed about it, and God told me, Dont worry about Cocos. Just go do what youve gotta do. So Im gonna go with God and leave it alone, because everything happens for a reason. Maybe I need to leave it alone. is there an ode to the strip clubs on your album? Of course. Theres like four. One is with Lloyd, one is with Trey Songz, one is with Pleasure P, and the other one is all C-Ride. So all of those [songs] have retarded strip club references. (laughs) Did Cool & Dre produce your whole album? Cool & Dre produced 88% of the album. The rest of it is niggas I fuck with from the crib. are there any other features you want to mention? Ive got Game on the album, Gorilla Zoe, Yo Gotti, and [will be adding] a couple more features before it comes out. Enjoy yourself. Theres a money back guarantee. Its the first album in rap that comes with a money back guarantee. so if i buy your album and i dont like your album, i can come find you and youll give me my money back? If you look me in the eyes genuinely and say, This is a piece of shit, whack-ass album, I will reach in my pocket and give me back the money you paid for it. im gonna check out your album and if i dont like it, im coming to find you. Do that. Im gonna have a lie detector with me, so you cant be lying. Im gonna know if youre lying. Youve gotta be genuine from the heart. If you tell me how much you hate my CD, I will give you your money back. And youve gotta have the receipt to prove you bought it. Its the C-Ride money back guarantee. //

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aFtER YEaRs oF FLYing UnDER thE RaDaR With ViRtUaLLY no PRomotion, PitBULL has a nEW LaBEL anD a sitUation hE CaLLs a FaiRYtaLE With a haPPY EnDing.

With a resume as vast as that of Pitbull, and as extensively as he reps his city, the land he calls home could very well be known as Pits-Burg instead of Miami. But in the 6 years since Culo, his first Billboard-charting single, Mr. 305 has yet to garner the respect he deservesand hes fine with that. In fact, Pitbull is proud that for so long hes been flying under the radar. I like to fly under the radar, admits Pit. I feel that Im stealth; I can fly under the radar but still take care of business, and my track record proves that. His track record is definitely more impressive than most might acknowledge. Since 2002, when he first emerged alongside Lil Jon, Pitbull has sold over a million records independently. His 2004 debut, M.I.A.M.I-Money Is A Major Issue went gold, and the following two projects both moved around 250,000 units. In total, Pitbull has had 11 singles crack the Hot 100, including his current, Calle Ocho (You Know You Want Me) which is RIAA-certified Platinum. He has

appeared on soundtracks for major motion pictures, hosted his own Spanish language television show, and is famous for bringing the sexiest women in the city out to his performances. As the number 1 bilingual rapper in the world, Pit still feels the desire to accomplish more, and is optimistic like never before. Ive been in this game for years, he says, but I feel like now is only the beginning. Perhaps he feels this way because after years of being under-promoted and under-appreciated by the now-defunct TVT Records, Pitbull has transcended the independent ranks. He signed a major label deal with Sony/Polo Grounds and is already seeing his decision pay dividends. Currently preparing for Rebelution, his fourth full-length album, Pit finally has the backing of that elusive machine he lacked for so long. As an artist who has been able to continually cross cultural lines and create music that appeals to so many different audiences, it seems only natural

that the Cuban-American rapper would eventually transition to a situation better suited to his needs. He calls his opportunity to work with Bryan Leach and his Polo Grounds imprint a Fairytale with a happy ending. Presently, his single, Calle Ocho is the number 3 song on Billboards Hot 100 Chart and Pitbull is unapologetic at the potential his career is now realizing. He theorizes, If I got the number 3 song in the country independently, just imagine what we can do with a machine. the last time you checked in with oZonE you had just left your previous situation and were looking for a new deal. Youve since signed to sony/Polo grounds music. What made you decide to go that route and what do you think about your new roster of labelmates? Man, I love it. Im back with Bryan Leach, who was the first cat that got me over to TVT. As far as the roster, youve got [Yo] Gotti killin the streets.

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iVE BEEn aBLE to LEaRn thE gamE thRoUgh thE sChooL oF haRD KnoCKs. i got a ChanCE to CREatE a Fan BasE, a FoUnDation oF PEoPLE Who LoVE PitBULL anD KnoW PitBULL as a PERson. i thinK im BLEssED to BE VERsatiLE anD to BE aBLE to taP DanCE thRoUgh so manY DiFFEREnt CULtUREs.
Being able to tap dance through so many different cultures is a perfect description of you as an artist, but that makes it hard to define the typical Pitbull fan. how would you describe your average listener? Honestly, I think most of my fans are women. Tupac said it best, if you aint got women fans listening to your records or buying your records then you aint doin nothing right. Personally, Im more of a fan of [Notorious] B.I.G., but I respected Pacs music. So to be able to appeal to the women is important. Women, in my opinion are the fans with the best promotionword of mouth. If they like something, they tell all their friends. As far as appealing to everyone, a lot of cats want to be street. A lot of cats tend to be afraid of losing their credibility, but to me those are the cats that dont really know the streets, or have credibility in the first place. The people that buy their records are the ones that wanna be street and have never seen the streets in their entire life. But definitely with this new album Im going to be able to showcase a whole lot more because Im free now. Im able to actually do records with other artists and do what I do best. Youve always been a big advocate of the Cuban embargo being lifted. has there been any progress in that fight? To be honest with you, I havent heard too much. What weve been trying to do is basically get the ability to go over to Cuba more than once every three years. Before, they had it where you could only go to Cuba once every three yearsI cant go to Cuba, personally. I would love to go, and Ive been there before, but that was before my name got to certain point. So if I go to Cuba now, people would basically feel like Im putting money in a Communists pocket. But I think were definitely stepping in the right direction. Theres nothing wrong with dreaming, right? I dream of a free Cuba one day. You personally decided not to go to Cuba anymore, or youre prohibited by the government? I can go over there, but if people find out that Im over there, its not good. For one, if Im in Cuba, Americans have no rights over there and I dont know what they would do to me because I do speak out against the [Cuban] government. And two, the people in America would question me for supporting the [Cuban] regime. Its some bullshit if you ask me, because I just want to go over there to see family and shit like that, but unfortunately thats just the way it is. Your resume includes tracks like Dirty and melting Pot, which are reflection records nothing like most of the pop music many people associate you with. my favorite Pit line is Yall look at these blue skies and think paradise / i look at these blue skies and think what a disguise. it seems like a lot of people have no clue that you can actually spit about serious topics. I love that, because its a surprise to many people, and thats how you make new fans. Dudes come to my shows and theyre like, Damn, I didnt know Pit could spit like that. And at the show theyre surrounded by the most beautiful women in the city, which really makes them love it even more. So instead of going to a club with a bunch of goons and wannabe thugs, you can come to the Pitbull show, be around the sexiest women in the city, and at the same time get a good show and good music. Its the best of both worlds. how did shooting star with you, David Rush, Kevin Rudolf, and LmFao come about? Actually, David Rush is my artist. Hes signed to my label Mr. 305 Inc., and I found him on Myspace. Hes definitely very talented and somebody to look out for. That song Superstar is picking on up on Top 40 stations, so look out for that. i heard youre also working with the Backstreet Boys? Yeah, I ended up working with Backstreet Boys through Jim Jonsin, actually. Hes producing on some tracks for their album and one of them happened to be a fan of mine, so they asked Jim if he could get me on the album and Jim told them, Pitbull is like my brother, no problem. So Jim gave me the track, and the track sounded good. Theyre definitely trying to go in a new direction and I think Jim will get em there. It was a pleasure being able to work with The Backstreet Boys, as successful as theyve been over the years. Boy band or not, they were successful. Its hard to be successful in the music business. Youre the type of artist who can work with a group like the Backstreet Boys and just as easily sound good on a Lil Jon track. Do you think being so diverse musically and not really having a set genre has hindered you at all? I think its the new wave of the music business, and the first person to really turn peoples heads and make them say, Oh, shit! was T-Pain. T-Pain can out-rap most of the muthafuckas out. People think he cant sing, but he can actually sing, he just puts autotune on his shit. Hes so talented hes making it okay to be multi-talented; before it wasnt like that, but like Rick Ross told you [in regards to] the whole 50 Cent [beef ], Its all about making good music. Ja Rule put out a bunch of muthafuckin hit records, and then 50 Cent came along and talked shit about Ja for singing on records. Next thing you know, [50] goes out and starts singing on records. So its really all about making good music. Those who are talented and humble, and work hard and grind, will always prevail; I happen to be one of those people. But without the fans, theres no Pitbull, so I appreciate them for always being there for me. //

Youve got Hurricane who is constantly growing, learning more and more about the industry. Youve got Nina Sky, who is an international , global-wide group whos just one hit away, and then myself. I think I bring experience and knowledge, Im someone who is hungry, and Im always there to help out no matter what. I think from all aspects of the game, I just dont corner myself in one market. What direction are you going with on your new album? Its called Rebelution, and its basically a tour through Miami. Im going to give you street records, deep records, club records, and then youre gonna have obviously the pop records. Im looking at a September 1st release. You have records like Crazy on there, and Blanco with Pharrell, which is The Fast and Furious single. And then you got the Calle Ocho (I Know You Want Me) record which is number 3 in the country right now. My next single is called Hotel Room Service and thats produced by Jim Jonsin. Youve had a lot of hits in your past, but none have been as commercially successful as your recent singles Calle ocho and hotel Room service. after such a long time in the game, how does it feel to finally get to a point where youre being recognized on a mainstream level? It just goes to show that the independent grind is definitely the way to go. I mean, I hooked up with a major label now, Sony/Polo Grounds, which is a venture deal with 305 Inc., and I also have a distribution deal with Sony Latin, but Im a firm believer that good music goes a long way. As far as people not understanding what I do or overlooking it, I kind of fly under the radar, and Ive enjoyed flying under the radar, but now that Ive hooked up with a major label now and I have a machine behind me, we gon see where it goes from there. You definitely had a lack of promotion with your last situation at tVt, but i wouldnt exactly say you were under the radar. You sold hundreds of thousands of albums and millions of digital downloads. Well as far as flying under the radar, a lot of artists get major promotion and the record becomes larger than them. Theyll have a big record but you wont really know who the artist is. What Ive been able to do is learn the game through the school of hard knocks based on what went down at TVT. I got a chance to create a fan base, a foundation of people who actually love Pitbull and know Pitbull as a person, and that gives me a chance to go out now and make a record like Calle Ocho and get new fans. I think Im blessed to be versatile and to be able to tap dance through so many different cultures. Thats how Ive been able to fly under the radar but still build a foundation; its been a blessing in disguise.

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Fly liFe yunGstaz/Jamboree deF Jam F.L.Y. has one of the biggest rap songs in the country this year with their hit single Swag Surfin, but their full-length Def Jam debut album proves that one single doesnt always justify the need for an entire album. To be frank, in terms of rap skills, group members Myko McFly, Vee, and Mook make Soulja Boy sound like Jay-Z. Of course, F.L.Y. isnt the type of group you can expect anything lyrical from, but saying Jamboree is cool for what it is would be a lie. Aside from their hit single, Mr. Lenox featuring Young Dro, Gotta Be and Across The Global with Sammie are the only semi-decent tracks. Once fans get sick of Swag Surfin, F.L.Y. will more than likely wipe out, and wash up right next to the Shop Boyz. - Randy Roper

Jeremih/Jeremih island deF music Group Criticism surrounding new artists can sway the judgment of anyones public debut. But for Jeremih, his full-length album adds up to the hype of Birthday Sex, despite the non-believers. Alongside his introductory hit, and his secondary offering Imma Star, Jeremih has other repeatable songs like Raindrops,Starting All Over, and Hatin On Meall with different messages. Though it was effective, the exclusive composition by Mick Shultz could have been slightly varied to make it a little more interesting. Other than that, all Young Jeremih needs is time to develop. Before assuming hes a one-hit wonder, remember that people also doubted Ne-Yo, T-Pain, and The Dream. Now theyre inescapable. - Ms. Rivercity

tWista/cateGory F5 Get money GanG/capital/ emi After 17 years in the rap game, Twista still has the rapid-fire delivery to turn any track upside down, and on Category F5, the Chi-Town Tongue Twister rips Misunderstood,Talk to Me and Fire with Lil Boosie. The albums slow jams are either hits (Yellow Light with R. Kelly, Wetter and Yo Body featuring Do Or Die and Johnny P) or misses (Jump Off,On Top with Akon, and Birthday). Category F5 has a few mishaps, but overall this album has enough for Twista fans to love. - Randy Roper

Fabolous/losos Way desert storm/deF Jam Losos Way is the fifth release from the Brooklyn MC, and this time Mr. F-A-B-O decides to go the concept album route, with an LP that accompanies his film by the same name. This album is supposed to resemble the Al Pacino movie Carlitos Way, but besides a couple lines referencing the movie, and a song called Pachanga (a character in Carlitos Way), this is nothing more than a standard Fabolous album. Theres big name guest appearances like The-Dream, Keri Hilson, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Ne-Yo, and Trey Songz, and heavyweight producers like Jermaine Dupri, Ryan Leslie, The Runners, and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League. Along with Fabs precise wordplay, it all equals a collection of commercial records, contrived songs for the ladies, and some cuts to please the streets. All things considered, this is one of the best albums in Fabs catalog. - Randy Roper

Gucci mane & dJ drama the movie part 2 This mixtape is the follow-up to Gucci Mane (starring as Mr. T) and (directed by Mr. Thanksgiving) DJ Drama, and Part 2 has just as many hood classics as its predecessor. Songs like Pressure featuring Woo Da Kid, Beat It Up with Trey Songz on the hook, and the Shawnna & Nikki Minaj assisted Gucci are potential club bangers, but there are songs like Leading Lady,Aint Nothing Else To Do and Awesome that will frustrate fans just from listening to Guccis remedial rhymes. Despite some awkward flows, both Gucci Mane and Drama continue their winning ways on this Gangsta Grillz release. - Randy Roper

younG buck, dJ scream & dJ smallz/back on my buck shit Young Buck always had a vicious side to some of his lyrics, but his recent tribulations have added an edge and urgency. Buck rips his way through the DJ Smallz-sponsored Back On My Buck Shit, which doesnt offer anything out of the ordinary production-wise, but is carried by Bucks content. Buck Shit proves that the Memphis native hasnt lost a step. Its a clear message to the labels: break out the checkbook and get in business with Buck. - Rohit Loomba Willie isz/GeorGiavania lex records Pennsylvania producer Jneiro Jarel and Khujo Goodie, collectively known as Willie Isz, take listeners on a journey to Georgiavania, a mixture of their respective homes, Georgia and Pennsylvania. While this collaborative effort is atypical by Hip Hop standards, Goodie Mob fans will be pleased to hear Khujo back on the mic. Most of Jarels beats are a bit out of this world, and you might need to smoke something to really appreciate them. Like Gnarls Barkley (Goodie Mobs Cee-Lo and producer Danger Mouse), Willie Isz might be an odd couple, but their chemistry makes for some good music. -Randy Roper

diamond, dJ smallz & ladi Jade p.m.s. (pardon my sWaGG) Since her Bitch Music solo debut, Ms. 32 Flavaz has brought much-needed estrogen to the mixtape realm, and now shes back with more P.M.S. Staying in her traditional lane, Diamond drops N***as Aint Shit, a male-bashing track about dudes with nothing to offer. Between Smallz gunshot transitions, Diamond sprinkles in a few other highlights like Sicknan and Always, as well as a few songs that may cause headache, irritation, and bloating. Because Diamond raised the bar so high previously, she has a lot to live up to, and P.M.S. somewhat misses the mark compared to past endeavors. - Ms. Rivercity

yo Gotti & dJ scream cocaine muzik 3 Yo Gotti stays in everybodys ear consistently, which is cool, as long as its not at the expense of making material that counts. Thats not to say Cocaine Muzik 3 isnt worthy of a few listens, it just doesnt contain as many addictive tracks as some of his previous projects. During memorable freestyles like 36 Os,Halle Berry, and Night and Day, Yo Gotti delivers the North Memphis edge that fans have rocked with since his beginnings, but he falls short of original production and concepts. 5 Star Bitch alone makes this tape a banger, but it would have had a bigger impact if it actually featured a 5 Star Bitch. Cant file this with the cocaine classics, but it will serve the streets for now. - Ms. Rivercity

rich boy & dJ scream/koolaid, kush, and convertibles I cant deny that Kool-Aid, Kush, and Convertibles are appealing, but Rich Boys mixtape by this name doesnt share the same quality. Theres quite a bit lacking on this effort and one of those things is energy. While the beats hit hard enough to get the average person crunk, they seem to have failed at doing the same for Rich in the studio. - Rohit Loomba

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INDUSTRY 101

gaBrIel harT

in an agE WhERE most mUsiC ViDEos aRE WatChED onLinE, YoU Dont haVE mUCh timE to CatCh PEoPLEs attEntion. so DiRECtoR gaBRiEL haRt ChERishEs EVERY FRamE oF EVERY ViDEo hE shoots. as thE man BEhinD ULtRa-VisUaLs sUCh as B.o.B.s iLL BE in thE sKY, YoUng DRos taKE oFF anD YoUng JEEZYs Who Dat, haRt is giVing hiP hoP ViDEos a mUCh-nEEDED FaCE LiFt as aRtist anD LaBELs stRUggLE to FinD a PREsEntaBLE BaLanCE BEtWEEn BEing CREatiVE anD BEing EFFECtiVE.
The Memphis-born director got his start creating show reels for comedians such as Mike Epps and Bruce Bruce. He even had his own aspirations of taking the stage as a comedian but as time went on, Hart saw that his work behind the camera was in more demand than his jokes. His first project, a joint DVD feature called Skitz with comedian FDSTMP, sold well throughout the Southeast thanks to Harts hustle and ingenuity. His work there led Southern independent music icon Big Oomp to take notice, hiring him to film for his popular late night television show, Big Oomp Live. From there, Hart hasnt looked back. What ultimately caused you to make the transition from the comedy world into shooting music videos? Big Oomp said I was fie with the camera and he wanted me to make a movie with him. Those were his aspirations. We never quite had the resources to get the movie made, but he was planting the seed in my mind that I could do it. Then I shot his artist Slim Js video. We went to Jazzy Ts on a slow night, we got all the strippers and shot it and he put it on his show. Looking back, what do you think of the video, since youve come so far since then? I think I overdid the graphics, but looking back, it was very ambitious. I didnt get paid for it; it was all about proving I could do it. Thats how I got my stripes, doing that kind of work and going into all the hoods. I did stuff with Hoodz DVD magazine too, and thats where it started clicking. Everything was low budget now. I never thought about wanting to be a real director but when I realized that, I went for it. One of the advantages of living in Atlanta is that artists like Ludacris, Jeezy and T.I. bring quality directors to Atlanta. So I could go on set and watch them work and soak all of that up. Then I approached T.I. during his Be Easy video once and just walked up on him on set and started recording. I remember Jason Geter giving me $40 to run up the street and get some more tapes because I was using the same one over and over, just recording over stuff. He probably doesnt even remember that. Funny thing is he just gave me a big job with Young Dros Take Off. as a director, how do you feel about videos being viewed on the net more than on television now? it seems like the quality of most videos is now skewed for net viewing. Im in here slaving over a video for weeks, or even months, and it drops one day on the internet and then its buried under a bunch of other videos. But one good thing for me is that I have a little bit of name power, since Ive worked with Fat Joe and Jeezy. But I try to keep my concepts different and not so typical. I be in the hood but I try to present the hood in a beautiful way instead of just some goon shit. I try to do some artwork. If you look at Jeezys I Get A Lot of That, he wanted some goon shit, but I was able to do it in a creative way. The thing about working with Jeezy is, he doesnt trip if I dont write a treatment. You dont write your rhymes, you freestyle them, so Im gonna freestyle this video. (laughs) He just tells me how he feels and I visualize it, and he shows up. We might go off an object and grow from there. If the vibe with an artist is good, we can work and itll come out dope. have there been times when that vibe wasnt there between you and a particular artist? Even if we didnt vibe, I wouldnt look at it like that. Im a new jack so I dont deserve to talk shit yet. I dont have my stripes yet. I havent done a thousand videos, Ive only done 20 and this year aint even over yet. One artist called my phone out of the blue and said he wanted me to do all of his videos. But I didnt have the right treatments for it, so I couldnt do it. I could have just taken the job like, Youre gonna take whatever I give you, but I want to go harder and be more creative than the next guy. Like with the B.o.B Ill Be In the Sky video. since everyone has access to cameras now, do you think thats giving the game a black eye? I think everyone having cameras makes my work stand out. But, the guys doing the street videos will be good if they stick with it. You have to study what youre doing and why things look a certain way. Im not worried though. If it can make the game better, Im all for it. The bad thing is that so many fans are making their own versions of videos that the new fans dont know who to take seriously. An artist comes out with a song and then a week later [a fan] has put out a video before we even film the real video. It may be detrimental to the music, but to the visual world it may be good because it creates friendly competition. You are a part of a new wave of directors. We dont see a lot of the big name directors working as much anymore. Were taking all those dudes jobs, were just not getting the same kind of money they were. But its keeping the game pure. Our videos look how they used to look on Rap City. Were still doing good work, but the music aint as good. We as directors are doing our job. Now its up to the artists to bring that nostalgic feeling back. The new artists like Kid Cudi and Drake have that raw sound, but their videos look too polished. They really need to be fucking with niggas like me and Mr. Boomtown, so people will hear the song and see the visual and have it feel like Hip Hop again. Their shit is polished. I thought the Drake Best I Ever Had video was brilliant, but most people hate the video because he came from the underground and the video came from a pop perspective. Your videos have been featured as mtV Jams of the Week numerous times. Do accolades like that play a role in how much you may charge an artist for your services? BET just had their Hip Hop Awards and I wasnt nominated for shit. I did My President Is Black and got nothing. But I dont work for awards. Im not an industry cat, Im just a street nigga who know how to do videos. People appreciate the hunger I bring to videos. I dont charge more after winning awards, because I dont do it for awards. I do it because I love it and thats why people gravitate to my work. I always get people asking me why Im the one shooting the video. But the question should be, why shouldnt I be shooting the video? I tell stories with my videos, and the story will outweigh shine every time. // Words and photo by Maurice G. Garland
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BEFORE PRODUCING TRACKS FOR DRAKE, TORONTO, CANADIAN PRODUCER BOI1DA HAD A DISCOGRAPHY THAT ALREADY INCLUDED KARDINAL OFFISHALL, THE CLIPSE, THE-DREAM AND G-UNIT. BUT SINCE HOOKING UP WITH DRAKE AND PRODUCING DRIZZYS FIRST SINGLE BEST I EVER HAD, THIS 22-YEAR-OLD BEATMAKER, LIKE HIS COUNTERPART, SEEMS TO BE SO FAR GONE.
Production Credits: Drake Best I Ever Had, Drake f/Bun B & Lil Wayne Uptown, Kardinal Offishall f/Dr. Dre & Pusha T Set It Off (Remix)
My first major placement was on a record with G-Unit, Red Light, Green Light, which they eventually ended up using in their X-Box 360 video game Blood In The Sand. That was about two years ago. I also did Set It Off for Kardinal Offishall and Dr. Dre ended up jumpin on the remix. [But] Best I Ever Had by Drake was pretty much my biggest song Ive ever done.
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I met Drake through my boy, [who] would always tell me about Drake. He was like, I know this guy that raps, he used to [play] Jimmy on Degrassi. And I was like, Jimmy? The wheelchair dude? I kinda questioned it. I had seen him on TV and Im like, This dude doesnt even look like a rapper. But we were instant messaging, and [Drake] sent me a few songs. He sent me this song called Money; that was the first one I ever heard from Drake. Ever since I heard that song I was like, Yo, this guy is nuts. I was blown away by the music. After we connected, I was at the studio one day, and Drake told me he was gonna come by. He came by when I was doing the beat for Do What You Do. We met there and he liked the beat, he came in and was like, Yo, man, let me drop a hook on this. While the beat was playing, he went into the next room and wrote the first verse and the hook in about twenty minutes. It was crazy. I was like, You take this beat with you, finish this song and lets do this. Drake has always been that lyrical genius. Ever since I heard him, hes always had those witty lyrics. When I first met him, he was doing more soulful music, records with Dwele and Little Brother. When he met up with me, we started getting in to the more mainstream vibe because thats what I do. I produce stuff that everybody can relate to. He kinda switched his style up. He was like an underground rapper;

he had the whole underground aura going on around him, and he switched it up. During the Comeback Season, he put out that mainstream music that all people could relate too, not just the underground crowd. To go from that to So Far Gone, hes just experimenting with songwriting and writing R&B and rap music. And one of the records leaked that he was referencing for another artist, and people took on to it and loved the song so much that he just ran with the whole style of the singing and rapping. So, he put something different out there. Its something that has never been done before, but he does both very well. I produced Best I Ever Had and Uptown on So Far Gone. The whole process [for Best I Ever Had] came when Drake was instant messaging and [text messaging] me on his Blackberry, like I got this idea for a song, and he kinda rapped out the hook to me, and he asked me to make a beat for him. He gave me the whole vibe. He wanted the beat to sound very classy, but with that rock feel to it. The next day, I was going through some stuff on my computer and there was this sample in this folder. It was weird because this sample was in a folder by itself, and I listened to it. And I was like, Yo, this could work. The sample I used is called Frank & Joel Hamilton [Fallin In Love]. I chopped everything up and did the beat, and sent it to him. And he sent the song back in about six or seven hours. Its an amazing feeling that people actually love the song. People are singing the song, making YouTube videos and stuff. But, I dont let it get to my head, cause I do realize that there is more to go, and there are a lot more goals to accomplish. I just keep on striving for more, although its a great accomplishment. Im really proud of myself and Im proud of Drake that we accomplished that and we are on the Billboard [charts] I dont let that seep into my head and get me too into it. So, its an amazing feeling and honor, but I just think Ive got more stuff to do. //

SOuthErN SMOkE tV VOl. 3 hOStEd by OJ dA JuicEMAN

1. DJ Spinz & DJ Scream Heart of the City 7 Myspace.com/dj_spinz Myspace.com/4045405000
2. DJ Chuck T Down South Slangin 60 djchuckt.com 3. Lil Fats Coast 2 Coast Exclusive Series Vol. 13 hosted by Rain Coast2coa stmixtape

DJ Smallz & DJ NeptuNe

s.com

4. DJ Smoke Smoke N Ryde Vol. 3 Myspace.com/djsmoke76

5. Lil Fats Coast 2 Coast 86 hosted by Murphy Lee Coast2coastmixtape s.com

6. DJ D-Tec, DJ Cannon Banyon & DJ Dyce Fuck Being Famous myspace.com/scdjdtec Myspace.com/cannonbanyon 7. DJ Bobby Black Crack Addiction: Gucci Mane & Yung Ralph Myspace.c om/djbobbyblack 8. DJ Scope Reggae Picks 22 Hosted Shifta Myspace.com/djscope 9. DJ Spinatik Street Runnaz 8 Djspinatik.com 10. Evil Empire Interstate Trafficking 7.0 Myspace.com/evilempire 11. DJ E-Top Becoming a RNB Star Part 14 Myspace.com/etopent 12. DJ Leezy, The Gatekeepers and Phatsounds DJs Tote Tha City Vol. 4 Hosted by M. Beezy myspace.com/djleezy352
13. DJ Scorpio Warlord Mdj cluyspace.com/djscorpio

Once again, Smallz and Neptune team up for a mixtape full of world premieres. This time, the third installment of Southern Smoke TV hosted by OJ da Juiceman features exclusive music by Lil Scrappy (In Tha Hood featuring Gucci Mane), Shawty Lo (Bought That), Rick Ross (Killer Instincts) and a host of new tracks from the best rappers in the Dirty South. Although a few songs on here could be found on the net first, Smallz and Neptune still managed to find enough new music to standout from the thousands of other mixtapes that drop every month.

DJs, send your mix CDs (with a cover) for consideration to: OZONE Magazine 644 Antone St. Suite 6 Atlanta, GA 30318

14. DJ Clue & New Music Cartel R&Yeezy myspace.com/djclue Newmusiccartel.com/ 15. DJ Kamillion & DJ Charlie Hustle Trapaganza 3 Myspace.com/djkam illionremix Myspace.com/4048386768
16. DJ Storm 4 Bricks: Birds Fly South 17. DJ P-Cutta Street Wars Vol. 24 Pcutta.com

18. DJ Fletch & Gucci Mane Gucci Gone Bonkers myspace.com/djfletchdallas 19. Cookin Soul & Nah Right 1:00 A.M. And Rising Nahright.com 20. Bank! Twitter Mix Vol. 1 Myspace.com/bankonitmusic OZONE MAG // 81

endzone

Soulja Boy Event: K107s Summer Jam City: Denver, CO Date: June 12th, 2009 Photo: D-Ray

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