YOUR FAVORITE RAPPER’S FAVORITE MAGAZINE

NEW
RSHAOYRTJY BOYZ
MACK
MAINO
ACE
SEAN HO O D
YO GOTTI
PAUL
RICH
KIDS JW
WILLY
JAVON NORTHPOLE
BLACK LIKE LOLA LUV
UNLADY

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 PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF // Julia Beverly
MUSIC EDITOR // Randy Roper
FEATURES EDITOR // Eric N. Perrin cover stories
ASSOCIATE EDITOR // Maurice G. Garland
42-43 ACE HOOD
54-58 RAY J & SHORTY MACK
GRAPHIC DESIGNER // David KA
ADVERTISING SALES // Che Johnson, Gary Archer
PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR // Malik Abdul W12-W13 WILLY NORTHPOLE
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, Jee’Van 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, Mer-
cedes (Strictly Streets), Natalia Gomez, Portia Jackson, Ray
Tamarra, Rico Da Crook, Rohit Loomba, Shannon McCollum,
Spiff, Stan Johnson, Swift, Tamara Palmer, Thaddaeus McAd-
ams, 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
D’Lyte, 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, Heze-
leo, 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,

interviews
Oscar Garcia, P Love, Pat Pat, Phattlipp, Pimp G, Quest, Quin-
ton Hatfield, DJ Quote, DJ Rage, Rapid Ric, DJ Ricky Ruckus,
Rob J Official, Rob Reyes, Robert Lopez, Rob-Lo, Robski, Scor-
pio, Seneca, Shauntae Hill, Sherita Saulsberry, Silva Reeves,
Sir Thurl, DJ Skee, Sly Boogy, Southpaw, Spade Spot, Stax, 44-45 MAINO
DJ Strong, Sweetback, Syd Robertson, Teddy T, TJ’s DJ’s, Tim
Brown, Tonio, Tony Rudd, Tre Dubb, Tril Wil, Trina Edwards,
46-47 SEAN PAUL
Troy Kyles, Twin, Vicious, Victor Walker, DJ Vlad, Voodoo, DJ 50-51 LOLA MONROE
Warrior, White Boi Pizal, Wild Billo, Will Hustle, William Major, 48 unladylike
Wu Chang, Young Harlem, Yung DVS, Zack Cimini

SUBSCRIPTIONS // To subscribe, send check for $20 to:

Ozone Magazine, Inc. Attn: Subscriptions Dept
644 Antone St. Suite 6
Atlanta, GA 30318
monthly sections
Phone: 404-350-3887
Fax: 404-350-2497 15 10 things I’m hatin’ on 15 JB’S 2 CENTS
Website: www.ozonemag.com 24 ARE YOU A G? 18 MATHEMATICS
COVER CREDITS // Ace Hood photos (cover and this page) by 62 BOARD GAME 24 NAMES OF SHAME
David Rosario; Ray J and Shorty Mack photo by Julia Beverly; 63 CAFFEINE SUBSTITUTES 59 OZONE SPORTS
Enfamous Burnaz photo by Julia Beverly; JW photo by Ter-
rence Tyson; Willy Northpole West Coast cover photo by Ty
60-61 CD REVIEWS 32-40 PATIENTLY WAITING
Watkins; Tha Jacka photo by D-Ray. 22 CHAIN REACTION 19-39 PHOTO GALLERY
20 CHIN CHECK 16-17 RAPQUEST
DISCLAIMER // OZONE Magazine is published 11 times per
year by OZONE Magazine, Inc. OZONE does not take respon-
30 DJ BOOTH W6 SHORT STORIES
sibility for unsolicited materials, misinformation, typographi- 28 DOLLAR MENU 26 SIDEKICK HACKIN’
cal errors, or misprints. The views contained herein do not W4 D-RAY’S I’M JUST SAYIN’THO W16 THA JACKA
necessarily reflect those of the publisher or its advertisers.
Ads appearing in this magazine are not an endorsement
66 END ZONE W17 WEST CD REVIEWS
or validation by OZONE Magazine for products or services 12 FEEDBACK W18 WEST END ZONE
offered. All photos and illustrations are copyrighted by their 24 HOOD DEEDS W10 WEST PATIENTLY WAITING
respective artists. All other content is copyright 2009 OZONE
Magazine, all rights reserved. No portion of this magazine 53 INDUSTRY 101 W5 WEST PHOTO GALLERIES
may be reproduced in any way without the written consent
of the publisher. Printed in the USA.

10 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 11
 Send your comments to feedback@ozonemag.com
or hit us up at www.myspace.com/ozonemagazine
First off, I appreciate your magazine 100%. Me being a fan of music, I feel
you’re a pioneer in this rap shit. You definitely changed the whole magazine
game. I’m 19 and since I was a lil dude I’ve been buying magazines, every-
thing from the Sauce to XXL to the [Rolling] Stones to Vibe, even random
shit like boat magazines, real talk. When I first got my hands on a copy of
OZONE Magazine a couple years ago I was like, DAMN. This is different from
all the other shit I’ve been reading. From the forums to the endless pages
of photos to reviews to the covers, I was amazed. You raised the bar to a
higher level. Fuck the other side. You know what the fans and readers want
and you give it to ‘em.
- Carlana Entertainment, via Myspace (Dayton, OH)
I love your write-ups in OZONE, but D.C. has a hidden jewel that you need
to cover. Wale, Raheem Devaughn, J Holiday, etc need to be recognized.
Love the dirty South though!
- Duane Russell, via email (Washington, DC)
What’s happenin’? I was wondering why y’all ain’t mention the passing of
Dolla, the one with the record “Who Da Fuck Is Dat” featuring T-Pain. I’m a
diehard OZONE fan and he deserves a shout out. Hell, he had a video. Oh,
and I was hoping that y’all could fuck with Arkansas from time to time. It’s
the home of Ne-Yo and others, and we’re not as country as [the TV show]
“Simple Life” with that dumb hoe Paris Hilton portrayed us as. Check out
Lottury (I had to self-promote) because he’s one of the best, period. Listen
to him first, see that he’s worthy, and then print this. Big ups to all of the
South and the rest of the Coasts that get down with it. Y’all ain’t sellin’ out.
- Rome a.k.a. Lottury, via email (Arkansas)
Editor Responds: We did cover Dolla’s passing (R.I.P.) on ozonemag.com and
interviewed his business partner and friend Te-Money as a follow-up in an
upcoming issue.
In your article on notable weed heads [for the drug issue] I can’t believe
you muthafuckers slept on Meth and Redman in “How High.” That was all
about weed. I’m not knocking Ice Cube in “Friday,” but in “How High,” they
were smoking weed AND dead people, man! Y’all need to come out with
a scratch-and-sniff issue about weed. It’s from mother earth. Or even a
scratch-and-sniff issue about [the strip club] Stroker’s, lol. Don’t sleep on
Detroit either.
- Crunkatlantamusic, via myspace (Detroit, MI)
I was reading your editorial and loved it; I’m not sure which issue it was,
but you were speaking about Barack Obama. I loved that whole issue. I’m
currently a federal inmate and am working on becoming a personal trainer.
I actually used to rap myself, but I’ll be doing management and promotion
when I’m released. I did a mixtape with DJ Smallz but got locked up before
I could release it.
- Eagle, via inmatemessage.com (White Deer, PA)
12 // OZONE MAG
I’d like to start by giving OZONE Mag a big ups to the movement in the Hip
Hop community. Coming from a real nigga behind these walls, it’s not often
that you see a magazine with the type of material OZONE comes with every
issue. Especially when the word “real” gets thrown around like it’s a fad. I
especially want to give a shout out to the mag for the Prison Diary section.
It shows that even though we might be behind these walls, we still have an
opportunity to voice our opinion. I’m coming home in a hot second and I’m
still gonna be on OZONE when I touch the street. Shout out to all the real
niggas that are behind these walls, the ones that kept it 100%! Stop snitch-
ing, suck ass niggas!
- Andres Nunez, via inmatemessage.com (Atlanta, GA)
I remember when you were trying to get your mag out on a major level, so
it’s great that you’re doing major numbers now. I’m currently in a Federal
prison but I’m a music man myself, and my best homie for a lot of years,
Dramills, is a Hip Hop artist on the rise. You’ve featured him in your mag
before, back in ’05. I’d love to see my homie in your mag again.
- Steven Currie, via inmatemessage.com (Greensboro, NC)
The latest sex issue of OZONE is the shit. I think that was my favorite issue
so far. I like the interview with Mr. Marcus and the dominatrix chick. Damn,
the whole thing was awesome. I couldn’t put it down. It made me feel like I
needed to read every article.
- Joker da Bailbondsman, via inmatemessage.com (Anchorage, AK)
I’m a big fan of OZONE Mag and your award show. It reminds me of Murder
Dog, but two times better. You really capture the underground Hip Hop
scene like no one else out there. You are the new Source in the game. I have
plans for an online and print magazine; an entrepreneurial and business
magazine geared towards the urban sector. As a kid I always watched
and studied people like Puffy, Karl Kani, Russell Simmons, Un Rivera, etc.
I remember when I couldn’t wait to the get the Source Power Issue and
tape all their articles to my wall. Today, even though the Source sucks, I still
pick up the Power Issue to see who the new movers and shakers are in the
industry. Most kids I knew were just like me and wanted to start their own
businesses as well. I went on to college with the hopes of owning my own
business and when I graduated my dreams came true. I bought a Quizno’s
franchise, which turned out to be a nightmare. Even though my title was
“Franchise Owner,” that was far from the truth. I basically had no decision
making abilities and felt trapped. Fortunately, earlier this year I sold the
franchise and freed myself from economic slavery! I wanted ownership and
independence and I finally realized that this was something I needed to
create for myself. That’s when God gave me the idea of having something
similar to Forbes Magazine, but flipping it for the Hip Hop community. I
read an interview with you talking about the beginning of your mag and
I was inspired to push my dream into reality. You were talking about how
you would lay your magazine on the bar in the club and watch for people’s
reactions. Thanks for the inspiration.
- Chicago Cruz of Currency/Next Magazine, via email
OZONE MAG // 13
14 // OZONE MAG

10THINGS I’M
HATIN’ON
by aspiring porn star Maurice Stoney
1. The job market
I robbed a bank the other day and the
D-RAY
bitch was like, “Take all the money you
want!” I’m like, “Bitch, give me a job inter-
view. I need a salary, benefits and a desk.”
2. Broke niggas who come VISIT
from outta town
I hate broke niggas who come visit with
delusions of grandeur. Like, “Let’s hit Magic
City, Velvet Room, Strokers, Lenox Mall,
and Onyx. But I’ve only got ten dollars.”
Stay the fuck home, please!
D-RAY
3. The Recession (again)
I hate the recession, but love these food
prices. Even homeless niggas and bums in
line at Church’s Chicken are like, “Can I get
2 titties, a side of pigeon soup, and some
pissy lemonade, hold the ice. Thanks.”
4. The ghetto
LUIS SANTANA
A lil nigga approached my car with a
football helmet on his head, tennis racket
in his left hand, baseball bat in his right,
and asked me to support his swim team.
What the fuck?
5. Pregnant women who wanna
use female condoms
Number one, it’s too late. Number two, I
don’t wanna knock the baby out and he
comes out either wearing that shit like a
doo rag, or using it as a parachute.
6. Big ass roaches in Georgia
I moved in my new apartment and had
three unknown roommates. Junior was fix-
ing a sandwich, Trey was watching TV, and
Tyrone was in the corner lifting weights.
One of ‘em looked at me and said, “Nigga,
you got the top bunk. I got a bitch coming
through tonight.”
7. Sarah Palin
Hoe sit down.
D-RAY
8. Light skinned nUccas
These light skinned muthafuckers that
think Drake is bringing them back in style
are crazy. Wayne and Drake are like a mod-
ern day Kid N Play. House Party 5, ‘nuff said.
9. Jamie Foxx
Somebody whup his ass please; he’s dis-
playing bitchassness characteristics.
10. Anybody that calls at 3am AND
ASKs “What u doing, man?”
Muthafucker, I was asleep. What the fuck
was I supposed to be doing?
JB’s 2cents
F
or the past few months, the million dollar question has been,
“when are the OZONE Awards?” Last year, after the third annual
event in Houston, TJ and I scoured the country for some possible
‘09 locations and I was starting to get excited about the prospects.
But as the new year passed and ‘09 slowly progressed, I became more and
more disenchanted with the idea of dedicating another 6 entire months of
my life to this cause, partly because the economy is shit but mostly because peo-
ple simply don’t know how to act. It’s mind-boggling that even with the amount
of time, energy, resources, and effort we (OZONE & TJ’s DJ’s) put in to create an
event on that scale, all it takes is a few short minutes of ignorance to overshadow
all the work that was put in. And it isn’t limited to the OZONE Awards. At the
Dirty Awards last year I witnessed firsthand the all-out brawl between Shawty
Lo’s camp and TI’s camp, not to mention Jeezy’s camp and DJ Drama’s camp. It
was a complete embarrassment to our entire community. This scenario has been
repeated at countless award shows in years past; Source, Vibe, etc.
Ray J & I @ my Vegas bday
party
We need to grow the fuck up and get our shit together so we can be respected
on a bigger scale. The politics and economics of the music business are fascinat-
ing to me; much more so than corporate America. But to corporate America, we
will always be a joke if we can’t have a simple gathering of all our key players in
one place without someone getting stabbed, punched, or killed. To the average
person, anyone associated with Hip Hop is a walking caricature. A punch line.
But from the inside out, I know we are, for the most part, innovative, creative
entrepreneurs who put in as much work if not more than any Wall Street execu-
tive. We should be focused on gaining respect worldwide for our business savvy
instead of focused on these petty beefs and altercations. And aside from the
Me & Soulja Boy @ my
Denver bday party respect factor, our community’s reputation for violence hurts our money. Some
venues don’t want our business because of the negative aspects. We pay extra
for security. We pay extra for insurance. Television networks are hesitant to get
involved because of the inherent risks. All of this is preventable; it’s our own fault.
My time is valuable. My birthday just passed and reflecting on the last 28 years,
I have mixed emotions because I feel that I’ve done so much but at the same
time, done so little. I look at life like a to-do list. “Produce award show” has already
been checked off that list, three times. There’s a long list of new things I want to
explore to move my life forward in a positive direction and I question if the many,
many stressful hours required to produce an award show will be worth the end
DJ Christion & I @ my
Tampa bday party result. As Biggie said on “Sky’s The Limit,”“never make moves unless your heart’s
in it.” I’m a firm believer in the idea that if you’re not going to put 100% effort into
something, you shouldn’t be doing it at all.
The main reason I wanted to do the event in the first place was to create a forum
for networking; a place where the key industry players and up and comers could
meet each other face to face and develop lasting friendships. That’s how I got my
start in the game, going to all the Tech.Nitions events and TJ’s DJ’s conferences
and Mixshow Power Summits (even though I had to sneak in), and countless
concerts, etc, where I was able to meet future friends, colleagues, and clients. So
it was only right that I help continue that spirit on for the next generation.
Me & Gorilla Zoe @ my
Anchorage, AK bday party
With all that said: when are the next OZONE Awards? I honestly can’t answer that
question right now, but as soon as I know, you’ll know. I want to make progress.
I want to grow. I want to create bigger and better opportunities for myself, my
friends and employees, and all the artists and contributors and readers who have
supported the OZONE movement from day one. It’s been GREAT so far this year
to have a little time to breathe without feeling like the weight of the world is rest-
ing on my shoulders. I’m just taking some time to make sure I’m making the right
moves. I’m working on some things, trust me. Whatever comes next, my heart’s
gotta be in it. Sky’s the limit -
T-Pain & I in Denver
- Julia Beverly, jb@ozonemag.com
Gucci Mane f/ Esther Dean “I Think I Love Her”
Trey Songz “Yo Side Of The Bed”
Mario f/ Gucci Mane & Sean Garrett “Break Up”
RE’Splaylist
randy.roper@ozonemag.com
Young Jeezy f/ JW & Boo Rossini “Biggest Movie Ever”
Wale f/ J. Cole & Curren$y “Rather Be With You” Jay-Z “Death of Autotune”
Juice f/ Bun B “Can’t Crush My Cool” Yo Gotti “5 Star Chick”
Al Be Back f/ Fabolous “Mira Mira” J. Cole “Lights Off”
RE “Hip Hop Legend” Twista “Wetter”
OZONE MAG // 15
 BALTIMORE, MD:
Bossman has been making a lot of noise lately. After brief stints on Virgin
and Capitol Records, the homie is back in the spotlight with tons of new
music. Fresh off a deal with Myspace Records, he has two mixtapes out: ATM
and Street Kings. He also has two singles killing nationwide radio right now.
Speaking of radio, Bmore’s own DJ Class is killing the airwaves as well with his
banger “I’m the Ish.” The song now has multiple remixes with different artists
ranging from Jermaine Dupri to Kanye West.
- Darkroom Productions (TheDarkRoomInc@yahoo.com)
CHICAGO, IL:
Sly Polaroid, a.k.a. Sly P, has started a campaign to become President of the
Streets of Chicago. DJ Solo has a new record called “Chicken Wing” which is
accompanied by a dance. Another record making noise on the radio is “Lil
Mama.” Artists to check for are Bullet, Boss Kane, Pugslee Atoms, Project Fresh,
Hollywood Holt, Mic Terror and Big Bane.
- Jamal Hooks (JHooks@tmail.com)
CINCINNATI, OH:
GraphicsandLogos.net, located on Reading Road, is said to have the best
full-color printing in the nation. Heavy Risk Entertainment features artist O.P.,
who is a swag savvy artist with catchy hooks that is destined to rise to the top
of the underground rap scene. Mac Niff, Spakz Tha Trak Man, and Moe Beats
have teamed up to make beats that are clean, crisp, and radio ready. Lyric is a
young, fresh three-girl group with a hot single entitled “Dolla Bill.” Bump being
a dime.
- Judy Jones (Judy@JJonesent.com)
COLUMBUS, GA:
Cedric the Entertainer came down and did a show. Afterwards he hung out
and went to a few spots. SOA has thrown a host of successful parties, and
Mario’s seems to be the new spot of choice. The Hookah bar is also becoming
popular, but people still look at you funny when you order a hookah, go fig-
ure. By the time this is posted, Foxie 105 will have hosted its Summer Concert
“Family Day in the Park” so details are on the way.
- David Britt (DavidBritt2nd@yahoo.com)
16 // OZONE MAG
DALLAS/FT. WORTH, TX:
Big Hood Boss premiered his new “I Got It” video feat. Tum Tum and
Lil Wil. Peaches from Onyx has the biggest ass in the city. B-Hamp
dropped his B-Dash album and Dorrough’s “Ice Cream Paint Job” video
entered the 106th & Park countdown. Mesha D from Eminent Models
is the official model feature for DFW videos. Definition DJ Tuss is in
the mix at Peep N Tom’s. R&B artist Doo Dez is starting to make ladies
sing “Sassy Girl” and GO DJ Phatz is spinning DFW artists strong on
Port City’s 99.7. Free Stubb-a-lean, Pat Bush in Yazoo, and everybody
reading this in TDC.
- Edward “Pookie” Hall (urbansouth@gmail.com)
GAINESVILLE, FL:
The original Bad Azz, Lil Boosie, put it down performing his latest
single “Loose as a Goose.” He shared the stage with Jacksonville’s own
Street Money Riders, and a slew of other big names such as Def Jam
Recording artists UnladyLike, DTP’s Willy Northpole, Playaz Circle,
and DJ Drama. Certified DJ’s own DJ Flow dropped his latest mixtape
entitled Certified Bangaz Vol. 1. The hometown hero DJ Terrah is still
putting up classics with local talent so hit him up for a feature.
- Jett Jackson (g5jett@gmail.com)
HOLLYWOOD, CA:
Jay Z and Eminem murdered the stage at the Wiltern Theatre for the
new DJ Hero game. Seeing them on stage doing “Renegade” live set
the bar for any show I’ll ever see again. The West Coast was in the
building as well - Warren G did “Regulator” during DJ AM and Travis
Barker’s set, and Nipsey Hussle, Crooked I, and Tyrese rolled through
to show support. I also had the chance to peep some new music from
Maxwell at his exclusive listening session in Beverly Hills. Make sure
you get some R&B in your life. Bishop Lamont had his second annual
“Bishop Lamont & Friends” show at House of Blues on Sunset.
- Devi Dev (devidev.kday@gmail.com)
 PITTSBURGH, PA:
Pittsburgh lost its only Urban Radio Station,
WAMO, after it was sold to St. Joseph’s Mission.
After more than 30 years of serving the African
American community with music and events, it
is now expected to become a religious station.
We may be down some, but don’t count us out
yet. Everyone’s in the streets with new music and
projects. Wale, Trey Songz, Lil Wil, DJ Drama (pic-
tured at left), DJ Holiday, and Shawty Lo have all
stopped through to kick it, while Pyrex Press and
Moola Gang just got back from overseas. Paper
Boys Entertainment is gearing up for another run
and F-Block Records is taking major meetings.
- Lola Sims (lolasims@gmail.com)
HOUSTON, TX:
Paul Wall’s album release party at Bambou and
listening party at the Galleria TV Johnny location
were both successful. The city was also filled with
guest performances by Drake, Rick Ross, Soulja
Boy, and Maino, but one of the most interesting
weekends of last month was Vince Young’s Birth-
day/ Celebrity Basketball game featuring Young
Jeezy, Nelly and Jermaine Dupri.
- Ghost Da Hustla (Ghostdahustla.blogspot.com)
HUNTSVILLE, AL:
The June Black Arts Festival was canceled due to
the economy. There goes the biggest thing we
had to look forward to this year. G-Side has been
traveling the East Coast. 6 Tre G is gearing up
for the release of Boss Muzik. Can’t Stop Records
has been putting in work. Short Change leaked
a banger with “Dirty Like That.” Untamed threw a
crazy party at the Homeport. DJ Drama, Gorilla
Zoe,Young Dro, Project Pat, and Rich Boy all hit
the city. Lookout for VIP TV from Pleasure Houze.
The PRGz signed to E1 (Koch).
- Codie G (huntsvillegotstarz@gmail.com)
TAMPA, FL:
Laws proves why he’s Your Future Favorite Rapper
on his latest mixtape release (pictured at left), a
collabo with DJ Smallz and Grammy–Award Win-
ning producers J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League. DJ Christion
released his own mixtape entitled Overtime. 2
Pistols and Young Joe filmed the video for their
smash hit “Lights Down Low.” The rest of the mu-
sic scene prepared for the 6th Annual Tampa Music
Conference at Ritz Ybor. This year’s panel of speakers
included Sean Kingston, DJ Noodles, Pleasure P, 3rd Leg
Greg , Jacki-O, Orlando, and DJ Christion, as well as others.
The Hip Hop Soda Shop closed its doors.
- Slick Worthington (Myspace.com/SlickWorthington)
JACKSONVILLE, FL:
Young Cash had a big birthday week with all the promoters in the city.
HighLife Music is still pumping strong in the Westside with their new club
nights. Bigga Rankin has been trying to bring the local artists together with
little success, being that the independent grinders in Duval County are
remaining totally independent, and in the process nobody is really working
together. Derek Washington has been trying to keep the record pool going,
and Big L is in the same boat with his newspaper. These guys have good
intentions, so hopefully the city can get behind them and open the flood
gates for Jacksonville’s music scene.
- Lil Rudy (LilRudyRu@yahoo.com)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN:
I-Hustle Ent. brought Boosie and Webbie for the thickest event of the year.
DJ Don Don celebrated his birthday at Club Tropicana as Young Dro and
Yung LA rocked the set. OJ da Juiceman performed in front of a sold out
crowd. Keri Hilson and The Dream brought out the city’s finest at the Vogue
nightclub. Trill Tight DJs and Greatest DJs are keeping the city pumped.
DJ Black and his Dragged Up DJ crew are releasing the official Naptown
anthem produced by Three 6 Mafia. Mz Fe, Cold Hearted, and Lady Free are
repping for the ladies.
- DJ Black (djblackhcp@tmail.com)
KANSAS CITY, MO/KS:
Hot 103 JAMZ Summer Jam II went down at Sandstone Park. The lineup
featured Soulja Boy, Plies, Rick Ross, Hurricane Chris, Yung LA, Dor-
rough, the Kansas City King Tech N9ne, Black Walt and Block Life Ent. Got
spins? Underground Heat is still breaking music in KC. You can now see
the show live on the web at 11 pm on Friday and Saturday. Tech N9ne
released his new collabo album Sickology 101 and Van Brunt Ent. is drop-
ping Red Ragz and Blue Flagz this summer.
- Kenny Diamondz (KennyDiamondz@gmail.com)
LOUISVILLE, KY:
J Skillz da Bandman has a hit single called “Simon Sayz” and Kenzo’s
single “Do da Shiz” is also getting support in the city. Both artists shot
videos recently. Young Miz is killing the scene with his Certified mixtape.
KD is back with a track called “My M.O.B. (My Michelle Obama).” Young
Bell dropped his mixtape Let’s Talk Bricks. Look out for Harolin back at
B96.5.
- Divine Da Liaison (OuttaDaShopEnt@hotmail.com)
MEMPHIS, TN:
Lil Wyte is pushing his new single “Take Yo Moni” off his newest mixtape
Cocaine & Kush Reloaded featuring Partee. Upcoming artist Big Face Mike
has hit the ground running with his new mixtape Gangsta as I Wanna Be
and is fitting into the Memphis rap scene quite well. The underground
Memphis dance style called “juking” made its debut on “So You Think
You Can Dance” by Memphis police officer Marico Flake. After locking
himself in the studio for weeks at a time, Yo Gotti has produced a slew
of mixtapes including Cocaine Cowboy, 5 Star Chef, and his latest Cocaine
Muzik 2.
- Deanna Brown (Deanna.Brown@MemphisRap.com)
NASHVILLE, TN:
Cashville’s goin’ off courtesy of Cheezy, who’s new single “I Go Off” is
carrying the heat of the summer with it. The City Paper is in stores and is
guaranteed to show you why Paper is the 09 SEA Slept on Artist of the
Year! The Cancer/Leo Bash II hosted by Serious featured performances by
Ms. Honeysiccle, Ashthon Jones, and Mario, a.k.a. Rio Moore. AG Enter-
tainment, WUBT, Diavontti, and Flymajor.com brought something new
to the table for the grown and sexy in Nashville courtesy of the All White
Beach Affair. The event featured 5 DJs, celebs, and class.
- Janiro (Janiro@southernentawards.com)
RICHMOND, TRI-CITIES, VA:
Streetz Deep shot a video for his new single “That Go Round” produced
by VA’s next hot producer Murda One. The song features Bola of Grand
Hustle’s group Xtaci. Our City Boyz are performing at the South Carolina
Music Awards in July. Charles Owens, a.k.a. Vito, is in the studio working
with VA producers The Incredibles who are best known for their work on
Jeezy’s “Vacation” and Ace Hood’s “Ride” featuring Trey Songz. Canayda
releases hot new digital music on Myspace.com/CanaydaMusic.
- Atiyyah Wali (atiyyahwali@hotmail.com)
ST. LOUIS, MO:
Loose Cannon Ent. beat Derrty Ent. in a charity basketball game that
raised money for Nelly’s 4 Sho 4 Kids www.4sho4kids.org. Derrty DJs
held the Midwest Summit that brought DJs from all over the country.
Several artists made an impact but it was Louie V. with his “Do Ya Own
Dance” that had people talking. The Midwest Summit ended with the
St. Lunatics all on the same stage for first time since 1999. Jibbs has a
new single rotating called “Ay DJ” featuring Lloyd. DJ CD’s mixtape with
Murphy Lee has been a top seller at Vintage Vinyl for three months now.
Check out the newest STL mixtapes at www.MidwestMixtapes.com.
- Jesse James (JesseJames314@aol.com)
WASHINGTON, DC:
DJ Heat from WPGC, a.k.a. The Mixtape Madame, recently released 2
brand-new projects: This is the Remix Vol. IV and Fiyah: The T-Pain Edition.
The DMV Music Movement continues to gather momentum and there
have been a slew of red-hot singles hitting the streets: “Spotlight” by 32
and Y’anna Crawley (BET’s Sunday Best winner); “Natural” and “Smoke
Break” blazed by Whitefolkz; “Blog Food” by Pro’ Verb; and “I Remember
Hip-Hop” by Go-Go Michelle. Go-Go Michelle is also ready to drop her
new album Hegemony. Judah, who is one of DC’s top producers, also
has one of the best blogs in the city: www.forthedmvonly.blogspot.
com.
- Sid “DCSuperSid” Thomas (dcsupersid@aol.com)
- Compiled by Ms Rivercity, jen@ozonemag.com
OZONE MAG // 17

SELLING MUSIC IN A CHANGING ECONOMY | By Wendy
The most dangerous person in the music industry is the one who doesn’t understand
how it actually works. They chase false goals and are doomed to follow wrong paths!
--Wendy Day Twitterism
W
e’ve all heard the adages about how during a recession, music sales
increase. But we’ve never been through a depression before (they
won’t start calling it that until we come out of it, for fear people will
grip onto their spendable dollars even tighter). And prior to the shitty
economy, music sales were taking a nose dive anyway…some say because
of bad music choices, and some say due to downloading and free P2P music
swapping. Others say it’s due to too many entertainment choices vying for our
attention; we all only get 24 hours each day.
Chris Anderson wrote a great book called “The Long Tail,” and what I took away
from it was that each artist now needs to reach his or her own niche directly--
through building their own movement and interacting with fans, and potential
fans, directly. I see it reinforced everyday on Twitter. Those who are skilled at
interacting and inviting their fans into their circle will fare the best. Ludacris
(@Ludajuice) and Tyrese (@Tyrese4Real) are exceptionally skilled at this. Gucci
Mane and Yo Gotti are exceptional at working the streets and clubs. Drake and
50 Cent are great on the mixtape circuit. But the real challenge is to be great at
it all!
I’m fortunate in that the indie labels that I consult are doing very well. They still
are able to sell CDs and downloads by spending promotional dollars in places
where it matters, with people who are legitimate, and grind like their lives
depend on it—which they do. But not everyone has this same experience. The
key is to make great music, market and promote it well to people who would
buy it, and work harder than every other artist out here.
Word of mouth and people hearing songs that they like are what sell music.
Therefore, promotional efforts should be based around letting people hear
your music, and sparking people to talk about you. Everything you do needs to
revolve around working your single and getting your word of mouth buzzing.
Spreading your music, while showing your image is important. Some artists use
mix CDs, snippet CDs, YouTube videos and footage, and upload stuff to places
like WorldStarrHipHop. Most artists tour and do shows whenever and where
ever possible. The more someone sees you, the more they recognize you!
Artists with bigger budgets use radio spins, promotional tours within a 3 to 5
state area, and songs featuring other artists in addition to the other promo-
tional methods. Keeping in touch with fans via phone calls, email, newsletter
e-blasts, twitter, websites, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, etc. With the over
saturation of music and rappers, it takes more work and more time to sell less
music. It almost seems like giving away music for free and selling merchandise,
shows, and endorsements makes more sense. It’s about good music and an
interesting story to get people talking about you. A fucked up image can do
more damage than bad music, however.
While most artists are still begging the major labels for record deals, the
smarter artists have realized that working their own project to build a buzz and
sell their own music is the ticket to success. The best start is to make good mu-
sic that has a competitive sound. That doesn’t mean that it needs to sound like
all the other crap out there, but it can’t be so completely different that no one
wants to hear it. The quality needs to be relatively tight, at least professional
enough to compete in the marketplace. Can your single be played on the radio
between Young Jeezy and Kanye and still sound good?
When you’ve got good music, it’s best to get feedback from DJs and retail
18 // OZONE MAG
Day (www.RAP-COALITION.COM)
stores to see what they feel are the best songs (let them choose your singles).
Then focus on the single to build awareness. Depending on the budget you
have available (and like EVERY business, this one also takes some money to
make money), you draw a circle around your city. For example, you draw a
circle that’s a 3 hour driving radius around your city, or with a bigger budget,
you draw a circle that’s a 5 or 6 hour driving radius around your city. That circle
becomes your target market area.
You cover every inch of that market promoting at clubs, barber shops, malls,
high schools, flea markets, clubs, hair salons, colleges, car washes, strip clubs,
community centers—anyplace where your market hangs out. If your music is
more street (like Gucci Mane, Maino, or Young Jeezy) you focus more on the
‘hoods and streets. If your music is more lyrical (like Kanye or Drake) then the
focus is college and high school campuses. I believe every artist should hit ev-
erywhere, even if your stronger focus is more street or more college oriented. If
your music is geared towards the youth (like Soulja Boy), make sure your focus is
high schools, middle schools, community centers, arcades, teen clubs, and skat-
ing rinks. Make sure your music is clean if you’re promoting to younger people.
The best tools to utilize are posters, flyers, t-shirts, wrapped vehicles, snippet
CDs, mixed CDs, postcards, so people can see your image and hear your music.
E-blasts of your single, YouTube videos and footage help tell the story of who
you are and what your music is about. Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter let fans
see personal aspects of you and your personality. Filming behind the scenes
footage also involves your fans in your movement.
Gone is the day where fans want to see artists flaunt that they have more mate-
rial goods than the fan will ever possess. Gone is the day of having one or two
good singles and a bunch of filler to make a $20 CD sale. Today, fans pick and
choose the songs they like and free music is all the rage. I read a post on Bob
Lefsetz’ blog by the artist Moby, who said that his #1 sold download on iTunes
was a song that he’d been giving away for free for two months. Free does help
sales as we all suspected.
In this industry, there are so many bogus people! It’s really important to check
the credentials and track record of anyone you give your hard earned money
to. 99% of the people in the music industry are full of shit just trying to make a
come up off of an uninformed person with money.
Once you market and promote within that 3 to 5 hour radius, which is your
market area, you build the buzz until there is a strong enough demand for
your album (usually after fans have heard a couple of songs and a mix CD or
two). You’ll be able to feel the buzz because you will most likely be getting paid
to perform at shows now. Your demand will be increasing….more incoming
phone calls, more web hits, more Twitter followers, more MySpace friends,
more followers at shows, more invites to events, etc. Also, more local artists
and producers will be hounding you to work with them. At this point you can
upload your music to an aggregator like TuneCore.com for digital sales and an
independent distributor (someone LEGITIMATE who can get CDs into stores
for you—REALLY, REALLY, REALLY check references here! More distributors are
bullshit than legit). Once your music is for sale in the marketplace you have to
work even harder to get people to support you and buy it. It’s truly a popularity
contest, and fans vote with their dollars whether they like you or not!
In today’s declining and challenging marketplace, it’s no longer necessary to
be backed by a major label or a sub-label (usually owned by another artist or
producer). Provided you have the budget, or the ability to find an investor, the
playing field is more level today than it ever has been in the history of the music
business. Just make sure you know what you are doing and have found good
guides along the way to help you. If not, this can be a very expensive hole into
which you could waste a lot of money! //
(above L-R): Gorilla Zoe & a colorful fan @ UCF Arena for DJ Prostyle’s birthday bash in Orlando, FL; OJ da Juiceman & DJ Prostyle @ UCF Arena for DJ Prostyle’s birthday bash in
Orlando, FL (Photos: Malik Abdul); Young Jeezy & Ocho Cinco @ Gansevoort Pool Party in Miami, FL (Photo: Thaddaeus McAdams)

01 // Dru of The Runners, J Lash, DJ Khaled, & DJ Dempi @ Mansion for Rick Ross’s album release party (Miami, FL) 02 // Kingpin & Grand Prix @ Def Jam Showcase during the
CORE DJs Retreat (Atlanta, GA) 03 // Geter K & Gucci Poochie @ Mansion for Rick Ross’s “Deeper Than Rap” release party (Miami, FL) 04 // Playaz Circle @ the W Hotel for the
CORE DJs Retreat (Atlanta, GA) 05 // Boomtown, Mike Jones, & guest on the set of “Swagg Thru Da Roof” (Houston, TX) 06 // DJ Princess Cut & Cory Mo @ The Loft (Atlanta, GA)
07 // TMR Models, Mack 10, & K-Boy on the set of “Sun Come Up” (Miami, FL) 08 // TayDizm, DJ Khaled, Ace Hood, T-Pain, & Young Cash on the set of “Overtime” (Miami, FL)
09 // Damm D & Spark Dawg @ Crystal’s (Arlington, TX) 10 // Roc Harder DJs @ the Hot Block Awards (Atlanta, GA) 11 // Arrogant Music @ Velvet Room (Atlanta, GA) 12 // Verse
& Rob Green @ Velvet Room (Atlanta, GA) 13 // Big V & Scales of the Nappy Roots & DJ Scorpio (Atlanta, GA) 14 // Hip Hop Friends & Mercedes Streets @ Justin’s for The CORE
DJs Bad Boy event (Atlanta, GA) 15 // DJ K-Roc and Damm D @ Crystal’s (Arlington, TX) 16 // Nard & B & Yung LA on the set of Yung LA’s “Futuristic Love” (Atlanta, GA) 17 // Cole
& Grand Prix @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 18 // Big Hood Boss, Lil Wil, & Doughski G on the set of Big Hood Boss’s video shoot (Dallas, TX) 19 // Jazze Pha, Vawn, & Drumma Boy @
Red Carpet Lanes for their Dream Land event (Atlanta, GA)

Photo Credits: Devon Buckner (10,19); Edward Hall (09,15,18); J Lash (01,07,08); Julia Beverly (03,04); Lamont DeSal (05); Ms Rivercity (02,06,11,12,13,16,17); Terrence Tyson (14)

OZONE MAG // 19
 CHIN CHECK
By Charlamagne Tha God
D.O.A.A.:
DIE OLD
ASS
ARTISTS
(YOUR CAREERS, THAT IS)
Older rap artist’s careers are already dead. They’re
just carrying them along, like Larry and Richard
did Bernie in Weekend At Bernie’s. It doesn’t have
to be like this, though. If older artists catered
to the people who actually grew up listening
to their music and started making music that
people at their age could actually relate to, their
rap careers could still prosper.
Take LL Cool J, for example. James Todd Smith is
41 years old. He’s married with four kids. On his
last single “Baby” featuring Dream, he talks about
banging out a chick at a truck stop and banging
out a chick in the back of a pickup truck. He even
says in the record that the girl he’s with doesn’t
care if he’s married or single.
But the reality of the situation is this: LL, you are
married! Act like it! That record could’ve been
so much harder if you as a married 41-year-old
man made a record about your wife. Imagine
husbands all over the country coming in the
house singing to their wives, “You’re my baby, my
baby, my baby, my baby.” That’s some G shit; G for
Grown. That’s the problem with old artists in Hip
Hop. They don’t want to grow up.
Radio is partly to blame for this also. Your favorite
Hip Hop and R&B station caters to the 18-34 de-
mographic. So when these old artists are making
records, they’re targeting that audience. People
my age – 29 – and up are still in that demo, but
truthfully, outside of my career in radio, I don’t
listen to the radio too much because the playlists
are way too redundant. I like Soulja Boy’s “Turn
My Swag On,” but one station is playing it a hun-
dred times a week. That’s insane.
Some radio stations are called Urban AC stations,
which cater to the 25-54 demographic. They play
a lot of older music, but when you listen to these
stations, you have to ask where the Hip Hop is.
Most of these Urban AC stations ignore the fact
that Hip Hop has been the most dominant form
of urban music for the past 20 years. They’ll play
old school R&B but won’t play old school Hip
Hop. Why not? The people that are in the 25-54
demo grew up on Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, LL
Cool J, Outkast, and Scarface.
Since these Urban AC stations ignore these older
records and don’t include them in their playlists,
a lot of artists have nowhere to go. Imagine if
there was a Hip Hop Urban AC station that played
the best Hip Hop from the 80s and 90s. That
would bring revenue to so many older artists.
20 // OZONE MAG
People would start buying Hip Hop catalogues
again, more older artists could tour, and most
importantly, when these older artists still want to
record and put out albums, the people who grew
up listening to them probably would still go out
and purchase them.
It’s not that older rappers shouldn’t record any-
more. They just need to rap about what they’re
going through now in life and stop trying to
relive their youth. I don’t want to see Fat Joe ice
grilling the camera and rapping about shooting
people anymore. I don’t want to see him laid up
in the project hallways; he looks ridiculous at 40
years old. I like what artists like Ghostface, Nas,
and Andre 3000 do. They rap about life as it is for
them now; they don’t make records catering to
the youth. They’re not stressing whether or not
they get radio play, or if the young kids will em-
brace them at Summer Jam. They’re just painting
their pictures from a grown man’s perspective.
Ghostface spoke on his new album recently say-
ing, “You gotta tell the fans that you’re not gettin’
no younger here. We’re gettin’ older and every-
body doesn’t sell crack no more, man. I don’t sell
crack, you. I ain’t movin’ no bricks or none of that
other shit. I ain’t shoot nobody in like since the
early 90s, man. How long you gonna be 40 years
old and actin’ like you still sellin’ crack and you on
the block and you doin’ this and you doin’ that
when times is more serious, man. It’s time to talk
about grown-man situations.”
This leads me to the one artist who just won’t
grow up: Jay-Z. He tried on Kingdom Come, but
when that album wasn’t critically acclaimed, he
resorted back to the same drug-dealing street
talk he’s been doing his whole career on Ameri-
can Gangsta. He said he was influenced to record
the album by watching the movie American
Gangsta; he said it took him back to that era of
his life when he was running the streets. That’s
bullshit, Hov. You just wanted to rap about trap-
ping again because you want to be relevant to
the young crowd. His latest attempt at reliving
his youth is “D.O.A. (Death Of Autotune).” I find it
humorous that of all the things he could declare
Death on in the rap game, he chose Autotune.
That’s pretty weak, Jay.
How about Death to celebrating the drug cul-
ture? If you really lived it, fine, tell your story. But
if you didn’t, stop using the trap as a gimmick.
Trap music is not crunk music. Everybody can’t
make a trap record just because that’s what’s “in.”
Why didn’t Jay-Z declare Death to gangbanging
on records? This is Hip Hop and all these rappers
become gang members after they get deals.
What part of the game is that? Why didn’t Jay-Z
declare Death to bling? It’s a recession, stop
spending money on Big Ass Chains (T-Pain, this
means you) and invest in something that doesn’t
depreciate with value. Why didn’t Jay-Z declare
Death to older artists not acting their age? Why
didn’t he co-sign what Ghostface said? Because
he would’ve ethered himself.
Autotune never heard anybody. It’s amazing
that the same guy who said “what you eat don’t
make me shit” is now declaring Death to the
way others are eating. What if back in the day
someone like 2Pac declared Death to Big Money
Talk while Jay was on the come-up? How would
that have affected him? Why is Jay getting points
for making a song about what the internet has
been saying for the longest? I personally don’t
believe Jay feels strongly about the “D.O.A.” thing.
He just needs a quick gimmick to jumpstart hype
for the Blueprint 3.
Do I find Autotune annoying? Yes. Is it neces-
sary on every record? No. Does it sound good
on some records? Yes. Did Jay-Z have to declare
death to it? No. Will it have an affect on people
using Autotune, or fans embracing Autotune
records? Not at all. Jay-Z doesn’t have the same
influence he had when he declared “I don’t wear
jerseys I’m 30+ / Go get a button-up.” If he does,
how come nobody is dressing like him now?
Where’s your nappy Afro and glasses like Roger
from the old TV show “What’s Happening”?
Jay-Z, if you want the culture of Hip Hop to move
forward, you need to step back. We need people
like you in the board room. You did all you could
do as a player. If you’re the Michael Jordan of rap
like you say you are, sit down and own your tea.
Groom the next generation of artists.
All of you who are saying Hip Hop is dead or
the rap game is whack must be listening to the
radio way too much. Hip Hop is in the best space
it’s been in a long time, but you won’t realize
that if you keep trying to bring that old feeling
back. Life is about forward motion; it’s not about
bringing back what was. It’s about embracing
what it is and what it’s going to be. What it is: T.I.,
Young Jeezy, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, and Plies. What
it’s going to be: Glasses Malone, Nipsey Hussle,
and Strong Arm Steady from the West Coast;
Maino and Red Café from New York; Drake from
Canada; Killer Mike from Atlanta; and the whole
Stupid Dope Moves regime from South Carolina
which includes Trapstar, A Rizzla, and Marly Marl.
Respect the past, but embrace the future. That’s
my motto, and for all older artists who don’t
feel that way, D.O.A.A.: Die Old Ass Artist (your
careers, that is).
Streetfully Yours, Sincerely Gangsta, Gutter
Always,
Charlamagne Tha God
(above L-R): Young Jeezy & Maino @ Gansevoort Pool Party in Miami, FL (Photo: Thaddaeus McAdams); Mike Jones & Diamond @ The Loft in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Ms Rivercity);
Mack 10 pourin’ out some liquor for the homies on the set of Glasses Malone’s “Sun Come Up” video shoot in Miami, FL (Photo: J Lash)

01 // Kwame Kilpatrick & Skip Cheatham @ Stankofa for the Stop the Violence event (Dallas, TX) 02 // DJ Impact, Bigg DM, Sean Garrett, Tony Neal, & Akon @ the W Hotel for the
CORE DJs Retreat’s Def Jam Showcase (Atlanta, GA) 03 // Spectacular of Pretty Ricky & Freestyle Steve @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 04 // Rolemodelz & Slim Thug @ 97.9 The Beat car
show (Dallas, TX) 05 // Garfield & Disco Jr @ UCF Arena for DJ Prostyle’s birthday bash (Orlando, FL) 06 // DJ Nasty, DJ Khaled, & DJ Trauma @ Esso for the BMI Urban Showcase
(Atlanta, GA) 07 // Cool & Dre & Rage on the set of 2 Pistols’ “Lights Down Low” video shoot (Tampa, FL) 08 // Big Kuntry, Yung LA, & Lil Duval on the set of Yung LA’s “Futuristic
Love” (Atlanta, GA) 09 // Magazeen, Gorilla Zoe, & Masspike Miles @ Mansion for Rick Ross’s album release party (Miami, FL) 10 // DJ Storm & Erin Barna @ Crucial for the CORE
DJs Grand Hustle event (Atlanta, GA) 11 // Jeff Dixon, Kim Ellis, Ace McGinty, Wendy Day, & Lola Sims @ The CORE DJs Retreat In The Know Seminar (Atlanta, GA) 12 // Princess of
Trill & Doughski G (Austin, TX) 13 // Odd & Even & Big Rich @ the W Hotel for the CORE DJs Retreat’s Def Jam Showcase (Atlanta, GA) 14 // Total Kaos, bodypainted models, & TJ
Chapman @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s (Tallahassee, FL) 15 // Hurricane Chris & ladies on the set of Hurricane Chris’s “Halle Berry” video shoot (Dallas, TX) 16 // B Rich & Rob Green on
the set of Yung LA’s “Futuristic Love” (Atlanta, GA) 17 // Willie C & Bay Bay @ BTB Records party (Texarkana, TX) 18 // The School Boyz @ Justin’s for The CORE DJs Bad Boy event
(Atlanta, GA) 19 // Dru of The Runners & Bali @ Mansion for Rick Ross’s album release party (Miami, FL)

Photo Credits: Edward Hall (01,12,15,17); J Lash (19); Julia Beverly (02,03,06,07,13); Malik Abdul (05,14); Ms Rivercity (08,16); Terrence Tyson (10,11,18); Thaddaeus McAdams (09);
Tre Dubb (04)

OZONE MAG // 21
 She Liked my NECKLACE and started relaxin’, that’s what the fuck I call a…
Y O! MTV Raps was probably one of the first shows
that I had seen with rap videos on it back in the day.
I saw somebody who had a shirt with the [YO! MTV
Raps] logo on it but it had my name, Yo Gotti. I saw
the shirt about a year ago so when I decided to get a new chain,
that’s the design I decided to use. I always wanted to get a chain
that’s unique.
I don’t remember the exact videos on YO! MTV Raps that were my
favorite, but all the [old school] rappers were on there. It wasn’t one
video in particular; I was into the whole Hip Hop thing back then.
They’d have Kool Mo Dee and them on the show. I never knew what
area they were from back then. When I was lookin’ at it, it wasn’t
even broken down to [West or East] Coast or [down] South. They
were all just artists to me.
22 // OZONE MAG
YO GOTTI
YO! MTV RAPS TRIBUTE
Emmett [the jeweler] in Houston did the piece for me. Emmett’s
good. He does a lot of people’s shit. I paid about $25,000 just for
the piece and the chain was another $2,000. I bought a watch and
a ring and all that with it, so he gave me one price for everything. A
white watch and a white ring.
You can tell if a chain is real or not. For one, if you see three or four
people with [the same design] it’s probably not [real]; that’s what I
call a “stock chain” because [the jeweler] has already made them up.
With certain people’s chains, you can see the work that goes into
them. That’s not saying that it still couldn’t be fake, but why would
they put that much work into a fake piece? It takes a lot of work to
do the detailing on [some chains]. //
Words by Julia Beverly
Photo by Terrence Tyson
(above L-R): Lil Wayne & Pee Wee @ Phillips Arena for Birthday Bash in Atlanta, GA; Trey Songz, Sean Garrett, & Mario @ Phillips Arena for Birthday Bash in Atlanta, GA; DJ Khaled
& Lil Jon @ Esso for the BMI Urban Showcase in Atlanta, GA (Photos: Julia Beverly)

01 // JB, Nick the Next Wun, & Peanut @ Mambo’s for Stephanie of 97.9’s birthday bash (Dallas, TX) 02 // Physha P & Ed the World Famous @ The CORE DJs Retreat In The Know
Seminar (Atlanta, GA) 03 // DJ Merk, D’Lyte, Dorrough, & Ebony, @ the W for CORE DJs Retreat (Atlanta, GA) 04 // Ms Go Ham & G Fresh @ Club Mariachi (Atlanta, GA) 05 // For-
tune, Tracy T, Zaytoven, & Diamond @ the W for CORE DJs Retreat (Atlanta, GA) 06 // DJ Christion, Cool, & 2 Pistols on the set of 2 Pistols’ “Lights Down Low” video shoot (Tampa,
FL) 07 // Vernon Forrest & Gorilla Zoe @ Mansion for Rick Ross’s “Deeper Than Rap” release party (Miami, FL) 08 // Caviar, T-Roy, & Cali @ Bourbon St Station (Jacksonville, FL)
09 // Rick Ross & Gucci Poochie on the set of Birdman & Lil Wayne’s “Always Strapped” video shoot (Miami, FL) 10 // Justice League, OJ da Juiceman, & Orlando McGhee @ Hot
Beats (Atlanta, GA) 11 // Big Chief, Doughski G, Chase Pat, & T-Cash @ Mambo’s for Stephanie of 97.9’s birthday bash (Dallas, TX) 12 // Mickey Factz & Jessie Maguire @ the W
Hotel for the CORE DJs Retreat (Atlanta, GA) 13 // Adept & guest @ UCF Arena for DJ Prostyle’s birthday bash (Orlando, FL) 14 // Dolla & Sway @ Mambo’s (Dallas, TX) 15 // DJ
Scream & Cosa Nostra on the set of DJ Scream’s “On My Grind” video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 16 // Guest, Big Kuntry, & Bola on the set of Yung LA’s “Futuristic Love” (Atlanta, GA)
17 // FLY @ the W Hotel for the CORE DJs Retreat (Atlanta, GA) 18 // TJ Chapman & Wayne Williams @ Justin’s for The CORE DJs Bad Boy event (Atlanta, GA) 19 // Lil Wil & JuJu of
Fam Life @ Richmind Records party (Dallas, TX)

Photo Credits: Edward Hall (01,11,14,19); J Lash (09); Julia Beverly (06,07,12,17,18); Malik Abdul (13); Ms Rivercity (03,04,05,10,15,16); Terrence Tyson (02,08)

OZONE MAG // 23
 Are You a G? TRIBUTE
7 Questions to FIND OUT if THE KING OF POP
MICHAEL JACKSON WAs the 7th letter of the alphabet.
Sure, Michael Jackson was
strange. He wore weird
disguises and had ques-
tionable relationships
with little boys. He was
born a poor black boy,
died a rich white woman,
and became the most
famous person on Earth
along the way. OZONE
has researched the annals
of Michael Jackson history
and found 7 interview
questions to determine if
your favorite King of Pop
was in fact the 7th letter of
the alphabet.
A. Have you ever been
scared to go on stage?
No, I don’t remember ever
being afraid to go on stage.
I’m more comfortable on
stage than giving this inter-
view right now... In truth,
I really don’t like being in-
terviewed; I feel it’s such an
intrusion. Every interview
I’ve ever done I’ve been
forced into it. [The fans]
have been so nice to me
and that’s the only reason I
agreed to do this.
(VH1, November 1996)
Michael Jackson
performed in front
of a damn near
a quarter billion
people over 40 years, and
the fact that he never once
felt stage fright gives him
a point.
B. Does it bother you to
see people emulate you,
like Usher, Sisqo, Ginu-
wine, Destiny’s Child?
I don’t mind it at all. These
are artists who grew up
with my music. When
you grow up listening to
somebody you admire,
you tend to become them.
You want to look like them,
to dress like them. When
I was little, I was James
Brown, I was Sammy Davis
Jr., so I understand it. It’s a
compliment. (Vibe, March
2002)
It’s been 7 years
since Jackson
answered this
question and today there
24 // OZONE MAG
abcdefG
are even more artists who
wanna be like Mike. But
Chris Brown, Justin Timber-
lake, and Ne-Yo could ever
top the King at his peak.
C. Does the real Billie Jean
know about the song, and
if she did, what was her
reaction?
There is a girl named Billie
Jean, but it’s not about
that Billie Jean. Billie Jean
is kinda anonymous. It
represents a lot of girls
who used to - they used
to call them groupies in
the ‘60s - they would hang
around backstage doors
and any band that would
come to town they would
have a relationship with.
And I think I wrote this out
of experiences with my
brothers when I was little.
There were a lot of Billie
Jeans out there. (TV Guide,
December 1999)
Damn, Mike was
gettin’ it in with
groupies all the
way back in the
60s. Guess he used to be
commander in chief of his
pimp ship, flyin’ high.
D. What’s your favorite
Steven Spielberg Movie?
I love E. T. ‘cause it reminds
me of me. Someone from
another world coming
down and you becoming
friends with them and this
person is, like, 800 years
old and he’s filling you with
all kinds of wisdom and
he can teach you to fly. I
mean, who don’t wanna
fly? (Smash Hits, January
1983)
Mike was either
admitting he’s an
alien or advocating
cocaine use. Either way,
it explains a lot, but still
doesn’t earn him any G’
points.
E. These performers-
[like] 50 Cent... they’re
well-known because they
survived violent attacks
where they almost died
and now they’re into Hip
Hop... it’s a different era in
pop music. Do you think
you’ll be more like them
or will the world come
back to more pop and
traditional rock?
I’ve done a lot of it already. I
don’t really rap, but I could
if I wanted to... I’ve written
songs with rap verses in
them for very famous
rappers, but they’re much
better at it than I am. (At
Large with Geraldo Rivera,
May 2005)
MJ was prob-
ably referring to
Diddy when he
proclaimed to have ghost-
written for “very famous
rappers,” which doesn’t
count. But he gets credit for
having collaborated with
Biggie Smalls, R Kelly, and
Jay-Z over the years.
F. If you were invisible for
Hood Deeds
a day in London, what
would you do?
Oh boy. Who would I like
to slap? I think I’d find one WORDS By Eric Perrin // PHOTO COURTESY OPRAH.COM
of the tabloid paparazzi
and kick his ass, moonwalk Twelve months ago anything associated with Barack Obama was in
style. I’d really like to knock style. And like most other pop culture icons, Black Eyed Peas front man
them off one of those little Will.i.am was fully dedicated to the “Yes, We Can” campaign. But when
scooters they ride around the campaign concluded and the last bottle of champagne at the
on, I really would, knock last Inaugural party was popped, most Obamaniacs returned to their
the cameras right out of normal day-to-day lives, feeling content that they had completed their
their hands. They’re so an- end of the deal.
noying. I’d go for them first.
They drive you nuts. You Will.i.am is one of the few that has continued to be inspired. Earlier this
can’t get away from them. year he contacted representatives for the Oprah Winfrey Show and
It’s terrible.” (Gold Maga-
expressed a desire to fund his own educational stimulus package—a
zine, November 2002)
Hard to believe,
scholarship he calls the “I Am Scholarship.”
but yes, Mike actu-
ally said this. So “Even though there’s an [economic] crisis, that doesn’t mean you stop
we have no choice dreaming,” explained Will.i.am. “So If I’m gonna go out there and say,
but to award The King of ‘Hey, let’s get Obama in the White House.’ And [then] expect him to do
Pop for such a gangsta everything, that’s pretty silly, right? I want to do my part.”
statement.
In “doing his part,” the Los Angeles-bred musician is sending Elijah
G. Your home is quite Williams, Jaiquann Beckham and twins Darien and Barien White to the
modest... and I don’t see colleges of their dreams: Hampton University, Wilmington University,
any bling. How come Virginia Tech, and Cabrini College, respectively. The underprivileged,
you don’t have the big overachieving high school graduates will all receive full scholarships
diamond thing that says including tuition and fees, books, and room and board for four years
Michael? beginning in the Fall of 2009, paid for entirely by Will.i.am.
I’m modest in that way.
If I had it on, I would By investing in America’s future, the producer reared in the projects
probably give it away to
by his single mother is pledging to help even more students of single
the first kid to say, ‘Wow, I
like your necklace.’When I
parents who are unable to afford to rising costs of college. “You can
was growing up, stars like take your money and put it in the bank, or you can put it in our youth;
Sammy Davis, Fred Astaire, you can put it in our future,” he concludes.
Gene Kelly, if I simply said,
‘I love that shirt you’re
wearing,’ they would give it
to me. It’s a show business
trait. Hand it over.” (At Large
with Geraldo Rivera, May
2005)
Imagine Mike
Jackson rocking a
big ass chain with
a Bubbles the Chimp piece
1. Mr. Hit Dat Hoe
by TV Johnny. Not a good Carrying on in DFW, Texas’ current wave of dance
look, but since he’d “hand it music (“The Dougie” & “Stanky Leg”), a character
over” to a little kid like Plies named Mr. Hit Dat Hoe is putting his bid in to be
did at the Orlando Magic the next dance phenomenon. Oddly, his dance
game, MJ earns the title doesn’t involve any punching, slapping or kicking.
of Da Realest Goon from Its actually made up of hoe girl-like moves including
Gary, Indiana. hip-shaking, waist-twirling and finger-snapping.
Score 6/7
Overall, Michael Jackson
2. Extortion Ent.
Ironically, this label is based in Boston, home of OZONE’s 2004 Extor-
earns the highest rating in tionist of the Year Ray Benzino. From looking at their myspace page
“Are You A G’” history. Say
they house artists, DJ and host events. Hope they pay their staff.
what you want about his
tragic life, but you can’t
deny the fact that Michael 3. Mac Mustard
Jackson was BAD. This rapper comes from same circle as Max B. and French Montana. He
raps pretty good, but his name sounds like a failed A1 Sauce flavor.
- Compiled by Eric Perrin
(above L-R): Ace Hood & Rick Ross @ Phillips Arena for Birthday Bash in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly); JW & Young Jeezy @ Club Cinema for JW’s CTE signing party in Pom-
pano Beach, FL (Photo: Terrence Tyson); TI & Maino @ Crucial for the CORE DJs Grand Hustle event in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Terrence Tyson)

01 // Johnnie Cabbell & his wife Sasha @ Johnnie Cabbell’s TV show launch party (Atlanta, GA) 02 // DJ Bigg V, Blessed, & Bigga Rankin @ Mississippi Delta Music Fest (Leland,
MS) 03 // Byron Wright, Don Vito, Bishop of Crunk, & Lil Jon @ Esso for the BMI Urban Showcase (Atlanta, GA) 04 // Yung Ralph & Young Strizzy @ Fox Sports Grill for Yung
Ralph’s Big Cat Records signing party (Atlanta, GA) 05 // Elsa, Bibi Guns, & Maisha @ Esso for BMI Urban Showcase (Atlanta, GA) 06 // Shawn Prez, Diddy, Sean Garrett, & Tony
Neal @ Justin’s for the CORE DJs Bad Boy event (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Ray J & Shorty Mack @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 08 // Stevie DaMann, DJ Prostyle, & Soulja Boy @ Power 95.3
(Orlando, FL) 09 // Lil Jon & TJ Chapman @ Esso for BMI Urban Showcase (Atlanta, GA) 10 // Devi Dev & Terrence Tyson @ The CORE DJs Retreat In The Know Seminar (Atlanta,
GA) 11 // J Holiday & fans @ Velvet Room (Atlanta, GA) 12 // Cash 64 & Ms Rivercity @ the W for CORE DJs Retreat (Atlanta, GA) 13 // Big CO & Jackie Chain @ The Loft for the
CORE DJs Retreat (Atlanta, GA) 14 // Maino & DJ Skream @ UCF Arena for DJ Prostyle’s birthday bash (Orlando, FL) 15 // DJ Kool Aid & Johnson Boy @ Mississippi Delta Music
Fest (Leland, MS) 16 // Black, Rick Ross, Geter K, & Karmo @ Diamonds (Miami, FL) 17 // Aleshia Steele & DJ Juice @ the W Hotel for the CORE DJs Retreat (Atlanta, GA) 18 // Paul
Wall & DJ Scorpio @ The Loft (Atlanta, GA) 19 // Grand Prix & DJ Speedracer @ The Loft for the CORE DJs Retreat (Atlanta, GA) 20 // DJ Quote & DJ Rip @ Justin’s for The CORE DJs
Bad Boy event (Atlanta, GA)

Photo Credits: Devon Buckner (04); Edward Hall (02,15); J Lash (16); Julia Beverly (03,05,06,07,09,17); Malik Abdul (01,08,14); Ms Rivercity (11,12,18); Terrence Tyson (10,13,19,20)

OZONE MAG // 25

OZONE EXCLUSIVE
Textin’ is no longer safe now that OZONE’s
dangerous minds have hacked the system.
26 // OZONE MAG
SPECTACULAR (OF PRETTY RICKY)
& RILEY (OF THE BOONDOCKS)
Riley: Hey Spectacular, since I like yo music and you gay, does that make me
gay? Cause that video you made was real gay, nigga.
Spectacular: That video wasn’t gay, it was for my fans. They asked me to do it
so I did it.
Riley: Well, I’m yo fan nigga, and I ain’t Gay!
Spectacular: It wasn’t for you, Riley, it was for the ladies. And people don’t
really buy records like that no mo’ so you gotta satisfy ‘em.
Riley: But I watched that shit and I wasn’t satisfied. It looked pretty gay to me.
Spectacular: Did you watch the whole thing?
Riley: Yeah, I watched the whole thing, nigga. Why?
Spectacular: Damn, since you watched the whole thing you might be gay lil’
homie. But at the same time, I ain’t got nothing against gay people. The homo-
sexual community supports Pretty Ricky and you buy our albums and come to
our shows. So I got nothing against you.
Riley: Hold on nigga, I ain’t homo! Hell naw…nigga, you gay! And I heard you
was bout to get paid 100,000 to be in a naked gay magazine.
Spectacular: I mean, I’m flattered that they would offer the opportunity, cause
I just started my modeling, you know what I’m sayin...
Riley: Not really, nigga. I know you need the money, cause yo group ain’t ma-
kin it without Pleasure P, but posing naked in gay magazine is…gay!
Spectacular: But really, I’m bout to be in all the magazines, Playgirl, Playboy,
GQ, Men’s Health, Business Week, XXL, Maxim, OZONE, Home and Gardens,
pretty much all of ‘em. So at the end of the day, a gay magazine is just another
magazine for my fans.
Riley: Hold on nigga, you ain’t bout to be in OZONE. Hahahahaha!! Nigga, you
crazy. I know them fools at OZONE and they ain’t gay!
Spectacular: Well maybe not OZONE, but definitely XXL.
Riley: Well that makes more sense…but I don’t care what magazines you be in,
I just wanted to make sure I’m not gay for liking yo’ music.
Spectacular: Just make sure you support my new company, Spectacular Ice.
Big Boy Ice at Little Boy Price.
Riley: Okay, I will as long as you give me a discount... Hey, are you gonna be at
the Gangstalicious Album release party tonight?
Spectacular: Yeah, he asked me to a dancer in his next video so I’ll definitely
be there.
Riley: Cool, see you there
Spectacular: Fa sho. Homies over hoes.
From the minds of Eric Perrin & Randy Roper
Photo by Julia Beverly
(above L-R): OJ da Juiceman & Shawty Lo @ Phillips Arena for Birthday Bash in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly); Glasses Malone & Mack 10 on the set of Glasses Malone’s “Sun
Come Up” video shoot in Miami, FL (Photo: J Lash); 2 Pistols & video model on the set of 2 Pistols’ “Lights Down Low” video shoot in Tampa, FL (Photo: Julia Beverly)

01 // Janine, Diamond, Attitude, & Jackie @ CORE Models pool party (Atlanta, GA) 02 // Corey Cleghorn & JuJu of Fam Life @ Dallas Convention Center (Dallas, TX) 03 // Dough-
ski, Youngbleed, & Mr Pookie @ Stankofa for the Stop the Violence event (Dallas, TX) 04 // Hen Roc, DJ Bobby Black, & Gorilla Zoe @ UCF Arena for DJ Prostyle’s birthday bash
(Orlando, FL) 05 // Spike, 2 Pistols, guest, & Chris on the set of 2 Pistols’ “Lights Down Low” video shoot (Tampa, FL) 06 // Young Dro & BOB @ Crucial for the CORE DJs Grand
Hustle event (Atlanta, GA) 07 // DJ Nasty, DJ Demp, & DJ Khaled @ Mansion for Rick Ross’s “Deeper Than Rap” release party (Miami, FL) 08 // DJ Spinz, Rocko, & DJ Scream on the
set of DJ Scream’s “On My Grind” video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 09 // Sean Garrett & Manny Halley @ Esso for the BMI Urban Showcase (Atlanta, GA) 10 // Unladylike @ the W Hotel
for the CORE DJs Retreat (Atlanta, GA) 11 // MTV’s Rahman Dukes & Shaheim Reid @ Mansion for Rick Ross’s “Deeper Than Rap” release party (Miami, FL) 12 // DJ Frogie & DJ
Aaries on the set of DJ Scream’s “On My Grind” video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 13 // Butta & the Merk Camp @ Ear to Da Street music conference (Birmingham, AL) 14 // Block Life &
DJ Fresh @ the W for CORE DJs Retreat (Atlanta, GA) 15 // Tabbie, JuJu of Fam Life, & Bigg V @ DSU (Cleveland, MS) 16 // Ray J & Monika Olimpew @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL)
17 // Scales of the Nappy Roots, Mickey Factz, & Big V of the Nappy Roots @ Esso for the BMI Urban Showcase (Atlanta, GA) 18 // Bay Bay, Sipp the Surgeon, JuJu, Veda Loca,
Porscha, Pookie, Ike, J Kash, & Loaded @ Urban South Radio (Dallas, TX) 19 // Bigga Rankin, DJ Impact, TJ Chapman, & DJ Nasty @ The CORE DJs Retreat In The Know Seminar
(Atlanta, GA)

Photo Credits: Edward Hall (02,03,15,18); Julia Beverly (05,07,09,10,11,16,17); Malik Abdul (04,13); Ms Rivercity (08,12,14); Terrence Tyson (01,06,19)

OZONE MAG // 27
 Philadelphia native
Covergirl probably knows
more about sex than your high
school health teacher, but then
again, she’s supposed to.
As a biology major with plans of one day becoming a pediatri-
cian, the 23-year-old Georgia State University student spends
her mornings learning about the human body, reproduction,
and anatomy, and nights entertaining her future patients’
fathers with displays of her own anatomy.

Her 36-25-38 structure is definitely a gift of nature, but the

surprisingly humble stripper is quite modest in regards to her
appearance. “When I’m at work I just dance,” she says. “I’m sure
my looks have something to do with it, but I never think about
that.”

In fact, she didn’t even think of her own alias, it was simply
given to her by a friend. “Originally, my name was going to
be Desire,” she reveals. “When I first started dancing a friend
convinced me to go with the name Covergirl, and I didn’t really
care either way.”

The vivacious Virgo does, however, care about her future career.
She loves kids, but doesn’t have to time to start a family of her
own yet and is far more studious than most models, evidenced
by the fact she is perhaps the only chick in the industry without
a Myspace page.

“Whenever I’m on the computer I’m studying and doing home-

work,” she admits. “I don’t have time for all that other stuff.”
A former grocery store cashier, Covergirl fled frigid Philadelphia
for Atlanta after high school and hasn’t looked back in 7 years.
She believes the biggest difference between the two cities
is the mentality.

“In Philly, nobody is doing nothing with their lives. [In

Atlanta] at least people are trying,” she says. “I know
I’m gonna have a lot of challenges as a pediatrician,
but I’m not worried about that. I’ll just have to deal
with it when I get there.”

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

28 // OZONE MAG
(above L-R): J Money & Meany of the Shop Boyz on the set of DJ Scream’s “On My Grind” video shoot in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Ms Rivercity); Glasses Malone & First Lady on the set
of his “Sun Come Up” video shoot in Miami, FL (Photo: J Lash); Maino & Big Kuntry @ Crucial for the CORE DJs Grand Hustle event in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Terrence Tyson)

01 // G Mack, Kim Ellis, & Acafool @ The CORE DJs Retreat In The Know Seminar (Atlanta, GA) 02 // Jessie Maguire & Willy Northpole @ the W for CORE DJs Retreat (Atlanta, GA)
03 // DJ Drama & Chill da Million Dollar Man (Atlanta, GA) 04 // Ray J & Freestyle Steve @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 05 // Spiff TV, DJ Nasty, The Incredibles, Bali, The Runners, & DJ
Khaled @ Mansion for Rick Ross’s “Deeper Than Rap” release party (Miami, FL) 06 // Glasses Malone & Haitian Fresh on the set of Glasses Malone’s “Sun Come Up” video shoot
(Miami, FL) 07 // Chaos & DJ Q45 @ Sobe Live for JB’s Miami Bday Bash (Miami, FL) 08 // 2 Pistols & Boy Wonder on the set of 2 Pistols’ “Lights Down Low” video shoot (Tampa,
FL) 09 // Sean Garrett, Catherine Brewton, & Lil Jon @ Esso for the BMI Urban Showcase (Atlanta, GA) 10 // DJ Montay & Dorrough (Atlanta, GA) 11 // Ike G Da, Ed the World
Famous, & DJ Nasty @ the W Hotel for the CORE DJs Retreat’s Def Jam Showcase (Atlanta, GA) 12 // DJ Scream, DJ Spinz, Shawty Lo, & Braski on the set of DJ Scream’s “On My
Grind” video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 13 // Bizzle & guest @ Tabu for Dawgman’s Crunkfest (Orlando, FL) 14 // Kim Ellis & Rob Gold @ The CORE DJs Retreat In The Know Seminar (At-
lanta, GA) 15 // DJ Dre & Ricochet @ Wet Willies (Fort Worth, TX) 16 // Lil Wil, Doughski G, & DJ Tiger @ K104 (Dallas, TX) 17 // Wayne Williams & Chaka Zulu @ Red Carpet Lanes
for the CORE DJs DTP bowling event (Atlanta, GA) 18 // Bibi Guns & DJ Nasty @ Esso for the BMI Urban Showcase (Atlanta, GA) 19 // Nino, Hot Boy Star, & Lady C @ Mambo’s for
Stephanie of 97.9’s birthday bash (Dallas, TX) 20 // Dorrough & DJ Dr Doom @ the W for CORE DJs Retreat (Atlanta, GA)

Photo Credits: Edward Hall (15,16,19); J Lash (06,07); Julia Beverly (04,05,08,09,11,18); Kingpin (03); Malik Abdul (13); Ms Rivercity (02,10,12,17,20); Terrence Tyson (01,14)

OZONE MAG // 29
 S
hreveport, Louisiana native DJ HollyHood Bay Bay is one of the
most influential DJs in the country. Known as the inspiration
behind Hurricane Chris’ breakout single, “Ay Bay Bay,” and for his
ability to launch an artist’s career, Bay Bay attributes his success
to hard work and solid relationships. Currently an on-air personality on
Dallas’ K104, the self-proclaimed “Street A&R” who began as a dance
choreographer is witnessing his own career take off. Here, he tells his
story:
“I was the ambassador of the Ratchet City movement, born and raised in
Shreveport, Louisiana. Throughout the whole success of the “Ay Bay Bay”
record, situations happened that tried to set me back, but it was just minor
setbacks for a major comeback. After all the hype and success I was re-
cruited to the number 4 [radio] station in the country, which is in Dallas, TX.
I’ve been in the industry for 11 years, but I’m actually not a DJ. I’m a moti-
vational speaker; a person of influence. I got started as a dance choreogra-
pher for the band at Grambling State University. I did a year and a half there
and then I came back to help my alma mater, Fair Park High School’s band.
One day the announcer got sick, so they asked me to announce for the
band. Being the hype man for the band helped me with my speaking skills
and I became a real popular guy around town.
Whenever I went to the club, I would just walk in, the DJs would hand me
the microphone, and I would say shit that got everybody crunk. The club
owner noticed it, so I stopped doing it for free and they started paying me
for it. I was the guy that came in with all the energy and made people party.
This led me to radio, and soon I had the number one radio show on a 3000
watt station in Shreveport going up against a 60,000 watt station in Dallas.
Radio gave me the ability to give a lot of local love on the airwaves. The
[program directors] let me do whatever I wanted to do as long as the num-
30 // OZONE MAG
bers didn’t fall. Since I was in a small market I had a lot of freedom and a lot
of influence. Becoming a respected radio personality enabled me to build
and maintain good relationships with people in the industry.
The key to a good industry relationship is the same as with any relationship:
Always have communication and an open understanding. You have to do
what you say you’re gonna do, keep it as real as you can, and don’t promise
nobody nothing that you can’t deliver. If you can’t do it, just say you can’t
do it. If you do agree to do something and realize later that you can’t do,
call them and let them know you can’t do it. Accountability is important.
By building good relationships with A&Rs and people in high places, along
with me being able to break an unknown artist in both the club and on
radio, I really have a monopoly. I’ve used this situation to break several
artists. I’ve been responsible for breaking and launching Hurricane Chris,
The GS Boyz, Dorrough Music, and Lil Josh and Ernest outta Baton Rouge.
II think I’ve been very inspirational to most of the artists in the game. They
know who they are!
People always ask me about [the current situation with] me and Hurricane
Chris, and the thing about me and Chris, it’s like family. You gon’ have
disagreements as far as ups and downs. We haven’t spoken in a while, but
I stay in contact with his mom and his manager and I just know if I really
needed him he’d be there for me and I’d be there for him. It’s just two
people that have egos—but I don’t have that big of an ego where I would
let it end a friendship.
Before I go, I gotta shout out Big Poppa, KP, Wild Yella, Baby 3, Blitz, T.O.B,
Lil Six, TNT, T-Willz, Dazasta, Big Chief, D-Bo. I mess with the underdogs, the
people who ain’t got it, because we’re trying to change people’s lives.”
As told to Eric Perrin // Photo by Eric Perrin
(above L-R): Mack Maine & Bow Wow @ Phillips Arena for Birthday Bash in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly); Al Sharpton & Young Jeezy @ Hot 97 Summer Jam in New York, NY
(Photo: Thaddaeus McAdams); Wendy Day reppin’ Big Meech @ The CORE DJs Retreat In The Know Seminar in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Terrence Tyson)

01 // Diamond & guest @ Esso for the BMI Urban Showcase (Atlanta, GA) 02 // Cory Mo & DJ T-Roc on the set of DJ Scream’s “On My Grind” video shoot (Atlanta, GA) 03 // Big
Tuck & ladies @ Club Flow for Trina concert (Dallas, TX) 04 // Yung Ralph & Skoolboy @ Fox Sports Grill for Yung Ralph’s Big Cat Records signing party (Atlanta, GA) 05 // FLY
& ladies @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 06 // Slim & Dre on the set of 2 Pistols’ “Lights Down Low” video shoot (Tampa, FL) 07 // Maino & Devi Dev @ Crucial for the CORE DJs Grand
Hustle event (Atlanta, GA) 08 // Candy & Tony Neal @ Young Cash’s birthday party (Atlanta, GA) 09 // Ricco Barrino & Yung LA on the set of Yung LA’s “Futuristic Love” (Atlanta,
GA) 10 // Lil Jon, DJ Trauma, & Bryan Michael Cox @ Esso for the BMI Urban Showcase (Atlanta, GA) 11 // DJ Rip & Jarvis @ Justin’s for The CORE DJs Bad Boy event (Atlanta, GA)
12 // Sweetness & Bigga Rankin @ The CORE DJs Retreat In The Know Seminar (Atlanta, GA) 13 // TMR Models, Glasses Malone, Baby, & Mack 10 on the set of Glasses Malone’s
“Sun Come Up” video shoot (Miami, FL) 14 // Bama & Meany @ Club Mariachi (Atlanta, GA) 15 // Paul Wall & Ms Rita @ 97.9 The Beat car show (Dallas, TX) 16 // DJ Lil E, Lady C, &
JuJu of Fam Life @ Ju Ju’s birthday bash (Dallas, TX) 17 // J-Kash & Big Chief @ Mambo’s for Stephanie of 97.9’s birthday bash (Dallas, TX) 18 // Papa Duck & Bali @ Skye Nightclub
(Tampa, FL) 19 // Juggie & DJ Finesse @ Justin’s for the CORE DJs Bad Boy event (Atlanta, GA) 20 // Young Cash & Grand Prix @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 21 // Uncle Luke & porn
stars @ Cameo (Miami, FL)

Photo Credits: Devon Buckner (04); Edward Hall (03,16,17); J Lash (05,13,21); Julia Beverly (01,06,10,11,19); Luis Santana (18); Malik Abdul (08); Ms Rivercity (02,09,14,20);
Terrence Tyson (07,12); Tre Dubb (15)

OZONE MAG // 31

F
or years, the term “Zoe” has been used as an expression of
endearment amongst people of Haitian decent. But according to
Florida rookie Black Dada, his breakthrough single “I’mma Zoe”
is more than a song that pertains to his Haitian roots. It’s a song
that can represent anyone that’s been through a struggle. “If you’re some-
body that’s been through a lot, and has still been able to overcome, no
matter what it was, you’re a Zoe,” the singer explains. “Being that we were
considered as slaves first, we were able to overcome all of that, and be on
top, where in a sense, we run the US, when it was something that people
thought it’d never happen. But that’s what a Zoe is, what [Barack] Obama
did. But at the same time it’s a Haitian root word.”
Long before our president was Black, Dada was born in Haiti’s capital city,
Port-au-Prince. His father, a welder, and mother, a nurse aide, first left Haiti
when Dada was five-years-old and two years later, their family relocated to
Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Growing up, Dada’s love for music and singing in
the church choir lead the Broward County vocalist to pursue a career in mu-
sic. He began performing throughout South Florida, and built relationships
with artists like Ace Hood, Rick Ross, Ball Greezy and Iconz Music.
32 // OZONE MAG
Patiently
Waiting
Once Florida’s Haiti community caught wind of “I’mma Zoe,” his single
quickly became a Haitian anthem throughout the Sunshine State. Dada
signed with Miami indie label Strictly Business Records (also home to
standout Miami rapper Redd Eyez), and due to his single’s continued
growth, coupled with a winning Wild Out Wednesday performance on
BET’s 106 & Park, major labels started calling. Universal, Atlantic, Def Jam
and Warner Bros. all showed interest, but in the end Dada inked a deal with
Universal Republic.
He’s currently working on his debut album, tentatively titled, F.L.A. (First
Love and Addiction), and with all eyes on Black Dada, the Florida neophyte
is aiming to use the attention to unite the state that raised him. “I want
to rep Florida to the fullest,” he says. “I wanna start a Florida movement,
instead of Dade County [and] Broward County. We need to merge the shit
together and make it big, and become the next New York and Atlanta.” Zoes
and Floridian citizens should be proud.
Words by Randy Roper
Photo by David Rosario
(above L-R): Sean Garrett & Lil Jon @ Esso for BMI Urban Showcase in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly); Dancer reppin’ OZONE @ Stiletto’s in Euless, TX (Photo: Edward Hall);
Young Dro & Maino @ Crucial for the CORE DJs Grand Hustle event in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Terrence Tyson)

01 // Lil Wil & DJ Bigg V @ DSU (Cleveland, MS) 02 // Paco, DJ Lil E, & Turro @ Ju Ju’s birthday bash (Dallas, TX) 03 // Sherrie & Tamiko Hope @ Johnnie Cabbell’s TV show launch
party (Atlanta, GA) 04 // J Kash & Big Chief @ Mambo’s (Dallas, TX) 05 // Fredo & JuJu of Fam Life @ Club Flow for Trina concert (Dallas, TX) 06 // Gucci Poochie, Rick Ross, &
Masspike Miles @ Karu & Y for Rick Ross’s birthday party (Miami, FL) 07 // DJ Christion, Cool & Dre, 2 Pistols, & Young Joe on the set of 2 Pistols’ “Lights Down Low” video shoot
(Tampa, FL) 08 // Red Cafe, Akon, & Tony Neal @ Justin’s for the CORE DJs Bad Boy event (Atlanta, GA) 09 // Stephanie & BC @ Mambo’s for Stephanie of 97.9’s birthday bash
(Dallas, TX) 10 // Bigga Rankin, G Mack, & Lil Cali @ The CORE DJs Retreat In The Know Seminar (Atlanta, GA) 11 // Colione, Ms Rivercity, & Rook @ Hot Beats (Atlanta, GA)
12 // Matt Daniels & 2 Pistols on the set of 2 Pistols’ “Lights Down Low” video shoot (Tampa, FL) 13 // DJ Magic, Trina, & JuJu of Fam Life @ Club Flow for Trina concert (Dallas, TX)
14 // DJ Rip, Devi Dev, & Roccett @ The CORE DJs Retreat In The Know Seminar (Atlanta, GA) 15 // Kiki J & Pookie from UrbanSouth @ K104 (Dallas, TX) 16 // Hen Roc & Shawn
Prez @ Justin’s for The CORE DJs Bad Boy event (Atlanta, GA) 17 // Big Hood Boss & Tum Tum @ Tini Bar for Dorrough’s signing party (Dallas, TX)

Photo Credits: Edward Hall (01,02,04,05,09,13,15,17); J Lash (06); Julia Beverly (07,08,12); Malik Abdul (03); Ms Rivercity (11); Terrence Tyson (10,14,16)

OZONE MAG // 33

A
lthough Tampa has become known as the homeland of “jook”
music, Tampa resident and Orlando native Javon Black doesn’t
want to be categorized solely as a “jook” artist. “I do jook records
for other artists, but it’s not something that I do personally,” the
rising singer/songwriter says of the upbeat blend of Hip Hop, bass, reggae
and dancehall music. “It is good music, [but] my style is like old school R&B,
with a new school feel.”
Black’s interest in music began around the year 2000. As a big fan of the
R&B group Dru Hill, he witnessed the solo success of the group’s lead singer
Sisqó, and figured, “if someone like that can do it, then, hey, maybe I can
do it.” With that, he began studying the art of music—singing, songwriting,
and producing. He later departed Orlando for the city of Tampa, where he
enrolled in college at the International Academy of Design & Technology,
majoring in recording arts & sciences.
Not long after moving to Tampa, he met Lil Kee, a local producer/rapper.
The two began collaborating, and Black soon signed to Kee’s company,
KeeZone Productions. Their key collaborative effort came in the single
“Shawty Tear It Up,” which caught fire in Tampa. Before they knew it, the
single was spinning in every club and urban radio station in Central Florida.
34 // OZONE MAG
Patiently
Waiting
“Kee heard [‘Shawty Tear It Up’] the first time, and he said, ‘I don’t think this
track will be that [big],’ Black recalls. “We played it at a club one night, and
everyone started vibing to it. Ever since then it took off.”
The single did more than take off. With this year’s NFL Super Bowl taking
place in Tampa, the buzz in the city surrounding the record was enough to
garner attention of record executives and music industry insiders vacation-
ing the town for the weekend’s festivities, which ultimately landed Black
and KeeZone Entertainment a deal with Universal Republic. In addition,
Miami rapper/singer Sean Kingston reached out recorded a remix to the
record with Black.
Now that his major label deal is secured, and his yet to be titled debut
album is in the works, Black is primed to put himself, KeeZone and Jook
City on the map. And although he doesn’t want to be pigeonholed as a
jook artist, he does understand his role in his region’s movement. “It’s a
big Jook City movement right now,” he says. “It’s a real smooth flavor, from
Miami back down to Tampa, it’s real big. So, hopefully this year, people will
start realizing that jook music is music that you can vibe to, party to, dance
to.” We’ll jook to that.
Words by Randy Roper
(above L-R): Hurricane Chris & Cassidy @ Sobe Live in Miami, FL; T-Pain & Ace Hood on the set of “Overtime” in Miami, FL (Photos: J Lash); 2 Pistols pourin’ some Hennessy for
C-Ride on the set of 2 Pistols’ “Lights Down Low” video shoot in Tampa, FL (Photo: Julia Beverly)

01 // DJ Khaled, Manny Halley, Bryan Michael Cox, guest, Lil Jon, Bishop of Crunk, & DJ Trauma @ Esso for the BMI Urban Showcase (Atlanta, GA) 02 // Roccett, 211, & Traxamil-
lion @ Justin’s for The CORE DJs Bad Boy event (Atlanta, GA) 03 // Slim, 2 Pistols, & Rage on the set of 2 Pistols’ “Lights Down Low” video shoot (Tampa, FL) 04 // Drumma Boy &
DJ Trauma @ Luckie Lounge for DJ Trauma’s Birthday Bash (Atlanta, GA) 05 // Director Peter Spirer & Trick Daddy on the set of the movie “Just Another Day” (Orlando, FL)
06 // VIC & Gravy @ Esso for BMI Urban Showcase (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Pretty Ricky & Ray J @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 08 // OZONE crew Malik Abdul, Kenny Brewer, Kerisha Smith,
Kisha Smith, Eric Perrin, Tasha Heran, Mz Skittles, & Julia Beverly @ Luckie Lounge for JB’s ATL Bday Party (Atlanta, GA) 09 // DJ Princess Cut & friends @ Crucial for the CORE DJs
Grand Hustle event (Atlanta, GA) 10 // Maguire, Mickey Factz, Ms Rivercity, & Devi Dev @ Def Jam Showcase during the CORE DJs Retreat (Atlanta, GA) 11 // Mr CC & David @
UCF Arena for DJ Prostyle’s birthday bash (Orlando, FL) 12 // Ladies @ CORE Models pool party (Atlanta, GA) 13 // The Package Store @ Esso for the BMI Urban Showcase (At-
lanta, GA) 14 // Green Lantern & Jason Geter @ Esso for the BMI Urban Showcase (Atlanta, GA) 15 // Bryan Michael Cox & DJ Khaled @ Esso for the BMI Urban Showcase (Atlanta,
GA) 16 // JT tha Bigga Figga & Ms Rivercity @ The CORE DJs Retreat In The Know Seminar (Atlanta, GA) 17 // 2 Pistols, Young Joe, & C-Ride on the set of 2 Pistols’ “Lights Down
Low” video shoot (Tampa, FL) 18 // Cassie & Shawn Prez @ Justin’s for The CORE DJs Bad Boy event (Atlanta, GA) 19 // Bertell & Trey Songz @ Esso for the BMI Urban Showcase
(Atlanta, GA)

Photo Credits: Devon Buckner (04); Eric Perrin (08); Julia Beverly (01,02,03,06,07,13,14,15,17,18,19); Lawrence Odum (05); Malik Abdul (11); Ms Rivercity (10); Terrence Tyson
(09,12,16)

OZONE MAG // 35
 I
nitially just a group of “swagged up kids
in school,” the Rich Kids (Khaelub, Baby
Charles, Skateboard Skooley, Shad and
June) became a rap group less than a year
ago. That may not be a long time by most people’s
standards, but when you’re gifted with a mix of
entertaining personalities, word spreads quickly.
The group soon found a home with Grand Hustle
Records.

“We started rapping like 8 months ago,” Khaelub

says. “We were already in the studio, but we were
just playing around and never thought about rap-
pin’. ‘What’s Up’ was the first song we recorded.”

A week after finishing “What’s Up,” the group

recorded “My Partna ‘Dem” with Young Dro, giving
The Rich Kids two instant hits in Atlanta.

Their mesh of sounds, fun energy, and signature

dance moves made them most requested in their
hometown, both in the clubs and on the radio.
Skooley, the Rich Kids’ youngest member and hook
singer, explains their fast rise to fame. “Not being
big-headed,” he says, “but as more experienced
people told us how big we were gonna be, the
more we felt the same way.”

Currently working on a mixtape with DJs Southan-

bred and Infamous titled Money Swagg, which is
also the name of their dance, The Rich Kids are still
in the development stages. KT, their manager and
longtime Grand Hustle affiliate, says, “We’re work-
ing on getting the records in rotation, working on
this mixtape, and getting the paperwork right.”

With all the pieces falling into place, the records

are starting to make their way into other markets
like Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, and South Caro-
lina, making The Rich Kids regional celebrities. It’s
an experience the boys are more than appreciative

Patiently
of. “I’ve been in the club before, but I ain’t never
been in the club like a star,” Shad explains. “It gave

Waiting
me a better feeling about myself. I hope for much
success in the future, and money.”

“I really love doing this,” Baby Charles adds. “I love

going to the studio and doing the shows and stuff.
We doing this for y’all.”

Their energetic spirits have gotten them a long

way thus far, and everyone is looking at the Rich
Kids as the next big trend in Atlanta. “They are
very talented and what they are doing hasn’t been
done in a long time,” concludes KT. “They bring a
lot of energy to the stage and in the booth. They
some dang characters for real; that’s what we’re
selling. They’ve got what it takes.”

Words by Ms Rivercity
Photo by Devon Buckner

36 // OZONE MAG
(above L-R): TI & Tiny @ Crucial for the CORE DJs Grand Hustle event in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Terrence Tyson); Paul Wall @ The Loft in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Ms Rivercity); Playboy Tre @
Crucial for the CORE DJs Grand Hustle event in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Terrence Tyson)

01 // DJ Dave & Tity Boy of Playaz Circle @ Luckie Lounge for DJ Trauma’s Birthday Bash (Atlanta, GA) 02 // Jermaine Dupri @ Magic City (Atlanta, GA) 03 // Zaytoven @ The CORE
DJs Retreat In The Know Seminar (Atlanta, GA) 04 // Lo Fat @ Johnnie Cabbell’s TV show launch party (Atlanta, GA) 05 // Young Dro @ Crucial for the CORE DJs Grand Hustle
event (Atlanta, GA) 06 // Yashi @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s (Tallahassee, FL) 07 // Bishop of Crunk @ Luckie Lounge for DJ Trauma’s Birthday Bash (Atlanta, GA) 08 // DJ Koolaid @
Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 09 // Total Kaos & ladies @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s (Tallahassee, FL) 10 // Twaun Pledger & guest @ Ear to Da Street music conference (Birmingham, AL)
11 // Alfamega @ Crucial for the CORE DJs Grand Hustle event (Atlanta, GA) 12 // M16 @ Ear to Da Street music conference (Birmingham, AL) 13 // JW & Boo da Boss Playa @
Luckie Lounge for DJ Trauma’s Birthday Bash (Atlanta, GA) 14 // Big Chief on the set of Big Hood Boss’s video shoot (Dallas, TX) 15 // Carol City Cartel @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s
(Tallahassee, FL) 16 // Atiba @ UCF Arena for DJ Prostyle’s birthday bash (Orlando, FL) 17 // Rico Brooks @ UCF Arena for DJ Prostyle’s birthday bash (Orlando, FL) 18 // DJ 151 @
The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s (Tallahassee, FL) 19 // Kevin Shine & DJ Dave @ the Hot Block Awards (Atlanta, GA) 20 // Physha P & Kim Ellis @ The CORE DJs Retreat In The Know Seminar
(Atlanta, GA) 21 // Purrdy Girls & Strizzy @ the W Hotel for the CORE DJs Retreat’s Def Jam Showcase (Atlanta, GA) 22 // Keinon Johnson @ Luckie Lounge for DJ Trauma’s Birth-
day Bash (Atlanta, GA) 23 // Southern Syrup DVD @ Tailgate Park (Jacksonville, FL) 24 // Sweetness & TJ Chapman @ The CORE DJs Retreat In The Know Seminar (Atlanta, GA)
25 // Bruck Up @ UCF Arena for DJ Prostyle’s birthday bash (Orlando, FL) 26 // T Rose & Chelsie @ Ear to Da Street music conference (Birmingham, AL) 27 // Mob Boss & ladies
@ Tailgate Park (Jacksonville, FL) 28 // DJ Dr Doom, Hen Roc, & DJ Impact @ The CORE DJs Retreat In The Know Seminar (Atlanta, GA) 29 // Chase Pat, Bruce Wayne, & Rico @
Stankofa for the Stop the Violence event (Dallas, TX) 30 // JoSki Love & guest @ Ear to Da Street music conference (Birmingham, AL) 31 // Guest & Vawn @ Luckie Lounge for DJ
Trauma’s Birthday Bash (Atlanta, GA) 32 // DJ Holiday & DJ Trauma @ Luckie Lounge for DJ Trauma’s Birthday Bash (Atlanta, GA) 33 // Geter K @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s (Tallahas-
see, FL) 34 // DJ White Chocolate @ 97.9 The Beat car show (Dallas, TX) 35 // Mic Wrecka & Big Will of Mentally Sedated @ Club Inferno (Killeen, TX)

Photo Credits: Devon Buckner (01,07,13,19,22,31,32); Edward Hall (29); Julia Beverly (21); Malik Abdul (04,06,09,10,12,15,16,17,18,23,25,26,27,30,33); Ms Ja (02); Ms Rivercity
(08,14); Terrence Tyson (03,05,11,20,24,28); Tre Dubb (34,35)

OZONE MAG // 37
 N
ew Corporate Thugz Entertainment
signee JW has already made an impres-
sion on both his co-workers and even
some of his fans.

“They think I’m crazy,” says the Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

native, with an intensity in his eyes rivaling 2Pac’s
“I am crazy” scene from Juice. “But I’m blessed. They
think I’m crazy when I talk like this, about God all
the time. But I have to talk like this. If I don’t I’m not
being true to who I am. God gave me this vision, and
I’d be wrong if I don’t mention that. I know what it is.
I’ve only been rapping a year and a half. I’d be wrong
to say my name is buzzing in Florida only because of
me. Big up to God.”

Powered by his street single “Baik At It” and his guest

appearance on Young Jeezy’s “Biggest Movie Ever,”
JW’s current mixtape series Get It From the Muscle
is more chest-pounding than bible-thumping, but
he makes sure his music is as honest as possible. So
yes, you will hear him talk legal problems he had a
decade ago and the lavish lifestyle he lives now. But
you will also hear him talk about earning a football
scholarship to Auburn University and graduating
from Illinois State University with a degree in busi-
ness.

“When you see people’s mixtape or album covers,

they’re standing there with money, dope, guns and
scales,” JW sighs. “Mine is just me. You’re gonna hear
my life situations. I’m from the hood and I’ve been
through good and hard things like everybody else. I
just want to be a voice and relate to the people.”

While his speaking voice may remind you of Trick

Daddy, JW’s fiery vocal inflection on his records
immediately kill any impending comparisons. The
excitement may stem from the fact that JW has only
been rapping for a short time, leaving him with
plenty of untapped energy to get out when in the

Patiently
booth. In fact, the entire first volume of Get It From
the Muscle were comprised of the first recordings

Waiting
he’d ever made. Every song he’s done up to this
point is the soundtrack of his life.

“No disrespect to any rappers and I hope no one

takes this the wrong way, but I’m not a rapper,” he
says. “I’m more like a preacher. This shit comes from
my heart. I’m not one to say ‘Give me a beat and I’ma
kill it.’ I’m confident that I could, but my shit has to
make sense. It has to be something the people can
relate to. The beats tell me what to say.”

He adds, “Don’t get me wrong, I respect the Hip Hop

culture. I have to. I can’t lie and say that I indulged
in it for years, because I haven’t. But I am growing
with it.”

Words by Maurice G. Garland

Photo by Terrence Tyson

38 // OZONE MAG
(above L-R): Neechie & Spark Dawg @ All Pro Studios in Jacksonville, FL (Photo: Ms Rivercity); Jeremih @ Luckie Lounge for DJ Trauma’s Birthday Bash in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Devon
Buckner); Maino @ UCF Arena for DJ Prostyle’s birthday bash in Orlando, FL (Photo: Malik Abdul)

01 // Ray J @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 02 // Lyfe Jennings @ Crucial for the CORE DJs Grand Hustle event (Atlanta, GA) 03 // DJ G Mack @ The CORE DJs Retreat In The Know Semi-
nar (Atlanta, GA) 04 // Midget Mac & Duval crew @ Bourbon St Station (Jacksonville, FL) 05 // Unladylike @ Luckie Lounge for DJ Trauma’s Birthday Bash (Atlanta, GA)
06 // Lil Scrappy @ Platinum 21 (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Pretty Ricky @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s (Tallahassee, FL) 08 // Acafool @ The CORE DJs Retreat In The Know Seminar (Atlanta, GA)
09 // Keisha @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s (Tallahassee, FL) 10 // Yung Ralph @ Fox Sports Grill for Yung Ralph’s Big Cat Records signing party (Atlanta, GA) 11 // DJ Smallz & Ms Honey
Siccle @ Ms Honey Siccle’s release party (Oklahoma City, OK) 12 // DJ Ace & DJ Teknikz @ Fox Sports Grill for Yung Ralph’s Big Cat Records signing party (Atlanta, GA)
13 // T Rose & Butta @ Ear to Da Street music conference (Birmingham, AL) 14 // Gorilla Zoe & Shawn Prez @ UCF Arena for DJ Prostyle’s birthday bash (Orlando, FL) 15 //
Honee & Malik Abdul @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s (Tallahassee, FL) 16 // Johnnie Cabbell @ Johnnie Cabbell’s TV show launch party (Atlanta, GA) 17 // MLK @ Luckie Lounge for DJ
Trauma’s Birthday Bash (Atlanta, GA) 18 // Jessica Rochelle, Teddy T, & Miss Ricki @ The CORE DJs Retreat In The Know Seminar (Atlanta, GA) 19 // Tina, Kiki J, & Ebony J on the
set of Big Hood Boss’s video shoot (Dallas, TX) 20 // Mr Vegas @ UCF Arena for DJ Prostyle’s birthday bash (Orlando, FL) 21 // Shane of Cool Runnings @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s
(Tallahassee, FL) 22 // Arab @ 97.9 The Beat car show (Dallas, TX) 23 // Black-Jackk @ Kalyko’s Video Shoot (Cincinnati, OH) 24 // DJ King Ron @ Bourbon St Station (Jacksonville,
FL) 25 // Young Capone @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s (Tallahassee, FL) 26 // Turro & John 20 @ Richmind Records party (Dallas, TX) 27 // Jackie Chain & guest @ Crucial for the CORE
DJs Grand Hustle event (Atlanta, GA) 28 // Don Cannon & DJ Infamous @ Luckie Lounge for DJ Trauma’s Birthday Bash (Atlanta, GA) 29 // Calico Jonez & guest @ Ear to Da Street
music conference (Birmingham, AL) 30 // B Luck @ Kalyko’s Video Shoot (Cincinnati, OH) 31 // Spectacular @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s (Tallahassee, FL) 32 // Ceasar, Que P, & Bigg
Buck @ Richmind Records party (Dallas, TX) 33 // DJ Demp @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s (Tallahassee, FL) 34 // Chop Chop @ Ms Honey Siccle’s release party (Oklahoma City, OK)
35 // Big Nick & Cole @ The Moon for TJ’s DJ’s (Tallahassee, FL)

Photo Credits: Devon Buckner (05,10,12,17,28); Edward Hall (11,19,26,32,34); Judy Jones (23,30); Julia Beverly (01); Malik Abdul (06,07,09,13,14,15,16,20,21,25,29,31,33,35);
Terrence Tyson (02,03,04,08,18,24,27); Tre Dubb (22)

OZONE MAG // 39
 W
hen the So Icey brand name comes
to mind, off top you probably think of
Gucci Mane, followed by newcomer
OJ da Juiceman. Now there is another
So Icey offspring growing in the South – Waka Flocka
Flame. Taken under Gucci’s wing to learn the ropes,
Waka surprised himself with how easily he took to the
sport of rapping.

“Gucci showed me how to rap. He said, ‘Bro, dis shit

easy.’ I just listened to what my boy said, and this shit is
easy. I been rappin’ for like a year now.”

Though he claims it’s been easy, Waka may not realize

how difficult it is for the average rapper to collect a
fanbase his size, especially in such a short amount of
time. With the release of his first mixtape earlier this
year, the 23-year-old quickly found out his forte was
with the female audience.

“I’ve got more girl fans than anything,” he claims. “I’ve

got a song called ‘Down Ass Girl’ and I was just playin’
[when I made that song] but they liked that a lot. That’s
like the #1 song on the mixtape.”

The entire mixtape was recorded in a week, and during

that week Waka created several hits: “Down Ass Girl,”
“Dreads and Golds,” and his current club record, “O
Let’s Do It.” The latter song has increased his scope of
listeners and made him one to follow in the streets of
Atlanta.

Self-described as a mix between Eazy E, Lil Jon, and Gu-

cci Mane, Waka’s goal with music is to get people crunk
and make girls dance. Sounds simple enough, but it’s a
far different goal than what he might have had grow-
ing up. Originally from New York, Waka relocated to
Riverdale, GA when he was 9 years old, over a decade
before his music profession materialized.

“Swear to God, I liked drug dealers and basketball play-

ers when I was growing up,” Waka says of his childhood
role models. “It was either sell drugs or play basketball.”
But now an entirely different set of doors has been
opened for him, and he feels it’s important to let others
experience his life through lyrics. “It’s just a struggle.
You gotta make people believe in what you went
through in life. You gotta emphasize that and make
them feel it, and at the same time make it entertaining.”

With a clear purpose behind his music, Waka is pres-

ently working on the double-disc sequel to his debut
project. He’s also contributing to the 1017 Brick Squad
mixtape, a group which consists of Gucci Mane, OJ da
Juiceman, Waka, Wooh the Kid, Frenchie, and more.

“We’re like the new N.W.A,” Waka says. And even while
comparing his labelmates to the legendary group,
Waka explains why he does so well as a solo artist. “I’m
in my own lane, I’m rapping my own way, doin’ my own
thang. I guess the shit I say touched so many people
that they fuck with me.”

Words by Ms Rivercity
Photo by Donna Permell

40 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 41
 WORDS BY MAURICE G. GARLAND
PHOTOS BY DAVID ROSARIO

42 // OZONE MAG
Ace Hood is en route from Indianapolis, Indiana to Atlanta, Georgia, on his way to
grace the stage at the annual Birthday Bash concert that is pretty much known as
the Summer Jam of the South. Currently passing through Memphis, Ace sounds tired,
but refuses to let the cousin of death whisper in his ear. Why should he? Staying
awake is what got him discovered by DJ Khaled. Staying awake is what got him signed
to Def Jam. Staying awake is what’s blessed him with the opportunity to follow up his
debut album, 2008’s Gutta, with his sophomoric effort Ruthless less than a year later.
Ozone caught up with fiery Floridian to find out how life has been since he’s gotten
some “Cash Flow.”

During your campaign for Gutta you hit the road heavy. What have you
been up to since then?
I’ve just been grinding on this tour, letting people get to know Ace Hood
as a person. That’s why I took the route I did with this album, to show my
growth.
Yeah, the video was about grinding. But we didn’t want the video to be a
traditional grind, being on the block, shooting dice. We didn’t want to make
a typical video, I wanted to provide hope. Throwing money isn’t what we
needed for this video. So I wanted to show the youth an academic grind, an
athletic grind, show them that they can be victorious.

What kind of growth will you be showing on this album? Many new artist
don’t really get to do all that they want on their debut albums so the
second one is where they get to have a little more control.
With this album, there’s just a lot more personal records. I got to do a lot of
records of my strength and not relying on a lot of people. I have features
but it’s mostly me.
As far as you as an artist, the general consensus so far has been that you
rap hard as hell, but don’t say much.
That’s what I’m saying. That’s why I portray more of myself with this Ruthless
album. Gutta was the introduction. People asked me why I rapped so hard.
I was so excited to represent my city, my hood, plus I was excited to be on
Def Jam, so I was going hard. I’m getting ‘em every time I open my mouth.
Even in my interviews, if Khaled said, “Get ‘em, Ace,” I’m getting ‘em.
So this time I wanted to portray my personality more on this album,
the type of person I really am. Ruthless will show people why I go as
hard as I do.
This time around there isn’t a big “Florida movement” as your album
drops. Granted, artists like Plies, T-Pain, Rick Ross, etc are still putting out
music, but it seems to be more on an individual basis at this point. What
are you anticipating as you come back out in this new climate?
Just more love, man, and a better response. I look forward to people talking
me more seriously this time. The first time people didn’t know where I came
from or know too much about who I was. As far as the album goes, I have
a crazy record with Jeremih, it’s a next level “Ride.” I got a lot of hot street
records too. I have a song called “Born an OG” with Ludacris on it. I got a
record with The Dream and one with Lloyd. The album goes hard. I’m trying
to show that this ain’t just music, it’s a celebration. When you open the CD,
you’ll see where I came from and where I got to. I didn’t build me by being
a nice guy. //

What kind of person are you really? Because to let photos and
videos tell it, the first thing we see is the “We The Best” chain
which makes you look flashy by default.
Before that situation, I was a low key dude. I still am now. People
interview me and be like, “Why don’t we hear anything crazy about
you?” I know how to turn it on and off. I’ve always been low key, but
when I got the chain, I was like, “Okay, it’s time to get it in. I have to
portray [myself as] a star.” But it’s for TV. It’s what people want to see
for entertainment. I leave that on the stage though. Outside of that
I’m a low key dude.

Had you ever left your town before you started traveling as an
artist?
I stayed around my parts. If I did leave the city it was only an hour
away, if anything. So when I started hitting the road, it was crazy
going to other cities and seeing how they do it. Seeing the differ-
ences in people. I didn’t know what was going on, it was crazy in
the beginning, but they were showing love. I felt like I had more in
common with people than I had differences. I saw how my music
touched people in Chicago and places like that. It’s big. Anytime
people love you, it’s big. They’re checking for good music, at the
end of the day. It’s big to have that anticipation.

Has the experience of traveling to new cities affected how you

make your music nowadays?
It just lets me know that people have love for me. People 15, 16
hours outside my city know who I am. So I just take those experi-
ences and incorporate it in my music. Staying in tune to the reces-
sion situation and stuff like that. So find out what goes on in every
city and try to incorporate that into my music.

How do you find that balance between rapping about enjoying

the good life but still relating to the fans who aren’t?
One thing that keeps me at that level is, I know it ain’t all about the
jewelry. I’m trying to let people in the ‘hood know I’m just like them,
I want to let them know that we relate. I feed off being able to relate
to people instead of flashing jewelry in their face. I’ve been through
the poverty just like them.

Your video for “Overtime” has that kind of feel to it in a way. It

showed regular people doing regular things like trying out for
football and studying to get into college.

OZONE MAG // 43

How does this life that you’re living now com-
pare to what you envisioned for yourself back
in the day when you were locked down? Did
you ever see yourself getting to this position?
I’m a miracle baby, Julia. I’ve dreamed of this.
I’m living a dream. Anytime you can take a dude
that spent half his life in prison and make it
to the position I’m in now, it’s amazing. I don’t
wanna take it for granted. I don’t wanna under-
appreciate it. And to be honest with you, there’s
no words that can even describe how I really feel.
You know what I mean? Every day I wake up and
feel blessed. I feel like, man, this is unbelievable
for me to be here right now. Especially when I
think back on the life I was living and think about
where I come from and what I’ve been involved
in. So for me to be here and see people react - to
see that I have fans out there and people that are
interested in me – it’s bananas.
In the Hip Hop community, having a prison
background is almost like a plus – it gives you
credibility. Do you feel like the time you spent
locked up was necessary in order for you to
get into the position you are now, or get in the
mindframe where you were able to turn your
life around?
Sometimes you have to go through hell to get to
heaven. If I didn’t go to prison I wouldn’t be here
rapping right now because I started rapping
in jail. I never rapped before that. I never had a
dream of being a rapper; it never crossed my
mind to even write a rhyme. It was because I was
in jail and I had time and had nothing to do. I
started to write out of boredom, and then I loved
to do it. After a while I decided I wanted to come
out and take it seriously. So, me being here is a
direct result of going to jail.
What do you think you’d be doing if you hadn’t
gone to jail?
I’m afraid of that thought.
It probably would’ve been a worse scenario?
Oh, definitely. I come from that mentality of
people who feel like they’re going to be in the
streets for the rest of their lives. There’s no real
difference between me and the dudes you see in
the streets that are hustling and getting money
in and out of jail. It’s just that when I did go to
jail I had a revelation. I don’t even know [how]; it
had to be divine for me to be here. You have to
understand, when I was in jail I always thought
I was gonna go home and do the same thing I
had been doing. It didn’t matter if they locked
me up for ten years or twenty years, I was gonna
go home and continue doing what I had been
doing. I wasn’t learning anything in prison. I was
just there, you know?
What made you ultimately decide to go a more
positive route?
After seeing what Biggie had done and what
[Lil] Kim had done, I felt like I was close to it. I
44 // OZONE MAG
felt like, man, if people I know can get on and
become rappers, maybe I could too. I have that
type of hustler mentality and that type of drive.
I decided to give it a try and if it didn’t work, I
could always fall back on the streets anyway. The
streets ain’t going nowhere so I felt like I didn’t
have anything to lose by trying, you understand?
When you did make the decision to go the
music route, did things happen faster or
slower than you expected? A lot of people
start rapping and think they’re going to have
immediate success and blow up overnight, but
it doesn’t always happen that way.
I guess it’s a combination of both, but for the
most part I felt like it was kinda quick. I came
back home [from prison] in 2003 and a year and
a half later I was signed to a major label. So that
was quick. My career didn’t actually pop off at
that point [in 2005] but I was signed, so I felt like
I was making progress. That was good enough
for me to continue to do it. If there wasn’t any
progress being made, I would’ve left [the rap
game] a long time ago.
You were with Universal at the time, right? Why
didn’t that situation work out, and how did you
end up at Atlantic?
Bottom line, I guess [Sylvia Rhone] didn’t think
I could work [as an artist]. They let me go. They
dropped me, but I didn’t have a problem being
dropped. I felt like it was her loss.
That wasn’t discouraging for you to get
dropped from the label? You didn’t feel like it
was a setback?
Nah, not at all. At that point, that was the best
thing that could’ve happened to me. Gene
Nelson, who I had already became close with
throughout the whole Kim era, had just been
[appointed to] an executive A&R position [at
Atlantic]. I wanted to be around people who I
knew cared about me. I wasn’t getting that type
of attention at Universal, so when I heard they
were potentially considering dropping me, I was
like, “Aight. Let’s get it poppin’.
Around the time you were first buzzing there
were a lot of expectations placed on artists like
yourself, Papoose, and Saigon, as far as being
“the one” to bring New York back. From what
we’ve seen so far, it hasn’t really happened like
that. Do you look at yourself as having moreso
an individual movement, or do you feel like
the New York movement is still coming behind
you?
We’ve got to be honest. Those things you’re
saying, I’ma have to agree with you. There was a
time when those individuals were named, and
let’s not act like their time is still here. You know
what I mean? When it came time to put out hit
records and all that, I feel like I was the only one
able to make that transition. And that’s not me
taking shots at anybody.
WORDS BY JULIA BEVERLY
PHOTO BY Mike Schreiber
The T-Pain hook didn’t hurt either. (laughs)
Naw, it didn’t. But that was after “Hi Hater.” [The
record with] T-Pain wasn’t my first joint. I came
in the game with “Hi Hater,” which was just me
on the hook and the verses by myself. No big
producer, no nothing. That opened up the doors
for me so I was able to come back with [features
and producers from artists like] T-Pain and Swizz
Beatz. I had already made the introduction. As far
as the New York movement, I feel like there are
opportunities for everybody to get in the game.
It comes down to making good music. To me,
as long as you can make some great music, the
more the merrier. I don’t think one man can do
it on his own, and I never professed to being the
dude [to bring New York back].
Do you think it’s the music, or more the mental-
ity of New York artists?
It’s a little bit of both. It’s the attitude and the
music. It’s the way we think. As long as you think
you don’t need a hook in your music, I mean, the
people around you have gotta be honest with
you. I’ma tell you right now, Julia, there’s never
gonna be a time you hear a whack Maino record.
You may not love [a record] as much as you
loved the one before, but you’ll never be able to
say I’m whack.
Tell us about your album, If Tomorrow Comes.
Of course everybody has heard the single “All
The Above,” but tell us about some of the more
personal cuts you have on the album.
Aw, man. My new album is great. Shout out to
the people that bought my album. It’s an album
about my life. I just told my story from beginning
to end. I came out of prison with a plan, I went
through the trials and tribulations of just trying
to exist. I was a street nigga trying to be a rapper,
you understand? That was very hard making that
transition. That was probably the hardest thing
in the world for me to do. I got a joint on there
called “Remember My Name.” From the feedback
I’m getting, that’s a favorite. A lot of people like
“Runaway Slave.” I don’t do it for me, you know?
I do it for the people, so I [judge] the records
off the feedback. I go back to the lab with that
feedback, and so far, it’s been great.
Were you happy with your first week numbers?
I’ll tell you what: I couldn’t do much with 45,000
[copies] in stores, you feel me?
What are you saying, the label didn’t ship as
many copies as they were supposed to?
I’m not gonna say who did what and who didn’t
do nothing, because at the end of the day it is
what it is. I’m a miracle baby regardless of my
first week numbers. I was an inmate just a couple
years ago. I didn’t have fans, I had [correctional
officers] telling me what to do and looking in the
crack of my ass. I’m just giving you the raw facts.
I’m not pointing the blame at nobody. I’m just
letting you know that I couldn’t do much [sales-
wise] with 45,000 [units] in the stores nationally.

Obviously the industry has changed and no-

body’s really doing the numbers that they’d
like to be doing. I guess the emphasis is more
on the digital sales?
Let’s not act like we don’t wanna sell records.
We do. But at the same time, look at the odds of
even getting to this point. It’s hard enough just
to get to a position to get signed and to actual-
ly come out with an album. So my whole thing
is, whether I sell one copy or one million copies,
it’s all good with me. I sold around 25,000-
30,000 copies, so that’s 25,000-30,000 people
that I know love me, you understand? So I’m
gonna hit them again. And let’s not forget that
my single is almost platinum [in digital sales] so
I’m still gonna bring home a platinum plaque
for New York. I don’t want to get caught up in
[sales numbers] because that’s not something
I can control. My job is to make the best music
that I can, and I think I’ve done that. Sometimes
we don’t get everything that we wanna get, but
as long as we live to fight another day, the war
ain’t over.

There were some people taking shots at

T-Pain and claiming that he supposedly stole
the beat and concept for your single “All The
Above” from them.
That situation got cleared up. T-Pain didn’t even
write that track, so the beef could never be
with T-Pain. I cleared up that situation though. I
talked to the dude [that was claiming it was sto-
len] and T-Pain didn’t steal that track. It would
be impossible for T-Pain to have stolen some-
thing he didn’t even make. We brought the
track to T-Pain, he didn’t bring it to me. Shout
out to Just Blaze and Nard & B for putting the
track together. It was just a misunderstanding.
I don’t know if it was a coincidence [that the
records sounded similar] or what, but I know
the record wasn’t stolen. I watched the record
being created right in front of me, so it would
be impossible. I don’t know, some people just
have agendas. I don’t wanna get caught up
with what people are saying. As long as they’re
talking, it’s cool with me.

Was there one situation specifically that

inspired you to write “Hi Hater” or was it just a
general message to the haters?
Naw, it’s in general. It’s for everybody. Every-
body feels like they’ve got haters, so I thought
I’d give them an anthem. It wasn’t a direct
situation with me, it was just an anthem for the
haters, whether you’re white or black or tall or
short or fat or skinny. Everybody can relate to it,
and that’s what I gave them. That’s how I try to
make my music, so that people can relate to it.
You know what I mean? That’s how I try to do it.

So what exactly is the deal with you and Lil

Kim? You’ve mentioned her a few times. Is
that a romantic thing or are y’all homies, busi-
ness partners?
Kim is a very close person in my life but it’s
never been romantic though. It’s not really busi-
ness either. We’re family, and we still are.
Is she on your album?

You didn’t listen to my record, did you, Julia?

Naw, I didn’t. I confess. I’ll have to go buy it in
stores. I’ll support.
Yeah, you should, and then you would’ve had
a better respect for an interview with me. You
would’ve liked Maino a little bit more. When
you listen to it, you need to call me back and
tell me what you think. //

OZONE MAG // 45

It’s been over three years since Sean
Paul produced a full length album
for his fans. Since then, the dance-
hall phenomenon has been some-
what quiet, especially considering
his pREVIOUS domination of U.S.
entertainment. Earlier this year the
Grammy-winning artist introduced
the single “So Fine” from his fourth
project, Imperial Blaze, an album
Sean Paul feels is slightly more
mature, but still geared toward the
party crowd. During the album’s
promo tour, the Jamaican spokes-
man makes a stop in the south to
talk about where he’s been, what
he’s seen, and how it’s affected him
not only as a musician, but also as
a humanitarian.
Tell us about the new album. Everybody is
wondering why it’s taken you so long to give
your fans new material.
The album has been done since about January
’09. I’ve basically been sitting back waiting. I took
three years to finish it off. Everybody’s like, “Yo,
when’s it gon’ come out?” So I was just as much
anxious as my fans were. It was finished in Janu-
ary, but I was told it’s a summer record so I had
to wait. I was setting stuff up and now we’re here
doing the promotion.
Who can we expect to hear on the album? Do
you have any special guest features?
I don’t have no collaborations on my album.
A lot of people ask me, “Who you got on your
album?” And it’s like, “Me, it’s my album.” I did a
lot of songs this time around, like near 60 songs,
so I just wanted people to hear most of it. I think
about 20 songs are on the album.
What types of songs are they?
It’s a party-oriented album. It also gets a little
bit mature. I’m speaking about relationships. I
have a song dedicated to my mom. People might
say, “You did a song to your mommy? You’re a
mommy’s boy?” But really, all of us are. I think
that’s a more mature way of looking at it for
myself. For that reason alone the album is a little
bit more mature.
How many years has it been since you released
46 // OZONE MAG
your very first album?
The first album I had was Stage One in 2000.
So that was nine years ago. Do you still enjoy
making music as much today as you did nine
years ago?
I definitely enjoy making music. I also enjoy
performing it. There’s a lot of things I had to get
used to enjoying, like going around and doing a
lot of meet and greets. But I do enjoy it; I enjoy
meeting new people and everyting.
You’re a huge Jamaican artist in the U.S., but
you’re also big in other countries and conti-
nents. How does that feel to be able to touch
such a wide range of people?
It’s an amazing feeling to be able to have a
thought on your mind, even if it’s just to shake
your ass, and people hear it and acknowledge
it and get wit’ it. It’s a beautiful feeling. It’s kinda
what I wanted to do in the beginning, it’s why I
got into spittin’ rhymes and being the DJ that I
am. I had a few things to say, and instead of just
telling one person here and there, I could go on
to tell every woman, “Yo, you the hottest, you the
best.” For real.
So you tell every woman that, or is there one
particular one? Are you single?
Um, at the moment, that’s still my own personal
business.
How do you deal with strangers always in your
personal business? Does it make you uncom-
fortable or are you used to it by now?
Yeah, when ladies are in my personal business I
feed them bananas, and when dudes try to get
in my personal business I tell them mañanas. You
know what I mean?
Back to your overseas audience, what are some
places that really had an impact on you? Were
there some countries that just really touched
you?
Tahiti was an amazing place to go to. People
always ask me where I like to vacation, and I
always say Jamaica ‘cause it’s the most beautiful
place I know. I still live there. Every time I have
time off I’m like, “Take me back home to Jamaica.”
I go to a place called Portland, a very beautiful
place. But when I went to Tahiti, I was like, wow
this is amazing. And plus it’s a very underdevel-
oped country. There’s not much infrastructure,
it’s very natural. I loved it. Also, Rwanda was a
very emotional experience to me. The whole
country of Africa is an important place to visit
and do shows.
What was it about Rwanda that was emotional
for you?
About 15 years ago they had a massacre over
there, genocide. My country at that time, in 1994,
was a violent country, but not as violent as it is
today. Sometimes it makes me feel a bit anxious
for my own country. When I went to Rwanda to
perform, I saw the people back together again
and they said, “We couldn’t do this 12 years ago.
We couldn’t have a concert like this ‘cause we
were all fighting each other.”
Do you see that happening in your country?
It’s so similar to what’s happening in my country
right now. After that performance I cried. I came
off stage and tears was comin’ down. I kept
thinking to myself, is this how Jamaica has to get
before we realize we need to chill out? I always
tell people about that, and it was a very out-
standing performance for me. [The Rwandans]
took 800,000 lives of their own people in three
months. Now 15 years later they’re together
again. 800,000 lives coulda been saved, it coulda
gone down different. That show gave me an
overwhelming vibe.
That’s a powerful story. Are you on the road
touring right now?
Yeah, I’m on a promotional tour for the album,
letting people know I’m back out publicly. I’ve
been doing records back home in Jamaica, but
nothing to present as an album to the world.
Some of it’s out on the internet, but I wanted to
let people know my album is out now. About
the end of May I started going to different ter-
ritories – the whole East Coast, I went to France
and England. I came back to the West Coast and
did a lot of those territories, and now I’m here in
the South. In September when the promotional
tour is done I’ll get a chance to look into touring.
People can go to AllSeanPaul.com. I think I want
to tour in November and December.
How’s your single “So Fine” doing? Is it living
up to your expectations?
Oh, fa sho. It’s putting smiles on ladies’ faces,
I’m bouncing people around, you know what I
mean? I’m glad for that. Unfortunately, Michael
Jackson died, and it kinda took over our whole
consciousness. Twitter and YouTube went crazy,
and it’s still going crazy. Big up to him and his
family and fans. I wish him peace. He’s a great
entity in music – style, music, performances,
music videos. He’s innovative. MJ, rest in peace. //
OZONE MAG // 47
 8 Fitted Jeans Over Skirts
I wear jeans over skirts because it’s more secure, in case the
wind blows by. (laughs) I wear skirts [too] but I wear jeans way
more than I wear skirts. – Gunna

7 Playing Video Games

I love video games, and I play video games as an art. I’m a
competitor. – Gunna

6
Walkin’ Outside with Socks On
My grandma always tells me, “Girl, put some shoes on your
feet when you go outside. The bottoms of your socks are
always gon’ be black.” I’m so used to walking outside with my
socks on, walkin’ to the mailbox, it’s just a habit. – Gunna

5 Fightin’ in the Club

We don’t do that. That’s the old Unladylike. If somebody’s
fighting around us, we might get a punch in, but ain’t nobody
gon’ know ‘cause we gotta keep it professional and ladylike.
– Tee

4
No Acrylic Manicures
We get our nails done, but not those fake nails. We keep it
natural. – Gunna

3 Profanity
That’s self-explanatory. – Gunna & Tee

10 2
Tennis Shoes Over Heels Sitting Unladylike
We’re ladies, but we’d rather keep it funky when we perform. We do Sometimes we cross our legs, sometimes we don’t. – Tee
tennis shoes, the [Air] Forces, but we still keep it sexy at the same

1
time. – Tee Gettin’“Scummy Dummy” Dawg
Gettin’ tipsy, gettin’ drunk, gettin’ scummy dummy, gettin’

9
Book Bag Purses Over Regular Purses messed up. We use the phrase “scummy dummy” on our first
Book bag purses fit the whole Unladylike style. We’re more like the single “Bartender.” That’s how we talk. – Gunna & Tee
T.L.C. and Aaliyah style. It’s tomboy-ish, but at the same time we
definitely keep it sexy. And you can put a lot of stuff in a book bag
purse. – Tee As told to Ms. Rivercity

48 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 49
 Angel Lola Luv doesn’t care what
you say about her—just as long as
you don’t call her fake. Though the
Washington, DC resident with the Wonder
Woman proportions won’t tell you whether
or not everything on the outside of her is
real, she’s certainly adamant that every-
thing on the inside is 100% authentic.

“I was out on my own at the age of 15,” says

Angel. “And from that point on, it was the
hood that embraced me. When I was com-
ing up and had to support myself, it was
the hood was there for me. So I’m not try-
ing to just claim that I’m hood, I really am.”

While her exterior may not scream “hood,”

her hustler’s mentality certainly does.
Throughout her two year career as perhaps
the number one video chick in the game,
Angel has definitely been aggressive and
knows exactly how to attract attention.
She’s had rumored relationships with every-
body from Young Jeezy to Trey Songz, been
accused of augmenting her ample apple
(her measurements are an almost unnatural
36D-22-40!), and has changed names more
times than Sean Combs. But through it all,
Lola Luv has stayed relevant.

Now known as Lola Monroe, the Ethiopian/

Trinidadian temptation is bringing it to the
booth. Though she began rapping only
recently, the 22-year-old has been writing
poetry for years, and has already surprised
many critics with her above-average flow.

True to Angel Lola Luv Monroe fashion,

the drama still follows, even in rap. Within
the last few months, Miss Monroe has
developed suspected beef with both Nicky
Minaj and Karrine Steffans (more notably
with the latter, whom she accused of giving
video vixens a bad name), but regardless
of whatever controversy she creates, the
former model remains content. She enjoys
the fact that so much attention is being
focused on her and her debut mixtape Boss
Bitches World. It’s good for business.

As she preps the release of second mixtape,

Lola Monroe is determined to succeed in
rap. She hopes to one day become just
as iconic as Marilyn—her inspiration and
namesake, and at the rate she’s headed
now, she just may.

50 // OZONE MAG
I have to admit, when I first heard that you were going to become a rap-
per, I was a little skeptical. But after hearing you spit, I was impressed.
How long have you been rapping?
Well, thank you so much. I definitely appreciate the love and all the sup-
port. I actually started rapping last year, but I’ve been writing since I was
like 12 years old. I used to write poems, and when I hit the age of 14 or 15,
I used music as my escape. I was going through so many different things in
my life at that point, whether it was love or family issues. I’ve always been
doing music, but I just officially started rapping last year.
What convinced you to start rapping? Were you bored with modeling?
Actually, modeling for different publications and in videos was a job. It was
something for me to get more exposure and get my foot in the door. Music
is in my heart. Music is what I wanted to do. I look at music as a career, not a
job, and it’s not that I got tired of the whole modeling thing, but it was just
that time to transition.
You have such a pretty exterior, but your personality seems a little less
delicate. Where did that tough mentality come from, DC?
Definitely DC. I came up in the hood and the hood has always been there
for me, that’s why in my music, I speak so much about the hood. It’s love in
the hood, and the love there is not based on money or none of that stuff.
My whole persona and aura comes from that environment.
You once said in an interview that you compare yourself to dudes, not
females, and that you don’t idolize Beyonce; you idolize Jay-Z. If that’s
true, your aura is definitely authentic.
Yeah, that’s funny, and when I made that statement I was infatuated with
Beyonce, but I respected Jay-Z’s movement more. Coming up, I never
compared myself to other females, and I’ve always competed with dudes.
Even with whips, like my first car was a ’96 Chevy Caprice, and I wanted
a bubble because all the boys drove bubbles. I wanted a bubble and I
wanted to paint it pink and put the 23”s on it—back then, niggas was still
on 22”s. I wanted to do it bigger; I thought about 24”s, but I had to still keep
it feminine. So whenever I compare myself to someone, it’s usually a male
in a position of power, because that’s what I’m striving for.
Are men more intimidated by the way you look or the way you act?
I really don’t know, but I’m sure they are intimated by how I compete some-
times. I know it happens because I do compete, but I don’t compete in an
aggressive manner to the point where niggas just can’t stand to be around
me. It’s more of a mentality thing, but it’s not excessive. I can actually be
around, relate to, and have better conversations with dudes than I can with
most females. But of course the intimidation happens, even in the music
business.
Do you think people take you less seriously as a rapper because you’re
known as a model and sex symbol?
People are skeptical at first. Being that I did come into the game from the
modeling aspect people are like, “Oh, she’s rapping? I don’t know about
that.” They’re so used to seeing the sexy layouts and the softness in the pic-
tures that people don’t think I have anything to rap about. But they don’t
know where I came from, and they never heard me speak, and don’t know
my story, so one of the obstacles that I’ve faced is people not believing.
Has that skepticism hindered you from being able to work with some of
the top notch producers or mainstream artists?
Yeah, definitely. It’s hard sometimes, but at the same time I do have people
in the industry who believe in me, and then I have those that don’t fuck
with me. All that is part of the game, but I’m gon’ let you know that I’m gon-
na let me work speak for me. When I first started out, I had so many people
that didn’t believe. Once I put out this mixtape and they saw that I’m really
serious, now more and more people are starting to support. The more I
keep working and putting out good music, it’s gonna keep increasing.
How would describe your sound to someone who has never even heard
you speak, let alone rap?
I have my own sound. I’m not really South, but I’m not up North. I have
DC swag to my music. My music is something females can [relate to]; it
represents female empowerment. That’s why I called my mixtape Boss
Bitches World. Everything I’m doing music-wise is a movement to me, and I
represent the boss bitches. Aside from representing females, I represent the
streets and the struggle.
Who are you working with and what kind of projects are you currently
involved with?
I dropped my Boss Bitches World mixtape and I’m currently working on my
second mixtape right now. For the first mixtape, I was addressing the critics,
the haters, and just basically talkin’ my shit. On the second mixtape, it’s way
more original beats and I’m just ready to talk more about my life and where
I came from and my story.
I read that you got kicked out of the house at age 15 for losing your
virginity. Is that true, and if so, how’d you get caught?
Actually, that whole thing was put out the wrong way. I didn’t get put out
for losing my virginity. Coming up, I had a lot of issues at home, and I was
going through a whole lot at home. I had to constantly move to and from
different relatives’ homes and at the time, I was staying with my aunt. My
aunt found out I had lost my virginity, but I lost my virginity to my first
boyfriend, my first love, my first everything, someone I really, really loved.
I had to leave [my aunt’s] house because of it and go back to my mother’s
house, but I never got put out for losing my virginity. Around that time,
there was just so much going in around my family, and the fact they really
didn’t accept me dealing with a guy I fell in love with, I decided to leave my
home and move out. But I never got put out.
Okay, well I’m glad you got that cleared up. And I’m not trying to dwell
on negativity, but let’s talk about Nicki Minaj. The industry has so few
successful female rappers, and now the two with arguably the biggest
buzzes have beef. What’s up with that?
Actually, that whole Nicki Minaj thing was really blown out of proportion.
They recorded me while I was being asked about her in my “Lip Service”
interview, and the way they put the video out they titled it, “Lola Monroe
beefing with Nicki Minaj.” But the whole situation isn’t that serious, it was
blown out of proportion; it ain’t no beef. Where I come from beef is taken
very, very seriously, so if it was beef, niggas would know.
DC has never really had a mainstream, breakout rapper. Now you’re
emerging and it’s possible that the first commercial rapper from DC
might be a female. Do you think that will make it harder for upcoming
male rappers from DC?
My city has a whole lot of talent. Wale is another artist from my city who is
doing his thing. As far as me being a female, I’m gonna hold down my city
regardless, but there’s a lot of talent in my city. Different artists like Wale,
Tabi Bonney, Raheem DeVaughn—there’s a lot of talent in DC. My whole
goal is to be the female voice, the female representation for DC and I think
it’s our time now. There was a time for the South, there was a time for New
York, there was a time for the West side, and now it’s time for DC.
What do you do during your downtime away from the music industry?
Baby, I’m working 24/7. I don’t have time to do anything else at all. This oc-
cupies so much of my time that there’s nothing else that I do, and I’m being
so honest right now.
There’s been so much speculation about certain asspects of your phy-
sique not being real. Do all these repeated allegations bother you, or are
you just glad to keep everybody talking?
Like I’ve always said, it helps get my numbers up and I don’t mind at all. If
you pick my Boss Bitches World mixtape I’m actually speaking on it myself.
So none of the things people say fazes me whatsoever.
I know you’re a rapper now, but would you ever get back in the video
modeling scene for the right amount of money?
Naw, I’m done with videos unless it’s a cameo for one of my homies.
If Hugh Hefner offered you some ridiculous amount to pose nude would
you do it?
[laughs] Only if I’m keeping my bottoms on.
That’s no fun. You wouldn’t do it even for a million dollars?
Naw, definitely not.
When you accomplish your goals in music do you plan to pivot into
movies?
Music is my 100% focus, and that’s what I want to do. But I’m definitely
into doing movies. I actually have a film that I just did with 50, Before I Self
Destruct, and then the other film with Wendy Williams, her life story. And
I’m also working on Crazy Like A Fox.
What advice would you give aspiring female emcees about the industry?
You gotta push harder than these niggas. You gotta go harder than these
niggas because it’s way harder for a female to be taken seriously. //
Words by Eric Perrin
OZONE MAG // 51
52 // OZONE MAG
Industry 101
Devyne
StePHens
While many people strive to be
in front of the camera, Devyne
Stephens makes a living making
OTHER people look good for the
cameras. Grooming himself as the
“Berry Gordy of this generation,”
Stephens has had a hand in the
success of almost every popular
artist you can name over the last
10 years.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Devyne was
introduced to the city’s music and lifestyle scene
at a young age. He forming his own dance crew,
Fresh Dance Crew, at age 15 with neighbor Jer-
maine Dupri. Eventually Stephens added rapping
to the repertoire and soon found himself as the
first act signed to LaFace Records. But eventu-
ally, Stephens shifted his vision from wanting to
be a star, to making them. Taking a job in artist
development for LaFace, Stephens groomed
names like Usher, Babyface, Toni Braxton and
Outkast into the stars they are today. He then
aligned himself with Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs
and began working with his roster of Bad Boy
artists as well as choreographing tours for the
lies of Diddy, Jay Z, Mary J Blige, Gwen Stefani,
and Pink.
Now, after a decade of putting in work, Stephens
is building his own empire, Upfront Megatain-
ment. It includes his record label, distributed
by Universal Music; The Complex, a state of the
art incubation facility for artists and athletes,
including a top of the line rehearsal studio, Glam
Squad wing, photo studio, nutrition and fitness
wing, media training, choreography studio and
more; Dreamland, an 18,000 square foot man-
sion on 19-acres outside of Atlanta, a hotspot
for ATL’s most exclusive and upscale events; and
much more.
Hoping to bring back a time when artists were
actually developed instead of thrown to the
wolves, Stephens hopes his old-school mentality
can work in a new-school industry.
How did you get introduced to Hip Hop music?
Devyne: I started in the music business as a
artist, not as a dancer. I was signed to LaFace as
Devyne and 90MPH. We showcased with Pebbles
and then she took us to L.A. and Babyface. The
group actually got dropped, but L.A. kept me
onboard helping to develop some of his talent. I
worked with TLC, Usher, Outkast, Pink, Toni Brax-
ton, Tony Rich, and Donnell Jones [at LaFace],
among others.
What role did you play in developing these
artists?
In terms of the imagery, the stage presence, the
choreography, doing some television shows, vid-
eos. The complete artist development process.
Artist development seems to be like a thing of
the past. I’m just curious, what was it like do-
ing that back then as opposed to now, where
artists try to present themselves as a package
without much development to be done?
That’s the difference in the stage power
nowadays. A lot of artists now are more like
cookie-cutter, with one single in and out, not
fully developed. A lot of times when you have an
[undeveloped] artist, the life span of that talent
is very short.
What inspired you to start Upfront, and what
exactly do you guys do?
Upfront is an artist development company re-
cord label. Berry Gordy, and the whole Motown
story, inspired me. Motown was an artist devel-
opment company as well. That’s really how I got
my motivation; from him.
Lets say I was an artist and I want to hire you,
would you help me out? Or do I have to be
signed to a label or your label to take advan-
tage of this?
No, we’re always looking for new talent and find-
ing new talent, so if you walk in up off the street
and you’ve got what it takes well definitely yes.
Some labels have an artist that’s already signed
and we put them through a 30-day or 60-day
program. So we assist other labels with develop-
ing their talent as well.
And you’ve been through that process as an
artist yourself. What are some of the things you
think that your company is doing that some
other companies are not doing?
Like you said, artist development has become a
thing of the past. What we’re trying to do is build
artists that will have longevity. Say Akon, for
instance. He’s a complete package because he
writes, he produces and he performs. Same with
T-Pain; he writes, he produces, and he performs.
Jazze Pha he possesses the same capabilities.
You have to be grounded in today’s market to be
able to sustain in this business.
How were you able to build your company
to such a strong brand? A lot of times, when
somebody starts a company in Atlanta they
stay very localized, which is tempting because
a lot comes out of Atlanta. You already have an
impressive roster of people that you’ve worked
with from all over the place.
My take off was with LA and Babyface and the
way they played the game. That push and that
boost is what introduced me to a lot of key
people in the music business.
What made you put your career as an artist
aside to get more involved behind the scenes?
I was always most intrigued by the business
aspect of it. Creatively, I knew how to produce,
perform and write records, but I felt like at the
time South music wasn’t really being brought
to the forefront. At the time the music was a
little bit ahead of its time. I already had Lil Jon
producing my music. I had Luda and T.I. working
on records with me, and this was before they
were even established. It was a little bit ahead of
its time.
Right now who are some of the people that
you and your company are working with?
Currently we have a girl trio group by the name
of Crave, they’re based out of Atlanta. We also
have Rock City, from the Virgin Islands. We have
Magic Massey, an R&B soul singer out of Chicago,
and Bow Boa, a rapper out of Raleigh, NC.
Interesting you mention Rock City. Some artists
are very talented, have all the connections,
and are known in the industry, but the average
Joe that buys CDs from Best Buy may not even
know of them. How do you try to prevent that
from happening with some of the people you
work with?
It’s like Akon. It took a minute for Akon to get
into the marketplace because he was very
unique, and when there’s something different
and unique about [the artist], it takes a minute
for people to actually get it. I try to find things
that are unique and try to develop those things
and bring those to the forefront to make a big-
ger impact in the marketplace once people do
get it. Like a Kanye West, for instance. When it’s
something different , it makes a huge impact
once it finally breaks. //
OZONE MAG // 53
 We did the OZONE cover shoot at your club in
Las Vegas. Tell us about how you got involved
with the nightclub business.
I became one of the partners of [Poetry Night-
club] a few months ago. I just wanted to bring
a multi-cultural crowd to this Hip Hop culture
we’ve got over here. I wanted to enhance the
sexy ladies and get more people to come out
and buy a lot of bottles and tables and get a lot
of VIP service. I think we’ve done that. I think
we’ve increased it 50% from what it was before.
We’re trying to keep it going and keep it being
successful. We just keep putting out good proj-
ects and staying on top of our game.
Is it your aspiration to be an all-around busi-
nessman? You’ve got the club and the record
label; what other projects are you working on?
I’ve been independent since “One Wish,” so it’s
destiny for me to do what I gotta do to be my
own boss. With the money I make, I don’t just
trick it off and buy chains and shit. I buy clubs,
invest in real estate, and try to put money up for
new developments. That’s what I try to do but a
lot of people don’t know that about me. I’m re-
ally not trying to showcase what I do. I just want
to keep being true to myself.
What happened with the reality show?
I found a good girl, she’s cool, but as far as us be-
ing one on one and being faithful to each other,
I felt like that was shaky. So I needed to go back
in again with season two and see what else is out
there for young Ray J.
The relationship was shaky for you or her?
It was shaky for both of us. When you’re in a
relationship you want it to be 100%. You don’t
want to have those weird kinda side relation-
ships going on. That’s just dirty as hell, and I ain’t
with that.
So are you saying she was cheating on you? Or
you were cheating on her?
I’m trying to be a one-woman man, and faithful
as fuck. It wasn’t that [one of us was cheating on
the other], it’s just that we weren’t 100% with
each other. I felt like we were hella good friends,
and we’re still hella cool. I love the shit outta
Cocktail. She hella cool. I fucks with her. But as far
as us just being one on one and being together
forever, that was shaky.
54 // OZONE MAG
Do you think anybody has ever found real
love on a reality show, or is it usually just for
entertainment purposes?
Nah, people find true love. People find true love
at the club. (laughs) Put it like this: if you can find
love at the club, then you can definitely find it
on a reality show.
How long is the time period that you’re actu-
ally filming the show?
A month and a half.
So you think it’s possible to fall in love in a
month and a half?
Nah, but I think you can get great interest in
somebody in a month and a half and really see
what they’re all about and spark up something
that may not have been there before. I think
that’s definitely possible.
You mentioned that you have a second reality
show coming out on BET that will be airing
around the same time as your VH1 For The
Love of Ray J show? Tell us about that.
Yeah, I’m working with BET on some stuff, but
I’m really loyal to VH1. They’ve got my back and
they’re paying me a hell of a lot of money, and
I love them for that. I’m going to stay loyal over
there [at VH1] but I’ve got some development
deals going on with BET and a couple other
networks as well. I’m looking forward to that.
I’m just trying to tackle television right now
and build my portfolio as a producer, executive
producer, and creator.
What’s the theme of the first show you’re put-
ting together for BET?
I can’t say because the deal isn’t inked yet. I’m
still speaking too early. But the reason I said that
is because BET already gave me two or three
jobs. I have my own show on BET.com and I’ve
hosted 106th & Park for months, so I feel like
I’m still in the family. We’ve got some stuff we’re
working on over there but again, VH1 is my
home. VH1 is where it’s at.
Tell us about the artists you have signed to
your label, Knock Out Entertainment.
Again, I’ve been independent ever since “One
Wish,” so everything y’all have been seeing from
me was my own projects. We had number one
records; we just went triple platinum digitally
with “Sexy Can I” and that was big independent-
ly. Niggas aren’t doing [those numbers] right
now independently or even [on a major label] so
I’m happy about that. I’m about to put out Shorty
Mack’s album The Purp Man for all my cannabis
smokers out there that love to just put it in the
air and vibe out and talk about the high times of
life. That’s what Shorty Mack is speaking on. It’s
very good. I think it’s going to be very, very hot.
Tell us about the group you’re working with
out of Vegas called the Enfamous Burnaz.
They’re straight out of Las Vegas. I own the
club out here called Poetry so they’re out here
representing with me. They’ve got a song called
“Top Notch Chick” that’s already surfacing on the
radio and getting a lot of requests. When The
Enfamous Burnaz came to me with this song and
the whole concept, I just fell in love with what
they were talking about. I really felt like we could
make a connection and do some good music
together.
What does the rest of 2009 hold for Ray J?
I’m just building my empire. I’m working on
some new stuff with some major labels right
now. I’ve got a major machine behind me right
now – VH1 is backing the hell out of me. Season
2 of For the Love of Ray J is in the works. I’ve got
ABC radio on board right now for Ray J’s Bach-
elor Pad. It’s gonna be syndicated on 85 to 100
stations starting out. It’s like slow jams and shit.
I’m just working, stacking my paper, and saving
and investing at the same time.
Is there going to be a Ray J and Tila Tequila sex
tape?
Ray J and Tila Tequila sex tape? I doubt it. Nah. I
ain’t doing no more sex tapes.
I heard that she emailed you a picture of a posi-
tive pregnancy test.
Yeah, she did. It seems like I can’t shake a girl’s
hand without them getting pregnant.
Is that what you did…shake her hand?
I did a little bit more than that, but I feel like a
nigga can’t sneeze without a girl getting preg-
nant right now so I’ve just gotta lay low. I told
you I’m a one-woman man right now. I only want
one special girl in my life. All the rest of the girls
can kick rocks.
Who’s the special girl?
I can’t say. She’s out there though. Please believe
me.
She needs to go to RayJCasting.com?
She can go to rayjcasting.com, but that’s just for
all the other people that want a shot at it. Is that
a legitimate casting website from VH1?
(laughs) I thought you would know.
I don’t know. I got to check into that. You know,
some niggas been charging girls $50 to come
audition [for my reality show] and niggas don’t
even know me. Sometimes niggas are just hus-
tling and shit. I don’t appreciate that.
The new season begins filming in August?
Yeah, it’s going to be a real good look. I’m real
excited about it. “Danger Smashed the Homies”
t-shirts are selling out already. We already sold
over 75,000 shirts at $20 a pop. Y’all niggas do
the math. And we’re still grinding. You can buy
them at grimyink.com.
Danger wasn’t too happy about the t-shirts.
She said she felt like you were making money
off of her name.
It didn’t say “Monica Smashed the Homies.” It
says “Danger Smashed the Homies.” I created that
name [Danger]. She had her own style so I just
put a little twist to it and brought her into the
limelight. I put the spotlight on her. I feel like she
should let me enjoy my hustle, and I’m letting
her enjoy my hustle. Ain’t no love lost, baby girl.
Call me.
If you found out that your girlfriend smashed
the homie, is that a dealbreaker?
That’s a dealbreaker if my girlfriend smashed
the homies. If she smashed the homies before I
knew her, still, it’s like, damn. I need a girl that’s
one hundred with me; that’s complete. I don’t
want all my friends around me knowing how the
pussy felt. Sorry for being so vulgar.
Is there anything else you want to add?
Nah, everything is perfect. I just want to keep
putting out good music. I want to keep being an
entrepreneur. I’m a boss. I’m not Rick Ross but
I’m a boss, please believe it. I’m running my own
shit and I’m not taking orders from anybody.
I’m making a lot of money right now and I want
to continue to make a lot of money by staying
humble and true to God and true to what I do.
Shit, I’m making so much muthafuckin’ money
I’m giving money away. Just ask Julia Beverly. //
OZONE MAG // 55
56 // OZONE MAG
What’s your history with Knock Out Entertain-
ment? You and Ray J grew up together, right?
Well, actually I made up Knock Out. We used to
be called The Committee. We went to the studio
one day and decided that it just didn’t make
sense for us to be KO and the Committee. So, I
said, “Watch out for the knock out to knock your
block out,” and Ray said, “You know what? That’s
what we’re gonna roll with. Knock Out.” He had
the money and I had the ideas, and we made
it happen. God is great. That was back in 1996,
around the time my first album came out.
You’re from L.A., right?
Nah, I’m from Sacramento. I live in the Valley
now. In the 818 where life is great, ya dig?
So do you bring more of the creative aspect
or the business aspect to the Knock Out family?
I’m the VP of Knock Out and he’s the CEO. We cre-
ated this together. It was just a dream, and now
it’s happening. God is great. We’re two adults
living out our dream. I get to continue to work
with the same nigga I’ve been seeing for the past
two decades, basically since we were 13 years
old. We didn’t go to school, we both had home
study. So every day we were just doing music,
having fun, and building a relationship. When
you get this high into the game, you can’t just
let no salty business get in the way through no
sideways moves.
You have your debut solo album coming out
this year, right?
Yeah, [my first album] since I’ve been an adult.
It’s called The Purp Man. God is great. I should be
dropping the single in two months and the al-
bum in three or four months. We’re going to put
it out ourselves through Knock Out until we get
a strong steady demand going, kind of like your
boy Drake. We’re just gonna do it ourselves. The
music is so hot the people are gonna request
it. They want to hear something fresh and new.
They want to hear The Purp Man, so I’m gonna
give them what they want.
Clearly, an album called The Purp Man is full of
smoker’s anthems, right?
It’s all about marijuana, for real. That’s why I’m
The Purp Man. It’s all about legalizing it too.
There’s a big movement going on right now.
Even Obama, I heard he’s about to go ‘head and
make it legal too, so that’s a good look. I got shot
when I was 18 so I need to smoke weed. I’m not
just smoking this shit [to get high]. I’m smoking
my shit legit. I’m walking into the store and get-
ting receipts. I’m showing the world that there’s
a way you can go about doing this where you
can smoke legit and you ain’t got to go to jail.
So, it’s a message. It’s a lot different from back in
the day. I showed you my [medical marijuana]
paperwork. I’m legit. I even told my grandma
before she passed away, “I can smoke legit now.”
What’s the name of your single?
The Purp Man, of course. I’m going to get that
purp movement out there. The whole purple
movement. Everything purple. I’m from the West
Coast and I’m talking about purple kush; I’m
legally walking in the store buying weed. I’ve
got High Times and a whole bigger movement
than what was going on before, because my
movement is about legalizing weed. On the
West we’re just trying to legalize that purp. We
want everybody smoking. If we’re all high, I don’t
think any of us would be complaining. Plus, I
heard if they do legalize weed within a year’s
time, we would probably be out of our debt
because marijuana is one of the most lucrative
[products] in America.
How would you describe the sound of your
album?
It’s real strong. It’s hardcore. There’s no bubble
gum music at all. It’s on some Biggie and Pac
type shit, you know? It’s amazing. It’s a refresh-
ing sound.
Would you say it has a West Coast sound to it?
Nah, I’ve got some down South beats and some
East Coast beats. I don’t really have any West
Coast beats. The only thing [on my album] that’s
from the West Coast is me. That’s what I think
we’ve been missing on the West Coast; a differ-
ent type of sound. It’s a different sound, a differ-
ent style. It’s like fashion. You’ve got to roll with
the times of you’re gonna look like old times.
What about features on the album? Of course
Ray J is featured; who else?
Truth from Knock Out. We just kept it KO. It’s me,
Ray J, and Truth. We don’t need no help. Truth
was on the song “Sexy Ladies” with me. He raps
the first verse and I rap the second verse.
What about production?
We’ve got J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League and other than
that, it’s all Knock Out, KO. We’re keeping it
in-house. We don’t really want to work with any-
body right now, we want them to work with us.
When you come in the game and you tell people
you don’t need any help then people want to
help, but when you’re reaching out, nobody
wants to help.
Is there anything else you want to say?
Pick up that Purp Man album. It’s refreshing.
When you grab it, grab something to roll up. If
you don’t, get some herbal tea and drink that. It’s
refreshing. It’s for the streets; remember that. //
OZONE MAG // 57
 Where are you guys from?
J Sha: I was born in Long Beach, California, and
[my partner J Smilez] was born in Compton. I
moved out here [to Vegas] in 1996 and pretty
much started my career out here.

There isn’t too much of a local rap scene in

Vegas, is there?
J Sha: Nah, we’re some of the first that are trying
to do it. We’ve got an underground scene out
here but there are a couple of us that are finally
breaking through the mainstream.

How would you describe your style? Does your

music have a West Coast feel to it?
J Sha: Our music is a mixture of sounds. We come
from California and are based in Vegas, so of
course it’s West Coast music. But it’s more of a
mixture of Southern bounce, Hip Hop, R&B, and
everything. We don’t try to put ourselves in a
box, we just do good music.
You do some of the production too, right?
J Sha: Yeah, I write and do beats. I produced with
Tony Touch; I’ve written stuff for everybody.
How did you two link up and decide to form a
group?
J Sha: It all started with Chris Buck. My uncle
G-Money was down with Tupac. He influenced
me to really get into what I’m doing now. We
moved out here to Vegas shortly after ‘Pac died.
While I was out here, I got a job and was trying to
change my life around. Through that, I met Chris
Buck. He was kinda going through some things
in his life also and was thinking about quitting
music. I told him, “Nah, man, it’s a blessing,”
and came to find out that he had been friends
with Ray J and Brandy Norwood for years. He’s
been around Hip Hop moguls for years and he
basically is a Hip Hop mogul. He left his job and
ended up getting signed to Virgin Records, but
he always told me he’d come back to help my sit-
uation. I always believed in what me and Smiley
were doing. We both come from the streets and
had to hustle for whatever we had. Unfortunate-
ly Smiley got locked up for what he was doing in
the streets. When you get put in that situation
you start looking at life totally differently, as far
as what you want to do and what choices you
want to make when you get it. God blessed him
with the gift of doing music. He always had it in
him, but he was like, “Yo, I’m gonna do it for real.”
When he got out we met up again, and we’ve
been doing music for over five years now with
the help of Chris Buck. Shout out to Danny Boy
and a few different people we have worked with.
The name of the album is Fresh Work. We don’t
have a set release date yet, but we’re getting all
the records together. We’ve got records with Too
Short and of course the single with Ray J called
“Top Notch Chick.” We’re getting it all together
and creating a buzz.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
J Sha: Shout out to everybody in the Las Vegas
area that’s helping us out.
Ray J: I just want to say that Chris Buck brought
the Enfamous Burnaz to my attention. He’s been
bringing a lot of business to me out here in
Vegas. He brought them to my attention and we
all started vibing. I love the “Top Notch” record,
and I’m glad we’re all gonna be able to make
good records together and put out stuff that
people will genuinely love, request, and call in
for. I want to thank Chris Buck for that. I’m real
excited about the stuff we’re going to do with
the Enfamous Burnaz. God bless them. //

58 // OZONE MAG
If you’ve ever rooted for a team
playing against the Indianapolis
Colts, more than likely you’ve
cursed defensive end Dwight
Freeney a few times. But he’s not
such a bad guy. As a four-time
Pro Bowler and 2007 Super Bowl
Champion, Dwight is admirable in
everything he does, on and off
the field. When he’s not training
for a big game, or fulfilling his
civic duties, Freeney is getting his
side hustle on with his new music
label American Dreams.
Who are some of your favorite Hip Hop
artists?
My favorite artists right now would be Nas, T.I.,
Young Jeezy, Jay-Z.
You seem to appreciate lyricists. What are
your thoughts on the current state of Hip
Hop and where it’s going?
I think right now, what’s selling has nothing
to do with lyrics. It’s more about the song and
the beat. It’s more about the production and
what’s on the surface.
Do you think that’s something we in the Hip
Hop community will eventually outgrow?
Yeah, I think it’s a phase. I think the things
being said will have more substance behind
them. Hopefully we’ll get back to that.
Is there a song that you feel represents you
the most?
I’d say Rick Ross’ “Hustlin’.”
How would you compare being an athlete to
being a musician? What are the similarities and
differences?
They’re very similar. Obviously the lifestyles we
live are very similar. I don’t know if they have
an off-season like athletes have an off-season
where they’re not really working. Musicians are
always working to some extent, whether they’re
touring, working on a new album, or doing radio,
they’re always doing something. I guess we have
little things such as autograph signings here and
there, and we’re working out which is kinda like
working on an album.
You’ve won a Super Bowl and you’ve been to
the Pro Bowl four times. Those are pretty big
honors. Do you have any advice for people who
are trying to reach your level of success?
I think most importantly you should get into a
routine for success and follow it. You can’t be all
over the place. You have to stick to [your rou-
tine]. That’s what I’ve been building. I’ve found
something that works, a workout regimen that
works. I’m comfortable where I work out. Train-
ing is important. For the most part, I train with
the same people so they know me.
Explain to the people what American Dreams is
and how that came about.
American Dreams is an entertainment company.
We have different divisions for movies and mu-
sic. We aren’t into TV stuff yet. As of right now, as
a startup company, we’re focusing more on the
music side of it. I have four or five studios in L.A.
We’re a production company so we have facilities
for the artists that we sign and also for people
that want to rent out studios.
Are you looking to sign artists and producers?
We have a few artists and producers. We have
a lot of stuff in-house for our people, but other
people also use our producers.
During football season, your schedule is
pretty hectic. How will you be able to manage
American Dreams and still stay focused on your
athletic responsibilities? Do you have someone
that runs the company for you?
I have people helping me. They’re involved in the
whole entire loop. An friend of mine, Gary West,
is the one who’s actually running the company as
of right now. No major decision is made without
me, but for the most part, he’s taking care of the
day to day things.
Is there anything sports related in your career
you’re still looking to conquer?
For what I do, you always try to achieve great-
ness every year and get to the top. I’ve won one
Super Bowl, I’m trying to get to where I have a
dynasty of winning multiple Super Bowls and
to be one of the greatest teams, and one of the
greatest players of all times.
Words by Ms. Rivercity
OZONE MAG // 59
 Spark Dawg
Doin’ What You Can’t
Maino/If Tomorrow Comes
Hustle Hard/Atlantic While the title may be a tad
bit lofty for regional superstar
It’s not Maino’s lyricism that makes If Tomorrow Spark Dawg, his efforts here have him poised for national
Comes a solid first effort, but throughout his recognition. He opens strong with the trumpet and
debut album, he managed to tell his story 808-laced “Grape.” Following are impressive concept records like “Open Letter
from spending ten years in prison to becom- to God,” where he talks to the big man upstairs ala Eminem’s “Stan,” and “Real
ing one of the most anticipated rappers to Trey Songz/ Niggaz Revenge,” where he raps from the perspective of a jealous somebody.
come out of NYC in years. Maino’s singles “Hi Anticipation Both songs carry hints of Slim Shady’s writing prowess. While Spark shows
Hater” and “All The Above” are standouts, but As the release date for range with his beat selection and flows, the only flaw that takes away from
“Remember My Name,”“Runaway,”“Floating” his third album Ready the listening experience is the average sound quality, which is a big flaw. But
and “Hood Love” with Trey Songz are the tracks approaches, Trey Songz if you can get past that, Spark has a strong collection of songs on this project.
that carry the album’s message of striving hits awaiting fans - Maurice G. Garland
through life’s tribulations. This album is better with a freebie called
viewed as a whole as opposed to track by Anticipation. With songs
track, but however you look at it, Maino should like “Scratchin’ Me Up,”
be applauded for properly conveying his life’s “Does She Know” and Young Jeezy & DJ Folk
story through his music. - Randy Roper “It Would Be You,” this Trappin’ Ain’t Dead
mixtape could have
easily been packaged The latest mixtape from Mr.
as Songz’s album. Most 17.5 is consistent with the thug
of the tracks on here motivational rhymes over synthesized production that
are good, but none of listeners have come to expect from the CTE breadwin-
them are necessarily ner. The mixtape has plenty of tracks like “My 1st 48 Hrs,”“I’m Goin’ In” and
his best work, which is “Biggest Movie Ever” that’ll satisfy Jeezy fans through the summer. But some
probably why the tracks of the tracks like “Might Just Blow That” and “Ready To Ride” are lukewarm at
Ace Hood/Ruthless were offered up for free.
We The Best/Def Jam best, and sound more like music you’ve heard before (or possible leftovers
But this release does a from his last album The Recession). Trappin’ Ain’t Dead is a good release, but
good job of heighten- you get the feeling he’s saving his best work for his next album, Thug Motiva-
Despite the fact that Ace Hood’s debut album ing the anticipation for tion 103. - Randy Roper
Gutta was released less than a year ago, Songz’s new album. I
Khaled, We The Best and Def Jam felt the need think we’re Ready for
to deliver Ace’s sophomore album ASAP. But it. - Randy Roper
this album is a lot like the first one. Yes, Ace
can rap fairly well, but none of his songs are Soulja Boy & DJ Drama
anything special. Not the song with Ludacris Follow Me: Gangsta Grillz
(“Born An O.G.”), not the song with Akon & T-
Pain (“Overtime”), not even the song with Rick True S.O.D. Money Gang fanatics
Ross & Jazmine Sullivan (“Champion”). Maybe will love this mixtape because
he needs to learn how to tame his ruthless, it’s a Gangsta Grillz, and because it’s Soulja Boy, but with
rapid-fire, aggressive flow. Or maybe, since he a project this overdue, a little more time could have been
has the Runners, the Inkredibles and all of Def spent on the song selection and arrangement. “Bands” and “I Got Mojo” are
Jam at Khaled’s fingertips, he should pick bet- superb Soulja Boy material and would have been best served opening up
ter beats. Whatever the case may be, Ruthless the project, rather than appearing later in the tracklist. “Go Ham” featuring OJ
isn’t a bad album. It’s just not anything to keep da Juiceman and the freestyles are somewhat lacking, but they make up for
in heavy rotation. - Randy Roper it with songs like “What You Know,”“Gold Grill Shawty,” and the bonus track
“Bitch I’m Paid.” This mixtape will definitely hold fans over until the release of
SB’s third album The DeAndre Way, or maybe the second Gangsta Grillz. - Ms.
Rivercity
Born Wit It, DJ Holiday
& The Empire
Substance Abuse
From the opening verse, Nicki Minaj, DJ Holiday, & The
you can tell this mixtape Trap-A-Holics
Pleasure P/The Introduc- is worth a listen. The Beam Me Up Scotty
tion of Marcus Cooper first official mixtape
Swagga Entertainment/ from these Atlanta B.o.B Nicki the Ninja has created
Bluestar/Atlantic affiliates has tracks like a sub-culture of harajuku barbie bitches and her fan
Comebacks aren’t always easy. Fortunately, “Dying To Live,”“Life club probably doubled with this mixtape. Though a few
former Pretty Ricky member Pleasure P has his Gets Harder” and “Stack freestyles like “Best I Ever Had” and “Get Silly” could have been left off, overall
alter ego Mr. Marcus Cooper to help him out. Your Paper Up” that will the complaints are few. Young Money’s diva impresses on nearly every song
Coming strong with his solo debut album, The quickly start compari- starting with “I Get Crazy.” The ode to Fendi and Louis (“Shopaholic” with
Introduction Of Mr. Marcus Cooper, Pleasure lets sons to Atlanta duos like Bobby V and Gucci Mane) is also worth a listen, along with “Keys Under Palm
it be known that he can handle the weight on Youngbloodz and Trees” and “Easy” with Gucci and Rocko. Nicki’s image may be similar to a Lil
his own, delivering an overall impressive album. Outkast (okay, not quite Kim, but her range of skill and content are superior. Kim can swallow a Sprite
With the single “Did You Wrong” providing the Outkast). There are a can—Nicki can rap, act, and sing. - Ms. Rivercity
main steam for this engine, Pleasure gives an couple tracks Substance
album full of baby making music with notable Abuse could have gone
titles such as “Tender Roni” and “Fire Lovin.” without, but overall this
Judging from this (re)introduction, it looks mixtape place the group
like Mr. Cooper may be here for a while. - Tony in the “artists to watch”
Burgos category. - Randy Roper

60 // OZONE MAG
 Archie Eversole &
DJ Scream
Back Like I Never Left
It’s been about seven years
since Archie Eversole’s “We Ready” was on the rap charts.
Backed by DJ Scream, Archie returns to the rap radar with
Back Like I Never Left. Fans that hear the new Archie might be taken aback, as
this isn’t the overly crunk 16-year-old kid that the game was first introduced
to. Lil Archie is a grown rapper now, and he’s actually a better rapper than
most listeners may remember. But even with that said, this mixtape isn’t
very impressive. This mixtape’s best offering is “Keep Winning,” featuring Ray
Lavender. Eversole could have benefited from better production, better con-
cepts, better hooks, and overall, just better songs. Hopefully Archie will find a
sound that’s more in tune with the music of today. - Randy Roper
J. Cole
The Warm Up
The Warm Up is J. Cole’s second
official mixtape, and first since
signing to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. This mixtape is a pure indi-
cation of why Jay inked the rapper/producer to his new
label. Cole lyrically breezes through 22 tracks, and on standouts like “Grown
Simba,”“Lights Please” and “I Get Up,” he displays a lyrical dexterity and
thought-provoking rhymes unseen in most newcomers of today. A couple
short freestyles would have been better left off, since they don’t fit into the
overall mix of original tracks, but besides that, The Warm Up doesn’t leave
much to complain about. If this is just a warm up, it’ll be interesting to hear
what J. Cole sounds like in midseason. - Randy Roper
Nonsence/Chewee Radio Vol. 2
Part II of Nonsence’s Chewee
Radio series is worth taking a
listen to. As a rapper, Nonsence
isn’t bad, but this mixtape has no excuse for being 26
tracks long. There are some good records like “Wake It Up”
with Akon, “Do You Like It” and “Watching You.” But there’s too many random
skits, and remakes like Jennifer Hudson’s “Spotlight” and Jazmine Sullivan’s
“Bust Your Windows” were bad ideas. If this mixtape was focused more on
making good music as opposed to a radio show theme with Top 10 Hip Hop
and R&B hits, Nonsence might have something, but all the skits and remixes
make this mostly nonsense. - Randy Roper
Yung LA & DJ Drama/Lambo-
rghini Leland
Grand Hustle & Gangsta Grillz
The first thing you’ll notice about
Lamborghini Leland is that his dimensions are broader
than the typical futuristic Yung LA we’re used to. Though
you’ll find lots of decent swag tracks like “Offset,”“Bands,” and “Fuckin Wit Da
Hood,” here Leland Austin offers a deeper look into who he really is besides
just another mohawk rapper. Songs like “Caught My Daddy with It,” which
talks about his father receiving a life sentence, and the intro, which is an
almost unrecognizable L.A. flow, make for a surprising listen. While it might
not exactly be lambo material, this mixtape could get steady rotation in a
Benz for sure. - Ms. Rivercity
R. Kelly, DJ Drama & DJ Skee
The Demo Tape
A video of Kellz “making it rain,”
minors-galore, and a smaller
R&B market, all mixed together can only lead to one thing
- a R. Kelly mixtape. The Pied Piper himself teams up with
Mr. Thanksgiving to put out The Demo Tape, which proves the Pied Piper still
fucks around, but, as always, not when it comes to the music. Kellz adds his
flavor to tracks like Drake’s “Best I Ever Had” and brings exclusives such as
“Superman High” with OJ Da Juiceman. Regardless of what you think of Mr.
Kelly as a person, The Demo Tape is another reason you can’t question Kellz as
a musician. - Rohit Loomba
Nephewblaq & DJ Smallz
Sponsored By The Streetz
Orlando, FL’s Nephewblaq has
been after it for quite some
time, so chances are you’ve seen his picture in OZONE at
least once. Photo ops aside, this Nephewblaq & DJ Smallz
mixtape is a small step in the right direction, but Nephew’s bars still leave
room for improvement. He has an ear for picking decent beats, but his ability
to precisely ride the production he selects is the issue. Of course, artists like
Gucci Mane and OJ Da Juiceman have proven you don’t necessary have to be
the most fluent rapper to be successful, but whereas Gucci and OJ overcame
their shortcomings and still make catchy records, Nephewblaq isn’t the
same story. “Da Ice Got Me To Fly,”“I Love America,” “I Run These Streetz” are
somewhat memorable, but if the streets sponsored this mixtape, that money
might have been best spent someplace else. - Randy Roper
Laws & DJ Smallz
Your Future Favorite Rapper
For someone “born in Brazil,
raised in Long Island, in white
suburbs,” Laws raps pretty
good. Unfortunately that means he probably won’t be in
any of your favorite music videos anytime soon, so this
project’s title may not apply to the masses. And at times his content is some-
what repetitive. But with authentic concepts and amusing delivery, along
with J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League and Trackburnerz’ production, Laws’ proves he’s in
the right business, though he tends to criticize it too much. Not one to cater
to radio, aside from the enjoyable crossover song “Rain,” you can expect more
bar-for-bar lyricism than Billboard chart toppers from Laws - which is a good
thing if you appreciate skill over mindless entertainment. - Ms. Rivercity
Trick Daddy & DJ Dephtone/
The Product 7
We haven’t heard much lately
MIA’s original don dada, Trick
Daddy. However, while he
may have been away, it’s apparent that he hasn’t been
sleeping. He linked up with Miami mixtape legend DJ
Dephtone to put together 24 tracks of some of his best music in years.
Simply put, this shit rides out. Filled with exclusive tracks and appearances
from artists like Young Jeezy, Kanye, and Majic, this is a great way for Trick to
bring back his buzz. - Tony Burgos
OZONE MAG // 61

the Inkredibles, a production duo
that consists of Maurice “Moe” Car-
penter and Leigh “Lee Major” Elliott,
are well on their way to becoming
household names in Hip Hop. HAV-
ING producED hit records for Ace
Hood, Young Jeezy, Fat Joe, Jadakiss,
and Rick Ross, the Inkredibles have
a discography that even veteran
producers would ENVY. Under the
tutelage of DJ Nasty and DJ Khaled,
this production duo from Rich-
mond, Virginia, is bringing some-
thing “inkredible” to the game.
Production Credits: Ace Hood F/Trey Songz
“Ride,” Young Jeezy “Vacation,” Jadakiss F/Mary J.
Blige “Grind Hard,” Rick Ross “Mafia Music”
You’re signed with Nasty Beatmakers and We
The Best. How’d y’all get with Nasty and Khaled?
Moe: Through a guy named Spiff TV. He heard
our music , played it for Nasty, and Nasty signed
us. Then Khaled heard our music and wanted to
jump on board.
How is it being a part of We The Best?
Moe: I think it’s wonderful because Khaled has
that president position at Def Jam South, so he’s
keeping us on every project. He goes in hard,
and he wants the best for us, so I think it’s great
cause he motivates us to go beyond our means.
We The Best, that’s what he lives and dies for.
So, that’s what we live and die for, to be the best
producers that are out there.
What would you say is the Inkredibles’ sound?
Lee Major: We’re versatile, so we don’t have one
certain sound. We go in the studio, work with
62 // OZONE MAG
anybody and bang out hits. It’s not like we’re just
“in the box” producers.
Moe: We try to go for big radio records, more
commercial stuff, like that Top 40 type of sound.
That’s the music that we shoot for.
Where did you get the name “Inkredibles” from?
Moe: It doesn’t have anything to do with the
cartoon. We just needed a name to come out
with that describes our work, and we felt that’s
the best name that matches what we do.
What was your first placement on a major album?
Moe: Ace Hood’s “Ride” featuring Trey Songz.
Lee Major: It was a good experience getting our
first placement. Everyone was excited.
Moe: Our first placement was a single. To make
106th & Park, and then for the video to go #1, I
think that was great.
Did you have thing else on Ace Hood’s album?
Moe: We had five joints on there. We got the
“Ride (Remix)” with Rick Ross and Juelz [Santana].
We got “Call Me” featuring Lloyd, “Get Him” and
“Money Over Here.”
What’s your production process like?
Moe: We go in the studio with an artist in mind,
and we try to catch a vibe, and work on some-
thing that will fit the artist. We’ll start off with a
melody or even a drum, whatever we feel.
Lee Major: There ain’t really no order, it’s just
whatever vibe we catch first.
What other albums did you get placements on
after the Ace Hood album?
Lee Major: We produced for Young Jeezy, DJ
Khaled, more recently Rick Ross, Deeper Than
Rap, Jadakiss, and there’s more to come.
Moe: The Flo Rida album. We’re just constantly
working, trying to get on every project.
You produced three songs on Deeper Than Rap.
How was that experience for you two as new
producers?
Moe: It feels great to be a part of a classic album.
I think you can put the CD in and listen to it from
start to finish. It’s just great music. It feels great
to be a part of something that the world loves.
You produced “Usual Suspects” with Nas on
Deeper Than Rap. What was your reaction when
you heard Nas was getting on the beat?
Lee Major: That was a good moment because Nas
is one of my favorite rappers. He’s definitely a
legend in the game.
Moe: We both grew up listening to Nas, so I think
it was a great collaboration.
Another song you produced is “Mafia Music,”
which is the song Ross first dissed 50 Cent on.
How did you react when you first heard Ross’
diss?
Moe: We were like, “Wow.” We knew we had a
lot of stuff ahead of us, cause we knew once
the record came out it was gonna be big. It was
like another Jay-Z and Nas situation where like
“Ether,” it’s going to get a lot of attention.
What else do you have lined up?
Moe: Ace Hood we’ve got lined up. Rick Ross is
working on another album.
Lee Major: We got Fat Joe’s new single out featur-
ing Akon called “One,” so we’re working.
Moe: We got some stuff coming out on Jeezy’s
project, and some R&B projects. Just stay tuned.
Y’all been hearing a lot of Hip Hop stuff [from
us]. We do Hip Hop for fun. We’re working with
Adrienne Bailon from 3LW, Rihanna, and Amerie.
R&B and Pop is what we do, that’s where we go
in at, so stay tuned for that. It’s just a whole other
side for the world to see. //
 Grand Hustle &
Greg Street
“Greg Hustle: The Mixtape Vol. 1”

1. DJ Whoo Kid, DJ Scream & Shaq “The Hit List” djwhookid.org Myspace.c Atlanta DJ Greg Street, and the house that
om/4045405000
2. DJ Teknikz “If U Buyin We Sellin Vol. 22” Myspace.com/djteknikz
T.I. and Jason Geter built, teamed up for
this month’s Mix of the Month. The mixtape
3. ATLiens “The Mixtape”
features a shitload of exclusive Grand Hustle
4. MLK & T.I. “A Year And A Day” Myspace.com/mlkng music. From new joints by Killer Mike (“Man
5. DJ Spinatik “Street Runnaz 37” Djspinatik.com/ Up,”“My City” & “Pay Up”) to cuts from Big
Kuntry (“End Of The Night” featuring Shawty
6. DJ Chuck T “Down South Slangin’ 59” djchuckt.com Redd) and Young Dro (“Rock Diamonds” & “You
7. DJ G-Spot, Gucci Mane & DJ Da Juiceman “The White Bros: The South Nasty” featuring Akon) to unreleased songs by
15” Djgspot.com
the King himself (“Make You Sweat” & “Don’t
8. DJ Mr. King “Southern Smothered & Covered 13” Hosted by Dorrough Music myspace.com/djmrking
Forget” with Mary J. Blige), the Greg Hustle
9. DJ Bobby Black “N.W.A.: Crack Addiction – West Coast Edition” Myspace.c
om/djbobbyblack mixtape proves that unlike LeBron James and
10. Lil Fats “Coast 2 Coast 82” Hosted by Styles P Coast2coastmixtapes.com the Cleveland Cavaliers, this King’s team is far
11. DJ Wizkid “Serving The Streets Vol. II” Hosted by Roscoe Myspace.c
from a one man show.
om/djwizkidmusic
12. DJ Nik Bean “Streetz of LA 8” Hosted by Kurupt Myspace.com/nikbean
13. DJ Scorpio & Janiro “Follow Me: The Mix CD Part 2” Hosted by Cristal aka Serious
DJs, send your mix CDs (with a cover) for
14. Evil Empire “N.Y. Trafficking” Myspace.com/evilempire consideration to:
15. DJ E-Top “Trap To The Future” Myspace.com/etopent
OZONE Magazine
16. DJ Woogie “Gucci The Great” Myspace.com/djwoogie 644 Antone St. Suite 6
17. Mick Boogie & ThePressPlayShow.com “Hammer Time: Past, Present & Future” Hosted by MC Atlanta, GA 30318
Hammer Mickboogie.com
18. Mike Johns “Maury Povich: I Am Not The Baby’s Daddy”
19. DJ Wheezy “Trill Skillz 4.0” Myspace.com/djwheezy

20. DJ Drizzle “Mix Vol. 18” Myspace.com/djdrizzle

OZONE MAG // 63
64 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 65
 endzone

Trey Songz
Venue: Sobe Live
City: Miami, FL
Date: May 24th, 2009
Photo: Terrence Tyson

66 // OZONE MAG
 RAW, UNCENSORED WEST COAST RAP SHIT

LMFAO
NEW
BOYZ SHORT
THE STORIES
QUIT HATIN’THE WEST
JACKA
J-RICH

RAISING
ARIZONA
WILLY
NORTHPOLE

OZONE MAG // 1
2 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 3
 editor’s note
I’m Just Sayin’tho by D-Ray
A
s hundreds of millions of people around the world mourn
the death of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, so do I. In my
mind and in my heart, the King of Pop will never die, even
though I never got the chance to see, touch, or freeze a moment with
him! Man, that was a concert I’ve always wanted to experience since
I was a child. I would run through the house laughing, dancing, and
singing without a care no matter what Michael record was playing. He
brought life into households around the world in an amazing way.
Every since he was a child, Michael had a gift that you normally don’t
find in such a young person. He had soul for real, not the fake “soul”
people talk about. When he sang, he got so caught up in the emotion
of the record. I think that’s what made the world such huge fans of his!
He came with real music!
I didn’t want to believe it when I heard that he was rushed to the hospi-
tal. I was so devastated, believe it, and I’m not one to get all emotion-
ally caught up and cry over a celebrity, especially one I’ve never even
met! But, you have to understand that when I was a child, he brought
so many happy times into my single parent home during hard times.
I recall that when my mom played Michael Jackson, Smokey Robin-
son, and Lionel Richie she would just glow! So the memory of MJ has
always been a great feeling. He just made everything better through
his music!
Ever since I was very young, my auntie promised she would take me
to a Michael Jackson concert, but it just never worked out. There was
hope when I heard he was planning his London tour. I thought, damn,
I should just take a vacation and go out to London so I could see him
during his last tour! WOW! I procrastinated myself right out of that idea
and didn’t get tickets in time.
The day he died, I was at DJ Backside’s house in Los Angeles. I told her,
“I bet you anything the kid that accused him of the child molestation
charges will come clean and say he was lying! He won’t be able to
live with the lie any longer.” Right after that, I heard that he did come
forward to clear up the allegations.
Michael Jackson will live on through his music forever. His funeral
was very touching. He had an amazing support team that came out
to show everlasting love and respect for him. The speakers had some
great and touching things to say to him. It was great when Al Sharpton
turned to Michael Jackson’s three children and said, “There was noth-
DJ Quik & me in L.A. Me & Terrace Martin in L.A.
Ya Boy f/ Dr. Hollywood “Run LA”
Willie Joe f/ Traxamillion “Giggin’”
Juice f/ Bun B “Crush My Cool”
Mistah FAB “Hit Me On Twitter”
DJ Quik f/ Kurupt “9 Times Outta 10”
Glasses Malone f/ Rick Ross, Baby, & T-Pain “Sun Come Up”
The Jacka f/ Andre Nickatina “Glamorous Lifestyle”
4 // OZONE WEST
MAG
ing strange about your daddy. What was strange was what he had to
deal with!” Brooke Shields was also very touching, with her memory of
MJ. I cracked up when she said, “Aye, so what’s up with the glove?” I just
thought as his friend, she’d seen a lot and been through a lot with him!
Usher also touched me with his song. Magic, yeah, he’s too much with
the story he told about the cook asking him what he wanted to eat
and he said “grilled chicken.” That’s what he got, as MJ had a bucket of
KFC. Magic said, “Man, Michael, you eat KFC?” Too funny to have such
memories. My heart goes out to his children. Paris killed me when she
spoke and said her final goodbyes to her father. “My daddy was the
best daddy! I love him!”
That’s something that’s very hard to do. I know when my granddaddy
passed, I couldn’t even talk at his funeral. I can honestly say that I regret
not being able to say my final goodbye to him at the funeral out loud,
but I guess I did say my goodbyes when he took his final breath. It
just felt like he waited for me to come in his room to say he loved me
before taking that last breath. I’m grown, and I know how hard that
was to deal with, so I can’t imagine being eleven years old and dealing
with death.
We shouldn’t take our everyday lives for granted, nor the lives of the
family we have around us. Tomorrow is not promised! We are all on
borrowed time, and when God calls for us, it’s time to go home! Only
God can judge us, so love life and live it with no regrets. Make sure you
tell your people you love them. I know it’s a task with the stressful lives
we live, but always try to show it. Make the effort to let them know it!
With that being said, I love you mom, for never turning your back on
your kids and putting us first over everything in your life. Being a single
parent is a struggle, and you did a great job!
R.I.P. The King of Pop Michael Jackson! Thank you for bringing such
great memories to my hard times as a child.
- D-Ray, OZONE West Editor-At-Large
dray@ozonemag.com
P.S.: I feel that the BET Awards sold all their viewers short without a
Chris Brown MJ Tribute. Chris Brown would’ve shut it down, hands
down! Much love, Chris! The world needs to learn how to forgive, es-
pecially when it’s not their business. If you didn’t see it yourself, please
don’t tell me what it looks like! Again, only God can judge us!
Andre Nickatina & me @ Club Me & Felecia @ Cinco de
Suede in San Francisco, CA Mayo in San Jose, CA
DJ BACKSIDE’S
TOP 10 SLAPS
Big Rich “Something Special”
Damani “You The One”
E-40 “On Oil”
(above L-R): Shawnna & Ludacris @ K 107 Summer Jam in Denver, CO; G Malone & Jay Rock in Los Angeles, CA (Photos: D-Ray); Hurricane Chris & Soulja Boy @ Hot 103 Summer
Jam in Kansas City, MO (Photo: Ms Rivercity)

01 // DJ Quik, guest, & Jay Rock on the set of DJ Quik & Kurupt’s ‘9x Out Of 10’ video shoot (Los Angeles, CA) 02 // DJ D-Wrek, DJ Backside, & Pizo @ Tatou’s (Los Angeles, CA)
03 // Cellski & Dame Fame @ The Room for The Jacka’s ”Tear Gas” listening session (San Francisco, CA) 04 // Damani reppin’ his Adidas shoe @ Tatou’s (Los Angeles, CA)
05 // Kafani, Gary Archer, Laroo, DJ Juice, Gold Toes, Matt Blaque, & guests @ San Jose Civic Auditorium (San Jose, CA) 06 // Raekwon, Bad Lucc, DJ Quik, & Warren G @ West Lake
Studios (Los Angeles, CA) 07 // Nio Tha Gift & Willy Northpole @ The Room for The Jacka’s “Tear Gas” listening session (San Francisco, CA) 08 // Trae & J Prince (Los Angeles, CA)
09 // Gorilla Zoe & P-Nut @ Club Elixir (Anchorage, AK) 10 // Kuzzo Fly, T. Woods, Mistah FAB, Kilo Kurt, & Big Dant @ Mistah FAB’s “Hit Me On Twitter” video shoot (East Oakland,
CA) 11 // Tito Bell & Willie Joe @ Fahrenheit for Nio Tha Gift’s album release (San Jose, CA) 12 // Mitchy Slick & D-Lo @ Mistah FAB’s “Hit Me On Twitter” video shoot (East Oakland,
CA) 13 // Terrace Martin & Roscoe @ West Lake Studios (Los Angeles, CA) 14 // Willy Northpole,The Jacka & FedX @ The Room for The Jacka’s ”Tear Gas” listening session (San
Francisco, CA) 15 // Gary Archer, Furious, & Balance @ Bay Area Music Conference (Berkeley, CA) 16 // Erk Tha Jerk & Nio Tha Gift @ Mistah FAB’s “Hit Me On Twitter” video shoot
(East Oakland, CA) 17 // DJ Moe1, DJ Drama, & DJ Juice @ Icon Lounge for DJ Drama’s meet & greet (San Francisco, CA) 18 // AP9 & Rahmean @ The Room for The Jacka’s ”Tear
Gas” listening session (San Francisco, CA) 19 // DJ KTone & DJ Mars @ K 107 Summer Jam (Denver, CO)

Photo Credits: Bad Lucc (13); D-Ray (01,02,03,04,05,06,07,08,10,11,12,14,15,16,17,18,19); Julia Beverly (09)

OZONEWEST
OZONE MAG // 5
 A s much as I love hanging out in New York or D.C.,
partying all night in Miami, ATL, or H-Town, and as
much as I love Midwest women and all my Detroit,
Chicago, and Milwaukee homies, I’m still a 100% Cali Nigga. I
love being from the West Coast.

It’s been over ten years since the nation’s love for West Coast
Hip Hop transformed into a hatred that has been analyzed
and explained in a million different ways. The most popular
version I’ve heard is that the West Coast is just plain whack
and we don’t have skills, but I’ve even heard people claim
that because we killed Tupac and Biggie there’s a curse on
West Coast rap music. But, whatever reasons people have for
hating on the West, that isn’t what I want to talk about.

I believe if the right artist comes out with the right music, it
doesn’t matter where you’re from. The music will speak for
itself. Speaking for myself and quite a few other West Coast
rappers, we have been eating and continue to eat good off
Hip Hop. I’d rather have a long career than one huge hit
record and then your career is over.

It’s cool with me if you say fuck the West Coast or if you feel
that the Dirty South or the East Coast is whack. I don’t have
a problem with your opinion because I love Hip Hop period
and in my world, there is no regional dominance. I love rap
music from everywhere. I’m into the beats, the rhythms, and
the subjects, not just whoever the media says is hot. I love
originality as well as the same old everyday shit that seems
to work over and over again.

I just want all of us to acknowledge the fact that the West

Coast made some very significant contributions to Hip Hop.
Too Short’s pimpin’, Tupac’s tattoos and his swag, Dr. Dre’s
production, Snoop’s silky smooth delivery, E-40’s slang
and the overall West Coast street game and our dedica-
tion to the funk have all influenced Hip Hop.

The East Coast gave us Hip Hop, no doubt about that.

I heard the Jamaicans invented the whole deejay-
“the West Coast HAS made some very significant
ing and emceeing concepts that Hip Hop was born contributions to Hip Hop: Too Short’s pimpin’,
from. Right now I feel like the Dirty South is mak-
ing sure Hip Hop stays fun and making sure that Tupac’s tattoos and his swag, Dr. Dre’s produc-
we don’t let go of the importance of dancing and
rap music. I think the Midwest is making sure the
tion, Snoop’s silky smooth delivery, E-40’s slang
originality and integrity of Hip Hop isn’t lost in and the overall West Coast street game.”
the monotony of lately.

In the meantime, the East and West Coast artists

are attempting to maintain careers and bring fresh
new artists to the forefront. Wherever this Hip Hop
journey takes us, you can never come to the conclu-
sion that the West Coast was never relevant or the West
Coast didn’t contribute to the culture. When and if it’s ever all
said and done, I believe every region will be recognized for
their advancements and contributions to the Hip Hop culture.
So, do me a favor and quit hating on everybody that’s not
your homie or your favorite rapper or from your region, and
learn to appreciate the good things in our world that aren’t
promoted by Corporate America a.k.a. Major Labels.

Hit me up on my crackberry at ShortStories@ozonemag.com

6 // OZONE MAG
(above L-R): Gary Payton & Too Short @ the Palms for Too Short & DJ Franzen’s private TV show launch party in Las Vegas, NV; Memphitz remembering Michael Jackson on the
red carpet @ the BET Awards in Los Angeles, CA; Bow Wow & Baby Bash @ K 107 Summer Jam in Denver, CO (Photos: D-Ray)

01 // JT Tha Bigga Figga & Cellski @ The Room for The Jacka’s ”Tear Gas” listening session (San Francisco, CA) 02 // GoldToes & DJ Amen @ Club Suede (San Francisco, CA)
03 // DJ KTone, Stooie Bros, Baby Bash, & Cory @ K 107 Summer Jam (Denver, CO) 04 // Bad Lucc & Krondon of Strong Arm Steady @ SAS Studio (Los Angeles, CA) 05 // Matt
Blaque, Shady Nate, 211, & DJ Devro @ Street Symphony Studios (Fremont, CA) 06 // Soulja Boy signing autographs @ San Jose Civic Auditorium (San Jose, CA) 07 // Baydilla,
the boat captain, & Gorilla Zoe on the Portage Glacier cruise (Anchorage, AK) 08 // DJ Drama & JT Tha Bigga Figga @ Icon Lounge for DJ Drama’s meet & greet (San Francisco,
CA) 09 // Kurupt & Gail Gotti @ G1 Studio (Los Angeles, CA) 10 // Jamal, Gary Archer, Laroo, & Amon @ Icon Lounge for DJ Drama’s meet & greet (San Francisco, CA) 11 // DJ
Chonz & DJ KTone @ K 107 Summer Jam (Denver, CO) 12 // Bad Lucc & We Da West reps on the set of DJ Quik & Kurupt’s “9x Out Of 10” video shoot (Los Angeles, CA) 13 // DJ
Crook & Big Rich @ The Room for The Jacka’s ”Tear Gas” listening session (San Francisco, CA) 14 // Odd & Even @ Bay Area Music Conference (Berkeley, CA) 15 // Nio Tha Gift &
The Jacka @ The Room for The Jacka’s ”Tear Gas” listening session (San Francisco, CA) 16 // DJ Smallz & Pookie from Urban South @ Ms Honey Siccle’s release party (Oklahoma
City, OK) 17 // DJ Quik, Richie Abbott, & Kurupt @ G1 Studios (Los Angeles, CA) 18 // Baydilla & Megga @ Club Elixir (Anchorage, AK) 19 // Jimmy Roses, Goldtoes, & Serg Knight
@ Cinco de Mayo (San Jose, CA)

Photo Credits: D-Ray (01,02,03,04,05,06,08,09,10,11,12,13,14,15,17,19); Edward Hall (16); Julia Beverly (07,18)

OZONEWEST
OZONE MAG // 7
 S
imilar to the basketball player who shares
his moniker, Bay Area rapper J Rich has
been traveling a lot over the last couple of
years. Though he still calls the Bay home,
Rich had to do some jet setting to get his career
going the way he wanted it to. He’d been soaking
up game from the area’s well known independent
scene for years before he even put his first project
out, but it took a move to New York to get things
going.

“I moved to NYC in 2006, just me on my own,” he

recalls, mentioning being the studio with everyone
from The Game to Fabolous and sharing studio time
at Sony Studios with both 50 Cent and Beyonce.
“My nigga Sky Balla moved with me and he got a
small deal. I was piggy-backing off him while I was
out there and ran into everyone in the industry. I
put together three projects in one year, a DVD and
everything. I came back to the West Coast in 2007
with wrapped vans and everything, dropping all
four of my projects.”

Unfortunately, upon his return, J Rich saw a number

of his friends and associates caught up in a deadly
crime wave. Figuring that sticking around would be
bad for business, he made another move, this time
to Miami.

“Niggas is used to what they’re used to,” sighs Rich,

of his peers who are regional superstars, but na-
tional unknowns. “I’ve begged niggas to come with
me, but they can’t leave home. They’re in love with
their comfort zone. If they leave their comfort zone,
they think they can’t succeed.”

Dedicating the entire year of 2008 to networking

(“I didn’t make any music,” says Rich), the 28-year
old rapper forged a relationship with Young Money
Records, among others, and says he was recently
invited to open up on this summer’s Young Money
tour.

In addition, J Rich is currently promoting his new

single “I’m A Trapper,” which uses the familiar
hustler’s theme of comparing the studio to the trap.
But, the sound of the song is something that you
may not expect from a Bay Area artist as it sounds
like something more suited for a Southern artist.

“I’m diverse,” insists J Rich, the younger brother of

Coleone, the man accused of killing the man who
murdered Mac Dre. “I’ve lived in New York, Miami
and Texas. I’m trying to please everybody. My block
loves me for who I am so they know what it is.”

Words by Maurice G. Garland

Photo by Hiltron Bailey

8 // OZONE MAG
(above L-R): Erk Tha Jerk & Traxamillion @ Club Suede in San Francisco, CA; Roscoe & Kurupt @ G1 Studio in Los Angeles, CA (Photos:
D-Ray); Gorilla Zoe rockin some native furs in Anchorage, AK (Photo: Julia Beverly)

01 // Willie Joe & Don P @ Club G3 (Los Angeles, CA) 02 // Ena Jade, D-Ray, Dru Down, & DJ Backside @ Club G3 (Los Angeles, CA) 03 // Big Rich loves the kids @ San Jose Civic
Auditorium (San Jose, CA) 04 // Baydilla & P-Nut @ Club Elixir (Anchorage, AK) 05 // DJ Devro, Willy Northpole, & Tiffany J @ The Room for The Jacka’s “Tear Gas” listening session
(San Francisco, CA) 06 // DJ Quik & Kurupt @ Ruby Sky (San Francisco, CA) 07 // Jay-Z, DJ Franzen, & Lupe Fiasco @ The Palms (Las Vegas, NV) 08 // Keri Hilson & DJ Mars @ K 107
Summer Jam (Denver, CO) 09 // Laroo & Paul Wall @ Club Suede (San Francisco, CA) 10 // Nio Tha Gift & CoCo @ Bay Area Music Conference (Berkeley, CA) 11 // G-Stack, Gary
Archer, Paul Wall, Mistah FAB, & Diesal @ Club Suede (San Francisco, CA) 12 // Danny Dee & DJ Impereal @ The Room for The Jacka’s “Tear Gas” listening session (San Francisco,
CA) 13 // Gold Toes & his wife @ San Jose Civic Auditorium (San Jose, CA) 14 // Roccett & crew on the set of Roccett’s “Bang” video shoot (Los Angeles, CA) 15 // Guest, Kurupt,
Bad Lucc, Damani, Roscoe, DJ Quik, & guest on the set of DJ Quik & Kurupt’s ‘9x Out Of 10’ video shoot (Los Angeles, CA) 16 // DJ Rick Lee, DJ Juice, & ladies @ Club Suede (San
Francisco, CA) 17 // Nio Tha Gift & his family @ Fahrenheit for Nio Tha Gift’s album release (San Jose, CA) 18 // Gorilla Zoe & Megga @ Club Elixir (Anchorage, AK) 19 // Brannon
Scales & Jay Rock (Los Angeles, CA)

Photo Credits: D-Ray (01,02,03,05,06,08,09,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,19); DJ Franzen (07); Julia Beverly (04,18)

OZONEWEST
OZONE MAG // 9
 Patiently
Waiting

O
ver the last few months you’ve
probably heard the term “new west”
getting thrown around. Typically it’s
been used to describe the offerings
of artists such as Nipsey Hussle, Jay Rock and
Glasses Malone—artists who may be new, but
are obviously cut from the traditional West Coast
bandana cloth. But just as the early-90s “gangsta
rap” era also came with groups like the Pharcyde,
this “new west” movement also has act like Pac Div
trailing alongside it. And in the coming months,
expect an even “newer” west to come along thanks
to Los Angeles-based teenagers Ben J and Legacy,
appropriately named the New Boyz.

“Everything is becoming positive out here. People

are growing out of that old mentality,” says Ben J.
“Rapping about gangs ain’t really what it’s about
out here now. Everybody is having fun.”

Legacy adds, “I think music like ours is coming from

people being tried of the same ol’ thing. People
thought they had to bang to be the cool kid but
now the smart kid is the cool kid. People being
creative are the people coming up right now.”

Their hit song “You’re A Jerk” has teens from coast-

to-coast doing the accompanying dance and since
their appearance at the 2009 BET Awards, a couple
grown folks might get caught doing the dance too.
The nimble dance step originated from the L.A.
club scene, hugely inspired by the bassline from
D4L’s “Beam Me Up Scotty,” hense the scratching of
Fabo’s voice at the end of the song.

“‘[You’re A] Jerk’ is the least lyrical song we have,”

insists Ben J. “We were already making fun songs,
but with ‘You’re A Jerk’ we just wanted to bring it
outside of L.A.”

Currently prepping their debut album Skinny Jeans

& A Mic, the New Boyz are poised to take both their
music and image beyond La La Land. Judging from
the straight-to-the-point title of the album, people
should know what to expect.

“We don’t care about who’s talking about us. It gets

old after while,” says Legacy, of those who criticize
their style. “It’s like the bully in school. They talk
and talk, but after a while they look stupid.”

Electing to shy away from getting big name fea-

tures on the album, the New Boyz vow to put on
for their city by recruiting peers emerging from the
same scene. Will they be able to usher in their own
variation of the “new west?” We shall see.

Words by Maurice G. Garland

10 // OZONE MAG
(above L-R): Paul Wall & Traxamillion @ Club Suede in San Francisco, CA; E-40 & Omeezy @ Tatou’s in Los Angeles, CA (Photos: D-Ray); Gorilla Zoe & Baydilla @ Club Elixir in
Anchorage, AK (Photo: Julia Beverly)

01 // Amon, Gary Archer, Portia, & Big Rich @ Bay Area Music Conference (Berkeley, CA) 02 // DOT, DJ Imperial & John Brown @ Street Symphony Studios (Fremont, CA) 03 // DJ
Quik, Russ, & Kurupt @ Ruby Sky (San Francisco, CA) 04 // Erk Tha Jerk, Big Rich, & Drew Gooden @ Fahrenheit for Nio Tha Gift’s album release (San Jose, CA) 05 // 211 & K-Boy
(Los Angeles, CA) 06 // DJ D-Wrek & E-40 @ Tatou’s (Los Angeles, CA) 07 // JT Tha Bigga Figga, The Jacka, AP9, & FedX @ The Room for The Jacka’s ”Tear Gas” listening session
(San Francisco, CA) 08 // Andre Nickatina & Paul Wall @ Club Suede (San Francisco, CA) 09 // Julia Beverly & Gorilla Zoe @ Club Elixir (Anchorage, AK) 10 // Boo, Kilo Kurt, Mitchy
Slick, & Willie Joe @ Mistah FAB’s “Hit Me On Twitter” video shoot (East Oakland, CA) 11 // Gary Archer, DJ Rick Lee, & The Jacka @ The Room for The Jacka’s ”Tear Gas” listening
session (San Francisco, CA) 12 // Beat Roc, Nio Tha Gift, & Walt @ Mistah FAB’s “Hit Me On Twitter” video shoot (East Oakland, CA) 13 // DJ Maniakal & DJ Juice @ San Jose Civic
Auditorium (San Jose, CA) 14 // Nio Tha Gift & Bad Lucc @ Street Symphony Studios (Fremont, CA) 15 // Kurupt, DJ Quik, & their band backstage @ Ruby Sky (San Francisco, CA)
16 // Traxamillion & Bad Lucc @ Street Symphony Studios (Fremont, CA) 17 // Devi Dev, guest, Guerilla Black, & Hot Dollar @ Tatou’s (Los Angeles, CA) 18 // DJ Drama, Willie the
Kid, & LA the Darkman @ Icon Lounge for DJ Drama’s meet & greet (San Francisco, CA)

Photo Credits: D-Ray (01,02,03,04,05,06,07,08,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18); Julia Beverly (09)

OZONEWEST
OZONE MAG // 11
 RAISING
WORDS BY MAURICE G. GARLAND
PHOTO BY TY WATKINS
ARIZONA
It’s 113 degrees in Phoenix, AZ, but
Willy Northpole isn’t sweating a thing.
He’s the coolest he’s been in a long
time. His long-awaited debut album
Tha Connect is finally in stores.
“It feels good,” he says via telephone, with the smile on his face evident
from the joy in his voice. “I know what I did. I know how important this was
for me and my city. Word of mouth is the best promotion I can have now. I
have a product that I can actually sell. I have something on the shelf. I’m in
grind mode now.”
Willy burst onto the scene in 2007 with a Disturbing Tha Peace record deal
and an OZONE West cover. From there he found himself answering two
questions: “People rap in Phoenix?” and “Who the hell is Willy Northpole?”
“That’s why I named my album Tha Connect,” says Northpole, who spent
time as a G-Unit affiliate before joining DTP. “Everybody was asking what
happens in Phoenix. I’m going to be the connect that tells everyone about
what goes on here.”
So tell us, because we’d hate to assume, what did you listen to growing
up in Phoenix?
When I was growing up I listened to Geto Boys, a lot of the West Coast and
Death Row stuff, N.W.A. Then we got to into Pac. Then I got on Redman, he
was one of the first artists that I kinda crossed over and listened to from
the East Coast. Then I got incarcerated and when I got out I was listening to
Biggie and Jay-Z. Since we’re between the South and the West, it depends
on what catches out here. A lot of people from Phoenix are not from here.
They come from Chicago, the South, some East coast people too, but
there’s a lot of Chicago guys out here.
The release of your debut album has been a two-year process. Would
you say you’ve grown through the process?
A lot of niggas can’t walk these shoes. As a new artist you gotta restrain
yourself from running up in people’s office with baseball bats [laughs]
but I love doing what I do. I just l love what I do. I definitely accomplished
growth in the music and accomplished things like landing videos on TV.
At the end of the day, we’re still human, I have to go through a lot of BS to
get shit done. Radio is scared to play new artists. Radio used to play stuff
because it was good, but now it’s so many politics. I just came in at a time
when it’s fucked up.
So far the reviews on your album have been pretty favorable. People
are saying it’s an actual “album.” Is that what you set out to do?
I come from an era where I loved albums. That’s the format I laid out on
12 // OZONE WEST
MAG
the album, instead of focusing on singles. I started off with the intro and
showed them my lyrical side, no hooks, damn near a freestyle. It’s 3 minutes
of me spitting all the way through. Then we went to “Hood Shit.” I’m starting
from the bottom, it’s a story in the album. That was the grimier side, going
from banging and stupid shit and jail. Then we get to “Hood Dreamer”
where I’m looking for a way out. From there it leads up to “The Life” with
Ne-Yo. I have “My Beliefs” where I’m showing what went on in the Bible
days and comparing it to what’s going on now. Then I have “The Story” and
my dead homie tribute. I have some Slick Rick-like storytelling on there
too. Nothing talking about rims and money. I really wanted to show me on
this album. “The Life” could’ve been my single, but I couldn’t do that yet. I
wanted to do that after the album was out, so that way I could go back to
songs like “Body Marked Up” if I wanted to. I wanted to start from the bot-
tom to the top. You see how Jay-Z started with Reasonable Doubt? He blew
up and did Kingdom Come later on. Niggas hated on that, so he came back
with American Gangster. He can go back to that when needs too. But cats
that come out with their “lady records” first can’t do that.
Many times when an artist signs to a label run by an artist, they get
overshadowed by the bigger artist. We can’t necessarily say that’s the
case with you. It’s easy to forget you’re even affiliated with Ludacris.
I always told myself that I didn’t want to be like [DTP’s] other artists. I just
wanted to be signed to the label and let me do what I do. He’s not on my
album or my singles, but everybody knows who I’m signed to. I wanted to
establish myself by getting my music out. It’s gonna be a process but I think
it’s a plus. When you think of me you don’t just think of Ludacris. But we’ve
done stuff together, I can call him and he’ll do whatever I ask.
Do you think music is getting back to being homogenous, where it
doesn’t always matter where you are from? You know, getting back to
being strictly about the music? Because you haven’t shoved “I’m from
Phoenix” down our throats.
I’m not gonna rep my hood all the time and shove it down your throat.
That’s like a Puerto Rican putting all Puerto Rican stuff on their album and
not appealing to the Dominicans, but they’re Latin too. All I have to do is
make music and just rep where I’m from. Music was fucked up for a minute.
I think it’s coming back out the way it’s supposed to. If people let these new
guys come out it will be good. Don’t get me wrong, some of these new
niggas are weird as fuck, but they’re making good music though. We’ve got
niggas rapping again. All we’ve got to do is keep that base. //
OZONE
OZONEWEST
MAG // 13

F
or years, the Hollywood, California duo now known as LMFAO
would kick it at The Coffee Bean on Sunset and Fairfax, where
a then unknown Perez Hilton would blog from his office, the
corner table. “Perez and I didn’t have too much to talk about,
because I’m obviously a straight man, but we were actually friends,” says
Redfoo. “We even watched them film the pilot to his reality show. They
filmed it on our street,” adds Sky Blu.
And though Sky and Foo may not share the same sexual preference as
Perez, the experimental DJs-turned-emcees definitely fit in amongst a simi-
lar crowd - a coffee shop convergence of loud and colorful people whose
style summarizes the current Southern California scene.
LMFAO describes their music and style simply as fun, stating, “We put the
F.U. in FUN, and if you don’t like it, F.U.’N ya mama.”
Redfoo is actually Sky Blu’s biological uncle, but the two are only a few
years apart. They began making music together 4 years ago in various
nightclubs throughout LA and quickly earned a reputation as raucous DJs,
recognized for their energy and ability to effectively mix electro, pop, and
Hip Hop genres.
Eventually, the pair began to produce their own tracks, and adopted the
name LMFAO (“Laughin’ My Fuckin’ Ass Off” in internet terminology, for
the few who don’t already know). “Our name was originally gonna be
Sexy Dudes, because that was the name that best suited us,” says Red Foo,
completely serious. “Our friends thought the name was kinda lame, but
we thought they were just jealous, so Sky jumped on iChat and asked his
grandma what she thought of it. She simply replied, “LMFAO, are you seri-
14 // OZONE MAG
Patiently
Waiting
ous, my nigga?” And that instantly became our name—the entire question:
“LMFAO, Are You Serious My Nigga?” But then we went to the swap meet to
get shirts made with our group’s new name and the dude said [in a Korean
accent] “5 dolla a letta.” So at that moment we cut it down to just ‘LMFAO’
and it was 25 bucks a shirt instead of $120.”
And while LMFAO’s sound is completely Hollywood, it wasn’t until the
SoCal kids discovered South Florida that the world began to appreciate
their music. The DJing duet actually wrote their definitive anthem to Miami
nights while planning a trip there in 2007, before ever visiting the city.
“We were just imagining how it would be. You know how when you go on
vacation, you do research on where you’re going before you actually go?
That’s what we did before we went to Miami,” remembers Red Foo. “We
asked our friends what Miami was like and they all hyped us up. We were so
excited to go that we wrote a song before we had ever even been there.”
Sky Blu adds. “We wanted to make a song for tourists to sing and brag to
their friends back home like, “What you doin’? I’m in Miami, bitch!’”
Within two years Sky and Foo bragged “I’m in Miami, Bitch,” all the way to
a contract with Interscope Records and a debut album, Party Rock, which
was released earlier this summer. To this day, the group has mixed and mas-
tered every song they’ve ever recorded, including the almost 100 versions
of “I’m In Miami, Bitch” that cater to different cities throughout the world.
Though the group has yet to convert many of their critics, they have
certainly amassed a huge following. And for those who still don’t take them
seriously, LMFAO promises to have the last laugh.
Words by Eric Perrin
(above L-R): DJ Drama @ Icon Lounge for DJ Drama’s meet & greet in San Francisco, CA; DJ Quik & Kurupt on the set of their video shoot for “Bees To The Flowers” in Los Angeles, CA;
Julia Beverly & Soulja Boy @ Club Bash for JB’s Denver Bday Bash in Denver, CO (Photos: D-Ray)

01 // Jazze Pha @ Union Station for BET Awards afterparty (Los Angeles, CA) 02 // Mistah FAB @ The Room for The Jacka’s “Tear Gas” listening session (San Francisco, CA) 03 // KT
& DJ Franzen @ the Palms for Too Short & DJ Franzen’s private TV show launch party (Las Vegas, NV) 04 // Kafani the Ice King & his daughter Sparkle @ San Jose Civic Audito-
rium (San Jose, CA) 05 // Mac Mall @ San Jose Civic Auditorium (San Jose, CA) 06 // Paul Wall @ Club Suede (San Francisco, CA) 07 // T-Pain @ K 107 Summer Jam (Denver, CO)
08 // Roccett @ AllHipHop Mansion Party (Los Angeles, CA) 09 // Dah Dah on the set of DJ Quik & Kurupt’s video shoot for “Bees To The Flowers” (Los Angeles, CA) 10 // Willy
Northpole, DJ Jaycee, I-20, & Ludacris @ K 107 Summer Jam (Denver, CO) 11 // JBar & Arab @ K 107 Summer Jam (Denver, CO) 12 // Devi Dev @ Union Station for BET Awards
afterparty (Los Angeles, CA) 13 // Baydilla @ Club Elixir (Anchorage, AK) 14 // Shawnna @ K 107 Summer Jam (Denver, CO) 15 // Baby Bash @ K 107 Summer Jam (Denver, CO)
16 // John Costen & Big Rich @ The Room Ultra Lounge for OZONE’s Get Famous showcase (San Francisco, CA) 17 // Uncle Hush @ The Room Ultra Lounge for OZONE Get Fa-
mous showcase (San Francisco, CA) 18 // Laroo @ Icon Lounge for DJ Drama’s meet & greet (San Francisco, CA) 19 // Prime (Los Angeles, CA) 20 // Furious @ Icon Lounge for DJ
Drama’s meet & greet (San Francisco, CA) 21 // Soulja Boy @ San Jose Civic Auditorium (San Jose, CA) 22 // DJ Juice @ Icon Lounge for DJ Drama’s meet & greet (San Francisco,
CA) 23 // The Dragons @ Street Symphony Studio (Fremont, CA) 24 // Smurf, Dr Teeth, & Rick Edwards @ AllHipHop Mansion Party (Los Angeles, CA) 25 // Honest Bob @ The
Room Ultra Lounge for OZONE Get Famous showcase (San Francisco, CA) 26 // Even Odd @ The Room Ultra Lounge for OZONE Get Famous showcase (San Francisco, CA)
27 // DJ SlowPoke @ The Room for The Jacka’s “Tear Gas” listening session (San Francisco, CA) 28 // Big Body Gotti @ Club Suede (San Francisco, CA) 29 // DJ Quote @ K 107
Summer Jam (Denver, CO) 30 // DJ KTone, Nikki Swarn, & Curtis @ K 107 Summer Jam (Denver, CO) 31 // DJ Bobby Black @ Club Elixir (Anchorage, AK) 32 // DJ B-Eazy @ the
Palms for Too Short & DJ Franzen’s private TV show launch party (Las Vegas, NV) 33 // Dre Dae @ Poetry for JB’s Vegas Bday party (Las Vegas, NV) 34 // CoCo @ Bay Area Music
Conference (Berkeley, CA) 35 // Bad Lucc @ Street Symphony Studios (Fremont, CA)

Photo Credits: D-Ray (02,03,04,05,06,07,08,09,11,15,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,27,28,29,30,32,33,34,35); Julia Beverly (01,10,12,13,14,16,17,25,26,31)

OZONE MAG // 15
 THA JACKA
OF ALL
TRADES Words by Maurice G. Garland

It’s been a long time since the Bay had an artist who put out an album
that could appeal to everyone. With his latest album, Tear Gas, Tha Jacka
made every attempt, phone call and song that he could to let the world
know an artist from the Bay can reach past the Mountain Time Zone.
So far the album has been lauded as both a great piece of work and a
blatant effort to get more fans.

As he sat at an airport waiting to catch a flight to Portland, Oregon for a

show, Tha Jacka spoke with us about the inspiration and actions behind
Tear Gas, his Muslim faith and the reason major labels are afraid to sign
independent Bay Area artists.

Now that the album is out, what kind of feedback have you been getting?
The first response is that the people loved it, but then after that people
didn’t know what they were listening to. After weeks went past I started
getting a lot of great responses. People have been telling me it’s really qual-
ity material. I didn’t get any real input at first when it came out, but now
after it’s been out for a while people are speaking up.

As good as people are saying the album is, some are saying that the only
flaw is that you have too many features. Do you still feel comfortable
with your decision to go that route?
Yeah, and it’s an independent album and it did real good, that what makes
it special. So I think it was a good decision. The people I got on there, most
people do a radio song with them. But I let them do what they felt like do-
ing. We gotta do what we feel sometimes. It’s about making good music. I
think people appreciated that.

Your first single “All On Me” isn’t something that people would expect
from you, based off your past catalog. What went into your decision to
make that song?
When I did that song, I ain’t know it was gonna be on the album. I did that
just to promote me or what I had out at the time. I didn’t expect it to make
the album. It wasn’t a song for Tear Gas off top.

Yeah, that song seemed to be on the other end of the spectrum of the
message your album cover and art puts out. The images were very
alarming. Why did you choose to go that direction?
At the time we did that, even now, there was like a war between the police
and the minorities. It was like the youth against the police. Out here in the
Bay Area when the police mistreat someone, we really go out and protest,
we really go hard. The Oscar Grant situation might have triggered all of
that. Then someone in Oakland knocked down five police officers, that’s
what the inside cover was taken from. We’re just tired of this shit, we’re not
going out like that. When something happens, we’re going to riot for what’s
right. We’re used to this out here. And the reason why I’m on the cover with
nothing on my face is that I’m saying I’m immune to the gas. I don’t need a
mask.
Rioting, activism, independence, and survival are all things that come to
mind when you think of people from Oakland. All the way from the Black
Panther Party up to the Too $horts and E-40s. Do you think such strong
traits are what has kept the Bay from getting back on the radar of major
companies and labels?
Yeah, I think it’s kind of scary to some labels to have artists like “us.” A lot of
us are independent, and you gotta do whatever it takes to get your album
out, if you know what I mean. So yeah, it scares them away sometimes. We
don’t have a major label here [in the Bay] but people love the music. They
don’t mind that it’s independent. But I can see why labels don’t rush to do
something with Bay artists.
It’s been said that wanting to stay so close to home cripples some Bay
Area artists and the movement in general. Do you agree? What is your
approach?
I like going out. I think it’s better going out. An artist like myself, my music
doesn’t even appeal to the Bay sometimes. I don’t get the majority of my
sales from the Bay. I prefer to be gone and getting known and building
relationships, following the footsteps E-40, Too $hort and C-Bo laid out for
us. They go to Detroit, Denver, Oklahoma City, Kansas City. We’re trying to
piggyback off that. We hit Arizona, the whole West Coast and the Midwest.
But we don’t go to the South a lot. I know C-Bo used to go to the South all
the time and that’s why he had a fanbase there. But the South has come up
and [created] their own identity and they’ve been supporting their own.
You gotta let them do their thing. You can’t force feed niggas your music.
When you get something they like, cool. That’s why I did the song with
Devin the Dude and Paul Wall.
Throughout your music, you make it known that you are Muslim. Some
may find that hard to swallow, given some of the material that you rap
about.
Well, I talk about that to wake the youth up, or people that don’t have a
faith. We were all raised in the church, except for the people who missed
out because of the crack era. I talk about my faith because it’s more than
just rap now. I do get a lot of compliments for adding that into my music.
Some people have even told me they’ve become Muslim from listening to
my music. I don’t even hit them with the bars as much as I want to. Some-
times I want to do more of that. I don’t just want to leave my listeners out
there lost. I remember Beanie Sigel told me one time, “You don’t want to be
Haram,” which pretty much means “bad” in Islam. You want your music to
leave a good legacy.
Your fellow Mob Figa Husalah is out of prison now. I’m sure a lot of
people want to know if they will be getting some more Mob Figaz music.
We’re working on that right now. Hus got a new single out. It’s a good start
to getting us back together, because the people really want it. I want things
to get to back to how they were, but he can only get out 2 hours a day and
he’s got a family. We’ve all got kids now. It sucks that we can’t be around
him the way we want to. Just getting caught up in the lifestyle, it messes
me up a little bit. But I’m happy that we at least have him home now. //

16 // OZONE MAG
Tha Jacka/Tear Gas
With high expectations for this album, Tha Jacka does not
disappoint. Perhaps the most commercially viable album in his
catalog, if not the most mainstream-ready album out of the Bay
in years, Jacka finds that balance between his graphic street
novels and radio-friendly jams. The only drawback to this album
could be Jacka’s anxiousness to work with everybody within
email’s reach. While the flooding of cameos rarely overshadows
his presence, it would be nice to hear how he sounds by himself.
- Maurice G. Garland
Willy Northpole/Tha Connect
Disturbing Tha Peace/Def Jam
Although he hails from scorching Phoenix, Arizona, Disturbing
Tha Peace/Def Jam artist Willy Northpole is seriously cold on
the mic. Mixing his “Hood Dreamer” mentality with an obvious
appreciation for lyricism, it is clear to see throughout this effort
why Willy has gotten the buzz he has in such a short time. With
15 tracks featuring artists like B.O.B., Sean Kingston, and of
course Ludacris, Northpole heats up the game on his debut Tha
Connect. This album gives a taste of what Arizona has to offer,
and shows the West Coast is bigger than L.A. and the Bay. - Tony
Burgos
Spider Loc/Land Of The Lost
Spider Loc is somewhat of a forgotten soul on G-Unit’s roster,
so this Land Of The Lost mixtape/street album is properly titled
for the West Coast MC lost in 50 Cent’s mix. This 16-track street
album has standouts cuts like the knuckle-up joint “Knocc Out
Kid,” and “When I’m Gone,” where Loc takes a minute to clear his
thoughts. But there are songs like the out-of-place Los Angeles
Lakers tribute song, “Lake Show,” and the sloppy flow on “Get
Fucced Up,” which sounds like Loc had one too many drinks
before he recorded this track, that would have been better
off unheard. Still, a few throwaways tracks aside, this release
deserves more from 50 Cent than just a promo post on ThisIs50.
com. - Randy Roper
DJ Quik & Kurupt/BlaQKout
Mad Science/Fontana Distribution
Kurupt’s opening commentary on BlaQKout perfectly sums up
this collaborative effort from these two West Coast legends:
“This is one of those things that when you put it together, you
make gumbo. How can you go wrong?” DJ Quik on the beats,
along with Kurupt’s lyricism and Quik’s energetic flow, makes
for an imposing tandem. From the first track on, Quik’s pro-
duction is top-notch, with beats like “Ohh,” “Whatcha Wan Do,”
and “Hey Playa!” showing his versatility for both West Coast
G-funk and Neptunes-esque quality. Most of the content is
in the vein of “it ain’t fun if the homies can’t have none.” In
the end, the one question left after hearing this album is why
didn’t Kurupt and Quik think of this sooner? - Randy Roper
Tha Realest/Witness Tha Realest
RBC/Team Dime/E1 Music
This long-awaited debut album from former Death Row artist
The Realest lives up to its title with songs full of aggressive
content (“Mind of Ah Madman”), cold-hearted tales (“IceKold”)
and gun-toting realities (“Y I Keep My Burna On Me”). And
artists like Fat Joe, C-Bo, Crooked I, Devin The Dude, Sean Paul,
Ray J, Yukmouth, and WC, give this album constant breaks
from Tha Realest’s abrasive bars and vocal tone reminiscent
of 2Pac. Witness Tha Realest is a decently put together album,
but for most listeners it may be too difficult to overlook Pac’s
heavy influence on Tha Realest’s music. - Randy Roper
Yukmouth/The West Coast Don
Smoke-a-Lot/Asylum
The West Coast Don is Yukmouth’s fifth solo album, but from
top to bottom, he approaches the mic with hunger as if it’s
his first go round. This album has tons of guest appearances,
like “I’m a Gangsta” with Crooked I, Ray J and Dyson, and “All
Night” with Glasses Malone and Tha Jacka, that will have you
pressing the rewind button. But there are collaborations that
look better on paper then they actually sound, like the T-Pain
assisted “44.” Still, Cali representers Mistah FAB, Keak Da Sneak,
Tha Realest, C-Bo and a host of others help give West Coast
Don more material to praise than to criticize. - Randy Roper
OZONE MAG // 17
 endzone

DJ Quik & Kurupt

Venue: Ruby Sky
City: San Francisco, CA
Date: June 11th, 2009
Photo: D-Ray

18 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 19
 YOUR FAVORITE RAPPER’S FAVORITE MAGAZINE

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20 // OZONE MAG