YOUR FAVORITE RAPPER’S FAVORITE MAGAZINE! OZONE AWARD WINNERS!

OZONE MAGAZINE

HUSTLER’S EDITION FEATURING

PLIES
YUNG JOC
I’M WAY MORE TRILLA

RICK ROSS
TRAE PIMP C
APOLOGIZES
USDA
BLOCK TO ATLANTA!
T-PAIN
GRIT BOYS
HURRICANE CHRIS
DRE’s
BROWN PAPER
BAG MONEY

PLUS OZONE WEST:

MITCHY SLICK
WESTURN UNION
SEPTEMBER 2007

SKEE & REFLEX

KAFANI AND MORE! OZONE MAG // 
 YOUR FAVORITE RAPPER’S FAVORITE MAGAZINE! OZONE AWARD WINNERS!

PIMP C
RICK
APOLOGIZES
TO ATLANTA!

ROSS
PLUS
OZONE WEST:
MITCHY SLICK
WESTURN UNION
PLIES SKEE & REFLEX
KAFANI
YUNG
JOC

DRE’s
BROWN PAPER
BAG MONEY

TRAE
USDA
BLOCK
T-PAIN
GRIT BOYS
HURRICANE CHRIS
20 // OZONE WEST
 YOUR FAVORITE RAPPER’S FAVORITE MAGAZINE! OZONE AWARD WINNERS!
OZONE MAGAZINE

HUSTLER’S EDITION PLUS

FEATURING OZONE WEST:
MITCHY SLICK

YUNG WESTURN UNION

WE WASN’T HOMIES LAST WEEK SO DON’T CALL ME TODAY

SKEE & REFLEX

JOC
KAFANI

HURRICANE
CHRIS
PLIES GRIT
BOYS
RICK ROSS TRAE
USDA
BLOCK
PIMP
APOLOGIZES
C T-PAIN
TO ATLANTA! DRE’s
BROWN PAPER
BAG MONEY
SEPTEMBER 2007

OZONE MAG // 
 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 
 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 
 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 
 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 
10 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 11
 PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF // Julia Beverly

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER // N. Ali Early

MUSIC EDITOR // Randy Roper

FEATURES EDITOR // Eric Perrin

ART DIRECTOR // Tene Gooden

monthly sections
ADVERTISING SALES // Che’ Johnson

PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR // Malik Abdul

MARKETING DIRECTOR // David Muhammad Sr.

LEGAL CONSULTANT // Kyle P. King, P.A. 28 CHAIN REACTION: DRE’S BROWN PAPER BAG
ADMINISTRATIVE // Cordice Gardner, Kisha
46 PRODUCER PROFILE: DRUMMA BOY
Smith 34 THE CHRONICLES OF PIMP C
CONTRIBUTORS // Alexander Cannon, Bogan, 42 INDUSTRY 101: MTV JAMS
Carlton Wade, Charlamagne the God, Chuck T,
Destine Cajuste, E-Feezy, Edward Hall, Felita 17 10 THINGS I’M HATIN’ ON
Knight, Iisha Hillmon, Jacinta Howard, Jaro
Vacek, Jessica Koslow, J Lash, Jason Cordes,
44 DJ PROFILE: CRISCO KID
Jo Jo, Johnny Louis, Kamikaze, Keadron
Smith, Keith Kennedy, Kenneth Brewer, K.G.
95 CAFFEINE SUBSTITUTES
Mosley, King Yella, Luis Santana, Luxury 21-49 PHOTO GALLERIES
Mindz, Marcus DeWayne, Matt Sonzala, Mau-
rice G. Garland, Mercedes (Strictly Streets), 24 SIDEKICK HACKIN’
Mike Sims, Ms. Rivercity, Natalia Gomez,
Ray Tamarra, Rico Da Crook, Robert Gabriel,
26 DOLLAR MENU
Rohit Loomba, Shannon McCollum, Spiff, 20 MATHEMATICS
Swift, Wally Sparks, Wendy Day
90 DVD REVIEWS
STREET REPS // Al-My-T, B-Lord, Big Teach
(Big Mouth), Bigg C, Bigg V, Black, Brian
17 JB’S 2 CENTS
Franklin, Buggah D. Govanah (On Point),
Bull, C Rola, Cedric Walker, Chill, Chilly C,
22 CHIN CHECK
Chuck T, Controller, DJ Dap, David Muham- 92-93 CD REVIEWS
mad, Delight, Derrick the Franchise, Destine
Cajuste, Dolla Bill, Dwayne Barnum, Dr. 30 TRUE RAPS
Doom, Ed the World Famous, Episode,
General, Haziq Ali, H-Vidal, Hollywood, J
18-19 RAPQUEST
Fresh, Jammin’ Jay, Janky, Joe Anthony,
Judah, Kamikaze, KC, Kenneth Clark, Klarc
36 TATTED UP
Shepard, Kuzzo, Kydd Joe, Lex, Lil D, Lump, 14 FEEDBACK
Marco Mall, Mr. Lee, Music & More, Nick@
Nite, Nikki Kancey, Pat Pat, PhattLipp, Pimp 94-98 END ZONE
G, Quest, Rio G, Rippy, Rob-Lo, Stax, TJ’s
DJ’s, TJ Bless, Tim Brown, Trina Edwards,
Vicious, Victor Walker, Voodoo, Wild Billo,
Young Harlem

DISTRIBUTION // Curtis Circulation, LLC

features
SUBSCRIPTIONS //
To subscribe, send check or money order
for $11 to:
Ozone Magazine, Inc.
Attn: Subscriptions Dept
644 Antone St. Suite 6
Atlanta, GA 30318
32 Follow The Leader
Phone: 404-350-3887
Fax: 404-350-2497
85-87 Ozone Award Winners
Website: www.ozonemag.com

COVER CREDITS // Plies photo (cover and

this page) by Ray Tamarra; Yung Joc photo
by Blake Ribbey; Rick Ross photo by Blake
Ribbey; Dre photo by Julia Beverly.

DISCLAIMER // OZONE Magazine is published

11 times per year by OZONE Magazine, Inc.
OZONE does not take responsibility for unso-
licited materials, misinformation, typograph-
interviews
ical errors, or misprints. The views contained
herein do not necessarily reflect those of the
publisher or its advertisers. Ads appearing
58-59 Trae
in this magazine are not an endorsement or 68-69 Block
validation by OZONE Magazine for products or
services offered. All photos and illustrations 80-81 Grit Boys
are copyrighted by their respective artists.
All other content is copyright 2007 OZONE
Magazine, all rights reserved. No portion of
this magazine may be reproduced in any way
without the written consent of the publisher.
Printed in the USA.

12 // OZONE MAG
 PLIES pg 72-77
YUNG JOC pg 62-6
7

RICK ROSS pg 51-54

OZONE MAG // 13
 Send your comments to [email protected]
or hit us up at www.myspace.com/ozonemagazine
away with saying “nigga.” I understand blacks, Chicanos and certain Middle
Easterners especially from areas near the head of Africa like Egypt and
Palestine and Saudi Arabia can say it, but DJ Drama? Also, what’s good with
my boy Pitbull? He looks white. I’m not one to hate – I love all ethnicities
– but in Africa, we are very defensive with the “n” word, ya dig? Pitbull has
blue eyes in all the pics I’ve seen, so what’s good with the Cuban homeboy?
I’m a huge fan and love everything you’re doing. Keep up the good work!
- Nathaniel Ramsey, [email protected] (Australia)

Editor Responds: DJ Drama is half black and Pitbull has addressed this question.

JB, I just picked up the new issue of OZONE and you did it again. I feel that
it’s becoming the best magazine covering the music culture. I’m from the
East Coast, but I can tell that you and your staff is really putting in the
work. It shows. In the Pimp C article, he sure expressed himself – and also
followed it up on a radio station in Atlanta. That little article in your maga-
zine made headlines throughout the industry and sure made an impact. It
had people checking for OZONE even if they weren’t before. I know it wasn’t
a publicity stunt or for sales, which was even more intriguing. I just wish
more artists would express themselves like Pimp C – not for controversy
purposes but just because I’m sure there are a lot of artists who feel like
him but are just scared to express themselves in that manner because of
You’re doin’ the damn thang with OZONE Magazine. I buy that shit monthly. the press or the confrontation. Pimp C said that there was a Part 2 coming,
It’s informative and straight up real, unlike XXL or The Source. so if it’s anything like the first one, oh boy! With the Benzino article, you
- Myspace.com/southsidevet (Central FL) proved that you are a woman and in this crazy industry you also have class.
Much respect for giving a man that disrespected you a voice in your pages
and showing that you are the better person. To be honest, when I saw the
The OZONE Magazine with The Runners on the front cover is one of the best article I was surprised, but it also put a smile on my face because it shows
I’ve ever read. It gave me a lot of information and insight about what I’m that with you it’s business not personal. Tell Delta or any airline you travel
doing with my career. to not give you a hard time, because you’re on a mission.
– Kavid Mathis, [email protected] - Rinarys “Sincere” Matos, [email protected]

The Patiently Waiting: Mississippi OZONE Award nominees listed in your I just finished reading the June 2007 issue and I loved JB’s 2 Cents. You’re
August issue was somewhat accurate, but not as accurate as you think. If you right – why is it that ladies always have to lower themselves for men, dress
ask any of the names on the list about Rah Fontaine, I guarantee you they’ll inappropriately, and get called all sorts of trashy names, and they still
mention his name! I think you guys and gals over there at OZONE should respond? They follow men like they’re on a leash. Your write-up has opened
mention it also. up a can of worms, but the worms have been around before you and I have.
– Maurice Rounsaville, [email protected] (Jackson, MS) I’m like you – we should dress however makes us comfortable. I’m with
you, Julia. Keep doing what you and the team at OZONE do. I’m loving the
magazine and the South is awake!
Ms. Beverly, I honestly do look up to you. On some real shit, you are my – Coconut Fob, myspace.com/coconutfob (Sydney, Australia)
motivation. I’m a 19-year-old female, mother of one, and a full-time college
student on the grind when it comes down to this music stuff. I am the only
female member of an independent record label called Mo Midi Music and I do You were wrong in JB’s 2 Cents. Although I can understand the reason you
all the behind-the-scenes shit. I know before you had your own mag, niggas feel like it’s a hopeless situation with these idiots in the industry, it’s not
might have talked down on you. Look at you now, though. Bottom line, read- hopeless. Those girls you are referring to have never had a voice of their
ing your mag lets me know that anything is possible. own. You’re now in a position to do something about it.
– Mo Midi Music (San Diego, CA) – Sonya Blankinship, [email protected]

OZONE is a killer mag. I’ve been into Hip Hop for years and the journalism I saw that article you did on Yukmouth in the last issue online. That shit was
was never up-to-par. You guys are really pushing the bar out there now. I pretty tight. Y’all cover a lot of Bay Area artists in OZONE West but you can’t
just discovered this mag about 3-4 issues back, so you’re still breaking new find the magazine anywhere in the Bay. What’s up with that?
ground with your hustle. Keep up the good work. Damn! Now the best rapper – Keita Jones, [email protected] (California)
is white and the best mag is run by a white chick. Even if I was black and a
hater I’d find that funny, but I’m an internet person – I have no color and am Editor Responds: Check 7-11!
not that amused. You should have a few reader contests and maybe some
polls as well, and get a webpage going. XXL had an awesome online contest.
– Rory McLaughlin, [email protected] Eric Perrin’s joke about Virginia Tech wasn’t cool. Hate all you want, but it’s
just not cool to say that these people could still be with us if girls had put
out. That’s pretty low. For all we know, that Asian kid could have been gay.
I love OZONE. I’m a jock at a radio station in Shreveport, and music is my life! Everything else was funny, but this joke came a little too soon.
I couldn’t believe Kisha hated on Hurricane’s “A Bay Bay” in “10 Things I’m – Shanette Little, [email protected] (Orlando, FL)
Hatin’ On.” If Rick Ross, who raps about all the cocaine he sold/uses, why
can’t a rapper with a catchy song get some love? I’d be lying if I said “A Bay
Bay” was my favorite song, but Hurricane is the first rapper from Shreveport God bless you! I really smell myself to fill with enthusiasm as soon as I find
to make it this far and I support my city. Can everyone else do the same? the OZONE Mag. I live in Haiti and I adore the OZONE Mag because I would
– Lil D, [email protected] (Shreveport, LA) like to know all about the artists such as Akon, he is an artist I like so much.
– Josue Wandlyne, [email protected] (Haiti)

I live in Australia via Africa. I’m a fan of your magazine but we don’t get it
over here so it’s a website thing to read ‘em. As a longtime fan, I would ap- Correction: Fred Taylor, featured in photo #15 on page 27 of the August is-
preciate some answers to my questions. I was wondering how DJ Drama gets sue, was incorrectly labeled as Ray Lewis.

14 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 15
16 // OZONE MAG
10 Things I’m Hatin’ On
Lil Duval used up all his material at the
jb’s 2cents
N
ow that I’m an award show veteran with two years under my
OZONE Awards so I (JB) had to step up to
belt, I’ve decided that my favorite thing about the post-OZONE
the plate this month. How hard could it be
Awards wrap-up is the occasional emails that are like insults
to think of things to hate on?
hidden inside a compliment. To paraphrase: “Great show, but maybe
next time you should try to be a little more organized.” No shit!
01 // HIGH TOP PRADAs
I don’t care how much they cost. Those
It kinda surprises me, though, because organization has never been
things are ugly.
one of my weaknesses, and I must humbly say that I think we do a
great job considering the circumstances. The problem in this situation
02 // PEOPLE REVEALING TOO MUCH
is that you’re dealing with rappers, egos, entourages, and a million other
PERSONAL INFO ON MYSPACE
variables. News flash: “Organized” is the last word you will ever use to describe
Thank God Myspace and YouTube and all that
artists and their entourages. You can plan seating charts and ticket allotments,
didn’t exist when I was a teenager, because
but in reality, rappers are going to show up however deep they want and sit
there might be living proof to this day of all
wherever the fuck they want (or roam around backstage with the 20 other
the dumb shit I did back then. I also love
entourages – even better). In theory, you can plan a show down to the minute
when people you don’t know post comments
– who’s going to present which award, who’s going to perform when – but in
on your page as if they really knew you -
reality, you end up with thirty impatient artists who all think they are the most
“Hey, boo! Call me! Miss you! We should hang
important one. Everyone waits til the last minute to make all kinds of crazy de-
out again! Last night was fun!” etc. Polow would love having the mands. I don’t even remember how many people I cursed out during the OZONE
opportunity to caption this Awards weekend. Artists show up when they feel like it, expect to immediately
03 // KID RAPPERS
go on stage, and get pissed off if they have to wait. Inevitably, there’s also a
Gotta love kid rappers with their simplistic
handful of artists who promised they were coming but don’t show up at all,
rhymes about all the ice they’ve got and
completely throwing off your minute-by-minute show schedule, even though
expensive cars they drive and how they’re
you already know they’re flaky as hell so you gave them a grace period of 24
going to blow your back out. “Throw it deep
hours fully expecting them to miss the first one, two, or three flights (yes, you).
like Michael Vick?” Aren’t you like 14 years
old and four feet tall? How much dick could
You could plan a big grand finale with a live band and end up in a screaming
you possibly be slangin’?
match with the Hollywood-ass dude who runs the band the morning of the
show because you just can’t put up with any more of his diva bullshit (“Don’t
04 // ARTISTS BLAMING ME FOR THEIR BEEF Me & the Aphilliates in ATL you know who the fuck I am????” Actually, no. No one knows who the fuck you
I don’t mind a lil’ controversy if it sells
are, which is why I’m not even going to mention your name. Should’ve taken
magazines. But if I’m holding a recorder in
advantage of the lil’ opportunity to be seen on MTV Jams, but whatever). You
front of your face and you voluntarily talk
could plan to give out a Lifetime Achievement Award to somebody who con-
shit about somebody, don’t try to cop out
stantly bitches about never getting a Lifetime Achievement Award and actually
later by blaming it on the white girl with
deserves it (*cough* Uncle Luke *cough*) and then he somehow forgets to
“the media made me do it” excuse.
come? You also might end up with a major artist giving an ultimatum demand-
ing 80 tickets an hour before the show (yes, eighty tickets).
05 // HIGH MAINTENANCE D-LIST ARTISTS
Between Ky-Mani Marley, the Shop Boyz,
You could tell artists to “dress to impress,” but they will still show up on the
Buckeey from Flavor of Love, Tango, and
Me & BOB have haters red carpet in wifebeaters or whatever the fuck they feel like wearing. You could
Freeway, I must have received at least 5,000 everywhere pay a sickening amount of money for security who are apparently unable to
emails in reference to their attendance at
prevent people without tickets from entering the venue; meanwhile they are
the OZONE Awards. Is it that serious? Do the
busy pissing off your headliner who’s about to leave because they’re searching
Shop Boyz really need a “backline,” “pro-
his wardrobe bags. They could also be somehow unable to prevent five un-
duction budget,” and “AFTRA fees” to get
planned performances throughout the course of your show by random rappers
on stage for 3 minutes with a DJ and a CD?
jumping on stage with their shirts off. Bottom line: you can’t create order from
Why does Buckeey have four publicists? Is it
disorder, so as long as rap entourages are chaotic and disorganized, yes, the
necessary for Tango from I Love New York to
OZONE Awards are gonna be ghetto. But that’s why it’s the shit. It’s raw, uncen-
JOIE MANDA

have two managers and two bodyguards?

sored, and a little rough around the edges. If you don’t like it, don’t come.
06 // PROACTIV CELEBRITIES
Boosie clearly has more money Thank God it’s all over and I can go back to being a regular person again.
They’ll take an old picture of Jessica Simp-
than me. Maybe I’ll start rapping People have been literally hunting me down like a wild animal for the last
son and photoshop a zit onto it. Get the fuck
few weeks trying to get free tickets. I was getting so many random calls at
outta here. We know you never had acne.
my hotel room I had to check in under an alias. That’s how you know you’re
famous. It’s crazy. You all really give me too much credit. I don’t know who
07 // OVERLY SENSITIVE PUBLICISTS
told you I’m important. I just take pictures and talk shit. And the groupies,
I hate on publicists, period, just because I
wow. We’re not gonna even talk about my groupies. Let’s just say that if I was a
can. Except 5WPR, OZONE loves them. But
guy, I would’ve got plenty of free head during the OZONE Awards weekend. It’s
the worst are the ones that are actually
unfortunate that we females can’t take advantage of groupie love in quite the
ERIC PERRIN

fucking the artist they’re promoting and get

same ways. Damn emotions and the whole not-wanting-to-look-like-a-slut
personally offended if you don’t want to
thing, you know? Maybe next year.
interview their “client.”
Shit happens. Usually at 5
AM in an OZONE truck far - Julia Beverly, [email protected]
08 // HOTEL VALET CHARGES away from home
I ran into MJG outside a hotel in Birmingham
recently where they were charging like $30

jb’splaylist
for valet parking. In Birmingham! Hotels
charge more now for parking than the room. Plies f/ Akon “Hypnotized”
Chamillionaire f/ Slick Rick “Hip Hop Police”
09 // CHARLIE MURPHY B.G. f/ Young Jeezy “I Hustle”
Either him, his publicist, or his manager is UGK f/ Too $hort “Life Is 2009” Plies f/ Tank “You”
full of shit. Maybe all of the above. Yung Joc f/ Gorilla Zoe “Bottle Poppin’” J Holiday “Bed”
Bohagon “Bring It Back” Mr. West “Stronger”
10 // ROLAND “LIL DUVAL” POWELL USDA “Corporate Thuggin’” UGK “Chrome Plated Woman”
What kind of comedian would start a hilari-
ous column and then quit? Lame. I can’t
think of 10 things. Come back to work Duval.

OZONE MAG // 17
 >>>>>>>
QUEST >>>>>>>
RAP
NEMA G.COM
O PP IN’ at JB@OZO
E WHANOTT’SREPPRESENTED AT ALL, HIT
U S UP
E TS TO SE INDIANAPOLIS, IN
E HITS TH E STRISEMISREPRESENTED, OR DJ B-Nasty has started to make noise all across the nation. He is rocking
OZON L THAT YOUR CITY
E
clubs on three coasts now. 4 Given 4 is on top of a lot of peoples minds. These four
IF YOU FE
young ladies have taken gospel rap to an all new high. DJ 5 Foota is becoming a force
on the mixtape scene, as well as DJ Rally. Rebel World Records has dropped a hot
mixtape featuring some artists you should be checking for. Upfront Promotions did their
NEW YORK, NY thing bringing the hottest show of the summer with UGK, Scarface & the Geto Boyz, Devin
the Dude, & Big Mike.
The streets are buzzing in New York over a new move-
ment called Keeplock Entertainment. Their artist Countri - Lucky The Promo King ([email protected])
Boi just got signed to TVT Records. The 4th of July is near
and there are many parties popping in the city. The big-
gest event in Harlem is The Most Hated Cookout uptown NASHVILLE, TN
on 145 & Lenox. Rapper Jae Millz is hosting the event. BDG (Big Daddy Gaddy) held the city down with a weekend long birthday celebration. Drupy just
Word on the street says Mase is signing to Steve Rifkind’s released his highly anticipated CD entitled The Low End Theory and is getting heavy club spins.
SRC/Universal label. If you need a great hair cut, go to The candidates for Mayor are sitting down with the music community to put together a plan of
Master John’s located on 126 Street & 8th Avenue. They action for change. Cashville’s Prince All Star invited all of the DJs out for dinner and then had a
will hook you up, and they rep OZONE. listening session back at the studio. Word on the streets is that Lil Bizzy has a few labels looking
- Young Harlem (www.Myspace.com/YoungHarlem00) at him and there’s a brand new club on the block called The Cartel.
- Janiro ([email protected])

MEMPHIS, TN
Former Hot 107.1 Memphis radio personality Big Sue returns from Louisiana and joins the K97 team on the Mike Evans
Morning Show. Memphis is definitely glad to have her back. Gangsta Boo isn’t slowing down a bit, especially with her
COLUMBUS, OH
Summer brings out the mini skirts
latest project with Snoop Dogg and Rich Boy. Their single “Break a Nigga Off” will appear on Rich Boy’s upcoming
as the Columbus scene heats up. The
album. Muck Sticky and his wild crew have teamed up with Lil Wyte and Taco Da Mofos. They will be doing shows all
Usual Suspects DJ Crew kicked off Black
summer and Muck has his latest city release on August 7th. If you’re looking for something different, Muck Sticky has
Music Month with an open mic set at
it covered!
Bodega. Their radio show can be heard
- Deanna Brown ([email protected])
DALLAS/FT. WORTH, TX
on fullblastradio.podomatic.com. DJ O
Sharp and Rich NYCe keep mixtapes in the
Tum Tum’s Eat or Get Ate and Mr. streets. King Seven the Great holds down
Lucci’s 100% Real are in stores
now. Young Bleed’s Once Upon a
MYRTLE BEACH, SC the reggae scene while J Rawls rips the
Atlanta Soul Festival in July. Columbus is
Local artists are preparing for the Southeast Music & Entertainment
Time in America drops this month the 5th fattest city in the nation and we
Summit this summer. UC Strategies, Sean Valentine, The B1nz and Squad
and I’m hearing a lot of Ke Ke’s got plenty of festivals to keep those spare
Familia all have hot records that buzzing in the streets and getting spins
single “Debt or Credit.” Super tires rollin’ – Juneteenth, Latino Festival,
on radio. The competition and beefs between area DJs is heating up like
producer E-rotic D is a must Red, White and Boom and the infamous
a down south cotton field. I hear a ton of subliminal disses on mixtapes
know while the song “Get It Big” Rib Fest. Niggas and ribs, oh my!
and radio commercials. Instead of working together to get money, we’d
by Trap Star is blowing up radio. - Dawn Dickson
rather put the blade to someone’s throat to be the man. Congratula-
Tee Cherry Ent. is bringing local ([email protected])
tions to Ramon Sessions from Myrtle Beach; he was just drafted by the
shows to the Jinx Bar and Big
Milwaukee Bucks. The draft party was ridiculous.
Tramp is airing local videos on
- Mr. Smith ([email protected])
JACKSON, MS
N Da Streetz TV. Gatormain is the
truth; Peezee is starting to buzz,
and it’s still Free Bo-Leg and Ludacris hit the city and did his thing at one
Twisted Black! of Jackson’s biggest street festivals. Plies
- Edward “Pookie” Hall (www. BAY ST LOUIS, MS dropped into town and had dinner with a few
[email protected]) The Mississippi sound is very much alive. DJ Deliyte’s underground lucky Hot 97.7 radio listeners. Benz of 1Life-
movement is still going strong. Strong Arm’s hit single “Bitch Niggaz You 1Love is getting heavy spins with his single
See Me,” T.Z.’s “Rock n Sway,” GNo’s “Ballaholic,” and Dead End’s “D-Boy “The Wait is Over.” T-Pain was a no-show
Rock” are in almost every club in the Sipp. Shawt’s grinding is paying off but reasons as to why are still uncertain.
as his hit single “I’m Drunk” just hit the airwaves. Scrapin’ the Coast was He did make it to the city though. Slim Thug
back hard with rides and entertainment. Sir Rod stopped through with performed in Jackson then gave props during
his So So Def Best of the Best Tour at Nel’s Sports Bar and Lounge. an interview at the BET Awards. The streets
AUSTIN, TX - DJ Deliyte ([email protected]) are going crazy waiting for the BLOCK WEAR
DVD to be released. Get at us!
DJ Rapid Ric spent a portion of June and July on tour - Tambra Cherie ([email protected]) &
with Chamillionaire in Norway. He DJed at various per- Stax ([email protected])
formances. Rapid Ric was also nominated for the cat-
egory of Best Mixtape at the 2007 OZONE Awards. “Free
Ryno” is the chant going around Austin in support of
the On The Line Records artist who was recently caught
in an unfortunate situation. The Gangstar Roc mixtape
NEW ORLEANS, LA
Dizzy, a.k.a. Raw D.I., released his album From the Ground Up.
from PLA and Set 4 Life will be available soon. Bass- The album release party was a star studded event. The project
wood Lane’s latest project with DJ Grip titled Basswood features production from Raj Smoove, Stevie Drumma, The Runners
Select will also be out soon. Tosin of TheScrewShop.com
just released a two-disc set titled Major Moves.
CHARLESTON, SC and much more. Lil Wayne is also featured on the album. Weezy F.
R.I.P to the nine firefighters that died leaked The Carter 3 Sessions to the streets. Currency’s “Fly Society”
- O.G. of Luxury Mindz ([email protected]) in the furniture store fire. Pimp C was movement has the potential to be bigger and more supported
supposed to perform at The Weekend’s than Lil Wayne’s movement. Lil Boosie threw a concert in Slidell
Pub but didn’t show. B.G. showed up which was well attended and actually covered by Q93. Tha Street
SAN ANTONIO, TX
on June 24th. It went down real big Team performed their single “Jazzy Chick” as an opening act.
with DJ Cleve at the pool party at The - Derrick Tha Franchise (www.Myspace.com/DerrickThaFranchise)
The Hip Hop scene in old San Antone, Sa-Town, or SA Tunnel. The Gutta Ent. Cookout at the
as it’s been called has been booming over the last Ladson Fairgrounds takes place July
month with a slew of new local celebrity releases. NBA
finals MVP Tony Parker’s debut “T.P.” has set the tone,
7th. Gucci Man performed at Club Nu-
vibe along with Charleston’s own Fat-
BALTIMORE, MD
Question of the century: Who’s gonna be the first cat from Bmore
followed by the release of Laws of Power Vol. 1 from boy and Redrum. DJ Chuck T continues to blow? There are five dudes from the city getting closer to
San Antonio’s mega group Tha Coalition. With backing the mixtape slaughter with DSS 65. bringing that first platinum plaque to Harm City. Bossman, Los,
from Chamillionaire, Famous a.k.a. Lil Ken has set his He’s also nominated for Best Mixtape D.O.G., NOE, and A-maz-on are in the studio working on their
own course to prominence with the release of Undis- DJ at the SMES. I was nominated for major label debuts. On the indie side, Testme, Ogun, Mullyman,
puted. It’s packed with a list of underground Texas Best Club DJ at ‘07 OZONE Awards! and Skarr continue to supply the block with heat. Hamsterdam
allstars. Cinamatic Music Group’s Question is tallying - DJ B-Lord ([email protected]) got the streets in a frenzy too. The Wire is back in town filming.
up spins for his local hit “Ridin Slow.”
You can catch cast members on any given night in the club
- Bishop Maxx ([email protected])

>>>
spending that HBO bread.
- Darkroom Productions ([email protected])

18
18////OZONE
OZONEMAG
MAG
 >>>>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> CINCINNATI, OH:
The body of a missing pregnant
woman was found in a wooded
MACON, GA
Big things are poppin’ in the Mac right
now. Major artists like Musiq, Tank
WASHINGTON, DC:
Hip Hop activists stepped up in a big way recently. The Hip-Hop Caucus
(H2C) and other non-profit organizations teamed up on July 19th to raise
awareness and protest a range of issues dealing with prisoners at Guanta-
area near Canton, OH. Her baby namo Bay. H2C’s founder Reverend Lennox Yearwood, a.k.a. the Hip Hop Rev,
and Lil Wayne have made their way
was to be born only weeks after led a day of activism which included a press conference in the U.S. Capitol
through the area. Macon’s Finest are
her disappearance. The coroner and a concert at the 930 Club. Revolutionary rap group Dead Prez headlined
doing their part chasing car thieves
stated that the number one cause the event but other progressive MCs such as Wise Intelligent and Mystic, and
down I-75; I would not leave my keys
of death among pregnant women local rappers Head-Roc, Emoni Fela, and Akir blessed the stage as well.
in the car anytime soon. The “A” might
is homicide…hmmm. Black-Jackk wanna step up their game as The Rock - Pharoh Talib ([email protected])
(Stunt-Aholic Records) is creating a re-opened, after a multi-million dollar
major buzz in the Nasty Nati’. He’s renovation, as the biggest and sexiest
promoting in clubs and the streets club from here to Miami. Up-coming
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA:
with mix CDs and collaborating with solo projects from Doski Wo and Big
everybody. Them freaky tattoo girls Wu have the streets buzzin’. Y’all gotta
are lovin’ his song “She Gon Fuck Me smoke on that ‘til next month. Sparetimes is poppin’ every Thursday in Hampton. Burgandi
Off The Chain, Suck Me Off The Watch - Ali Rock ([email protected]) hosted a fashion show at the Aqua Lounge and actually hit the
and Ménage off the Ring.” You better runway! 103 Jamz is bringing Summer Jamz to town with UNK,
cover up your shit Black-Jackk, they Fabolous and many more. Energy 106.1 climbs up the ratings
gonna get you. charts and comes closer to domination of the market. 600 models,
- Judy Jones ([email protected]) dancers, actors and singers met Young Fame at the MacArthur Mall
for the largest model search in recent memory. Ear 2 Tha Street
ALBUQUERQUE, NM Mixtape Vol. 7 was released and documented over 1,200 down-
loads in two weeks. Scotty Quixx holds it down on Friday nights
ST. LOUIS, MO
Royalty Life Records’ Jigzaw is heating
up Hot 97.5’s airwaves with his single with every flavor of woman imaginable.
Huey just dropped his album Notebook Paper “Damn.” Lil Flip and Huey popped, - Derrick Tha Franchise ([email protected])
through Jive and he was even featured in USA locked, and dropped it at Club Fantasia,
Today. Derrty DJs and Da Deck dropped the new and I am happy to report that there
mixtape Muddy Waters. Their single “Swing On were no stabbings at this event! The
‘Em” has been tearing up the airwaves out here. Library is the hottest club right now. OCALA,FL:
The Mr. Marcus Mixtape Show is back on the air Blok Boyz and G.B.U. shot the video for, Drayton Florence of the San Diego Chargers
every Sunday from 4p.m. to 8p.m. on 89.5 fm “In Yo’ Scraper.” David Wade wrapped up held his annual Celebrity Basketball After
The Wave in North County. Congrats to Top Notch his video with Baby Bash and Lil Rob. Party with DJ Leezy keeping the packed
for being on the TJ’s DJ’s mixtape. Boxer Ray Sanchez won his last bout crowd hype. NFL stars Daunte Culpepper,
- Jesse James ([email protected]) and is preparing to knock somebody Antonio Gates, Antonio Cromartie, Keiwan
out in July. THA LAB kicks off its Open Ratliff as well as OZONE Magazine were in
Mic/Emcee Showcases this summer. attendance. Two Dogg Records’ own The
- Beno ([email protected]) Strangers broke new music this month. The
two tracks “Road Dawg” and “Pen Pad”
TALLAHASSEE, FL: continue to blaze the independent scene.
The Swamp Boys continue to push their
T-Pain is the first homegrown R&B recording artist
to sell out at the Leon County Civic Center for his
RALEIGH, NC new single “Shop With Me” which is gaining
In the 336 P-Wonda and the Othaz speed locally. The streets are anticipating the
album release concert. Some of his celebrity friends release of C-Nial’s mixtape.
Camp are buzzin’ with their new
in attendance were Kanye West, Bow Wow, Yung Joc, - DJ Leezy ([email protected])
single “2.3.” In the 919 Young Real
Twista, Trick Daddy, Plies, Bobby Valentino, and Sam-
is back at it with his new single
mie. He’s also the first local R&B artist to sell over
“Jing-a-Ling”, a follow up to his
175,000 copies of his second album Epiphany during
hit “Holla 10-4.” The Voice of the
its first week on the Billboard charts. Diddy Boo,
Streets are also in full force. D Y
a.k.a. Julius of Quincy, made it into the house before
being cut on MTV’s Making of The Band with P-Diddy.
Nasty is running the airwaves in
the 919 and his counterpart Waleed
LOUISVILLE, KY
Blazin 102.3’s Supa Star J-Kwik was named the new BrickLayer Ent. held the Down South Summer Jam Tour featur-
Coyote is doing his thing in the ing Young Buck with a live BET taping. Every Wednesday night G
tour DJ for Gucci Mane.
336. You can catch Waleed on 102 Mack travels from Lexington to Louisville to throw parties with
- DJ Dap ([email protected])
Jamz (102.9 FM) and D Y Nasty on Amore’ at Club Stages. After some instigating, DJ Q (Core DJs)
K 97.5 So if you’re rolling through and DJ E-Feezy (Heavyhitters) have teamed up to drop RockOut
the Carolinas towards the North Boyz, a double-sided mixtape. LoudMouf Media had a very
or South, tune in; you won’t be
ORLANDO, FL: dissatisfied.
successful indie showcase with Atlantic Records in the building.
Hurricane filmed a video for “Birthday Anthem.” Liquid Ice
Up-and-coming producer Freebass is - Big K ([email protected]) Lounge, with over 25,000 square feet of entertainment space,
setting the bar higher for himself with has been the club of choice lately. Louis Keyz hosts after hours
placements on Fabolous, LL Cool J, and at Crazy Coconuts.
50 Cent’s albums just to name a few. Full - Divine Da Instagata ([email protected])
Impact All Starz head MC Madd Illz has
taken his freestyle battling on the road
and is straight spitting fiyah to cats. Treal, DUMAS, AR: JACKSONVILLE, FL:
Sho Boy, and Wes Fif shut down the stage The crunkest events these past The River City is going hard this month. Look for Dukwon, Young Cash,
with crazy performances at the House of months were the Junetenth in Supa Chino and Swordz to be featured on “The Future of Florida,” a
Blues. Orlando seems to have dominated Little Rock, AR and the Junetenth in track produced by DJ Smallz that showcases the hottest artists in the
this season of MTV’s Making The Band 4, Wilmar. The afterparty in Monticello Sunshine state. DJs Q45 and Bigga Rankin were nominated for OZONE
with four of the show’s contestants hailing at the fairgrounds was packed and Awards. Grand Prix is doing his thing in the streets. The Marcus Stroud/
from The City Beautiful. crunk but there were no fights or Kiwaukee Thomas Celebrity Weekend promoted by Upper League Ent.
- Destine Cajuste ([email protected]) any drama. It was hosted by Coun- was a good look for Duval, as were performances by Young Jeezy, The
tryside Productions. A party that Shop Boyz and Fabo. Does anyone else think Fabo should replace the X
was to go down until 6 AM was shut pills with some Ritalin? Holla.
TAMPA, FL: down by the Drew County Sheriff’s
Department because the crowd was
- Ms. Rivercity ([email protected])
Black Ops has returned home from touring and
MIAMI, FL:
getting huge and they were afraid a
performing in the Czech Republic. Ybor City was the
riot would start.
birthday headquarters for DJ Knucklez who partied Over 500 fans showed DJ Khaled love during his We the Best au-
- DJ Hiley ([email protected])
like a rockstar during a week long birthday celebra- tograph session at Best Buy. Trina, Rick Ross, Cool N Dre, Flo-Rida,
tion. Tampa’s own Mad Linx came home for the Brisco and C-Ride signed everyone’s albums. Julia Beverly’s birthday
4th Annual Tampa Music Conference and joined the party at SOBE Live was the ish! Performances by Rick Ross, Triple C’s,
panel along with DJ Sandman and more. As a sur- and Piccalo along with partygoers Trick, Big Lip, Supa Cindy, Cracker
prise, Tony Montana, DJ Kramtronix, and J.U.S.T.I.C.E Jack, Stack$, Cool, C-Ride, P.M., Jacki-O, Bigg D, DJ Entice, DJ Epps,
League were awarded for their accomplishments at Bryant McKinnie and chilled Patron equals off da chain! DJ Irie’s ce-
the conference. Summer Jam 3 was so big this year lebrity weekend was hosted by Jamie Foxx, Gabrielle Union, Dwayne
it took two venues to hold roughly twelve perfor- Wade and Shaq. Big ups to everyone who got naked at Lorenzo “Ice
mances and ten DJs! Tea” Thomas’ Jamaica Jumpoff Freakfest weekend.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
- Mz T-Rock ([email protected]) - Supa Cindy ([email protected])

OZONEMAG
OZONE MAG////19
19
 mathematics byWendyDayof the RapCoalition
www.wendyday.com

HOW TO CHOOSE AN ENTERTAINMENT LAWYER

A
lawyer is a key component of your music business career, so choosing succeed, how demanding are you, is your follow through on point, how close
him or her wisely is very important. I have spent 15 years looking over are you to getting offered something that will bring money in-house, if you
contracts for artists — both extremes: the good contracts worth signing, will pay them when you say you will, how you fit with their other clients, how
and the bad contracts that need breaking. I learned very early in my career time consuming you might be, etc.
that it’s not always what’s in the contract that can hurt you, but what’s miss-
ing. A good lawyer sees what’s missing immediately. I am not a lawyer, and although I negotiate deals for folks in this business,
I rarely do so. My goal is not to do deals, but to do outstanding deals. So if I
Entertainment is a specialty that a lawyer chooses when he or she decides to can’t work with an artist who has incredible leverage (yes, I have helped art-
practice law. Just as you wouldn’t go to a heart surgeon for a brain operation, ists in the past build the necessary leverage, but that is very rare that I invest
you should only go to an entertainment attorney for your entertainment that kind of time in building a career anymore), I pass on doing the deal. I
career needs. An entertainment attorney becomes skilled at certain things do not know of anyone else in this business with that attitude. Most people
(writing contracts, negotiating deals, securing opportunities for the artist, don’t give a fuck if the artist succeeds or fails, as long as they get paid their
shopping deals or tracks, etc) based on what he or she spends the majority of percentage of the deal. In my opinion, if you have an attorney (or even a
time doing, and based on experience. I, personally, avoid new lawyers in this middleman bringing you to the table at a label) whose goal is to get a check,
business unless they are working under one of the powerhouse attorneys for you are already about to fail. No deal comes with a guarantee of success, but
a few years because experience and connections are so important. there are some things you can do that will offset the guarantee of failure:
- Have an “out” built into the contract in case the label doesn’t release your
I have had three different attorneys throughout my career, plus I have worked CD by a certain date
with a ton of other people’s attorneys on negotiating deals and breaking - Have an “out” in the contract if the indie label you sign to doesn’t have
contracts. In my opinion, many are out for themselves and care nothing for major distribution by a certain date
the artist beyond getting a check for the work they do. I am fortunate that I - Have an “out” in the contract if the manager you choose to hire you doesn’t
have gotten to see and work with many capable, efficient, and gifted lawyers make you a certain amount of money every year—the amount should be
who do care and want what is best for their client regardless of the fee at- realistic and agreeable to both you and the manager.
tached. These are the attorneys all artists should choose. - Ask for certain places for money to be spent on your project or guarantee
the number of singles released or videos shot (I do this video clause by a
Lawyers usually get paid by the hour. Most will forego that hourly fee for dollar amount—like a $200,000 commitment, so that if I want to shoot 3
a client, in hopes of collecting a percentage of a deal down the road. For videos for the artist equaling $200K, I can, or if I only want 2 better videos at
example, many attorneys will work with a new artist when he or she has no $100K each, then I can do that).
money, in exchange for a commitment to be paid 5% or 10% of a deal that - Have a deal that is so demanding of the label that the artist has to become
may be forthcoming. The upside to this arrangement is that you don’t have a priority at the label—this can be done with a small front end and large back
to have money to hire the best in the business. The downside is that you will end, or an advance that is too large for them to lose, or by timing the deal
always wonder if you are getting the attention you need, and when that deal for when the label needs it the most.
does come down the road, is it the best deal for your career or is the attorney
trying to get paid for the work that has been put in? I recall in one of the It is my preference to have an attorney based in either New York or Los
major deals I was negotiating, my (previous) lawyer said to me out of anger Angeles since that’s where the music business is based. Yes, I know there are
and frustration, “Let’s just take this deal now, as I have over $50,000 in bill- a ton of lawyers in Atlanta, Houston, Chicago, and other places who practice
able hours already invested.” I ignored him, we held out for another month, entertainment law, but it has been my personal experience that the ones in
and ended up getting the artist DOUBLE the advance that was on the table NY, near where the labels are based, have better relationships, better con-
when the lawyer wanted to take the deal. He got fired after that deal was nections, and stronger experience in doing deals. I believe in hiring the best
completed (he got paid). That comment showed the content of his character. professional I can for my career. I want my lawyer near the action, not near
where I live. This means that to interview attorneys you will have to incur the
When I started in this business, I chose a lawyer based on paying him a per- price of a trip to NY or L.A. I prefer meeting them in-person to interviewing
centage down the road. He was my attorney for many years and I am sure he attorneys by phone, but will if I am unable to make the trip.
made more money from me and my referrals than he invested into me in the
early days when I couldn’t afford $475 an hour to pay him. I chose the most The flip side of this relationship is that you don’t want an attorney who is
powerful lawyer in the industry at the time I was building my career because “in bed” with the label. I ran into a situation where an attorney that was
I wanted the biggest bully on the block. I needed his power behind me. The supposed to be on my side of the deal was way too close to one of the
best way to choose an attorney that is a good fit for you is to meet with as major labels. Even though the deal had flaws in it, he was pitching the art-
many as you can — a referral from someone else in the business, especially ist hard to just sign it. He got fired, a new attorney came on board, and we
someone successful, is a great start. upped the deal from 18 points to a 50-50 split with an even larger advance
involved. I never referred that first attorney to anyone again, nor have I ever
Meet with five or six attorneys and choose the one you feel most comfortable returned another phone call to him. That label was in the WEA system, and
with. A legitimate lawyer will not charge you for this first introductory meet- the attorney’s top 3 clients were signed to one of the WEA labels — it wasn’t
ing. You will get the feel for a handful of attorneys and be able to trust your hard to figure out that my artist was going to be the “sacrificed fly” that this
gut on which one will be best for you. Some of the questions you should ask: lawyer needed to keep his best label happy.
who do you represent now? What types of deals have you done recently—label
deals, artist deals, distribution deals, tours, endorsement deals? How long A good entertainment attorney is a key player on the team that helps propel
have you been practicing entertainment law? Who are your strongest rela- an artist’s career forward. While you never have to sign a contract to keep a
tionships with in the industry? Who do you have working under you that will lawyer (they get fired when they fuck up), you do want to have a good rela-
also handle my career along with you? tionship with your lawyer. Make sure they get paid when they are supposed
to, always be honest and forthright with them, and choose the best one you
As you are interviewing the attorney, he or she is also interviewing you. They can for your needs. A bad lawyer can kill your career, and by the time you
are figuring out what type of person you are, do you have the potential to figure it out, it will be too late! //

20 // OZONE MAG
PHOTOGALLERIES

& Bobby
) 03 // Big Zak
ma n @ Ma tri x (Houston, TX s Pr ince Jr & Jas
ka
// Sp ar k Da wg , B, guest, & Jo @ M5 (D all as , TX) 05 // Jame & DJ H-Vidal @
op n
(Atlanta, GA) 02 hairr, Bobo Luchiano & DJ Dr (Atlanta, GA) 07
// DJ Christio
e release party ld s Zone 4 party
Pr im et im e fo r Gotti’s mixtap
(A tla nt a, GA ) 04 // C-Bo, DJ Wi e fo r TI’ s alb um release party y, & Cutty @ Opera for Polow’ 12 // Diamond
& Sli m Th ug @ Bir th da y Ba sh Dr o @ Pr im et im // At tit ud e, Sk ce (D all as , TX )
01 // Gotti Hot 107.9’s ak, & Young nta, GA) 09 sic Conferen shoot (Mi-
illips Arena for Hotsauce, DJ Bl Mall for TI’s release party (Atla Cortez @ Texas Summer Mu “Speaker” video
Valentino @ Ph ouston, TX) 06 // DJ Jelly, DJ in th e Le no x Wa te rs & Aa ro n Ba nn er on th e se t of his
th da y party (Miami,
e (H Vu itt on Mo ney Da vid rly ’s bir
Prince @ Venu y & TI @ Louis (Miami, FL) 11
// // Sean Paul & ve
Live for Julia Be // Brooke Valentine & her
Wild 98.7 (Tamp
a, FL) 08 // Tin @ The Rollexx (Atlanta, GA) 13 -Rida @ Sobe
// Kr un ch On e & Trick Daddy Opera for Polow’s Zone 4 party rly, Trick Daddy, Brisco, & Flo g Ca sh (Ja ck sonville, FL) 18 thday Bash (Atlanta, GA)
(Atlanta, GA) 10 Mob with Jermaine Dupri @ ) 15 // Julia Be
ve
itian Fresh & Yo
un
for Hot 107.9’s
Bir ga
me dios (Atlanta, GA shoot (St. Louis, MO) 17 // Ha e Sylvester @ Phillips Arena n @ Rain for Big
& Princess of Cri Ross & Dre @ Patchwerk Stu oc ky ” vid eo Kw ik & Ka dif Elo ra Ma so n & Terrence Tyso
Rick LC’s “C pastar J ) 22 //
ami, FL) 14 // rphy Lee @ Team ncert (Houston, TX) 19 // Su ne-O video shoot (Houston, TX
n, Dapple, & Mu areness co hnny @ Wi
FL) 16 // Kijua e Bo x’s HI V Aw Ba by D & TV Jo yne (20); Ter-
KBXX Th leans, LA) 21 // 7); Marcus DeWa
brother Rock @ su re , & Lil P (New Or nville, FL) (16 ); Luis Santana (0
ite , Pl ea Kin g Ye lla
20 // AG Wh bash (Jackso 2,13,14,15,19);
om’s birthday (01,03,06,08,09,1
Rankin & Dr Do La sh (1 0) ; Julia Beverly
,21 ); J
4); Intl K (02,18 es (05)
Edward Hall (0 2); Turhan Rhod
Photo Credits: rence Tyson (17,2
OZONE MAG // 21
 CHINCHECK by Charlamagne Tha God [email protected]

THE ART OF SHIT TALKING

T
alking shit is an art form. It’s a skill came to the Pub in Orangeburg, SC and went in the kitchen and fried his own
that is never recognized, a craft chicken wings. That’s real hood figure shit!
that is never acknowledged, and a
gift that has not been given its just I can appreciate a man who will fry his own chicken wings in the kitchen of
due. The reason? Because everybody talks a packed club, but Buck knows damn well he can’t get no kilo of nothing for
shit! For example, nowadays everyone ten stacks! That whole Ten-A-Key thing is not real! If there were kilos for
raps, and like rap, some of us are better ten out there, I would have to cop at least twice! Fifty grand each time; why
than others when it comes to the game of wouldn’t I, when I’m going to make $100,000 or more back? If kilos were
talking shit. going for ten grand in Tennessee, I would encourage college kids to invest
their money in dope! Forget buying property or shares of stock. Kilos for ten
I consider myself to be one of the best shit-talkers. I am what you call a stacks is a guaranteed come up!
professional slang spitter, heavy hitter, shit talker! Don’t nobody run off at
the mouth better than me! That’s why I loved reading The Chronicles of Pimp So if Buck knows where the kilos are for ten grand, why is he rapping? I’m
C in the last edition of OZONE! Pimp was talking a lot of shit! Or, let’s not say not talking shit, I’m just stating my opinion – something that more of us
“talking shit.” Pimp C was stating his opinion. Yeah, that’s better. “Stating here in Amerikkka 2007 need to do more often. Talking shit or stating your
my opinion” is what we’re going to claim we’re doing whenever we’re talk- opinion will stop people like LL Cool J, who no longer needs to rap, from
ing shit. making albums. He’s a wrap. His time is done. Go back to Hollywood and
keep getting money out there.
I don’t think people in this world state their opinion enough, at least not
in public. People talk shit or state their opinion in private all the time. You Don’t get me wrong, LL was that dude. But right now, in 2007, he doesn’t
could be sitting around and someone might say, “Chingy is whack,” but you stand a chance like an eightball of cocaine that Bobby Brown forgot he had
won’t hear that statement being made too often in public (even though, in in his coat pocket. You just don’t have it anymore, LL, and it’s not my fault.
my opinion, it’s the truth). When a statement like that is made, someone will Blame nature.
comment, “Oh, he is just talking shit,” but I am just stating my opinion.
That, ladies and gentlemen, is not talking shit. I’m just stating my opinion.
That’s why I can’t knock Pimp C for anything he said. If he thinks Russell So what have we learned today? Shit talking is good for the soul. Opinions
Simmons gets dick in the booty, then that is his opinion. If he thinks Ne-Yo are not meant to be held in. They are supposed to happen like bowel move-
is a pillow biting prick that wears lip gloss and gets dick in the booty, that is ments; quite naturally. Express yours, because the life you change by talking
his opinion. If he feels ATL is not the South (even though that is one of the shit may be your own. Until the next shit talking session –
most ignorant things I have ever heard a person say in my life), then that
is his opinion and he is entitled to it. Freedom of speech and freedom of Peace,
expression! I can say what the fuck I want to say, whenever I want to say it,
to whomever I want to say it to. Charlamagne Tha God

For example, if I feel like expressing my feelings about the new T.I. vs. T.I.P. Photo by Mr. G
album, then I can do that. I think the new album is just okay. With previous
albums, he has set the bar high, so I think this one is borderline whack. If
you ask me, the T.I.P. part is bangin’! I’m playing it as a type this, but you
know who kills the album for me? T.I. kills it. I can understand why T.I.P.
wants to get rid of this dude. T.I. is trying a little too hard to please the
industry, and his whole section of the album is quite shaky, especially the
much-hyped collaboration with Eminem titled “Touchdown.” That song,
ladies and gentlemen, is one of the whackest songs I have ever heard in
my life! If you put two of the best emcees on the planet together on one
record, something should manifest from the booth other than pure garbage.
Remember, I’m not talking shit. Just stating my opinion.

Does the album get back on track? Yes, when Act III starts and my favorite
song on the al bum comes on, “Tell ‘Em I Said That.” After that the album
ends with a bang, but it’s too little too late. Overall, T.I. vs. T.I.P. suffers
from a severe case of L.O.T. (that’s Lack of Toomp, people, keep up) not to
mention the absence of the P$C. No Young Dro, no Big Kuntry, no Mac Boney?
I mean, damn. All eyes are on T.I.P. right now, so why wouldn’t he showcase
his crew on this record when he knows everybody’s listening?

Just my opinion. I’m entitled to it and I’m not afraid to express it, just like
Pimp C when he talked about Young Jeezy having kilos for $17,500, and you
know good and damn well that is who he was talking about! If I was there,
I would’ve been popping shit or stating my opinion right along with him. I
would’ve said, “Hold up, Pimp, while you’re talking about Jeezy, let me talk
about Young Buck.” Now, I like Young Buck. My homie Big Worm told me he

22 // OZONE MAG
PHOTOGALLERIES

@ Leon
B, & Eric Perrin
B Ric h, Hu ey , TJ Chapman, BO sh (Atlanta, GA) 04 //
// Memphitz, ’s Birthday Ba me
t (Miami, FL) 02 ena for Hot 107.9 ger’s celebrity basketball ga
se t of his “S pe aker” video shoo & Mannie Fresh @ Phillips Ar re ho us e fo r Tig ou nd fo r So So
Banner on the 03 // Lucky Leon Deelishis & Melyssa Ford @ Mo n Michael Cox & Nelly @ Comp & Mookie
Sn oo p Do gg , Faysel, & David se co ncer t (Ta llahassee, FL) ac h, FL ) 05 // , LA ) 07 // Br ya 09 // J Xa vie r
01 // Akon , s album relea Be ns GA )
nter for T-Pain’ erence (Daytona Ro @ Club Dreams (New Orlea r TI’s release party (Atlanta, er @ Drayton
County Civic Ce zine Music Conf fo Daunte Culpepp Fahrenheit
e Bo i, & gu es t @ Hood Maga Sm oo ve , Ac tio n Jackson, & DJ Vu itt on in the Lenox Mall ) 11 // Dr ay ton Florence & g Je ez y, & DJ
Guest, BOB, De j uis FL un
// Kia Shine, Na
te Bell, DJ Ra ung Jeezy @ Lo peaker” video shoot (Miami, , BloodRaw, Yo Yung B @
// Big Gipp & Yo “S 13 // Slick Pulla e, Jas Prince &
(Atlanta, GA) 06 ite pa rty (A tla nt a, GA ) 08
th e se t of Da vid Ba nn er ’s
th da y pa rty (H ou sto n, TX )
15 // Sw izz Be at z, Lil Wa yn
Pe ac e @ Texas
all wh d on ’s bir FL ) & Lil
Def Weekend’s ) 10 // DJ Sk ee & Steve Rifkin // Bu n B & Ja y-Z @ Solange ch Co nt es ta nt s (Jacksonville, (A tla nt a, GA ) 17 // DJ Drop ck so nv ill e, FL) 20
TX ) 12 ar rty
Jones (Houston, y basketball game (Ocala, FL GA ) 14 // OZONE Model Se @ Opera for Polow’s Zone 4
pa
y & DJ D- Mo ney @ Plush (Ja ence (Dallas, TX)
tlant a, wa er
rit
Florence’s celeb r Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash (A da Don & Diamond of Crime
Mob n, TX) 19 // Free Summer Music
Conf
concert (Housto yhem @ Texas
@ Phillips Aren
a fo
(H ou sto n, TX ) 16 // Polow & Te rri Th om as @ Beyonce 21 // DJ Wi ldhairr & DJ Ma
day party Aggravat ed i, FL )
Solange’s birth as, TX) 18 // DJ day party (Miam
Conference (Dall Beverly’s birth lik Abdul (10,11
); Marcus
Summer Music Ab du l @ So be Live for Julia 9.1 2,15,18,22); Ma
rd ne r & Ma lik ,20 ); In tl K (0
// Cordice Ga ) (01,03,07,08,13
,16
Bo (Houston, TX ; Julia Beverly
22 // EK & DJ D- ll (1 7,2 1) ; Eric Perrin (05) (0 2,0 4,14 ,19 )
Edward Ha Terrence Tyso n
Photo Credits: DeWayne (06);
OZONEMAG
OZONE MAG////23
23
 dj drama
& hurricane chris
HURRICANE CHRIS: Ay Bay Bay. Drama, what’s up?

DJ DRAMA: Who the fuck is this?

HURRICANE CHRIS: This Hurricane Chris.

DJ DRAMA: Who?

HURRICANE CHRIS: You know, ay bay bay, turn it up?

DJ DRAMA: Oh, what up, fool?

HURRICANE CHRIS: Ain’t shit. I want you do a Gangsta Grillz for me, I’ll tell
OZONE EXCLUSIVE my label to cut the check. Turn it up.

DJ DRAMA: You know, I stopped hosting mixtapes, so I can’t even do it.

Textin’ is no longer safe now that OZONE’s Holla at DJ Scream.
dangerous minds have hacked the system.
HURRICANE CHRIS: Nah, you lying, nigga. I want Drama. DJ Scream just did
some shit for Soulja Boy.

DJ DRAMA: Naw, I told you I ain’t doing mixtapes anymore. How’d you get
my number anyway?

HURRICANE CHRIS: Quit lying, Drama. You just did a Gangsta Grillz for Go-
rilla Zoe, and you know I’m hotter than that nigga. Ever since I dropped Ay
Bay Bay I been running the south. You might as well call me the king.

DJ DRAMA: I was tryin’ to be nice, but PAY ATTENTION!!! TIP is the King of
the south. All you got is one catchy single. You don’t deserve no Gangsta
Grillz mixtape!

HURRICANE CHRIS: Ay Bay Bay was just the beginning. I’m finna run the
game, and whoever feel different can holla at Hurricane! Shit, Drama, if
you lucky I might even make you my personal DJ. Turn it up.

DJ DRAMA: WHAT?? AMG nigga!! Do you know who the fuck you talking to?
I’m DJ the FUCK Drama. Mr. Thanksgiving, I’m the I-POD KING, nigga.
Barack O’Drama, you must not know who you fuckin’ with. Dramatic, nigga!

HURRICANE CHRIS: You wanna know what I say when a DJ gets crunk?

DJ DRAMA: What?

HURRICANE CHRIS: Ay Bay Bay, that’s my song, turn it up. See, I was tryin’
to do yo ass a favor by letting you host my mixtape, but now you done
missed out.

DJ DRAMA: Cool, check out Gangsta Grillz radio now on 5 times a week, and
Gangsta Grillz album on the way. And like that, I’m gone.

- From the minds of Eric Perrin and Randy Roper (Photo by Julia Beverly)

*This is just a joke. No, we didn’t really hack into anyone’s sidekick.

24 // OZONE MAG
PHOTOGALLERIES

TX) 03
video (Houston,
Tu m Tu m on the set of their & Twa on the set of
th ntis, Sweetz,
The Grit Boys wi ille, FL) 05 // Do p of Crunk @ Opera for Polo
w’s
iami, FL) 02 // e Jay (Jacksonv
m So Ho od ” video shoot (M ke ley , & Big Ce Mo b & th e Bis ho
) 10 // Big Ba nk
“I’ // J Holla, C Wa me man (Dallas, TX
ney on the set
of DJ Khaled’s
lumbus, GA) 04 n, TX) 07 // Cri de @ Club Enig GA) 12 // Derrick, Buckeey,
Ho un d & JT Mo aw @ WB FA (Co Tra e’s lis te nin g party (Housto & De vin th e Du
01 // Joe D, & BloodR @ ch a,
, Slick Pulla, Lil DJ Chill & Alvin , LA) 09 // Stret ll for TI’s release party (Atlant DJ Toomp @ Patchwerk Stu-
// DJ Incognito iami, FL) 06 // l (New Orleans // Rick Ross &
’s “S pe ak er ” video shoot (M ac k N Mi ld @ Essence Festiva Lo uis Vu itt on in the Lenox Ma tla nt a, GA ) 14 tar, DJ Smallz,
& guest @
David Banner // Q-Tip & DJ Bl TX) 11 // Keke & Bibi Guns @ (A
tla nt a, GA ) 08 er a fo r Po lo w’ s Zone 4 party (Ta lla ha ss ee , FL) 16 // Souths fo r Big ga Ra nkin & Dr
t in
Zone 4 party (A
Wi ne -O vid eo shoot (Houston, ) 13 // Lo on & Big Zak @ Op Pain’s album release concer va l’s Fin es t & Ms Asia @ Ra // Access Hollywood’s
@ uis , MO for T- 18 // Du 20
Hank & Wine-O ’s Plaza (St. Lo ty Civic Center (Houston, TX) llahassee, FL) Plush
iya @ Blackmon DJ Demp, & Huey @ Leon Coun ief & Yung B @ Kiotti’s party lease party (Ta nkin & T-Roy @
Webbie, & Mahl // Sa mm ie, ) 17 // Lil Ch Ce nt er fo r T- Pain’s album re rty (Dallas, TX) 22 // Bigga Ra
) 15 a, FL Civ ic se pa
dios (Atlanta, GA ristion’s birthday party (Tamp & Shoeb Malik @ Leon County b One for Lucci’s album relea
Ch ies Chief @ Clu
Club Skye for DJ sh (Jacksonville, FL) 19 // Pl , LA ) 21 // Big
s DeWayne (08,2
0);
y ba Orleans l (01,12); Marcu
Doom’s birthda Mario @ Essence Festival (New nville, FL) ); Ma lik Ab du
Shaun Robinso
n&
iation Party (Ja
ckso Luis Santana (16
s’ Hater Apprec 7,11,13,14,15);
for Cool Running 2,0 6,1 0,1 7) ; Ju lia Beverly (05,0
(09,21); Intl K (0
3); Edward Hall ,19,22)
DJ Incognito (0
Photo Credits: Terrenc e Ty so n (0 4,18
OZONEMAG
OZONE MAG////25
25
 PEBBLES
This is the story of Pebbles, a 23 year-old college girl
who gives a completely new meaning to the term “go-
ing postal.” Two years ago, Pebbles was slaving in the
back of an Atlanta post office sorting though millions
of pieces of a mail and stuffing the endless piles of
envelops, letters, and packages into crates and boxes. It
was hot, it was cramped, and it drained all the life out
of the former high school basketball star.

“It was a lot of work,” she admits in a vast understate-

ment. But since her mother, a veteran postal employee
of 20 years pulled some strings to get her the job,
Pebbles persisted with her parcel position. Until one
day when she reached her boiling point. But her Post
Office frustrations didn’t bring her to insanity or mass
killings; instead it led her down a much different path
- the pole.

Fully fed-up with the mundane routine of the job and

lack of hours, the natural born dancer decided to trade
in her Post Office uniform for something a little less
concealing. Now, instead of packing boxes full of mail,
Pebbles packs Strokers full of males, and she goes to
work everyday with a smile. “I’ve been dancing my
whole life,” she says. “So it kinda just made sense. I just
enjoy entertaining people.”

But during her early days of dancing, she was often

misinterpreted. “When I started off dancing people
thought that since I’m pretty I might be stuck up, or
that I might act funny. But when they talk to me, they
see that I’m not even like that,” she insists.

One thing that can’t be denied is that this Black and

Indian confection’s contagious personality isn’t the
only reason she has succeeded in the stripping game.
It probably doesn’t hurt that Pebbles possesses the
perfect model measurements of 32-22-36 and has the
face to match. Her personal favorite physical attributes
are her ass and her smile, which are two of the biggest
reasons she has been placed in Strokers’ starting lineup.

But don’t bet on finding Pebbles anywhere outside of

work. She is a self-proclaimed “homebody.” In fact, she
spends most off nights at home on her couch, watching
movies. “I figure that working at Strokers is like going
to the club,” she says. “So I don’t really need to go out
that much. Plus, I wanna keep my face clean — on some
exclusive shit.” Being seen club hopping around
Atlanta would be bad for business, and Pebbles
is all about her business. Even though she is
undeniably a remarkable decoration to the
strip club poles, her future plans include
decorations of a different kind. Currently,
Dollar Menu

the Macon native is majoring in Interior

Design and Business Management. She
hopes to one day decorate commercial
buildings such as banks and theatres.
But for now you can spend your bank on
her, at Atlanta’s number 1 theatre.

You can find Pebbles at

www.myspace.com/strokersclub

Words by Eric N. Perrin

Photos by Sean Cokes 404-622-7733
Website and Booking: www.strokersclub.com
Makeup and Hairstylist: Christian 678-613-6154

26 // OZONE MAG
PHOTOGALLERIES

Macho
tion, Fat Joe, &
(H ou sto n, TX ) 03 // DJ Chris (A tla nt a, GA ) 05 //
N all white party
Tra e, Da wg , & Kiotti @ Club AB De f We ek en d’s th da y pa rty (Or-
er t (H ou sto n, TX) 02 // Guest, t Dawg @ Compound for So
So
Bl ue s fo r Ka ye Dunaway’s bir e Lenox Mall
nce conc Cox & Shor House of itton in th
s Prince @ Beyo Bryan Michael Wally Sparks @ wife @ Louis Vu Thug @ Trae’s
e, Yung B, & Ja mpa, FL) 04 // ree 6 Mafia & DJ nny Burns & his sco Kid & Slim
01 // Lloyd Princ Christion’s birthday party (Ta concert (Houston, TX) 06 // Th eo shoot (Miami, FL) 08 // Ke tla nt a, GA ) 10 // Cri
ill z concert (Dallas
,
fo r DJ aren es s er ” vid pa rty (A Pl ay & Sk
@ Club Skye KB XX
ak
The Box’s HIV Aw the set of David Banner’s “Spe Primetime for TI’s album relea
se
// Sq ad Up & Lil Flip @ Lo uis Vu itton in the
Fa m @ e, FL ) 12 ez y @
Rob G & The DJ Black on Hustle ladies @ end (Jacksonvill iami, FL) 14 // Lil C & Young
Je
y & Mob
John Roberts & Kuntry & Grand celebrity week ) 16 // Freewa
lando, FL) 07 // (A tla nt a, GA) 09 // Big rcus Stroud @ Marcus Stroud’s d’s “I’m So Hood” video shoo
t (M
Bir th da y Ba sh (Atlanta, GA r @ Pr im etime for
pa rty ’s Ro ge
for TI’s release sto n, TX ) 11 // DJ Q45 & Ma Pa in on th e set of DJ Khale @ Ph ill ips Arena for Hot 107.9 (A tla nt a, GA ) 18 // Gotti & on ’s Pl az a (St. Louis,
(Hou T- o rty km
birthday party Ca rte l’s To rch & Gun Play with Polow da Don & Bobby Valentin @ Opera for Polow’s Zone 4 pa ) 20 // Nvee & Ooops @ Blac iam i, FL )
TX) 13 // Carol
City ) 15 //
rty (Atlanta, GA 17 // Doughboy & Bryan Mich
ael Cox ma (Dallas, TX video shoot (M
TI’s release pa uth @ Club Enig er’s “Speaker”
Lenox Mall for so nville, FL) ok ie from Urban So Black on the set of David Bann e
House Stu dio s (Ja ck th e Du de & Po DJ (13,20); Terrenc
Boss @ Hustle GA) 19 // Devin (Houston, TX) 22 // Marcus. & 3); Malik Abdul
xt ap e re lea se party (Atlanta, te nin g pa rty ,15 ,17,18 ,22 ); Luis Santana (0
Gotti’s mi C @ Trae’s lis rly (04,07,08,09,14
Mack & OG Ron 0,21); Julia Beve
MO) 21 // Mike ); In tl K (01,02,05,1
ll (1 2,19
(06); Edward Ha
DJ Wally Sparks (11,16)
Photo Credits: Tyson
OZONEMAG
OZONE MAG////27
27
 Liked my necklace started relaxin’, that’s what the fuck I call a…

Dre’s
Brown Paper Bag

“
This Brown Paper Bag chain was inspired by a record Cool and I pro-
duced for Khaled’s album, “Brown Paper Bag.” A brown paper bag is
just so important in life, it ain’t even got to be about hustlin; it’s just
life in general. The chain was designed by Emmett, he’s a jeweler out
of Houston and he’s crazy with the jewelry. He does all of our stuff; my
bracelet, my watch, the Brown Paper Bags piece. It’s got the champagne
diamonds, the Epidemic logo on it, and the green diamond in there with
the money. I world-premiered it backstage at Summer Jam in New York,
and everybody just bugged out. All the rappers, everybody just fell in
love with the chain. The chain is in a scene in Khaled’s new video, “I’m
So Hood,” and OZONE Magazine is doing a special feature on it, so the
whole world is definitely gonna see it!
I was in his office, and he looked at the chain, picked it up and said,
“Brown Paper Bags, huh? Aight kid, I see ya. I see ya.” And when Jay-Z
says something like that, it’s a big deal. That’s the most you’ll get from
Jay, but the fact that he acknowledged it, and knew what it was, that
was dope. And Christina absolutely loves it. That’s wifey right there, and
she knows that there’s a bunch of Brown Paper Bags-type jewelry she
gets also. I gotta keep the wife laced at all times.

Also, I gotta shout out my brother Cool, my brother DJ Khaled, and the
We The Best album, that record inspired the chain. Pretty soon every-
body in the whole Epidemic clique is gonna start wearing those Brown
Paper Bag chains with an “E” on it. We’re trying to do it big, man. We’re
from the hood, so whenever we get a little opportunity to shine we do
I don’t know exactly how many carats are in it, but it’s crazy, it’s ridicu- it. My man Rick Ross said in a song, “Niggas spend 5,000 on they paint
lous. I don’t wanna guess the number and be wrong, but just know that
it’s a gazillion carats; it’s too much to count. Basically, for the price of
that chain, you could go out and buy a Range Rover. And not the Range
Rover Sport, the expensive Range Rover. This chain will definitely cost
you a Range Rover and a good month and a half stay at The Ritz Carlton
in Manhattan. This chain right here is about ten Chevys souped up on
26”s.

My man Yung Joc has a huge Hustlenomics chain that he’s been sportin’
lately, but when he saw my chain, he looked at it and said, “Wow, now
“
jobs just so life can see ‘em” That was a dope line, and it’s true. When
you’re in the hood, you’re stuck, man. Sometimes we might feel like
nobody’s paying to attention to us, that’s why we soup up cars. People
don’t understand the politics of it at all. We paint our Chevys and put
26”s on them so we can be acknowledged. We want to feel important.
We might not have the money to buy Bentleys and Phantoms like rich
people do, but we take the little bit of money we do have, and we soup
shit up, just so life in general can acknowledge us. That’s how we shine,
and that’s what this chain represents.

that’s just crazy!” But my favorite reaction was from my man Jay-Z. As told to Eric Perrin // Photo by Julia Beverly

28 // OZONE MAG
PHOTOGALLERIES

Jen-
ston, TX) 03 //
ck et t Cri ck et t @ Club ABN (Hou in’s album release
Boyz, Bingo, &
Wi Center for T-Pa Rich, Young
GA) 02 // Shop on County Civic B
4 party (Atlanta, Kw ik, & Shane @ Le gg la, Bigga Rankin, ga
@ Op era fo r Po lo w’ s Zo ne
// Big ga Ra nk in, Su pa sta r J
(H ou sto n, TX ) 06 // Di rt Di
pa rty (A tla nt a, GA) 08 // Big
n se
n Mi ch ae l Co x & Polow da Do book signing (Houston, TX) 04 wkins @ Trae’s listening party the Lenox Mall for TI’s relea (Atlanta, GA) 10 // Teresa of
01 // Brya ns @ his Meshah Ha in
@ Louis Vuitton a for Hot 107.9’s Birthday Ba
sh oop, Akon, &
& Russell Simmo , Trae, Clip D, Nancy Byron, & // Toni & Shana // Lil Wayne, Sn um release
nifer Douglass , FL ) 05 // Stacy ay to na Beach, FL) 07 ie Fr es h @ Phillips Aren ay to na Beach, FL) 12 in’ s alb
ss ee ce (D Ma nn en ce (D fo r T- Pa
party (Tallaha Music Conferen // Bibi Guns & e Music Confer ty Civic Center , FL) 15 //
Hood Magazine sic Conference (Tampa, FL) 09 @ Hood Magazin ista, & Yung Joc @ Leon Coun release concert (Tallahassee
Cash, & BOB @ y @ Ta mp a Mu n, TX ) 11 // Ho od ow ne rs
Ka ny e We st, Tw Pa in’ s alb um So De f We ekend’s
y Da (Hou sto // fo r T- r So
Rankin & Wend y By ro n’s birthday party ” vid eo sh oo t (Miami, FL) 13 @ Le on Co un ty Civic Center Ni ce , & gu es t @ Compound fo So So Def Radio
nc er nd , DJ J- r
SF2 & Rasaq @
Na Banner’s “Speak al, & Derek Jura a, DJ Infamous Deep @ V103 fo
the set of David s, guest, Tony Ne (Atlanta, GA) 16 // DJ Traum FL) 18 // Three ond & Cherrell @ Kiotti’s party
David Banner on , FL) 14 // DJ Demp, Mike Jone Zo ne 4 pa rty rit y we ek en d (Jacksonville, 21 // Po e Di am
ee low’s
party (Tallahass Polow da Don @ Opera for Po Ayana Angel @ Marcus Strou
d’s celeb llahassee, FL)
@ The Moon (Ta
Greg Street, Un
k, &
// Ro xy Reynolds & n, TX ) 20 // Baby & Gully , TX )
(Atlanta, GA ) 17 ou sto
t @ Club ABN (H s Summer Music Conference
(D all as e Tyson
all white party & Wickett Cricket l (06,08); Terrenc
) 19 // A Du bb Ric hm on d @ Texa 2,14 ,15 ,16 ,18 ,20); Malik Abdu
(Atlanta, GA ters & JB from Beverly (01,07,0
9,1
22 // Money Wa 0,19,21); Julia
(Houston, TX) ll (2 2) ; In tl K (02,03,05,1
Edward Ha
Photo Credits: (04,11,13,17)
OZONEMAG
OZONE MAG////29
29
 Buy You
a Drank
BY T-pain
what’ s your name?
T-Pain: Baby girl,
arly to
a Black and Mild ne
Desiree (smoking at yo u wa nt?
. Wh
the tip): I’m Desiree
y you a
k to you. Let me bu
T-Pain: Let me tal
drink.
n first
double shot of Patro
Desiree: Get me a d do n’t ge t me
there. An
and we’ll go from er. You
wn and cheap neith
nothin’ watered do ab ou t a ma n from the
a lot
know you can tell
o are you anyway?
dranks he order. Wh
back-
’ to the beat in the
T-Pain (pop-lockin u kn ow me . Konvict
. Yo
ground): I’m T-Pain
Ooh wee!
music, Nappy Boy,
You
You random as hell!
Desiree: “Ooh wee?” thing, but thanks for
so me
must be rollin’ or though.
Patron. I gotta go
the watered-down t 2 in the mo rning.
almos
It’s getting late. It’s
at’s the
club close at 3. Wh
T-Pain: I know the t’ me ?
lin ’ wi
chances of you rol
u
t’ you? Hell naw, yo
Desiree: Rollin’ wi s. I on ly smoke and
o- bo op
just tried me, bo m pills
experience with the d
drank. I had a bad t sh it ag ain . I ha
in’ tha
and I ain’t neva do ke d the m for some
an d I mi sta
a headache on the
sitting right there
Tylenol. They were gro up ie or no thi ng, but
no
night stand. I ain’t Gu cci Ma ne . We ain’t
ht with
I had spent the nig n’t ge t do wn like
‘cause I do
do nothing though ne xt mo rning with a
up the
that. But I woke in’ my
d a stray dog hump g got
Q-Tip in my ear an w tha t da mn do
ow ho
arm. I still don’t kn
in the hotel roo m.
t cause)
her like she’s a los
T-Pain: (looking at u ho w I liv e?
ow yo
Back to the crib, sh
ard
are famous and I he What
Desiree: Well you atr e at the house.
the
you’ve got a movie or
that you got a Scion
you ridin’? I heard So , what we gon’ do
sit tin ’ on 22 ”s.
some shit
R ap when we get there?
ased On a True H E R .I .P.Y
Music. B
T t):
l D. of ly keys out of his pocke
By Pau Julia Bever ain (grabbing his
goes Behind the Photo
by
T-P
Let’s get drunk, for
get what we did .
OZONE Magazine ’s just
ow you like that. Let
Desiree: I don’t kn thi ng .
every
sip and remember
his eyes
the bartender and
T-Pain: (glances at I jus t see n something
aw ty,
get big) Hold on sh
r. Stay right here.
I like behind the ba

To be continued…

30 // OZONE MAG
PHOTOGALLERIES

”
d’s “I’m So Hood
Di rte re d on th e set of DJ Khale ye for DJ Christion’s
// Cubo, Toro, & lando @ Club Sk atz
t (Miami, FL) 02 // Guest, Bubba Sparxxx, & Or (Atlanta, GA) 07 // Swizz Be
nn er ’s “S pe ak er” video shoo tla nt a, GA ) 04 DJ Co mp et iti on @ Clu b Drea ms
Ba (A psi y
e set of David w’s Zone 4 party // DJ Aaries & DJ Drama @ Pe kia Shine & Dizz n B & Slim
Ba nn er & Sn oop Dogg on th , & Lo on @ Opera for Polo all as , TX ) 06 . Lo uis , MO ) 09 // Kinfolk Na n, TX ) 12 // Bu
01 // David Bo
iami, FL) 03 //
Attitude, J-
Pauly, & Shug of
HMF @ M5 (D kmon’s Plaza (St Trae’s birthday party (Housto ll for TI’s release party (At-
video shoot (M Buckeey @ Blac e@ Ma
) 05 // C-Bo, Uncle 08 // Mahliya, Small World, & t’l Red & Jas Princ on in the Lenox omas, DJ Dr Doom, & Marcus
birthday party
(Ta mp a, FL
rty (H ou sto n, TX ) sic (H ou sto n, TX ) 11 // In
ain e Du pr i & TI @ Louis Vuitt // Kiwaukee Th iation
r bir th da y pa Ch ill Fa cto r Mu TX ) 13 // Je rm tla nt a, GA ) 15 s’ Hater Apprec
& Solange @ he 10 // Shawn Harris & Kamn @ Awareness concert (Houston, Ho t 10 7.9 ’s Birthday Bash
(A
w @ Pl us h for Cool Running party (Houston, TX)
) V fo r cre
(New Orleans,
LA
KBXX The Box’s
HI
e @ Phillips Ar
ena n, Young Cash
& crose @ Kiotti’s y party (Houston,
t the iPhone @ ama, & DJ Sens Rockstars Lil He MC Kane & DJ La da
Thug testing ou n Cannon, Joie Manda, DJ Dr 16 // Duval County t (M iami, FL) 18 // $ @ Solange’s birth shoot
, GA ) 14 // Do ek en d (Ja ck so nv ill e, FL )
er ’s “S pe ak er ” vid eo sh oo
ee , FL ) 20 // De ja & Ch ise
Ba nn er ’s “S peaker” video
lanta d’s ce leb rit y we t of Da vid Ba nn nc er t (Ta lla ha ss th e se t of Da vid
s Strou the se se co gg on
Stroud @ Marcu t Cool & Omar on Center for T-Pain’s album relea ille, FL) 22 // Topic & Snoop Do
ille, FL) 17 // Ge ic nv
Party (Jacksonv Eric Perrin @ Leon County Civ d’s celebrity weekend (Jackso ; Malik Abdul
19 // Kanye We
st & rcus Strou is Santana (04)
Dr . Do om & DJ Cowboy @ Ma ,19 ,22 ); Ka sh Kastro (06); Lu
TX) 21 // DJ verly (01,03,13
,14
(Miami, FL) ,18,20); Julia Be ,21)
Ha ll (0 5) ; In tl K (07,10,11,12 e (09); Terrence Tyson (15,16
Cre dit s: Ed wa rd Ma rcu s De Wa yn
Photo (02,08,17);
OZONEMAG
OZONE MAG////31
31
 >>FOLLOW THE LEADER >>>>>>>“Step your mag game up!”

>>LEADER FOLLOWER<<
READ IT ALL BEFORE

>>T-Pain on moving from Miami to Atlanta T-Pain on moving from Miami to Atlanta<<
OZONE May 2007 VIBE July 2007
“I lived in Miami for six months, moved up to Atlanta, and got “I got more done in six weeks than I ever would have in Florida.”
more shit done [in Atlanta] in six weeks than I had done in the
six months I was in Miami.”

>>T-Pain on working with Britney Spears T-Pain on working with Britney Spears<<
OZONE May 2007 VIBE July 2007
“I just wrote a song for Britney Spears that’ll be her first single “As soon as she does what she needs to do, the first single will be
when she gets out of rehab or when her hair grows back.” the one written by T-Pain.”

>>Young Jeezy on Slick Pulla and BloodRaw Young Jeezy on Slick Pulla and BloodRaw<<
OZONE April 2007 XXL June 2007
“This is real family shit over here. This USDA shit is real… “I don’t consider them my homies, I consider them my family. I
they’ve been through gangsta shit with me.” was with these niggas in life.”

>>Young Jeezy on making hit records Young Jeezy on making hit records<<
OZONE April 2007 XXL June 2007
“I do good music, I make records... at the end of the day I can “I do good music, I make good records, so at the end of the day, I
still make good music.” make hits.”

>>Rick Ross on the drug game in Miami Rick Ross on the drug game in Miami<<
OZONE March 2007 XXL July 2007
“Cocaine, that’s what supported the fast life of South Beach, all “People focus on the drug game in Miami because we make it
the clubs on the beach, and the Colombian drug lords…that’s look the best. When you come to Miami, you see the plush city;
the M-I-Yayo, the city that yayo built.” you see Lamborghinis and Rolls Royces... This is the city of dope”

>>Rich Boy on his subject matter Rich Boy on his subject matter<<
OZONE November 2006 XXL April 2007
“I feel like it’s my responsibility in the rap game to bring back “I don’t rap about things I know the average person ain’t done…
some real topics. People are always rapping about making Things that are so outrageous the average person can’t afford
money, but they don’t ever rap about the people that ain’t got them. I know people can relate to me if I keep it on an average-
shit. You rapping about a $100,000 dollar watch but these people person level.”
can’t relate to that shit.”

>>Young Buck on album sales Young Buck on album sales<<

OZONE March 2007 XXL May 2007
“In my opinion, even if I didn’t sell one record my first week, I’m “I’ma outsell 50 and everybody at this point. What I done realized
already successful, man. Honestly, with all respect to every nigga is the streets understand who I am now. And there’s more people
who quotes his numbers in sales, I’m looking to pretty much than I would ever thought would understand who I am. So it’s ex-
shock myself. I don’t know what I’m gonna sell. The anticipation citing for me to actually see, you know, what my true numbers is
of Buck is strong. I’m just looking to outdo my last numbers. In gon’ be, as far as sales from my album. But I can honestly say that
my last first week I did like 270,000 and I think the streets want I’m going to outsell everybody.”
me to do more. I think I’m gonna do way more than that.”

>>Young Buck on 50 Cent Young Buck on 50 Cent<<

OZONE March 2007 XXL May 2007
Young Buck: “I’m pretty good at voicing my opinion and I said it Young Buck: “But I don’t agree with everything 50 does. I voice it
to 50, ‘Yo my nigga, damn. Maybe you might be a little too hard to him, and he loves me for that. Because I’m a nigga that can say,
on niggas.’” ‘50, hey, man, I don’t think that was cool, what you did…’”

>>Mannie Fresh on Def Jam record label situation Mannie Fresh on Def Jam record label situation<<
OZONE May 2007 Scratch July/August 2007
Mannie Fresh: “My dream for Def Jam is this: It’s a label where Mannie Fresh: “I just wanted to do something different with a
you have a lot of artists and they don’t really know each other. label that ain’t been done in a long time. I’m looking for that next
They know of each other, but I want to really bring everybody movement. I just feel like Def Jam got a whole bunch of talented
together in unity and say, ‘Let’s take over this. Let’s be the next artists but not all of them know each other - they know of each
movement.’ It hasn’t been a label since the old school days that’s other. Why Jeezy gotta go on tour with somebody else while his
done that. Def Jam, they got a powerful roster. They got Ludacris, family is here? They got Jeezy, Ludacris, Jay - that right there
Rick Ross, Jeezy, Jay-Z - so if we could all get together collective- is a tour. They got the power to do it. I’m not saying nobody was
ly and go out there and get it, that would be some shit.” thinking that way, but sometimes it takes another vision to say, ‘We
gotta get together.’”
>>Baby Boy Da Prince on Hurricane Katrina
OZONE November 2006 Baby Boy Da Prince on Hurricane Katrina<<
Baby Boy Da Prince: “I went without light. I went without food. XXL May 2007
We had to hustle up, break in stores, you know, we had to put our Baby Boy Da Prince: “We didn’t have lights, gas, water or shelter. I
natural instincts on forthat situation.” had to take a bath in a fuckin’ pool!”

>>Pimp C on resurrecting old school NY rappers Pimp C on resurrecting old school NY rappers<<
OZONE February 2007 Scratch March/April 2007
Pimp C: “And remember, on the [UGK] album, I got Big Daddy Pimp C: “It’s ironic that some boys from Texas had to be the ones
Kane and Kool G Rap on a song produced by Marley Marl. I’m to reach back and grab Marley Marl, Big Daddy Kane and Kool G
trying to resurrect old school rappers from NY.” Rap and put them on in ’07.
.

32 // OZONE MAG
PHOTOGALLERIES

ile,
Club Miami (Mob
lo , Sli m Th ug , Tay, & guest @ nv ill e, FL ) 05 //
ld Bil ck so
pa rty (A tla nt a, GA) 02 // Wi wa y, & DJ De mp @ Plush (Ja oo t (M iam i, FL ) 07
end’s all white ee sh
So So De f We ek ) 04 // Gu es t, Trick Daddy, Fr Ba nn er ’s “S peaker” video 09 // Xx zo tic
nd for allas, TX t of David nta, GA)
Dupri @ Compou Summer Music Conference (D nner on the se ole Palace (Atla e set
ne & Jermaine s eetz, & David Ba Rivercity @ Po ncy Byron on th
01 // Young Capo ter & the Nappy Roots @ Texa tlanta, GA) 06 // Get Cool, Sw nta, GA) 08 // DJ Scream & Ms Worth, TX) 11 // Tum Tum & Na e Dupri @ Louis
ch al Je pa rty (A rty (A tla nt er (F t. Je rm ain
AL) 03 // My low’s Zone 4 s Zone 4 pa camore Rec Ce y, Jazze Pha, & uckee &
@ Opera for Po & Rich Boy @ Opera for Polow’ lly Rowald @ Sy (Atlanta, GA) 13 // Young Jeez shoot (Miami, FL) 15 // Lil Ch t @ KBXX
Cam, CL, & Loon nn ah An tonio, ) 10 // Ric key Smiley & Ke rk Stu dio s od ” vid eo Toya Lu cket
n, Da n, TX tch we So Ho & Le
// Polow da Do r Studios (Housto Mannie Fresh & Rick Ross @
Pa DJ Khaled’s “I’m nville, FL) 17 // DJ Aggravated The Alliance @ The
vin th e Du de @ Block Sta TX ) 12 // in & Ga rci a on the set of us h (Ja ck so Ou tlaw of
& De ou sto n, // T- Pa t@ Pl Cu tta & s album
video shoot (H (Atlanta, GA) 14 ) 16 // Dukwon, Big L, & gues Plaza (St. Louis, MO) 19 // Ty nter for T-Pain’
of the Grit Boys x Mall for TI’s release party (A tla nt a, GA Bl ac km on ’s Bl ak @ Le on County Civic Ce
no game arl @ z & DJ
Vuitton in the Le So So Def celebrity basketball // Tracey & Roland of Black Pe (Houston, TX) 21 // Memphit
i@ ston, TX) 18 tening party
Jermaine Dupr s co nc er t (H ou T @ Tra e’s lis ) n (04,08,16);
arenes e & RawL ston, TX ); Terrence Tyso
The Box’s HIV Aw ouston, TX) 20 // Troublesom d & Kiotti @ Kiotti’s party (Hou ); Ma lik Abdul (14,18
ls Clu b (H Di am on 7,1 2,13 ,21
Boys & Gir FL) 22 // Poe verly (01,05,06,0
t (Tallahassee, ,20,22); Julia Be
release concer rri n (15 ); Intl K (11,17,19
ic Pe
rd Hall (03); Er
D’Lyte (10); Edwa Rhodes (09); Wild Billo (02)
Photo Credits: Turhan
OZONEMAG
OZONE MAG////33
33
 Disclaimer: These are my opinions and my statements. They do not reflect on forty days and forty nights or however long Noah was on that boat.
Bun B or UGK as a group.
Rap-A-Lot Mafia for life. You ain’t gotta like it but you gotta respect it!
Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “Repetition does not transform a lie into the
truth.” That quote is the truth. First off, I wanna say that 98% of what I said I’m very proud of all the rappers from the South that are selling records and
in my OZONE article last month was the honest-to-God undisputable truth. getting money. I’m a congratulator, not a hater. When a nigga gets a new
house, I congratulate him. I think we all deserve to have new houses.
But to say that Atlanta, GA is not the South is a muthafuckin’ lie. I was trippin’
when I said that shit, and I’m recanting that statement. There’s no doubt in They criticize us a lot for buying jewelry and shit when we get our first royalty
my mind or anybody else’s mind that Atlanta, GA is the muthafuckin’ dirty checks, don’t they? Don’t they say we’re fools for spending all our money at
South and has always been the muthafuckin’ dirty South. Off top I wanna Jacob’s and Queen Johnny’s and Emmett’s? But let me tell you my outlook on
apologize to T.I., I wanna apologize to the Dungeon Family, and all the rest of why we do this shit. It’s gonna make sense to some people, and it’s gonna
my people out there [in Atlanta] that’s been buying my records from the jump. sound crazy to others.

But to all the pussy ass DJs, fake ass rap niggas, and bitch-ass muthafuck- Before we were brought over here to [America] we were kings and queens
ers typing that bullshit on the computer, fuck you in your ass, bitch. You’re over there in Africa, ya dig? That’s where diamonds and gold and all that shit
either down or you ain’t down. There ain’t never a good time to tell the truth is derived from – the motherland. When they brought us over here, they made
because nobody wants to take their medicine. But somebody had to say it and mutts out of us because they crossbred with our women. That’s why we’ve all
I’m stepping up to the plate. I’m saying, no more of these fake ass niggas, got different skin tones now. We’re mutts now. We’re not pure no more. But
no more of this lying on muthafuckin’ records, and no more accepting this the African side of us is yearning to get back to our roots. So subconsciously
bullshit coming out of the muthafuckin’ speakers no more. we buy diamonds and gold to try to get back to our roots. That’s my take on
why a muthafucker would take his first royalty check and spend half of it on a
I’ve got St. Louis riding with me. I’ve got Chicago riding with me. I’ve got muthafuckin’ watch or chain. That’s why muthafuckers get their first check or
the West Coast riding with me. I’ve got muthafuckin’ Houston, Texas riding first show money and buy a Rolls Royce – because we used to ride in chariots.
with me. I’ve got muthafuckin’ New York riding with me, nigga, so you’re
surrounded. Everybody I called told me they understood what the fuck I We used to have all the diamonds and gold. Now the game is reversed where
was saying, and they understood how a man could make a mistake. So I’m we’re buying the diamonds from a muthafucker that doesn’t even look like us,
apologizing again to my fans and everybody in Georgia that has ever bought and we’re buying them at a 300% markup. Any jeweler out there that’s claim-
one of my muthafuckin’ records. ing to be down with a nigga and wants a nigga to be down with them, they
need to give us that shit – not at cost – but at least at 100% markup. Don’t
I don’t know what Russell Simmons’ sexual orientation is. My statement that markup that bullshit 300%.
he was “dick-in-the-booty” did not reflect as much on his sexuality as it does
on the statements he’s made recently that we need to stop cussing on records So this month we’re riding on the muthafuckin’ jewelers, that’s who we’re
and stop saying the “n” word. riding on. You’ve overcharging us and we’re tired of it. Diamonds come from
the motherland. I’m challenging everybody out there to find a black jeweler,
Last time I checked, Russell Simmons was a multi-billionaire, and he made a man of color, and let’s start buying our muthafuckin’ rocks directly from Af-
his money off niggas saying the “n” word and cussing on records. So by me rica. Let’s buy them from niggas that look like you and me instead of buying
saying the nigga is “dick-in-the-booty,” I ain’t saying that the nigga actually it from the muthafuckin’ Iranians and Arabs and Russians, ya dig?
has a dick in his ass. And it ain’t me saying that he’s actually doing some gay
shit, cause I ain’t seen the nigga do nothing. All I’m saying is this: If you’re a I came through the New York airport and I had my praying hands piece on.
billionaire off rap music and you want us to stop cussin’, give us that billion You know when you come through the checkpoint and you’ve gotta take your
dollars back and let us throw a party in that muthafuckin’ mansion you’ve got [jewelry] off? I was putting my shit back on and a bitch asked me, “Are those
or forever hold your peace. conflict diamonds?” You know what I told that bitch? I said, “I don’t know.”
I gave her the chain and put it in her hand and said, “Does it say ‘conflict
The only reason I felt bad about riding on Russell Simmons is because he was diamonds’ anywhere on there? Can you tell conflict diamonds from regular
one of the forefathers that helped build this thing called Hip Hop, and that’s diamonds?” The bitch looked at me like I was crazy. I said, “Okay, so I can’t
what country rap came from. His brother Run is the man that made me want tell conflict diamonds from regular diamonds either.” So shut your mutha-
to do this thang called “rap.” I’ve been trying to rap since 1984. I heard Run fuckin’ ass up, bitch!
DMC’s first album in December 1983 and ever since that day, I’ve been bitten
by the rap bug. So I’m hoping that my words, and my [Hot 107.9] radio inter- When they start writing on the diamonds in microscopic letters whether
view that was on radio stations all across the country, have been clarified as they’re conflict diamonds or not, that’s when I want somebody to ask me if
to what I meant by that. I’m wearing conflict diamonds. Until then, shut your bitch ass up. Until we
start buying diamonds straight from black folks, we’re all buying conflict
After saying that, if that ain’t good enough for you pussy ass muthafuckers diamonds. //
that’s out there, well, fuck you, bitch. Shoot your shot. I guarantee, nigga,
it’s gonna be like Noah’s Ark around this bitch. I’m gonna ride on your ass for Photo by Julia Beverly

34 // OZONE MAG
PHOTOGALLERIES

od”
aled’s “I’m So Ho
y, & Co ol on the set of DJ Kh ips Arena for Hot
Je ez Phill
Khaled, Young low da Don @
FL) 02 // Dre, DJ llie The Kid & Po ys & Yung B @
Nancy Byron’s
rit y we ek en d (Jacksonville, f Ra dio (A tla nt a, GA) 04 // Wi TX ) 06 // Gr it Bo
// TV Johnny &
s Strou d’s ce leb fo r So So De rty (H ou sto n, nt a, GA ) 09
g Ca sh & Fr ed Taylor @ Marcu Kool Aid, & DJ X-Rated @ V103 @ Nancy Byron’s birthday pa for Polow’s Zone 4 party (Atla Daina & Lil Wayne on the
01 // Youn DJ Funky, DJ ve titude @ Oper a //
iami, FL) 03 // Killa Kyleon, &
Da
// Rich Boy & At (Tampa, FL) 11 13 // Memphitz & Treal @
video shoot (M Chris Johnson, (Dallas, TX) 08 birthday party )
da y Ba sh (A tla nta, GA) 05 // d & C- Bo @ M5 @ Clu b Sk ye for DJ Christion’s rly’s birthday party (Miami, FL // Yung Berg &
Slim Thug
107.9’s Birth ee n (Tampa, FL) 15
(H ou sto n, TX ) 07 // Young Bl ) 10 // Or lan do & DJ Christio g D @ Sobe Live for Julia Beve bir th da y pa rty FL ) 18 // Jo ie Manda &
birthday party oot (Houston, TX i, FL) 12 // Trick Daddy & Big for DJ Christion’s ll @ The Moon (Tallahassee, // Jekala
Wine-O video sh iam ilez @ Club Skye Ma (Miami, FL) 20
Latin Prince @ ’s “S pe ak er ” video shoot (M -Rida, Smitty, Southstar, & Sm ) 17 // Vaughn Wilson & Marco e Forge for his book signing 22 // Steve Bellamy &
nn er Th
set of David Ba ssee, FL) 14 // DJ Christion, Flo Blackmon’s Plaza (St. Louis, MO Simmons & Kendrick Meek @ t (Houston, TX)
ha areness concer
The Moon (Talla n, TX ) 16 // The Bangerz @ sh (A tla nt a, GA ) 19 // Russell
rci a @ KB XX Th e Box’s HIV Aw
(Housto day Ba andi Ga
@ Shadow Bar Hot 107.9’s Birth ) 21 // Brooke Valentine & Br ); Terrence Tyso
n
illips Arena for Orleans, LA lik Abdul (02,16
Lil Boosie @ Ph e Fe st (N ew a (1 0,14 ); Ma
& Terrence Tyso
n @ Essenc ,18); Luis Santan
h (Jacksonville,
FL) 4,08,11,12,13,17
Freeway @ Plus Lo uis (19 ); Ju lia Beverly (03,0
9,15,21); Johnny
7); Intl K (05,06,0
Edward Hall (0
Photo Credits: (01,20,2 2)
OZONEMAG
OZONE MAG////35
35
 tatted up
O nce upon a time tattoos
were taboo. Hip Hop culture
has changed all that. Rap
revolutionized the form of body art
that was once restricted to Harley
Davidson riders, prison inmates, and
hardcore rock stars. People who call
rap’s current obsession with rock
culture a “trend” obviously haven’t
done their Hip Hop history research.
Rock stars have been influenc-
ing rap since the beginning. They
had us tat, tat, tating it up long
before skull belts and metal chains,
and today, tattoos are an all-out
phenomenon.

Photo credits: Terrence Tyson

(“Jesus” and “Faith”), Edward Hall
(“Spark Dawg”), D-Ray (“Miami”)

36 // OZONE MAG
PHOTOGALLERIES

ence
er Music Confer
@ Texas Summ for T-Pain’s alb
um
Bin k, Mo ne y Waters, & KG Civ ic Ce nt er
a, GA) 02 // DJ
Big T @ Leon Coun
ty Ron C
pa rty (A tla nt e We st, & Cra zy Le an , Do ug hs ki, Ju Ju, & OG
ll fo r TI’ s re lease // Gu es t, Ka ny ) 06 // Stu b A As hl ee Fo rd @
in the Lenox Ma ) 04 party (Dallas, TX // Paris Jontae
&
zz (Norfolk, VA album release e
g Je ez y & TI @ Louis Vuitton , 2Face, Young Fame & Big Ja On e fo r Lu cc i’s re lea se pa rty (Dallas, TX) 08 y (Ja ck so nv ill e, FL) 11 // Tra
01 // Youn lay Club ed
for Lucci’s album 10 // Malik Abdul & Keith Kenn FL) 13 // Yung B, Lil Wayne,
) 03 // Ja ck of Spade, Fam- nnie, Tum Tum, & Mr Lucci @ @ Clu b On e
(Dallas, TX FL) 05 // Ro Tum ) y party (Tampa,
t (Tallahassee, g Bleed & Tum ning (Miami, FL Banner’s
release concer , TX) 07 // Youn for his book sig ristion’s birthda e set of David
er Mu sic Co nference (Dallas ns & Louis Oliver @ The Forge Sm itt y @ Clu b Skye for DJ Ch n, TX) 15 // Dre & Baby on th al & J Ca sh on the set of
@ Texas Summ & // White Boi Piz
ill e, FL ) 09 // Russell Simmo er t (H ou sto n, TX) 12 // Mims ar t fo r his CD signing (Housto tla nt a, GA ) 17 ino @ Er ru pt Studios
Plush (Jacksonv The Box’s HIV Awareness conc l-M sh (A // Redd & Supa
Ch
) 14 // TV Jo hnny & TI @ Wa a for Hot 107.9’s Birthday Ba tla nt a, GA ) 19 t 10 7.9 ’s Bir thday Bash
XX rty (Houston, TX Young Jeezy @ Phillips Aren Zone 4 party (A ewon @ Phillips Arena for Ho
& Intl Red @ KB ’s bir th da y pa a fo r Po lo w’ s
lange ry & Oper ex Gid
& Chise $ @ So ) 16 // Big Kunt Polow da Don @ (Dallas, TX) 21 // Kinky B & Al
shoot (Miami, FL oot (Miami, FL) 18 // Loon & illz concert
“Speaker” video ” vid eo sh h @ Pl ay & Sk 2); Malik Abdul
So Hood ban Sout Luis Santana (1
DJ Khaled’s “I’m 20 // Lil Flip & Pookie from Ur (0 1,0 4,15,16,18,21);
ill e, FL ) n, TX ) lia Be ve rly
(Jacksonv e (Housto ny Louis (09); Ju
// Terrance & Ac ,13,14,22); John
(Atlanta, GA) 22 5,0 6,0 7,20); Intl K (11
ll (0 2,0
(03); Edward Ha 8,10,19)
Derrick Francis son (0
Photo Credits: (17); Terrence Ty
OZONEMAG
OZONE MAG////37
37
38 // OZONE MAG
PHOTOGALLERIES

week-
oud’s celebrity
sp oo n, & Eb on y @ Marcus Str ) 05 // Ho rse man,
ther party (Houston,
TX
) 02 // Ste ph anie B, John Wi DJ ’s lis te nin g Kio tti & Pl ies @
FL Go //
y party (Miami, e, Lil T, DJ Hi-C, & DJ Awol @ hassee, FL) 07
e fo r Ju lia Be verly’s birthda ) 04 // KB , Tra Ch ap ma n @ The Moon (Talla fo r Ju lia Be ve rly’s birthday
e
y & Rick Ross @
Sobe Liv
Masquerade (A
tlanta, GA odie, Kevin, & TJ i-O @ Sobe Liv @ Beyonce conc day party
ert (Houston,
01 // Trick Dadd FL) 03 // TMI Boyz & crew @ n, TX) 06 // Wo ston, TX) 09 // Geisha & Jack
nv ill e, V Aw ar en es s concert (Housto eo sh oo t (H ou ) 11 // Sli m Th ug & Breneshia
Me l Sm ith ’s bir th
end (Jackso HI vid GA @
Ba nk Ha nk @ KBXX The Bo
x’s
m on th e se t of the Grit Boys r TI’ s re lea se party (Atlanta, ug an d ha lf of Play & Skillz e Ne xt on e, & Mr Pill @
RawLT, & Big // Yung B & Tum
Tu
the Lenox Mall
fo m Th al, C-Note, Nick
th
sto n, TX ) 08 uis Vu itt on in pa rty (A tla nt a, GA) 13 // Sli 15 // To ny Ne // Yo un g Je ez y & Coach K
Harlow’s (Hou Lo end’s all white t (Houston, TX)
) 10 // Big Bo i & Big Gipp @ So So De f We ek yo nc e co nc er th da y pa rty (Miami, FL) 17 th & Ru ss ell Simmons
r Be bir oo
party (Miami, FL ex Gidewon @ Compound fo Br an do n an d wife Queen @ So be Liv e fo r Julia Beverly’s (O rla nd o, FL) 19 // LA Sm imetime for Gotti’s
Al & @ rty
TX) 12 // Nelly
&
his kids Brenes
hia g City, & guest y’s birthday pa Slim Thug @ Pr
14 // Bun B with // Stacks, Youn for Kaye Dunawa Silver Knight &
(Houston, TX) on DJ s pa rty (Dallas, TX) 16 s Fif & KC @ House of Blues pa rty (H ou sto n, TX) 21 // DJ
r Defin iti ) 18 // We tenin g
Rhythm City fo rty (Atlanta, GA ther @ Trae’s lis t (Houston, TX) e Tyson (02);
low’s Zone 4 pa (Miami, FL) 20 // Trae & his mo t of the Grit Boys video shoo 2,17,21); Terrenc
@ Opera for Po bo ok sig nin g Fr ee ze on th e se Be ve rly (01,06,09,10,1
rg e fo r his ng B & ); Ju lia
@ The Fo GA) 22 // Yu ); Johnny Louis
(19
party (Atlanta, 8,11,13,14,20,22
mixtape release rri n (0 3) ; Intl K (05,07,0
Er ic Pe
ward Hall (15);
Bogan (16); Ed (04); Wes Fif (18
)
Photo Credits: Turhan Rhodes
OZONEMAG
OZONE MAG////39
39
40 // OZONE MAG
PHOTOGALLERIES

Rec
te & Sycamore
ck so n, DJ Big Bink and Key No ck Daddy & JT
n Ja Tri
FL) 02 // Actio nta, GA) 04 // s,
release concer
t (Tallahassee, lease party (Atla ock, & guest @ WBFA (Columbu
Pa in’ s alb um in th e Le no x Mall for TI’s re D, Big Ge e, Bl 08 // Un k &
nter for T- uis Vuitton Big Duke, Lil e) - Jaro Vace k
County Civic Ce Boulevard @ Lo , Jody Breeze, & Sweetz (Pragu um release
& Twista @ Leon ney, Big Boi, Little Brother, & 05 // Gorilla Zoe, DJ Incognito e, David Banner, Utopia for his alb t of DJ
01 // Yung Joc ) 03 // Bo Mo (M iam i, FL ) tla nt a, GA ) 07 // Wi lli
ice sc ulp tu re @ Clu b
on th e se
Wo rth , TX da y pa rty y Ba sh (A // 4- Ize & gu es ts
Center (Ft. fo r Ju lia Beverly’s bir
th
a fo r Ho t 107.9’s Birthda er t (Ta llahassee, FL)
09
) 11 // Lil Bass, Brisco Op er a for Polow’s
be Liv e ips Ar en se co nc nt a, GA Bo y @
Money @ So
Bu ck & th e Outlawz @ Phill Center for T-Pain’s album relea Weekend’s all white party (A
tla
Za k, Kh ujo Goodie, & Rich B on th e se t of the Grit
g f // Big Bu n
GA) 06 // Youn lo od z @ Le on County Civic ce @ Compound for So So De @ Ve nu e (H ouston, TX) 13 sh (Atlanta, GA) 15 // Trae & Le on Co unty Civic
un gB Ni ala 40 @
J-Bo of the Yo 10 // Je rm ain e Dupri & DJ J- // Co ry Mo , No re, & Matt Sonz
en a fo r Ho t 10 7.9’s Birthday Ba TX) 17 // T-Pain’s father & E- his po ol pa rty (Hous-
) 12
party Atlanta, GA od” video shoot (Miami, FL) k, & Ja so n Ge ter @ Phillips Ar @ Wa re ho us e Live (Houston, TX ) 19 // DJ Amino & Kiotti
@
er t (H ou sto n, TX)
Za h n, nc
Khaled’s “I’m So
Ho
GA ) 14 // Po low da Don, Big cy , Me sh ah Ha wkins, & Dr Teet ge ’s bir th da y party (Housto Th e Bo x’s HI V Awareness co
Zone 4 party (A
tlanta,
16 // Matt Sonz
ala, Sta $ @ Solan his children @
KBXX
t (Houston, TX) // Bone & Chise 21 // Lil Keke & dul (11); Turhan
hassee, FL) 18 (Houston, TX) ,14,17); Malik Ab
Boys video shoo album release concert (Talla ’s bir th da y pa rty
(0 1,0 3,04,06,08,10,13
T- Pa in’ s Me l Sm ith Be ve rly
Center for ke Sterns @ Vacek (07); Julia
oria Velez & Mi ,19,20,21); Jaro
ton, TX) 20 // Gl rri n (0 9) ; Intl K (15,16,18
Er ic Pe
Incognito (05);
D’Lyte (02); DJ
Photo Credits: Rhodes (12)
OZONEMAG
OZONE MAG////41
41
 101
RY

Tuma BasA & Buttahman

UST
IND

MTVJams
Words // Randy Roper

(l to r): Buttahman, Tuma Basa

T
wenty-six years ago when MTV first launched, they played music videos different things that go on in the streets. Like what kind of cellphones people
(in 2007, not so much). Reality shows like The Real World and Diddy’s are using, how people shake hands, tattoos, sneakers. We also have artists
Making The Band have taken over the station originally launched to give us their tidbits, like Kia Shine talked to us about how he keeps it fresh.
broadcast music videos. Luckily, to appease the viewers that would rather And Lil’ Scrappy had his G’s Up TV. Another program that we have coming up
watch T.I.’s latest video over a spoiled 16-year-old’s birthday party, MTV par- in the fall is called Parker Report. Eric Parker will be hosting, it’s driven on
ented channels like MTV2, MTV Hits and of course OZONE’s personal favorite, different people’s opinions on Hip Hop. We have Jam of the Week, which is a
MTV Jams. video we play on the hour, every hour. It airs 168 times in one week, so if a
song is hot we will make sure that it’s seen.
Under the guidance of their Music and Talent Director, Buttahman, and Music Buttahman: We have a lot of short form programming that doesn’t interrupt
Programming Manager, Tuma Basa, MTV Jams, which launched in May 2002, the music video experience but also gives you a glimpse into the culture,
features Hip Hop and urban music programming that true Hip Hop fans can lifestyle, everything that we feel the audience can relate to.
appreciate. In 2005, MTV Jams partnered with OZONE for the 25 Greatest
Southern Artists countdown and continued to support OZONE by airing the Buttahman, can you tell me more about the Hood Fab program that you host?
first and second annual OZONE Award shows. As they say, real recognize real. Buttahman: It’s the first ever interactive Hip Hop trivia game show. And we’re
on the streets, going to different hoods and testing people’s knowledge of
What are your positions and duties at MTV Jams? Hip Hop and giving them prizes. We managed to incorporate some of the rap-
Tuma Basa: I’m manager of music programming initiatives. So basically, I do pers into the game. So far we’ve had Eve, Snoop, Common, Khia, and Kanye.
MTV Jams’ record label relations. We schedule the music programming for
[MTV] Jams. So what have you found out so far? How good is people’s knowledge of Hip
Buttahman: Basically, both of us are in charge of developing the channel, Hop?
coming up with ideas for programming. We really wanted to take it to the Buttahman: It’s surprising because you see a lot of people that say they
next level. And what we’re doing is collectively coming up with ideas, the represent Hip Hop and then you ask them a question like what’s EPMD’s first
OZONE Awards being one of them, in terms of ways to bring more eyes and album and they don’t know the answer. Even some artists, you’d be surprised
attention to the channel. at the questions they’ve gotten wrong.

What was the basic reason for launching MTV Jams? What was it about OZONE that made you guys want to connect with this
Tuma Basa: Basically, they wanted to super-serve that audience that wanted publication?
Hip Hop/urban music through the digital channels. And it also acted as an Tuma Basa: It’s authentic and it’s comprehensive. When you pick up an OZONE
incubator for up-and-coming urban artists that weren’t necessarily ready for Magazine there’s so much in it.
MTV2 at the time but to be able to super-serve that audience by introducing Buttahman: Also, we felt that if Jams were a magazine then OZONE would be
them to new faces and new trends in the music. it. It’s very grassroots, it kinda started off that way where Julia was off doing
Buttahman: And when he says, “weren’t ready,” it means they were unknown her thing with these artists before anyone knew who they were. And then the
to the mass audience but were well loved by the core Hip Hop fans. culture of Southern Hip Hop exploded. And Jams is kinda the same way, where
we’re that little operation, very grassroots, still underground where a lot of
Who are some of the artists you’ve helped break? people may not be aware of the channel but the people that have it really
Buttahman: Rich Boy, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Jim Jones. It was never really love it a lot. Like the OZONE readers and the OZONE artists really love that
about radio stars, it’s always [been about] giving them that video support to magazine because it gave them that exposure when no one else was doing it.
help put them out there. Also, a cool thing about Jams, we try look for those We did the first thing, which was the 25 Greatest Southern Artists with [OZONE]
regional artists that are making videos that may not be big budget, Hype Wil- and as the relationship grew, it just made sense to continue with the awards
liams [videos] but they’re good enough to air those music stories on visual. show.

Is the MTV Jams programming just videos? Do you have anything that you want to say to the MTV Jams viewers?
Tuma Basa: No, it’s a mix of videos and specials. With our programming, we’re Tuma Basa: They’re a lot of people that show a lot of love to MTV Jams. There
not trying to interrupt anyone. We want you to be able to have the music on are a lot of people that kept Jams on all day long on their TVs and just let it
in the background. So we play a lot of music videos and we also have pro- run. And it becomes a part of their lives and households. And we want to say
gramming like Hood Fab which is a Hip Hop game show that Buttahman hosts. thank you to them.
We have Look Around, it’s kind of like a cultural piece where we talk about Buttahman: And shout out to my mom. (laughs) //

42 // OZONE MAG
 ing ozone?
whos
’ read Diamond & Princ
01 // Crime Mob’s ncert (Little Rock, AR) 02
ess @ Power
h co
92’s Juneteent an (Dallas,
de @ Club Enigm DJ Khaled’s
// Devin the Du e se t of
aled on th
TX) 03 // DJ Kh // Trick Daddy
(Miami, FL) 04
“I’m So Hood” e, FL ) 05 // Steve
llahasse
@ The Moon (Ta ed o on the set of
David
& Ga by Ac ev i, FL)
Rifkind sh oo t (M iam
ker” video
Banner’s “Spea Bla ck mo n’s Plaza
DJ Q45 @
06 // Webbie & Power 92’s
07 // Yo Gotti @
(St. Louis, MO) e Ro ck , AR) 08
ert (Littl
Juneteenth conc f celebrity basketball
@ So So De
// Jibbs ss & Johnny
GA) 09 // E-Cla
game (Atlanta, s (A tla nta, GA) 10
rk Studio
Boy @ Patchwe ine @ Play & Skillz con-
Sh
// Kinfolk Nakia & Buckeey
) 11 // Mahliya
cert (Dallas, TX . Lo uis , MO) 12 //
Plaza (St
@ Blackmon’s m Cit y fo r his vid-
@ Rhyth
T-Ball & ladies 13 // Hu rri ca ne Chris
, TX)
eo shoot (Dallas teenth concert (Little
ne
@ Power 92’s Ju @ Rhythm
Fedo & Kazeno
Rock, AR) 14 // Gu es t & Ke ndra G
) 15 //
City (Dallas, TX r OZ ON E Mo del
Chica fo
@ Club Transit Skillz
h (Ch ica go , IL) 16 // Play & m-
Searc as Su
// RawLT @ Tex
(Dallas, TX) 17 ce (Dallas, TX)
18 //
Mu sic Co nfe ren
mer Be ac h Co nv en tion
ami
Lil Scrappy @ Mi show (Miami, FL) 19
car
Center for DUB aled’s
the set of DJ Kh
// Flo-Rida on Cool &
So Ho od ” (M iami, FL) 20 //
“I’m (W es t Pa lm Beach,
unge
Dre @ Ultra Lo n, &
4-Ize, TJ Chapma
FL) 21 // Big Al, Club Utopia for his
o Ha wk ins @
Janir GA) 22
party (Atlanta,
album release DJ Fish @ KNON
ne y Wa ter s &
// Mo
Block Party show
89.3’s Dirty South bull @ 104.9
as , TX ) 23 // Pit
(Dall pe
n, TX) 24 // Po
car show (Housto rcedes’ birthday
Fir es to ne fo r Me
@ Geter
FL) 25 // Jason
bash (Orlando,
ke Ky se r @ Ph illips Arena for
& Mi nta,
day Bash (Atla
Hot 107.9’s Birth y, DJ
) 26 // DJ Ko ol Aid, DJ Funk
GA r
ckey @ V103 fo
X-Rated, & Lil Mi
So De f Ra dio (Atlanta, GA) 27
So d@
& Marcus Strou
// Ms. Rivercity end
rcu s Str ou d’s celebrity week
Ma
ck so nv ille , FL ) 28 // Rosci @
(Ja y
Tigger’s celebrit
Morehouse for
etb all ga me (Atlanta, GA) 29
ba sk t-
Masquerade (A
// TMI Boyz @ y
ta, GA ) 30 // Big Tuck @ Pla
lan //
Sk illz co nc ert (Dallas, TX) 31
&
Bo y & Dr op on the set of DJ
Wh ite
Hood” (Miami,
Khaled’s “I’m So & Sway @
) 32 // Do lla Bill
FL
(Dallas, TX) 33
hood car show
G- Hu d & Nic k the Next One @
// ce
as Su mm er Music Conferen
Tex
// Paris Jontae
(Dallas, TX) 34
The Moon for
& Ashlee Ford @ rty (Talla-
pa
T-Pain’s release
// Wendy Day &
hassee, FL) 35
Tampa Music
Michael Watts @
mpa, FL) 36 //
Conference (Ta
Sobe Live for
Teddy T & PM @
birthday party
Julia Beverly’s
// Jugg Mugg
(Miami, FL) 37
Club Enigman
& Blind Rob @
// DJ Lil
(Dallas, TX) 38
@ Taste of
John & Timbuktu
, IL)
Chicago (Chicago
Bogan (36); DJ
Photo Credits:
Edward
Who (01,07,13);
,16,17,
Hall (02,10,12,14 c Perrin
Eri
22,30,32,33,37);
); Johnny
(08,21,28,29,34
ry Mindz
Louis (18); Luxu
l (03,05,0
(23); Malik Abdu ,35,38);
,31
6,11,15,19,20,24
,09,25,26);
Julia Beverly (04 )
(27
Terrence Tyson

OZONE MAG // 43
 Marco, gave me the opportunity to run the board overnight. So without him,
I probably wouldn’t be where I am today. Him and a couple other program
directors, Pete Manriquez, helped get where I am too.

Crisco kid When where you on the air in Albuquerque?

From February ‘03 to July ’05 then I came back to [Houston]. Went out there
and started a radio station. The competition in about a year, they folded.
That’s pretty much what they flew me out there to do. I stayed out there for
an extra year and came back home.

You put out mixtapes as well. How heavy are you in the mixtape game?
In ’06 I really did a lot more with mixtapes and I gave out a lot of free stuff. I
felt I needed to get out more. The mixtape game was real competitive. And of
course, the whole situation with Drama [getting arrested], it was like, I need
to get back to the basics and focus on the radio again. I still give the streets
these mixtapes but I’m not pushing them for profits.
djprofile

Tell me about your mixtape series called Hood Pass?

Phtoo by Clubzone Houston

There’s a boutique out here that laces up a lot of these artists that you see
wit’ the fly gear on in the South. And we started this program called “Hood
Words by Randy Roper

Pass.” It’s a discount card, it’s an independent urban retail network. You go to
a whole bunch of independent urban retailers in Houston and they use them.
From tire shops to barbershops to clothing places. You take my “hood pass”
and go to these places, you’ll get tax free or 15% off or different discounts.
We got a new Jordan coming out, you don’t have to wait until Saturday, you
can get them on Friday night wit’ the “hood pass” card. That’s how I use
those and the mixtapes are all free. The last one I did was with Lil’ Flip. And
my new ones are wit’ Trae and Glasses Malone. And the Crisco Kidd Block
Party [mixtapes] is stuff you can tell that’s gonna be a radio hit. It’s gonna be
something most people can feel.

C
What’s your role in the Bum Squad DJz?
risco Kidd is establishing himself as one of the best radio DJs in the Of course, you know Latin Prince, he’s the man. I’m pretty much in charge of
country. This DJ from Houston, TX holds down the 7 pm to midnight slot Texas and the Southwest region. The crew out of Houston, Austin, San Antonio,
on Party 104.9 and his show Crisco Kidd’s Block Party earned him a Best Dallas, Lubbock, Corpus Christi, Oklahoma, New Mexico, those are pretty much
Radio DJ nomination at this year’s OZONE Awards. In 2004, he battled cancer my territory. We got a strong crew. There are a lot of DJ crews but nobody can
and won. And with that kind of resilience, battling a shady industry and rising honestly say they have the power we have, worldwide. Especially in Houston,
to the top is nothing. we’re real heavy out here.

How long have you been DJing? You have a quote on your Myspace page that says “No time for games or
I started DJing house parties, doing mixtapes on old cassette [tapes] back in groupies.” Are you trying to tell me that you really don’t make time for
’95. I got a loan, bought a turntable, two CD players, my mixer and started groupies?
from there. I went from house parties to birthday parties to private parties, They’re around, man, but it’s really about focusing. I really committed myself
and by my senior year in high school, I was already locked into three nights a after cancer to focusing and really trying to make the most I can out of
week, doing clubs and throwing my own party on Friday nights. everyday.

This year, you were nominated for an OZONE Award for Best Radio DJ. How did You had cancer?
it feel to have your industry peers nominate you? I got diagnosed with cancer on September 24, 2004. I was in New Mexico. I
I really appreciate the look, man. I’m honored to be in the same category flew back home for three months and went to chemotherapy. My last treat-
as some of those other DJs. A couple of them have been doing their thing ment was December 27th. That’s it. I just got my checkup last week. Two
for a minute. I just appreciate that the industry people and the people that years, seven months, cancer free.
listen to the show in my city appreciate what I do. It’s good to know that
somebody’s taking notice of what’s going on. That’s good, man. How is your whole outlook on life since going through
cancer?
What is the basic format for your show? I tell people, I thank God I got cancer cause I was crazy, man. I was young
It’s not a show that has to follow a routine every night. But we do have and my priorities weren’t focused. Going through that helped me take advan-
things that we do. Of course we lace everybody up with what’s going on wit’ tage of a lot of different things that I needed to take myself to a different
Hip Hop and the news. I got a feature called “Rock the Block,” that’s what we level. So I changed my focus. Not that I’m a square, I still party and get down.
call the mixshow. It’s me and DJ Rockwell, that’s my official DJ on the show. I But at the end of the day, I know radio is about money. It’s a business, man.
gotta shout out to him because he makes a lot of things possible. That’s the This whole industry is a business. A lot of people that got talent get taken
coldest DJ in Houston on turntables, on the radio. I brought him from New advantage of, like myself when I was younger. Now that I’m older and my
Mexico when I was out in Albuquerque. Our DJ crew, the Bum Squad DJz, we eyes have been opened, I see the business of a lot of things and I see how
have this thing called the Bum Squad DJ “block burner.” It could be a new much money there is. A lot of times you gotta get your corporate game right
exclusive remix, something that we might have done or a new song from or they take advantage of you.
an artist, or whatever song is hot right now. We’ve “block burnered” a lot of
songs from Atlanta and they’ve become power records on our rotation. We got Is there anything else that we need to touch on?
a feature called “Choppin’ Up the Block” wit’ the Choppaholix, it’s DJ Coolaid We can talk about this website. It’s gonna be called www.thablockparty.com.
and DJ Ovadose. And that’s the chopped joint of the night, we gotta do that It’s gonna represent what we do in H-Town. We wanna do things with t-shirts,
for Houston. We pull artists in all the time. I ask a lot of questions that a lot wit’ the shoes, wit’ the CDs, wit’ the DVD. It’s gonna be something to repre-
of people might not wanna touch or something that some people just forget sents our city and Texas. We’re gonna have our own internet steaming. We’re
to ask about. Not necessarily being all controversial but about things that I gonna have our own media player, where you can check out the hottest new
feel people need credit for or they’re too humble to touch on themselves. I tracks that are coming out. News, interviews, that represents what we do in
make sure that credit is given and touch on things that need to be discussed. Houston, along with my show. And I’m also working on my album. It’s gonna
be like a DJ style compilation. I appreciate OZONE Magazine for the look. I
So right now you’re with Party 104.9? wanna thank God. I wanna thank Nancy Byron and everyone everybody over
Actually, this station used to be called 100.7 House Party. I was one of the there at OGPR. I wanna thank my radio station for making a lot these awards
people that started this radio station, man. The program director, Homie possible. And thank everyone that works on my radio show. //

44 // OZONE MAG
 ing ozone?
whos
’ read @ Texas Summ
01 // Green City , TX) 02 // Kanye West @
er Music
(D all as
Conferen ce Pain’s release
ic Center for T-
Leon County Civ e, FL) 03 // Lil Jon &
sse
concert (Tallaha illips Arena for Hot 107.9’s
Ph
Mannie Fresh @ nta, GA) 04 // Jim Jones
(Atla
Birthday Bash r birthday
Firestone for he
& Mercedes @ 05 // Joe Hound &
Cool @
rla nd o, FL )
bash (O rly ’s bir th da y party
lia Beve
Sobe Live for Ju Primetime for
// JR & crew @
(Miami, FL) 06 (A tla nt a, GA) 07 //
se party
TI’s album relea r Tig ge r’s celebrity
ouse fo
Lil Mo @ Moreh a, GA ) 08 // Mad
(Atlant
basketball game nfe ren ce (Ta mpa,
Music Co
Linx @ Tampa @ Club One for
Lucci’s
// Ga to rm ain
FL) 09 all as , TX ) 10 //
party (D
album release Sm allz @ Texas Su
mmer
Lo pe z & DJ
George as , TX ) 11 // JT
ce (Dall
Music Conferen verly’s
Live for Julia Be
Money @ Sobe i, FL) 12 // Killa
y pa rty (M iam
birthda n, TX)
car show (Housto ena
Kyleon @ 104.9 @ Ph illi ps Ar
lentino
13 // Bobby Va (Atlanta,
Birthday Bash
for Hot 107.9’s Club
14 // E- Cla ss and E-Class @
GA) ) 15 // Tony Ne
al,
a (D all as , TX
Enigm as
ap ma n, & De rek Jurand @ Tex )
TJ Ch , TX
er Mu sic Co nference (Dallas
Summ p@
Juvenile, & DJ Da ng
16 // Wild Billo, ile, AL) 17 // Yu
Ill us ion s (M ob
Club it
the set of the Gr
B & Scooby on 18 //
vid eo sh oo t (Houston, TX)
Boys rity
ain e Du pr i @ So So Def celeb
Jerm // DJ
etb all ga me (Atlanta, GA) 19
bask 20 // To p Kn ot ch
, AL)
Scecher (Mobile , MO) 21 // 4-Ize
nt e’s (St . Lo uis
@ Da his
Club Utopia for
& DJ Scorpio @ GA)
um rel ea se party (Atlanta,
alb sh
Dr Doom @ Plu
22 // T-Roy & DJ 23 // Grit Boys @
ck so nv ille , FL )
(Ja // DJ
(Dallas, TX) 24
hood car show Day
rie s & Hu e He f @ Hood Hard
Aa
nt a, GA ) 25 // Big Bank Hank
(Atla
as Summer Music
& Dr Teeth @ Tex , TX) 26 // Massa
nfe ren ce (D all as
Co ) 27
ow (Houston, TX
@ 104.9 car sh
by Bo y & DJ Raj Smoove (New
// Ba the
// Sean Paul on
Orleans, LA) 28 r”
t of Da vid Ba nner’s “Speake
se
iami, FL) 29 //
video shoot (M
Cri sco Kid @ 104.9 car show
DJ
ou sto n, TX ) 30 // Cory Mo &
(H n,
car show (Housto
guest @ 104.9
) 31 // Mo b Boss & Baje @
TX
DA concert (Or-
Firestone for US pastar J Kwik
do , FL ) 32 // Su
lan 33
llahassee, FL)
@ The Moon (Ta f celebrity
lly @ So So De
// Ne
(Atlanta, GA)
basketball game
// Co rey Br ad ford & Antoine
34 r
Transit Chica fo
Walker @ Club
arch (Chicago,
OZONE Model Se
& Trae @ 104.9
IL) 35 // Rob G
n, TX) 36
car show (Housto ouse for
reh
// Terrance @ Mo sketball
y ba
Tigger’s celebrit
GA) 37 // DJ
game (Atlanta,
Rated @ Rain
Kool-Aid & DJ X- celebrity
d’s
@ Marcus Strou
sonville, FL)
weekend (Jack
So So Def
38 // Chingy @
all game
celebrity basketb
(Atlanta, GA)
Bogan
Photo Credits:
Hall
(05,11); Edward
,23,25); Eric
(01,09,10,14,15
,21,33,36,38);
Perrin (02,07,18
Beverly
Intl K (17); Julia Kastro
sh
(03,06,13,32); Ka
ndz
(24); Luxury Mi
); Malik Ab-
(12,26,29,30,35
,34); Mar-
dul (04,08,28,31 Tammie
);
cus DeWayne (27
nce Tyson
White (20); Terre
lo (16,19)
(22,37); Wild Bil

OZONE MAG // 45
 Y
ou can call 2007 a breakout year How big was it for you being the producer
for 23-year-old producer Drumma for “Standin’ Ovation” on Jeezy’s debut

drummaboy
Boy. After producing album tracks album?
for Young Jeezy, Boyz N Da Hood It was huge, man, everything that I had to
and Yo Gotti, his production has go through to make that placement. A lot
made it into heavy rotation on of people don’t know, the original [beat
the streets and radio with USDA’s street for] “Standin’ Ovation,” I sold that beat. I
smash “White Girl” and Plies and T-Pain gave Jeezy the beat CD, and he called me

producerprofile
smash hit “Shawty.” Now that he tastes the six months later like, “This is the beat that’s
sweet victory of mainstream success, this going on my album.” And I was like, “Damn,
hit-maker from Memphis, TN finds himself man, I sold that shit.” I told them to give
one of the game’s most sought after me the acapella, cause that’s how I started
producers. making beats. I take the acapella and build
around it, that’s just something that I do. I
Your father was a musician. What kind of said, “The beat is sold, ain’t nothing I can
influence did he have on you growing up? do about that but give me the acapella and
He had a lot of influence, man, because I’ma smash out on it.” So they got me the
he had a recorder in my mouth damn near acapella. I did the first version to it and
since the age of 4 or 5. Years after that, Jeezy was like, “Nah, that ain’t it.” I did the
I moved up to the E-flat clarinet. By the second version and he was like, “Nah, but
time I was 8 or 9, I had the B-Flat clarinet. that’s close.” After he declined me twice
He taught me a lot of classical music. He I was like, “Fuck that, I gotta make this

Words // Randy Roper

taught me how to read music. He taught nigga’s album.” I just went hard on that
me a lot of articulations and all of the lan- shit, took him the third version and that
guage of concert music, which is orchestral nigga went crazy. When he came through
music. He just had the orchestral influence with acapella, he was like, you come
in me. My mom was more the Solid Gold through for me on this, nigga I got you. And
Soul, ‘70s and ‘80s jamming, Marvin Gaye, I came through, that broadened our rela-
Curtis Mayfield, coming from Memphis, the tionship. That’s my nigga right there. Just
home of Stax, the home of Al Green. So for him to give me that opportunity and for
between the two I just got a good mix. him to believe I could get the job done and
for me to get the job done and get my first
So why did you choose to produce instead platinum plaque is just beautiful.
of following your father’s orchestral influ-
ence? What are some other tracks you’ve produced that some people don’t know you
I was in the band in junior high school, marching band, stuff like that but I did?
started playing ball. I started getting into the streets. I started getting into I did the “Sippin’ and Spinnin’ (Remix)” with Gangsta Boo. I did “Shawty,” Plies
the hood a little bit more. Just seeing what was cool, seeing what was more and T-Pain. I did the “White Girl” for Jeezy. I did the “Go Getta (Remix).” I did
relevant in my generation. And once I started getting older I was just looking at “Quickie” off the USDA album. I did Yo Gotti “That’s What’s Up,” that was a big
what was really selling. Hip Hop and R&B was really where my heart was when street record for Yo Gotti. I did hella shit.
I started making beats. I still know a lot about reading music and orchestral
music, so I started mixing the two. I started making Hip Hop/orchestral beats What’s the Drumma Boy sound?
or triumphant beats like [Young Jeezy’s] “Standing Ovation.” Just music and the My style to me is music, man. Of course it’s street, gutter. The biggest thing is
trumpets and the horns. I still take a lot of things from the orchestra and write just that triumphant sound. When you hear it, it’s triumphant, just some glorious
my own music. My dad plays other composers’ music but he doesn’t write his type of music. And then I’ve still got that Stax sound, with the musical instru-
own music. And that’s what I do, I write my own music. I would prefer to write ments. It’s not one word that can describe me. I do a little bit of everything,
my own music as opposed to just playing everybody else’s music. And record from orchestral Hip Hop to the triumphant sound to the Al Green, Curtis Mayfield,
sales as far as orchestral music as opposed to Hip Hop, they’re really no com- the Stax. It’s just gumbo music that sticks.
parisons. There’s not as many people buying orchestral music as Hip Hop. I love
both so I just combined them and do what I do. Plies’ “Shawty” is your biggest record to date. How big was that song for you?
It’s just opening up the doors. For me that was a crossover record, as far as
So you quit school to pursue producing as a career? You were at the University of having a dude’s first single. And having a video, it’s the first time we’re on 106 &
Memphis, right? Park. That joint was the Jam of the Week. “White Girl” was the Jam of the Week,
I went to school for my father and my mother, but even in high school I was so we had MTV Jam of the Week two weeks back to back. And just to understand
pursing a career. I had joints on the radio by different local artists, pretty much what a single will do for you as opposed to just being on a nigga’s album. It was
all the local rappers, Gangsta Boo, Yo Gotti, Tela. All of that was poppin’ during just a big record. We’re getting all kinds of nominations and the girls are just
high school. Going to college I was already making money. I stayed in school going crazy off of this joint.
about 2, 3 years majoring in music business and it got to the point where I
couldn’t handle both. I had to choose which one I was going to pursue and I “White Girl” was a record that had trouble crossing over because of the drug
rolled with the music, man. I moved down to Atlanta and that was the end of references. How do you feel about that situation as the producer of that track?
college. [As producers] we sell a lot of records and if that’s what you’re feeling on a
beat, to me, I like “White Girl” and that’s what Jeezy stands for. You gotta stick
Which artist did you hook up with first as far as producing when you moved to to the script and be you. If it’s successful or not, or whether they play it on the
Atlanta? radio or not, it’s still getting a lot of attention. Everyone’s been commend-
My first artist coming to Atlanta was Pastor Troy. I did a lot of work with Black- ing me on “White Girl.” I’m not going to tell a dude to make it radio or make it
out Music, Fione Simone, and Charlie Hustle. That was one of the first DJ Drama more commercial. Do you. [The USDA album] still moved 95,000 the first week, so
Gangsta Grillz that we put out, that really got me a lot of [publicity]. We got a someone was obviously going to get the album and taking heed. And it wasn’t
couple songs playing on the radio. I was rapping on a song with Rob Jackson, even on every radio station. If it was on every radio station, it would have prob-
me and Pastor Troy. That got my name out there a lot. Between [Blackout Music] ably moved more units than that.
and Pastor Troy I had a song called “Pop That Pussy” and “Off In This Game” on
the D.S.G.B. album and that had me on fire wit’ the independent street cats. I What projects are you working on next?
was selling beats and bumped into Block. Jeezy used to see me out in the streets I’m on Yung Joc’s new album, got a joint called “Livin’ It Up.” I did a remix to
hustling. I used to always tell them, “You gotta get me on that album.” They “You Make Me Better” with Ne-Yo and Fab. I’m working on the “Coffee Shop
were working on the Boyz N Da Hood album and we made that poppin’. We were (Remix).” I got a lot of work with LeToya Luckett. Trying to do some work with
doing a lot of work with Jody Breeze. I made the “Stackin’ Paper” beat featuring Mary J. [Blige], Usher but we’re just working, man. Got Trey Songz coming in,
Slim Thug for Jody Breeze. I did “Get Your Gangsta On” with Jody Breeze and got [Juvenile] coming in this week. I’ve been out here doing my thing. I’ve been
Jeezy, and even though those records didn’t come out, they were poppin’ in the telling niggas I’m next. And now that it’s happening I appreciate all the love.
clubs which got my name hot. We just moved up from there. From the Boyz N Da Shout out to all the fans, shout out to Memphis, shout out to Atlanta. And we’re
Hood album to the Jeezy “Standin’ Ovation” and then the second Jeezy album. just going to keep going hard for the squad. //

46 // OZONE MAG
 ing ozone?
whos
’ read 01 // Polow da
Don & Mya @ Lo
uis Vuitton in th
(A tla nta, GA) 02
e
se pa rty
TI’s relea es
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// Lil Wayne & G- n, TX) 04 // USDA’s BloodRa
sto in,
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sh
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Khale e
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iami, FL) 06 // iami, FL) 07 //
‘I’m So Hood’ (M So Ho od ” (M
d’s “I’m o,
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Florence’s celeb r 92 ’s Ju neteenth
@ Powe
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@ Sobe Live fo an ie, Ke lly
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birth da e Bag
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DJ Khaled’s “I’m (Sh rev ep or t, LA) 21
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& DJ
// Bigga Rankin lliams,
ha sse e, FL ) 22 // Rovella Wi a for
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Mason @ Philli
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GA) 23
7.9 ’s Bir th da
Hot 10
@ Le on Co un ty Civic
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@ Club One (Dall n’s Plaza (St. Louis,
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Terrence Tyson
Wayne (02,32);
Rhodes (27)
(04,23); Turhan

OZONE MAG // 47
48 // OZONE MAG
 ing ozone?
whos
’ read 01 // Troy Huds
on & DJ Chill @
Chill Factor
// Sli m Thug @ Play
TX) 02
Music (Houston, TX ) 03 // Tum Tum @
(Dallas,
& Skillz concert vid eo sh oot (Dallas,
r T-Ball’s
Rhythm City fo & Ju Ju @ Club M5
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TX) 04 // Brandi ng Redd @ 104.9
car
, TX ) 05 // Yu & DJ
(Dallas // DJ K- To ne
TX) 06
show (Houston, nference
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Drop @ Texas Su Montay & DJ Ho
liday
, TX ) 07 // DJ
(Dallas party
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@ Prim vin th
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ouston,
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, TX) 11 // Rah
concert (Dallas isp ers (G reenville,
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MS) 12 // DJ K- e @ Rh yth m City
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s party
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@ Rhyth
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Youn FL)
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tona Beach, FL
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see, FL) 24 // C- dios
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28
, TX) 29 // Bedo
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bir a,
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nter (Ft. Worth,
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mp a Mu sic Co nference (Tamp
Ta
) 33 // BA Bo ys on the set
FL
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t (Atlanta, GA)
Boyz’ video shoo @ Dave &
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34 // Jagged Ed ) 35 // Lyfe
, TX
Buster’s (Dallas
w @ Taste of
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, IL) 36 // Da
Chicago (Chicago ew Orleans,
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Brat & Baby Bo
Boyz (New
LA) 37 // Shop
// Big Pokey &
Orleans, LA) 38 car show
4.9
Slim Thug @ 10
(Houston, TX)
Bogan (31); C-
Photo Credits:
(30); Derrick
Mac (24); D’Lyte
ward Hall
Francis (16); Ed
,11,12,13,15,2
(02,03,04,06,10
rrin (09,33);
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Intl K (01); Julia
ry Mindz
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(05,08,38); Malik
,26,
(14,18,19,20,21
rcus
27,29,32,35); Ma
); Wild
DeWayne (36,37
Billo (22)

OZONE MAG // 49
50 // OZONE MAG
RickMo’Ross
Hungrier
Words by Eric N. Perrin
Photos by Blake Ribbey

OZONE MAG // 51
 Rick Ross just finished eating — but he’s become one the game’s elite rappers. And if you don’t believe that, just listen.
Hearing is believing.
still hungry. He’s sitting on the couch in
You’ve been in the studio a lot lately. What are you working on today?
the artist lounge of Patchwerk Studios We’re working on the album of the year, Trilla, the follow up album from the
with a vending machine stocked full of boss, Ricky Ross. Right now, I’m in here with Mannie Fresh. He just gave me
some incredible shit yesterday. It takes me like an hour to write the songs, so I
Oreo cookies, Doritos, and Skittles di- let him make the beats and when I’m done writing the songs we just lay ‘em.
rectly in front of him, but he’s not inter- So how is it coming along?
ested in any of those items. Right now, It’s way easier than the first time, and the music is much better. I got “Maybach
Ricky’s picking out something a little Music,” which is a dope record featuring my homie Jay-Z. And everybody’s just
coming together for my project, man. Everybody’s supporting it. The streets are
more sticky. The weedman has just ar- waitin’ for it, and the radio is waitin’ for it. Def Jam Records, Slip N Slide Records,
rived and he has come bearing Rick’s E-Class, we all here, man. We finna get some mo’ money.

favorite investment — kush (Rick now So what’s the biggest difference in you between Port of Miami and Trilla?
I’m just mo’ hungrier now. We got more shit now, so we got more shit to do. Just
refers to reefer as an “investment” in- to put it simple, niggas always talk about your follow up album and all that. This
stead a “bad habit,” because it keeps the kinda album people wanna hear. This is the album of the year — Trilla.

him out of trouble and helps him focus When most artists drop a successful debut they kinda lose a little bit of the
on his music). He opens the bag and hungriness, especially someone with your kind of finances. So it’s kind of ironic
that you say you’re hungrier.
a fresh vegetable smell fills the room. Yeah, I’m more hungrier. When you got 8 million in real estate, 2 million in
Rick diligently examines the produce, whips, you gotta be more hungrier.

then, after a thorough inspection, hands Well from a rapping standpoint, you seem hungrier. Your flow seems to have
the “investment broker” $1,400 and improved a lot since Port of Miami.
I’m just stepping it up. I’m just more hungrier, and now I’m writing easier. I
passes the two ounces of olive colored barely even use a pen now. A lot of the shit is just coming to me, because now,
I’m just putting feelings on the record. It ain’t really about the words and all
kush he’s just acquired to a member of that — it’s just about the feeling. That’s what I’ve been doing, and that’s why
his entourage. Without saying one word, when y’all hear the new album and the new music, it is what it is. It’s the best.
Right now I’m making the best music.
Rick’s legion of weedcarriers instantly
retreat to back of the room and reli- Do you feel your music is better now because you’re more comfortable or is it
just all the practice?
giously roll-up. The Boss looks happy. It’s all that. All of

When y’all hear the new album and

the new music, it is what it is. It’s
the best. Right now I’m making the
best music.

those elements play a role in being an

artist. I’ve been writing music for a long time, but I may have a lot less studio
But even as much as Rick loves weed, kush time than another nigga. When I listen to artists, that’s the kind of shit I listen
can’t satisfy his insatiable appetite. The Big Boss repeatedly swears he is “mo’ for — the experience in the booth, the experience in the streets, and as long as
hungrier than ever,” but it’s hard to believe. He certainly doesn’t look malnour- it’s real, it’s gonna pop. But in my situation, I’m just getting better, and people
ished. His diamonds surely haven’t gotten any smaller. The Maybach waiting for are starting to realize that.
him outside has a full gas tank, and Rick’s pockets continue to bulge out farther
than his belly. So what could be causing this much hunger? It’s the music. The I’ve been seeing you around Atlanta a lot lately.
music is what that makes Ricky Ross salivate. And if you’ve listened to any of his Yeah, I did the first half of this new album at Hitco Studios in Atlanta, and then
new material, it’s evident that Rick Ross is starving to truly become the Biggie I did another piece of it in Miami, and now I’m back in Atlanta at Patchwerk. I’m
of his city. just getting shit from all the producers around here and it’s been a good look.

When Port of Miami dropped a year ago, it was well received and critically ac- So aside from the music, what’s the best part about being Rick Ross right now?
claimed, but musically, it pales in comparison to Rick’s sophomore set, Trilla, Just being 10 million up on haters. Getting ready to close the label deal, finna
which Ross claims will be the undisputed album of the year. Whether or not you put out something that was just a dream to me two years ago, which is M-I-
believe his statement is one thing, but you have to admit, Rick Ross has quietly Yayo the movie. It’s finna be groundbreaking. And my squad, Carol City Cartel, I

52 // OZONE MAG
love them niggas, them my niggas for life. I’m gon’ buy them mo’ whips for no going on? You’re involved in real estate, too, aren’t you?
reason. Shit, we keeping it gangsta. Yeah, we just opened an upscale barbershop and beauty salon on Old National
in Atlanta; it’s like one of the nicest ones in the world. It’s real exotic. We doing
When I walked in here you were making a purchase. It wasn’t a whip though. that, and we’re putting together a clothing line, which is really coming along.
Yeah, this called kush right here. You know, niggas be making up all types of I’m gon’ build a store in Miami on one of the biggest streets in my hood, and
other names and shit: Gorganic kush, bubonic kush, all kinds of shit — I just call we doing all that independent. You already know, the film, M-I-Yayo, everybody
it the best. As long as it’s the best, you could make up any name for it, I don’t should go get it when it drops. Trilla, the album of the year, I already know
care. As long as it’s the best. everybody gon’ go and get that when it drops, that’s mandatory.

Is it true that you spend $3,000 a day on weed? Do you think Trilla is going to get five blunts in OZONE?
Yeah, I got a bad habit. I just was paying my weedman when you walked in here. Aw, it’s too easy. OZONE is like one of the most accurate magazines when it
I just bought 2 ounces for $1,400. It’s a real big part of my life, but it equals ev- comes to ratings because OZONE really be in the streets. I see y’all everywhere,
erything out. If I don’t have weed, the engineers get roughed up, bitches might that’s why y’all get the most pictures of me, and the most interviews. Y’all know
get elbowed here and there, a nigga at the car wash might get a “fuck you” and that Port of Miami came out 11 months ago, close to a year ago, and we still do-
not get paid, you know. ing five shows a week. We still getting and doing everything we supposed to be
doing. We got the Converse endorsements. I just did my acting debut in the film
So it’s not a bad habit, it’s a good investment? Days of Wrath alongside Lawrence Fishborne. Shout out to Faizon Love. It’s gon’
Great! It keeps me out of trouble. The kush keeps me outta trouble. Other than be a great movie, make sure y’all look for that. We just doing our thing, man, on
the SK riding with me everywhere, it keeps me outta trouble, man. all levels.

How instrumental is weed to your music? Why is Trilla going to be the album of the year?
Aw man, weed is Hip Hop. It’s a lotta niggas who don’t smoke it, but it’s a part ‘Cause I’m making the best music out right now. I can’t tell you everything about
of life for me. It goes hand in hand with my music, it lets me get away and just the album ‘cause I wanna keep a lot of it a surprise, but you already know I got
focus on my music. my homie Jay-Z on it. “Maybach Music,” that’s gon’ be a huge record, monumen-
tal. And of course you know Triple C is on the album, Lil Wayne on it, and you see
How has your status as a boss improved since you put out Port of Miami? Mannie Fresh right here with me in the studio. Pharrell checked in, my brothers
Right now I’m feeling good to be able to call my company and say, “Yo, I need Cool & Dre checked in, everybody checkin’ in man, so, you know. Hands down, it’s
Mannie Fresh,” and now my nigga is here. But before my music came out I was gon’ be the album of the year.
a certified street boss. Niggas knew I was from the streets, and niggas died to
get in this position, and niggas killed to get in this position. But once you make
music, people look at you different. It ain’t just the streets, now it’s the whole
entertainment part. And the people who don’t really know you think they know
you. So just trust me, I’m the boss, I run this shit. Believe that.

It’s M-I-Yayo, it’s always tension in the air in Miami - but I love
it! That’s the way it goes, and if you didn’t understand that, you
wouldn’t survive. I understand it. It’s not uncomfortable when
it’s four guns riding in the car with me. That’s normal.

What’s going on with you and Trick Daddy? I heard he’s on the album?
Yeah, he on my album, too, “Day in Day Out,” look out for that. Look out for Trick
Daddy on the album.
This last year has to have been a ride for you with all the mainstream fame.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, man. A lot of snakes came out the grass. Old, garbage lawyers. I know for a while, you two had a little turmoil. Is everything cool now?
I had to step my game up. Old garbage lawyer wanted to sue me, but he’s stu- Yeah, you gotta understand man, real niggas do real shit. It’s like, when you a
pid. He’s a loser. His career is finished. nigga, and you move wit’ yo camp, whatever’s happening in the streets, all that
shit reflects. People hear shit and people gon’ say shit, but when you are bosses
Can you talk about that? What went down with the lawyer situation? and there’s two rich niggas from two different sides in the same area, that ten-
[The lawyer] tried to — well, the shit’s still going on, but I don’t care. I’m good. sion gon’ always be in the air. And I’m comfortable with that. Trick my nigga, he
know what time it is. He know where I’m at. I know where he at, that’s how we
So basically it’s like dude is trying to come up off of you or something? get down. It’s M-I-Yayo, it’s always tension in the air in Miami — but I love it!
Yeeeaaaah. He trying to say we threatened him — bodily harm to kill him and all That’s the way it goes, and if you didn’t understand that, you wouldn’t survive.
this and that we took money and all that. But after the case is over I’ll talk to I understand it. It’s not uncomfortable when it’s four guns riding in the car with
y’all in-depth, you know? But we laughing about that shit, we getting money, me, that’s normal. I’m not uncomfortable. I been knowing Trick for a long time.
man. We doing our thing and we expect that. We anticipate shit like that. It’s just That’s my nigga, man.
like as if there’s been a lot of break-ins in your neighborhood and everybody
house been getting broke into one by one, so you know what you gotta do — cut Is there anything that does make you uncomfortable? Is there anything that
all the lights off and sit in there with the 50 round drum, and just wait. You bothers Rick Ross?
gotta be patient, a nigga gon’ stick his head through the window and you know Being broke, man. That makes me uncomfortable; knowing that I’m not rich
how you gotta do it. And that’s all I’m doing. I’m sitting in the dark, with that 50 would make me uncomfortable. That’s what would make me uncomfortable.
round, 50 caliber, just waiting to blow a bitch head off. Believe that. What a nigga says can’t make me uncomfortable. But not gettin’ money? That
would make me uncomfortable, and I’m real comfortable right now. As far as M-
Okay, so besides the music, the movie, and the label deal, what else do you have I-Yayo, Miami, we doing our thing. We putting a lot of young niggas on. Y’all, as

OZONE MAG // 53
 magazines gotta make sure y’all salute us for putting niggas on. You gotta salute Trick Daddy for reppin’ The Dunk Ryders, and for the label situation they finna
get. You gotta salute Rick Ross for reppin’ Triple C, finna put out a movie. You gotta salute E-Class for Brisco’s success. You gotta rep for Flo-Rida’s success.
You gotta salute Cool & Dre for C-Ride’s success. And these are all new artists that’s coming up out, D-Shep Torr\o, Hennessey. And it’s a lot more cats that’s
starting to bubble because of Rick Ross, because of Trick Daddy, and his longevity. That’s what y’all gotta salute, and that’s what niggas gotta look at, and it’s a
problem when that shit don’t happen. But other than that, it ain’t no problem ‘til the Boss say it’s a problem. //

54 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 55
56 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 57
 Trae Words by Randy Roper

F
or years, Trae has been one of the realest rappers ever to walk track record and my story, everything about me is real. You can check my
the streets of Houston. Unfortunately, after group albums with the background and my whole path that I took since I’ve been doing this, shit’s
Screwed Up Click and Guerilla Maab and four solo albums, including real.
his critically acclaimed 2006 Rap-A-Lot Records debut Restless, the rest of the
world has given this “Asshole By Nature” a narcoleptic response. With his 2007 Your last album, Restless, was your first on Rap-A-Lot and it was a critically
follow up album Life Goes On dropping this September, hopefully the main- acclaimed album. Did it frustrate you to put out a critically acclaimed album
stream will take notice of what the streets already know: Trae is Tha Truth. and not have it pop in the mainstream for you?
Well you know, wit’ niggas like us there is a real life. So if shit don’t go the
You’ve been slept on for quite some time. You’re nominated as Slept On Artist way you feel it needs to go, you dust yourself off and you go at it again.
of the Year at this year’s OZONE Awards. So how do you feel about being slept For me, I’m a soldier wit’ mine. That last album just brought a little bit of
on? attention to let these muthafuckas know, dude ain’t playin’ around. The new
It is what it is to me, man. There are a lot of people from the streets and [album] I got called Life Goes On is going to crash that album. And I love all
there are a lot of people in the industry who know who I am. So on a bigger my music but this one here is gon’ be the one.
scale, there’s a lot of people still sleepin’. I’ve been doing this shit for a long
muthafuckin’ time and I get respect from the hardest of the hardest. And my What did you do differently on your new album as opposed to your previous

58 // OZONE MAG
albums? majors were wondering how the hell we seen so much money. But we’ve been
A lot of entertainers live a fabricated life, a fairytale. I live a real life. So wit’ out here. Texas is gonna support Texas regardless. If you do your research, we
me, every day that I breathe I’m going through something different, so it outsell a lot of these major artists. And that ain’t to say that we’re better than
matured me a lot more. So this album is way more mature. My whole subject nobody but that’s to say our state [gives] us a lot of support. Texas stands up
matter, my everything is on some real grown up ass shit. So this album here, for Texas.
I promise you hands down, if not the best, it’s one of the top three [albums]
of the year ‘07. You’re heavy on the mixtape scene. What the importance of dropping mix-
tapes, even when you have an album coming out?
What are some of the features you have on the album? Last year at the Southern Entertainment Awards, I won Mixtape Artist of the
On the album, I got Lil’ Wayne, Yung Joc, Gorilla Zoe, Jadakiss, Styles P, Jody Year. This year I’m going back at it again. I got so many mixtape stores, I
Breeze, L-Boogie, 2Pac, Rich Boy, Lloyd. I got a lineup on there. The album’s took a whole bunch of songs and told them niggas to eat. There are certain
coming September 25th. I got the single “Screwed Up” wit’ me and Lil’ Wayne. places that I can’t be, that they do be, to get somebody to listen to my shit.
I got a hellafied song called “Throwaway” wit’ me, Joc and Gorilla Zoe. And So I’ve still been messin’ around wit’ a lot of mixtapes. I got the DJ Scream
then, I got the song “Ghetto Queen” wit’ me, Rich Boy and Lloyd. mixtape that just came out, it’s runnin’ through Atlanta right now. Empire,
who did Lil Wayne’s last mixtape, they got a mixtape coming out on me.
What’s the meaning behind the title Life Goes On? Then my promotional mixtape Streets of the South, street shit before the
Well you know, everyday you get the good and the bad. But at the end of the album, I’m giving that away for free. I’m always out here to give back. A lot
day, life still goes on, whether you want it to or don’t. If you lose somebody, of people, they don’t reach out to do the types of shit we do. If ain’t always
you got somebody locked up doing a long bid or one of your close people about money with me, man.
being murdered or doing good. Just real life in general. No matter what hap-
pens, life still goes on. What’s the situation with your brother, Dinkie?
Wit’ Dinkie right now, he’s coolin’. They got him out here in Huntsville, TX.
You have Jadakiss and Styles P on your album, obviously, you don’t have a They move him a lot. But he’s moreso on the path of making sure I’m out here
problem with working with artists from New York or other regions? making the right decisions. This album Life Goes On is dedicated to him, Hawk
Wit’ me, it’s real recognize real. I fuck wit’ everybody. It doesn’t matter what and Screw. So I’m gonna get out here and bust my ass for them, man. Hope-
coast, what city, what state, what hood, if you’re a real nigga, we vibe like fully, when I finally get everything situated and we try to take Dinkie back to
that. Wit’ me, I’m younger than a lot of people. I used to listen to Styles and trial, I’ma get a lot of support from the media and I’ma get a lot of support
Jada. I used to listen to a lot of different shit. To Styles and Jada on [the from the streets. And we’re gonna go fight. My main focus is to do this shit
East] Coast, to Spice-1, 2Pac, everybody on that coast. I listened to a tad bit to one day be able to bring my brother back home. If I ain’t able to do it, I’m
of everybody. I ain’t one of them cats that try to be sectioned off. I’m always gonna go out wit’ a muthafuckin’ fight, believe that.
gonna be real no matter what city or what state I touch down in. Real niggas
gon’ fuck wit’ me. What’s your brother locked up for?
They got him for capital murder, man. But it’s still the code of the streets.
Your music is real street. Some people are trying to clean up rap lyrics. What You never speak on nobody else, you never snitch. He took that, stood up
do you think about the attack on Hip Hop’s content and lyrics? for that like a man. And I hate that shit is like that sometimes but God does
They can try to do whatever the fuck they wanna do. But me, I’m in these everything for a reason. There’s a possibility that he’ll still come home, so I’m
streets. So they can’t stop cats who are in these streets from doing what cool wit’ that.
they’re doing. If they did, a lot cats wouldn’t be out there in those major
stores that they don’t want them in, but they ain’t out here in these streets. How has your brother being locked up affected you?
They trying to fabricate music and make it all family and fun music, they got- That’s why I started rappin’. He was able to rap. He’s a legend out here in
ta understand there’s people out here that go through the struggle. There’s Houston. You check wit’ the OGs, the old heads, he’s a legend in the peniten-
people out here that lose people on a daily basis. All females are not bitches tiary system at TVC. I gotta send a shout out to the whole TVC because there
and hoes either. There are some triflin’ muthafuckas that deserve to be called are a lot of niggas on lock a lot of people forget about or they don’t go to
that. Just like the term “nigga,” that’s how we were raised. What you want make sure they got money on their books or they don’t even go to try and
us to call our people? We ain’t gon’ never just down our people but these are send them a picture. A lot of people locked up and these guards and wardens
terms we came up using. But they don’t understand that cause they ain’t out feel you don’t got family, they’re gonna treat you like shit. Who you gon’ call,
here. Them muthafuckas can’t tell you nothing about how it is on my block or who you gon’ get? And my lil’ brother, Jay-Ton, just got out the penitentiary
how it is on nobody else block. Wit’ my music, even if I never had that bitch but Dinkie’s in there. But the situation wit’ them, them guards know if hap-
in another major chain store, I’m still gon’ go. I’m still gon’ go across the pens to them, we’re gon’ fight. I’m coming. I don’t give a damn about none of
internet and I’m still gon’ go in the hood through every bootlegger. this situation. I do this to let them know they got family. As long as they got
people that’s gonna stand up like I stand up for people that’s gone, they’re
Did you get a chance to read Pimp C’s comments in OZONE about fake rappers not going to do as much bad stuff. The system out here is corrupt.
in the game?
I mean, I glanced at it a little. But when you’re from where we’re from or When is your album dropping?
when you’re from where anybody’s from that came up like a lot of niggas September 25th. If they ain’t never witnessed the streets, up close and per-
come up, you got a right to express yourself. Some might agree, some might sonal, Trae Tha Truth is coming. //
not agree. But you got a right to express yourself and that’s your opinion. A
nigga can’t make your opinion be different. His personal opinion is his per-
sonal opinion. So you gotta take that for what it is because just like you got
muthafuckas saying that Houston is fallin’ off, that’s their personal opinion.
That doesn’t mean we’re fallin’ off. On another note, some shit does need to
be addressed. 98% of the industry is fake and I can honestly say that cause
I’ve witnessed the shit. A lot of these niggas don’t really be ‘bout that. When
you got a lot of fake niggas saturating such shit, shit gets fucked up in the
process of whatever way things were going. Just like you got niggas on the
block and they come up under a fake OG. If you got a fake OG out here try-
ing to train one of his younger Gs and he’s teaching that nigga wrong, then
wrong is what he taught him. And ain’t nobody out there tellin’ that OG, you
outta line doing this foul shit, there’s gonna be a whole lot of more foul shit
going on ‘til that nigga get told that. So wit’ some of the shit [Pimp C] said, I
respect that shit.

You mentioned the Houston rap scene. Paul Wall didn’t do big numbers his
last time out. Mike Jones has been pushed back. And it seems like people
aren’t really checking for Houston right now.
You know, I’ve been here from when they wasn’t checkin’ for Houston to
when they was checkin’ for Houston. And to now, if they are or if they’re not
checkin’ for Houston, Houston is gon’ do what Houston do regardless. You
gotta understand, we’ve been in the independent game, that’s why a lot of

OZONE MAG // 59
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 YUNG JOC
Words by Julia Beverly
Photos by Blake Ribbey

62 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 63
 A re you still working on recording your album Hustlenomics?
Hustlenomics is wrapped and finna get mastered. It’s ready. It
comes out August 28th.

It seems like you have a crazy work ethic. What’s your recording schedule
A nice little downpayment on a mansion. I ain’t even gonna tell you cause I’m
a little embarrassed to say that I spent that much on a chain.

Aren’t you affiliated with a jewelry company?

Yeah, I teamed up with Focused Diamonds and we started the Icebox Jewelry
like? company. I design the jewelry and they create it. We’ve been doing a lot of
I never did stop recording from the first album. I’ve been recording for the different pieces and a lot of them have sold. A lot of people don’t know that
last three or four years of my life. My work ethic is second nature. Nobody’s I designed the pieces they’re wearing. I didn’t want to tell people right off.
gotta tell me to come to the studio. You ain’t gotta ride with me and tell me, I didn’t want to just be selling jewelry because I’m a part of it. I said, “Naw,
“Yo, you need to make sure you get these songs done.” I’ma try to beat you let’s just see if people really like my designs.” Once I did the deal with them,
to the punch if I’m working with you. That’s how I finished Hustlenomics so there was no sense in me just sitting around with all this jewelry. So before
fast. I never stopped recording after New Joc City. I spent any more money, we took all my pieces and melted them down to
make this one piece. I took all the links I hfirst had – and each one of those
How do you prevent your material from sounding dated once it actually necklaces was heavy on the arm – so I melted them all down. I was gonna ice
comes out? out the whole “H,” the entire “H.” The sides, the top, the bottom. But we didn’t
Easy. A lot of times you’ll hear a “new” record but it didn’t just drop. It just have enough stones because when you melt pieces down, sometimes when
takes time for it to bubble sometimes. It’s ’07 now but I dropped “It’s Goin’ you’re taking the stones out they’ll break, chip, or crack. It’s useless then, and
Down” in August 2005. It wasn’t really a big, big record until June of ’06 but it I didn’t want to spend no more money, so I used what I had.
had already been recorded. It takes time just to get a record to start bubbling
unless you’ve got a way to just drop it everywhere and have everybody go So you actually own part of the jewelry company?
hard on it at the same time. I think the best way to keep it from sounding Yeah. I wasn’t finna keep spending my money with these folks. It didn’t make
dated is to stay ahead of yourself at the moment. Don’t try to do what’s hot sense to me.
right now. Try to be ahead of the curve.
Don’t you also have a luxury car company?
You’ve changed your look a little bit from when you first came out. Have you Yeah, Import Rentals, that works out great. I make more money dealing with
been working out? Got some new tattoos? artists because I rent my vans out to them. I’ve got like four Explorer GMC
I always had tattoos. I just never showed them cause I had started gaining so nine-passenger vans and a rent them out. A lot of times labels will come
much weight. I’ve got one new tattoo that says “Hustlenomics.” I was always to me and get them for the whole artist’s promo tour. That might be two or
a smaller dude. I’ve always been physically fit but once everything took off three months, so if you do the math and look at what I pay per month [for
with the “It’s Goin’ Down” record and the album, I wasn’t able to keep it up. I the vehicles] it makes sense. For what I pay per month on a vehicle, I can
could have if I had been in the workout room at the hotels, but when I get to make that back in two days off a rental. That’s Import Rentals and for any-
the hotels, I’m tryin’ to go to sleep. A lot of times we work with no sleep. Just body who wants to check me out, that’s www.importrentals-atlanta.com.

“
imagine – I’m working with no sleep and then I’ve gotta jump on stage in
front of 50,000 people and give it my all. Then hop on a plane, go to the next
city, and do it again. Sometimes I’d do shows two or three times a day, plus
interviews, autographs, all that. It’s a lot of work. the more you
money deplet ball, your
money you nees and the more
Do you think people don’t appreciate the demands of being an entertainer?
A lot of people don’t understand the demands of being an entertainer. They

million dollaed to make. a

really don’t. Just think about it. The average person thinks that if they’ve
got a million dollars, they ain’t gotta work. They think they’re good and they
can just chill and ball out. But the more you ball, your money depletes and rs is nothin’.
the more money you need to make. A million dollars is nothin’. I thought a
million dollars was a whole lot of money at one point in my life, but I spent
more than that on my house. And now I’ve gotta maintain it.

Did you decide to get back in shape to sell more records, for the look?
Naw, it’s just to keep myself up. People see me and be like, “Aw, man, you’re What other money-making ventures are you working on?
looking good,” but I’ve always looked like this. It’s just that when the world Hustlenomic Productions. That’s why I’m producing. That’s been bringing in
started seeing me, y’all caught me in the transition of gaining the weight. some good money for me so I ain’t mad about that. I’ve been doing tracks for
When I’m on stage, I wanna be able to have more energy. I’m 24, but there’s other people and tracks on my new album Hustlenomics too.
cats out there that are 17, 18, and 19 doing the same thing I do. They’re com-
ing with way more energy, so I’ve gotta be able to outdo them to stay ahead. Within the industry there’s a lot of little jokes about the Bad Boy curse,
disgruntled Bad Boy artists falling off and Diddy keeping all their publishing,
What is your workout routine like? stuff like that. Are you happy with your situation through Block and Bad Boy?
It’s more than just a workout. I do a lot of cardio. I do about thirty minutes I’m great. Bad Boy doesn’t get any of my publishing. I’m in a better situation,
a day on the treadmill. One day I might work arms and legs, and one day I’ll and I’m happy about that. The way mine is set up, I won. I’m straight off my
work chest and shoulders. Then the next day I might work my back and arms first album. For a lot of artists, it would take four or five [albums] to get what
again. I eat like five times a day, but they’re small meals. I cut the carbs out. I got off my first album. And that’s no bull.
It’s a pretty extreme regime but I get it done. It works.
How were you able to negotiate that?
What’s up with the hairstyle choices? The Sponge Bob look, now the gumby? It just happened. Let’s just say this: Let’s say I want you to have the best, but
Yeah, it’s the gumby right now. The wop. High on the right and low on the there are other entities that want more of what you have. So to keep them
left. That’s just me. On my first go round I had to be very, very careful of what from doing it, I’ll stand in the way to make sure you get the best.
I did. I wanted to have a clean image, and I still do, but I can try different
things now because people know who I am. People probably think I’m going Initially, there was a little controversy because Nitti said that you were his
through changes, “Oh, he’s tryin’ to find a new look,” but naw. When I was a artist and since he did the “It’s Goin’ Down” track, he felt like he should’ve
kid I wore a wop, or a gumby – high on the right low on the left – whatever got more credit.
the hell you call it. A Bobby Brown. It was just something I wanted to do. I didn’t do the deal with him. Period. I was that cat that was right there with
You’re looking at me with a crazy face, but a lot of people compliment it and him for two years. I was the cat that brought him Miss B, his first artist. I was
even if they’re lying, they still want to take pictures of it. I’m on a lot more the cat that was out there promoting his label, working with him. I was Miss
webpages now [because of my hair] just like with my necklace, the big “H.” B’s hype man. Anything he ever needed me to do, I was the type of dude who
I knew when I brought the “H” out I would get a lot more people talking. would get it done.
When you put my name on YouTube or MySpace you’d already come up on 1.3
million websites. I’ve had the necklace since February, but I didn’t bring it out But you were never under contract?
til the summer. Once I brought the necklace out, I ended up on more like 3.2 Nope. I wasn’t on a contract. And I paid him for the [“It’s Goin’ Down”] track.
million webpages. I don’t think he wanted it to be known that he was paid for it, because he
didn’t pay all the people that were involved on his end. I don’t think he
How much did the big “H” chain cost? wanted to look bad amongst his cohorts. He was signed with So So Def at the

64 // OZONE MAG
time, so it made him look bad because I had been right there under his nose from the actual music industry and what percentage is from these other
all the time. So people were lookin’ at him like, “This was the same lil’ dude hustles you have?
you had around this whole time, and you didn’t sign him, but you gave him All of that is from music. That’s record sales, ringtones, touring, and other
a hit record and let him move on to somebody else?” I think it hurt because I endorsement deals of that nature. If you think of all the features I’ve done,
had gotten through his fingers. When he first signed Miss B I was like, “Yo, you cameos, endorsements, publishing deals, label deals, and album deals I’ve
need to sign me too.” He didn’t think I was hot. He didn’t think I had the work done, that’s money right in my pocket. Gross, that’s a lot of money.
ethic. I was like, “How can I not have the work ethic? I’ll outwork you and
anybody else around you.” I’d go day in and day out with no sleep just trying What’s your reaction when you hear the stories about artists who sold mil-
to get on. If that ain’t work ethic, then what do you call it? I was doing shows lions of records and ended up having to file bankruptcy?
for weeks at a time and still worked a regular job. My reaction is to make sure I keep hustling and make sure I put some of
this up. That’s the key. I mean, if you come from nothing and all of a sudden
Why do you think he didn’t want to sign you? you’re making $30,000 - $40,000 a show and you’re touring and doing shows
He just wasn’t interested. I think he got what he wanted, which was Miss B. 300 days out of the year, you feel like that’s a lot of money. When you start
He wasn’t interested in me as an artist. But once the record started bubbling, getting that kind of money you start spending it frivolously. Hey, that’s a new
he knew it could’ve been something. So by the time he wanted to do the deal, watch, it’s only $60,000. I’ll make that in two shows and still have some left
I had been up under him for long enough to know how he operates. I felt that over. That’s how cats start thinking. You walk in the club and you’re looking
we really didn’t have the same vision. The only thing that was negative about at everybody else’s table, and everybody has liquor which is only $25 a bottle
the situation was that once he realized I had moved on, it hurt. I think he may in the regular liquor store but in this particular club it’s $125. But you’re here
have looked bad amongst his cohorts so that kind of pissed him off and he in New York and there’s a bottle of Cristal that costs $750, so since you just
wanted to stop the success of the record. It’s sad because at that moment he did a $40,000 show, you say, “Bring me ten bottles.” That’s $7,500 you just
didn’t realize that, to date, that was gonna be the biggest record he’d ever spent, and you’re doing that every night of the week. And let’s not even talk
done in his life. I don’t think he realized that was the most money he had about your jewelry game. Let’s not even talk about your groupie expenses.
ever made and was trying to stop the record. He was trying to stop it so he You’re just ballin’ out, buying cars, clothes, whatever.
could’ve had leeway to get the things he wanted out of the deal. If he had
just asked for whatever he wanted without doing all the other stuff, he and I Where did you get your hustle from? Your parents?
would probably still be working together today. But after that, it felt like he Hell yeah. My father once owned a men’s undergarment line – boxers, briefs,
was trying to take food out of my mouth so it left a bad taste in my mouth. undershirts, t-shirts, stuff like that. My dad had a million dollar situation
And this is the most I’ve ever spoken on [Nitti] to anybody. I promise you, I on the table and he sent out every piece of clothing he had on this one run.
never even told anybody this much in-depth in an interview. You can do your This was ‘bout to make him a millionaire. At the time I think UPS was just
homework and check and see. I’m only doing it now because it don’t even getting started, and there was this one other parcel service operating, this
matter no more. Everybody knows I’ve never talked bad about him. I think he fly-by-night parcel service, and they had a way cheaper price. This was going
just got so hot cause nobody was comin’ to him like, “Yo, you did this track to be the deal that made him a millionaire. He sent his entire inventory out.

“
E YO U AIN ’T MAKING NO
U ’V E G O TT A LOOK AT IT LIK
AY H UN G RY AND STAY
YO T F.
ON EY . T H AT ’S HOW YOU S E TO CHALLENGE YOURSEL
M N D CONTINU
AG G R ES SIVE A

and we wanna get interviews with you.” It didn’t happen like that so when This was it. This was the motherload. He kept getting calls all week because
he finally started surfacing on one or two interviews here and there, he made nobody received their merchandise, and he didn’t understand why. He kept
sure to talk bad about me. I don’t know if he thought it was gonna create calling the parcel service to find out what was up with the tracking and it
some hype for him or what, but I guess it must have worked, because you’re would just ring and he’d get an answering service. So finally he goes to the
asking about it now. And I’m so over that. location himself. There had been a trailer there before with loading ramps for
the tractor trailers, and none of it was there anymore. The only thing left was
What does Hustlenomics mean? the spots in the concrete where the trailers had sat, and while the rain and
It’s Hustlenomics because I didn’t get here sitting on my ass. I got here by the weather had left a mark on the concrete, there was just a rectangle there.
hustlin’. I just wanted to try to break down the basic fundamentals of hustlin’ So I saw him go from that to selling incense. He’d get his three youngest sons
to cats, and that’s what Hustlenomics is. I had to hustle my ass off to get together and put us in a car and we’d sell air fresheners. We’d get a box each.
here. You’ve gotta know that one plus one equals two, right? One plus one Fifty air fresheners in each box, five different scents, which meant there were
is supposed to equal two, but if there’s already 20% gone and another 10% ten bottles per scent. We’d sell ‘em for $2 a bottle, so when you finished you
gone off those dollars, it ain’t gonna equal two. It’s gonna equal 1.7, and if should have $100. He’d take $50 and we’d take $50. I saw him go from about-
you add 1.7 to 1.7, you do not get four. That might not even make sense, but to-be-a-millionaire to nothing. So we hustled. Then he started a haircare
what I’m saying is that even though you might feel like you’re making money, line called Claudio St. James and that’s what he’s been doing forever. And my
you’ve gotta look at it like you ain’t making no money. That’s how you stay mother, I’ve seen her hustle. My momma was working for the railroad getting
hungry and stay aggressive. That’s how you continue to challenge yourself. $13-14/hour. She had an accident and reported it, and they fired her, so she
I’ve always hustled like that from day one. I don’t think I’ve done anything sued. She took that money, flipped it, lost it, and then came back. So I’ve seen
differently from the beginning. I’ve matured – I’m older now, I’m a little wiser the power of Hustlenomics.
in my decisions. Hustlenomics, that’s what it is.
Tell me about the album itself, Hustlenomics.
What’s the most expensive luxury purchase you’ve indulged in? I had to spend time making this album. I’ve got some records on there for
It would have to be Import Rentals, the car company, even though it’s a busi- the streets. I’ve got some records on there for the cats who want to take time
ness. I had to make a lot of purchases to make this business work, and that’s to think about the real issues. I’ve got records on there for cats who wanna
a lot of Jags, Mercedes, BMWs, Range Rovers, and vans. party. I’ve got records on there for the cats who are really trying to hustle.

And you made the Forbes list this year of the wealthiest celebrities, right? Do you think “hustlin’” is misinterepreted by most people as being drug-re-
How did you pull that off? lated?
Yeah, to make the Forbes list for 2006, you had to gross over ten million dol- To a lot of people I’m sure it is. But it’s not just a dope thing. I’ve hustled ev-
lars. If you know any other rappers who grossed over ten million dollars, they erything. I used to sell Gucci bags, Louie bags, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, shoes,
need to report it [to the IRS] and they can be on the Forbes list too (laughs). belts, wallets, women’s clothes, men’s clothes, children’s clothing. I’ve sold
everything. It wasn’t all about dope for me. I was that dude. I was out the
So, if you grossed ten million dollars last year, what percentage of that comes trunk with it. The first time I ever made a thousand dollars within two hours,

OZONE MAG // 65
 it didn’t come from dope. It came from clothes, for real. ing this clip me and millions of other American women would be upset after
seeing the way you depicted these women in your video?” I said, “Listen, I
Do you have kids yourself? could understand it if I was just exploiting these young ladies. If everybody
Yeah, I’ve got three kids. It’s crazy, cause outside of music, this is what I do. else was fully clothed and they were just walkin’ around next to a car with
That’s why I came up with the name Hustlenomics, cause this is what I do. I rims on it and they’ve got their ass out. But respectfully, we’re at a pool party.
learned how to take what I love to do and make it work for me on a day to The women are in bathing suits and walking by the water. Nobody’s doing
day basis. anything that’s oversexed. There’s no ass shots. Nobody’s bustin’ their titties
all up in the camera. We’re at a pool party. I don’t want to see women at a
Are there features on the album? pool party in sweaters and corduroy, I’m sorry.”
Yeah, I’ve got cats on the album, cameos. On the first album I didn’t really
put a lot of cameos on there because I wanted people to know me. And I Speaking of women – has the groupie love increased since the success of your
want people to know some of the affiliations I’ve made in my journey to the first album?
second album, the second coming, Hustlenomics. I collaborated with Snoop That’s gonna happen anyway. You ain’t even gotta be a rapper, you could
and Rick Ross on a record called “Brand New,” that’s crazy. I got a record that just be in the video and [the groupie love] will increase. They’re like, “I don’t
DJ Quik produced featuring Game and Jim Jones called “Cut Throat.” Jazze know who he is, but I keep seein’ him.” (laughs)
Pha produced a record featuring Trick Daddy called “Chevy Smiles,” and that’s
a great record. There’s a crazy street record with Young Dro and Bun B called You’ve gotten cuter, maybe?
“I’m A G” produced by Chris Flame. Pharrell is on the album. Pharrell produced I don’t know. I’ve lost weight and I noticed that attracts a lot of women. I’ve
a record featuring Diddy called “Hell Yeah.” That’s one of those records I came been in the gym, made a little more money. Got a few hits under my belt. But
up with just by being on stage and talking to the crowd. I’d get them to say at the end of the day, I’m human. I’m a man with some substance. People can
“hell yeah,” so I decided to make a hook out of that shit and it worked. It’s a kiss my ass with that “Style Over Substance” Award.
good album.
Do you think there are women who deserve to be called hoes and bitches?
A while back, during OZONE’s always controversial Year End Awards Issue, we Yeah, definitely. Some of ‘em put it on front street themselves. They’ll let it
said you should get the “Style Over Substance” Award. Do you agree? be known: “Okay, I’m a hoe. And what?” or, “Yes, I’m a golddigger. That’s all
If you feel that way, you should tell that to the bigger powers than me at I need you for,” or, “Yes, I want to fuck, and that’s it. Yes, I’m only fuckin’
these record labels. I noticed that in a lot of [reviews] of my first album, the you because of who you are. Yes, I’m gonna fuck you, your friend, and all the
writers liked my record “Picture Perfect,” which was the very last record on
my album. It’s a big substance record. Out of all the write-ups on me, no
matter where it came from – North, South, West, wherever – a lot of them
said that was a good record and I needed more records like that. It’s funny
because I’ve got a lot of records like that, substance records and the label
was like, “You’ve gotta ease it to the people.” I agree, because if you drop
it on them too fast, you become preachy. I have a lot of kids [that listen] to
my music, so I want to feed it to them slowly so they’ll get the message. It’s
crazy that I’ve been scrutinized because at the end of my “Coffee Shop” record
I say, “Kids, don’t do drugs.” A lot of people thought I should’ve left that off
there. Kiss my ass, man. I don’t give a damn how crazy it sounds. More rap-
pers should step up and tell the kids, “Don’t do drugs. Stay in school.”

Why wouldn’t they want you to say that?

A lot of people think “Coffee Shop” is about selling crack because of the hook.
I say, “First I take their order like the coffee shop / Then I steam it up and
If you thin i p
substance, tkell
ut style over
in the positionme why I’m
substance is w I’m in. The
me relevant; mhat’s keeping
having self-re e being a man,
me out of the spect, keeps
on some ignorheadlines
“
cook it like the coffee shop / Serve it out the window like the coffee shop /
negative shit. I’ ant and
how to represeve learned
Work comin’ in, got my rims sittin’ real big.”

culture. I was nt for my

Well, yeah. Sounds like it’s about selling crack.
Yeah, but listen – first, I take orders from the people. People are gonna tell
you what the hell they want to hear. When we come here in the studio and get on CNN.
to workin’ on this equipment, we say, “I’ve got a hot beat,” or, “I just cooked
up a crazy one.” I cook up the record and then I serve it out the window like
the coffee shop. And in the verse I say, “It’s just another day at the coffee
shop, we sellin’ everything down to the shoes and watch / For the right price,
meet me in the parking lot / I’ve got a sale on them old school Chevy drops.” homies after the show is over because that’s what I want to do. You can do
At the end of the day, I like sending a message to the kids, and I’m gonna it, why can’t I?” And it’s a lot of women who feel that way. It’s not just black
continue doing that. This album is full of good records and if you feel like I women. It’s all kinds of women, trust me, and that happened way before Yung
should get the “Style Over Substance” Award, so be it. But if you say “Style Joc. But there’s a reason why I do records for women. Have you ever noticed,
Over Substance,” then tell me why I’m in the position I’m in. The substance is in a fight or an argument, who’s the loudest?
what’s keeping me relevant; me being a man, having self-respect, keeps me
out of the headlines on some ignorant and negative shit. I’ve learned how to The female, of course.
represent for my culture. I was on CNN talking about shit that everybody is Right. Who screams loudest at a concert?
pointin’ fingers at us about. But the rappers with all the “substance,” I ain’t
seen them on there. The female.
Right. If a famous man walks into a room full of females and they love him,
I didn’t catch that. How did you defend Hip Hop music on CNN? they’re gonna scream. But if a famous female walks into a room full of men
It’s sad to say, but if you pay attention to the names of a lot of entertainers who love her, the men are not going to scream. It’s going to be a low murmur
and rappers, a lot of them named themselves after Italian gangsters. They throughout the room but it’s not gonna be yelling and screaming. And be-
weren’t black gangsters. So a lot of these muthafuckers are just portraying cause of that, that’s who should be my target market.
what they see in a movie. They say, “You depict women as whores and bitches
and adopt misogynistic undertones that are just so graphic and vulgar.” So it’s a strategic move.
Well, turn on the fuckin’ TV. Look at Sex In The City or Desperate Housewives. Yeah, and then you’ve gotta give the hood cats what they want too. Keep it
Shit, watch any movie. You all promote guns, violence, and drugs, so kiss my gangsta for ‘em and talk a little shit.
ass. Show me one movie that doesn’t have drugs, guns, sex, violence, greed,
and deceit. Show me one. Even The Passion Of Christ had all of the above, Is Miss B signed to you now or is she still with Nitti?
you understand? So that’s what I’m trying to say. Don’t point fingers at us. Miss B has always been down with me. She wanted to venture out and do
They were like, “Is Hip Hop poison or poetry?” Kiss your own ass. Is daytime some of her own things, and I said cool. You have to be confident in yourself,
television poison or entertainment? That’s how I came at ‘em. They played a first and foremost. She said she wanted to do it respectfully so I said, “Do it,
clip of me from “I Know You See It” where the women were walking around in baby.” That’s my best friend. I told her to go get that money, and she’s out
bathing suits and she said, “Well, Yung Joc, can’t you see why after view- there gettin’ it. Just like me. //

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 Words by Randy Roper
Photos by Blake Ribbey

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MAG
R
ussell “Block” Spencer is a hustler. His Block Let’s go back to Joc for a minute. He did 1.1 million on his first album and his
new album has a lot of features. A lot of artists are judged on their second
Entertainment label introduced Young Jeezy to album and try to avoid the “sophomore slump.” Is that the reason for more
the masses, started a Boyz N Da Hood move- guest appearances and big name producers for his second album?
ment and scored big when Yung Joc started “joc’n’.” There’s a purpose for me doing Hustlenomics the way I did it. The first time
For most hustlers, that kind of success would be we didn’t have nobody on our album. We didn’t have nothing but Boyz N Da
Hood and Rick Ross, our bloodline. At the same time, this is when the North
enough, but not for the “Leader of the New South.” was saying the South shouldn’t be on top and all this. You know what, when I
With Yung Joc’s sophomore album Hustlenomics was in the streets, I hustled everybody. I didn’t give a fuck where you’re from,
hitting streets, Boyz N Da Hood and Gorilla Zoe’s what color you are, nigga, I’m a hustler. On [Joc’s new album] we got a song
albums on deck, Block’s Welcome To My Block album called “Cut Throat” on there, that’s wit’ Jim Jones, Game, me and Joc. Then we
forthcoming, as well as a movie with Ice Cube on got another joint on there called “I’m a G” wit’ [Young] Dro, Bun B and Joc.
Then we got another song called “Chevy Smile” wit’ Joc and Trick Daddy. So
the way, Block should have a masters in hustle- Hustlenomics, we just hustled everybody, dawg. That’s the whole game and
nomics. whole movement of Joc’s new album. Just showing everybody we can hustle
wit’ everybody. We ain’t trying to build a taipei, we’re trying to build a whole
You refer to yourself as the “Leader of the New South.” What makes Block the building. So that’s what we did wit’ Hustlenomics. And once again, that’s just
“Leader of the New South?” an extension of what I do, wit’ Block Ent., wit’ my album, wit’ my movement.
I am the “Leader of the New South.” I mean, think about it. This is monumen- I’m not going to shut myself in. I’m not going to closet myself. I fuck wit’ ev-
tal right now. Who in the South came and empowered as many people as I erybody, dawg. I have no problems getting money. I got 36 niggas locked up,
have? I came in the game co-managing 2Pac and The Outlawz. I came in the 22 niggas dead, dawg. I ain’t got no reason out here not to be trying to get it.
game being the president of Suave House with Tony Draper; that nigga taught
me damn near half the shit I know. Then I came in as the Head A&R at Noon- You’re coming up under Diddy. He’s the type of CEO that’s always been in the
time. Then me, Jazze Pha and Noonie, we created Sho Nuff [Records], where forefront. Is that something we’re going to see from you, especially with you
we signed Ciara and Jody Breeze. Then I branched off and started my own putting out an album?
shit, Block Entertainment, which springboarded Young Jeezy’s career. I signed I’m the type of nigga, I’ve been ducking the cameras and microphones all my
Jeezy to Boyz N Da Hood. I created a Boyz N Da Hood movement; the brand life. I never wanted to be in front of no cameras, I never wanted to take no
is so fucking big it won’t go away. I signed Yung Joc, a nigga who everybody pictures. I’m a street nigga, I ducked that shit. Then Puff came to me one day
shitted on. He came and sold 1.1 million records and counting. Jeezy sold 2 and said, “Block, you need to get out a little more. Niggas need to see your
million records and counting. Me and Ted [Lucas] signed Rick Ross. A lot of face a little bit more. Niggas used to laugh at me when I used to be in those
people don’t know I got a part of that; he’s at a mil right now. Then I signed videos, talk on those records but look at me now. Every nigga that didn’t do
the most anticipated niggas from Big Gee to Gorilla Zoe. That’s empowerment. that, they’re gone.” That’s promoting yourself and that’s what I do. If you see
Everybody that I talked about is doing their thing, they’re helping other nig- me out there, I’m promoting myself. I’m trying to take myself to a different
gas, they’re creating their own movements. If that’s not a leader, what is? level cause all this music is a steppingstone for me. I got much more planned.
My first movie with Ice Cube directing, and he helped me write it. So that’s
A lot of people feel that Block Ent. saved Bad Boy during a time when no one where I’m at right now. I’ma use everything I got as another stepping stone
was really checking for them. to get bigger and better places and to help empower every nigga that’s going
I was in a bidding war with Jimmy Iovine, I was in a bidding war with Lyor with me. //
[Cohen], I was in a bidding war with Puff, I was in a bidding war with Dr. Dre.
I was in a bidding war with all four of these big powerhouses. I just feel like
Puff, with the formula he has and the success he’s had, he could teach me a
lot. So I feel like we helped other out.

On your label, Yung Joc has been your most successful artist. Do you look at
him like your franchise player?
Yeah, but I look at all my cats as franchise players. Just because Joc sold
more records doesn’t mean Jody Breeze and Boyz N Da Hood didn’t spark
some of the shit I’ve done. I can even back it up to Tay Montana, an artist that
I signed that’s locked up right now, he sparked a lot of shit. Rick Ross, the
Outlawz, so I can say a lot of people put in a brick to build Block Ent. I think
everybody’s a franchise player at Block Ent., I think everybody’s a leader at
Block Ent.

The newest addition to your roster is Gorilla Zoe. What was it about him that
made you feel he’d be a good fit for Boyz N Da Hood?
Truthfully man, I had my eyes on 70 cats from Atlanta to Little Rock to the
Carolinas to Texas. And what got me with Zoe is I saw Zoe wouldn’t give up on
his dream. I talked to him, looked in his eyes and I saw this dude was gonna
I was in a bidding war
do this shit. And that’s what I like. I like niggas that got that fire in them.
Plus Zoe’s his own man and I don’t like followers. I saw that he believed in with Jimmy Iovine. I
himself, I saw that he’ll eat what he kills and I saw he was a man. And that’s
what I liked about Zoe. was in a bidding war
Gorilla Zoe’s album is coming out this year. So how do you keep the rest of
Boyz N Da Hood together knowing that Zoe just came in and he’s dropping a
with Lyor [Cohen]. I was
solo album while the rest of Boyz N Da Hood members have been waiting to
release solo projects before Zoe? in a bidding war with
Truthfully, with the other group members it’s like everybody with Boyz N Da
Hood, all of us are brothers. The way I wanna build Boyz N Da Hood is every- Puff. I was in a bidding
body gets together and builds one house. When that house is fully built then
we can start helping each other get our own home. I look at it like Jeezy’s get
his home, he came back and helped Zoe on his single. And now Zoe’s building
war with Dr. Dre.
his home and hopefully Zoe can help whoever’s next build their home. But
you gotta have your own single. You gotta get your own record started. Zoe
came in with a single. Zoe had a movement going on within himself. Now, Big
Gee fixin’ to start his own movement, Duke got his movement going on, Jody
Breeze got his own movement. So whoever movement captures the streets
first, I’m wit’ ‘em.

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plies
Real Talk
Words // Julia Beverly | Photos // Ray Tamarra
Plies has based his whole career on being real, but until now we haven’t exactly known who the real Plies
is. Though songs like “Bid Long and “God, I’m Tried of Lyin” have showcased his soul, the Fort Myers emcee
prefers not to talk about his struggle outside of the booth. In fact, it has been proven that Plies relies only
on music to deliver his heartfelt and deep-rooted emotions. However, in this OZONE exclusive, the media
mystery man shows us the other side of his Real Testament. Here, he speaks candidly on everything from
fatherhood to fake friends. If you thought you knew anything about Plies before, you’ll see that you had
no idea.

Y
ou’ve established this whole image and career based on your trade- have the force of a major cosigner. I did a lot of the ground work and I
mark of being “real.” Do you feel like that term is overused in the pride myself off that. I didn’t want my first national look to be me riding the
rap industry? Everybody says they’re “real.” What sets you apart from coattails of other people. I don’t have any other rap artists on my album. But
everyone else? if there’s someone that can do something I can’t do, I fuck with them. Pain
I think that term is widely used, but it’s a personal preference. “Real” can can sing and I can’t sing, so I fucked with Pain. As far as the Akon situation,
be whatever you want it to mean. For me, anytime I’m using that term, it I’ve got the new record with him, the “Hypnotized” record. He was able to do
basically means I’m being real to myself. What I call “real” might not apply to something that I wasn’t able to do. I’ve got three R&B features on my album,
what another person considers to be “real.” Being “real” to me is taking care but other than that, it’s straight me. I have no other rap acts on my album.
of my responsibilities, not only in the streets, but amongst family. Staying
true to myself and not doing nothing that is falsified or not who I am as a You mentioned coming into the game without a cosigner – do you think that
person. For me, that’s my definition of “real.” Some niggas think “real” means will actually benefit you in the long run? A lot of times when you see a major
wearing a dark pair of glasses and having your pants hang off your ass. artist introduce their crew, it’s hard for them to step out of the shadow.
Some people think they’re “real” because they’ve been to jail 40 times. But I take my hat off to a lot of the cats in the industry that assist in changing
to me, somebody who’s not “real” could’ve been to jail 40 times. When I say the livelihoods of their friends. I take my hat off to any nigga that gives other
I’m “real,” I’m talking about the things I value and the principles I’ve got for niggas around them the opportunity to become successful, not just in music
myself. but in life in general. Me, I never try to be the ear for the whole entire coun-
try. Just because I don’t like something doesn’t mean that another million
You mentioned taking care of family. Do you have kids or other family mem- people won’t like it. But for me, in terms of what I’m trying to do, I’m trying
bers that you support? to have a societal impact more than just an industry impact. Musically, I’m in
I think you’ve got to be a selfish individual to do what I do, and it wasn’t this shit to sell records, so I hope I can be successful on a national level as an
until recently that I realized that. To give all the time and hours to my career artist. But at the same time, the other shit I’m doing now is just as important.
and the wear and tear on your body – and even for you, doing what you do, Like, right now, I’m doing a 15 city prison tour. To me, that’s the highlight of
to grind it out in the magnitude that you grind it out – it’s selfish. And for my career. I personally took pride in that. I don’t care how many records I sell
me, to have a son, I’m putting all my responsibilities off on somebody else to or don’t sell. Nothing will be able to top that; going into fifteen different fa-
chase my own personal aspirations and dreams. For me to do that, I’ve got cilities and talking to niggas that either I ran the streets with, or are relatives
to be a selfish person, because I am neglecting a responsibility of mine that of mine, or niggas that I don’t even know. I don’t think there’s nothing that
really needs me. So I understand that you’ve got to be a selfish individual to I’ve personally faced that can top me being able to go to fifteen institutions
do this shit. and talk to niggas who are at the worst point in their lives. So I take my hat
off to niggas that take the time to provide opportunities for their friends and
I asked you in a previous interview if there were any artists who had influ- homeboys. But for me, not having a cosigner, that worked wonders for me,
enced you, and you seemed offended at that question. You’ve always been because I was able to create something that has a foundation. For a lot of
pretty vocal about not affiliating yourself with other artists and not giving people, this “Shawty” record may be the first time they’ve heard of me. But
other people plugs. Do you think that attitude will help or hinder your career? the foundation I’ve built over the last four years has helped this become one
I think that what I’m attracted to in life is totally different than most people. of the most anticipated projects in the game.
I think that most inner-city muthafuckers or people from the hoods and
ghettos across the country have the same dreams and the same aspirations. So this 15 city prison tour – are you performing at these facilities? Or what
Most of us just want to be financially stable and be a provider for our family. exactly does that consist of?
So I think our dreams and outlook are the same, but what I’ve learned in my We’re going into different institutions and talking about people’s situations. A
short stay in this business is that that’s just what it is – it’s 100% business lot of times, there’s a preconceived notion that if somebody is locked up, that
and that’s the approach I take. I’m trying to grow every day and become automatically means they’re a bad person. And I beg to differ. A lot of times,
wiser, but for me, being in the music industry and getting into clubs free and being a minority, we don’t have $50,000-$60,000 laying around in the bank to
getting caught taking pictures with this [brand] of clothing on and get caught get us the best legal representation, so we get stuck with a public defender.
holding up this kind of bottle up in the club – I pride myself in not doing You get put in situations where you’ve got to take pleas. So whether you did
something if I can’t find a way to milk the best of the situation. This is a [the crime] or didn’t do [the crime], due to a lack of finances, you’re put into
business and everybody is doing whatever’s in their best interest, so I’m just a whole ‘nother category. So I’ve been able to shed light on that situation
trying to do what I feel is in my best and show how that shit not only
interest. I’ve got a lot of respect for affects the inmate, but how it affects
a long of cats in this industry as far
as business, but I don’t know a lot
There’s a preconceived notion that if the family structure.

of these dudes personally to have a somebody is locked up, that automati- How will you shed light on their situ-

cally means they’re a bad person. And

lot of respect for them. There’s some ations? Is this being filmed?
guys I’ve had the pleasure to meet Some of the facilities are letting us
that I do have a personal under-
standing with, but for the most part,
I beg to differ... whether you did [the take cameras in, but some of them,
we can’t. So we’re doing some shit
I don’t really know the majority of crime] or didn’t do [the crime], due via satellite where they’re going to

to a lack of finances, you’re put into a

this industry. have cameras inside. Some of the fa-
cilities aren’t letting us come in with
So with that said, are there going to
be a lot of features and collabora-
whole ‘nother category. So I’ve been the big camera crews. We’re shopping
it around right now; a couple of the
tions on your album? The first two able to shed light on that situation and TV stations are interested. So we’re

show how that shit not only affects the

singles feature T-Pain and Akon. just shedding light on people that
On my debut album it was important we feel are wrongly incarcerated and
to me not to have a compilation
album. I felt like my situation was
inmate, but how it affects the family exposing their situations.

a little different because I didn’t structure. Even though “Shawty” is your first

OZONE MAG // 73
 mainstream record, most people in
Florida first heard you on the Akon The sad part about being definitely want to make sure I thank
you. Anytime you’re dealing with a
“I Wanna Love You” record before
the version with Snoop. I know there
successful is that my culture is major, you’re dealing with people
on the corporate side who are only
was a little drama with that whole
situation. How did things get worked
so totally fucked up. In white driven by black and white: factual
information. BDS, how many spins
out between you and Akon to the America you’re supposed to be you’re getting on the radio, how

successful. They expect you to

point where you were able to work many ringtones you sell, how many
together again? units are sold in terms of record

be successful. But if you tell a

A lot of times when bad shit happens sales. These people can only identify
to you, people don’t look at it as a with black and white information. I
blessing. But to me, that whole situ-
ation that transpired with the Akon nigga in the hood that you went could be the hottest nigga in my re-
gion and be getting $20,000 a show
record was a true blessing. I continue
to have respect for anybody that’s and furthered your education and doing five shows a week, but
they don’t identify with that because
involved in a situation like that with
me, whether it’s good or bad. And or played ball in school, niggas they can’t track those numbers. They
can only track factual information.
I’ve always took the same road when
this question is posed to me – until don’t perceive that to be “real.” I had to take a street situation and
show them that I could possibly
all parties are involved, in one place,
at one time – I just choose to refrain
If the streets can’t do it, they bring a return on their investment.
I was selling stuff off my Myspace
from talking about the situation. I hate on it. page to show them that there were

That’s just life.

had the pleasure of talking to Akon people interested in buying this shit.
and the pleasure of working with him I registered my ringtones – look at
on the “Hypnotized” record for my this guy selling a hundred thousand
album. A lot of times things can hap- ringtones but he’s never had a na-
pen through management and things tional look. That type of shit is what
can happen on the corporate side that’s not a reflection on the artist. A lot of started getting the attention of the people in the building.
times we don’t know all the underlying shit that’s going on. I have a better
sense of that now because of all the things that are happening with me and So you started sending them actual sales numbers.
my career, so I always try to keep that in mind. And I understand that every- Right, because they only respect numbers. The major labels are so far away
thing that happens to you in life that’s not necessarily “good” can still be a from what’s going on in the street that it’s mind boggling to me. You’re deal-
blessing. That whole “I Wanna Love You” record was still a blessing because it ing with shit that’s the most time-consuming, money-invested situation to
showed that I can make a hit record. do it from the street level up. It’s easy to run this shit now. They get a record
that they can work, that the radio can play 3,000 or 4,000 times, and they’d
Do you think the version with Snoop on it would’ve became as big as it was if rather build a situation from that. But coming up from the street and doing it
not for your original version? the way I did, the label ain’t willing to invest in those type of grinds no more.
I’m not a “woulda, shoulda, coulda” type dude. I don’t really know. Only thing
I know is that the record became one of the biggest records in the country What role has your brother Gates played in your career? Is it kind of similar
when it came out, and I take my hat off to everybody that was involved in to what The Game’s brother Big Fase claimed – that he was the one who was
that situation – from the artists that were on the record to the people that more involved in the streets and gave him a lot of input on the content of his
worked the record. They came up with a hit record. I always salute people in records?
those types of situations. My brother is a genius all around. We’re so much alike, but so different.
There’s never been a record that I ever cut that he actually heard or listened
Why did you change the title of the album to The Real Testament? Did the to before it was done. In the business that we’ve built together, he doesn’t
label feel that the original title was too controversial or that you were going tamper across the line into my world, and I don’t tamper across the line into
to get backlash from the Christian community? his world. Behind the scenes cutting deals, to me, dude is a genius and that’s
The decision to change the album title from Real Nigga Bible to The Real Tes- just what he does. He’s got street cred and street savvy. I’ve always been a
tament was definitely a retail issue. A lot of the retailers didn’t want to stock dude that didn’t have to go to prison first to learn that prison wasn’t for me.
that particular title. There’s a fine line between being stupid and conducting I don’t have to go broke to realize that going broke ain’t what I want to do.
business. I could’ve been stupid and continued to fight that and put myself in I’ve always tried to be a sponge in every situation, and dude has been so
a situation that wouldn’t have had a successful outcome. I fought it as much influential not only to my career but to my life. You’ve gotta have a person
as I could, but at some point I had to make a transition to a title that was just that you believe wholeheartedly in, a person that can point you in the right
as meaningful and just as close to what I initially wanted to name the proj- direction, and a nigga that stands for something all across the board. Dude
ect. The Real Testament was the second best thing that I could come up with has been a true blessing to me. There ain’t too many people I’ve met in my
the suit the concept that I’m trying to give off on this album August 7th. career that I actually respected as a person, as a human being. He’s showed
me so much in my life – fuck how long you run these streets, stay prayed up.
What exactly is the concept that you’re trying to give off? You had a song on Fuck how much money you’ve got – be educated. Those are the things that
one of your earlier mixtapes that was a prayer to God. Does it have a spiritual helped me be in the situation I’m currently in. Without him I know I wouldn’t
meaning to you? be where I’m at.
I’m not a real big spiritual dude. I’m no different than most niggas out of the
hood. I don’t really go to church until something bad happens. If somebody He’s currently incarcerated because of his alleged involvement with a shoot-
gets killed, I go to church. If there’s a wedding, I gotta go to church. But I’m ing at one of your shows in Gainesville, FL, correct? Do you have any details
not a big spiritual dude. I definitely believe in a higher power. I think people on that situation that you would like to let people know about?
talk to God differently. For me, by the title The Real Testament, I just felt like Like I said earlier, there are bad things that happen in your life and you can
this is a book of my life and this is a book that the streets are going to live by just look at them as being bad or look at them as being a blessing. I don’t
for a long time. think we’d be here if it wasn’t for that situation, and I feel like we’ve all
learned from it and grown from it. I know God don’t make mistakes. So for
Even though you’re signed through Slip N Slide, when you have a major everybody who’s concerned about his situation, I’m glad to see that you are
record deal with a label like Atlantic, they’ve got a roster of hundreds of art- concerned. He’s good and we look at this whole situation as a blessing.
ists waiting their turn. You’ve obviously made yourself a priority as they are
putting their full promotional machine behind you. What do you think it was When you started to get a heavy buzz in Florida, we got a lot of emails and
that ultimately led them to push the buttons and put you at the top of their letters from people about you trying to “expose” you. “Plies was a college
priority list? boy,” “Plies wasn’t in the streets,” “Plies played football,” “Plies ain’t real,”
To make sure I answer the question the right way, I definitely want to say that type of thing. Somebody sent us copies of eviction notices from back
this: It’s funny to me when I meet people everytime I go around doing promo in the day. It seems like a lot of people, especially in Ft. Myers, are out to
shit or paid dates and they say, “Oh, you’re that nigga that used to be in the discredit you. Why do you think that is?
OZONE all the time.” So I salute you personally for believing in me when my I think that with every nigga in this business who becomes successful, there’s
label probably didn’t fully believe in me. I tell people this all the time, so I people somewhere that say he ain’t who he claims to be. That’s part of the

74 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 75
 game. You can never
change that. The sad
part about it – not
I ain’t telling you not to bootleg record on my
album called
“Kept It Too
just my situation,
but being success- my album, but in my situation it’s Real” just talk-
ing about the

an ongoing fight with me to prove

ful in general – is relationships
that my culture is you’ve got with
so totally fucked your friends

corporate to be wrong. They don’t

up. For anybody and homeboys.
who’s a part of You don’t
white America and really know

fuck with the streets because they

has a white family, the niggas
you’re supposed to you fuck with
be successful. They until y’all fall

don’t respect us and they feel that

expect you to be out. I’ve got
successful. But if another record
you tell a nigga in on my album

the streets don’t support their own.

the hood that you called “Run-
went and furthered nin’ My Mama
your education Crazy” that’s
or played ball in
school, niggas don’t
perceive that to be
I’m just trying to make a difference talking about
the life of a
street nigga
“real.” If the streets
can’t do it, they hate
on it. That’s just
with this particular album and show and what
we take our
moms through,
life. I understand
what it is that I’m
dealing with. You
them that they’re wrong. whether it’s
being locked
up or calling
can’t find any street her at 4:00 in
artist right now in the rap business where there ain’t some nigga saying that the morning and she’s gotta take off work to come bond us out of jail. I talk
he ain’t who he claims to be. That’s part of climbing the success ladder. It about issues that I know are reality, and I know there’s other muthafuckers
doesn’t change. In Ft. Myers, it is what it is. If I go to the store in Ft. Myers, around the country that are going through the same struggles. I don’t follow
I can’t leave because 300 people show up anytime you see my car. I love the the trends in music. I ain’t gonna sit here and tell you that I’m trappin’ and
city for that. But there’s always going to be a person or a group of people all this crazy shit when I’m really financially stable. A lot of muthafuckers
who have seen you become successful and they’re not successful, so they are still trying to sell you stories that, in my opinion, are not viable. If you’ve
want you to live your life the way they would’ve lived if they were in your sold a million records, financially you should be good. If you’re still trying to
situation. You can’t change that. tell me that you’re still killing niggas and you’re still in the trap, it’s hard to
believe that. Maybe you are. But me, I’m going to always make reality music.
So you feel like the things they’re trying to “expose” you for – going to col-
lege and playing football – should be perceived by the community as positive In the climate of the music business today, artists really aren’t selling too
things instead of negative. many records as it is. Why should someone purchase your album as opposed
For me personally, my information is factual. As far as the situation that to just picking up one of your mixtapes in the streets?
transpired with me in Gainesville, these people have painted me to be the I’ve made it a priority to never allow myself to create a distance or a gap
thuggest nigga ever living, getting caught with x amount of guns in the car between me and my consumers. I never expect you to spend your money on
that I was occupying. I wish they would tell these people in Gainesville that I me to purchase this album just for me to tell you how good I’m living. I never
ain’t the nigga they think I am. I’m not a dude who’s going to try to promote expect you to spend your money on 13 tracks of me telling you how much the
my street cred off of silly mistakes I’ve made in life. There’s niggas doing real watch cost, how much I paid for the whip, how big the crib is, and how the
time – 40 to 50 years – and if they had the chance to change their life, they trip to the Bahamas was. I’ll never belittle my consumer that way. When I’ve
would. You can’t tell me that five ki’s of cocaine is worth 40 years of your bought music in the past, I wanted to learn something from it when I bought
life. You can’t make me believe that no nigga would be willing to swap that it. I only bought music that related to the lifestyle I was living and the person
out. So for me, I’m comfortable with who I am. But you can’t avoid that. That that I was. That’s what I’m giving you on The Real Testament. When you walk
comes with the culture. Culturally, we’re fucked up. away with this CD, you’re going to be able to take something from it, off
every song I put on this album.
Do you think the public buys into you as an artist moreso because of your
look and your image, or the actual music itself? Is there anything else you’d like to say?
I don’t know. I don’t even really try to figure that out. I always make music The album The Real Testament is in stores August 7th and in the streets
to stay true to who I am and what I believe in. Over the course of the last August 7th. There’s a personal challenge that I’m giving to everybody that
four years, I’ve done it on an underground level. To start from where I was reads your magazine. One thing I’ve learned about corporate America is that
in Ft. Myers, stay hot in the streets for three and a half years without major they really don’t respect the streets. I hear it all the time: They say my kind
help or finances, just me and my brother, that’s the hardest way to do this. I doesn’t buy records. They say we don’t support each other and all we do
never even had a radio record until six or seven months ago or however long is steal from each other. So I’m trying to utilize my situation to prove that
this “Shawty” record has been workin’. To stay hot and be one of the biggest whole notion to be wrong. I gave niggas my music for the last four years
niggas on my coast for the last few years, I feel like that’s a testament to not and didn’t charge nobody for shit. I feel like at this point they should have
only me and my brother’s mind, but also to our hustle. Whether it’s an image enough respect for me and my situation and my grind and everything that’s
that females are attracted to or music that street niggas love, it’s a combina- been invested. I feel like my people deserve more than a CD with something
tion of those things that’s been the key to my success. I’m one of the few written on it in marker. I feel like it’s a historical situation for people who are
dudes in this industry that is blessed to have both markets. interested in my situation. I ain’t telling you not to bootleg my album, but in
my situation it’s an ongoing fight with me to prove corporate to be wrong.
Your lead radio singles, “Shawty” and “Hypnotized,” are obviously aimed at They don’t fuck with the streets because they don’t respect us and they feel
the female audience. Is the rest of the album similar or more street? that the streets don’t support their own. I’m just trying to make a difference
I stay true to what I believe in. I’m a dude who will always make sexual fe- with this particular album and show them that they’re wrong. And I want you
male kinda records, and I’ll make records about the struggle. I have a record to put this in the article too: I meant what I told you earlier, that I appreciate
titled “A Hundred Years” talking about the system. I personally feel that the your support. People tell me all the time, “You must have some stock invested
system wrongly oversentences niggas. I’ve got a record talking about “On My in OZONE, cause she keep you in there.” So I take my hat off to you; I salute
Dick” where I’m talking about how it is to be broke. Niggas don’t want to fuck your grind as well. So just let my brother Big Gates know that I love him,
with you when you’re broke, and the streets don’t fuck with you when you get and we’re living his dream. Johnny Wardlow, he’s locked up in a Federal Cor-
money. So I’d rather be the nigga with money and the streets don’t fuck with rectional Facility in Coleman – I’ll keep him in my prayers. Everybody that’s
me, than be broke and the streets still don’t fuck with me. I’ve got another locked up, I’ma keep you in my prayers. //

76 // OZONE MAG
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 Grit Boys Words // Matt Sonzala

Scooby | Poppy | Unique

S talwarts on the south side of Houston scene, many people have watched
these young fire starters come up since their inception 5 years ago
when all were still just teenagers. Then they were known as the young
cats who always performed with Hawk and rolled with Paul Wall. Now in 2007,
with a distribution deal thru TVT and an album that is hotter than the Texas
than they were before, but shit, record sales are shorter for everyone than
before, period. And Mike and Slim ain’t even come out again yet. I don’t know,
I feel like they just hating right quick.

Yes, they seem to be coming back to the hate.

streets they came up on in the middle of August, The Grit Boys are finally set Scooby: Yeah, but it ain’t over, it’s not over. We still got UGK coming out, and
to present their Ghetto Realities in Texas to the world. you know their album is gonna be a classic. And Devin? You know, Devin! You
know what I’m saying?
Did you happen to read the article in XXL where they interviewed Paul, Mike
and Slim and basically asked them why Houston is – in their eyes – falling To me, the Grit Boys, Trae, and Rob G are the voices that are gonna keep
off? Houston poppin’. You both are coming with something very new and also very
Scooby: Yeah. jammin’.
Scooby: Yeah, man, we’re all doing our thing heavy, so how you gonna say,
You guys have been grinding and coming up through all of the hype that hit the guys that you used to seeing ain’t doing the same things they was doing
Houston in the past couple of years. Now just as you are about to release your around this time last year? I feel like Slim, Mike and Paul’s albums are all
first major album, people are saying your city is falling off. What do you say jammin’. I don’t know why they’re on that.
to that? Is Houston still poppin’ and how does it affect you either way?
Poppy: Hell yeah, Houston is still poppin’. You guys came from the same area that the Screwed Up Click came from, and
Unique: I feel like it’s still goin’ down, cuz it’s like a whole ‘nother wave of were really young during DJ Screw’s era. How do you feel like you fit in with
people that’s coming out. We have our own little situation going on. Atlanta the classic Houston sound and where that sound is today?
has the crunk, but we got our own thing going on down here and I don’t Poppy: I feel like we a breath of fresh air that’s about to come through.
think anyone else is really doing things like we doing it. People categorize Houston as the shit that they hearing right now but it’s
more than that to Houston. That’s what we gonna bring to the table and show
I’d say if anything it’s the media to blame if things look like they are falling people. There’s more to Houston than what you been hearing.
off here, cuz it’s the media who can only concentrate on three or four artists Scooby: And we’re still young. We’ve got our whole shit mapped out. We’ve got
and never take time to see the big picture. Even Chamillionaire didn’t get as a distribution deal, a production team, and our own promotional vehicles to
much attention as Paul, Mike and Slim and he sold more records and did more get around. We do a lot of shit ourselves and make a lot of moves ourselves
things in the past two years than any of them. Now it seems like the media is and then we’ve got the talent on top of that.
just turning their backs on those dudes and not realizing what is coming up
next. Well, doing it yourself and getting a distribution deal rather than just going
Scooby: Well, I think it’s because they was the first face. Well, Flip was the first and signing to a major is really what made Houston what it is. That was the
face, but they came out in unity. Now that they’re where they at it don’t seem attitude and the business sense that brought Houston to the forefront in the
like there’s that unity anymore. Shit, they all got big things going on. Paul’s first place.
on the road with Expensive Taste, Slim is putting out Boss Hogg Outlawz, Mike Scooby: Hell yeah.
doing the Ice Age shit. And maybe it’s cuz today the record sales are shorter Poppy: We’re just trying to bring it back to that.

80 // OZONE MAG
Scooby: Our producer Pretty Todd helps keep us grounded and he gives us They need to make it rhyme with Bush and make a statement. But on that
guidance. We’ve got a manager and we’ve got good people around us. It’s note, you said that you have seen artists make songs they don’t want to do.
gonna be hard for them to say it’s over cuz it ain’t. Have you seen that personally? Have you seen these boys have to compro-
mise their art cuz that’s what they think their fanbase wants or that’s what
In a sense though, does it matter? I mean, someone could come out of Wis- their manager told them that’s what they’re supposed to do?
consin right now and blow up. Would that mean that the whole world has to Poppy: I’ve seen artists try to make a song for the radio, but when you try
feel Wisconsin? to make a song for the radio more than likely you’re gonna fuck up because
Scooby: We ain’t just making records for Houston, we making it for everybody. you’re trying too hard. Music is about emotion. A lot of times boys just be
It don’t matter who come out of Wisconsin, Nevada, we still gonna make our playing follow the leader.
way. Y’all gonna see us regardless. We gonna still rep Houston and be out
there on another level, past the hating. Unique said that the other day, he Poppy, I really like the song “The Way I Live.” It’s real emotional and from my
said, “I wanna make it to the level where they can hate, but it don’t even memory it’s the first time I ever heard you sing on a hook.
matter.” Scooby: Know what happened the day that Poppy wrote and recorded that
hook like that? His momma pushed him out the door and said, “Nigga, get
Your album seems different from the jump though cuz you have features paid!” (laughs)
on here that I wouldn’t normally expect to see. Dizzee Rascal, Travis Barker Unique: Man, he trippin’.
of Blink 182, Ma$e, the list goes on. The album is really well rounded and I Poppy: Delete that part. Naw, that’s not true. Really Pretty Todd just gave us
think that’s what’s really missing from a lot of rap music today. A lot of these a beat CD and I listened to that shit and it just came out like that. I called the
rappers only have one topic, whether it’s cocaine, their car or their teeth, and boys and just ran with it. I didn’t set out to sing, it just came out like that.
they really can’t get out of their lane too much. This album covers emotions,
the streets, playa shit, all kinds of shit. A lot of artists go out and spend a lot of money to get a lot of hot producers
Scooby: Some people see the cover and they get it twisted from the jump. We on their albums but y’all kept it pretty much in-house.
got an old school car on the cover, so they’re already thinking that’s what Poppy: Well, we’ve got the hottest producers in the game, Pretty Todd and
it’s all about. We’ve got a gun on the cover, we’ve got drank on the cover, and Calvin Earl. And we’ve got Cozmos on a song as well.
we’ve got money, so they think we killin’ people, sippin’ syrup, and makin’ Scooby: We also had a song that had a sample from Pat Benatar that we
it rain in our candy car, but really, we’re giving you Ghetto Reality. It ain’t couldn’t use. So Todd was in LA and met up with Travis Barker and Travis
even an album like that. So that’s gonna throw ‘em off when they get it. Like, Barker laid the drums, then here in Houston Corey Funkafingaz played the
“Wow, it’s called Ghetto Reality in Texas, but they ain’t talkin’ ‘bout shootin’, guitar live on it, then Bun B came and laid a verse, it’s just a real song, but
killin’, sellin’ dope and ridin’ around in a candy car sippin’ drank. They on we got Travis Barker on there playing live, also produced by Pretty Todd and
some real shit.” Calvin Earl. That song is called “The Streets.”

That’s the most important question I’ve got to ask you: How much drank do Is Travis Barker from the streets?
you sip? Unique: He skateboarded on the streets. Naw, ha, well I been on tour with
Scooby: Aw, naw, man! Paul Wall and me and Travis have a good relationship. We’ve been around
each other a lot from being in the studio and being on tour. Then PT went out
Naw, that’s a joke. But in every interview with every Houston rapper they have and did some music with him and he ended up playing on the song. It’s just
to ask about the syrup. a relationship that’s been building since we met and it’s just getting bigger
Poppy: You can put it on pancakes. and bigger.
Scooby: (mimicking a reporter) Tell me about syrup, what do they put in it?
Well, they get that Promethezine baby, you put it in the Sprite baby, and it’s And who else is on the album?
goin’ down, baby. You wear your shirt that shows how to make drank, baby, Poppy: Ma$e, Dizzee Rascal, Bun B, Trae, Trey Songz, Tum Tum from DSR, Lil
on camera, and then talk about it. Keke, Paul Wall, BG, Travis Barker, Great Scott, King Tutt, Macboney from PSC
and of course Hawk.
Well, okay, we’re making jokes about it now, but tell me, has it gone too far? Unique: And Hawk has an album out, Endangered Species, so go get it.
I mean, yes, in Houston people have candy paint on their cars, yes they have
big rims and people sip syrup, but it’s not every person in the hood riding Tell me about your relationship with Hawk.
around with candy paint sippin’ syrup. It’s actually kind of a low minority. You Unique: He taught us everything we ever learned in this game. Everything we
don’t see it as much as these dudes rap about it. know, we learned from him on a first hand basis. He actually was there show-
Scooby: Niggas be riding anything. The thing is, boys be starting to tell you ing us and telling us how to do everything.
where you get it from and what it’s mixed with and giving up the game. Real Poppy: He showed us the whole underground game, what to do on the road,
niggas in the hood that’s selling drank, they don’t like that shit. You expose it everything, man.
and you really trippin’ like a mu’fucker.
Did y’all grow up listening to DJ Screw tapes?
Especially with the time people get behind it now. Unique: Yeah, I used to walk from school every day just to get the newest
Scooby: Yeah, life and 20 years and boys are trippin’ with that. one. I used to go to his house, everything. I met him before cause I used
to mess with Will Lean of Botany Boys real tough back in the day. I met him
Have you ever heard anyone address that on a song? Like not just the effects when they had Hustletown, SPM’s club. I met him when Botany Boys had one
of drinking it but the extra laws they put on drank violations down here? of their release parties. He is a legend.
Maybe talking about more of the negative effects.
Poppy: All they talk about is leaning on a switch, sippin’ hard. Some rappers A lot of people from your neighborhood don’t want to hear slowed down mu-
that talk about sippin’ drank don’t even really sip drank. They just rap about sic unless it was done by DJ Screw. I have two parts to this question. How do
it. you feel about where the music they call Chopped and Screwed went in these
Scooby: Hell yeah, a bunch of rappers be doing that shit. past few years with all these other peoples influence?
Unique: It’s all good because it’s all expanding the name, but people do need
But seriously, that shit is here but if you listen to the records you’d think that to acknowledge where it originated from.
you could get it anywhere you go from anybody. In Houston is it as wide- Poppy: It’s important to call the shit Screwed because if you don’t call it
spread as they try to make it seem it is? Screwed, you’re gonna lose the name. We understand that Screw ain’t here
Poppy: I think artists make records based on what they think people want to and he ain’t putting his hands on the shit, but at the same time, that name
hear. Screw has its own identity as far as music is concerned.
Scooby: That’s not the question he’s asking, nigga!
Poppy: They’re just making records they think people want to hear instead of Part two of the question: Do you think that the Screwed sound is starting to
making records they wanna make. They playing follow the leader, really. fall off?
Scooby: You can’t really get that shit like that in H-Town, not how boys be Scooby: We might not be jammin’ it as much but I talked to a guy in Baltimore
acting like. You could have a rapper that ain’t ever sipped drank before, just today and they was jammin’ Screw music. That fucked me up.
working at Astroworld selling teddy bears, then get on the microphone, start Poppy: I know people that don’t listen to nothing regular speed, still! If
freestyling about drank. And now everybody’s rappin’ about Kush. Everybody! somebody album’s comes out, they gotta have that hoe Screwed. //

OZONE MAG // 81
82 // OZONE MAG
CADILLAC ESCALADE
.
‘07
I ..
f I was Rich Boy and I had just Escalade’s more appealing and Seating Capacity: 6

..
bought this Cadillac I’d be individualistic features – inside Available Engines: Vortec 6.2L V-8 16 valve OHV SMPI
telling anyone within earshot and out. Applied on its massive Drivetrains: 4x2, AWD

..
too. This is truly what you call a cross hatch grille, door handles, 0-60 mph: 6.1 - 6.7 seconds
come up. It’s Red Monkey versus wheels and spotted parts of the Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 13/19 mpg, 13/20 mpg

.
Levis; Air Jordans versus K-Swiss luxury leathered inside, there is Standard Features: DVD Entertaintment, Satellite Radio, Power Driver’s Seat, Heated
and sweet delectable crab legs no shortage of shine. A newer Front Seats, Heated Rear Seats
dipped in butter versus a Big aerodynamic element sets the ’07 Optional Equipment: Navigation System, Backup Camera
Kahuna burger. Not that we don’t Escalade apart from its previous
like burgers around here, but let’s editions and its flowing bumpers
face it, if you have the means and camouflage gaps, creating a less
you’re not allergic, seafood is bulky look.
easily the preferred dining option.
The 6.2 liter, aluminum-block V-8
To boot, the overwhelming feel- purrs like kitten at ignition and
ing once settling into the 2007 subsequently roars when called
Cadillac Escalade is royalty at its upon. In the same breath the four
finest. Arguably the best looking wheel disc brakes are designed
SUV on the road this year, the to stop exactly when you want
22” chromed out wheels (18’s are this monstrous creature to do so.
standard) and airtight suspension They can come equipped to seat
ensure a stately smooth ride. With six, seven or eight, complete with
a growing population of mini-UVs a BOSE 5.1 surround system and
hogging the road, the Escalade a rear DVD player for passengers
moves with masculine inten- to enjoy. Upfront the navigation
tions. While it shares its internal system and six disc CD changer
platform – the GMT900 – with the aims to maintain balance for the
Denali and Chevrolet Tahoe, the driver.
Escalade is pure Caddy. Elegant to
hot wheelz

the tee, wood grain accentuates Whether it’s little league baseball
the steering wheel, armrest, dash game, the upcoming Rick Ross
and center stack. concert or a leisurely trek to and
fro the local Red Lobster, the
As for other specific markings, Cadillac Escalade ’07 will get you
chrome is easily one of the there in style! – N. Ali Early

OZONE MAG // 83
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OZONE MAG // 85
 TJ’s DJ’s HUSTLER AWARD BEST RAP ALBUM

DJ Khaled Devin The Dude - Waitin’ To Inhale

Polow Da Don Lil Boosie – Bad Azz
T-Pain Ludacris – Release Therapy
AIRING T.I. Rich Boy – Rich Boy
Tony Neal Rick Ross – Port of Miami
LABOR DAY Yung Joc Young Jeezy – The Inspiration
WEEKEND
on
MTV JAMS TJs DJs TASTEMAKER AWARD BEST RAP ARTIST (MALE)

Andre 3000 Lil Wayne

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Rick Ross T.I.
T-Pain Young Jeezy

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DJ Khaled - “We Takin’ Over” Diamond & Princess of Crime Mob

Directed by Gil Green Rasheeda
Shawnna
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“Grew Up A Screw Up”
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BEST RAP GROUP
Pimp C - “Knockin Doors Down”
Directed by Benny Matthews 8Ball & MJG
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Three 6 Mafia - “Doe Boy Fresh” OutKast
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UGK
Young Buck - “Get Buck” USDA
Directed by Bernard Gourley

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Akon - Konvicted
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Andre 3000
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Supastar J-Kwik
T-Roc

86 // OZONE MAG
BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST MOST SLEPT-ON ARTIST

Baby Boy Da Prince Devin The Dude

Lil Boosie Gucci Mane
Rich Boy Lil Boosie
Shop Boyz Plies
Unk Trae

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Akon f/ Snoop Dogg “I Wanna Love You” DJ Drama & Young Jeezy – I Am The Street
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Young Jeezy f/ R Kelly “Go Getta”

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Foxx f/ Lil Boosie & Webbie “Wipe Me Down” E-40 – My Ghetto Report Card
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Chamillionaire Bishop Lamont
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Plies Mistah FAB
Young Jeezy Mitchy Slick

PATIENTLY WAITING: CAROLINAS PATIENTLY WAITING: ALABAMA

Brolic D Attitude
Collard Greens BA Boys
Lil Ru Birmingham J
Small World Modesty XO
Yela Wolf

PATIENTLY WAITING: KENTUCKY

PATIENTLY WAITING: FLORIDA
B Simm
Below Zero Flo-Rida
Don Fetti Piccalo
G-Mack Sean Kingston
Smitty
Treal
PATIENTLY WAITING: MISSISSIPPI Wes Fif

Boo da Boss Playa

GMB PATIENTLY WAITING: GEORGIA
Jewman
Soulja Boy Big Kuntry
B.O.B.
D.G. Yola
PATIENTLY WAITING: TENNESSEE Fabo
Gorilla Zoe
All Star
Da Volunteers
Kia Shine PATIENTLY WAITING: LOUISIANA
Lil Wyte
Chopper City Boyz
Foxx
PATIENTLY WAITING: TEXAS Hurricane Chris
Max Minelli
Green City
Grit Boys
Rob G Look out for the complete OZONE Awards
Tum Tum recap and photo galleries coming next month!

OZONE MAG // 87
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 Katt Williams Various Gangster With a Heart of
Pimp Chronicles Pt. 1 Gold Digger Killer Gold:
Codeblack the Noonie G. Story
If it weren’t for the undertones and underly-
Block 8 Productions
That DVD you watched last week? It’s nothin’! But
this shit right here… it’ll have you dyin’ laughin’. ing messages that appear more obvious than Gangster With a Heart of Gold: the Noonie G.
Chances are, after watching this sixty minute they’re intended to, the sensibility in Gold Story depicts the life of Harry “Noonie” Ward,
display, you will have adopted a new meaning for Digger Killer would come off about as flat as a former member and Chief of the Gangster
the word “death,” er uh, “def” per Katt Williams. an ironing board. Clearly an attempt to address Disciples – one of Chicago’s most longstanding
Filmed live a little over a year ago at the Atlanta two topical issues in urban America, this Hip and ruthless gangs. Perhaps the most telling
Civic Center, Pimp Chronicles, Pt. I touches on Hop horror peers into the ballerific world of aspect of the DVD is the idea that Noonie takes
the war, hairstylists, race, marijuana and more. the “player” (or “playa,” depending on how it upon himself to tell his own story. From his
Perhaps the most devastating and absolutely Ebonic-plagued you are) and the vultures who first encounter with murder (he watched a
funny episode is Williams’ unadulterated bashing sop up all their ends. They would be the “gold- woman shoot her boyfriend outside his front
of pop king Michael Jackson. In what quickly diggers.” The latter breed, in this instance Imani door at only eight years old) to vengeful at-
becomes an unremitting attack, the Cincinnati (Shatara Curry), finds herself at her wits end tacks on rival gangs and his eventual rise as
native sounds off at an intrepid pace and shows when her car breaks down and she’s fired for GD Chief, he leaves nothing out. Originally from
no signs of slowing down. “Fuck ‘em, fuck ‘em, some reason that writer Jeff Carroll doesn’t care Altgeld Gardens, Noonie’s childhood memories
fuck ‘em!” he repeats toward an astonished to share with the viewer. Her world suddenly are mostly happy ones. But as the timeline
crowd, to which Williams looks over once and turns upside down after she spends a night progresses, Noonie’s stories become increas-
blurts defiantly, “Yeah, I said it.” The original on the town with her girls (one of which just ingly more horrific. At no point does the former
HBO special is prompted by an intro that finds had her fifth abortion a day or two before, but troublemaker turned philanthropist brag or en-
Katt and West Coast rapper Snoop Dogg seated in who’s counting?) and finds herself seduced by dorse his old ways. He just informs, sometimes
a chandelier-laden old school Cadillac. Williams some cornball (Esteban Lastra) at the club. Upon in classrooms full of misguided students and
heeds words of advice from the Doggfather breaking up with her live-in boyfriend, Imani others in the middle of the streets he used to
before being introduced by funny man Anthony agrees to spend a weekend with the stranger. terrorize. Beyond his life as a dedicated soldier
Anderson. Lil Jon falls through with a shameless After being gang-raped she goes on a killing to the streets of Chi, Noonie went on to orga-
plug for CRUNK!!! Energy Drink and Cam’Ron dons spree, murdering every man who comes on nize one of the most sophisticated drug trades
the comedian/rapper (you ain’t know?) an official to her; even when she’s dressed like a hooker in the Midwest – a trait he picked up in 1991
Dipset member. Hilarious from beginning to end, walking the strip, and at times for no gotdamn after a call from his GD brothers in the state
Katt Williams’ unlikely performance leaves the reason at all. Chilling. However, chances are, penitentiary. Narrated by rappers and fellow
viewer gasping for breath and clutching at their you’ll be dying to press stop before she trans- Chicagoans Common and Kanye West, Gangster
stomachs. Who knew he was that damn funny? forms into the urban version of Aileen Wuornos With A Heart of Gold literally hits home. – N.
– N. Ali Early (Monster, 2003). – N. Ali Early Ali Early

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 Boyz N Da Hood/Back Up N Da Chevy
UGK/Underground Kingz/Jive Block Ent./Bad Boy South
In a year of sub-par albums, this is one of the best — by far. This Under- Instead of sending Boyz N Da Hood back up in the Chevy as a three man crew,
ground Kingz album is long overdue, but Pimp C and Bun B make amends Block Ent. CEO Russell “Block” Spencer brought in a hood figure to full the void
with patient UGK fans on their 26-track double album. Disc one alone, left by Da Snowman. On BNDH’s second album, Gorilla Zoe fills in nicely as his
highlighted by instant classics like “International Players Anthem” featuring chemistry with the remaining members is recognizable on tracks like “Bite Down”
Outkast, “The Game Belongs To Me” and “Quit Hatin’ The South” has more and “Everybody Knows Me.” When sticking to what they do best the Boyz make
than enough standouts for this release to be considered one of 2007’s best. quality street music, but the group struggles to make things work on the Don
On disc two, the Texas tandem continue to kick Down South lyricism over Cannon-produced “Jump.” The ever-present T-Pain helps smooth things out on
soulful production as they trade coke tales with Rick Ross on “Cocaine,” “Table Dance,” as BNDH gets the dollar flying in the strip club. Rick Ross, Yung Joc
floss whips on the Jazze Pha produced “Stop-N-Go” and take some time out and Ice Cube appear on the album but filling Jeezy’s Air Forces is a tough task.
to honor down ass chicks with Talib Kweli on “Real Women.” Although this Still, dem boyz manage to keep it gangsta the second time around without Mr.
double disc does have a few repetitive rhymes and some questionable guest 17.5. — Randy Roper
appearances, Underground Kingz is a Southern masterpiece full of vintage
UGK music from the legendary Port Arthur, TX duo. This album is sure to
please diehard fans and earn them some new ones along the way. This is shit
you can ride to; country rap tunes. Chuuch! — Randy Roper

Tum Tum/Eat Or Get Ate

Universal Republic/T-Town Music
Tum Tum claims to make “Caprice Musik,” but really, this is kind of shit you listen
to right before you’re about to beat somebody’s ass. It’s fight music; it’s moti-
vational. This would definitely be a good CD to play on an overnight road trip,
because it’s impossible to fall asleep to. At times, Tum’s flow and subject matter
Plies/The Real Testament/Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic
sounds slightly too similar from track to track. The high energy and boisterous
Plies’ take on many subjects are straight to the point on his debut album, where lyrics can also be a bit much, and this album doesn’t offer much for the ladies
he makes his disdain for “pussy ass crackers,” “police ass niggas” and “pussy ass either. But overall, Tum gets his “Mission Accomplished.” He successfully captures
niggas” clear on songs like “100 Years,” “I Kno U Workin’” and “Keep It Too Real.” the Dallas sound while still having mainstream appeal. And with production by
But none of those tracks are exactly good, especially since Plies tends to rap such all-stars as Mannie Fresh, Play-N-Skillz, and Scott Storch the only question
offbeat at times as if he couldn’t hear the sound coming through his headphones that remains is whether or not Eat Or Get Ate will be embraced by a nationwide,
during recordings. Plies seems at his best when paired with R&B vocalists like Tank mainstream audience. — Eric Perrin
(“You”), Akon (“Hypnotized”) and T-Pain (“Shawty”) for explicit tales of sexual
escapades. This Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic debut album from the Florida newcomer is
one the South’s most anticipated releases of 2007. But anticipated doesn’t always
translate into acclaim as Plies’ debut suffers from a lack of mic skills that isn’t
helped by the album’s bland production. — Randy Roper

Common/Finding Forever
G.O.O.D. Music/Geffen
The game definitely needs more Common Sense, and with that said, Finding
Forever’s 12 track’s simply aren’t enough. Though FF displays that real Hip Hop
everybody said was dead, it’s still doesn’t live up to the quality that’s expected of
Lonnie Lynn, nor does it contain any tremendously spectacular stand-out tracks.
Trae/Life Goes On/Rap-A-Lot/ABN Don’t get it twisted, Finding Forever is a classic album. You certainly won’t feel
the need to press skip at any point during the CD, but you also won’t find any “I
Trae’s major label debut, Restless, was a dark, brooding album which introduced Used to Love Her” type tracks on this Kanye produced offering either. Common’s
the rest of the world to the Houston rapper’s rapid fire delivery. Although the seventh LP seems more like a beat making experiment for Ye than the gem Com
album did please his core fanbase, many new fans were surprised at the overall fans have waited over 2 years for. Still, on Common proves his flow and lyrical
darkness which wasn’t displayed in the singles “Swang” and “In Da Hood.” On ability are second to none, and even if he never releases another album, he’ll
his latest effort Trae attempts to keep old fans pleased while gaining new ones. still be one of the greatest emcees ever to ever touch the mic. Let’s just hope he
Tracks like “Smile” and “Screwed Up” show the Houstonian holding his own
hasn’t found forever yet. — Eric Perrin
alongside lyrical heavyweights Lil Wayne, Styles P and Jadakiss. Meanwhile “Give
My Last Breath” and “The Truth” have Trae in his element as he laments on fallen
friends and the pressures of life. Often times hardcore artists come off as watered
down when trying to appeal to new fans, but Trae successfully creates an album
that is sure to please supporters as well as the newcomers. — DeVaughn Douglas

Khujo Goodie/Mercury/Day One Music
As one-fourth of Goodie Mob, Khujo is credited as a rapper that helped pioneer
the Dirty South movement. But Khujo’s solo music is a different direction from the
Sean Kingston/Epic/Beluga Heights Mob’s political and social relevant sound. On his second solo album, the opening
track “Ultimate Hustler” is the only Goodie Mob remnant. Instead, Khujo opts for
Jamaican artist Sean Kingston blasted onto the scene seemingly overnight, edgier tracks like the confrontational “We Ain’t Askin,” the strip club-influenced
but he’s been on his Myspace grind. It paid off when he consistently messaged “She Killin It” and the play-no-games “No Brown Nosin’.” While Khujo’s distinc-
producer J.R. Rotem about checking out his music. Through the commute to Los tive flow is still the same, the gritty music on Mercury will have Goodie Mob fans
Angeles and eventual link-up with the producer, the artist slides onto the scene wishing for a reunion. —Randy Roper
with his summer love anthem “Beautiful Girls.” This debut album offers a huge
scoop of love infused lyrics, a touch of Hip Hop and pop beats, a dash of rap and
a large amount of island flavoring which once mixed together, gives you a lot of
love ballads. And too much of anything can make you sick. — E.L. Berry

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 Kia Shine/Due Season/Universal Motown
Kin Folk Kia Shine has been hustling hard out of
Memphis for the last few years, so you have no
choice but to respect his grind. His rhymes are a different story.
On Due Season, Rap Hustlaz Music handles the bulk of the produc-
tion and lays a solid soundtrack for Kia Shine to work with, but
Dirty/The Art of Storytelling/Rap-A-Lot this album is filled with far too many songs and rhymes about
being fresh. The Play-N-Skillz produced “Krispy” is a perfect example of a standout beat
It’s been awhile since we heard from Pimp and Gangsta. They put Alabama on the that may be better off without Kia Shine rhyming over it. “Bluff City Classic” featuring
map before Rich Boy was old enough to drive a Cadillac, but these ‘Bama boys have 8Ball & MJG is a standout track but being out-rhymed by Jim Jones on “I Be Every-
become forgotten souls in this fickle rap game. Now with Rap-A-Lot behind them, where” isn’t a good look for Mr. Krispy. Due Season has plenty of dope beats and “swag
Dirty is set to teach sucker emcees The Art of Storytelling. On songs like “Set Up,” music” that can teach a listener how to dress but for tips on how to rhyme well, you
“Check Myself” and “Comin Home,” Dirty vividly paint poetic pictures with real talk might want to look elsewhere. — Randy Roper
but songs like “Chevy Rock” and “Slob On My Nobb” are heard-it-all-before. The
Garcia/Life Unscripted/Latchkey
middle portion of the album seems dedicated to the ladies, where four songs (“I Life Unscripted covers many angles as Garcia fuses
Got 50,” “Couple Hundred,” “Just Like At Her” and “Ride 4 Me”) focus on the females. Southern sounds, East Coast grit and Latin music
Having the Pimp and the Gangsta back is a good listen, as their Dirty South lyricism on his sophomore album. The 305 representer gets listeners reac-
over soul samples is refreshing music. — Randy Roper quainted on “Tell ‘Em Who You Are,” wears his culture proudly on
“I’m Cuban,” and keeps it street on “I’ll Never Run.” “GaveHerDat”
featuring N.O.R.E. is the only song that could have been left off the final cut but Garcia’s
official street album has enough standouts like “Clear My Mind” and “The Struggle” to
nullify a slight blunder. — Randy Roper

G-Mack/Tha Street Bible/Lost Land

Don’t get Kentucky misconstrued. The streets are alive in the Bluegrass State and
Lexington, KY’s G-Mack represents for them on Tha Street Bible. Standout songs Chamillionaire/Mixtape Messiah 3
like “Checks Out” featuring Young Cash and Studio, and Mack’s regional smash On the third installment of the Mixtape Messiah
hit “Hatah’s” are iPod selections for any street music fan. “I Got This” is another series, King Koopa flows through 22 tracks of re-
standout where Mack shows depth when he opens up about lost friendships, grow- makes from Fabolous’ “Make Me Better” to Kanye’s “Stronger,” still
ing up without a father and a ruined relationship with his older brother. Although kicking the rhymes of a hungry emcee but with the content of a
Mack still needs to develop versatility with his flow and delivery, ultimately Tha rapper with more fame and more dollars in his pocket. MM3 could
have benefited from a few original tracks or previews of what’s to
Street Bible checks out. — Randy Roper
come on Ultimate Victory, but this mixtape will give fans a Chamillitary fix until Koopa’s
next major label release hits stores. — Randy Roper

Brolic D & DJ Chuck T/Carolina’s Favorite

Even since Raleigh, NC’s Norfclk hooked up with
Ludacris’ label, the peace has been disturbed in the
Grandaddy Souf/Chasing My Dream Carolinas. And Brolic D, a 2007 Patiently Waiting Carolina nominee,
SRC/Universal is part of the reason DTP has been making noise in NC. Although
Grandaddy Souf has spent years on the underground scene trying to breakthrough his Norfclk counterpart, Small World, falls ahead of Brolic of the
to the masses and on his latest offering, the underground vet continues to chase DTP depth chart, Brolic D shows that he’s a “Carolina Favorite” on
this DJ Chuck T-hosted mixtape. Brolic displays a furious flow coupled with ill punch-
his rap dreams. Grandaddy starts off strong on the album’s title track, where he lines on tracks like “100 Grand” and manages to open up on “I Tried” and “Problems.” A
lyrically vents the frustrations of his life and career story. But with the exception few tracks like “Shoot a Tool” and “Don’t Get Fucked Up” can be passed over but songs
of the introspection on “Gospel” and a tribute to his grandmother on “Because of like “Shake Dat” and “Do What I Wanna” bang hard enough for listeners to take notice of
You,” the majority of Chasing My Dream is a collection of stale cliché street tracks this Carolina rhymer. — Randy Roper
(“Deputy Dope Boy”) and poorly executed chick records (“Fun Girl” and “Keep ‘Em
Coming Back”). While Chasing My Dream isn’t all bad, after this one, Souf’s dreams 36 & Bigga Rankin/Check My Resume
are still eluding him. — Anthony King Tempo and tone wise, 36 and Dirty Music’s Check
My Resume is a monotonous listen, where none of
the songs standout out from others. Except two records aimed to
appease female listeners (“4 Da Freaky Hoes” and “My Bottom”),
themes don’t surpass getting money, getting money and getting
money. Dirty Music’s Diego appears on seven of the mixtape’s 27
tracks, and each time 36 is outshined by his guest rapper. On “Stand Down” Shawty Redd
blesses 36 with the mixtape’s best production but 36 and Diego don’t bring anything
Reggae Gold 2007/Various Artists/VP refreshing to the table. While the mixtape doesn’t produce anything flat-out awful, it
The Reggae Gold compilation has a long history of introducing the mainstream to doesn’t produce anything memorable either. — Randy Roper
the newest reggae music. The 2007 edition features new music from veteran artists
like Sean Paul (“Watch Them Roll”), Elephant Man (“Bring It”) and Buju Banton Soulja Boy & DJ Scream/Supaman Starring
(“Bobby Reds”) as well as newcomers Mavado (“Top Shotta Nah Miss” and “Last Soulja Boy
Though high school students and clubgoers idolize
Night”) and Jah Cure (“Sticky”). The reggae version of Mims’ breakthrough single
Soulja Boy, lil’ homie still needs a lot of work lyrically. True, he
“This Is Why I’m Hot” featuring Cham and Junior Reid is also a featured track on dominated the summer of ’07 in a major way, and it’s virtually im-
this 2007 compilation. Reggae fans should find this compilation a must have but possible not to sing along to his “Supaman” when it comes on in
Reggae Gold 2007 doesn’t have as many standouts with breakthrough potential as the club. But if you’ve ever given Soulja Boy’s music a sober listen,
in years past. — Randy Roper it’s a disappointing experience. Most of this mixtape sounds like it was recorded after
school in Soulja Boy’s high school gym. He does have an extremely loyal young fanbase,
and the fact that DJ Scream hosted this mixtape gives it some credibility. But still, Soulja
Boy only deserves 2 blunts. He’s too young to be smoking anyway. — Eric Perrin

Willie Joe/The Signing

Willie Joe’s The Signing is a solid pre-album release.
4-Ize/Fantastik 4-Ize/Soular Sausage With guest appearances from artists such as Jody
Breeze, Clyde Carson, B.O.B, Lloyd, Playboy Tre, and Mistah FAB.,
You may remember 4-Ize as the emcee “mouthin’ off” during freestyles on Luda’s this mixtape is better than average. It’s arranged more like an
first two albums. Seven years after first appearing on Back For The First Time, album than a mixtape, as it only has 13 tracks, but for true Willie
4-Ize is finally hitting the streets with his debut album Fantastik 4-Ize. On many Joe’ fans from The Bay to The A this is 50 minutes of crack. The
tracks Ize is seemingly rambling about nothing and refuses to pick a topic and Signing contains excellent production, including the DJ Toomp produced “This is How We
stick to it. But Ize shines when he sticks to the script on songs like “We Outside” Roll,” which is the highlight of the CD. Another can’t miss track is “Why Don’t You” fea-
and “Lust.” 4-Ize is a gifted MC, so, “Can he rap?” is not the question. But the turing Playboy Tre and B.O.B. Willie Joe reveals glimpses of greatness all throughout The
question is: Can he make an album with more songs that don’t sound like three Signing, but on a few of the tracks like “Bay’d Out,” it’s apparent that he is still a rookie
in the game. Regardless, Jazze Pha’s number 1 draft pick proves to be a good addition
random freestyles with hooks in-between? — Randy Roper
to the Sho’ Nuff family. — Eric Perrin

OZONE MAG // 93
 endzone

USDA (Slick Pulla, Young Jeezy, & BloodRaw)

City: Jacksonville, FL
Venue: Plush Nightclub
Date: June 14th, 2007

Photo: Terrence Tyson

94 // OZONE MAG
 01. DJ Chuck T “Down South Slangin’ Countdown Vol. 7” www.djchuckt.com
DJ Envy, T.I. & Trackmasters “Purple Codeine 13”
02. DJ Teknikz “Georgia Power 4: The Grand Hustle Story” www.myspace.comdjteknikz 678-933-7272 www.myspace.com/djenvy
03. DJ Scream “Heavy In The Streets X” Featuring M.L.K. www.djscream.biz
404-542-0847
DJ Envy & Trackmasters team up with the King
04. DJ Forgie “Who Run It 9” www.myspace.com/djfrogie 888-318-7918 of the South to drop a couple unreleased T.I.
05. DJ Judge Mental “Dirt Law 14” www.djjudgemental.com 404-760-9606 tracks and brand new music from the South’s
biggest artists. This mixtape features music
06. DJ Trackstar “Boogie Bang 8” www.myspace.com/djtrackstar 314-283-6384
from Rick Ross (“Trilla”), Lil’ Boosie (“Fresh
07. Team Invasion “Hood Rules Apply: Live Free or Die Hard 8.0” www.mysp
ace.com/teaminvasion
06 Cut”), Baby and Lil’ Wayne (“Pop Bottles”) and
08. DJ Jay Since/DJ Grip “Down In Texas 5: Texas Slang” Hosted by Kyle Lee www.myspace.com/djjaysince www.myspace.com/djgripmusic brief interviews with T.I.P.
09. Will Hustle/DJ Knowledge “Whatahustler Volume Three” www.myspace.com/w
illhustle
10. DJ Saint/DJ Loco “Grindin’ To Get It” Hosted by Will Hustle www.myspace.com/djsaint23 www.myspace.com/djlocowm DJs, send your mix CDs (with a cover) for
11. Chief Rocka “Asshole By Nature” Hosted by Trae http://www.myspace.c consideration to:
om/djchiefrocka2
12. DJ Fresh “On Tha Grind Part 1.5” www.myspace.com/djfreshinc 910-934-9232 Ozone Magazine
13. DJ Vlad “Rock Star Blends” www.myspace.com/djvlad 644 Antone St. Suite 6
Atlanta, GA 30318
14. DJ Bobby Black “Down and Dirty” www.myspace.com/theofficialdjbobbyblack 678-859-3303
15. DJ 2Mello “Undercover R&B: SEA Edition” www.myspace.com/supa_dj2mel
lo [email protected]
16. DJ 1Mic “Can’t Knock The Hustle 2K7” Hosted by Sha Stimuli www.myspace.com/dj1mic
17. DJ Rondevu/DJ Premier “The Realness” www.djrondevu.com

18. Tre Unda “Audio Cocaine: Crack Viles Part 4” www.treunda.com

19. DJ Ktone “Turf Love: The Proposal” www.myspace.com/djktonedotcom
720-404-6767
20. Frank Nino/Lique “When the North & South Collide 4” www.mixtapemovie.com OZONE MAG // 95
OZONE MAG // 95
 endzone

Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Akon, & David Banner

City: Miami, FL
Venue: Paskal Lighting
Event: David Banner’s “Speaker” video shoot
Date: June 14th, 2007

Photo: Julia Beverly

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 endzone

Hurricane Chris
City: Little Rock, AR
Event: Power 92’s Juneteenth concert
Date: June 15th, 2007

Photo: DJ Who

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