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YOUR FAVORITE RAPPERS FAVORITE MAGAZINE

ILLUStRAtION

tHE

ISSUE: t.I. LIL wAYNE SCARFACE ANDRE 3000


& MORE

tRINA
DEM FRANCHIZE BOYZ
RICK ROSS |GREG STREET MAC-BONEY | OOOPS XVII | TAYDIZM AND MUCH MORE!

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DEM HOODSTARZ STRONG ARM STEADY

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YOUNG L OF THE PACK
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TRINA | CHERI DENNIS GREG STREET | RIck RoSS ThE FIRST ANNUAl IllUSTRATIoN ISSUE MAC-BONEY | oooPS | TAYDIZM AND MUCH MORE!
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PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF // Julia Beverly MUSIC EDITOR // Randy Roper FEATURES EDITOR // Eric N. Perrin ASSOCIATE EDITOR // Maurice G. Garland ART DIRECTOR // Tene Gooden ADVERTISING SALES // Che Johnson PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR // Malik Abdul SPECIAL EDITION EDITOR // Jen McKinnon MARKETING DIRECTOR // David Muhammad Sr. LEGAL CONSULTANT // Kyle P. King, P.A. SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER // Adero Dawson ADMINISTRATIVE // Kisha Smith INTERN // Kari Bradley CONTRIBUTORS // Bogan, Charlamagne the God, Chuck T, Cierra Middlebrooks, Destine Cajuste, E-Feezy, Edward Hall, Felita Knight, Jacinta Howard, Jaro Vacek, Jessica Koslow, J Lash, Jason Cordes, Jo Jo, Johnny Louis, Kamikaze, Keadron Smith, Keith Kennedy, K.G. Mosley, King Yella, Luis Santana, Luxury Mindz, Marcus DeWayne, Matt Sonzala, Maurice G. Garland, Mercedes (Strictly Streets), Natalia Gomez, Ray Tamarra, Rico Da Crook, Robert Gabriel, Rohit Loomba, Shannon McCollum, Spiff, Stan Johnson, Swift, Thaddeus McAdams, Wally Sparks, Wendy Day STREET REPS // Al-My-T, B-Lord, Big Teach (Big Mouth), Bigg C, Bigg V, Black, Brian Franklin, Buggah D. Govanah (On Point), Bull, C Rola, Cedric Walker, Chill, Chilly C, Chuck T, Controller, DJ Dap, Delight, Derrick the Franchise, Dolla Bill, Dwayne Barnum, Dr. Doom, Ed the World Famous, Episode, General, Gorilla Promo, Haziq Ali, H-Vidal, Hollywood, J Fresh, Jammin Jay, Janky, Joe Anthony, Judah, Kamikaze, KC, Kenneth Clark, Klarc Shepard, Kuzzo, Kydd Joe, Lex, Lil D, Lump, Marco Mall, Music & More, Nick@ Nite, Nikki Kancey, Pat Pat, PhattLipp, Pimp G, Quest, Rio G, Rippy, Rob-Lo, Stax, TJs DJs, TJ Bless, Tim Brown, Tre Dubb, Trina Edwards, Vicious, Victor Walker, Voodoo, Wild Billo, Young Harlem SUBSCRIPTIONS // To subscribe, send check or money order for $20 to: Ozone Magazine, Inc. Attn: Subscriptions Dept  Antone St. Suite  Atlanta, GA 08 Phone: 0-0-88 Fax: 0-0-2 Website: www.ozonemag.com COVER CREDITS // Trina photo courtesy of Slip N Slide Records; Cheri Dennis photo courtesy of Bad Boy Records; Dem Franchize Boyz photo by Ray Tamarra; Greg Street photo by Drexina Photography. DISCLAIMER // OZONE Magazine is published 2 times per year by OZONE Magazine, Inc. OZONE does not take responsibility for unsolicited materials, misinformation, typographical errors, or misprints. The views contained herein do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or its advertisers. Ads appearing in this magazine are not an endorsement or validation by OZONE Magazine for products or services offered. All photos and illustrations are copyrighted by their respective artists. All other content is copyright 2008 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.

illustrations
63 65 68 67 66 70 64 62 69 71 T.I. PIMP C 50 CENT JUVENILE SCARFACE LIL WAYNE RICK ROSS C-MURDER ANDRE 3000 BOB MARLEY

monthly sections
82 14 36 18-20 34 80 26 15 30 24 23-47 32 28 38-46 76 81 74-75 78 END ZONE FEEDBACK TATTED UP RAPQUEST TRUE RAPS CD REVIEWS CHIN CHECK JBS 2 CENTS DOLLAR MENU MATHEMATICS PHOTO GALLERY CHAIN REACTION SIDEKICK HACKIN PATIENTLY WAITING DJ PROFILE: DJ AARIES CAFFEINE SUBSTITUTES TJS DJS TASTEMAKERS BOARD GAME: DON CANNON

interviews
53 52 GREG STREET CHERI DENNIS

2 // OZONE MAG

RINA PG 8- T DEM F OYZ PG -8 RANCHIZE B


OZONE MAG // 

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

I get every issue of OZONE because its a real magazine for the streets. Im an upcoming producer from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Im just trying to build a presence. I grind hard, and if I could get a picture in the Rapquest portion of the mag or the Patiently Waiting, I would be highly appreciative. Daniel Cochrane, danielcochrane@tmail.com (Tuscaloosa, AL) I read JBs 2 Cents article this morning, and all I have to say is: Keep doing what youre doing. Keep your head up. DJ Walgee (Orlando, FL) The article you did on Lil Wayne for the December 200 issue was awesome! A little explicit, but awesome! I was wondering where I can buy the t-shirts Wayne had on the cover and inside the magazine. Ive been trying to find them everywhere! - Byron Johnson, bbj8@aol.com (Tallahassee, FL) Definitely wanna give yall props for showing some love to the DC Hip Hop scene in the latest edition of OZONEs Rapquest, but yall really aint get the full story behind DJ Rob being locked up. Members of Third World Klick, a DC area Hip Hop group, were also at DJ Robs studio the same day of the Feds raid. They ended up getting locked up along with DJ Rob while putting the finishing touches on their debut mixtape. The Feds seized laptops and hard drives full of music from the Klick, threatening to halt the release of their mixtape. Nevertheless, they kept it movin and still managed to release their first official street release HungerStrike Vol. : Break Bread, hosted by DJ Rob. Army of Kingz, armyofkingzent@gmail.com (Washington, D.C.) So Weezys on the cover of XXL Mag, again! I love XXL and all, but they have been lax with their featuers lately. I just wanted to give you a shout for doing your thing with OZONE. I remember back in the day when cats could only find it in downtown Orlando, or at specific spots in Winter Park or around UCF. Then, about a year ago, I saw an issue in Borders in New York City. I pray for the day you guys get a better distribution deal so the whole world will know about yall! Be blessed. Ross (Kissimmee, FL) Hey Julia, I just wanted to give you a shoutout and say that the mag is great. This is actually the first issue I read of OZONE, and I have been cracking up on the train. Keep it up. I cant believe that you wrote practically all of the stories in there. Do you sleep? That is true love and dedication. Nekia Seymore (New York, NY) Im an avid reader of your magazine but I was disappointed by the Florida Classic weekend edition. The Classic takes place in Orlando, FL and you completely forgot to include the biggest hustler from Orlando in your magazine. I found out about Jessie Maguire after I moved from Jersey and was flipping  // OZONE MAG

through the radio channels and came across a young voice shouting out, Brand new music produced by Orlandos own The Runners, and I kept listening to the show. After the show I checked out her Myspace and did a little research. Jessie Maguire is the Hip Hop music director for WPRK . FM in Orlando. That evening she had the legendary KRS-One in the studio and did an interview with him for an hour and a half. While researching WPRK I found out that DJ Khaled and DJ Nasty used to spin at the station years ago. Recently, OZONE had a shoot in Orlando for the movers and shakers for Rapquest and I saw her hanging around with The Runners. I would love to read a story about her. Most up and coming artists dont realize that commercial radio station DJs have little say-so, if any, on what they play, but college radio is a whole different story in itself. I recently heard through the grapevine that she is going to be honored by one of those teen magazines as one of the top young people making a difference in this world. If national magazines are highlighting her for her accomplishments, I figured OZONE, a magazine that started from her hometown, would show some love. I have never actually talked to Jessie for an extensive period of time but she has played my music on her show before. A rep from Koch Records contacting me because they heard my song on her radio show and now Im about to sign a distribution deal, so she is the reason my dream came true. Shes the true mover and shaker in Orlando even though you neglected to mention her in your Classic weekend edition. Carlos Dense (Orlando, FL) Anytime you talk about Chicago entertainment, like in OZONEs recent issue of Rapquest, how can you not talk about Chicagos # DJ Malik Shabazz of the CORE DJs who is at the top of entertainment when it comes to red carpet events, concerts, comedy shows, urban fashion, and street info in Chicago? DJ Malik Shabazz, myspace.com/djmalikshabazz (Chicago, IL) I just wanted to compliment you on OZONE Magazine. Great work and concepts. I love it. Im in the process of trying to collab with a photographer that has shot models for your magazine. Besides that, The Pack is on the OZONE West cover for this months issue. Exciting! Marissa Brown, thonnonlyprincss@yahoo.com (Los Angeles, CA) We need a Hand Job page for the women in the next issue to find out whos got the biggest pussy, like yall did for the guys in the sex issue. Greg Street, myspace.com/djgregstreet (Atlanta, GA) Appreciate the love me and Batman got in the Rapquest section for Virginia Beach. OZONE is definitely one of the hottest up and coming mags. Were probably the two youngest in the game, but the most influential and the most consistent with party promo, events, and club nights in the . Ive gotta pay respect to cats out here like Ike White, Chuck Stewart, and Droop. The  is a hot area for talent. Look out for the Spot Raiders, Sic Mic, Big Kev, Big Tay, Peso, DMP, Saint, and B.I., and a whole lot of other artists. Gee Hicks, geehicks@upinthemix.net (Hampton, VA)

10 ThingS im haTin On
PaRT 1
by Alexyss Tylor a.k.a. the Vagina Power lady
Alexyss had so much hate this month we had to split it into two parts!
. Homewreckers It bothers me because women are competing with other womens pussies. They thinkin I just wanna show that bitch she aint shit. Thats why I wanna fuck her nigga. So a lot of times it aint even about the nigga, its about the woman on the outside thats fucking the nigga just to show the other bitch she aint shit, because shes jealous what the woman has accomplished, or because she feels insecure that she aint got nothing, or because she aint got a man of her own. Its a lot of women out here, fucking out of pussy competition. It aint even about the nigga. 2. Down Low Sistas Im hatin on women that are sneakin around eating pussy when they got a husband at home, and wont tell him that they really like fish. That bothers me because women are deceiving. Theyre misleading their husbands, and theyre tricking them. A lot of these womens husbands are probably good men, hard working and honest, and theyre committed to their relationships and making it work, but the woman is tricking the man, putting him in a position where she can have him to herself, and so he cant share the dick, but then she round here eating up all the pussy she can damn slurp up. . Down Low Brothas Men around here sucking dicks, fucking multiple dicks, and they aint letting they women know that they really like to suck dick and swallow sperms, and its bothering me because its a lot of treacherous ass, dick suckin ass niggas out here thats really cheating on the women, and misleading the women, pretending like they like pussy when they really thinking about the boys pussy that they got, that they like to fuck, and that they like to suck. They professional dick suckers, and these women dont even know what time it is out here. They not telling the women; they just think its a funny game. And theyre not using condoms with their men lovers, and they come back sticking they dick in a womans mouth. Its creating another cycle of HIV, AIDS, and STDs for black women to have to deal with, and were already the frontrunners for STDs and AIDS. . Hanging Nuts Im hating on hangin, stankin nuts. A lot of men wear these damn tight ass pants. Niggas is walking around with these damn tight ass pants wit no draws on and you cant see they dick, but you can see they nuts. Its like hangin nuts showing through the pants. Its really nasty first of all for a mans nuts to be longer than his dick, thats a problem, and then second, all you can see is his long saggy nuts coming through the damn pants, or hangin on one side of his damn draw leg or pants leg. Get yo pants tailored, or taken up, or something, but we dont have to see all that. 0. Penis Hygiene A lot of times were having to deal with men that are uncircumcised, but then we pulling they skin back and its a odor, and its a lot of grease, what they call down here nap butter, and it cakes underneath the dick skin. //

ve never been one to speak out much when it comes to politics, because it usually comes down to choosing between the lesser of two evils and I dont care enough to research em. But, like everybody else, Ive jumped on the Barack bandwagon, and its not just because Id gladly be his Monica Lewinsky. Its because he doesnt come off like a complete idiot when he speaks. Im all for women in power, but Hillary seems fake to me, and our current regime clearly needs to go because the president is on TV completely clueless that gas prices are approaching $.00/gallon. It doesnt take an economist to tell us that were in a fucking recession. Any d-boy can tell you that. You know its bad when street hustlers are more aware of the state of our economy than the leader of the free world. But, then again, I guess if I spent most of my time on a private jet and vacationing on a ranch, I wouldnt have a clue either.
Gangstas in New York

jbS 2cents

JOHN REGER

Big Bosses in Vegas

It was a loooooong winter, wasnt it? The music industry is reeling, like every other industry I guess, and a lot has changed since I last sat down to pen my 2 Cents. The editor of XXL got fired and now he wants to be Facebook friends with me. Who am I going to talk shit about now? The Source? Too easy. Over here at OZONE, we also made some changes to get more positive vibes flowing around the office. At the end of the day, people dont change. If theyre a disgruntled lame when you hire em, theyre gonna be a disgruntled lame when you fire em. Contrary to what anybody tells ya, OZONE is alive and kickin on the West Coast from the Bay to L.A. to Vegas to AZ, and you already know we still rep Florida and the whole South. The OZONE Awards are going to be in Houston this year. But honestly, who are we going to give awards to? I really hope everybody steps their music game up between now and August, because right now, the nomination selections look kinda weak.

KING YELLA

D-RAY

Tastemakers in St. Louis

Ive been expanding my little side hustles to compensate for all the broke advertisers who are fucking me recession-style, and one of those side hustles is booking shows. The music industry itself is dirty to begin with, but booking agents and club promoters are the worst of the worst. Theyre like the used car salesmen of the music industry. On top of that, artists (or their management) make up for their lack of record sales by trying to charge $20-2k when they have one record. When promoters say they want an artist for $k, I just laugh. Those dont exist anymore. You come across a lot of inept managers through booking shows, like the ones who bounce you around to three different people and still wont give you a straight response to the simple question you asked, or the ones who insist you fax an offer instead of just texting you back the price. Its 2008, people. Are we really still stuck on fax machines? Some people wont even respond to $0,000 offers. Must be nice. Then theres other artists like Fabolous and Gucci Mane who (if youre lucky enough to get a response) refuse to travel to host a party. If somebody wanted to give you, say, ten stacks to fly out to Vegas and hang out for the night, what would you say? Someday they might be wishing they had taken those flights. But, I digress. Do yall, cuz umma do me - word to Rocko who was a little sore at us after last months issue (and Roccett, and Jeezy, and Big Boi). I do talk a lot of shit myself, but being the editor, I also take the fall for everybody elses shit talking, which is dangerous now that weve got plenty of smart asses on the OZONE roster. I cant lie, 2008s been kinda rough so far. But like those big-ass Obama posters say, Ive got hope. You wanna see how its done? Watch me do me. - Julia Beverly, jb@ozonemag.com

TERRENCE TYSON

Beverlys in New Orleans

Slutmonkeys in Miami

KING YELLA

Pimps in Vegas

Bun B f/ Sean Kingston Thats Gangsta B.O.B. f/ Amy Winehouse Grip Your Body Kidz N The Hall Driving Down The Block Stuey Rock f/ Rob Fetti Nymphomaniac Grind Mode f/ Rick Ross Im So High (remix) 2 Pistols f/ T-Pain & Taydizm She Got It Rick Ross f/ Jay-Z Maybach Music Lyfe Jennings f/ Lil Wayne & T.I. Brand New

RESplaylist

randy.roper@ozonemag.com Webbie f/ Letoya Luckett I Miss You Joe Budden All Of Me Treal The Crush Shawty Lo Foolish

OZONE MAG // 

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ESt PQU RA
IF YOU
AUStIN, tX: ALBUQUERQUE, NM
It may get harder to throw a Hip Hop show in the 0. In November there were two shootings at two venues. Club Fantasia had a shooting outside the club during the Latin Invasion Tour with Pitbull. Club Seven had a shooting inside the club right before Hurricane Chris was to perform. No one was killed. Rap group Da Young Gammaz are coming up and getting airplay on stations throughout NM. Alex Thomas and Ricky Harris are coming to town at Laffs Comedy Club. Juan Gambino is still selling units throughout the Southwest. - Beno (Beno@eadymusicgroup.com)

OZONEMA POPPIN AT ALL, HIT US UP at JB@ ATS ENTED DEtROIt, MI: TO EE WH EETS PRESSNTED, OR NOT REPRES The Magic City Classic is getting bigger each year. Freewill Records E STR MISRE E ITS TH dropped Live From The Classic  The Mixtape which featured OZONFEEHTHAT YOUR CITY IS Maceo, Corey Barbar, Haitian Fresh, Dirty Dolla, Bleu Davinci, Redd EL
Rapid Rics Whut It Dew Radio is available now. Tosin, James Dean, and TheScrewShop. com put on a throwback Swisha House Bash with former members Magno, Big Tike, Lil Mario, Lester Roy and more. Slim Gutta of On The Line Records headed to Desoto for a halftime performance at an ABA Texas Tycoons game. Chingo Bling and camp came through Austin for a show at Zocalo. Other performers included Latasha of Carnival Beats, J-Kapone, and DJ Crash to name a few. Will Hustle TV Vol.  is coming soon. DJ Grips Down In Texas  hosted by Chalie Boy will also be out soon. - O.G. of Luxury Mindz (LuxuryMindz@gmail.com) Eyezz, Laponne, Jiggalo of Suavehouse, Modesty XO and Nino Brown, to name a few. Larry Langford was elected the new mayor, which should help bring changes around the city. R.W. Record Pool found a new home at Mikes Crossroads and the Come Claim the Mic networking event is growing. . Jamz is doing their thing around the city and DJs like C.J. Sticman, Jukebox, Serious and more do their thing on mixshows and at clubs. - K. Bibbs (AllOrNothingPromo@hotmail.com)

G.COM

BALtIMORE, MD:

HBO, Nonesuch Records, and Warner Music Group will be releasing the highly anticipated soundtrack to HBOs groundbreaking series The Wire. The Wire is an Emmy-nominated series based in Baltimore and has been the top rated urban show for five years. The soundtrack will feature music of different genres and artists, but will be highlighted by some of Baltimores most talented rappers. The list includes Mullyman, Tyree Colion, Bossman, The Get Em Mamis, Ogun, The Dirty Hartz, DJ Rod Lee, and more. The lead single and video is the anthem Jail Flick by Diablo. - Darkroom Productions (TheDarkRoomInc@yahoo.com)

BAY St. LOUIS, MS:

It always goes down at Nells Sports Bar & Lounge. Shawt came through and had the ladies going crazy with his hits Im Drunk and Im the Man featuring Mannie Fresh. The Swamp Root Klik always holds Mississippi down with their hits You Know the Sound and Im a Bay Boy. The Gulf Coast welcomes 2. the Beat FM, who just converted from Gospel to Adult R&B/Hip Hop. - DJ Deliyte (unodasound@yahoo.com)

Local radio host/Hip Hop journalist/Morgan St. Professor Dr. Jared Ball is running for president with his campaign-mate Head Roc, a prominent backpack rapper that made his name along the U Street corridor. The Hip Hop scholar garnered the required petition signatures allowing him to run and hes now campaigning to be Green Partys nominee for president. Dr. Ball says his campaign is a way to mobilize the Hip Hop community and expand the reach of his independent political party by addressing the needs of the poor and disfranchised. Our campaign, just like the mixtape, is designed to reach the grassroots without corporate backing, he says. - Pharoh Talib (Ptalib@gmail.com)

wASHINGtON, DC:

CHICAGO, IL:

CINCINNAtI, OH:

The New Year brings us a cleaner city, with drug sweeps taking several million dollars worth of drugs off city streets. The first annual Cincinnati Urban Music Awards will take place on March , 2008 (contact --222 or fortchangrecords@yahoo. com for more info). Polo Collar and Rob B Monte Carlo (above) are hitting the streets with Money, Money, Money. The new song from the duo is on all the Amplified DJs mixtapes and mixshows are spinning the song like crazy. - Judy Jones (Judy@JJonesent.com)

Lee from WGCI was appointed to Atlantic Records for the Midwest market. Ill Eagle is an upand-coming rapper in the underground scene. The Crossroads has the only 8 and under open mic event on Thursdays. Parkay has a new single that is getting some play on radio mixshows. DJ Shotime now spins  nights a week in various clubs. Theres a new DJ collective called the Hittsquad DJs. DJ Kool Ant of the Full Impact DJs is dropping new mixtapes. The Inf Clicks Dutch Dinero and Hymalaya are dropping two EPs at the beginning of 2008. Soundmaster T of the Drokked Out Movement is looking for new artists. - Jamal Hooks (JHooks@tmail.com) Its been off the chain down in the Delta with Lil Boosie performing in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and Greenville, Missisippi. DJ Drop, DJ Dynamite, DJ Sugarbear, DJ Big V, DJ Soulmaster, and the HOT Jocks down in G-ville, Mississippi are doing their thing. The Countryside DJ Coalition is official. Record labels need to check out artists from Arkansas because the underground is on fire. Artists are teaming up with each other to get to the top in the Southeast Arkansas area. The Delta is ready. The new club in Dumas just opened up out-of-towners are welcome. - DJ Hiley (LamarHiley@yahoo.com)

DUMAS, AR:

CLEVELAND, OH:

Cleveland has now entered the list of top 0 deadliest cities in the U.S., with over 20 homicides to date. Councilman Zack Reed received his second DUI. He was found blocks from his home asleep inside a running car with his foot on the brake. A local article has local artists accusing Bone Thugs-n-Harmony of not keeping it Cleveland. On the heels of receiving this years AMA and past Grammy awards, this claim magnifies the hate and lack of support for our own. Its been  years and no act from Cleveland has approached the success of BTNH in any genre. - X Allah (Supreme@sprintpcs.com)

COLUMBIA, SC:

COLUMBUS, GA:

00. the Beat held its Platinum Hood Awards at Club Level. Their new location is on 800 Blanding Street. Level is twice as big and even better. Big Moe shut the city down when he had Plies down for his birthday party. Big Moe, Get Em Boyz, Torri Ent., and New Level Ent. are teaming up at The Coop for the biggest New Years Eve party. Rob Lo will be in the building to make it official. Be on the look out for up-and-coming DJs Chevy and Dolla. Daytona and B-Lord have been killing Club Level with last few parties they did. - Rob Lo (RobLoPromo@aol.com)

R. Kelly kicked off the Double Up Tour in Columbus, GA. Not since Bobby Browns first arrest (which happened here) has Columbus had a show this big. Usually, major artists only come here before theyre famous. Some of your favorite acts got booed off a Columbus stage, blew up, and never returned. Back to Kells the show was crazy! Foxie 0 literally rolled out the red carpet. Keyshia Cole lost a lot of fans by not performing, but since Ne-Yo is no longer on the tour, it all evens out. Ne-Yo and J. Holiday set it off; Kells shut it down. - Slick Seville (SlickSeville@gmail.com) 8 // OZONE MAG

COLUMBUS, OH:

Lil Wayne and Gucci Mane performed at the Vets Memorial. A few Columbus artists also performed. YG of the Yellow Tape Gang and Choppin Game Records are just a few that were in the building. This winter is really poppin in the city with celebrities like Gorilla Zoe who performed at the Club Ice and Freeway who performed at Major Woodys. Go Bucks! - Jorden Martin (Mz_Emjay2@yahoo.com)

GAINESVILLE, FL:

DJ Young Millz rocks out Friday nights at Venue Nightclub. C. Wakeley hosted the Gville Music Summit, which was well organized. Klarc Shepard of Magic 0. has J. Holiday hosting Pink Chocolate R&B Vol. . Mob B., Big Bud, and J. Rock all hit the streets with new releases. J. Dash held his listening party at Club Level with Miamis own DJ Furie. After the UF vs. FSU game, a man was shot and killed in the downtown parking garage. The alleged suspects are in custody. Lokis Count Da Money and Dred Gators Animal are gaining steam in the streets/clubs. Also on the radar are N. Fashions, Coconuts Barbershop, and Juniors Restaurant. - INfamous ixx (infamousixx@gmail.com)

DALLAS/Ft. wORtH, tX:

The Definition DJs (above) celebrated their -Day Theory Party for a week. Tum Tum launched his Yums shoe collection and DJ Wildhairr officially signed with Swisha House. Toya has all the gossip at Lsl Hair Studio. Fatty Daddy is hitting the streets with his Beverly Hills single while My Dougie is the new local radio hit. Club Axis is your spot in Funkytown Forth Worth. Coby Savage dropped his album Beautiful. Sunny South Dallas is back with Erykah Badus new single Honey. Promoter Mychal Jeter got locked down for 8 yearsstay strong. - Edward Pookie Hall (www.urbansouth.us@gmail.com)

LOUISVILLE, KY:

DJ Q of the CORE and Shadyville DJs along with Cipha Soundz of MTV2 (above) are politicin the Fight Klub through the Ville. The battle went down at Divine C.U.T.S. Barbershop. D. Bricks, Tyrant, Duece Leader, and others showed what it takes to go to that next level. Yes, International P. was in the building! Seth Firkins recorded the intro on Jay-Zs American Gangster album. All Hood brought the Playaz Circle to Club Villa. SOLO performed at TSUs Homecoming in Nashville. - Divine Da Instagata (OuttaDaShopEnt@hotmail.com)

Traes Life Goes On and Chamillionaires Ultimate Victory are killing trunks on both sides of town. Uppa Dek along with DJ Chill are putting in work for The Nose Bleed Section CD (left) release. Ronnie Rich, a.k.a. Gods Gift 2 Da Mic, got the internet going nuts, while Boss of ABN got Gangsta Session heavy in the streets. G.M.N., Yung B, and Clarke Boyz do it big. And for all who forgot, Mista Mista Scarface is back to let you know why he is God of the South! R.I.P. Pimp C and Big Moe. - Jamar J Gamble Irby (My.Upclose@gmail.com)

HOUStON, tX:

INDIANAPOLIS, IN:

FORt MYERS/NAPLES, FL:

With young gunners like Street Life Cartel making noise in and outside the city, 2008 looks promising. Not new to the game but making a rise in the music scene, DJs LP and Jesse James are making major noise on the club scenes. Model Ophilia has a spread in Black Men Mag. Model Ameya has also appeared in videos for T.I., Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled, and others. M Management has become the new power house management company in the city, inking some of the top independent talent. - Lucky The Promo King (srfoleaf@aol.com) Maybe it was Flavor of Love season in Jackson because from Bootz to Hoopz, they were all over the city hosting parties. I guess they still need to get paid too. Shawty Lo came to town but his overall performance lacked what people expected. Benz, representing LifeLove, has a new single circulating following the trend of synthesized vocals popularized by T-Pain. DJ Q and DJ Khaled gave Jackson DJs a lesson on how to step ya game up. McComb, Mississippi natives Brandy and Ray J rolled through the city spreading holiday cheer, although Ray Js grand marshal parade privileges were revoked due to his sex tape. - Tambra Cherie (TambraCherie@aol.com) & Stax (blockwear@tmo.blackberry.net)

Watch out for up-and-coming artists from Southwest Florida. 2-Saint, Origin ILL, Steve Woods, EBGB, Complex, Pay Up Gang, S-Jayy, Wicks, Zigz, G-Spot and Tiny are making moves. On the last Monday of each month, it goes down at Club Cachet with all these artists performing and battling at the Lyricist Lounge South hosted by Twin and DJ Dito. Plies performed on Christmas night charging $ a head. 0. the Beat brings Hurricane Chris to town for a special all ages concert at Club Envie. Speaking of Hurricanes, the 200 season ends without any canes hitting Florida. Its a celebration bitches! - Jae Rae (JaeRae0@aol.com)

JACKSON, MS:

JACKSONVILLE, FL:

MACON, GA

Its been a hell of a month for us in the Mac. First of all, Oprah (yes, Oprah) came down to tape her show and give us a few of her favorite things. Your boy Doski Wo (Myspace.com/rdkuhzdoski) made the cover of the th Hours Whos Got Next issue. Yall Street (myspace.com/yallstreet) is getting into position and Grinch (Myspace.com/lexcoop22) is on the grind. The Paper Chasers (Myspace.com/paperchasers) mixtape Paper Paper Who? might be the next big question, and Macon in 08 might be where the answer is. - Ali Roc (radiodj22000@yahoo.com)

Bigga Rankin hosts a new night at Sohos. You can catch him there for Celebrity Tuesdays. The Diamond Awards went down at Plush where Kansas Citys Mon.E.G. shot a video with Rick Ross. Shot Out has a new single called U Dont Wanna See Me which has been featured on 2. Yhe Beat. T-Roy still hosts the open mic night at Endo Exo, and Club Christophers is the Friday night hot spot. Southern Syrup DVDs are circulating all around Florida. Hit them up at Myspace.com/BreakPlat. Young Cash, Midget Mac, DJ Q and Bigga Rankin were partying like rockstars at Sobe Live in Miami. - Ms. Rivercity (MsRivercity@yahoo.com)

MEMPHIS, tN:

Playa Fly hasnt missed a beat since being released from jail. His new mixtape Prepare or Beware is getting some major love and attention in the streets. He was nominated for  SEA awards, one being Impact Artist of the Year, and plans to release a new group album by summer `08. Memphisrap.com held a Showcase and Industry Networking Event on January 2rd at the New Daisy on famous Beale Street. Its rumored that an artist under DJ Freddy Hydro has been signed to Jive Records. - Deanna Brown (Deanna.Brown@MemphisRap.com)

MILwAUKEE, wI:

MIAMI, FL:

Local artists are finally getting some love and airplay. In my opinion, its all due to the undeniable hot joints theyre creating. Songs like Shone by Ball Greezy, Im So High by Grind Mode, Naked Hustle by Chowtime, and The Other Side by the Dunk Ryders featuring Trick Daddy are straight sick. Do not sleep on these talents! DJ Khaled held his annual party The Temple once again and it was pure insanity. R.I.P. Washington Redskin/UM graduate Sean Taylor. Mad love to the family of slain UM football player Brian Pata. Lets keep the peace. - Supa Cindy (www.Myspace.com/Supadupe)

V00 threw the annual Ladys Only concert which featured Milwaukees own Tank, Jahiem, Pretty Willie, Lyfe Jennings, and local artist Sincere. Lil Gucci threw the Ladys Only teen after party.  held the Milwaukee Pimp of the Year Ball with Pimpin Ken, Sacramento Slim, Pimpin Cube and others. DBoyz Ent. performed in the Unleashed Talent Showcase at Club Fusions. Trey Center will release his new CD, rd Street Boi. Ebonix was featured in the issue of Vibe Magazine with Keshia Cole on the cover. Beef shot the second half of his video for Baseball Bat at Chocolate City. - Raymond L. Davis

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA:

Astrin and the Studio  Models kicked off their big launch party at Sevens in Norfolk. The event was hosted by the newly crowned Miss , Cassandra Clark. Tribeca in Newport News is on fire every Saturday night with Young Fame on the mic. DJ Joe Pro hosted his DVD release party at the newly remodeled Flame 2. Lil Wayne came to Old Dominion University with Crime Mob and a host of others. This month, WODU, Old Dominions college station, hosted Styles P and Freeway to name a few on DJ Smirnoff Ice and Vic Rogers show. - Derrick Tha Franchise (ContactYoungFame@gmail.com)

OZONE MAG // 

RAPQUESt
MONtGOMERY, AL:
Ja Rule was in the muthafuckin building at the Rose but he was almost there by his damn self. I liked the way he mixed and mingled and seemed to be humble. Then, the next week Young Dro came through with his baby mama Fantasia. Why aint nobody tell me? She was repping her man big belly, big lips and all. Longmoney Ent., Entrepreneur Ent., Street Raised Ent., L-Gin, Robert Hawkins, Creative Mindz., Fam Only Ent., Supreme, Hot Girl Productions, Nappy Roots, and Keep it Hot! all held it down at Maxximum Exposure. - Hot Girl Maximum (HotGirl.Maximum@gmail.com) brought in a crowd of school aged kids during the day to enjoy the music of one of the citys favorite performers. The night show brought out the adults and was cosigned by Power 0. and their staff of DJs. Also throughout the city, underground mixtape stores and barber shops are talking about the newest single Whip Game by their very own super group Tha Coalition. Whip Game is spinning on 8. the Beat San Antonios premier radio station. - Bishop Maxx (bishop_maxx@yahoo.com)

NASHVILLE, tN

SAVANNAH, GA:

MYRtLE BEACH, SC:

Myrtle Beach is the th fastest growing market in the country. Club Toxic just brought Playaz Circle and Plies through. Dolla Boi and Tity Boi are some cool dudes. Webbie, Boosie, and Young Ralph are on the way. In 2008, The Kappas and Q Dogs from Coastal Carolina University and myself are about to set it off on the party scene. Of course I must hold it down for my Hittmenn family as well as Carolina Elite. We got that work. I am also starting a rehab clinic for haters. - Mr. Smith (Myspace.com/SmithBigShow)

OCALA FL

Friday Nights at Frozen have been all the way live! The Dream came through for Thanksgiving weekend to show love to all the 0s. Cassidy came and did his Drink and a 2 Step and before that Shawty Lo made sure Dey Know! . Savannahs # for Hip Hop and R&B is still looking for the next Lady Nite Ryda for 0p.m. BlaK Monii ENT. presents Thursdays College Night at Island Breeze, SSU, ARMSTRONG, GSU and all surrounding colleges. CMP is on the rise locally with their song Jig. Hit me up for more info at Myspace.com/she_she. - Lucky (LuckyCharmsEvents@gmail.com) The movie industry is doing very well in the Port City. We constantly have film stars hanging out and about, just enjoying themselves while they conduct their usual professions. Currently Ice Cube and Ke Ke Palmer are gearing up to shoot a movie entitled Comeback. Martin Lawrence recently filmed here along with Samuel Jackson, Denzel Washington, Nia Long and Sanaa Lathan. Hurricane Chris is gaining much ground and many fans with his latest single Players Rock. Bulletproof a.k.a. Teflon is in the studio working on his follow up single entitled One of a Kind, which has that classic Rap-A-Lot attitude. - Cmac (cmac@cumulus.com) Top Ten Tuesdays DJ Appreciation Night was off the chain. Both STL DJ crews, Hittbreaka DJs and Derrty DJs, were in the house strong. A lot of good mixtapes surfaced that night including DJ Nices Now or Never, Youvees Im Herre, Bishop V-Luvs Got Sumn 2 Say, DJ AJs Holla @ Cha Derrty, Ex-L Eazys Eazy Money, M.C.s Welcome 2 Rich City, and Blakk Gangs Blakk Noise. KiKi, the st Lady at 00.fm, is doing her thing along with other STL females. - Jesse James (JesseJames@aol.com) Everyones still talking about FAMUs Homecoming. It was off the chain! Now the city is bracing for the return of Demp Week (re-loaded). The hottest song on the streets of Tallahassee is by a Leon County born and raised artist named Blood Shot. His hot new single Club Life features Total Kaos. The latest mixtape on the streets comes from a female artist named  Chyna. Shes back home in her Tallhassee birth place by way of Daytona. The new mixtape is called Tru Story.  Chyna was recently featured on Blazin 02.s new radio show for local artists called Home Team Friday. - DJ Dap (DJDapOnline@gmail.com) Gainesville Summits DJ of the Year award means more gigs for DJ Headbussa. He is working all over Tampa. Studio Inc was rumored to be the location for Plies I Am the Club video shoot. Lil Kee explained to TBT what he goes through to be a rap star. The Hip Hop church held their 8th Annual Flavor Fest which showcased over 0 artists in one weekend. Sixty pounds of weed was found on I- by a cleaning crew and Florida Highway Patrol reportedly waited for someone to claim it. They received hundreds of prank calls all day! - Mz T-Rock (MzTRock@yahoo.com)

SHREVEPORt, LA:

NASHVILLE, tN:

The music scene in Nashville, a.k.a. Cashville Tenn-A-Key, is now under a microscope due to a string of senseless violence that police and various media outlets feel is music (or better yet Rap) related. The editors of Concrete will be releasing a new magazine dedicated to the hair and fashion culture in Nashville. Lil Bizzy has signed to Kinfolk Kia Shines label and Cowboy just dropped  CDs in one day! The rest of the city is gearing up for the th Annual Southern Entertainment Awards as the city of Nashville is represented in  of the 8 categories! - Janiro (Janiro@southernentawards.com)

SAN ANtONIO, tX

NEw ORLEANS, LA:

St. LOUIS, MO:

HereWeGo Entertainment is hosting parties for All Star Weekend at Club 00 in the French Quarter. HWGs new artist Cypher may even perform his new single Mr. Average. Bayou Classic was a fool with Lil Wayne and Birdman throwing separate Big Baller Parties. The Human Jukebox of Southern University won the Battle of the Bands and the Jaguar football team crushed the Tigers on the field. The Bayou Classic Weekend climaxed at Metro with Big Stan Productions and Raj Smoove on Sunday. DJ Hollaback and DJ Lil Man are killing the club scene right now. DJ Hektik and B.G. have a new mixtape out that feeds the streets before the release of B. Gizzles Too Hood 2 Be Hollywood. - Derrick Tha Franchise (www.Myspace.com/DerrickThaFranchise)

tALLAHASSEE, FL:

NEw YORK, NY:

The new album Blue Magic by Hip Hop icon Jay-Z is being considered a hood classic. I think Byrd Gang rapper Max B is going to be the future for New York. Word on the street is theres a little friction between Lil Kim and Remy Ma. There isnt much unsigned talent in New York worth talking about. Where are the unsigned hypes at? - Young Harlem (www.Myspace.com/YoungHarlem00)

SHREVEPORt, LA

OCALA, FL:

tAMPA, FL:

The month kicked off with a blowout comedy show hosted by The Strangers followed by the after party. DJ Leezy shut it down. The Swamp Boyz mixtape In the Streetz Vol. 2 hosted by DJ Leezy is killing the streets. Other noted upcoming mixtapes to look out for are M.A.D.E.s I Will Not Lose and C-Nials In My City. The Strangers will be back on the block with an upcoming CD. K.S.B. and Wreckless Entertainments Tote tha City 2 is also in the streets. Beef among local DJs is gaining momentum. Stay tuned! - DJ Leezy (DJLeezy2@yahoo.com)

St. LOUIS, MO

OKLAHOMA CItY, OK:

tULSA, OK:

The oh-so-sweet HoneySiccle made some major noise when ya boy Weezy F. Baby came to the Cox Center. Ya man Plies was in the building for the ladies and goons with the sexy men of DeJaVu Entertainment. I got to get at Moe Millions and Black Heff so sexy! When I get it, you will be the first on the info list. - PL (BeatBrokers@yahoo.com)

SAN ANtONIO, tX:

This month saw a couple of local talents, Tha Coalition and GMC, showcasing their skills alongside Hurricane Chris who blew up the stage for two back to back showcases at Club Rio. The first show

tALLAHASSEE, FL

Tulsa is bracing for the chill from ice cold lyrics produced by none other than Tulsas Native Son, PDA (Myspace.com/pdaonline). PDA recently graced the stage at the Otherside. Playya 000 (Myspace. com/playya000) and The Deeksta performed as the opening act for Hurricane Chris at the Cains Ballroom in downtown Tulsa. Hooch and Kwreck (Myspace.com/hoochkwreck) are in the laboratory along with other members of Medu-Netr. Dangerous Rob (Myspace.com/dangerousrob), who is often considered a General in the world of Hip Hop, is still moving his beats worldwide. As a major force in the DPGC Next Generation, he is truly a force to be reckoned with. - Marshlynn Bolden (Marshlynn.Bolden@uscellular.com)

20 // OZONE MAG

22 // OZONE MAG

(above L-R): Yung Joc & Rick Ross @ the Dirty Awards in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly); DJ Khaled & Diddy on the set of Fat Joes video shoot in Miami, FL (Photo: Leon Lloyd); Lloyd & Benny D @ the Dirty Awards in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly)

0 // T-Pain & Sophia Fresh on the set of 2 Pistols She Got It video shoot (Tampa, FL) 02 // Scooby & Young B @ Shadow Bar for Scoobys birthday party (Houston, TX) 0 // Christiana Houston & Lil Boosie @ The Palace for DJ Sweat & OZONEs Lil Boosie concert (Hattiesburg, MS) 0 // DJ Khaled & Tezz @ Club Dream during All Star weekend (New Orleans, LA) 0 // Webbie, Brother Hashim, Mouse, & Mel @ Roc A Fella 2. (New Orleans, LA) 0 // Rick Ross & Haitian Fresh @ The Moon for Demp Week (Tallahassee, FL) 0 // Snoop, BG, V 0 & Fiend @ House of Blues (New Orleans, LA) 08 // Bun B, Kiotti, Lupe Fiasco, Paul Wall, Guru, & Bannit on the set of Lupe Fiascos Hip Hop Saved My Life video shoot (Houston, TX) 0 // Gorilla Zoe & DJ Chuck T @ the Southern Entertainment Awards (Tunica, MS) 0 // Ms. Teka & Brandii @ The Moon for TJs birthday party (Tallahassee, FL)  // Luis Santana & DJ Christion on the set of 2 Pistols She Got It video shoot (Tampa, FL) 2 // 2 Pistols & video models on the set of She Got It (Tampa, FL)  // Boomtown & Smilez on the set of 2 Pistols She Got It video shoot (Tampa, FL)  // Joe Anthony & Ace @ Club Dream during All Star weekend (New Orleans, LA)  // Big L & BloodRaw @ Errupt Studios (Jacksonville, FL)  // DJ B-Lord & DJ Frosty @ Club Level for Randy Ropers birthday party (Columbia, SC)  // DJ Storm loves leopard print @ Gainesville Music Summit (Gainesville, FL) 8 // DJ 00, Yo Gotti, & Vic Damone @ House of Blues for Yo Gottis mixtape release party (Memphis, TN)  // Q Staff during All Star weekend (New Orleans, LA) Photo Credits: Intl K (02,08); Julia Beverly (0,0,0,,,,,8,); King Yella (0,0); Luis Santana (2); Terrence Tyson (0,0,0,,)

OZONE MAG // 2 OZONE MAG // 2

mathematiCs Radio spins: the million dollaR adviCe


by Wendy day of the Rap Coalition www.wendyday.com
Its no secret that I am a fan of artists putting out their own CDs. Its also no secret that it doesnt matter if the artist is trying to start his or her own label or selling CDs to get picked up by a bigger record label. When putting out a CD, all aspects must come together to promote that release (and the timing must be on point. All aspects must hit at the same time to be truly effective). Its important that you plan succinctly, way ahead, and have budgets for: Marketing, Street and club promotions, Touring, Publicity, Advertising, Events (attendance at conventions and consumer events), Video promotions (if you shoot a video), Tools (posters, flyers, flats, postcards, t-shirts, etc), Radio play, Pressing (of the singles, mixed CD, and/or actual full length CD), etc. Anytime you start a business, there are costs involved. The music industry is no different. If you plan to put out your own music, you must be able to properly afford it or you are just wasting what little money you have. Its also important to have someone reputable on your team if you arent going to hire a consultant to guide you. While I set up a free website years ago to help people put out their own CDs (www.rapcointelpro.com), no website can tell you whom to hire, which service companies are best, or who is genuinely good at what they do. Experience, connections, and being inside the inner circle in this shark-infested business are the only ways to know whos who. Truth is, even the folks who are at the top of their game today may slack off (or be too busy to help you properly), or be replaced by a newer, more hungry and aggressive person, and become the worst at what they do in a matter of months. In addition, there are a slew of folks in this business who make gobs of money from taking advantage of people who dont know, arent experienced, and who cant smell a con man a mile away. Most people lose money in this business. Independent radio promotions is one of those treacherous areas where an artist or label can lose tens of thousands of dollars with nothing to show for it. Hell, experienced people can lose a shitload of money here, too, not just new people. Its important to have a goal when going to secure radio spins. That goal must be more significant that just wanting to hear your song on the radio. Radio spins are not for artists trying to secure a record deal, nor are they for people without a healthy promotional budget. If radio spins led to a good deal that secured an artists career successfully, everyone with $0,000 to spend would have a successful career in the music business. And they dont. If you look at the top selling artists with careers (NOT the one-hit wonders), not one of them got a deal from having radio spins. Theres a good reason for that. Having radio spins does NOT guarantee CD sales. However, spins do often equal ringtone sales ($2. each) and single download sales for  cents each, which make the record labels salivate at the thought of quick one-off money, but it has yet to build the career of a serious recording artist. Would you rather be The Shop Boyz or Jay-Z? Would you rather have one hit song like Laffy Taffy or be putting out your th CD like Snoop with multimillion dollar touring opportunities, film and TV deals, endorsements, and other income producing opportunities? So there is really only one reason to go after radio play: to sell CDs. Any other reason, and you are just taking away a potential slot from an artist who has his or her shit together and came with a plan. There are two kinds of radio promotion people: ) The kind who promise you 00 spins a week (no one can promise you an exact number because it depends on what other songs are out, how hot your song is, and how well it researches at radio), take your money ($,000 to $0,000), and then deliver whatever spins they can get you (usually  a week to 20 a week) at any radio station where they have a key relationship. 2) The kind who understand what your plan and goals entail, and deliver the stations within your marketing territory with which they have relationships, in a time frame that meets with when your other promotional efforts are hitting. These promo people are few and far between. If you are releasing a CD independently, and the South is the market you are targeting, radio spins in the Bay Area, St. Louis, Milwaukee, or Detroit are not helpful to your goal. No radio promoter should deliver spins solely where they have relationships unless you are a major label targeting the entire US. And even then, the majors work region by region so as to impact their limited budgets. So should you, on a smaller scale!

Most radio promoters will take your money if you dont know what you are doing. They have families to feed. If you are stupid enough to try this route without the proper knowledge or a plan, they have every right to deliver to you what you are seeking: radio spins! When it doesnt work, you will complain that the radio guy took your money. You will neglect to mention that you were also at fault for not doing the proper research! Radio is expensive. There is no way around that. I work the region on the streets and club level getting the record hot long before going for radio. I build it from the ground up so that it has legs. Then, I take it to radio in smaller markets first. For example, I would hit the smaller markets surrounding Atlanta like Macon, Albany, Greenville, Columbia, SC before I ever went into Atlanta. Atlanta is an expensive market to work on the streets and at radio, so I prefer to get my record bubbling in smaller, more affordable places. If the market favors club hits that people can dance to, thats what I work. If the market favors more calm ride-to-it type songs, then that is what I work. I match my singles to the markets and bring what the market wants. I never try to force records on people because Ill lose unless I have Def Jam or P Diddy sized budgets. Kanyes Jesus Walks was a huge hit for Def Jam. It most likely would have been an expensive failure for an indie label. Its much easier to get the attention of a major program director once I have spins in smaller markets, than to show up to a music day and say Play my shit, its hot! Very few records are really hot and there is no rhyme or reason to what catches on. So its important to test your record before you go full out on the budget. Better to lose $0,000 or $20,000 to find out you didnt have anything than to spend $80,000 out the box to find the same thing out. Once your song begins to spin, its important to keep supporting it in the marketplace. I offer the artist for free to the station for a show, or back up the spins through promotional tours or by doing give-aways with the station (tenth caller receives a free t-shirt, gift card from a store, a free CD, etc). There are also times when you have to believe in your record even if it isnt catching on quickly. Songs that took a long time to catch on were Webbies Gimme Dat and Bad Bitch, Soulja Boys Crank Dat, Nellys Country Grammar, etc. The key is being experienced enough to know when its a good record or when to stop throwing good money after bad. Theres a term in radio called researching. Research is when a radio station does a telephone poll amongst listeners. They play a portion of numerous songs and ask people if they can identify the song or the artist. If listeners dont respond to your song, the station takes it out of rotation. If the research comes back positive, the program director will often bump up the spins because it means listeners like the song. Its important for radio stations to play what the mass of listeners want to hear. Radio is based on ad sales (commercials) and those prices are set quarterly by how many people in the market are listening. Thats called share. Share is all that matters to the radio station because that sets their pricing or income. If Gangsta Grillz Radio in Atlanta has a 0 share, and their biggest competitor in urban music has a 0 share at the station across town, the radio station that airs Gangsta Grillz will make moves to replace the show, no matter how much you or I enjoy listening to it. Everything in radio comes down to numbers and money. Everything! Lastly, I want to remind you that as you go for radio spins, you must have a competitive song. The sound quality must be as good, or better, than everything else at radio. This means it must be made in a professional quality studio, not your basement. It needs to be professionally mixed and mastered. I use Tony Rey at Dirty South in Atlanta for mixing (I manage him) and Big Bass Brian and Bernie Grundman in L.A. (I wish I managed him) for mastering. They are the best at what they do, in my opinion. If everything currently at radio is at 2 BPMs, dont bring in a song at 80 BPMs. It wont mix with the other songs properly. On the flip side, if everything currently at radio is slow, dont come in with a super crunk dance record trying to get it spun. Learn how radio works and you are that much more likely not to lose your entire life savings going after the all-important radio spins. And for heaven sakes, dont ever offer anyone at radio money to play your damn record! Thats illegal! //

2 // OZONE MAG

(above L-R): K-Foxx & Trina @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure Ps birthday party in Miami, FL; Rocko & Dolla Boi of Playaz Circle @ the Dirty Awards in Atlanta, GA (Photos: Julia Beverly); Midget Mac & Lil Boosie @ Plush in Jacksonville, FL (Photo: Terrence Tyson)

0 // Kiotti, Yo Gotti, & DJ Ammo @ Terrian Studios (Houston, TX) 02 // Midget Mac & Teddy T @ The Globe for DJ Qs birthday party (Jacksonville, FL) 0 // Roxy Reynolds & Fray (Atlanta, GA) 0 // Guest & J-Shin @ Chef Creole for World AIDS Day concert (Miami, FL) 0 // MonEG & Bigga Rankin @ MonEGs video shoot (Jacksonville, FL) 0 // Rollo, Dawgman, Mighty Mike, Malik Abdul, & Wes Fif @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 0 // Dr Teeth & Bootz @ Mansion for DJ Khaleds birthday party (Miami, FL) 08 // Neico, Brian Angel, & Berthell @ Party 0.s grand opening (Houston, TX) 0 // Haitian Fresh & Ivy @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 0 // Maddog, Stacks, Midget Mac, Young Cash, & Malik Abdul @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL)  // Reggie Reg, DJ Hi-C, & Crisco Kidd @ Party .s Toy Drive (Houston, TX) 2 // Rovella Williams, Scorpio, -Ize, & Randy Roper @ Hoodhard Day (Atlanta, GA)  // Mike Mac, Tre Prince, Scarface, & Alvin @ Scarfaces listening party (Houston, TX)  // DJ Headbussa & Earl B @ The Drink for DJ Secrets birthday bash (Lakeland, FL)  // Guccio, Jus Bleezy, Craig Blac & Vic Damone @ Brainstorm (St. Louis, MO)  // Guest & Bedo @ Firestone for Florida Classic block party (Orlando, FL)  // DJ Sense, DJ Drama, Lloyd, & Don Cannon @ Velvet Room for DJ Dramas album release party (Atlanta, GA) Photo Credits: Carl Lewis (02,0); Eric Perrin (0,2,); Intl K (0,08,,); Julia Beverly (0); King Yella (); Malik Abdul (); Ms Rivercity (0,0); Street Grindaz (); Terrence Tyson (0,0)

OZONE MAG // 2 OZONE MAG // 2

ChinCheCK

by ChaRlamagne tha god


cthagod@gmail.com

If you are talking about rap and beef, Im the wrong person to talk to. I am from New Orleans. Cut your televisions on. You know where Im from. Im from the murder capital, ma. Beef is a different thing there. I have four teardrops on my face and I have to look my mom in her eye every day. I cant lie to her. Fuck what they think and fuck what the world thinks, we real. My mom is real. The first day I got a teardrop I lied. I called her and asked her can I get a teardrop tattoo, but I had already got it. She said, When you get it, come by me so I can see how you look with it, cause I was thinking about getting one my fuckin self. We dont play. No, Im not gonna rap about you man, I will murder you, your family, your child, a newborn, I dont give a fuck. I could never go to hell cause Ima take over, bitch. - Lil Wayne, OZONE December 200
This is one of the most socially irresponsible things I have ever heard spoken by a public figure in my life. To keep it one hundred, this fake blood, wannabe gangster, pill-popping piece of pig shit has lost his muthafuckin mind. Please tell him to back away from that triple stack of Styrofoam cups he walks around with. This young man that is contributing to the degradation of our culture has had too much Hawaiian Punch and promethezyne. Saying I have four teardrops on my face and I come from the murder capital is implying that you have indeed killed someone in your life. A teardrop tattoo is a symbol of having committed at least one murder; well, in North America it is. In Australia a teardrop tattoo has an entirely different meaning. It is forcibly marked on convicts who are accused child molesters! Now if I listen to Gillie the Kid, I guess that is why Baby, CEO of Cash Money, has his teardrop tattoos. It was said by Gillie that Baby used to touch on Wayne when he was a child. Like father, like son? They say the apple doesnt fall too far from the tree, but lets just stick to what Wayne was implying. He was implying that he has killed someone and so has his mother. Imagine that I work for the Feds and Im reading this. At first, Id think this is an admission of guilt. Then I keep reading and see this idiot has relinquished all doubt because he says, I will murder you! Not just you, but your family, your child, a newborn. Could somebody get this kid a publicist, or has he already said too much? I think the City of New Orleans should charge Wayne with some of the citys unsolved murder cases. He is glorifying murder and admitting, even though I dont believe him, that he has killed someone. I will murder you should be taken seriously in a court of law! Have you ever seen Minority Report starring Tom Cruise, where a special police department called pre-crime apprehended criminals based on foreknowledge? Well, here we have the confession before the crime! Lil Wayne said he will murder your family, your child, and a newborn! Someone save this guy from his self! Usually when someone snitches on you to the Feds and says that you did something or were involved in some way, the Feds come and arrest you on what they call a conspiracy charge. Lil Wayne snitched on himself, and his mother! I think they need to be picked up and charged with conspiracy to commit murder. I just want him to be charged so I can hear him tell the truth and say, I never killed anyone, Im just a rapper! I need to sound tough to sell records! I got these teardrop tattoos because it looked cute on Baby! This dude, ladies and gentlemen, is a fraud, a phony, a fake, and these comments he made to OZONE Magazine are detrimental to society. Do you know how many kids this guy psychologically influences? Watch how many people you start to see walking around with Styrofoam cups; watch how many kids start drinking his Hawaiian Punch and promethezyne concoction; watch how many kids will get that thought branded into their brains that they will murder you, your family, a child, and a newborn! Has anybody read the new study that shows most teenagers will indulge in risk-taking behaviors because of poor brain development? Even if they know right from wrong, good from bad, positive from negative, God from the Devil; they will still ignore it because that is what they have been programmed to learn. The study by Temple University Professor of Psychology, Laurence Steinberg, PhD, concludes from newly emerging research on adolescent brain development, that teenagers seek out risk-taking behaviors because the brain systems involved in decision making mature at different times.

The section of the brain most involved in emotion and social interaction becomes very active during puberty, while the section most critical for regulating behavior is still maturing into early adulthood. This explains, Steinberg says, Why teens are so susceptible to peer pressure and why education and prevention efforts designed to keep teens from engaging in risk-taking behaviors dont work that well. We have tried to prevent these behaviors by educating kids about the dangers of things like smoking, drinking, taking drugs, and unprotected sex, he tells WebMD. The thinking has been, if they know about the dangers they wont do these things, but that is clearly not true. Damn right its not true, because if Im a teenager whose brain is not fully developed and Im listening and following a jackass like Lil Wayne, that means Im going to want to join a gang (and kids, you will get jumped in, youre not going to pay your way in like Lil Wayne). Wayne, if you wanted to be an honorary member of an organization and pay dues you should of pledged A.K.A. Im sure those fine women would have accepted you as one of their own. It would have made more sense because pussy knows pussy. I call him pussy because only a pussy, during an interview with a national publication, would say he would kill a child or a newborn baby! If Im a teenager and Im following a jackass like Lil Wayne, Im going to drink my syrup all day and Im going to look for someone to kill for no reason, possibly a newborn baby, because Wayne said he would, and hes the best rapper alive (allegedly)! But the judge does not want to hear that a -year-olds brain is not fully developed. By the time this not fully developed brain under the influence of drugs goes out and really kills someone and is arrested, then sentenced to life in prison, its too late. Case in point: the four young men who broke into Washington Redskins player Sean Taylors home looking to steal. When Sean popped out, they shot him and now he is dead. Now those kids are going to jail forever! What influenced those kids to do that? Im not going to blame that on Lil Wayne, but comments like those made by Wayne dont help. If my brain is not fully developed and this drugged out, fake gangbanger, possible baby killer is the closest thing I have to an influence, then what the fuck? Lil Wayne said, Fuck what the world thinks, we real. I hate that word because the definition of what real is in Hip Hop is not real at all. Real is not pulling into the parking lot of Walgreens in ATL, in the middle of a Saturday afternoon and allegedly trying to purchase machine guns. Real is not being 8 years old and now pledging your allegiance to the Bloods and flagging at award shows. Real is not being on DVDs pointing guns at the camera and licking shots in the air. Why incriminate yourself like that? Lastly, real is most certainly not telling a national publication that you will kill children and newborn babies. Going into 2008, I dont want any rappers to say that they are keeping it real. The dictionary defines real as having verified existence; not an illusion. You rappers like Lil Wayne are about as real as the tooth fairy, Santa Claus, and the Easter Bunny. Poverty and unemployment are real. 0 million people with little to no healthcare in America is real. The war in Iraq is real. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is real. Pedophilia is real. Incarceration is real. Our people, continuously dying at the hands of one another, is real. Charlamagne Tha God says fuck Lil Wayne. I say fuck him because I say fuck the devil every day. When you proclaim that you cant go to hell because you will take over, what you are really saying is you are worse than Satan. You are saying you are worse than Gods mortal enemy. Fuck Wayne and any rapper or person that thinks like him. When I hear statements like those made by Lil Wayne, I realize peoples value of life is at an all-time low. I would hope the tragic and untimely passing of the legendary Pimp C (who I am sure was an influence to Wayne), touched him in a way that makes him value and appreciate his life. Not just his, but his daughters lives and newborn babies everywhere. R.I.P. Pimp C. //

2 // OZONE MAG

(above L-R): Keith Sweat & Pleasure P @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure Ps birthday party in Miami, FL (Photo: Julia Beverly); Gil Green, Fat Joe, & J Holiday @ Karu & Y in Miami, FL (Photo: Malik Abdul); Cee-Lo & Diamond @ the Dirty Awards in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly)

0 // Bigga Rankin, Yo Gotti, & Pleasure P @ FAMU Homecoming concert (Tallahassee, FL) 02 // Guest, Redd Eyezz, Young Buck, & guest @ Sobe Live for Young Buck filming of Starz Networks Hip Hop Raw & Uncut Series (Miami, FL) 0 // Z-Ro & Intl Red @ Mike Jones American Dream movie premiere (Houston, TX) 0 // Rob G & Slim Thug @ Party 0.s grand opening (Houston, TX) 0 // Anne Williams & Famous @ BET College Tour (Houston, TX) 0 // Jazze Pha, Jermaine Dupri, & Rage on the set of DJ Dramas 000 Ones (Atlanta, GA) 0 // Carlos Cartel (Charleston, SC) 08 // DJ Khaled & J Holiday @ Mansion for DJ Khaleds birthday party (Miami, FL) 0 // T-Pain & Brisco @ Mansion for DJ Khaleds birthday party (Miami, FL) 0 // TJ Chapman, B-Rich, Playboy Tre, & BOB @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA)  // Wild Billo, Nick@Nite, Gorilla Zoe, & The Gov @ WBLX (Mobile, AL) 2 // Pryme Status & Tyra B @ Party .s Toy Drive (Houston, TX)  // Santana & ladies @ The Globe for DJ Qs birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL)  // Intl Red, Big Tyme, & Tre Prince @ Bun Bs step daughter Breneshias birthday party (Houston, TX)  // Lloyd Prince & Dreadlocks @ Hush for OZONEs Webbie concert (Houston, TX)  // Trillvilles Don P & LA with DJ Trauma @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA)  // Supa Chino & crew @ The Globe for DJ Qs birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL) 8 // Southern Syrup DVD, Haitian Fresh, & Pimp G @ Hood Magazine music conference (Jacksonville, FL)  // Rapid Ric & DJ Mr Rogers @ BET College Tour (Houston, TX) Photo Credits: Bogan (02); Carlos Cartel (0); Intl K (0,0,0,2,,,); Julia Beverly (0,08,0,0); Malik Abdul (,); Terrence Tyson (0,8); Thaddaeus McAdams (); Wild Billo ()

OZONE MAG // 2 OZONE MAG // 2

RiCh bOy and POLOw


RiCh bOy : What up Polow? I aint heard from you in a minute. You aint forgot about me, have you? POLOw da dOn: I been busy. RiCh bOy: What you been doin? POLOw da dOn: Ah, you know, fuckin these white hoes, workin on Keri Hilsons album and shit. I been doing some new shit for Fergie, Brittney Spears, and Mandy Moore, and Hannah Montana. RiCh bOy: I was thinking about my next single, I think it should be Ghetto Rich featuring John Legend. Dat my favorite. POLOw: Naw, nigga. You dont get no more singles. RiCh bOy: Why not? Throw Some Ds was a big hit last year, Im ready for my follow up. POLOw: Boy, you done had  singles and you barely sold 00,000 records. Fuck it, and I made Throw Some Ds a hit. I made the beat, I came up with the hook. I had the best verse on the song, and I got all the white girls to be in the video for free. RiCh: But
*This is just a joke. No, we didnt really hack into anyones sidekick.

OZOnE EXCLUSiVE
Textin is no longer safe now that OZONEs dangerous minds have hacked the system.

POLOw: You should have a picture of my dick on yo wall, nigga. I made you. RiCh bOy: Boy looka here, Im bout to get my shit together and do a new album, lets get this paper. POLOw: Naw, you looka here mafucka. Im droppin yo bama ass from my label. RiCh bOy: But I just bought a Cadillac. How am I gon pay the note? POLOw: Hope you aint throw no Ds on that bitch. The only person puttin out an album on ZONE  is me, mafucka. Its gon be called, Me, Myself, and White Hoes. Im working with Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Celine Dion, Jessica Simpson, and Paris Hilton. Ima outsell yo ass in a day! RiCh bOy: Damn, Can I get a verse on it? POLOw: Wait a minute muthafucka! Didnt you hear the album title? I told you its called, Me, Myself, and White Hoes. Not Rich Boy. Good things dont last forever. Im dropping you, but dont worry, you will always be my friend.
- From the minds of Eric Perrin and Randy Roper

28 // OZONE MAG 28 // OZONE MAG

(above L-R): Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, & Bun B @ BET College Tour in Houston, TX (Photo: Intl K); Rick Ross, Trina, & DJ Khaled @ Mansion for DJ Khaleds birthday party in Miami, FL; Deelishis & Slim Thug @ Mansion for DJ Khaleds birthday party in Miami, FL (Photos: Julia Beverly)

0 // TMI Boyz & Bigga Rankin @ Body Tap (Atlanta, GA) 02 // Tarvoria & Papa Duck @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 0 // Cool & Dre & DJ Nasty @ Mansion for DJ Khaleds birthday party (Miami, FL) 0 // Young City, DJ Khaled, & Mack Maine on the set of Babys Hundred Million Dollars video shoot (Miami, FL) 0 // Gorilla Zoe & Emmanuel @ Emmanuels Swagga video shoot (Miami, FL) 0 // Venus & Trey Songz on the set of Like Me (St. Louis, MO) 0 // Shawty Lo, Rasheeda, Mike Jones, & Kandi Burrus @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 08 // Oops & Malik Abdul @ Onyx for OZONE talent search (St. Louis, MO) 0 // Fiya,  Phat Girls Promotions, & Famous @ KBXXs car show (Houston, TX) 0 // Randy Roper & DJ Aaries @ the OZONE Atlanta office (Atlanta, GA)  // Green Eyes & Black @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure Ps birthday party (Miami, FL) 2 // Steve Bellamy & Suga D @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL)  // Tre Prince & Bone @ Bun Bs step daughter Breneshias birthday party (Houston, TX)  // Rickey Smiley & Wyclef @ . The Beat (Dallas, TX)  // Cheddar & Breneshia @ Bun Bs step daughter Breneshias birthday party (Houston, TX)  // DJ Smallz & DJ Quest on the set of Acafools video shoot (Tampa, FL)  // Ms Rivercity & Roccett @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 8 // 8Ball, Devius, guest, & Young Bleed (Dallas, TX)  // Hip Hop Friends & Stephanie @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) Photo Credits: BRE (); Carl Lewis (0); Edward Hall (8); Eric Perrin (0); Intl K (0,,); Julia Beverly (0,); King Yella (0,08); Malik Abdul (0); Ms Rivercity (02); Street Grindaz (); Terrence Tyson (0,0,2,,)

OZONE MAG // 2 OZONE MAG // 2

Lil Bit
JUS A LIL BIt
Words by Eric N. Perrin

his is the story of Lil Bit, a -year-old Atlanta native who left her job working as a cashier at Chick-Fil-A to become a chick on display at another ATL spot known for its buttered buns. I worked at Chick-Fil-A for two years, she laments I hated it. They work you way too much for basically nothing. Strokers pays a lot better. While many young girls begin stripping to pay for college tuition or to take care of their own children, Lil Bit had a slightly different reason for needing the fast money that her fast food job couldnt provide. When I graduated from high school my mom had gotten really sick, and I had to start dancing to take care of her, says Lil Bit. If its one thing Lil Bit has learned in her year and a half of dancing, its that many people adapt negative views towards strippers without fully understand their circumstances. I think a lot of guys consider all strippers as being fast or promiscuous, she says. But were not all like that. I know Im not like that. When the brown-skinned cutie isnt at work or taking care of her mother, shes busy playing mommy to her three younger siblings. I have a little brother whos twelve and a twin brother and sister who are . I love being able to take care of them, and I just want to make sure that they have the opportunities and experiences I never had. Though she didnt inherit the type of opportunities shes creating for her brothers and sister, Lil Bit is making her own way, and eventually plans on leaving her pole position to pursue her dreams of interior design.Id love to design houses or hotels. But my ultimate goal is to one day design my own strip club, admits the angel Aquarius with a bright smile. A year from now I would love to be in school somewhere and no longer dancing, she says. Ive wanted to be an interior designer since I was , and thats what Im going to do. //

Website: www.strokersclub.com 0-20-00 Photographer: Sean Cokes 0-22- Make-Up Artist: Mike Mike 8-2-28 Hairstylist: Baby Boy 0--2

0 // OZONE MAG

(above L-R): Trae, Lil Jared, & 8Ball @ Party 0.s grand opening in Houston, TX (Photo: Intl K); Bootz, Buckeey, & Deelishis @ Mansion for DJ Khaleds birthday party in Miami, FL (Photo: Terrence Tyson); Lil Boosie & Cupid @ Battle of the Bands in New Orleans, LA (Photo: Marcus DeWayne)

0 // Kraze, DJ Smallz, & Gorilla Zoe @ Roxy for Frontlines Florida Classic weekend (Orlando, FL) 02 // Young B, Kiotti, & MC Kane @ Bun Bs step daughter Breneshias birthday party (Houston, TX) 0 // E-Class & DJ Mr Rogers @ Hush for OZONEs Webbie concert (Houston, TX) 0 // Trapstarz & DJ Big Bink @ . The Beat (Dallas, TX) 0 // E-Class & Slim Thug on the set of Fat Joes video shoot (Miami, FL) 0 // Boosie & Traffic @ Firestone for Florida Classic block party (Orlando, FL) 0 // Papa Duck & Yo Gotti @ Roxy for Frontlines Florida Classic weekend (Orlando, FL) 08 // Mack Maine, Swizz Beatz, guest, Fat Joe, & KRS-One on the set of DJ Khaleds Im So Hood remix (Atlanta, GA) 0 // Rick Ross & Mob Boss @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 0 // DJ Drama & Block on the set of DJ Dramas 000 Ones (Atlanta, GA)  // Grey & Horseman (Houston, TX) 2 // Aztek, DJ Playboy, Rob G, & guest @ Venue for Big Moe tribute (Houston, TX)  // Vince Phillips & Sabrina Montgomery @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA)  // Bun B family members @ KBXXs car show (Houston, TX)  // Guest, Green Eyes, & Baby Bre @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure Ps birthday party (Miami, FL)  // Swordz & Ms Rivercity @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL)  // C-Ride & Cubo @ Mansion for DJ Khaleds birthday party (Miami, FL) 8 // DJ  & DJ Smallz @ Roxy for Frontlines Florida Classic weekend (Orlando, FL)  // Brothers Derrick Crooms & Mr Collipark @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 20 // DJ Dr Doom, Plies, & Suga D @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) Photo Credits: BRE (0); Eric Perrin (08); Intl K (02,0,,2,); Julia Beverly (0,,,,); Malik Abdul (0); Terrence Tyson (0,0,0,0,,8,20)

OZONE MAG //  OZONE MAG // 

SHE LIKED MY NECKLACE AND STARTED RELAXIN, THATS WHAT THE FUCK I CALL A

hyd I decide to make a chain of my face? Just the kush, yknow? I Just wanted to do something different in the game. I put my logo on everything anyway, so why not? Im a boss.

I cant tell you whats next [for my jewelry game] but I always keep new shit in the works. E-Class just fucked the whole watch game up with his canaryyellow diamonds and an all-red interior with red stones. Its crazy. We just compete amongst each other; switching it up.

My jeweler out of Texas, Nick, did the chain. His companys name is King Johnny. Hes the original. Nick is my guy. [King Johnny] is the name of the company, but hes the actual owner, you know? I aint gonna disclose how much it cost because I like to motivate the hood. But its over $00,000. Ive still got all my jewelry. Its a crazy number, Id estimate, of what Ive spent on jewelry. But its a good thing; its a wonderful thing. Its that hood in me. Thats how we celebrate success, so its all good. Theres over 00 carats of diamonds in the piece. I just thought itd be cool to do my face. I do the shit for the streets and the streets embrace it, so its cool with me. I love to shine.

The critics love to take pictures of the boss shining. Thats what they love to see. There aint no critics because we dont see the critics. We dont acknowledge them. We do this for us, you know?

Im over the fascination with the diamonds. I done seen quarter million dollar watches, so Im over the fascination. I look at it as a hood investment. Its my hood laminate. Im the biggest boss that youve seen thus far. Much love. // Words & Photo by Julia Beverly

2 // OZONE MAG

RICK ROSS
tHE BIGGESt BOSS

(above L-R): Devyne Stephens & Dallas Austin @ Stankonia Studios for Outkasts Christmas party in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Eric Perrin); Bryan Cox & Keith Sweat @ the Bentley in Miami, FL (Photo: Julia Beverly); Big Gipp & BloodRaw @ The Globe for DJ Qs birthday party in Jacksonville, FL (Photo: Carl Lewis)

0 // Shawty & Big Gipp @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 02 // Mike Jones & Raw LT @ Mike Jones American Dream movie premiere (Houston, TX) 0 // Playaz Circle @ Central Florida Fairgrounds for DMEs annual Florida Classic car show (Orlando, FL) 0 // DJ Q, DJ Dr Doom, Unk, & Baby D @ The Globe for DJ Qs birthday party (Jacksonville, FL) 0 // Gotti, Carl Lewis, & R Kelly on the set of Rick Ross Speedin video shoot (Miami, FL) 0 // Chamillionaire, Sky, & Pimp C (R.I.P.) @ The Box car show (Houston, TX) 0 // Gorilla Zoe, Yung Joc, DJ Q, & Block on the set of DJ Dramas 000 Ones (Atlanta, GA) 08 // Stone, Lil Wayne, & Baby @ House of Blues for Cash Money Millionaires 0 Year Anniversary (New Orleans, LA) 0 // Gil Green & Rick Ross on the set of Rick Ross Speedin video shoot (Miami, FL) 0 // Guest, Big Gipp, Piccalo, & Kia Shine @ The Globe for DJ Qs birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL)  // Terrence Tyson, Bigga Rankin, & BG @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 2 // RawLT & Webbie @ Hush for OZONEs Webbie concert (Houston, TX)  // Trae & Horseman @ . The Box (Houston, TX)  // Dizzy & Stone @ House of Blues for Cash Money Millionaires 0 Year Anniversary (New Orleans, LA)  // Lil Duval & Pupp @ Central Florida Fairgrounds for DMEs annual Florida Classic car show (Orlando, FL)  // 8Ball & Cindy Hill @ Party 0.s grand opening (Houston, TX)  // Xtaci & Young Dro @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 8 // Bigga Rankin & Elora Mason @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL)  // TREAL @ Roxy for Frontlines Florida Classic weekend (Orlando, FL) Photo Credits: Carl Lewis (0,0,0); Edgar Walker (0); Intl K (02,2,,); Julia Beverly (0,0,0,,); Malik Abdul (0); Marcus DeWayne (08,); Terrence Tyson (,8,)

OZONE MAG //  OZONE MAG // 

INDEPENDENt
WEBBIE, LIL PHAT, & LIL BOOSIE

Lil Boosie is having a heated argument with his baby momma, LaTrice. She found a homemade flick of him cheating and has decided to confront him. He is complaining that its her fault that hes leaving because shes lazy and taking their relationship for granted. BOOSIE: I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T! Do you know what that mean, mane? LATRICE: I can spell. I know I aint finish high school but that dont mean Im stupid! What you gotta say about this bitch? What make her so better than me? BOOSIE: She got her own house! LATRICE: So!? BOOSIE: She got her own car! LATRICE: And? BOOSIE: Two jobs, work hard. She a bad broad! LATRICE: I got two jobs too! One is raising your nappy-headed son and the other is dealing with your sorry ass! Thats 0 hours a week right there! BOOSIE: (pointing at the black leather couch) If you aint on sit down! LATRICE: (crossing her arms in refusal) I aint gotta do shit! Ima stand right here! BOOSIE: (getting more frustrated) If you aint on sit down! LATRICE: Nope. BOOSIE: (getting more frustrated) If you aint on sit down! LATRICE: I cant believe you blaming all this on me! You coming in all times of night smelling like that bitch and now you making it seem like Im in the wrong? Hell naw! BOOSIE: She got her own house. Drive her own whip! LATRICE: You sound like a broken record. Make a new point or something. Damn! BOOSIE: Range Rover all white like her toe tips! LATRICE: Who cares? My Geo Prism is all pink like this pussy you eat! BOOSIE: She got a pretty smile. Smell real good! LATRICE: I been asking you for like five months to help me with this rotten tooth. My Medicaid say they cant do nothing. And dont try me with smell. I keep me some Bath & Body Works body spray! BOOSIE: The only time she need a mane for that good juug! LATRICE: Good juug? You? Please They didnt put a Lil in front of your name for nothing, Boosie. BOOSIE: They buy the bar too! They superstars too! They be like, You aint got no money? Take your broke tail home! LATRICE: So you like her because shes a female pimp? How quickly you forget everything I done for you. Remember before your deal? Matter of fact, before Wipe Me Down blew up? I bought everything from your draws to your golds! BOOSIE: Baby Phat they own. They clothes match they phone. They be like Yeahhh! when they song come on! Leave the club kinda early cause they gotta go to work. I mess wit supervisors who got credit like Big Turk. LATRICE: I leave the club early cause I gotta take care of our lil one. Oh you mess with supervisors, huh? Well, I messed with Webbie last week when you was out town! BOOSIE: Dusty feet, please dont bother me! I got independent dimes on my mind who spoil me! LATRICE: Well, fine then. Im keeping the couch, the pitbull, and all the outfits I bought you. Whered you get that new outfit from anyway, with your trifling ass? BOOSIE: Coogi hat, Coogi fit so sick! Thats a gift from my independent chick. Yes sir!

USIC. EHIND THE M ZINE GOES B OZONE MAGA TRUE RAP .Y BASED ON A HER.I.P
T l D. of ly By Pau Julia Bever o by Phot

 // OZONE MAG

(above L-R): Paul Wall & TV Johnny in Houston, TX (Photo: Intl K); Lil Boosie & friends @ Plush in Jacksonville, FL (Photo: Terrence Tyson); Gorilla Zoe & Alfamega @ the Dirty Awards in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly)

0 // Damon Eden & Jullian Boothe @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure Ps birthday party (Miami, FL) 02 // Stay Fresh, Lil Scrappy, & Big Teach @ Mansion for DJ Khaleds birthday party (Miami, FL) 0 // DJ Bomb Shell Boogie & Mannie Fresh @ Lil Waynes Bayou Classic jam (New Orleans, LA) 0 // Bali & Dru of The Runners @ Roxy for Frontlines Florida Classic weekend (Orlando, FL) 0 // Emmanuel, Tony Neal, & Boomtown @ Emmanuels Swagga video shoot (Miami, FL) 0 // DJ Q & Michael Watts @ Hush for OZONEs Webbie concert (Houston, TX) 0 // Young Dro & Lil Duval @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 08 // DJ Q & Unk @ The Globe for DJ Qs birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL) 0 // Emmanuel & Yung Joc @ Emmanuels Swagga video shoot (Miami, FL) 0 // Lil Wayne & DJ Money Fresh @ House of Blues for Cash Money Millionaires 0 Year Anniversary (New Orleans, LA)  // Michael Madd & Fat Joe on the set of Fat Joe & J Holidays video shoot (Miami, FL) 2 // Omar Wilson & Xavier @ Scarfaces listening party (Houston, TX)  // Jit, Stacks, & Izzy @ Emmanuels Swagga video shoot (Miami, FL)  // Teddy T, guest, & Antman @ Industry Secrets seminar (Miami, FL)  // Trae, Teresa, & Z-Ro @ their photo shoot (Houston, TX)  // Vic Damone & Jus Bleezy @ Society (St. Louis, MO)  // Cindy Hill & Flo Rida @ Venecian (Houston, TX) 8 // Playaz Circle & DJ Demp @ Mansion for DJ Khaleds birthday party (Miami, FL)  // Hot Boy Ronald & Cupid @ Battle of the Bands (New Orleans, LA) 20 // Slim Thug, DJ Chill, Crisco Kid, The Mexicanz, & DJ Coolaide @ Party 0.s grand opening (Houston, TX) Photo Credits: Bogan (); Carl Lewis (); Intl K (0,2,,,20); Julia Beverly (0,02,0); King Yella (); Malik Abdul (0,08,0,); Marcus DeWayne (0,0,); Terrence Tyson (0,8)

OZONE MAG //  OZONE MAG // 

 // OZONE MAG
D-RAY D-RAY TERRENCE TYSON TERRENCE TYSON

D-RAY

TERRENCE TYSON

tattedup

TERRENCE TYSON

(above L-R): Brandi Garcia & LeToya Luckett @ the Houston premiere of This Christmas in Houston, TX (Photo: Intl K); Bigga Rankin & Plies @ Plush in Jacksonville, FL (Photo: Terrence Tyson); Famous & Chamillionaire @ the Dirty Awards in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly)

0 // Guests, Red Dogg, & Pimp J @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 02 // Toro & Durtered @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure Ps birthday party (Miami, FL) 0 // RukaPuff & Bigga Rankin @ Onyx for OZONE talent search (St. Louis, MO) 0 // Dyron D, Freda, & DJ Slab  @ Battle of the Bands (New Orleans, LA) 0 // Courtney & Phat @ Belle Noche (Baton Rouge, LA) 0 // Baby & DJ Ro @ Lil Waynes Bayou Classic jam (New Orleans, LA) 0 // Lil Wayne & Yella @ House of Blues for Cash Money Millionaires 0 Year Anniversary (New Orleans, LA) 08 // Shawty Lo & Buckeey @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA) 0 // Vic Damone & Guccio @ Society (St Louis, MO) 0 // Yung Joc & Bun B @ the Dirty Awards (Atlanta, GA)  // I- & Maricia Magana @ Yates High School (Houston, TX) 2 // Chalie Boy & Ms Rita @ Block Ent. Show (Dallas, TX)  // Camron & Dukwon @ The Globe for DJ Qs birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL)  // Point Blank & OZONE party @ Da Real Ting Cafe (Jacksonville, FL)  // Roccett, Elora Mason, & Rick Edwards @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL)  // BOB & TJ Chapman get CRUNK!!! @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL)  // Joe Hound & Street Dogg @ Chef Creole for World AIDS Day concert (Miami, FL) 8 // Red Rat & DJ Element @ Sobe Live for Bigga Rankins party (Miami, FL)  // Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer @ Star Towers (Orlando, FL) 20 // Chris Ward, Slim Thug, & Killa Kyleon @ Roxy (Houston, TX) Photo Credits: Carl Lewis (); Intl K (,20); Julia Beverly (02,08,0); King Yella (0,0,0); Malik Abdul (,); Marcus DeWayne (0,0,0); Ms Rivercity (8); Terrence Tyson (0,,); Tre Dubb (2)

OZONE MAG //  OZONE MAG // 

WAITING ATIENTLY P

izm ayd T
B
T-Pain opping rappa ternt sanga eing a hypeman for chart-t up, travel, get paid and enjoy ke seems like an easy job. Wa pretty much sums up the offer the best that life has to recording artist Nappy Boy Entertainment show that he job requirements. But for task, since hes eager to at of a Taydizm, its been somewh artist. too is a competent solo

TALLAHASSEE, FL

my team, iously, even the people on w in the No one took my music ser ne on his way to do a sho ive via pho why I laughs the Tallahasee nat that I could do it. Thats to show people Bahamas. I just wanted by myself. recorded my whole project ughout the South test Hotboy has burned thro d of relying on His first mixtape Tha Hot June. Instea since he dropped it last l, Tay completely conceptua T-Pains industry rolodex the process, hes himself. In ized and engineered by artist set to step out of his introduced himself as an dow. high-profile friends sha even lot of good feedback. It When I did that, I got a featured its Tay, who is currently surprised me, adm e ols bubbling smash, Sh on fellow Floridian 2 Pist ed T-Pain for was a stuask Got It. The only thing I n rything myself. I never eve dio. From there I did eve elf. [before], but I taught mys touched ProTools e album and building a nam Even though recording an dizm has faced llenge, Tay for himself is a huge cha t of a foster home, Tay bigger obstacles. A produc Born like to be an underdog. already knows what its both succumbed to the to a mother and father who ually raised himself virt ills of drug abuse, Tay has . since he was five years old talking about drugs in You aint gonna hear me he will address insists, mentioning that music, he debut personal challenges on his a portion of his le . Drugs fucked up my who album, Another World e boys because thats how family. I cant hate on dop a dope boy, what [am] Im they eat. But when I see g? Its them m? Keep doing your thin gonna say to the home til I was 8. that put me in a foster past, Tay is focused on Never one to dwell on the y to dance in rs know that its still oka letting listene Tr seen him on stage with the club. If youve eve t. But in just in case you tha Pain, youd already know reminding you. havent, he doesnt mind ss too hood to dance. I gue I hear niggas say they he ir pants and look hard, people just wanna sag the used to have fun and , we laughs. Where I come from Im give a damn if people say thats what I do. I dont aten As long as they dont thre soft because I dance. me, Im good. // d Words by Maurice G. Garlan Photo by Julia Beverly

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(above L-R): Baby & Yo Gotti @ FAMU Homecoming concert in Tallahassee, FL (Photo: Terrence Tyson); Mike Jones & Z-Ro @ Mike Jones American Dream movie premiere in Houston, TX Trey Songz & Scarface on the set of Scarfaces video shoot in Houston, TX (Photos: Intl K)

0 // Big Will, Maddog, Bigga Rankin, & Big Teach @ Sobe Live (Miami, FL) 02 // Young B & Grit Boyz @ Bun Bs step daughter Breneshias birthday party (Houston, TX) 0 // Dior George & BloodRaw @ The Globe for DJ Qs birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL) 0 // DJ Demp, Ms Dynasty, & Supastar J-Kwik @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 0 // Sean & J-Kwon @ Intercontinental airport (Houston, TX) 0 // Rico Love, Statik, & Pleasure P @ Stankonia Studios (Atlanta, GA) 0 // Duval County Rockstars @ Da Real Ting Cafe for Point Blank & OZONE party (Jacksonville, FL) 08 // K-Foxx, Young Twinn, & Jas Prince @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure Ps birthday party (Miami, FL) 0 // The Runners & KC @ Roxy for Frontlines Florida Classic weekend (Orlando, FL) 0 // DJ K-Tone & DJ Scorpio on the set of DJ Khaleds Im So Hood remix (Atlanta, GA)  // Zane & M-Geezy @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) 2 // Tweezy & Young B @ Hush for OZONEs Webbie concert (Houston, TX)  // Guest, Willie the Kid, Young Tut, Yung Berg, & Lloyd @ Velvet Room for DJ Dramas album release party (Atlanta, GA)  // Video model Baje on the set of Babys Hundred Million Dollars video shoot (Miami, FL)  // Guest & Qwote @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure Ps birthday party (Miami, FL)  // Freddy P & ladies @ Chef Creole for World AIDS Day concert (Miami, FL)  // Sistah Sondrah & Raheem DeVaughn @ . The Beat (Dallas, TX) 8 // KJ, Famous, & Rapid Ric @ BET College Tour (Houston, TX)  // Micha Porat & Mad Linx @ Sobe Live for Young Buck filming of Starz Networks Hip Hop Raw & Uncut Series (Miami, FL) Photo Credits: Bogan (); BRE (); Carl Lewis (,); Eric Perrin (0,); Intl K (02,0,2,8); Julia Beverly (0,08,); Malik Abdul (0,0); Ms Rivercity (); Terrence Tyson (0,0,0)

OZONE MAG //  OZONE MAG // 

WAITING ATIENTLY P

II XV
w

n) entee (Sev

PASS CHRISTIAN, MS
a Pimp C enLil Boosie & Webbie to get be too As the first rapper since that a UGK crown would ng to think dorsement, youd be wro g Pimp, he had already e. Before meetin heavy for XVIIs wiry fram his own. duced three projects on pro Gulf), his 200 er of Da KGz (Kingz of the A group effort as a memb called Underground a 200 mixtape solo debut Die By This and ore he could in the Gulf Coast. But bef eye of Heat Vol. , built his buzz with a second edition, the follow buzz Katrina hit, wiping out his Hurricane and his home. I moved to AtWith limited choices, XVI Troy, lding alliances with Pastor lanta, bui Gotti. However, when he Bohagon and Yo cameo, he got a sought out Pimp C for a to stay. brother and a new place big Port Arthur, Pass Christian is small like e smallsam insists XVII. Pimp got the made me move town feeling from me and ets. to keep me out of the stre in with him I released his With Pimps backing, XVI With little to um Certified in late 200. alb s and tion the album grew leg no promo al buzz with the single garnered region al controversy via She Love It and nation ry. p Cs feature on True Sto Pim over that song, People caught feelings k that was sneers XVII about the trac survival nded to be a post-Katrina inte e boy warning to so-called dop tale and verse I say, Everybody rappers. In my and Pimp just think theyre Jeezy. Me I didnt know t when we did that song. me zy and g going on between Jee of anythin ple g wasnt even a diss. Peo Pimp. The son didnt give a fuck as took offense, but we ut what we said. long as we didnt lie abo I left Texas and After Pimps passing, XVI vering homereturned to his slowly reco area, but n. Debris still blankets the tow r sort. ape from a mess of anothe offers esc ed down Distributors that Pimp turn me the day ore he died started calling bef sighs. They send his body was found, he m checks hoping Id cash the me funky ass in a deal. But like I so they can lock me He wont want said, I still listen to Pimp. that. // me to do d Words by Maurice G. Garlan

up sissippi rapper XVII picks henever Pass Christian, Mis . One is his liable to hear two voices the phone, youre comd tone. The other is the gruff, Gulf Coast-inflicte p C Butler. mentor Chad Pim manding twang of his late as Pimps verse to him, he says, driving Hes gone and I cant talk sts through as if he was sitting in the bla from Swishas and Dosha still ride with me son. But I figure he can backseat rapping it in per and talk to me this way.

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(above L-R): Tony Neal & Deelishis @ Mansion for DJ Khaleds birthday party in Miami, FL (Photo: J Lash); Pitbull & Cool on the set of Fat Joe & J Holidays video shoot in Miami, FL (Photo: Bogan); Unk & K Foxx on the set of DJ Khaleds Im So Hood remix in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Eric Perrin)

0 // Southstar, T-Roy, ladies, & Smilez @ Club Christophers for Midget Macs VH party (Jacksonville, FL) 02 // DJ Irie, DJ Drama, Willie the Kid, & Pleasure P @ Mansion for DJ Khaleds birthday party (Miami, FL) 0 // Tim Drow & Lil Kee @ The Drink for DJ Secrets birthday bash (Lakeland, FL) 0 // DJ Drama & Buckeey @ Mansion for DJ Khaleds birthday party (Miami, FL) 0 // Breneshia, guest, & Young B @ Bun Bs step daughter Breneshias birthday party (Houston, TX) 0 // Gavin Luckett, Bryan Michael Cox, & Slim Thug @ LeToya Lucketts party (Houston, TX) 0 // Trey Songz & Jus Bleezy on the set of Like Me (St. Louis, MO) 08 // Carol City Cartel @ Mansion for DJ Khaleds birthday party (Miami, FL) 0 // Trick Daddy & the Dunk Ryders & DJ Demp @ Firestone for Florida Classic block party (Orlando, FL) 0 // Lil Scrappy & George Dukes @ Mansion for DJ Khaleds birthday party (Miami, FL)  // J-Baby, Fee, DJ Dr Doom, & Bigga Rankin @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 2 // Roger & Mami Chula @ Primetime (Atlanta, GA)  // DJ Rob Fresh & Uptown Angela @ the Kool Experience (New Orleans, LA)  // Sun, Spark Dawg, & BP @ Mike Jones American Dream movie premiere (Houston, TX)  // BF, DJ Jelly, Montay, Unk, & Baby D @ DJ Qs birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL)  // R Kelly & Ted Lucas on the set of Rick Ross Speedin video shoot (Miami, FL)  // Teddy T, Pleasure P, & TJ Chapman @ The Globe for DJ Qs birthday party (Jacksonville, FL) 8 // Guest & DJ Epps @ White Diamonds for Trina & Pleasure Ps birthday party (Miami, FL)  // Gazelle, DJ Demp, & Styles P @ Mansion for DJ Khaleds birthday party (Miami, FL) Photo Credits: Carl Lewis (,); Eric Perrin (2); Intl K (0,0,); J Lash (0); Julia Beverly (02,0,8); King Yella (0); Malik Abdul (0,); Marcus DeWayne (); Street Grindaz (0); Terrence Tyson (0,08,,)

OZONE MAG //  OZONE MAG // 

ITING IENTLY WA PAT

Da ook tarr Sn k S ok R
L
Starr tell it, a emcee Snook Da Rokk et Columbia, South Carolin ore the Shop Boyz started lity long bef he had a rockstar menta , Snook proone on that rockstar shit partying. I was the first ut three, four on Myspace, probably abo r song claims. I put my rocksta I even knew what a z even came out, before , Im weeks before the Shop Boy night. Sunday to Sunday club like every Shop Boy was. I was in the pin [bottles]. ney, getting drunk, pop in the club, throwing mo

) COLUMBIA, SC (VIA NEWARK, NJ

ok has established Barker-esque lifestyle, Sno ark, Aside from living a Travis metto State. Raised in New st in the Pal himself as a standout arti  to attend Benedict ColColumbia, SC in  pes throughout New Jersey, he moved to battle raps earned him stri left college e, where his penchant for leg tling competitors, Snook of bat asty the city. After a few years . He started Southern Dyn a rap career cus to make a serious push at atz P Etheridge and Mar associates Chris Ph Records with his college in 200, the label True Winston, and ndent debut album released Snooks indepe tured ker. The album, which fea ... Ban es by Sean Paul of the guest appearanc production by Youngbloodz, Lil Mo, and dified him as o and Polow Da Don, soli Kha When ble artist. Once his single a reputa h Sean Paul hit airwaves You See Me wit e a regional hit and clubs, the song becam Snook to things seemed in place for and on his newfound success. capitalize to stardom seemed But soon after the path sed away. clear, Snooks father pas to sions shows and recording ses Promos, ed and the buzzing rapper were all cancell te. As quickly was sent into a somber sta faded into Snook had risen, he had as ity. obscur start, he moved In 200, looking for a new business Atlanta, GA. But when his to sted on r Chris Etheridge was arre partne ge, s, as a tribute to Etherid federal charge return to SC and finish Snook decided to rted. what Southern Dynasty sta olinas, hes Since returning to the Car re he left off. In 200 picked up right whe h three mixtapes, he flooded the streets wit a Minor t Over with DJ Cleve, From Drough ted by DJ B-Lord and DJ to a Major hos Radio with Frosty, and a Real Nigga rations with Bigga Rankin. His collabo , Yo Gotti like Lil Boosie (Models) artists T-Pain (Untouchable) has (Money) and ation from his further heightened anticip album American forthcoming independent Rockstar. ent seemingly While the rockstar movem n Weezy engagecame and went faster tha sts things wont ment rumors, Snook insi ng, him. This the life Im livi change for t really partying like a he asserts. I ain rockstar. Thats rockstar, Im living like a te nothstyle, I really dont fabrica my life ing. // Words by Randy Roper

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(above L-R): Chad Johnson & Baby @ Club Dream during All Star weekend in New Orleans, LA; J Prince & Roy Jones Jr before his fight @ Madison Square Garden in New York, NY (Photos by Julia Beverly); Allen Iverson & Dwayne Wade @ Sugar Mill in New Orleans, LA (Photo: Terrence Tyson)

0 // Treal @ Hip Hop Soda Shop for the filming of 2 Pistols She Got It (Tampa, FL) 02 // All Star, TJ Chapman, & Alli Nicole @ House of Blues for Yo Gottis mixtape release party (Memphis, TN) 0 // DJ Q & Suga D @ Plies Bust It Baby reality show casting call (Tampa, FL) 0 // DJ Demp & DJ Blak @ The Moon for Demp Week (Tallahassee, FL) 0 // Randy Roper, Terrence Tyson, Malik Abdul, & ladies @ Webbies listening party (New Orleans, LA) 0 // Rufus, Baby, & Glasses Malone @ Club Dream during All Star weekend (New Orleans, LA) 0 // Lil Boosie, Turk, Webbie, & Mouse @ Roc A Fella 2. (New Orleans, LA) 08 // K-Foxx, Rick Ross, DJ Krunch One, & Flo Rida @ White Diamonds for Rick Ross birthday party (Miami, FL) 0 // Lil Boosie & DJ Sweat @ The Palace (Hattiesburg, MS) 0 // Steve Francis & J Prince (Houston, TX)  // Sean-D & Grand Prix @ The Moon for TJs birthday party (Tallahassee, FL) 2 // J Baby, Shane, & Stephanie @ Plush for Cool Runnings Christmas party (Jacksonville, FL)  // Black, Turk, Slim, & BJ on the set of Webbies I Miss You video shoot (New Orleans, LA)  // Will & Ms Rivercity @ Dream (New Orleans, LA)  // Pops & Cox of Piccalo @ White Diamonds for Rick Ross birthday party (Miami, FL)  // Eric Perrin & Chris Turner @ Sugar Mill (New Orleans, LA)  // Cutty Mac & Michael Watts @ S&S Entertainments New Years Eve party (Des Moines, IA) 8 // Derrick & Webbie @ Webbies listening party (New Orleans, LA)  // Mannie Fresh & Show @ Club Dream during All Star weekend (New Orleans, LA) Photo Credits: Julia Beverly (0,02,0,08,0,,8); King Yella (0,0,); Malik Abdul (0,); Ms Rivercity (); Terrence Tyson (0,0,,2,,)

OZONE MAG //  OZONE MAG // 

ITING IENTLY WA PAT

Ma
E

ney bo c

ATLANTA, GA

g army guns, South was caught holdin ver since the King of the nt. T.I.s uncertain quite a predicame rd Grand Hustle has been in n if the Atlanta-based reco tle re has led many to questio futu er. But while the Grand Hus t its breadwinn label can maintain withou n hearing, his ability to n awaits a suppressio house arrested head ma . de his team has diminished gui

ition where he cant leader and hes in a pos Anytime you got a great , Pimp Squad Click way [or] goes that way ody together as lead, everybody goes this is] needed to keep everyb k stronger er Macboney says. [T.I. memb wed me that I gotta wor , it just sho na do a whole. But as far as me you down and I aint gon wanna bring and harder. A lot of people se thats what he would want me to do. , cau nothing but push forward dominantly black Raised in Adamsville, a pre , on the west side of Atlanta neighborhood started to take shape Boneys rap career own Bankhead when he meet a then-unkn ey, along by the name of T.I.P. Bon rapper . and sin C-Rod, Big Kuntry, A.K with his cou group Pimp Squad Click. T.I. formed the rap ing off, P$C was And with T.I.s career tak Serious d on T.I.s debut album Im feature Atlanup signed to Grand Hustle/ and the gro appearing on T.I.s follow tic Records. After ik and 200s up albums, 200s Trap Muz streets Legend, and catching the Urban udh a slew of mixtapes, incl attention wit ma Gangsta Grillz mixes ing earlier DJ Dra n With The King, like In Da Streets and Dow released debut album 2 To Life was album P$Cs of 200. But when the in September g out under 200,000 struggled to sell, stallin seemingly been copies, P$C the group has rthought. an afte ls have cenSince then, the labels goa ssover artist and tered on making T.I. a cro Young Dro and breaking solo artists like tled, Instead of being disgrun Big Kuntry. h was paired in a group wit Macboneywho He released solo A.K. took to the streets. and The Rico Act mixtapes Processing Fee stock DJ Teknik, which upped his hosted by tle, [President of] Grand Hus as a solo artist. on for my solo Jason Geter, he took me he was wit it project, he says. He said wanted ped to the light. I said I and I step to do it. his solo debut He is currently working on if T.I. h one goal in mind. Even album wit his present legal issues makes it through boss to be able to unscathed, he wants his ultimate goal back from the game. My step head captain sit back and gon is to let my take ship, he says. I wanna let me lead the thats everybodys it to the next level. And shock the world goal in rap but I wanna music. // with this Words by Randy Roper Photo by Eric Perrin

 // OZONE MAG  // OZONE MAG

(above L-R): Young B reading his OZONE article in Houston, TX (Photo: Intl K); David Banner, Alfamega, Jazze Pha, Yung Joc, Big Kuntry, & DJ Holiday on the set of DJ Dramas 000 Ones in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Julia Beverly); TREAL @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards in Jacksonville, FL (Photo: Ms Rivercity)

0 // T-Streets, Mack Maine, & Raj Smoove @ House of Blues for Cash Money Millionaires 0 Year Anniversary (New Orleans, LA) 02 // Lil Boosie & Hot Boy Ronald @ Battle of the Bands (New Orleans, LA) 0 // King Arthur, Mami Chula, & guest @ Primetime (Atlanta, GA) 0 // B, Randy Roper, & Mac Boney @ Ecko Studios (Atlanta, GA) 0 // Malik Abdul & Slim Goodye @ Mansion for DJ Khaleds birthday party (Miami, FL) 0 // Blvd & Tamiko Hope @ Stankonia Studios for Outkasts Christmas party (Atlanta, GA) 0 // Tyga, Wayne, & Gata of Young Money @ Hot Beats Studio (Atlanta, GA) 08 // Entice @ Club Status (Orlando, FL) 0 // Potzee, Az One & Youvee (St Louis, MO) 0 // Phantom & J Leon @ Dragon Room (Orlando, FL)  // Ladies First @ Dragon Room (Orlando, FL) 2 // DJ Mello, MegaChick, & Preacher @ Club Status (Orlando, FL)  // Lil Hen & Face Murder @ The Globe for DJ Qs birthday bash (Jacksonville, FL)  // J-Money reading OZONE (Jackson, MS)  // DLyte & C Dog @ Club Cirque (Dallas, TX)  // Pimp J @ Club Status (Orlando, FL)  // Tre Dubb, Rapid Ric, & Ms Rita @ Beauty Bar (Austin, TX) 8 // Untamed, Big Dime, & Red Dogg @ Club Status (Orlando, FL)  // Wild Wayne & Cupid @ Bayou Classic (New Orleans, LA) 20 // Kango of Partners N Crime & DJ Raj Smoove (New Orleans, LA) 2 // Brandi Garcia, Chile, & Joe College @ Butter for Big Moe Tribute (Houston, TX) 22 // Erotic D (Dallas, TX) 2 // Miss  Cassandra Clark & Astrin White @ Studio  Models party (Norfolk, VA) 2 // Mutt Dogg & Derrty Boi Montana @ Club Viva (St Louis, MO) 2 // Veda Loca @ Club Cirque (Dallas, TX) 2 // Spark Dawg & the Grit Boyz @ Traes show (Killeen, TX) 2 // Pryme Status, Teresa, & Chris Parker @ SF2 (Houston, TX) 28 // Disco Jr @ Firestone for Florida Classic block party (Orlando, FL) 2 // Fed Tyme Records @ Block Ent. Show (Dallas, TX) 0 // Garfield & DJ Benny Boom @ Club Whispers for record pool meeting (Orlando, FL)  // G-Money @ Club Status (Orlando, FL) 2 // Gotti Boy Chris & Chris of the Block Burners @ Bayou Classic (New Orleans, LA)  // Face Murder, Lil Hen, & Shawn Jay @ Da Real Ting Cafe for Point Blank & OZONE party (Jacksonville, FL)  // DJ Kut & Craig Blac @ Jus Bleezys Like Me video shoot (St Louis, MO)  // DJ D-Money @ Plush for Ghetto Diamond Awards (Jacksonville, FL) Photo Credits:  Entertainment (); Derrick Francis (2); Edward Hall (,22,2); Eric Perrin (0,0,0,0); Intl K (2,2); King Yella (0,); Malik Abdul (08,0,,2,,,8,28,0, ,); Marcus DeWayne (0,02,,20,2); Ms Rivercity (); Tammie White (2); Terrence Tyson (0); Tre Dubb (,2,2)

OZONE MAG //  OZONE MAG // 

AITING TIENTLY W PA

ops Oo
I
t rn valuable skills tha s to college is to lea Ooop the purpose of going r and make money, St. Louis native f a caree dergrad. But one will help you find textbook toting un while most ent than any other is no differ of the pack is that ess Manhim from the rest ng that separates Psychology or Busin ttle rap. thi study such as major in a field of ent curriculum: Ba students ely differ covered a complet agement, Ooops dis knack for llege and found a s at a community co ur years ago, I wa Fo

ST. LOUIS, MO
became so r-old rapper soon local, Ooops. The 2-yea tuition by battling ttle rapping, says ba n began earning his at the craft that he love with it, and the good money. I fell in d I should start lished emcees for nd suggeste more estab half ago a family frie ssion. about a year and a e pa that became my tru writing songs, and his become known for a half, Ooops has urse of a year and en moreso for his Over the co t perhaps ev le as elligent delivery, bu y. He defines his sty witty lyrics and int unparalleled energ etic, but n lyrical and energ a mixture betwee e of the same time. Im on in still laid back at the esses, but people t, he str humblest dudes ou mes, Im gon put en Ooops co St. Louis know, wh on a show. turbing t on a show for Dis And he definitely pu February, when he won last The Peace Records ShowWhos Next? Artist udly the Atlanta labels hopefuls. Ooops pro er case among 80 oth contest was the ing the proclaims that winn ssibly an of his career, but po proudest moment budding omplishment for the t single, even greater acc success of his curren rapper has been the p). Louie Dip (Triple Ste are getda like when girls The dance looks kin tch and they just jump du leting ready to doub plains e they jump in, ex back and forth befor b one night and they clu Ooops. I was at the beat. And since St. Louis to a started doing that th, I nces we come up wi is known for the da for it. song decided to make a a history of his hometown has Though he admits amantly nce records, he ad da ole him making lollipop shouldnt pigeonh ople feels as though pe lot of people critirapper. A as a run of the mill an artists and my rebuttal is: cize dance records, you know s for the people. If job is to make song g right now, and you vin dance songs are mo nce song and its well put e da come up with a nic that. dy can argue with together, then nobo ops is arguable is that Oo One fact even less h St. Louis as a establis precondoing his part to reb and dispelling the premiere Hip Hop hu s have of his city. fan ceived views many St. Louis, cats coming out of We got some real en tainted a little image has be and I feel like our wledges. sors, Ooops ackno is bit by our predeces do in all my songs to se But one thing I try d metaphors, becau iles, an stay true to my sim me. Even though expect from thats what people that I ng, you cant deny I made a dance so my signature. // are ripped it. My lyrics Words by Eric Perri n

 // OZONE MAG  // OZONE MAG

(above L-R):  Deep with their OZONE All Star special edition cover @ Webbies listening party in New Orleans, LA (Photo: Ms Rivercity); Julia Beverly, Roccett, & Rick Edwards @ Demp Week celebrity basketball game in Tallahassee, FL (Photo: Terrence Tyson); C-Murder with his All Star issue article @ Webbies listening party in New Orleans, LA (Photo: King Yella)

0 // Carol City Cartel @ The Moon for Demp Week (Tallahassee, FL) 02 // Steph Jones @ Party . (Houston, TX) 0 // Seventeen @ SEA Pre-Party (Tunica, MS) 0 // SL Jones & Killer Mike @ SEA Pre-Party (Tunica, MS) 0 // Rick Ross, Steve Bellamy, & Rick Edwards @ Demp Week celebrity basketball game (Tallahassee, FL) 0 // Making The Band  in Times Square (New York, NY) 0 // Big Teach, Uncle Luke, & Lex @ Magic (Las Vegas, NV) 08 // Streetz @ Webbies listening party (New Orleans, LA) 0 // Pimpin Ken & guest @ Hard Rock for Yo Gottis mixtape release party (Memphis, TN) 0 // Bobo Luchiano, DJ Fish, & Steve Below @ The Fare for Big Pushs birthday party (Dallas, TX)  // Willy Northpole @ Party . (Houston, TX) 2 // Benji Brown @ Demp Week (Tallahassee, FL)  // Kamikaze, the ladies of Vivacious Wear, & Gerald Girbaud @ the Southern Entertainment Awards (Tunica, MS)  // Ja Rule @ The Moon for Demp Week fashion show (Tallahassee, FL)  // Garcia @ the James L Knight Center for Hoodstock (Miami, FL)  // All Star @ the Southern Entertainment Awards (Tunica, MS)  // TR Flow @ Club Level for Randy Ropers birthday party (Columbia, SC) 8 // Veda Loca @ Club Cirque (Dallas, TX)  // DJ Battle Cat @ House of Blues (New Orleans, LA) 20 // Lil V @ Plies Bust It Baby reality show casting call (Tampa, FL) 2 // Chubby Baby @ Club Esso for Atlanta Record Pool (Atlanta, GA) 22 // DJ Holiday & B Rich @ Club Esso for Atlanta Record Pool (Atlanta, GA) 2 // Teddy T @ the Southern Entertainment Awards (Tunica, MS) 2 // P Brown & Dutty Laundry @ Club Esso for Atlanta Record Pool (Atlanta, GA) 2 // Sun & Lupe Fiasco on the set of Lupe Fiascos Hip Hop Saved My Life video shoot (Houston, TX) 2 // Ms Re & Phat Girls Promotions @ the Southern Entertainment Awards (Tunica, MS) 2 // DJ Montay @ Club Esso for Atlanta Record Pool (Atlanta, GA) 28 // La Chat @ Southern Whispers for Bigg Vs birthday bash (Greenville, MS) 2 // DJ Judge Mntl @ the Southern Entertainment Awards panels (Tunica, MS) 0 // Dougski & Kottonmouth @ The Fare for Big Pushs birthday party (Dallas, TX)  // DJ Xclusive & P Brown @ Club Esso for Atlanta Record Pool (Atlanta, GA) 2 // DJ Wildhairr & Michael Watts @ S&S Entertainments New Years Eve party (Des Moines, IA)  // DJ Q, DJ Epps, LA Smoove, & Jennifer @ the James L Knight Center for Hoodstock (Miami, FL)  // Cutty Mac @ S&S Entertainments New Years Eve party (Des Moines, IA)  // DJ Chuck T @ the Southern Entertainment Awards panels (Tunica, MS) Photo Credits: Edward Hall (0,8,28,0); Intl K (02,,2); Julia Beverly (0,0,0,0,2,,,2); King Yella (); Malik Abdul (,,20,2,,); Ms Rivercity (08,0,,2,22,2,2,2,2 ,,); Terrence Tyson (0,0)

OZONE MAG //  OZONE MAG // 

Trina
Words by Julia Beverly // Photo by Bogan

8 // OZONE MAG

aving departed both her major label home (Atlantic Records) and a highly-publicized relationship (Lil Wayne), the Queen of Miami is back on the prowl... and loving it

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Your new album is coming out independently, right? Slip-N-Slide is through EMI, independent now. Its just about understanding what the independent deal was like and trying to understand what direction e were going to go with the project. Being independent is totally different from being with a major label, so there was a lot of stuff we had to compromise on. But it worked out for everybodys best interests, especially mine. Ive been with Atlantic my whole career, so it wasnt a one-sided decision. I want to move forward on my own and do something different; try something new. Wed ust outgrown each other. Im excited, and EMI has been really helpful in making sure the project comes out great. So basically it was a mutual decision to part ways with Atlantic. Yeah, my deal with Atlantic was up, and it was my decision to stay or leave. I felt like Id been with them for so long I had outgrown their vision. I wanted more control. Labels arent how they used to be; youve gotta put in a lot more work. Everything is so difficult, I guess with the bootlegging and so much stuff being leaked on the internet, its just a harder fight. So Im going to go through EMI and it was a better deal for me. A better deal financially? Its definitely better financially, and as far as business in general, you get to see more money. Thats what its about; its about making money. Thankfully Im signed to Slip-N-Slide so theyre like the backbone to everything. I think thats the most important thing, because without the co-parent of Slip-NSlide, if everything was straight independent, I dont know how that wouldve worked out. At DJ Khaleds birthday party Trick said fuck Slip-N-Slide. Does the tension between your labelmate and your label ever put you in an awkward position? Not really. Me and Trick are cool and were always going to be cool. We have different relationships as far as were concerned and as far as the label is concerned. Its two different things, and everybody understands that Trick is his own individual. My relationship with Trick is totally different from Tricks relationship with Slip-N-Slide or anybody else. Everybody knows their boundaries and it doesnt make me and Trick have any tension because whatever his issue is with the label is totally separate from me. Your first single Im Single Again is a little different style of music than what youve been known to put out in the past. Is that kinda the direction youre going with this album? That track was produced by Big Chuck and J-Rock at Poe Boy, and that was my first time working with them. When I first heard the beat, it was crazy. With this album I didnt really go in the studio with a vision, like, I want to put out these kind of records. Sometimes if you go in the studio thinking about what the fans want to hear, its not gonna work. I didnt wanna get caught up in that zone. I just wanted to go in with a free head and make records of whatever I like, whatever I love, whatever is hot. I just wanted to have a clean visual and just go in there and make music. When I did that record [Single Again] I really didnt know what to expect, because I did the record before the hook was actually done. I was going back and forth trying to decide what was relevant to me right now in my life. I was trying to make it meaningful and strong and make it be about myself, not really fabricated. Its really about me, the real deal. It kinda just came together. I was just in there humming and figured maybe that should be the hook. Its something for the ladies. Theres a lot of single ladies, so I went in there and did it and liked it. I was like, Maybe I should put somebody else on here and let them sing it, and they said, No, it sounds crazy, you should just go in there and redo the vocals and make it stronger. I was like, I aint gonna be singing, I aint no singer. It was kinda funny at first and then when I went in there I wanted it to come out perfect, so I put the hook together and did it. So after that record, I just went in the studio making crazy records, like all kinds of techno, sounds that were totally different from what I normally do. But when youre in the club and you hear different kinds of music, thats not just all Hip Hop. So for me to go in there and do a record that sounds like [techno], for Trina, it was totally different but I tried it anyway. I did a record with reggae flavor, I did my crazy ghetto fabulous trash talking record, you know, I just wanted to be able to relate to everything thats a part of me in my career. Sometimes when I perform Ive heard people say things like, Trinas soft now, but its not like that. You just want to grow as an artist. I dont want to keep coming back out again and sounding the same from the first album to the second album to the third album, so I kinda toned down a little bit. This time I went in the studio with just a crazy attitude. Its just me doing me. Its emotional, its soft, its raw, its a record. When I did [Single Again] I was like, I cannot believe I just did this record. Its crazy but its real, and thats what I wanted to bring with this album. The track is different. I wanted to challenge myself and do stuff that Ive never done before; stretch myself. And with me making the whole transition from the [major] label to an independent, everything is like a new vibe. I have creative control and this is what I want to do, so it all worked out so great. I really never had that before. I would just go do records 0 // OZONE MAG

and there would be a producer. Id get myself into that zone and rock with whatever they had picked out. But this time I went in there picking my choice of what I love, and it was great. I really enjoyed this particular session of studio recording for my album. At the OZONE Awards, you, Jacki-O, and K-Foxx dressed as superheroes. What was the intent behind that? Are the three of you planning to put out a group album or something? No, it wasnt that. K-Foxx is a radio personality and shes a beautiful woman who is doing so much stuff to try to inspire and help women. Shes doing a mixtape featuring female artists. Im not sure who all is on the mixtape, but I know I gave her some records, Jacki-O is on there, and I believe Remy [Ma] is on there. She wanted to do this whole female vibe of, you know, trying to put all the females through and empowering us by creating a movement and being strong. Theres only a few of us and we really dont get as much recognition as I feel we should get. I cant speak for nobody else but I know for myself, I work extremely hard. Im always working. Even without having an album out in two and a half years, Im still working. Im on the road. Im doing shows. Im overseas, Im across country, so its still constant work for me. I feel like theres not enough females [in the music business] and we dont stick together. The unity is not there. So when [K-Foxx] came to me about doing the CD, I was like, That sounds hot. Im all in. She wanted to do flyers and for the mixtape cover the theme was to be superheroes. I wanted to be Wonder Woman because I love Wonder Woman, and once I agreed to the idea, K-Foxx was like, Ill be Storm [from X-Men] and Jacki-O wanted to be Superwoman. So we all went searching for costumes and trying to put it together to take the photo for the mixtape cover. I really had fun doing it; it was good to dress up and have a great time. So when it came time for the OZONE Awards we knew everybody was going to be there, so we were like, Lets just go as the superheroes. It was about empowerment of women. I know a lot of people were like, What are they doing? and they didnt really get a chance to understand the whole movement. K-Foxxs mixtape was actually supposed to come out for the OZONE Awards weekend but it wasnt ready and we couldnt fall back on the idea [to dress up] because we were already ready to do it, even though the mixtape wasnt out, the flyers and everything were done. I thought it was fun. Females in the industry are always screaming that we need to work together, but its never really done. As women, we have egos. We need to go on tour together like the guys and it would make us bigger. Its so shallow and shady. There are a lot of strong women in the industry and I think theres just not enough exposure for us. Everybodys not getting the shine that they deserve. At one point there were rumors that you and Jacki-O had problems with each other. Was there a point where you sat down and squashed the beef or was it never really that serious in the first place? Whenever youre doing something where youre in the same situation - another female artist people are going to make that a big issue. Personally, I never had a problem with her, and I dont think she had a problem with me. It was people on the outskirts; people want to see us going against each other rather than staying with each other. I think sometimes you can get caught up in the hype of that. Shed never done anything to me, so I have no reason to dislike her. We never fell out, argued, or got into any type of problems. So we were like, Why do people feel like we [have beef]? This just needs to stop, so lets nip this in the bud. So wherever that [rumor] started, I have no idea. Its just a waste of energy. We ran into each other at a studio and we just talked for a long time. It wasnt about us, it was about women trying to make it and have a career doing what you love, and how people can try to corrupt it and make you feel like theres [beef]. Its silly. It makes no sense whatsoever. One of the criticisms other people, like Khia, have directed at you is that you dont write your own lyrics. Is that true? And if so, I mean, a lot of artists dont write their own lyrics, especially R&B singers and whatnot. Do you think that makes the value of their art any less than if they were the actual writer? I dont think so. First of all, I write my album. Ive had writers that have written songs for me before, songs that I loved. On my first album I worked with Trick [Daddy], Rick Ross, Deuce Poppi, and some of the guys from the label [Slip N Slide]. I would come up with ideas and thed say, Okay, well do this kind of song, go in this kind of direction, and wed make it pop. That does not mean absolutely anything. Ive written the majority of all of my albums. On my fourth album I wrote every song except one. When I came into this business, it was brand-new for me. I didnt even know how to rhyme in bars. The guys on the label would help make it happen. Ive never said that I wrote every single song that Ive done. I mean, who does that? Not everybody. Some people that say that they wrote all of their rhymes, well, maybe they shouldnt have written all their rhymes and maybe they wouldve sold some records. Obviously nobody cares to hear what theyre saying. Thats funny. My thing is, Im real about it. I came up in a camp where there are guys who

have ideas, visions, and views. Theyd be like, Look, yo, you need to do this kind of record. This is fly, this is hot. Lets rock with this. Fine. You help me, Ill help you. Ive done the majority of my own records. We helped each other and here we are today, and thats why I am the baddest bitch. Its about being real. Its not that big of an issue. Do you think the majority of your fans are men or women? It kind of varies. I think guys are fans, but its more of a fascination with the whole celebrity thing. When I do shows there are major guy fans and Im sure there are guys that buy my albums. But I know that with women all women, no matter whos album it is are going to get involved with the album. Theyre gonna listen to the album and theyre going to be at the show singing word for word. So I have guy fans but I also have female fans that listen to songs that have helped them get out of situations and helped them feel like they could be stronger. Its kind of an equal split. What kinds of things have you been doing with your charity foundation, the Diamond Dolls? The Diamond Dolls is a foundation to help motivate girls and give them selfconfidence. I run across so many different women girls, young girls, mature girls and everybody has issues, no matter what it is. It could be feeling lonely in their family or feeling abandoned. Some are not as fortunate as others. Some have been molested or raped; some are runaways or got pregnant at an early age. And even with more mature women, so many of them dont have confidence or ambition. They feel like they cant be what they want to be, or theyre not strong enough, and thats basically what the foundation is about. Were not trying to dictate or change anybodys lives or make anybody superstars, its just to reach out and talk to them. We try to let them know that even though they feel like were so different because were celebrities or women in the music business, I think were just the same. Im the same as any other woman. Ive been through some of the same situations. Being in and out of love, having friends that have been hurt, so many different things. You have your highs and your lows; times when youre still depressed and times when youre feeling at your best. I think everybody goes through that; not just regular people, or celebrities. Everybody goes through some emotional things and this is just a chance to give back and let them feel free to talk about their situations and how they can better themselves. We had a panel that involved a lot of different people, like Alonzo Mournings wife and a bunch of different business people and politicians to give you different views about education and how to manage money and how to take care of your business. It was amazing to see some of the questions the girls asked. In February were going to do the second year of the foundation which should be amazing. Im really excited about it. Like you mentioned, a lot of girls probably think you dont have any problems because youre a celebrity. Whats one of your insecurities that people might be surprised to know about? Ive always had the misconception of people being intimidated by me. People think Im a diva or Im bourgeois, but Im really totally the opposite from that. Im very regular and down-to-earth, and my insecurity is being vulnerable. I dont like to feel hurt. I dont care if its a relationship or family or friends or whoever, I take that to heart. Im the kind of person who is very emotional and saddened by it. I think every woman goes through that. I think people see me on stage or hear me on a record and think Im feisty and energetic, but Im the opposite. Theres times when Im curled up in the bed crying for like a week because Im real sad about something thats bothering me. I talk to my friends about issues Im going through; I want to talk about it and express it because I dont want to be sad and balled all up going through something by myself. Im always the one to involve other people. Talking to the girls, theyll ask me questions, and Im like, Im no different. Im that way too. I get mad. I have my bad days. I have great days, but I have horrible days too. Im like anybody else, and sometimes people just dont see that. A lot of girls go through the pressures of being a teenager or problems with their mom when theyre at home. Its like, Hello, I lived with my mom before. And I understand, because I was a teenager who wasnt allowed to go to parties down the street. My mom would be like, No, you cannot stay at your friends house over the weekend. You could stay in your own house, and that way I can watch and see whats going on. My friends used to be able to spend the night out and I would be so mad. But when you grow up and see the reasons why, you kind of understand. So, for me to look at these girls and see them going through the same situation, its amazing. I used to want to go somewhere and Id be trying to sneak out the window and my mom would tell me shed beat my butt. Its funny when you see the next generation coming up doing the exact same thing. So we just have an open conversation about life and the industry and being in a relationship; being in love, being out of love, you know, just anything you go through as a woman growing up and finding out more about yourself, things that you love and things that make you happy. Its a beautiful thing and I really enjoy it, and I cant wait until the second annual foundation [meeting] because I know its going to be more intense. I know the girls are going to be there with juicy questions and everybodys gonna talk, and its gonna be really nice.

Did the breakup with Lil Wayne inspire you to write Single Again? The song was inspired by my life, period. I am single. Im not in a relationship and thats just the whole swag of whats going on with me. Im doing me. Im very happy and in a peaceful place, and its fair to say that I was not always that way. I was going through different things emotionally. When youre in a relationship or when you get out of it, you go through that phase of being hurt. I had to come around and find myself, and being single has taught me a lot about myself, understanding my self-worth. When youre in a relationship, you kinda devote everything to the person youre with and you kind of slack on you. So now I am happy and single, and I wanted the song to be relative to my life. Its just me and its okay. Im single and not unhappy. I am very happily single and [the song] is about being in a good space in my life. Im not really looking for nobody. Im working. I dont have time. Im in the studio, on the road, doing shows, performing, hosting parties, doing photo shoots, [and] getting ready for the album. Its kinda chaotic for me and I really dont have the time to be in a situation right now. Ive been single for a while and Im enjoying it. Around the same time there were pictures of you kissing Lil Wayne at Miami Live when he performed Prostitute Flange, Superhead was out promoting her book and talking publicly about her relationship with him. Were you and him already broken up by the time she came into the picture, or was that an issue for you? Its been a while since my relationship ended. Its been over a year, so anything after [we broke up] has nothing to do with me and I really dont even care about it. I dont know her. Whatever they do, theyre grown and thats their business and I really dont care. The Miami Live situation was just seeing somebody and being like, you know, Hey, I aint seen you in a while, and it was a moment where everything happened so fast. It was a crazy night and it was all over. Everybody exaggerated it. It was just a moment and it was over, and that was cool. It wasnt a big issue. It wasnt rekindling flames and all that; it was just a happy moment and that was that. Wayne made a comment in Complex where he basically said that any woman who used to be in his world, if she says shes happy without him, shes lying. I dont know nothing about that. I am very happy. Im happy with myself, and I think thats the important thing. Its not even because of a relationship. I found happiness within myself, and its easy to make somebody else happy when youre in somebody elses world. But when youre not in that situation, the challenging part is to make yourself happy again. For me, it took awhile. It took a lot of energy; a lot of hurt and pain. Im no different from nobody else as a person. I had to deal with my own issues, insecurities, and emotions, and to overcome it, I think thats when you become happy with yourself. I know for a fact I am extremely happy, not because of the situation Im in or out of, just because I am at peace with myself and when I wake up every day I feel blessed. I have a career, and when Im not performing or doing an event Im with my family, and its just a moment of happiness and peace. There are so many people in the world that have major problems, and Im fortunate to be okay and be happy. Im so thankful for that. I dont have a reason to be unhappy because I can wake up every single morning and breathe life. I am very happy, happily single again. You look like youve lost a lot of weight recently. Do you have a workout routine? I hate to work out, honestly. I dont like working out. I just want to be toned, but I cant go for more than a few days [working out]. I hate trying to get over the soreness. I have a trainer, so I will work out like three times a week. I dont want to be real buff or cut up, I just want to stay proportioned and toned. I did a liquid cleansing diet for two weeks, and that helped a lot. It was something I challenged myself to do because Id heard so much about it and I wanted to see if it really worked. Im the type of person who hates to drink water. This liquid cleanser thing is almost like unsweetened lemonade, so thats the closest thing to getting me to drink water. But that no-eating thing, I dont know about that. It drove me crazy for awhile. Its kinda mind over matter. Once I got into the whole work-out thing, I was okay with it. Im not dieting right now. Its about eating the right stuff. I try not to eat late at night and just eat healthier than before. I try not to eat too many Krispy Kreme doughnuts and eat stuff thats healthy. Its hard when youre on the road travelling and eating a lot of stuff from fast food restaurants and hotel room service, and Im not the one to go downstairs to the gym to do cardio. I just try to eat decent and work out every now and then. Whats the name of your album? The album is called Still The Baddest and it comes out April st. Of course the first single is Single Again. The album is crazy. Ive got features like Rick Ross, Missy Elliott, Mya, Keyshia Cole, just to name some, and Ive got producers like Jim Jonsin, Scott Storch, J Rock, Big Chuck, and Young Yonnie. Its a great album and I know the fans are going to love it. I want my fans to see the growth. Its been almost three years since I had an album out. Ive got the hood records, the raw records, the raunchy records, sexy records, mature records, you know, you can see where my mind has elevated. I had a great time working in the studio and Im just so excited for the album to come out. I just cant wait. Im going on tour too, so Im really excited about that; Im going to be all over the world. Its going to be a beautiful 2008 for me. I am really happy. // OZONE MAG // 

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Its been over two years since Cleveland native Cheri Dennis emphatically sang I Love You to the world. Though an album never followed, Cheri left an indelible mark on music, amassing a large fan-base along the way. And while her relationship with her label hasnt always been a Portrait of Love, Bad Boys long tenured songbird is finally prepping for her debut release. On In and Out of Love Cheri is displaying her true emotions and life lessons in an offering complete with diverse music and a positive outlook.
Whats going on with you album? My album is called In and Out of Love and it is an album about emotions and relationships, but it is not an album that makes you want to jump off a bridge; it still feels good. I think we got a lot of diverse music on it. I think we got something for everybody on there. It was never my objective to make pop records, but I do have a couple pop records on the album. I do have soul records, I do have street R&B records, but they all are cohesive; I dont think that Im all over the place with it and Im just really excited that I finally get to have a body of work that people can listen to. So, I hope you dont have too many male-bashing songs on the album. (laughs) You mean the man-bashing, you hurt me all the time records? Naw, I think if youre a true artist a lot of the music you make its about where you are in your life at that moment, and Im not gonna say youll never get those type of male-bashing records at some point, because that might be something that Im going through at some point in life, but I love men. I dont think all men are dogs. I dont think all men are the same. I think you need to base everyone on individual merit, so on my records when I talk about being out of love, its just certain things that you go through in relationships. Its not from an hateful place, and its not like Im jaded because Ive been in a few bad relationships. I just speak on the things that go down in relationships. A true artist makes music thats reflective of where you are in your life. You created a pretty unique style thats characteristic of Cheri Dennis. How have you gone about doing that? I dont try to set myself apart, I just make music. I go in and create from my soul and I guess its partly because of my personality, and partially just cause I dont go in trying to make music like anybody else. I hate going in and saying, This is my radio record, or, This is my club record. I dont go in making those kinds of records, I just go in and surprisingly the [records] come out with a mind of their own. A lot of people may not know too much about your past. I know youre originally from Cleveland, but how exactly did you get involved in music? I sang in the church choir very early on, and then I progressed to the school choir, and then I was in a singing group when I was a teenager. It was five girls, five different personalities; groups dont always last long, especially not with chicks. But that experience definitely taught me a lot; it definitely prepared me for my professional career, and I dont regret it at all, but I had exhausted the whole music scene in Cleveland and I needed to go somewhere where there was a major music market. So I decided to move to New York and pursued getting a deal. How exactly did you get your deal at Bad Boy? Im signed to a production deal to a company called Cozi Music, spearheaded by Jimmy Cozier. He had a friend who worked at Bad Boy who invited Puffy and Kim Porter to a party, and I sangI kind of freestyled, like ad-libbed over the music that was playing and thats how the interest got sparked in me getting my deal. Getting my deal was fairly easy, you knowright place, right time-but getting it to the point where you see it at now, packaged, pressed, and in stores, that has been journey for me. But its a journey that I dont regret at all because Ive learned so much and its made me a stronger, better person, and a stronger, better artist. You had the I Love You single that did pretty good a few years back, and I know you had to be disappointed that its taken so long for you to get your project out. I was frustrated at the time because I was ready to come out, but looking back in hindsight, my journey has been so long that I think that the album needed revamping and refreshing. A lot of the records were old; they werent bad, but they were just dated. Also I had to restructure my situation; I have new management now, so this last year has been about me getting my business in order. So looking back, Im glad that I waited, and Im happier with the album this time around. How is it working with Bad Boy? I know you probably cant say anything bad about your label, but Hold on, you dont know what I can say. Boy, let me tell you. (laughs) No, its up and down; its a job. Im not going to sit here and say that cause Im signed to Bad Boy everything is peaches and cream, and shit is always sweet, because its not. Its a job for me, and there are days when I wake up and I dont want to be bothered. There are days when I wake up completely frustrated with a decision thats been made about my career: maybe this song I dont like, or maybe this look I dont like, maybe this show they feel is important I need to do, and I may feel like, Why do I need to do that show? Its up and down, its not always peaceful, and its not always a smooth ride, but on the flipside of that I have to thank Bad Boy because theyre giving me an outlet to get my music out to people. I have to be grateful for that, so even with all the stress and tension that comes with it sometimes, theres still love there because Im being given an opportunity of a lifetime. // - Eric Perrin

2 // OZONE MAG

reg Street is a cornerstone in the southern Rap industry. His DJ credentials at Atlantas V-0 and the annual Greg Street Car Show are well acclaimed, but Street has years of history beneath the surface of many well known labels. His forthcoming album on Interscope Records features a select combination of renowned artists and fresh faces. For people who might not be familiar with Greg Street, can you explain what it is you do aside from just being a DJ? From -0 PM I do a radio show in Atlanta at V0, one of the # radio stations in the country, one of the biggest radio stations in the country, check Arbitron. Outside of that, I do a music car show tour. I do a lot of sneaker events with some of the different brands like Nike and Adidas. Ive worked with a lot of artists and labels over the years. Tell me about the album you have coming out through Interscope. Is it a compilation or a mixtape? How would you explain it? Its a mixtape. The album is gonna be crazy. Theres like  or  songs on the album. Most mixtapes have 2 or  songs on it and a lot of the songs are throwaway tracks. This album is crazy solid from song to song. Almost every song on the album is a single. I played the album for the staff and they went crazy over the song selection. So its not throwaway tracks, its more like specific songs you put together? Some of them the groups put together themselves. Thats what makes it more like a mixtape. Im trying to keep it in the DJ element, not where its like Im trying to make these records and be a producer, even though I do some production and have song ideas. Im taking songs from these artists and making it like Dr. Dres Chronic version for the South. Thats how its gonna lay out with the skits but instead of me being a producer like Dre, Ima be a DJ and put it together where it makes sense. What records on there should we look out for? B.O.B. Haters Everywhere. I got a Nappy Roots record called Good Day thats crazy. Its guaranteed to bring Nappy Roots back hard. Jody Breeze, Jazze Pha, and Twista. Big Boi and Koncrete Whats That Smell On Your Shirt. The controversial record from Riskay called Smell Yo Dick. Young Buck and the Outlawz. Andre 000 has a song by himself. Rich Boy. The girl [group] Mahogany has got a song called DJ featuring Game. Blood Raw featuring Young Buck. Slick Pulla featuring Young Jeezy. Ludacris featuring Small World. Plies, Rick Ross, Akon. 0 Cent is doing the intro to the album. Its just stupid. Kardinal Official with Rock City made an international-world remix of Rick Ross Cross That Line. When does the album come out? We pushed the date back to like March or April to really get it all set up. Were probably going to have like a  pack of songs drop in February then the official single Good Day with Nappy Roots is gonna drop with a video. My plan

is to have a video with every song on the album so inside the album is gonna be a mix DVD with one of the retailers like Best Buy. Ill be DJing the videos. So you can find the videos on YouTube as well? Yeah, some of em will be on YouTube, some of em wont. Youll have to get em when the album comes out. The whole DVD concept is designed for the guys when they pull their cars out in the spring and summer, cars with the systems and TVs. They can listen to the album and have the video visual playing on the screen at the same time. You mentioned that you have some things you want to get off your chest. What are some other things you want to talk about in this interview? Just about the whole South. We got a lot of DJs and a lot of DJ Crews. A lot of people get it misunderstood when it comes to the difference in breaking records and supporting records. A lot of people support records but when you look at a lot of DJs careers and what theyve done and where theyve been since theyve been in the game, ask them how many artists theyve broken. Its not nothing personal against anybody. Its not like calling names cause a lot of DJs are friends of mine. Im friends with most DJs and dont have no problem with nobody, but a lot of people support records but dont jump out and be that one person that really leads it. When you start calling out DJs names, what records can you really identify them with being behind? Who broke that record? I was talking to an artist the other night and they were like, You were the first person behind my music, and a lot of cities I go to a lot of people claim to have broke my record. I think its crazy when a DJ hears about a record thats already big in another city and they support the record in their market, but thats not really breaking a record. If an artist in your market comes to you and you think the record is hot and you support it, then youre breaking the record. A lot of people feel like if they hear a record from a DJ or radio station thats playing it in another city and it starts to blow up, then theyre breaking the record. Theres nothing wrong with that cause everybody has to start somewhere. Ive never been into the hype of getting in magazines or telling people what Ive done but with the way the industrys going right now if you dont let the people know what you do and what youre a part of, you dont get credit for it. They look at it like you dont have a movement. Yeah you a DJ on the radio, but what else do you do? Is there anything else youd like to add? Im doing something creative with Interscope thats gonna change the mixtape game. The mixtape before the mixtape, part two, is called  OClock Worldwide, and were putting out a limited edition of 0,000 copies. It drops March th to the streets and select stores. Its gonna be Christmas in March on the bootleg circuit. Then the Interscope/Mixtaperecordings project will drop in May: Greg Streets Street Certified. People that got new music, send it to Myspace.com/DJGregStreet or my assistant at acemp@gmail.com. // Words by Julia Beverly // Photos by Drexina Photography OZONE MAG // 

After label politics led their collaborator Jermaine Dupri to depart for Def Jam, the Atlanta foursome is determined to prove they can make hits on their own.
Words by Julia Beverly // Photos by Ray Tamarra

ARLAE P
There were so many groups that came out of Atlanta around the same time, like Franchize, DL, and Crime Mob, do you think the country has grasped who you are? What do you want people to know about Dem Franchize Boyz? I really think that out of all the groups that came out of Atlanta, people who are really into Hip Hop know us. A lot of the people who dont know us are people who dont really listen to Southern rap music. If youre a fan of Southern music then you know the Franchize Boyz, cause we started a whole genre of music just being ourselves. Are you sticking with the snap-music formula like your first album, or going in a different direction? On our first album with JD, really, the only snap track we had on there was Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It. But because that song was such a big record, a lot of people kinda put us in that category because were the pioneers of that music. Were the pioneers of snap music, so of course whenever somebody says snap music theyre gonna think of us because were the ones that introduced it to everybody. But we really aint did too many snap records. We got mislabeled as a snap group. Snap music was created on the West side of Atlanta; Bankhead. Were from there. We did that in the club to have fun, but thats not really us as artists. We do different kinds of music. We interviewed Shawty Lo not too long ago and he was saying that a lot of artists who rep Bankhead arent necessarily from Bankhead. Do you think thats true? I think all the mainstream artists that rep Bankhead are from Bankhead, or they stayed on Bankhead, or have some kinda previous history on Bankhead. But its a lot of artists that stay in Decatur or places like that, and they say theyre from Atlanta but really Atlanta is Fulton County. How does Bankhead compare to the rest of Atlanta? Were like our own city inside of Atlanta. Bankhead sets our own trends. I see youve got a couple new pieces. Well, the DFB piece, thats Dem Franchize Boyz and thats our logo. Then the 0 Entertainment, thats our record label that me and Buddie have, and the White Tee Gang is my production company. Im writing movies now too. I just wrote a movie called White Tee Gang and were supposed to be locking a deal down with Focus Films for like $2 million. Of course I wanted to do the White Tee piece to take it all the way back to when we got started; we always reminisce on where we come from. What do you think is gonna be the next big record on this album? The new single is called Talkin Out The Side Of Your Neck. Theres a real popular song in the Sotuth that all the black college bands play, so we kinda took that band style and took the concept and flipped it on some everydayliving type shit based on the Franchize Boyz. Everybodys always saying, The Franchize Boyz aint comin back out, they aint gon sell no records. They aint gon put out no record without Jermaine. They cant rap. So we took that and put it on a record. When we first put it out a lot of people were sleeping on it, because they stereotyped us as snap music, but really, thats not what we do. I think the more people see and hear [Talkin Out The Side Of Your Neck], theyll catch onto it. I think itll be another real big record for us. Werent you on trial for murder at one point? Whats the story behind that situation? When I had got locked up for the murder charge, it really wasnt nothin like that. The marijuana charge, it wasnt nothin. We were just in the studio puttin in work and [the police] came and found a little weed and a little cash and they just blew it out of proportion. Nobody else from the Franchize Boyz was int eh studio or had nothing to do with it, but you know how the media is, so they took it and blew it out of proportion. But thats being taken care of right now, so everythings good. Im back on the road, traveling, and doing me. And what about the murder case? I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, and being who I am- I mean, Im the only person [there] that everybody knew. Everybody kept saying, Parlae, Parlae, Parlae. But in the murder case, they aint even indict me. They aint got no witnesses or no evidence or nothing like that. It was just that everybody knew me, and when shit started going crazy they just named me. You look like youve been eating good. Yeah, Ive been eating good. I had a little boy, but then I got in the gym and

started runnin again. My manager Chico got me in the gym and I started running a lot and pumpin some iron. Im trying to slim down. I aint trying to put on too much muscle, so Ive just been doing a lot of cardiovascular exercises. What do you think is your role in Dem Franchize Boyz? Im the point guard. The quarterback. I feel like Im the point man. I make sure that everybody on the team is good. I make sure all the linemen are down on the line. I make sure all the receivers know their routes. I make sure the running back is on cue. I also produce; I produced the Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It record. Pimpin produces also. I do a little bit of everything. I did like three beats on this album. Do you produce for other artists also? Yeah, everybody I fuck with, Im gon mess with them. Im gonna go the Mannie Fresh route. All the artists Ive got on 0 Entertainment, all the hot, hot tracks I make, Im tryin to give it to them and get a hit and hopefully get another label deal in the future. Im going to try to create another Franchize. Who are the artists on your label? if youre familiar with the original version of I Think They Like Me, we had an artist on their named Young Nut. He was also on the first verse of Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It. Hes on the label, and my little brother Junior Junior is on the label. Also, weve got Jay Spitter, Joe Blow, Dosha, and an artist from Queensbridge named City Black. Ive also got an artist from Memphis named Calico Jones. Im just tryin to get it poppin. Is there anything else you want to talk about? The album is in stores April st, Point of No Return. The new single out right now is Talkin Out The Side Of Your Neck. So act like you know, dont act like youre slow. OZONE MAG // 

PIMPIN
know if theyre gonna keep em yet, but its been a lot of them. Did the situation with Jermaine Dupri leaving Virgin Records leave yall in a bad position? Not really. For those that dont know, I made the track for White Tee. Parlae did the track for Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It, and I did Oh, I Think Dey Like Me too. We made all of our hits. Jermaine left Virgin and went over to Def Jam, and that whole year we were trying to negotiate and he was trying to take us over to Def Jam, but it didnt work out. We ended up staying at Virgin. Were still cool but his contract at Def Jam [says that] he can only work with Def Jam artists. What does the album title mean to you? Point Of No Return means that right now were at the peak of our career and its no turning back. Itd be a little crazy if you just roll up to a McDonalds or Burger King and see us cooking burgers. Were at the point of no return so were gon have to make it do what it do. Worst case scenario, what would you do if the music thing didnt work out for you? Shit, Im gon be back in the streets. But thats why Im setting up business ventures. Ive got a shoe store right now on Jonesboro Road [in Atlanta] and my production company is doing pretty good, so Im gonna try to keep it moving when this rap game is over with. What kind of shoes do you sell at your store? Custom shoes, something like Ive got on right now. (points to his feet) Basically, its the you aint got these that we sell. Everything you see us wearing in the videos, you can go right to the store and get it. The store is called Sportz Center and its on Jonesboro Road right in front of South Lake Mall. Isnt it hard to maintain a retail store when youre on the road all the time? Naw, cause I have a silent partner. She handles everything while Im gone. They send me all the inventory on my iPhone so I can check it, call em back, tell em what I want, and they ship it in and ship it out. Weve got the internet camera [in the store], so I can always go on the internet and see whats going on and then pick up the phone to call them like, Tuck your shirt in. (laughs) Whats the best song on the album, in your opinion? Well, Id say Roll Your Arms, which is another dance song. We had a disagreement of how we should present ourselves to the public. I think we should still come out on that snap shit, and right now Roll Your Arms is catching a big movement. You can go on YouTube, type in Roll Your Arms, and youll see the video that we shot for it. What position do you play in the group? Im the most business-minded. If I see a glitch in the matrix, Im the one thats gon try to straighten it out. I understand it a little bit more so Im more business-like about it. Im the one on the paperwork. They might not look at the paperwork, but I do, and Im like, Hold up! Then Ill bring it to their attention, like, This shit here aint right. Im into the business side and the production aspect. Where do you think you got your business mind from? Did you go to college or is something youve always been into? Me, Parlae, and Buddie went to college. I stayed a semester and then dipped. Im not the school type, but this mentality comes from hanging around older people. All my friends are older than me, like 0 or 0. It just comes from hearing their experiences. I like to keep my ears open and just listen, and Ive learned a lot. So the album comes out on April st? Yep, April Fools Day, yall haters. Real talk. Is there anything else you want to say to the haters? Man, yall can keep hating me, but you need to hate with a pair of my shoes on your feet. So go holla at your boy at the Sportz Center right there on Jonesboro Road. You can go to myspace.com/sportzcenter or call 0-2.

What have Dem Franchize Boyz been working on during this trip to New York? Weve just been getting ready to come back out. Weve been taking a lot of pictures for a lot of different magazines and doing radio spots, and weve got a show today for a school. Yesterday we got a couple awards from the school for our community service. Basically, weve been promoting. What kind of community service have you been doing? Just going to different schools and hollering at the kids. We tell them a positive message: stay in school, do your homework, stuff like that. Weve been doing this in the A, too. Elementary schools, high schools, middle schools, wherever. It doesnt make headlines when rappers do community service, though. Naw, they dont care about nothing like that. They just like it when you get locked up; thats when they really promote you. They dont care about the good [stuff]. Some people do, but some people dont. I love the kids, you know? Ill continue doing it. Why did you name yourself Pimpin? Im not pimpin women, but Im pimpin this game. Im pimpin these beats that I sell; these verses. I put them on the track and that brings me money back. Plus, my older brothers name is Pimpin, so everybody in the hood used to call me Lil Pimpin. I aint little no more, so its just Pimpin. Do you and Parlae do most of the beats for the group? Yeah, but on this album Ive been so busy working with other artists I didnt get any beats on the album. Parlaes got like two, but Ive got some songs coming up. Ive been working with [Yung] Joc. Ive got some tracks with some of our other artists, like Joe Blow and Young Nut, and I submitted a couple of tracks to some other artists. I dont want to say any names because I dont

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BUDDIE
First off, you know, you got a not-too-positive review in our last sex issues Groupie Confessions. Do you want to respond to that? There was a little statement made about me and I cant remember the situation so I really cant make a response, but if it wouldve happened like that, obviously it wasnt what you thought it was. I was ready to get mine (laughs) so you shoulda got yours, baby. All that other shit, I dont know about. But the ladies still love me, so its no issue. It dont bother me, baby. Im still getting mine on a day-to-day basis, so its nothin. Parlae mentioned that he does some of the production, along with Pimpin. What do you bring to the group musically? I do a lot of the concepts. I came up with the concept to White Tee and Talkin Out The Side Of Your Neck; a lot of the hooks. I ghostwrite for a lot of the artists on our label [0 Entertainment] that I have with Parlae. Thats basically what I do. I stepped into the music game [because of] Parlae. Parlae was like, You know how to write poetry and all that shit, so look here, you finna rap. We gon get this right. And thats how I got here. So you started out by writing poetry? Yeah, I was writing poetry in high school just for the ladies. Id be like, Look, baby. Read this. Tell me what you think about that. (laughs) Are you the ladies man of the group? Well, you could say that. Im known as Casanova, shawty, know what Im sayin? All my boys like ladies. We all like the females, I just take advantage. What do you think youd be doing if you hadnt gotten into the rap game? Whether you know it or not, I [used to] throw the pill like Broadway Joe. If you listen to Fabo on Geeked Up, he says, Got friends like Buddie. Thats literally me, Buddie. Hes talkin about me. Thats my patna. Shouts out to Fabo; were from the same hood. I aint the one to brag about negativity, but I was there [selling pills]. Im for the community. I looked out for the kids throughout my hood and now I just continue to do what Im doing. Fabos a wild dude. Did you ever get high off your own supply? Naw, I stay away from that. Thats not my style. I dont do nothing but smoke kush; thats it. I just stay high. What are your thoughts on the new album, and how would you categorize it? Parlae said he felt that the group has been mislabeled as a snap act.

Yeah, folks kinda put us in the category of just being snap artists, and it felt like we couldnt step out of that. The dance to Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It was being done in the first White Tee video, whether you know it or not. If you listen to the lyrics of that song, if you really pay attention, when a niggas in the kitchen doing what hes doing youve got to lean that thing to rock it up. Understand? But JD is a marketing mastermind so he took it in a different direction and thats what he came up with as far as the snap movement. So on this new album, were showing the sound of growth. We stepped outside of the box. Dont get me wrong, weve still got the dance tracks kids can dance to. Were still gonna please the majority of our fans-the kids- but were also showing our growth and versatility. We can rap about almost anything and we can rap on just about any track, whether its up North, down South, hyphy, Midwest, however you give it to us. How did you come up with the concept for Talkin Out The Side Of Your Neck? I came up with the concept for Talkin Out The Side Of Your Neck at a football game. I was just kickin it. Like that [Groupie Confessions] article we were just talkin about, she was talkin out the side of her neck. She wasnt talkin about no money, so I aint tryin to hear that conversation. So we were at the game just kickin it and the band just started playing the beat. I was supposed to be enjoying the football game but I was still working, so I took heed. I was listening to the beat the band was playing and I liked it, so I just came up with the hook while I was at the game. As soon as I left the game I shot right to the studio and dropped the hook. It took me a minute to put my verse on there, so thats why Im last. There have been a lot of big ringtone songs and dance songs lately. Since youre the hook man, have you ever heard a song and been like, Damn, I wish I had thought of that first? I wouldnt say that, because Ima keep it one hundred. Id congratulate a brotha. I aint gon take something from him, I aint gon wish that was me. Im just gon do me and try to make my situation better. But the best dance song Ive heard lately was Soulja Boy with the Youuuuuuuuuuu!! (laughs) Nobody was expecting that to do what it did, but right now, hes doing what hes doing. What are some of the other song concepts you came up with for this album? Mr. Make You Feel Good. I make a lot of ladies feel good, even though the groupie said what she said, hey, aint no telling. I wonder where shes from, though. Cause Ive been around the world and from state to state, so its hard to keep up wit [the groupies]. If you aint important, baby, I dont even know you. Was there a particular situation that inspired Mr. Make You Feel Good? We were in the studio with Mannie and having a conversation with a couple of females that were there with us. The conversation was just flowing and folks were just throwing words out. Mannie was like, Okay, you make em feel good. Aiight, whatever. So we took it to another level and Mannie went and did the hook. To me, it brought that old  Cash Money Hot Boyz feel to the album. What do you think is unique about Dem Franchize Boyz as compared to other rap groups? Regardless of what people say about us or think about us, we still gon be us. We dont let nobody change our mind. A lot of niggas say theyre hood and say theyre from the projects, but were really there. We came from the hood so were not gonna get rich and switch; oh, no. Thats not in our lifestyle. Were still in the hood from day-to-day, dolo, solo. Im there by myself on Bankhead. We just stay loyal to each other and put this DFB thing first, and thats what makes us successful. Whos idea was it to title the album Point Of No Return? Jizzal Man and Parlae were trying to figure out [the album title]. I left it up to them. I stepped away from it because we always gon have disagreements. I told them, Whatever yall choose, we gon roll with it. They came up with Point of No Return and I started thinking about what it could mean, due to the situation with our transition and JD leaving Virgin [Records] and folks saying we werent gonna come out no more because we were nothing without JD. So the Point Of No Return means that we see what they want, so why would we stop? We understand what weve gotta do. We know its a business, so were gon keep pushing. OZONE MAG // 

JIZZAL MAN
venture off into that. Ive been doing my little thing with cars. I like cars; Ive been playing with race cars and stuff. Ive been breeding pitbulls, too. Not like Michael Vick, I hope? Naw, like Big Boi from Outkast. (laughs) Naw, not no Mike Vick type of situation. So Im just working, trying to keep it going. Whats your role in the group as far as the music aspect? Ive been rapping the longest out of the group, so Im more experienced. Im like the veteran of the group. I bring a lot of experience, knowledge, and skill. The name of the album, Point of No Return, was partially your idea? Exactly. Actually, it was my idea. Weve been through some little changes as far as Jermaine leaving and firing our old manager, stuff like that, and I was like, Damn, we done seen everything in the industry. Weve seen it all, experienced it all, seen a lot. Cant nothing else happen. We can go forward, or we can go backward. Right now were at our peak, and we feel like there aint no turning back. Were at the point of no return. In the current climate of the industry, theres not too many people selling records. Do you feel like its a challenge for you to get people to go out and buy the whole album instead of just downloading the hot single? I dont think thats a challenge for us as far as our records selling, because we get out and touch people while the other artists selling records dont. Theyve gotten lazy. They wont get out there and do that handwork; that ground work. I think its a challenge for us in another way, because people dont think were gonna move units like we did because Jermaine [Dupri] is no longer involved in our situation. I do feel like thats a challenge, because weve got something to prove. How do you feel the situation with Jermaine is going to affect the group, or does it not affect you at all? Were still cool. We aint tryin to cut each others heads off or nothing like that. The relationship is still there. Hes just over there [at Def Jam] working, and were over here still working too. It dont really affect us. Is he featured on the album, or who did yall work with? No, Jermaine is not featured on the album. We got a gang of people on the album T-Pain, Mannie Fresh, Lil Wayne, Young Nut they know him from Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It. Its a gang of people on there big producers, young producers, unheard-of producers. Nitti, Jazze Pha, Maestro. The album touches everywhere. Were very confident in this album, thats why Im tellin everybody to go get this on April st. Do you have a personal favorite record? Yessir. My favorite song is called the Killers and the Dealers because thats who I do it for. I do it for the killers and the dealers thats who I do it for. Whats up with DL and Dem Franchize Boyz? Didnt yall have some friction at one point? Aint nothin up with us, man. We doin us, they doin them. It is what it is. That was a publicity stunt for them, because it wasnt never really no beef there. It was mostly DJs and people around them and people around us just hyping it up. Thats all it was. What have you been working on since the last album? Ive been working on my independent record company Gutter Entertainment. Thats the charm Im sporting today. Ive been working on my other artists and practicing on my acting skills. Parlae writes movies now, so were gonna Whats your favorite part of being an artist, and whats your least favorite part of being an artist? My favorite part of being an artist is the money. The money, thats what Im in it for. And what I dont like about it is a lot of the stuff that comes with it. You have to over-protect your family. A lot of times I dont like the attention. Is there anything else youd like to add? Shout out to TV Johnny for these jewels that Im rocking, and Paul Wall down in Houston, Texas. Holla at ya boys, and everybody out there whos been fucking with us. April st is when it happens again. //

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The love of Hip Hop comes in many forms, not just music. Here, in our first annual Illustration Issue, meet some artists who display their love for the art form through paintings and drawings and the inspiration behind their work.
Compiled by Tene Gooden & Julia Beverly
No other reproduction or use of this artwork is permitted without written permission. All artwork is copywritten by the respective artists. Artists, if you would like your painting, drawing, or illustration to be considered for the next Illustration feature, send samples of your work to jb@ozonemag.com

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Illustration by: J. Allen Contact: myspace.com/jamsharp or 570-704-6147 Size of Original Piece: 8 x 10 Medium: Acrylic Paint Influence: I am [incarcerated] in a similar situation as C-Murder was, and I am trying to come up like he did. Favorite C-Murder Song: Down 4 My Niggaz

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Illustration by: Miami-Kaos, CEO of Hardcore Design Contact: myspace.com/miamikaos Size of Original Piece: 14 x 14 Medium: Pencils, Copy Markers, Illustrator, Photoshop, & Z-Brush Influence: I was moved by T.I.s [legal] situation as well as his influence on the Hip Hop culture. I look for subjects that make a huge impact on not just Hip Hop but pop culture as well. Favorite T.I. Lyric: I did it non-stop, now see how these niggas try to copy me? / I made it from the bottom to the top, where I oughta be / Who do it this good, and do it this fresh? / No matter what I do, you know I do it to death. - from Big Things Poppin (Do It) OZONE MAG // 63

Illustration by: Goldi Gold Contact: myspace.com/goldigold or 34leadjoint@gmail.com Size of Original Piece: 11 x 14 Medium: Pencil & Paper, Adobe Illustrator

Inspiration: [Rick Ross] is a marketing beast. In any field of work, youve got to respect a brother or sisters grind and work ethic. Favorite Rick Ross lyric: Everyday Im hustlin. - from Hustlin

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Title The Pimp Artist: Ron Mc Contact: www.backyardonline.com Size of Original Piece: 8.5 x 11 Medium: Pencil on Paper Inspiration: Pimp C represented Hip Hops Southern legacy. His style, lyrics that bounced and weaved with precision and ease, gave birth to how emcees in the dirty ride the track. He helped introduce the term trill and defined the term through his actions. Favorite Pimp C lyric: When its real you cant control what it do to ya from Xxzotics Caught Up featuring Pimp C

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Illustration by: Craig The Flux Singleton Contact: myspace.com/craigthefluxsingleton or binkis1@comcast.net Size of Original Piece: 8.5 x 11 Medium: Pencil, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop

Inspiration: Scarface is an O.G. in this game and has been reppin since the early years. In my opinion, he is iller lyrically now than before. I just wanted to give him some respect as a true Hip Hop artist. Favorite Scarface Songs: Who Do You Believe In and Suicide Note

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Illustration by: Edwin Ray McSwine Contact: ERM324@aol.com Size of Original Piece: 12 x 16 Medium: Mixed Media on Paper

Inspiration: Juvenile always had that rough and raw voice with a Southern twang. I got ahold of his first joint, Bounce For The Juvenile, but I became more of a fan after Ha. I did this image a few years ago as a college class assignment. I met Juvenile in the Nashville area and showed him the original painting and he dug it. Juvy complimented me on my use of color, and said that he drew a lot as a child. Favorite Juvenile album: 400 Degreez OZONE MAG // 67

(above)
Title: Entrepreneur Illustration by: Justyn Farano Contact: www.sportsartillustrated.com or 813-810-2505 or justyn@sportsartillustrated.com Size of Original Piece: 40 x 56 Medium: Oil on Canvas Inspiration: The hustle and struggle of making on your own can be interpreted differently by each of us. Favorite 50 Cent song: This Is How We Do

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(below)
Title: Andre 3000 Illustration by: Justyn Farano Contact: www.sportsartillustrated.com or 813-810-2505 or justyn@sportsartillustrated.com Size of Original Piece: 24 x 40 Medium: Oil on Canvas Inspiration: Careful attention to detail and making the background flow with Andre in the foreground were important factors in creating this piece. Favorite Outkast song: Sorry Mrs. Jackson

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(above)
Title: Da Carter Illustration by: Reginald Cornett a.k.a. Redd da Vulture Contact: Keith at 832-885-3093 or lilkey8677@yahoo.com Size of Original Piece: 24 x 18 Medium: Oil Painting

Other work by this artist includes the UGK piece shown above (Photo: InDMix.com) and the Baby & Lil Wayne piece shown at right (artist is pictured at right in the red shirt along with his management)

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Title: Marley Illustration by: Reginald Cornett a.k.a. Redd da Vulture Contact: Keith at 832-885-3093 or lilkey8677@yahoo.com Medium: Oil Painting Inspiration: Just a tribute to one of our greatest revolutionaries. The blunt represents his thoughts of unity and the color scheme represents his passing.

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Would You Mind. His desire to practice safe sex on the record will make all the parents proud who ignored the advice during their day. 4. Yo Gotti ft Pleasure P / Lets Vibe - Inevitable Entertainment/TVT Contact: Grip - 901.361.6993 Yo Gotti and Pleasure P link up to update LL Cool Js I Need Love. This song does all the hard work for the playas so if you still need to find love by the end of this tune, you have no game at all and thats real. 5. 2 Pistols ft T-Pain / She Got It Universal Republic Contact: Andre Grell - 212.841.5100 With J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League on the beat and T-Pain on the hook, it would be very difficult for 2 Pistols not to have a great record. Thankfully, he pulls his own weight to create a record worth repeating. 6. Rock City / Somebody Lying - Kon Live Contact: Parrish - 678.343.8897 Rock City is one of those groups on the cusp of superstardom. With Somebody Lying they expose the fraudulent studio gangsters while making a fun record to head bob to. 7. Yung Ralph / Look Like Money Universal Republic Contact: Andre Grell - 212.841.5100 Look Like Money is a club record that will immediately make you bop on the dance floor. Whether you look like money or not, playing this tune will make you have a good time free of charge. 8. Wes Fif / Like Me DME Contact: DME Offices 407.575.6085 O-towns finest, Wes Fif describes why he is the flyest of them all on this song. The production on Like Me will greatly expose any car speakers whose bass bins cant handle the vibe.

TJS DJS 4TH Q 2007 TaSTemakerS XCluSIve CD revIewS


By Keith 1st Prophet Kennedy keith@tjsdjs.com

9. Lil Meta ft Lil Boosie & Young Capone / Im That Dude DBT Entertainment Contact: Lil Meta - 561.685.2808 With a bangin Boosie verse and Young Capone riding shotgun, Lil Meta proves to be that dude who can crank out good club tunes. 10. Kaliko / Superman A1 Contact: Anthony Murray - 504.915.6135 If you wanna hang with Kaliko make sure you visit your friendly neighborhood agriculturist. After all, this song becomes that much better when youre flying high like Superman.

DISC 1

DISC 1
1. B.o.B ft Rick Ross & Juvenile / Haterz Everywhere (Remix) Rebel Rock/Atlantic Contact: TJ Chapman tj@tjsdjs.com With the budding success B.o.B has built, he recruited two stars that have seen hating at its highest levels to help him cope. Rick Ross & Juvenile add spice to a record already filled with flavor to create a cornucopia happily devoured by the ear. 2. Ballgreezy / Shone Iconz Music Contact: Alex LaCount- 786.229.8140 Drum Majors delivered a great track for Ballgreezy to properly showcase his Shone. This smooth tune will have all those mamas lookin thick replay this many times over. 3. Hurricane Chris / Playaz Rock Polo Grounds Contact: Teach - bigteach@pologroundsmusic.com Hurricane Chris displays his lyrical versatility by taking over Earth Wind & Fires

11. F.A.M.E. / Keep It 100 J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League Contact: Ivan Rivera 813.300.7641 F.A.M.E.s flow fits well with J.U.S.T.I.C.E. Leagues straight gutta beat. No wonder F.A.M.E. has no problems keeping it 100. 12. The Xtremists ft Bootlegg & DJ Porter J / Sticky Situations Harsh Reality Contact: Anthony Lewis - 561.281.7389 After much persistence, The Xtremists have fused their positive messages with a fun uptempo track that makes you dance and learn at the same time. 13. Emmanuel / Swagga Filthy Rich Records Contact: Tony Neal - tneal@tmo.blackberry.net Emmanuels voice is so strong that having a swagga about him is only natural. Shouts to the Core DJs and Tony Neal who have discovered real music once again. 14. Notty Black ft T-Pain / Freaky Song Nappy Boy Entertainment Contact: Peners P.L. Griffin - 850.322.0487 Notty Black and T-Pain go back to the days when they used to plan Robberies together. Now, Notty Black has called his homeboy to co-sign on the Freaky Song that most ladies will eventually dig.

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15. Tom G / Im There Team Fetti, Inc. Contact: JP - 813.401.1912 This song is an ode to Tom Gs favorite lady who has everything necessary to keep him around. For those women who want to keep a man, take notes. 16. Jolli Boi ft J-Creek / Walk Like 2-4-1 Records Contact: Ski - 813.294.1160 Jolli Boi carefully constructs his ideal woman on the song. Meanwhile, J-Creek checks in to provide some harmony. 17. Yung Tre / Trap Walk D.S.A. Contact: D. Scott - 423.493.0965 Trap Walk is a homage to those who work hard and take penitentiary chances. Yung Tre gives them all something to celebrate with on this track. 18. Blacc Wolf Cartel / Ridin Cartel Muzik Group Contact: Joe Hecht - 917.821.5420 For the longest time The Blacc Wolf Cartel have been ridin and hunting for a good record. They have finally found their mark with this tune. 19. A-Team / Get Money White Label Contact: DJ Secret - 863.559.3562 The A-Team bring their A game to present Get Money a song tailor made for the strip clubs. 20. Beadz / What Its Hittin 4 Manatee Contact: Calvin Doc Flowers - 312.226.9034 C-H-I-C-A-G-O, Beadz shows the world why hes the funk and what its hittin 4.

8. Jolli Boi / This Must Be The Life 2-4-1 Records Contact: Ski - 813.294.1160 Weve all sat back and wondered what it must feel like to be free and living the good life. Jolli Boi successfully captures the feeling and delivers it on this track. 9. TMI Boyz / Butt Cheeks TMI Music Contact: Steve Reese - 409.256.7313 With the TMI Boyz, too much information is never enough. On Butt Cheeks they share their affinity for their favorite anatomy and make it fun at the same time. 10. Killa Kim / Sick of Dis City Slang Contact: Killa Kim - 561.667.8470 Killa Kim delivers an independent woman track. Finally, the ladies who have had enough and are plain Sick of Dis have an anthem to toss their sorry man out to. 11. Ratchet City / Pass Me Sum Wata Polo Grounds Contact: Teach - bigteach@pologroundsmusic.com For those that are rollin, Ratchet City has provided the wata with this juicy track to keep your party goin. 12. 56Ace Federation ft Freeway / Bomb Blowed 56Ace Federation Contact: Scotty Scott - 561.856.0800 Hailing from Palm Beach, b!tch, the 56Ace Federation went up the Freeway on I-95 to deliver this song that is da bomb! 13. Chantelay / Big Girl Eye Catch Contact: Catch - 786.294.4966 Big girls need love too! Thats why Chantelay and her silky vocals dropped this tune to show you that just cuz youre big, it doesnt mean you cant do big things. 14. Str8Hood / Git Mine Str8Hood Contact: GA - 229.308.2855 Str8Hood inspired by 50 Cents mantra of get rich or die trying have created a tune to take it too another level. If Git Mine doesnt make you wanna get up get out and get something, then kill yo self! 15. Lil Josh & Lil Earnest / Jigga Juice Polo Grounds Contact: Teach - bigteach@pologroundsmusic.com Lil Josh may be a jit, but he most certainly has the Juice to get all the Jiggas jammin! 16. The Xtremists / Descriptive Passages Harsh Reality Contact: Anthony Lewis - 561.281.7389 The Xtremists, who can best be described as a Southern Public Enemy scripted these passages to help you understand yourself in the hopes of transforming you into a diamond from the rough. 17. Coup De Grace / Cake Daddy Greedy World Contact: Phillip Anderson - 850.345.7117 Ladies, tired of having your bills pile up with no end in sight? No worries, Coup De Grace is here to provide you with the Cake Daddy that is the answer to your prayers. 18. Charles Sweeting / Murk Something 4th Quarter Contact: Charles Sweeting - 305.747.2820 Charles Sweeting does his hometown of Miami proud by murking this track leaving nothing but waving crowds in its path. 19. Manopoly ft Zulu / Clap It Up Manatee Contact: Calvin Doc Flowers - 312.226.9034 This party track will have fans clapping it up when the DJ spreads love and plays this upbeat tune. 20. Crystal Metz / Boom - Manatee Contact: Calvin Doc Flowers - 312.226.9034 Crystal comes out as hard as her namesake leaving listeners with a powerful sonic Boom. //

DISC 2
1. Rocko / Umma Do Me Rocky Road Contact: Coach K - 404.505.1495 Rocko is an artist that is doing it his way, or in other words, umma do me. Much like Frank Sinatra, Rocko will be mobbing the top of the charts for some time to come. 2. Papa Duck ft Mannie Fresh / Money All Around Butter Boy Contact: Santana Melvin - 305.377.6757 Papa Duck bolstered his production acumen by linking with Mannie Fresh on this track while taking control of the mic. With tracks like these, having money all around will be a permanent fixture for Papa Duck. 3. C-Ride / Sitting On My Porch Polo Grounds Contact: Teach - bigteach@pologroundsmusic.com According to the song Sitting On My Porch, C-Ride is fond of Makaveli tunes. Matched with these hard gangsta tracks, C-Ride wont have to hail mary to achieve his ambitions as a ridah. 4. Chief / This Way Presidential Traphouse Contact: Smiley - 405.200.4357 The driving force behind this record is the boom on the boards that Chief employs to explore a powerful sexual encounter. This track definitely has a strong back that will force you to ride it over and over. 5. Dat Boy Tragic / What Goin On U.P.A. Worldwide Contact: Berry Mastermind Tshibanda 404.355.0772 What Goin On is Dat Boy Tragic has delivered a club record designed to quickly fill dance floors. If you dont give this record a chance it will be a tragedy. 6. Elee / OoWee - Euphratez Flow Contact: Sandra Grooms - 205.213.0564 Elees OoWee is a tune that should give the ladies the power to be proud of their poon. Fellas play it only if you can handle it! 7. Cyco / Supa Freak TrakMobb Contact: Big Rick - 678.353.5045 Cycos Supa Freak contains a hint of a T.I. flavor while still maintaining its independence. You will be crazy if you dont mess with this Supa Freak.

OZONE MAG // 75

thedjbooth

dj aaries
H
e took his DJ equipment, left his small hometown of St. Matthews, South Carolina and headed to Atlanta, where he quickly made a name for himself. Now, DJ Aaries heads a DJ crew with over 150 members, a record pool, TV show, established himself as a go-to DJ when it comes to breaking independent artists and is the new face in Rocawear advertisements. After those types of boss moves, where hes from, Aaries is the definition of hood hard. You moved from South Carolina to Atlanta to pursue a career as a DJ. Why did you make that move? I watched DJs like DJ Prince Ice; hes real big on the radio in South Carolina and [DJ] Shakim, the DJ for Bow Wow, So So Def. I remember all these people and I watched other DJs, for the most part I watch DJs that have left and went somewhere else; they had more opportunities. And I knew I didnt want to be the local DJ, being 50-years-old in the club and then you get played out and fall off. So I decided to move to Atlanta. It was between Atlanta or Charlotte, but Atlanta was the poppin place. So I came down to Atlanta and started building a knack for dealing with independent artist. I [would] find the real hot ones and then I noticed [that] when I say Im dealing with an artist, other people deal with that artist. Whats been the biggest adjustment for you in coming to Atlanta from South Carolina? The biggest adjustment was the first party I did and I didnt know none of the [Atlanta] music. So, Im playing [Lil Jons] Who U Wit and [Khias] K-Wang and everybodys looking at me alike, You got BHI? And Im like, B-H-what?! I didnt know nobody. Now me and K-Rab [from B-H-I] and everybody are cool, but I didnt know them then. That was the only adjustment and that only took about three months to get over. What are some of the clubs you spin at in Atlanta? A little bit of everywhere, like Upscales, Djangos, The Atrium, and Frequency. But I didnt necessarily want to be the club DJ spinning at the club every week. Thats why I started this whole Hood Hard movement, [because] I have all these other DJs. I have like 150 DJs who roll with me. My main thing now, kinda ended up being a face. So Im the guy that has to show up at their events. Im the guy that helps them put their things together. But I mainly put together Hood Hard Day. [We just had] the second one and it was ridiculous. Kid Capri was there, Remy Ma came through, Tony Neal, and Bigga Rankin. And right now Im putting together a college tour, Im kinda getting into those type of things. And my main focus is finding those independent artists that are on deck to be next. Thats my niche. Before you started the Hood Hard Hitmakers, you were a member of the Legion of Doom DJs. What happened with LOD?

Words by Randy Roper Photo by Eric Perrin

Really nothing happened, it was just acreative differences led me to start Hood Hard Hitmakers. I will leave it at that. Its not nothing bad, Im still cool with everybody. I just called Bigga Rankin last week and told him how tight his mixtape is, [but] Im not a Slip-N-Slide DJ. Me and Tony Neal are cool, [but] Im not a CORE DJ. What Im doing is called Hood Hard Movement, we have DJs, but its not just the DJs, its the DJs and artists. Were all working together; its a little different from a record pool. What was your reasoning behind starting the Hood Hard Hitmakers? Well the whole reason behind is just like Brown Sugar. The guy he kinda had a way that he wanted some things to go and instead of talking trash about it he just did it his way and how he felt it should go. Thats what Hood Hard is. I kinda got a a way that I think that things should go and its way to the left, evidently. Its only been eight months, but youve seen me all over Rap City, I got my own TV show that goes out in seven states, all these DJs that roll with me, Hood Hard Day, nominated for #1 DJ in the South [at the South Entertainment Awards]. People will say my name next to a whole lot of DJs that I used to listen to, like Drama, Scream, and Bigga Rankin. Where did you get the term hood hard from? In South Carolina theres a song called Hood Hard. When I left Carolina, I came here [to Atlanta] and I noticed Dramas got the Gangsta Grillz going crazy. Gangsta Grillz this, Gangsta Grillz that. So I [knew] I needed to brand something. I wanted to bring something to the table but I also wanted point back to my state. And the hottest thing in my state was that song. Thats where the term came from, so I added the hitmakers to it. I dont think nobody expected me to do what Im doing, especially this fast. And from the Hood Hard Hitmakers, I made it the Hood Hard Movement, so that it encompassed all the artists and the DJs. [Hood Hard] means that youre doing what you gotta do hard in your hood. See, people consider different things hard. Giving back to your community, I consider that hard. Donating to the homeless, I consider that hard. And this whole movement is a movement thats going to hit every hood real hard. You won a Rocawear competition and now youre the new face for Rocawear. How did that happen? I did a DVD that gives you information and it tells you what my whole intent is, whats my purpose, why am I here. So, about a month after I got it pressed, I was on the internet one day and a pop-up came up. It said, Submit a story that tells how you overcame adversity. I said, Man, thats the same thing as [my DVD]. So I uploaded it and mine won by 30,000 [votes]. [Rocawear] flew me to New York, gave me a whole bunch of clothes, Allhiphop.com gave me an interview, and were about to do a whole lot of things together. The last faces [of Rocawear] were Chris Brown, Ciara, Rich Boy, and Three Six Mafia, so now my name is up there with theirs. //

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OZONE MAG // 77

boardGame

don cannon
the art oF storYteLLinG
Words by Eric Perrin // Photo by Zach Wolfe
My sound as a producer is real theatrical, big, and electrifying. Those three words are something I live by. I like everything to be a big movie. On the Outkast record, my thing was to bring them horns out, to make it seem like it was their triumphant comeback, but it was still soulful at the same time. The concept of the song [The Art of Storytelling] came right after we had that raid at our studio. Dram had the idea of doing a record talking about how they cant stop us. We were back on the street and doing our thing. I thought the track was a great idea. I was just in a beat session and I came up with the beat in the studio. Dram sent it to Marsha Ambrosha at Floetry, whos an incredible writer. We told her what we had in mind and she sent it back in like a day. We sent it to Andre 3000 for him to do a verse, and after he was done with his verse he sent it back, and we were like, Yo, this is unbelievable! He did the greatest verse of all time, and he dont really rap that much anymore. So then, we took the record over to Big Boi trying to get the Outkast thing going. We played the record for Big Boi, and he stood up like, Yo, this is incredible! Ill have my verse done today. He started writing his rap right away. It took him no time. He did his verse, laid it, and then he called me in to listen to the record, and that was the record. Im not one of those producers that sits down and makes 5 beats in an hour. Im one of them people that takes time to craft a hit. Out of the 15 or 16 records that I produced that are out in the streets, all of those are handcrafted to be professional records. Im not just putting something out there to have my name out there. Im one of those producers that wants to make classic hits. The Art of Storytelling is a classic hit. Im actually surprised they didnt try to keep it for themselves, because it was such a great record, but it might have actually sparked up a little reunion going on. I seen them together twice last week lookin real regular at the club, lookin like that old Outkast. Last night I was at Stankonia [Studios] and [the engineers] were saying that Dre and Big Boi had been recording some records that were crazy. I heard they just did a track with Dre, Raekwon, and Big Boi; thats gonna be a phenomenal record for Hip Hop. Working with Outkast was definitely a big moment for me. I grew up listening to [artists] like Outkast, and to be able to work with them is just beyond me. I give thanks to God all the time for that. I think its incredible. Id be riding the bus listening to the ATLiens album back in 96 when I was in high school, and I did a record with them in 2007. (laughs) Its crazy.

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OZONE MAG // 79

scarFace/made/rap-a-Lot
MADE lacks the wide range of quality production that The Fix offered, but it does have that throwback pre-millineum Rap-A-Lot slow roll that day one fans may have missed. With Girl You Know, Go and Boy Meets Girl, Face touches on male-female relationships more than he has in the past. But he gets back into Uncle Brad mode on the albums pinnacles, the self-checking Who Do You Believe In and ultra-descriptive Suicide Note. Outside of Get Out of My Face and Dollar Mr. Jordan doesnt do much to switch his flows, instead he relies on his proven pen game on Burn featuring Z-Ro and the instant classic Never. Just when you start believing that rap is a young mans game, grown ass men like Face come through and show that you still have to respect your elders. Maurice G. Garland

Songwriter The-Dream delivers a solid effort with his debut album Love Hate. The radio jam Shawty is a 10 is actually one of the weaker tracks on the single-laden album, which is masterfully mixed, with Dream paying obvious attention to the flawless transitions between tracks. Dream delivers Prince-inspired tracks that are well written but have a few too many ehs, ohs, and ellas. Despite the excessive ad libs, tracks like Falsetto, She Needs My Love, and Ditch That make Love Hate an album hard to hate. Rohit Loomba

the-dream/Love hate/deF jam

dj drama/GanGsta GriLLz: the aLbum/atLantic


After a few good listens to Gangsta Grillz: The Album you cant help but ask yourself questions like: What songs did the RIAA take when they raided the Apphiliates office? Was Drama unable to get his favorite lost songs redone? Why didnt it come out in the midst of Dramas drama? The album has some high points, like Outkasts The Art of Storytelling Pt. 4 and Gettin Money by Paul Wall, Killa Kyleon, Lil Keke and Slim Thug that remind you how mid-90s rap compilations used to sound like. But some already dated material like Keep It Gangsta by Yo Gotti, Webbie and Lil Boosie and Talk About Me by G-Unit holds the album back. GG: The Album is certainly above average, but not the powder keg it should have been. Maurice G. Garland

Probably the most underrated rap album from Def Jam this year. Beanie Sigel offers The Solution but seems more hampered by the problem of shrinking budgets and promotion. Guests of all sorts, from Ozzy Osbourne to Scarface, come through for Beans, providing interesting collabos such as Dear Self featuring James Blunt. Though his hiatus from recording was a bit extended, Beanie has proven with this album that he has not lost a step in his game. The Solution is a well put together project deserving of more recognition than it has received. Jared Anderson

beanie siGeL/the soLution isLand deF jam/roc-a-FeLLa

No matter how deep his hypocrisy may run there is no denying that Lupe Fiasco is a fresh breeze in todays rancid, humid world of Hip Hop. For fans feeling the lack of content and desperately gasping for lyricism, Lus sophomore album The Cool is the cure: play the album and let your ears take a deep breath of the clever metaphors the Chicago native manages to cleverly arrange over well-tailored production. Standout tracks include Go Go Gadget Flow, Paris, Tokyo, and Intruder Alert. Rohit Loomba

Lupe Fiasco/the cooL/1st & 15th atLantic

birdman/ star stunna/ cash moneY Capitalizing on Lil Waynes popularity, Birdman has put out 5 Star Stunna, a solo
album that sounds more like a collaborative effort than anything else. Lil Wayne appears on seven out of the sixteen tracks, easily overshadowing his Daddy on songs like 100 Million and I Run This. Yet the Birdman manages to carry his own weight on Believe That. 5 Star Stunna offers nothing new to the Cash Moneys audience. Same story, same flow, and guest appearances are this albums only saving grace. Jared Anderson

Since his notorious beef with Young Jeezy and getting locked up, Gucci Mane has been on the brink of being a breakout artist. His street buzz has been blazing the south for sometime and Back To The Trap House could make him a household name. I Know Why will be sure to dominate, with guest appearances by Rich Boy and the late Pimp C. Another standout from the 14track album is What Im Talking Bout. Like the album, it has the energy to carry in the club but the attitude to ride to in the street. Jared Anderson

Gucci mane/back to the trap house so iceY/asYLum

Wu tanG/8 diaGrams/src/universaL motoWn/Loud


Staten Island emcee collective Wu Tang returns with 8 Diagrams, setting any differences aside for the sake of Hip Hop. Rza, who almost single-handedly produced the album, reintroduces the gritty Wu sound with the intro and keeps with the sound throughout. The eight living members of Wu all deliver potent, violenceinfused verses with the finesse that first established them. Method Man is flawless while Raekwon, surprisingly, falls short at times. Standout tracks include Heart Gently Weeps and Starter. 8 Diagrams is a tribute to the Hip Hop that once was and throws fans back into the lyrical kung fu only Wu can master. Rohit Loomba

Chingy returns to DTP with Hate It or Love It which showcases a slightly darker, edgier Chingy than before, who issues a warning to all who thinks hes gone soft on the title track. The more aggressive Chingy does back down for tracks like Fly Like Me featuring Amerie, which stands to be one of the albums better tracks. Ludacris helps out a little with Gimme Dat but all in all Chingy seems far from the jackpot he once found himself with thanks to mediocre production and a lack of energy. Rohit Loomba

chinGY/hate it or Love it sLot-a-Lot/dtp/isLand deF jam

When Kentucky rap outfit Cunninlynguist boasts that their state aint just tobacco, some bourbon and where horse racing lives on the rapiddrummed K.K.K.Y. its sounds like they mean it. With their 4th studio album since 2001, Natti and Deacon the Villian, powered by group member Knos airy production, move closer towards stamping their own sound beyond the Dungeon Family comparisons theyve worn since they entered the rap race (even though the album opens with a Big Rube monologue). While the spiritual vibe from their previous offering A Piece of Strange is still heard here and there, its the worldly elements in songs like Beautiful featuring Devin the Dude and Yellow Lines featuring Witchdoctor and Phonte of Little Brother that show their ability to stretch out any box they may get placed in. Maurice G. Garland //

cunninLYGuist/dirtY acres

80 // OZONE MAG

dj spinz & dj scream southern sWaGGer 8


1. Black Bill Gates King Shit: You Cant Buy Respect www.myspace.com/theblackbillgate s 2. DJ Rondevu The Best of The Gang www.myspace.com/djrondevu
3. DJ Chuck T Down South Slangin Vol. 46.5 www.djchuckt.com

www.myspace.com/dj_spinz www.myspace.com/4045405000 Once again DJ Scream hooks up with another ATL DJ to serve the streets with more exclusives than the competition. This time Scream and A-Town mixtape up-and-comer DJ Spinz team together and deliver new tracks from Shawty Lo (Dunn Dunn and Dey Know Remix), Rocko (Stripes featuring Shawty Lo and Umma Do Me Remix) and Fabo (She Loose). Add music from newcomers 9th Ward, Tha Joker and Grand Hustles newest artist Yung LA, and this mixtape supplies enough southern swagger to bring in the new year properly. DJs, send your mix CDs (with a cover) for consideration to: Ozone Magazine 644 Antone St. Suite 6 Atlanta, GA 30318

4. DJ P-Cutta & DJ Scream Street Wars 19 www.myspace.com/p_cutta www.myspace.com/4045405000 5. Team Invasion This Shit Right Here www.myspace.com/teaminvasion06 6. DJ Michael 5000 Watts No Time To Waste www.swishahouse.biz 7. DJ Dub & Little Brother Good Clothes www.djdub.com 8. DJ E-V The Weezy Effect: Bottom of the Map Volume 2 www.myspace.com/djev 9. DJ 2Mello Undercover RnB: Musical Massacre www.myspace.com/supa_dj2mello 10. DJ Bobby Black The Carter Show www.myspace.com/theofficialdjbobbyblack 678-851-0479 11. E-Top Ent. Whats Your Station Part Three Hosted by Keya www.myspace.com/etop ent 202-292-8236 12. DJ Cleve Club Hits Vol. 1 www.myspace.com/scdjcleve 13. DJ Showtime & Jeff Johnson Gone Off That ****!!! www.myspace.com/ihustlehardernet www.myspace.com/thesouthpawoutlaw 14. Pop-off Productions & Little Brother No Justus No Peace www.myspace.com/hevehittta www.popoffproductions.net 15. Poff-off Productions & D-Block Rise of the Phantom Hosted by Styles P www.popoffproductions.net 16. KD Worldwide 31 Hosted by Ma Barker www.kd-handyman.com 877-874-5653

17. DJ Cool Breeze The Night Before Christmas www.myspace.com/djcoolbreezelive 18. DJ K-Rock Paypa Chasa Hosted by Sporty O www.myspace.com/realdjkrock 19. The Empire Southern Slang 9
20. 31 Deegreez & DJ Phenom Crank Dat www.myspace.com/gophenom

OZONE MAG // 81

endzone

T-Pain & Flo Rida Event: DJ Khaleds birthday party a.k.a. The Temple Venue: Mansion City: Miami, FL Date: November 19th, 2007 Photo: Julia Beverly

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