Epok (Epic) Magazine gave this this young dynamic diva from Tuscaloosa, Alabama her very first interview with a magazine. Even then we saw her potential to rise to the top. Now she is on the cover of Epok Magazine. The KeKe Palmer of South Alabama she too has her your very own Teen Talk Show where she has interviewed the likes such as Alabama’s Heavy Weight Boxing Champion, The Brown
It’s been about three years since Epok (Epic) Magazine gave this this young dynamic diva from Tuscaloosa, Alabama her very first interview with a magazine. Even then we saw her potential to rise to the top. Now she is on the cover of Epok Magazine. The KeKe Palmer of South Alabama she too has her your very own Teen Talk Show where she has interviewed the likes such as Alabama’s Heavy Weight Boxing Champion, The Brown Bomber Deontay Wilder and former NFL star Keith McCants. Read about Taylor Semone as she goes from a teenager to a young lady.
ECHOS FROM THE EDITOR
It’s been about three years since the death of Doe B. natives of Alabama wondered which direction this budding young artist career would have gone. Unfortunately the state of Alabama still holds the record of being the only state without a serious major recording artist unable to take the state to all new heights. This is undoubtedly what made Doe B’s death so hard and tragic to fathom. Now with a new emerging rap artist Translee on the way, many of us cant help but wonder will he be the next to rightfully open the doors for the state of Alabama.
J Missy
Tre CincoTrĂŠ Cinco isn't your ordinary,"Turn Up Guy" from Alabama. He's very versatile and believes anything and everything can turn into something exciting. Cinco has always been intellectual and began displaying his passion for music during his sophomore year of high school. After high school, Cinco ventured off and joined the military. He is well traveled and spent time in the Great Lakes, Pensacola, and San Diego. While spending time in various places, he kept his focus on perfecting his craft. His first show proved to be different from the southern Alabama life he was accustomed to, but he still prevailed. by teaming up with his former partner and still close friend, Cory Hart. They remixed,"Fruity Purpy" and performed as the opening act for Tommy Redding at the formerly known club Decos, now known as McFaddens, in downtown San Diego. He went on to perform "Fans in the Stands" with JT and Guap Gang at the Ramona Mainstage in Ramona, Ca. In today's struggling time for newer artists, Cinco has yet to throw in the towel.
Spank Lee is a young up-incoming artist from the southern state of Alabama in the city of Mobile. The "Port City" native is known for his "southern lyrics" and "punchlines", but life story telling events. Spank is a member of BMB entertainment which he released his "Freshman Mix-tape" entitled "Live From The Clouds" which has been going crazy over the in the streets and in the IPods of your everyday downloading blog site visiting music critic. Lee began his journey in music as a kid who was influenced by the southern sounds of: 8 Ball & MJG, UGK, Outkast, Jay-Z, and other Pioneer artist in the "Southern Industry". " I just try to create a different style when I'm the studio, "you know try to stand out with my word play, and keep it real and heart feeling on every track."
Rocki, the southern hip hop melodic feminist mixed with a edge of tomboy, raised in Birmingham, AL. Rocki's way of being expressive is through her music!
Epok Magazine: How is it going Taylor Semone? Taylor Semone: Great! It’s my senior year in high school, I’m in a dual enrollment program at the community college and in early college at the University of Alabama. I also made the homecoming
court and this is my first time every being on the homecoming court, so that is awesome. Epok Magazine: It’s been about three years since Epok (Epic) Magazine spoke with you. Even then we
Saw your potential to rise to the top. Now you’re on the cover of Epok Magazine. What has changed about Taylor Semone from three years ago to now? Has Taylor Semone grown mentally, vocally, emotionally? Explain. Taylor Semone: I know and I am thankful for the opportunity. To be on the cover is so cool. I cannot tell you what this means to me. I have been so busy. I’ve recorded music that has not been released, still performing, I won the Alabama Now Music own Teen Talk Show which is dope. Talk about Award for the next artist to your teen show. How and Why did u come up with your own Teen Talk Show? What’s your Teen blow up. I’m a part of a great song with artists show all about? What topics and issues do you from different genres of discuss. Explain. Taylor Semone: That actually came about after a music. A really great experience. The song is called interview on TheMixShow256 out of Decatur Al. Eric Stovall the producer kind of mentioned it My City and we’ve shot the video and I am really excitto us that he would like to possibly create a seged to be a part of it. ment as a part of their show and he thought I would be great. It didn’t happened until maybe a Epok Magazine: I noticed you were in a few of Dem year or so later. TheMIxShow256 have been like family, very supportive of my career and I appreci- FreshMen videos. How did u meet Dem FreshMen? ate Eric for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I recently interviewed heavy weight What was it like working with Brandon, CJ and Dee? champ, Deontay Wilder, and he is aweTaylor Semone: I met some. Some of the other interviews coming up are Keith McCants former NFL linebacker who has them back in 2012 I think. We were opening up an interesting story about rise and fall and for Mindless Behavior at drugs. ShanLaTrisCollection is one of the up and the Bama Theater in Tuscacoming fashion designers and I love her work. loosa. There manager Sergeant Sebo Sanders who talks about strain reached out to my Mom relationships between the police and the pubsometime later and they lic. My major is going to be journalism and have been like my brothers broadcasting so this has allowed me the chance ever since. I enjoy working to experience this opportunity as well. Epok Magazine: Now your Mom is your Manager with them and they have great music. or Momanger. What is it like your Mom being your Manager? Is she tough or hard on you as an Epok Magazine: You’re like the KeKe Palmer of artist? Alabama. You too have Taylor Semone: Hahaha, she is definitely my
Momanager. It is hard of course because she’s my Mom and I am her baby so when she tells me I can’t do something, or I can’t go places with my friends or do what they do, of course I don’t like it. But she has my best interest and I would not have had the successes I’ve experience if it had not been for her support, and belief in me. It was also important that my teenage years was as normal as possible. So I am grateful that I have been able to pursue my dream and still participate in other activities. Like I am a member of the Junior Cosmos where I served as Vice President my 11th grade year. I am Miss Cover Girl and Miss Junior Cosmos 2015. I am also a 2015-2016 Alabama A&M Alabama A&M Debutant. Epok Magazine: I’ve seen a few of your videos and my personal favorite is "Do You Remember Me." I really like the concept and treatment. What video directors have u worked with thus far? Taylor Semone: Believe it or not, my back up dancer at the time wanted to direct the video and so she made it happen. So my Mom has spoken with a few directors like Tig Knight about directing a video but the timing was never right. I still want to work with him. Epok Magazine: What goes into putting together a Taylor Semone show? Taylor Semone: Rehearsals, rehearsals, vo-
My mom is my publicist, stylist, she hires the makeup artist, she selects the attire, and she takes care of the hair, the music, travel everything. Like I wouldn’t be able to do anything if it was not for her. Epok Magazine: What is your goal as an artist? Would you like to be signed to a major record label or do you prefer being an independent artist? If so what label would u sign to? If there was a huge record here in Alabama like a Def Jam or Warner Bros Records looking for artist would u submit your music to be signed as an artist? Taylor Semone: Wow, I don’t know. I like being independent because I can make my own decisions about my career. We have experience some really not so good people who took advantage of us early on in my career. I don’t want to work with people who don’t believe in me. I’m not going to sale sex to sale records and I don’t want to make music that degrades me. My mom always says if you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything. My mom always talks about branding and that I have to look at myself as not just a singer but a brand. So that is why mom started mapping out a plan, and TeenTalk with Taylor Semone was born, thank God Eric still wanted to produce the show. I working on my online boutique and I actually had a paid extra role in the movie Woodlawn. Now whether or not you will see me on the big screen we will have to wait and see, but I will always have my check stubs, LOL. Epok Magazine: Do you write your own songs or do you have a ghostwriter? Taylor Semone: I wrote and arrange “Crazy Over You”, “You Don’t Remember Me” was written and arrange by Alvin Garrett, I created the theme of the song and part of the hook and adlibs. I wrote the verse on the track “My City” and it was produced by Alvin Garrett. I have several other songs that I have written and we are preparing to record. I also contributed to a song by another R&B artist. Epok Magazine: What do you think about Alabama artist and the Alabama music scene. Do u feel the Alabama music scene is relevent? Is the music here in Alabama important? Taylor Semone: I think that Alabama has so many talented musicians and artists. It is unfortunate that we do not have more avenues like your magazine to help showcase what Alabama has to offer. Epok Magazine: Who is Taylor Semone currently rocking to in her iphone? Taylor Semone: Oh wow, like a listen to a lot of unknown artists that I get from soundcloud. I love Drake’s music and lately I have been listening to Kyndall, Bryson Tiller and Tink. Epok Magazine: Now u kind of remind me of a Pop Artist. How does Taylor Semone categorize her music? What genre or style would consider your music? Taylor Semone: I categorize myself as POP/R&B. I prefer R&B, but when I open my mouth and start singing, people probably think POP. Of course my Mom has always said I was POP. Epok Magazine: You’ve clearly grown into a beautiful young lady. Is Taylor Semone single? Dating? Taylor Semone: Thank you and yes I have a boyfriend of two years. Epok Magazine: Being an artist can be very time consuming taking up most of your time and life if u r a serious artist. Do u see your self ever getting married and starting a family of your own one day? Taylor Semone: Definitely. Like I have been working literally non-stop since I was 12 with play one after another to performing and traveling all while still having a normal life. It is important to my parents that I be just Taylor who has chores, wash dishes, get punishments for not doing my chores. But I am glad that I have been able to experience both because I know that if I continue to pursue my career, I can also have a family. Epok Magazine: Lets talk about your makeup artist Ro Monroe. How did u need Ro Monroe? How long have u been working with Ro Monroe? Taylor Semone: My Mom is actually a researcher and my previous makeup artist was Cherry Brown who relocated to Atlanta. So my Mom heard about Ro Monroe and the rest is history, Ro has been doing my make-up every since. Epok Magazine: Describe Taylor Semone the person? The Artist? The Actress? Taylor Semone: The person I think is like any 17 year old. I love shopping, fashion, hanging out with my friends and family. I love going to the movies, participating in school and church activities. I’m a part if the youth ministries, praise dancer and choir member. I do community service and really try to be the best person I can be. Taylor Semone the artist is creative and really focus on creating my own style. I don’t want to conform to what others think I should be. I want to write and arrange my music they way I feel and envision it. When I hear a track if I don’t vibe with it, I move on to the next. When I do hear a song that I am feeling, the lyrics just seem to come automatically. Taylor Semone the actress is evolving. At first I was doing plays, and then I was in Shameik Moore “Rock Wit Me” video and that was a grueling but fun experience. There are several shots of me in the video and I had to act so that was awesome. We had to drive to Atlanta and stay overnight and the shoot was all day. The video turned out great. Being an extra in Woodlawn was exhausting and we were driving about an hour back and forth while still going to school and maintaining my grades and I was in early college. I was in one of DemFrehmen videos and they are soooo much fun to work with and they were in my video. Epok Magazine: What do u feel you bring to the music industry that is not present in the industry today? What does Taylor
Epok Magazine: What does Taylor Semone Taylor Semone: It’s hard to say because I really want a college education and possess thats never been seen before by so it will depend on the right opportunity if presented. I will basically start any artist? college off as a freshmen with sophomore hours. So I will graduate way ahead of schedule. I want to still make music, and continue writing songs and build Taylor Semone: I don’t think there is anymy catalogue. Maybe write for others, continue with my teentalk show, have thing that I possess that missing or has nev- my online boutique and I also want to be a fashion blogger. There is so many er been presented. I think that I’m not things I want to do and continue to do, so look out world TaylorSemone is probably what you’re expecting when you coming. Like my parents tells me, what God has for me is for me. see me and I open my mouth to sing. I’ve been told by several producers that I should be on Disney or that they love my voice and my style but they don’t know what to do with me because they deal with rap or R&B. I think I am original and I am a brand, I can do it all. Epok Magazine: Would Taylor Semone ever do a track with a Hip Hop rap artist like a Rich Boy, Retrobudd, The Last Mr. Bigg, or Dem Freshmen? Taylor Semone: Its funny you should say that because we have been approached by a lot of rappers with that hard core rap. Of course I am not with that. The cussing, and all that stuff is too much. We always listen to the track they send us before my mom says no just to see if its different and it usually is not different from what they normally produce. My brothers or DemFreshmen have been trying to link up in the studio but the timing hasn’t been right. Epok Magazine: What new music, albums, singles, EP's is Taylor Semone currently working on in the near future? What shows or tours do u have scheduled or coming up? Explain. Taylor Semone: Right now, I’m focus on graduating. I am working on some music and after May, we will see what happens. It’s hard to plan when I have committed myself to the extreme. I do want to keep performing, supporting anti-bullying and violence campaigns and keep showing the world that I am a black girl who rocks! Epok Magazine: Five years from today where does Taylor Semone envision herself; As an artist? As the everyday off stage Taylor Semone. Is college in the near future? Do you plan on taking your music career to the next level? Will you still be doing music five years from now?
Epok Mag: Would Taylor Semone ever do a track with a Hip Hop rap artist like a Rich Boy, Retrobudd, The Last Mr. Bigg, or Dem Freshmen? Taylor Semone: Its funny you should say that because we have been approached by a lot of rappers with that hard core rap. Of course I am not with that. The cussing, and all that stuff is too much. We always listen to the track they send us before my Mom says no just to see if its different and it usually is not different from what they normally produce. My brothers or DemFreshmen have been trying to link up in the studio but the timing hasn’t been right. Epok Mag: What new music, albums, singles, EP's is Taylor Semone currently working on in the near future? What shows or tours do u have scheduled or coming up? Explain. Taylor Semone: Right now, I’m focus on graduating. I am working on some music and after May, we will see what happens. It’s hard to plan when I have committed myself to the extreme. I do want to keep performing, supporting anti-bullying and violence campaigns and keep showing the world that I am a black girl who rocks! Epok Mag: Five years from today where does Taylor Semone envision herself; As an artist? As the everyday off stage Taylor Semone. Is college in the near future? Do you plan on taking your music career to the next level? Will u still be doing music five years from now? Taylor Semone: It’s hard to say because I really want a college education and so it will depend on the right opportunity if presented. I will basically start college off as a freshmen with sophomore hours. So I will graduate way ahead of schedule. I want to still make music, and continue writing songs and build my catalogue. Maybe write for others, continue with my teentalk show, have my online boutique and I also want to be a fashion blogger. There is so many things I want to do and continue to do, so look out world TaylorSemone is coming. Like my parents tell me, what God has for me is for me.
Former NBA power forward Lamar Odom was found unconscious on Tuesday afternoon at a Nevada brothel, according to Nevada police. TMZ first reported that Odom was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital and intubated after taking too much “herbal Viagra” at Dennis Hof’s Love Ranch South in Pahrump, Nev. The New York Daily News and BuzzFeed later confirmed the story. The Nye County Sheriff’s office confirmed Wednesday evening in a press conference that Odom had been using cocaine and “sexual performance enhancers.” The Sheriff’s office played the recording of the 911 call placed on Odom’s behalf from a woman identified as a Love Ranch employee, who said on the recording that Odom had blood coming from his nose and “white stuff” coming from his mouth, and that he was in a “deep sleep” and struggling to breathe. He was said to have used cocaine Saturday and 10 doses of the sexual enhancer over a three-day period. The Sheriff’s office obtained a search warrant for Odom’s blood, which is currently being processed. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported late Wednesday night that Odom is “not out of the woods yet,” but had made small improvements. He remains intubated, according to Shelburne.
Hof told the Los Angeles Times’s Matt Pearce that Odom was in a “somber” mood on Sunday, and “wanted to get away from everybody, wanted to have fun.” When Hof’s employees discovered the former NBA star unconscious, “terrible stuff came out” of his nose and mouth, Hof said. Physicians had arranged for Odom to be airlifted from the Pahrump hospital to Las Vegas, but due to his height (6'10") he needed to be taken by ambulance, according to a statement from police.
What does it mean anymore, the notion of a big prizefight? On May 2 in Las Vegas, Manny Pacquiao will meet Floyd Mayweather; it is a marquee bout that is taking place five years too late. It was delayed for nearly all the reasons that fights are typically postponed, a series of internecine conflicts and ego-driven spats and rights wars that apparently reached a detente when the two men met spoke at a Miami Heat basketball game last month. It doesn't matter that each boxer is at least slightly past his prime (though Mayweather is still undefeated, he has only one knockout win in the past eight years, and Pacquiao hasn't knocked anyone out since 2009). According to promoter Bob Arum – who speaks with the blind confidence of, you know, a boxing promoter – the delay was actually a good thing. According to Arum, the five years of anticipation will actually build up the hype: "I've been promoting boxing for nearly 50 years," Arum told ESPN.com, "and there is nothing that has come close to this because there has been nothing that has been so difficult to come to fruition. As interest is concerned, this is akin to the first [Muhammad] Ali-[Joe] Frazier fight."
Epok Mag: We got Dem FreshMen in the building. How are you fellas? Dem FreshMen: Turn up turn up! What's up. We are good. Epok Mag: How did Dem FreshMen meet? Are you family? How long have u been knowing each other? Dem FreshMen: Well, we're actually family. C Jay & Brandon are brothers and I am their cousin. Epok Mag: Now Brandon was briefly telling me that his Aunt knew Zeus. How did Zeus become your manager? Dem FreshMen: Our Aunt heard us singing one day and fell in love with a song we were working on. She asked us if we wanted to
meet her friend who works in the music business. We didn't believe her at first, but she introduced us to Zeus. Epok Mag: Were Dem FreshMen already rapping together as a group or individually? FreshMen: We have always been a group. We do everything together from skateboarding, to writing music, to singing. Epok Mag: I dont know how well u guys know your’e Hip Hop history or the pioneers who paved the way before you. Do you guys remember the group Kriss Kross? You guys are like a modern day Kriss Kross. They had the hit song Jump. Well everyone knows the story of how they got discovered. Jermaine Dupri of So So Def Records seen the two boys in Lenox Mall in Atlanta. He walks up to the guys and say, "Do u rap?" You look like rappers." The rest is history. How did Dem FreshMen form as a group? FreshMen: We always would hangout and write music just for fun. We would also spend hours singing and tweaking our lyrics. Seriously, this was a daily thing. One day, we were rapping around the house and our mothers told us we should start a group & pursue our dream to become stars. Epok Mag: Wo you were a group already. Who came up with the name Dem FreshMen? Explain. FreshMen: We considered ourselves a group because as I previously mentioned, we did and do everything together. We were talking with our mothers and trying to come up with a name for our group. My mother Shawn said we were "fresh men" with a fresh new sound. So the name "Dem FreshMen" was born. Epok Mag: How did Dem FreshMen come up with your style of rap and fashion? FreshMen: We just wanted to show our unique style of sound and fashion. We also wanted to show people that young people can have a sense of style and charm without looking suspect. Epok Mag: What are some topics Dem FreshMen talk about in your music? FreshMen: We talk about the simple things like: love, unity, togetherness, and social issues such as bullying and the importance of doing well in school
Epok Mag: What is it a typical day in the life of Dem FreshMen like? Each individual member. FreshMen: C Jay- spends time family, up early making music, up late make music, recording funny videos with family. Brandon J- cracking jokes all day, hanging with younger brother, and being a normal teenage boy. Lil D- spending time with family, playing video games, acting in silly home videos with C Jay and Brandon. Epok Mag: Explain what a Dem FreshMen performance is like. Describe. Is it wild? Crazy? Exciting? Explain. FreshMen: Oh, its wild! Once we step out on the stage, the crowd just falls in sync with our music. The more the crowd is engaged with our art, we turn up even more. It is never a dull moment. Epok Mag: Now Brandon you're like the ladies Man lover boy out of the group. Or how would u describe yourself Brandon? What are the other members like? Explain. Epok Mag: Now Brandon you're like the ladies Man lover boy out of the group. Or how would u describe yourself Brandon? What are the other members like? Explain. FreshMen: Yes, this is true. lol. I just like having fun and being myself. Cjay and D are pretty much the same. We are respectful young men because our mothers taught us the importance of showing respect for all people, especially women. Epok Mag: Like most boy bands, B2K, Jackson 5, B5, and, The Brothers usually causes an uproar or frenzy among teenage girls during performances or anywhere they go. Has Dem FreshMen experienced any of that yet? Explain
Dem FreshMen: Yes, we never thought we would need body guards or anything like that. At one show we did for a summer camp, we were singing and dancing and Brandon J was beside us. The next thing we know, the girls tackled him, and pulled him down to the floor. We tried to help him. Then, they tackled us as well. Walking through the malls, we are recognized everywhere we go. Older people and younger people know who "DemFreshMen" are. Epok Magazine: What’s Dem FreshMen favorite song out that you guys like from your mixtape? What’s your fans favorite song? Was is one song your fans request when u perform? Dem FreshMen: I would have to say "Crush" is our favorite song and this is the most requested song that our fans love to hear. Epok Magazine: What are some advantages of being Dem FreshMen? What are some disadvantages. Explain. Dem FreshMen: Advantages- traveling, meeting new people, doing what love, and of course doing interviews like this. Disadvantages- lack of sleep, away from family, long work hours. Epok Magazine: We just had the first 2015 Alabama Music Award Show ever. What are some of your thoughts about the very first award show in Birmingham? Good or Bad? Needed or Not Needed?
Epok Magazine: Who does the choreography for Dem FreshMen or dance moves? Who are your dancers? Dem FreshMen: Brittney, Alexis, Jalen, Tambraneka and Creative Mindz Epok Magazine: Are Dem FreshMen dating or have special ladies in your life? Explain Individually. Dem FreshMen: We are all single and willing to mingle.
Epok Magazine: Who does Dem FreshMen choreography or dance moves? Who are your dancers? Dem FreshMen: Brittney, Alexis, Jalen, Tambraneka and Creative Mindz Epok Magazine: Are Dem FreshMen dating or have special ladies in your life? Explain Individually. Dem FreshMen: We are all single and willing to mingle. Epok Magazine: When Dem FreshMen are not on stage or in the studio what do u guys do for fun? Where do u like to go for fun? Dem FreshMen: Act a fool. We just do whatever makes us laugh and relax. We may skateboard, hangout with friends, or go the movies. We generally just enjoy time with our family and very close friends. Epok Magazine: What are the personalities like in the group? Who is the wild one out the group? Who is the funny or silly one out the group? Who is the laid back serious one out the group? Dem FreshMen: Brandon J is the "wild one". C Jay is the laid back serious guy, and I "Lil D" am the silly or funny guy of the group. We laugh for days. Epok Magazine: Do Dem FreshMen always get along or agree most of the time when working together? Explain. Dem FreshMen: Always. We talk it out, compromise, and finish the project for our fans. We believe in giving our fans what they want. No holding back. Epok Magazine: Dem FreshMen have pretty much performed at ever middle and high school around Birmingham, Alabama. Name some other venues u guys have performed or would like to perform? Dem FreshMen: We have performed all over the United States such as shows in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Maryland, New Orleans, Mississippi, and Washington. We have been on tour with The Momma Dee (from Atl Love and Hip Hop), Adrian Marcel Neffe (Kesha Cole sister), Mishon, Migos, Mindless Behavior and OMG Girls. We have done events with Ricky Smiley, 2Chainz, Anthony Lewis, Taylor Semone, Jacob Latimore, We Are Toonz, Master P. and the list goes on. Epok Magazine: You guys are about fifteen or sixteen years old right now right? In about five years u guys will be anywhere between twenty to twenty-two years old. Where does Dem FreshMen see themselves five years from now? Is music in the future for Dem FreshMen? Dem FreshMen: Correct. Epok Magazine: In about five years u guys will be anywhere between twenty to twenty-two years old. Where does Dem FreshMen see themselves five years from now? Is music in the future for Dem FreshMen? Dem FreshMen: I feel we all have the same goal of being big in this industry. Music is definitely in our future. I see us doing exactly what we were born to do. Entertain others with our gifts. Maybe even writing for others and producing. Epok Magazine: What would Dem FreshMen like to see change or improve about Birmingham, Al music scene or Alabama all together? Dem FreshMen: More local support from radio stations in our area. Birmingham needs to show more love for local artist. It is amazing how other cities put support behind our local artist and our hometown lacks support.
Hear ye hear ye!!!!! have you ever wondered about the Dirty South’s lingo? Many who are not native to the South laugh at our slow-talking, disdain, and lack of emphasis to the English language. But it is our Southern drawl that makes Alabamians so distinct. So take notes and read every month for Epok’s word list on Bama-Bonics. 1.Im With The Shit: 2. Lit– Exciting. Off the meter. Outrageously fun or exciting. Out of control. Ion Care None Bout ItWe Give No Fucks-