EDITOR-IN-CHIEF– KANEKIA SIMPKINS PUBLISHERS– MAGCLOUD PUBLISHERS, WWW.ISSUU.COM CONTRIBUTING WRITERS/EDITORS– ERICA LEE, REAL ENTERTAINMENT, Rekko Nirvana & KANEKIA SIMPKINS CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS-iVision Digital, DFS Photography, O.E.W. PHOTOGRAPHY, T.K.V. IMAGES BY ROME, MAGIC CITY STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY, KENNY LUKE, LARRY MOSLEY LASTING LOOK PHOTOGRAPHY & KANEKIA SIMPKINS CIRCULATION-TREMAYNE HORTON SENIOR LAYOUT AND DESIGN-KANEKIA SIMPKINS ASSOCIATE LAYOUT & DESIGN-ALPHONSO SMITH
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5. Voice of the Editor 6. ENCORE R/B DIVA REE’AL
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10. WhAt’s thE DIRty WIth Your Favorite Celebs 12.Southern Smoke Artist Krymson Wyte, Kanekia, Nina LABELLE & LIL’ hAzE 14.Bamabonics; Alabama Lingo 16. KINg DAVID WhERE’s thE Love
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People never seize to amaze me. But never in a million years did I think I would ever hear someone say that Epok (Epic) Magazine is not created by me. What?..... To whom does it belong to? With all the technology out today is it not virtually POSSIBLE to create anything you want? All you need is a little creativity. Not even that much. Well I must be on my way to SUPER stardom if people find it hard to believe or even so farfetched for me or anyone to create and give something back to the community of Alabama. It seems like other states have grasp this idea but for some reason the state of Alabama still lives in that oppressed state of thinking from the Civil Rights era. Wake up Alabama!!!! It is 2013. We’ve had MAJOR artist that have made it in Alabama. Whether you want to believe these artist are successful or not, they are still making money and getting paid. Hosea Chanchez from the hit television show The Game, Rickey Smiley, Rich Boy, Yelawolf, Top Model and House Wife of Atlanta, Cynthia Bailey, Ruben Studdard, football sensation Terrell Owens, Q. Parker of 112 and the list goes on. So what is it going to take for Alabama to start believing and supporting their own? Everyone from Alabama wants to be that FIRST BIG something to blow. Unfortunately the game DOES NOT work that way. So lets stop being selfish Alabama. Its all about UNITY and SUPPORTING your own FIRST. There is POWER in NUMBERS. Atlanta does it. New York does, and LA does as well. Alabama I challenge you. When you hear someone from your own backyard doing anything that has never been done in Alabama, I challenge YOU. I challenge you to just say one POSITIVE comment, other than the typical negative cliché, “That n***ga aint shi*t .” On the cover of this issue of Epok (Epic) Magazine we have two artist from our neck of the woods. R/B diva Ree’Al and the industry Hustler himself King David. Like rapper King David would say, Alabama we have to “Do better,” in supporting our own. So I leave you with the words of Alabama Rapper King David, “Where is the Love?”
Love Always Kanekia Simpkins Editor of Epok Magazine 5. EPOK BHAM FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE
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Sherita Wilson was born in Birmingham, Alabama. She lived with her two brothers and her mom in a single parent home. She grew up as the middle child and always had her mind on something to get into. She loved sports and being a girly girl but you can say it was half and half. One minute its playing with Barbie dolls, the next its playing football. Life was good right until she turned 9 years old and her whole world collapsed around her. Sherita and her brothers were forced to live with there grandmother. Sherita would ask her brother, “When are we going home?” but there was never a definite answer. They were shuffled around from place to place for a while until they were right back at their grandmother’s house. Although they loved their grandmother they still wanted to be with their mother and what child wouldn’t. At the age of 12 she began styling hair around the neighborhood to make money for the things a teenage girl needed at that time. She would carry this enormous bag full of styling materials to style and dry the customers hair. When she hit high school she had to wake up at 4:30 am to make it on time for school. She would have to ride three buses to get to school and that was no picnic. She started off singing in the choir, where she was always in the shadow of other people voices; until she was told to step in front for her very first solo. (A still) shy, Ree’AL, had to develop the courage to stand out in the crowd to show her gifted talent. There was one performance in front of her peers, in which she won first place, led her to believe that she could accomplish anything, by not being afraid to strike out. She strived each day to become the best she could, aside of the fact that there were people who doubted her abilities. Although, it wasn’t any easy task, she managed to stay away from trouble. She struggled as a youth, but she strongly feels that in order to be successful in anything, you have to have a past or a story to tell. Once she developed this dream, there was nothing that could hold her back. She worked at her craft day and night, until she felt that it was what she liked. There are many inspiriting people whom she admired growing up: Mary J. Blige, Aretha Franklin, Betty Wright, Janet Jackson, and (the late) Aaliyah. Her biggest inspiration is her mother. She could remember watching her mother struggle with adversity time and time again but through it all, she prevailed. That strong mind was instilled in Ree’AL at an early age. Still after going through so much, her mom emerged as the most important and the greatest woman Ree’AL would ever know. HER THOUGHTS: First off, music is Life. Music chose me and I have the determination and the drive to let it be my choice. I was put in this world to reach out to someone other than myself. God choose me to deliver my story, in hope that it would help someone else. This is my life, this is my story. 7. EPOK BHAM FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE
EPOK MAGAZINE: How did u come with your stage name Ree'AL? What does your name Ree"Al mean to you? REE’AL: A few friends used to call me Real because I was quick to respond to whatever!& family calls me Ree & I wanted the "AL" for Alabama. EPOK MAGAZINE: How long have you been doing music? REE’AL: Since I found a rhythm! EPOK MAGAZINE: What is Ree'Al style of music? Would you consider yourself an R/ B singer?Blues/Pop? Describe your music? REE’AL: All of the above. Since I am an independent artist I want people to feel a little bit of all of it. EPOK MAGAZINE: Every artist has their hustle on the side when they're not performing. Some rappers are Barbers, graphic designers; Singers are Models, promote parties and Actresses or Dancers. Yours happens to be a Hair Stylist/ Make-up Artist. How long have u been a hair stylist? REE’AL: Since I was in high school. EPOK MAGAZINE: Do u like being a makeup artist? REE’AL: Love it! EPOK MAGAZINE: What's the best thing you like about being a Hair Stylist and Make-up Artist? REE’AL: Helping people feel good about themselves. EPOK MAGAZINE: You’re not only a Hair Stylist/Make-up, you're pretty well known on the circuit for hosting parties as well. Talk about that and how u got into hosting parties. REE’AL: People liked my voice & again I love people. EPOK MAGAZINE: Lets talk about your first cd "I'm not That Girl." Explain what you meant with your title "I’m Not That Girl." REEE’AL: So many girls in this industry sleep their way to no where & I just worked hard. I wanted to make it clear that my integrity meant more to me than any fame or record deal! I'm exactly where God wants me to be right now & that's giving my time & talents to others. EPOK MAGAZINE: What's your favorite song from this album “I'm Not That Girl?" REE’AL: #7 La Love because it is a very fun song! 8. EPOK BHAM FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE
EPOK MAGAZINE: Did you work with a lot of producers out of Atlanta for that album? Did you work with any producers from Alabama? REE’AL: Yes I did. J Mil out of ATL/ Bird Durdy Muzik, B-Flat, & more. EPOK MAGAZINE: Now your album “I'm Not That Girl" did very well and you could even purchase your cd in stores. How did u feel about all the success and support of your album? REE’AL: I Love that Birmingham supports all local artist. EPOK MAGAZINE: Your single "Encore" is probably your biggest work to date. You have over eight thousand views on Youtube. How did the song and video come about? Who was the writers and producers for "Encore?" How long did it take to shoot the video? Who wrote the treatment for the video "Encore"? REE’AL: Sitting down with Alvin Garrett of "Just A Few Cats" wrote "Encore" & I co-wrote. B-Mason did the treatment. EPOK MAGAZINE: Now everyone wants to know who the leading love interest was in "Encore." What is his name? Is he a model? REE’AL: His name is "Luscious" & he is & was in Keri Hilson video ft. Lil Wayne "TurnN Me On." EPOK MAGAZINE: What new albums or new projects is Ree'Al working on today? Will there be another album from Ree'Al? What will this album talk about? REE’AL: Right now I'm focused on what God wants me to do & that's bring happiness to kids & the elderly. You will hear of it very soon! EPOK MAGAZINE: Are there any new producers you're looking forward to working with for your new album? Do you have a title for your new album? REE’AL: Not yet EPOK MAGAZINE: I noticed that you're a big advocate against drugs, gangs, and violence in the community. Everyone knows that you lost a brother awhile back. Have you become more conscious of what is going on in the communities or was this an issue you always wanted to express and be involved with? REE’AL: I had been a member of the PAV organization 3 years b4 I lost my brother& in his death I then realized the type of hurt they go thro, but I've always had a soft spot in my heart for what's going on with our youth. EPOK MAGAZINE: You also was the host for another event on June 29, 2013, "Save Our Youth" at Central Park Recreation Center here in Birmingham, Alabama. What was the primary focus of this event "Save Our Youth?" How was the turnout? What were some of the activities for the youth or topics that were discussed at "Save Our Youth" event? Did u perform any of your songs? REE’AL: To let the youth see something good in the community & let them see there's another way to live without violence. The turnout was Great . Mayor Bell & we also did the violence free pledge. I performed my music too. EPOK MAGAZINE: You've made a few cameos appearances in a few other Alabama artist videos here in Birmingham, Al. Do u feel that's important for Birmingham, Al artist to work together? What other Alabama artist have you worked or would like to work with in Birmingham, Al? REE’AL: I've worked with a few; Modesty Xo, Mista Mal, PTG, D-Real, Elee, Black & Mild & a few gospel artist. Currently I did a song with Lil Haze entitled "N Love." EPOK MAGAZINE: You had an interview with Grade A music and you said that if u cant make it in Birmingham, Al, then you cant make it anywhere. Elaborate on what u meant about making it with music here in Birmingham, Al.? REE’AL: Because this is the hardest city to break out of. You must venture outside your city to make an impact! EPOK MAGAZINE: What can we expect from Ree'Al and her music in 2014? REE’AL: Stay Tuned!!! It's Gods say Now!!! 9. EPOK BHAM FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE
DJ Khaled is putting his heart on the line -- all in the name of Nicki Minaj! While at MTV News on Thursday, July 25, the 37year-old recorded a special video message to the "Super Bass" singer, confessing his major crush on her. "Nicki Minaj, I’m at MTV, I’m going to be honest with you; I love you. I like you, I want you, I want you to be mine," he said in the video. "Only reason I'm not telling you this face to face is because I understand that you're busy." He continued, "I feel like you need a man like me in your life … we got the same symptoms, we’re both suffering from success. [If] you gotta take your time and think about it, I understand, but I know I have to be here today to let you know how serious I am and how serious this is to me." The hip hop star finished the video with a very public, if not romantic, proposal: "Nicki Minaj, will you marry me?" he asked, flashing a reported $500,000 10-carat ring for the singer. While Minaj, 30, hasn't responded to the proposal yet, he told Us Weekly exclusively at a screening of Magic City for friend, rapper Rick Ross, on Friday, July 26, at Eventi Hotel in N.Y.C. that he was 100 percent serious in the video. "I want to marry her! I was serious," he told Us, adding that he hopes to hear from the former American Idol judge soon. "She can take her time and think about it. At least she knows how I feel now." On July 26, Khaled posted a screenshot via instagram of Minaj from his "Take It To The Head" video and captioned the pic, "Beautiful. "Khaled's upcoming new album, Suffering From Success, is due at the end of September.
There’s no denying that Stevie J and his new wife are two of the most talked about cast members of Love & Hip Hop. And, considering their Love & Hip Hop: New York counterparts, Chrissy Lampkin and Jim Jones, received a spin-off show last year, viewers didn’t have to stretch their imaginations too far to see the same happening for Stevie J and Joseline Hernandez. Now we have even more details to fill in the gaps: Stevie J recently shared pictures along with the caption “#TheJordans coming soon.” If that means what we think it does, a reality show called The Jordans is in the works! We also know there is a strong possibility of wedding footage getting utilized in the show. According to guests of Stevie J and Joseline’s Puerto Rican nuptials, the whole ceremony was heavily staged… But none of the footage was used during the final episodes or reunion of Love & Hip Hop. Earlier this month, Stevie confirmed to Hip Hop Weekly that any wedding material would be fair game for a show. “When the show permits, we’ll do it on the show or something, or have our own show and have some kids on the show,” he said. The father of five has also said his family is “definitely in discussions” for a spin-off. 10. EPOK BHAM FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE
Jay Z should get the Boss of the Year award! According to Star Magazine, the hip-hop mogul recently made it rain at Roc Nation by dishing out $50,000 bonuses to each of his employees. “Earlier this year he handed out $50,000 bonuses to everyone in his company, which includes assistants and very low-level people,” an employee told the magazine. “He knows if his employees are happy, it will benefit him in the long run. His only demand was for everyone to have fun with the money.” The source went on to say that the Magna Carta Holy Grail rapper has no problem sharing his wealth. “He’s extremely generous — most celebrities are supercheap when it comes to running their businesses,” said the insider. Jay, who is the CEO of Roc Nation Records and Sports Management Agency, also has an early holiday present planned for his employees.“He even promised another bonus for Christmas!” the source said.
Alabama’s very own Antonie Dodson is expecting his first child with his girlfriend, the Internet sensation confirmed via Twitter on Wednesday. The news came as a surprise to fans, many of whom believed Dodson to be gay. "I just became the happiest man alive!! My beautiful Queen and I are having a baby!!" he tweeted. "Wait what?" one user wrote. "Aren't you gay?" another added. Last May, Dodson claimed he wanted "a wife and family" and "to multiply and raise and love my family that I create." Dodson explained in a series of tweets that he had become a "True Hebrew Israelite descendant of Judah" and referred to his former lifestyle as "foolish." "I have to renounce myself, I'm no longer into homosexuality," he concluded. Dodson, who rose to fame after his news interview about a bedroom intruder went viral, hasn't revealed the identity of his baby mama. But we suppose congrats are in order for the couple.
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Singer. Songwriter. Rapper. Artist. Anyone of these words describes Lacey Brooke Vandiver also known as Krymson Wyte. Born in Alabama, in the Muscle Shoals area, she was destined to make music from birth, and with the Shoals area being a breeding ground and retreat for some legendary singers and songwriters alike, Krymson is no exception. Growing up she was introduced to music at a very young age. By the age of 12, she began singing and performing different genres including the blues, country, R&B, and gospel in the church. This is when she began to fall in love with the idea of entertaining, which fueled the desire for her to get involved in her high school's theatre and choral programs. Her dedication led to Krymson being selected as an Alabama AllState musician, and also competing and placing in state-wide theatre competitions in musical theatre. The passion that she possessed earned her a vocal scholarship to attend the University of North Alabama, where Krymson studied vocal/choral music education and opera theatre. It wasn't until she relocated to Birmingham, Alabama that she discovered her incredible gift of songwriting, and in 2011 upon meeting Derek Davis also known as Drizzy D.R.O, another Birmingham, Alabamabased artist, changed the direction of the budding super star.
You have to commend Nina Labelle for the effort and the work she does in becoming a pioneer. A true diamond in the rough and rough around the edges, Nina Labelle will go down in history as one of the First Ladies to start The Real Rap Wives of Birmingham, Alabama. Ms. Labelle catches a lot of backlash from The Real Rap Wives of Birmingham, Alabama but pay close attention and you can see where Nina Labelle is aiming to go. To accomplish things that have never been done for the city of Birmingham, Alabama. With a little polishing and priming, The Real Rap Wives of Birmingham webisodes could easily reach mass appeal. But of course the first pioneers of anything never get the full credit that is rightfully due. Country and ghetto as it may seem just remember Nina Labelle was courageous enough to do it first. Anything else would just be a carbon copy of what Nina has already done. Catch up Haters.
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This is one chick that you should not sleep on. Kanekia is doing it all. She is truly the epitome of what is called a triple threat. As you read this column she is the editor, writer, and designer of this very magazine you’re reading right now. Amazing right? In 2004 Kanekia interned for Power 93.3 radio station where she started Epok (Epic) Magazine. While simultaneously working at the radio station Kanekia taught Hip-Hop Dance at Saba Dance Studio in Huntsville, Alabama. She’s auditioned for American idol three times in Chicago, North Carolina and Birmingham, AL, Beyonce World Dance Tour in Houston, Texas and Mario’s Search for Dancers in LA. In 2010 Kanekia had her first meeting for a record deal consideration with Def Jam. She’s auditioned in LA for Laurianne Gibson Reality Show, Born 2 Dance, which aired on BET in August 2011. Kanekia made it to the first rounds. Today in 2013, Kanekia is working with 106 & Park Champions Mad Skillz Dance Group and writing songs for Warner Bros Music Group. You tell her she cant do it, or it cant be done, Kanekia will find creative, endless ways to show you it can.
Lil Haze is a man on a mission; determined to discover new lands and new civilizations in the vast world of hip-hop. Lyrically, conceptually and musically, he’s in another orbit hovering over earth waiting for his opportunity to make a dynamic landing that will forever change the landscape of hip-hop as we know it. With the release of his debut CD, The Leak (Birmingham Records), the Birmingham native is determined to put the “Magic City” on hip-hop’s map and he’s vowed to do it without verbal misogyny or profanity. He has a score of hit singles from “Whut It Iz,” “Dubs,” “Git To Da Floor,” and todays hit single “U Betta featuring Too Short and “N Love” featuring REE’AL. The father of a young daughter, Haze stresses that his commitment to making vulgarity -free music has nothing to do with recent movements to clean up hip-hop. And so far it looks like earthlings are getting his message loud and clear. His single, “Work Dat Body” featuring Ray J, has been a favorite among local fans and has begun to spread quickly across the southeast. And there’s more where that came from.
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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 Alabama so distinct. So take notes and read every month for Epok’s word list on Bama-Bonics. 1. Finesse: To handle someone in a manipulating way. To be persuasive or convince someone other wise. 2. Bruh: Short abbreviation for the word Brother that is used to address someone. Example; “Bruh lets go.” I’m weak adj.– A figure of speech when one is shocked or taken by surprise. Example: “Im Weak!” 4. Aight:-advFigurative: Phrase that equates one is understood or comprehended. 5. going ham: adv– To act wildly out of control; Over-excited; Hyperactive. 6. go live: adv: to go all out for the cause. 7.Forfen: adv– to Forfeit. To back out of an agreement. 8. throwed: adv– Not articulate; crazy; Lacking coordination. Not attentive; intoxicated; under the influence of a substance. 9.gator:-n-A thorough individual; A strong leader; A gangster. 10. Lucious– A left turn. “Bust this luscious right here.” 11. Rico– A right turn. “Lets make this rico right here.”
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You’ve heard of major artist signing gargantuan shoe deals but what other Alabama, independent artist you know that has managed to ink his very own endorsement deal with an eyewear. King David has. And its all because of his King Talk. The language of a visionary man who holds dominion over his realm, while leading by example and defining what it mean to live by the code. Enter King David. Known as “The Grind King”, King David (David Thomas) emerged from the small town of Prichard, Alabama in 2005 with a vision of leading the way for all hip-hop artists in Alabama. With a thorough resume of features, including Rich Boy and Gorilla Zoe, King David has also shared the stage with Lil Boosie, Gucci Mane, Webbie, OJ Da Juiceman and Gorilla Zoe, solidifying his place as a top flight artist and performer. King David has also appeared on many prominent projects including “Hard Hittin' Hillbillies” Vol.1, “Stuck 16. EPOK BHAM FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE
In That Alabama Mud” Vol.1, “Roach Spray,” and the “Lordstyle Mafia Mixtape” Hosted by Mr. 2 Official, DJ Ames’ "The UK's Mixtape Messiah", “Grind Time” hosted by Murphy Lee, DJ Chief Hustle Boy's “Hoods Of America”, “Smush'in Dez Roaches” hosted by DJ Jukebox of 95.7 Jamz and DJ Frank White of 97.9 Jamz mixtapes “I AM Alabama” & “Gump's Most Hated” Vols.1&3 to name a few.In addition to being a relentless worldwide promoter, King David is also a skilled business man, founding a custom gold grillz and jewelry company and has ventured into the film industry with the creation of his first motion films entitled "Tables" and the highly anticipated “KING TALK ep”. He recently inked a deal as the face of iVision Frame Wear and will be embarking on his “King Talk” Tour in the summer of 2013. King David Awards and Nominations. In 2007 King David was finally recognized for his superior grind by Dead Serious Awards, where he was nominated for the Dead Serious Award on the Grind, and won. In 2008 King David was invited back to the Dead Serious Awards winning the coveted Internet Swag award, and was also nominated for the Most Hustle award and the Impact Artist of the Year award. King David was nominated for the 2009 “Indy Rap” Artist of the year by the S.E.A.s and also received “Mix-Tape Artist” of the year in 2011. King David has received a total of four awards from Real Talk Magazine, the first award received in 2009 the “Hardest Grinding Artist” and then in 2011 he received three additional awards for “Industry Hustler,” “Impact Artist” and another award for “Hardest Grinding Artist.” In 2012, King David was nominated for “Self-Promoter” of the Year at the Knocdown-SCM Awards. And today in 2013, King David is doing a exclusive interview with Epok (Epic) Magazine, the first official Hip-Hop & R/B magazine in the state of Alabama. With a relentless work ethic, King David continues to be recognized by his peers and the industry for his ambition, dedication and relentless grind. From the IV eyewear he wears on his face, his gold chain around his neck and the intricate gold studded crown on his head, King David truly illuminates the life of a King.
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“When I was writing this song (Where Is The Love?”) I was really in a mood of disappointment towards our black community. I'm jus tired of the way we do each other. No support, no love, it's jus sad to me and needs to stop ASAP, but the song explains itself. So if you ain't heard go to ITUNES and check that out. and I will
stop before I get upset.. We gotta do better!”
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EPOK MAGAZINE: Your new mixtape is entitled "King Talk." You started off by saying and I quote, "King Talk is the language of a visionary man who holds dominion over his realm." Elaborate more on what "King Talk" is for King David? KING DAVID: Really jus a reference to my way of doing thangs. The way I rap/talk & live. I'm not typical. Most Alabama artist get caught up in tryin’ to be like/sound like someone else (mainly ATL) I DONT...THIS AIN'T NO RAP…..this King Talk, King David ….ya heard me? EPOK MAGAZINE: Let's talk about your big endorsement deal with IVD eyewear. What’s that all about? How did you get your deal? KING DAVID: My deal with “IVD Eyewear” is just that, to ENDORSE the product and bring more awareness to it. I met the owner of the company FA HARRA (thanks to REKKO NIRVANA) shout out 2 iVISION digital Eyewear for the opportunity. The company is based out of Memphis, Tennenesse in which I was selected out of Alabama to be the face of the company in its efforts to expand. Go to: http://ivisiondigitaleyewear.com tell ‘um KING DAVID sent you so you can see things clearer...Lol!
“The company is based out of Memphis, Tennessse in which I was selected out of Alabama to be the face of the company in its efforts to expand.”
EPOK MAGAZINE: Now you've relocated from Prichard, Alabama to Birmingham, Alabama. How do you like Birmingham, Alabama? How has Birmingham been treating you?
KING DAVID: I'm from a town called Prichard located in Mobile Alabama. I use to live in Montgomery, Alabama and now I stay in Birmingham, Alabama. I LIKE BIRMINGHAM for the most part. I've been coming to the city for years before I moved here so I really wasn't a stranger to the city of Birmingham. The community has embraced me as one of their own and I really appreciate the support I'm getting. EPOK MAGAZINE: With Birmingham, Alabama being the biggest city in the state of Alabama, is the music scene different in Birmingham, Alabama as opposed to Prichard, Alabama? KING DAVID: Yes, it is, but I really thought Birmingham would be even better, but it seems Birmingham has a problem “FULLY” supporting their own. Mobile, Al has a reputation of producing artist that are known past the limits of the city. Birmingham on the other hand, seems to have a problem backing DESRVING, HARD WORKING artist, therefore this is the reason I believe many artist has yet to make it out. 19. EPOK BHAM FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE
EPOK MAGAZINE: What many probably don't know about King David is that you're a tenacious hustler and promoter. From tshirt promotions, to your own animated mascot and now your very own personal customized crown. How long have you been doing street promotions? KING DAVID: I've been at it for about 7 or 8 yrs. I started out with a small gold teeth shop in Montgomery, Alabama. Promoting the business which led to my popularity in the city and I kept it going with the addition of my products. EPOK MAGAZINE: Speaking of your crowns, I see you have upgraded your crown so that it is a little more intrinsic and detailed. Who is the designer behind King David crowns? KING DAVID: My crown was designed by a company named CROWN DESIGNERS. Its a fairly old company starting it's business in 1945. They specialize in custom jewelry, crowns, tiaras and scepters. EPOK MAGAZINE: Some might find it a little arrogant to call yourself a King. Fortunately, I believe there is power in words and how we use them. For those who might not understand, why do you call yourself King David? KING DAVID: Exactly as you stated , there is power in words and also plain and simple, I AM A REAL KING. My real name is DAVID so what else would I call myself...LOL!!! EPOK MAGAZINE: What's the difference between King David and Lordstyle Mafia? Lordstyle Entertainment? KING DAVID: King David is me personally as an artist and Lordstyle Mafia Gang is a team of artist that I put together because I believe there is power in numbers. The Lordstyle Mafia Gang include Caine, Classic, Lil Mone, Ghetto Angel, KO Dinero, P.A. Doodie, and Ball Hog. The Lordstyle Mafia Gang music compilation will be dropped this fall. Lordstyle Entertainment is a privately owned company run, owned and operated by none other than myself King David. EPOK MAGAZINE: You use a lot of spiritual reference like Lordstyle and of course your name King David, which is kind of ironic considering some of your lyrical content used in your songs like "Lawd Have Mercy." How important is Christianity to you? Is King David a religious, God-fearing man? KING DAVID: Yes I am very spiritual, not so much religious though. I was raised in a Christian household. Actually, Lordstyle meaning the style of a King (Lord means King). And yes, I choose those words to grab the attention of the people that recognize the lingo whether they be religious or spiritual (big difference). And yes I know there is a power higher than myself that I practice how to coincide with IT on a daily basis. This is one of my favorite topics so I will jus stop before I write a damn book right quick… Lol…..
King David’s Lordstyle Entertainment Mafia Gang. From Left to right; Lil Mone, King David, Caine, and Classic; Members not present: Ball Hog, Ghetto Angel, KO Dinero, and P.A. Doodie.
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EPOK MAGAZINE: Some of your biggest movements that you're known for are "Roach Spray." Then you followed up with "Still Spraying Roaches." Explain what do you mean by "Roach Spray" and "Still Spraying Roaches?" What kind of mind-frame were you in when making these slogans or themes? KING DAVID: Haters...Lol…. Haters are like roaches to me. They sneak diss and try to eat off you. When I came up with this concept I was going thru a lot of hate because people were envious of some things I was doing and some material things I had such as cars, clothes, jewels etc... The energy on my 1st official EP roach spray reflects the want to exterminate the haters. I really gained a lot of popularity behind it because the title was so different and it stuck out in peoples head. So as time went by and I made the move to Birmingham, Alabama I thought it would be a good idea to kinda keep it going so I was STILL spraying roaches Lol. And now I have came to the conclusion that I will never get away from it so ROACH SPRAY 3 is on the way.
EPOK MAGAIZNE: Let's talk about your new single "Where Is The Love?" KING DAVID: When I was writing this song I was really in a mood of disappointment towards our black community. I'm jus tired of the way we do each other. No support, no love, it's jus sad to me and needs to stop ASAP, but the song explains itself. So if you ain't heard go to ITUNES and check that out. And I will stop before I get upset.. We gotta do better! EPOK MAGAZINE: One of my favorite singles by you is no doubt the motivational "Push" and now "I Earnt That." What inspired you to write this joints? KING DAVID: “Push” is the intro into the life of King David. I jus thought I would share a little about my life struggles to help others who might have been through hard times and to let them know that it gets hard at times but you never give up you just have to keep on pushing. And” I Earnt that” was kind of like a struggle to triumph song meaning, I felt that through all the bad times when I finally saw a little small piece of the good life. Shit I felt like I EARND (I earnt) it because I never folded and never gave up. EPOK MAGAZINE: I noticed you like to use old school samples. What producers did you work with on this new mixtape "King Talk?" KING DAVID: I have worked with a few great producers on this project like the Union, Codeine Boy a Russian producer, Beat Addicts, and J Reap. EPOK MAGAZINE: Talk about your show you just had on July 2th at the gentlemen club the Fox Trapp? KING DAVID: I shot a video to the strip club anthem "Lawd Have Mercy" on that night. I'm kind of excited about that too. I hope everybody in Birmingham come out and support. 21. EPOK BHAM FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE
EPOK MAGAZINE: I always ask Alabama artist this question; What improvements would you like to see happen or change with Alabama artist and with the music scene in Alabama? Any shouts you have?
“Really Alabama music scene is growing so I won't be negative. I will jus say let's just keep growing and learn how to support our own more than we do. Alabama has been trained over the years to consume instead of produce so we just have to reprogram the minds of the people. Most Alabamians can't wrap their hands around the idea that the dude up the block from you could be the next big thing. 1st off thank GOD for making me who I Am. 2nd I would like to thank Epok Magazine for this opportunity. they have always supported what I do since day 1 thank you KANEKIA, and also I would like to jus give a group shout out to everybody that does anything to help with what I do so I won't leave nobody out 1LOVE…” 22. EPOK BHAM FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE
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