Makin' It Magazine - Issue #7

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OCTOBER 2007 - VOLUME 1 ISSUE 7

REAL TALK Believe me, I was just as surprised as you to find out that Atlanta rap

FEATURE STORY It seems like the most controversial thing you can do in hip hop is try to rank artists. Hip Hop is art, and just like any other art form the quality of it is totally relative to the personal tastes of the person judging it. Every time a magazine, TV show, or website ranks the top ten, twenty, or whatever number of hip hop artists, there are always a ton of people complaining. There is always someone who’s mad because they don’t like the people who made the list. They feel somebody was left out or they just disagree with the order of the artists appear. So who’s the best rapper alive? Is it Jay-z…? Is it Lil www.MakinItMag.com

T.I. LAUNCHES DAYBYCARE K. CANNICK

mogul, T.I., was opening his first of a string of daycare facilities. It’s been a hell of a year for the rapper who has been an undeniable force on both the charts and in the box office. Grand Hu$tle Child Care promises to stand apart from other child care providers by being a 24 hour program catering to low income families. T.I. has made it very clear that he will not be a passive investor in the facility, but will participate in the day to day care of the children (feeding, changing diapers and all). In fact, the entire Grand Hu$tle roster including Young Dro, Big Kuntry, and Super producer

Khao will be on staff teaching and caring for the children. This move by the self proclaimed King of the South has prompted other rappers to follow suit. Young Jeezy has also decided to give back to the community by teaching an after school tutoring program at Martin Luther King Jr. High School… Ok… by now you should have guessed this is a bunch of B--- S----, but if you caught BET’s three part special, “Hip Hop vs. America”, you might be led to believe this story is true. Apparently it is now the responsibility of rappers, not parents, to raise our children. Now I Continued on page 8

15 BEST RAPPERS ALIVE! BY K. CANNICK

Wayne…? Who’s to say the best rapper is even signed to a major label. Who’s to say the best rapper alive isn’t some kid sitting in at a breakfast table in Indianapolis, Indiana reading the side of a cereal box freestyling. Well that’s exactly what we were thinking when we decided to compose a list of the hottest 15 rappers alive. Almost one year ago we came up with an idea to find the hottest independent artists that the game has to offer. We held a national rap competition that started all contestants on a level playing field. No excuses! No bull sh**! 15 beats were given out to the contestants with one rule:

Make a hit record. Rappers from across the country participated. As the contest grew it began to receive international attention with contestants entering from Germany, France, Ecuador, and even Japan. Now that the first phase of the contest is completed and the judges have sifted through all the entries separating the “Hits” from the “Shit” we have our top 15 artists. It was a long and grueling judging period but it is finally completed. There were a lot of great songs submitted from a ton of talented artists but in the end there could only be one winner per track. Continued on Page 13 1


SEPTEMBER 07

IN THIS ISSUE

REAL TALK T.I. LAUNCHES DAY CARE Pages 1 & 8 FEATURE STORY 15 BEST RAPPERS ALIVE Pages 1 & 13 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT CHICK BOZZ Page 8 SEXBOOGIE & HOTT RODD Page 8

MODEL SPOTLIGHT Sabrina Page 9 PRODUCER’S CORNER Death of the Super Producers Page 10 EVENT REVIEW The Source Unsigned Hype Tour Page 4 FASHION & MODELING CORNER So You Wanna Be A Model? Page 8 DON’T HATE... Publicly Celebrating your accomplishments! Page 3 EVENT & RESOURCE DIRECTORY Classified Directory of Services & Event Calendar Page 14

MAKIN’ IT MAGAZINE

DISTRIBUTION LIST .

If you would like to see a location added email our distribution department at distr@makinitmag.com Athlete’s Foot

Balboa Menswear

Phat Gear

Sports City

Galaxy Music

Big Oomp’s Record Store

Hip Hop Barber Shop

3030 Headland Dr 30311 2685 Metropolitan Pkwy 30315 84 Upper Alabama St 30303 1620-C Dogwood Dr 30013 2788 Candler Road 30034 1978 Candler Road 30032 3553 Memorial Drive 30032 2545 Wesley Chapel Rd 30035 8100 Mall Parkway 30058 3605 Sandy Plains Rd 30066 1210 Southlake Mall 30260 1230 S. Hairston 30088

1000 Cumberland Mall 30339 2929 Turner Hill Rd 30038

17 Decatur St 30303 83 Peachtree St 30303

77 Peachtree St SW

5236 Stone Mountain Hwy SW

2120 Kingston Ct SE

Mobe

Pro Music Outlet

1120 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd 821 Concord Road SE 2668 Campbellton Rd SW

65 Peachtree St

4727 Memorial Dr

Metro Fitness

Atlanta Pro Audio

1959 Metropolitan Pkwy SW

1776 NE Expwy Access Rd NE

Metro Lanes and Games

Sam Ash Music

1959 Metropolitan Pkwy SW

2999 Cobb Pkwy

Center Court Sports/Fitness

Dirt Cheap Music

5639 Memorial Dr

2415 S Cobb Dr

Slice

DBS Sounds

2776 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy

259 Peters St

5658 Riverdale Rd 4841 Jonesboro Rd

Vibes Music

Sports Element 3050 Martin L/ King Jr Dr SW 2457 Martin L King Jr Dr NW 1175 Moreland Ave SE 3054 Panola Road 3616 Marketplace Blvd 4920 Flat Shoals Pkwy

DTLR 20 Marietta Street 30303 5228 Memorial Drive 30083 7179 Georgia Highway 85 30274 2801 Candler Road 30034

USA Boutique

V.I.P. Sports

200 Upper Alabama St. 30303 2801 Candler Rd 30034

4602 Memorial Dr 30032

Skillz 2841 Greenbriar Pkwy SW 30331 2024 Northlake Mall 30345 1000 Southlake Mall 30260 4400 Ashford-Dunwoody Rd, 30346

Da Look Designer Wear 4469 Glenwood Road

The Fashion Industry 898 Oak Street 30310 1360 Dogwood Drive 30012

Hatz & Teez 5856 Riverdale Rd

Navy Blu 493 Flat Shoals Ave SE

Fame Sports 3537 Memorial Drive 2801 Candler Road 78 Upper Alabama St

Trends Menswear 2801 Candler Rd 30034 2841 Greenbriar Pkwy SW 30331

Sports Profile

Addikt

4800 Briarcliff Rd NE 2801 Candler Road 2841 Greenbriar Pkwy SW 2100 Pleasant Hill Rd

1107 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd

Area Menswear 2841 Greenbriar Pkwy SW

Mix 5 23218 Southlake Mall

Supreme Sports 76 Peachtree St

The Urban Wear Outlet 2740 Candler Rd

Head & Toe Apparel 4959 Memorial Dr

Oscar’s Fashion Creations Logic

82 Peachtree St

Genx

Jumpstreet Records 5133 Old National Hwy

Lady T’s Music 3897 Glenwood Rd

T J Entertainment

4800 Briarcliff Rd NE

The Indie Outlet

The Funk Shop

South Dekalb Mall Southlake Mall

The Gallery on the Plaza

Sound Shop

2929 Turner Hill Rd

2801 Candler Rd 850 Oak Street SW

4847 Old National Hwy

Muziksity Records

Wax N’ Facts

568 Lee St 82 Peachtree St

432 Moreland Ave NE

Django

Eastside Records

356 W Ponce De Leon Ave

5123 Old National Hwy

Throbacks

1960 Candler Rd

Street Stuff

565 Spring Street NW

145-B Sycamore St

Peppermint Music

73 Peachtree Street SW

Southside Wheels

1120 Cumberland Mall

495 Peachtree St

1000 Southlake Mall

Decatur CD

Dugans

1234 S Hairston Rd

5922 Memorial Dr 4975 Flat Shoals Pkwy

Super Sounds

2020 Eastside Dr

Fast Foward

WHTA - Hot 107.9

Wuxtry

101 Marietta St 30303

79 Price Quarters Rd 4919 Flat Shoals Pkwy 2740 Greenbriar Pkwy

WVEE - V103

Sounds-N-Da Hood

Nubian Book Store

1201 Peachtree St 30361

7331 Stonecrest Concourse

2449 Southlake Mall

Guitar Center

Music Media

Kareem’s Barber Shop

1485 NE Expwy Access Rd NE 1901 Terrell Mill Rd SE 1455 Pleasant Hill Rd 186 Banks Crossing

2701 Candler Rd

447 N Indian Creek Dr

Sports Fame 832 B Hambrick Square

Georgio’s 2841 Greenbriar Pkwy SW

2100 Pleasant Hill Rd 2344 Southlake Mall

Fusion

Fashion Land 2

2929 Turner Hill Rd

Accent Menswear

4903 Jonesboro Rd

832 Oak Street SW

KWY’s Fashions

5 Points Sports

1219 Columbia Dr

5 Edgewood Avenue

2

Graffitee Rod

4741 Jonesboro Rd

237 Peters Street SW

2801 Candler Rd

2014 Cambellton Rd

855 Ralph D Abernathy Blvd

Urban Fusion 2

Harold Pener

The Smoke Shop

Earwax Records

E Music

Mid South Music Lawrenceville Flea Markets

The Mall at 82 Peachtree Flea Mart Candler Old National Discount Mall 285 Flea Market Flea Market USA Avondale Square Discount Mall Greenbriar Discount Mall Value Mall Colleges

Georgia State University Georgia Tech Clark Atlanta University Georgia Perimeter College Omni Tech Institute AIU Atlanta Institute Of Music Art Institute Of Atlanta Atlanta Metro Atlanta Tech Clayton State University Dekalb Tech Emory University Chattahoochee Tech Bauder College Morehouse College Spelman College

2096 N Decatur Rd

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WORD FROM KC

YOU KNOW WHAT I THINK... BY K. CANNICK

Yo! Whats good with everybody… I know it’s been a while since you heard from me but I’ve been busy out here on this grind. We’ve been wrapping up the first annual Beat Game competition as well as putting together some other projects to help independent artists make some money and a name for themselves. So you guys definitely need to be on the look out over the next couple of months. So much stuff has been going on I wouldn’t know where to begin. First off, I gotta say something about the Michael Vick case. Now, I personally don’t get into dog fighting and couldn’t tell you one way or the other if he is guilty but I do know there is a valuable lesson to be learned in all of this. “The person with the most to loose, will be the person to lose the most.”. I say this because there are a lot of athletes, artists and entertainers who put themselves in compromising positions with people with far less to loose than them. Simply put when the $#!t hits the fan its the person with the most to lose who always gets left holding the check. I couldn’t wait for September 11th to come and when it got here believe me, terrorism and Ground Zero was the furthest thing from my mind. I actually had forgotten about the anniversary of the biggest “terrorist attack” to ever hit American soil because 50 Cent and Kanye West were going to battle it out. I sat at my desk all day working but as soon as 106 & Park came on I was planted in front of the TV grinning from ear to ear like a kid in a candy store. For the first time in a very long time I was excited about hip-hop and the music industry. For one hour I was able to step out of the role of a business man and be a fan. I sat there thinking, “Wow… I’m witnessing history!” I almost pissed my pants when Hova came out with Kanye after he performed “Big Brother.” It was an exciting hour of televi-

sion for me but when it was over I stepped back out of the matrix and saw it for what it was a bunch of HYPE!!!! After those first week sales figures came in it made me wonder is this the extreme that we must go to in order to sale records again. The game is turning into the WWE. Before I wrap it up for it up for this month I have to talk about the Jena 6. I will type the rest of this in bold because this is something that we need to hear. I remember sitting in The Atrium about a year ago just after the Don Imus incident and I watched an artist go up and perform but before he started his song he said something about Don Imus and the comments that he made. I looked around and damn near everybody in the audience looked dumbfounded. The story was fresh back then and hadn’t made headlines just yet. I say this to make a point. Whether you are a artist, independent label, producer, model, small business owner, or anything else don’t get so caught up in the day to day bullshit of making a dollar that you neglect the bigger fight that we are by far losing. If you don’t know about The Jena 6 please get educated about it. For those of you who are familiar don’t just spread the word take action.

DONT HATE...

Makin’ It Magazine published by CJC Media Services Inc. 3939 Lavista Road E-249 Tucker, GA 30084 Office: (678) 528-6925 Fax: (888) 812-9710 Website: www.makinitmag. com

Email: Info@makinitmag. com www.myspace.com/makinitmag

PUBLISHER/EDITOR K. Cannick DISTRIBUTION MANAGER B. Davidson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chase Freedom B. Davidson Jodi Black

CONGRATULATE!

Congratulations to Alfa Mega for his big debut on TI vs TIP, my man held it down like a true OG even in the company of some real heavy hitters. By the way, KE never got at me with yout info or pics… Congratulations to 50 Cent for selling 651,000 CDs first week out… Congratulations Kanye West for selling 306,000 more than 50 Cent to claim the #1 spot… Congratulations to The Alliance on the release of their major label debut… Congratulations to all of the contestants from across the country and especially those from overseas who participated in the first annual Beat Game Competition… Congratulations to P. Brown and Street Talk Newspaper for a very successful 3rd quarter networking event (wish I could have made it out personally). Each one is better than the last… Congratulations to JR Get Money newly signed Grand Hustle artist… ALFA MEGA

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ON LOCATION

THE SOURCE UNSIGNED HYPE TOUR

It went down real big at the Holiday Inn Select downtown on Capitol Ave. The Source Magazine made its way to Atlanta for its Unsigned Hype tour and model search. There were a lot of good artists in the building as well as some sexy ladies. Needless to say a good time was had by all in attendance. This was an excellent networking opportunity for anyone interested in meeting some of the major players on Atlanta’s music and modeling scene. The Legion of Doom was in the building representing as well as several media outlets including my home girl from Street Talk magazine. Before I go I have to give a big shot out to my girl Chic Diva “the Goddess of PR” (and that’s not just a title, she is the truth.)

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FEEDBACK

WHY WACK ARTISTS GET DEALS?

Every issue we get a ton of people who send in comments about the stories we publish. Some good some bad but all appreciated. Last issue we received over 200 emails and myspace messages regarding a story entitled “Why Wack Artists Get Deals...” This was a story that struck a nerve with alot of artists managers and people in the entertainment industry. If you haven’t read the article feel free to download the issue from www.MakinItMag.com or read it on our myspace blog (myspace. com/makinitmag.) Starting with this issue we have added a section where we will be publishing the feedback that we receive from our readers. If you want to I’m CEO/Manager of Bessemerham Records. Independent comment on any of the stories label since 2003, with one artist by the name of Bred&Butta. I please drop us a line at always have told my artist that you have to work hard for what feedback@makinitmag.com! you want in life, carry yourself like a Winner, If U want to get taken Seriously, take yourself Seriously first. The way U treat yourself reflects on how others see U. Be professional with every GIG U DO!! Don’t DISRESPECT ANYONE; If U have 2 people “What it ain’t....? I just wanted to comment on the MC that in that Audience, stand in Front of their Table and Play for them. make it and the ones that don’t. There are a lot of opportunities An Act with Good On-Stage Personality and that sounds as good for MC’s to get where they wanna be. You are right. You do have if not Better than Their Recording is Marketable. THAT’S WHAT to grind it out and put cha best foot forward and let cha pride LABELS WANT!!!!! A lot of artist don’t want to work hard for follow behind. Some cats just can’t seem to get outta that cycle what they want, they want a hand out and thats not the way of the of point the finger and place the blame. Those artist that might game.TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR MUSIC, be the best all around, not be as talented as the next artist just have a hunger and a drive don’t stop at nothing if you good keep going to BE great, get in inside them to get in front of the crowd and try ta move it, by any everything you could doing with what you love to do.Buzz is the means necessary…[record labels] trynna get they money and a catchword of the music industry, calling attention to your act and hungry MC is a good investment to add to any company where people are talking about you. ALWAYS REMEMBER IT PAYS 2 their skills are needed or useful. You don’t hire a KKK member BE DIFFERENT!!!! to work in an Urban League office cause your best interest is not his concerns. You don’t’ hire somebody overweight to be your -Brenda fitness instructor. Better yet, you don’t hire a quadriplegic to do a job that requires hangin posters, passin out flyer’s and being self “I feel you 100% on this man my name is Dominique aka reliant. So why would you hire an artist that isn’t willing to do King HOP. I’m representing E.T.R (Eager Thugs Rising) we been these things for themselves either.” through a lot and we’re not your normal rap group.They call me King Hop becuz due to a medical mess up I’ve been on crutches for 5 years now… if we do make it big I can show the world that no matter what the world throws at u, you can over come it and still live your dream. I’ve been through some stuff man being unable to walk… some people take music as a game but this is life for me and I gotta make it cuz this is the only thing that I can do good” - ETR myspace.com/EagerThugRising “When I perform at shows, I don’t hang in the back acting like I’m too good to get in front of the stage and show love and I listen to EVERYONE perform from openers to headliners. You’re right on a lot of points and believe you me, I get on my grind and hustle, shelling out a lot of money to make doors open faster. You hit the nail on the head hard as hell homie. Thanks for th einsight. Keep up the good work. Peace.” -V Sinizter myspace.com/vsinizter “Man ive been runnin my label since 01 (set it up legally in 04) and since day one this is how we been. I took it a step further and learned how to do graphic design so i wouldnt have to pay anyone else. I book all our shows...We do all our cds start to finish and promote ourselves...Now we havent made it big yet, but our time is coming! Why wait for someone else to open the door when the knob is right there....Open it yourself!!!” C.E.O. Straight Hustlin Productions Inc. myspace.com/shpceo 6

-Mr. Mile-a-minute Say bruh I feel you on that, it is alot of people outchea that act tha way you was statin’ in this article. Some don’t kno how to be humble and appreciate wut is goin’ on in this industry. Half of them don’t want to do tha contest cause one their not confident in the talent and two they don’t want to get chewed up by another person. To make it in this industry you have to network and anything at any means necessary and if you don’t you want get nuthn in return. That wut sum don’t realize and like you said be tha first one’s complainin’. Interestin’ article topic bruh lookin’ forward of hearin’ more from you. Y. Peezo PRO myspace.com/ypro1 You are tellin’ the whole truth. Look if ya don’t grind ya don’t shineand then if as far as the contest its 5 stacks on the line so if ya lettin ya fools pride stand between you and the money you losing already. Look at T.I. dude sold millions made millions but he still grind like he tryin’ to get a deal. Cause if ya feel ya made it then that should make ya grind harder to reach another level of the game. So to all yall who think ya to good to grind get some big boi underear and some sense bout ya self. - DAALIGHT “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard!!” -Tuk Low Myspace.com/tuklow www.MakinItMag.com


FASHION & MODELING CORNER SO YOU WANNA BE A MODEL? WRITTEN BY - K. CANNICK Throw a rock inside any club in Atlanta and you’re likely to hit an ambitious young woman who claims to be a model. It seems like for every brother who thinks he can rap, there are two model/actress/singers out there looking for their big break. So what separates the real from the fake? What is the difference between a serious model and a female who’s just been told she’s cute one too many times? If given the opportunity I don’t think many people would turn down a career in modeling. Hell, it seems like the dream job. Where else can you get paid for simply looking good? Many aspiring models have the misconception that they will get jobs simply because they’re cute and that and an endless stream of work will follow. The modeling industry is so diverse and unfortunately many hopefuls jump into it head first with no real plan or knowledge about the game. There is print, promotional, high fashion, editorial, runway, and so many other genres that few wannabes take time to learn which best fits their unique look, lifestyle and long term goals. Each month in this section we will be discussing some of the various genres of modeling and what it takes to make it in the industry. If you have any questions, comments, or topics you would like to see covered in this section please email them to models@makinitmag.com

ON DECK

HOTT RODD & SEXBOOGIE

I sat down and talked with this young rap duo and their management, Lacy McQueen of Macc Entertainment, one afternoon while in Lawrenceville. Hott Rodd, the 21 year old native of Dawson, Georgia and SexBoogie, his 18 year old partner in rhyme (who relocated to the Atlanta from The Bronx) are currently preparing for the release of their first group project. The mixtape will be hitting the streets shortly and promises to include a nice selection of songs as the two have been hard at work recording new tracks daily. The too say the goal is to build up a nice street buzz through the release while doing as many shows, open-mics, and showcases as possible. The group’s management is definitely open to working with other labels and is actively looking for additional recording studios. For more information contact (678) 499-6615. Myspace.com/SexBoogieMusicPageTeammm1 Myspace.com/BobBoutOnlyBread

ON DECK

CHICK BOZZ

Operating on 4 hours of sleep Chikc Bozz manages to run an independent label comprised of five acts, including himself , while working two full time jobs and still hitting the streets to promote and push product. I caught up with Chikc in the trenches leaving a local QT where he had been slangin’ CDs. He gave me a copy of “Strictly Bizness”, his debut mixtape, which is more of an album as it consists of all original tracks. Chikc is definitely about his business and as we talked I developed deeper understanding and respect for the man. He sacrificed his career as an artist early on to manage other acts and run his business but returned to the studio after growing tired of babysitting artists with no work ethic. Over the years he’s grown and found a balance in both his life and his music. When most artists take a 9-5 the dream slowly begins to die but chikc has taken on two so that he can invest into his vision. He plans to keep pressing forward, investing into himself and his project while building his team. Chikc is currently looking for a good manager, accountant, and entertainment attorney and can be contacted at (678) 468-2215

www.myspace.com/ChikcBozz


REAL TALK

“I’m with you when your right but I’m also with you when you’re wrong because that’s when we need eachother the most.” - KC

T.I. LAUNCHESCONTINUED DAY FROM CARE PAGE 1

have to speak on the subject not as a fan of hip hop or the publisher of this magazine but as a black man and more importantly as a father of two. I heard all the same tired complaints. Rap glorifies violence and drug use. Rap degrades women. Rap is sending our community on a downward spiral. These are the same complaints we’ve been hearing in the on-going debate that was initiated by Michael Richards (Seinfeld’s Kramer) calling black patrons “Niggers”. The same debate that was later rekindled when Don Imus referred to a predominantly black female basketball team as “Nappy head Hoes”. Its amazing how a white man can make racist remark and we spend the next six months pointing fingers at ourselves. Suddenly Hip Hop is to blame for all the problems in the black community and the primary objective of the NAACP been banning the word Nigga from rap music while a travesty plays out in Jena, Louisiana. Rap music isn’t the source of problems in the black community. The biggest blow dealt to the black community was desegregation. When we were segregated you couldn’t forget who you were. You couldn’t denounce your blackness because you were reminded of it everyday. It didn’t matter how light your skin was or how much money you had because at the end of the day you were still a “nigger”. Desegregation allowed that “house nigga” mentality to bubble to the surface. As soon as they said you could shop where masta shopped and eat where masta ate you skipped your happy ass across the street and abandoned your people. It seems the same people who are on the forefront criticizing hip-hop are the same elitist (uppity ass) negros who dropped the ball in the first place. They are the talented tenth, the successful few with the resources to make a difference in their community. Unfortunately instead of helping uplift they distance themselves from it and criticize. Oprah complains about the youth and the lack of education in

her own backyard while opening a school half way around the world. At the first signs of financial prosperity they flee the communities and later wonder why our youth idolize pimps, playas and drug dealers when in their absence they are the last vestiges of success in these forgotten neighborhoods. Hip hop is a reflection of the culture. To change the music you must change the artist and to change the artist you must change the environment. I started this article off with the premise of one of hip hop’s most notable figures running a daycare. Not to knock T.I. or any other rapper but I don’t want them raising my kids. That’s my job. TI, Nelly, David Banner, The Game, Snoop Dogg... they are all characters. Rap is entertainment. Al Pacino may be great father but that doesn’t mean I’m going to let Tony Montana (Scarface) raise my children. T.I. said it best it starts in the home. I’m not going to sit here and defend every record that comes out because there are a lot that I don’t agree with. I feel that the current state of hip hop is horribly lopsided and many artists are one dimensional. The artists who have a balance in their music are still dictated by the labels though. That’s why singles like “24’s”, “Be Easy” and “Rubberband Man” will get released while gems like “Just doing my Job” or “Be Better than Me” sit on the album. Rappers aren’t in the clear they must be held accountable for their actions, but by the same token you cannot hold them accountable for everyone else’s. We must hold everybody accountable for their own actions and quit blaming hip hop. A hooded assailant has stole up in the night and delivered a stab wound to the heart of our community. We are loosing our best and our brightest at an astounding rate. We are hemorrhaging cash as we frivolously spending money outside of our community. The hood is bleeding and hip hop is its last cry for help. What will you do?

Makin’ It Magazine is now hiring for the following positions. *** WRITERS *** *** COPY EDITOR *** *** ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES *** *** GRAPHIC ARTISTS *** *** DISTRIBUTION SPECIALISTS *** If you have experience in any of these areas or are a highly motivated individual with an interest in the urban entertainment industry send your resume to info@makinitmag.com 8

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Sabrina / Dallas, Texas / Scoulthurst01@yahoo.com / 5’ 7” / 34D-29-38

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PRODUCERS CORNER From the late 90’s to the early part of this decade the music industry was booming and things were going especially well for urban music sales. It was around this time that we saw the emergence of the hip hop Super Producers. No real artist at that time would consider dropping an album unless it had a track from Timbaland, Swizz, Mannie, Dre, The Neptunes, Kanye or someone of similar stature. These were members of an elite class of beat makers who had the Midas touch. Everything they put their hands on instantly turned to gold, or should I say platinum. With hit records spinning on radio stations across the country it was inevitable for them to step into the spotlight and become stars in their own right. No longer was it just die-hard music fans that were familiar with their names, but your everyday consumer. It was nothing to hear them bragging about charging $100,000 or more for a track. Fast forward to today, and it’s a whole different ball game. Gone are the hip-hop super producers that we use to know. Many have moved on to new genres of music, while others have become much more and more selective about the artists they

DEATH OF THE SUPER PRODUCERS

work with. Its true, nobody stays hot forever but the game has produced no new candidates to fill their shoes. In my opinion the computer was the death of the super producer. Not just because of the damage it did to record sales and subsequent budgets, but because it destroyed the barriers that once stood in the way for aspiring producers. I remember sitting in the Guitar Center making beats on Triton workstation feeling like I was ready for the industry. The only problem was my budget would only let me leave with a Dr Rhythm (just drums and a baseline). Back then money was the dividing line between producers and wannabes. If you didn’t have a couple G’s to drop on equipment, your beats sounded like shit. I would listen to the songs on the radio and wish we had those sounds. I was ready to hit the block just to get money for equipment until I found out about Fruityloops. This program gave wannabe producers all the tools they needed to get the ideas out of their head and onto a CD and for less than $100. I started with a bootleg copy I

NICK WILLIAMS

bought at school for $5. I remember rushing home to install it and flipping through the sounds. I had horns, strings, synths, guitars, sound effects and could sample all for the first time. It felt good. The flipside to this revolution was now everyone with a computer and the right software thinks they’re a producer. Half of the cats don’t even take the time to learn how to work the programs. Today, producers are a dime-a-dozen. The game has been diluted with mediocre beat makers that will rape the production styles of who ever is hot at the moment. You can always go on the Myspace or Soundclick and get a beat that sounds like Timbaland, Kanye, or whoever has a #1 single that week. The thing is these guys are not producers. They’re just beat makers. Most of them have never been to a studio, arranged, or recorded a song. Being a producer is about

“Sit anybody at a keyboard long enough and they’ll eventually make a good beat... but that doesn’t make them a producer...” being able to see a final product in your mind and bringing it to life. A super producer knows the ingredients of a hit record and can make them on command. With the current shape the music industry is in, people are cutting corners wherever they can. If they can get a beat that sounds like the Neptunes without that price tag then that’s what they’re doing. What the suits at the labels don’t get is you can save money and get a beat that sounds like Timbaland, but you won’t be getting the crazy adlibs, bridge, chemistry and creative energy that would’ve turned it into a hit record. The term super producer has been thrown around so loosely that it’s lost meaning. So many beat makers have given themselves that title and have yet to establish a distinct production style or track record to back it up. Some have even had a hugely successful record but been unable to follow it up. The first step we need to take as producers is to get out of the box. Learn as much as we can as producers about music in general, not just hip hop but all genres. Learn your equipment. Learn the business. Find artists to work with, cultivate chemistry and find a unique style. Don’t rush it-everything worth anything takes time. Then and only then can we be worthy of the title producer. As for being “super” that is up to the ears of the people.

Email all questions comments and story Ideas for the Producer’s Corner to Producers@makinitmag.com

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REAL TALK These are the winners of the 2007 Beat Game competition. Each of the artists beat out many competing artists to snag their spot in first place. Now each will be receive a song placement on a huge promotional mixtape that will be released in Atlanta, GA as well as a spot on a nationally distributed compilation album that will feature national artists including Young Buck, Lil Boosie, and more. In addition each first place winner will be receiving a 4 song production deal with The Beat Squad, one of Atlanta’s premiere production companies, and a shot at the $5,000 Grand Prize. To all the

THE 15 BESTCONTINUED RAPPERS FROM PAGE 1

contestants that participated and didn’t make the cut, stay on your grind and keep us updated on your projects so that we can cover your accomplishments in upcoming stories. Once again we would like to thank everyone who participated and we look forward to next years competition. If you would like to hear the winning tracks submitted by these 15 Artists or get more information on The Beat Game competition please visit www.TheBeatGame.com.

BEAT #1

BEAT #2

BEAT #3

SONG: Juani Juani ARTIST: Joe Black Compton, CA

SONG: On Some Other S*** ARTIST: Pretty Rich Boyz Brunswick, GA

SONG: Do It (The N.E.W.S. Luv Me) ARTIST: Eaz’y Nashville, TN

BEAT #4

BEAT #5

BEAT #6

SONG: Shakin My Dreds ARTIST: Frankski of Da Fam Plant City, FL

SONG: Face of Love ARTIST: Mightier Than The Sword feat Sirpreme feat Brandon Jerel Asheboro, NC

SONG: Please ARTIST: 3strykz Huntsville, AL

BEAT #7

BEAT #8

BEAT #9

SONG: I’m That Dude ARTIST: RI’m Skeem ft. Lil Boosie Huntsville, AL

SONG: Time 2 Get Tha Guap ARTIST: BlockRepp Tacoma, WA

SONG: Clark Atlanta ARTIST: Q.P. Scottdale, GA

BEAT #10

BEAT #11

BEAT #12

SONG: What It’z Hittin’ Like ARTIST: 80’z Baby’z Riverdale, GA

SONG: Set Her Out ARTIST: 3strykz Huntsville, AL

SONG: Land of the Hog (ARK) ARTIST: 6 Feet Deep Little Rock, AR

BEAT #13

BEAT #14

BEAT #15

SONG: The Boss ARTIST: NCY Madison, ME

SONG: Peanut Butta ARTIST: Eaz’y Nashville, TN

SONG: Money Machine ARTIST: Duck Antioch, TN

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Anouncements -- None --

Artists / Musicians -- None --

Attorneys -- None --

Consultants -- None --

Dancers -- None --

DJ’s DJ Services Weddings, Clubs, Private Parties, Mixtapes Reasonable rates Call DJ K1 @ (678) 225-4677

Duplication NEXT DAY MEDIA DUPLICATION 100 CD’s Duplicated In Slim Jewel Cases with thermal print For Just $89.99 We offer Pickup and Delivery With Same Day Service available (678)528-9777 Ext 3

For Sale -- None --

Graphic Design CD Insert Design & 10 Photos for just $100 Graphic Design |CD inserts | Posters Commercial & Studio Photography (678) 368-3214 www.dpeacock.com

Magazines ADVERTISE HERE AND BE SEEN BY 60,000+ People EACH MONTH

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FOR JUST $25. CALL (678) 528-6925

email your resume to info@makinitmag.com

Management

Promotional Services

-- None --

-- None --

Models -- None --

Opportunities ON THE GRIND MIXTAPE Break your song without breaking the bank. Get your song placed on 5,000 Promotional mixtapes to be distributed in Atlanta area High Schools, College Campuses, Night Clubs, Strip Clubs, Industry Events, and Retail Locations. For more information call (678) 528-6925 Artists & Dancers earn $100-$2500 Cash per show. Hip Hop, R&B, & Pop (404) 505-1978

-- None --

Other Services

CLUB MIAMI Producer battle and Open Mic call for more information.

Publicist

-- None --

TUESDAYS

Studios

Foxy Lady - Open mic $200 Cash prize call for details! 3+ Entertainment

-- None --

Schooling Education -- None --

Photography

Video Production -- None --

Need CD Covers? Get 5,000 Full color CD Covers for just $255 from Next Day Media Duplication High QUality printing for cheap with 36 hr turnaround. Call Jpeg Graphics for all of your Printing needs. Flyers, Comp cards and much more. (404) 214 5001. Mention this Ad for available discounts.

Producers NEED BEATS??? Call Lil Boopie Productions for quality tracks for Rap & R&B artists at a very affordable price. (678) 206-3343 myspace.com/lbpproduction1

Now Hiring!!! Makin’ It Magazine is currently seeking Account Executives for its advertising sales department. If you have any questions or are interested in applying please

MONDAYS “Hustle & FLow” Open Mic at Club Crucial (2517 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy) Doors open at 9pm show starts at 11pm with a $10 cover at the door. For more info call 404 (794)-2114

Shawn Dowdell Photography All Models and artists get %25 off with your copy of Makin’ It Magazine. Shawndowdell.com (404)957-4900

Printing

WEEKLY EVENTS

Wanted The Beat Squad Is currently lseeking 3 R&B/Pop Songwriters and 2 Male or femaie Vocalist to work with. If you have a good voice and great work ethic and looking for unique production team to work with you just give us a call at (888) 826-4876Today.

Web Design -- None --

WEDNESDAY (OM) ATL’s Most Wanted Talent at the Peacock hosted by Akini of Hot 107.9’s ATeam Morning Show. Doors open at 8PM. Show starts a 9:30pm with $10 caver for the men and a $5 cover for the ladies. $5 to perform for the first 25 acts and $50 for the last 5. Win a chance to get your song in rotation on hot 107.9! For more info call (404) 246-0621 Red Shoe Cafe call for more information. THURSDAY Red Shoe Cafe call for more information. FRIDAY ---None--SATURDAY ---None--SUNDAY (OM) $500 Open Mic Competition at Throbacks (4847 Old National Highway) Doors open at 9pm show starts at 10:30p

Songwriters -- None --

MONTHLY EVENTS Almost Famous Showcase October 15, 2007

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