EDITOR-IN-CHIEF– KANEKIA SIMPKINS PUBLISHERS– MAGCLOUD PUBLISHERS CONTRIBUTING EDITORS-KANEKIA SIMPKINS CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS-LARRY MOSLEY LASTING LOOK PHOTOGRAPHY KENNY LUKE & KANEKIA SIMPKINS CIRULATION-TREMAYNE HORTON SENIOR LAYOUT AND DESIGN-KANEKIA SIMPKINS ASSOCIATE LAYOUT & DESIGN-ALPHONSO SMITH
They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery. I used to believe this statement was true. But nowadays to have someone copy your style down to every iota is just flat out disrespectful, tacky and irritating. It also shows a lack of creativity on the part of the competitor. Creating Epok Magazine is not the first magazine ever because there is nothing new under the sun that hasn't already been done. Competition is the name of the game. You have McDonalds and you have Burger King. You can choose to drive a BMW or Mercedes. (I prefer and drive a Mercedes myself). True enough in business its not seldom to see different company’s interchange different business strategies. But creativity is about finding YOUR OWN(AND I DO MEAN FIND YOUR OWN) style, not mimicking someone else. Everyone walks a different path in life. Art, whether it be fashion, painting, singing, dancing, rapping, writing, or poetry is a display of the different life’s people live. Tell YOUR STORY! You cannot tell someone else story or steal from someone else experiences. Epok Magazine is a glimpse into my life and journeys; my singing auditions, dance auditions, BET Awards Shows, and Ozone Awards Shows that I’ve experienced and now I’m sharing and giving back knowledge that I’ve gained as a struggling artist. Now I know everyone feels like if you’ve seen one magazine, then you’ve seen them all. This couldn't be a further statement from the truth. The Source Magazine is considered the Bible of Hip Hop in New York. The Source Magazine prides itself on covering all New York underground rap artist before they ever got a record deal; like a small time local rapper who went by the name of Dana Dane back in 1980’s. XXL Magazine is more concerned with the urban Hip Hop culture and technology. So its not a shocker to see rap album reviews, the latest whip to drive and gadgets to use on the go such as the IPhone 5G. In this issue you will see legendary Alabama artist The Last Mr. Bigg, aka Diamond Eye( shot twice in the head and lost his eye) whose music has undoubtedly stood the test of time. On the cover of Epok Magazine are rap divas YPOO and Miss Mercy. Also we cover Boy Wonda, Drizzy Dro, and Hater Proof . I share a lot in common with these artist because throughout the years I have become very Haterproof. Lol…. I have No Mercy for anyone who feels they even stand a chance of trying to keep up or imitate anything Epok Magazine is doing. I cant think of any better song that explains how I feel right about now than “They Watching,” by Birmingham’s very own Jabo.(if you haven't heard Jabo’s new mixtape, Alabama Tal-KING you are definitely a caveman.) To my so called competition, We know that YOU’RE watching EVERY move that Epok Magazine makes. But Warning! You will lose a lot of sleep trying to keep up with what we do. This is a LIFESTYLE for Epok Magazine. We are TRUE to this not NEW to this. So I’ll leave you with the words of YPOO and Miss Mercy. “You don't wont it” with Epok Magazine! Translation. The competition is not ready for me. Epok Magazine “Stay hiring for more Haters.” CREATE YOUR OWN EPOK MAGAZINE 6. EPOK BHAM FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE
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Floyd Mayweather Jr. and 50 Cent are no longer best friends, apparently. A couple of weeks after reports emerged that the two were beefing over 50 Cent’s extremely close relationship with Mayweather’s lady, Shantel Jackson. Although Fif picked Money May up when he was released from prison in Las Vegas, there have been rumors flying around indicating that the two may not be getting along as well as they were before Mayweather went to jail earlier this summer. 50 decided to set the record straight on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show. "[The issues between us] really comes from…everybody around him is waiting on the next time he feels generous," he said, "and I have a lot [of money] so I don't wait for nobody. I'll go do what I gotta do. I don't have to sit around and wait for the next time he feels like giving somebody something." these guys love beefing with people. So, wasn't it only a matter of time before they started beefing with one another?
After weeks of speculation, Chris Brown has finally spoken out about his relationship with girlfriend -- or shall we say exgirlfriend -- Karrueche Tran. The singer has revealed the pair has in fact split and that it has something to do with his relationship with Rihanna. “I have decided to be single to focus on my career. I love Karrueche very much but I don’t want to see her hurt over my friendship with Rihanna," Brown tells HollywoodLife.com. "I’d rather be single allowing us to both be happy in our lives.” Brown and Rihanna have been spotted together the past three nights in NYC, sparking rumors the former couple were rekindling their highly publicized romance. On Monday, Oct. 1, they were caught "hugging and kissing" at nightclub Griffin. Then on Oct. 2, the pair reportedly met up again at 1Oak. And last night, Oct. 3, Brown and Rihanna left the Gansevoort Hotel (minutes apart) and were spotted at Jay-Z’s concert at the Barclays Center -where Brown put his arm around his ex and cozied up to her throughout the night. Elliott Wilson, a music industry journalist who was at Jay's concert, spotted Brown and Rihanna entering Barclays, and tweeted, "Me thinks Rihanna just entered the VIP with Chris Brown. Wow." He then posted a photo on Instagram of the pair cuddled up at the show, writing, "Breezy. Rih Rih." And last night, RiRi tweeted, "Tough times don't last.... But tough people do!!!" And Brown also weighed in, posting, "Both r Free from it all!"
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Donald Trump's big “announcement” dropped Wednesday, when the real estate mogul offered $5 million for President Barack Obama to reveal his college transcripts and passport application. Trump, however, refuses to show his own records. The Guardian's Adam Gabbatt contacted Trump's office on Wednesday to ask for Donald’s college transcripts and passport, to which an executive at the company responded that the newspaper's request was "stupid." "I tell you what, he'll provide them to you when you provide yours to him," Michael Cohen, executive vice president at the Trump Organization and special counsel to Trump, told the Guardian. "But what's your point? Mr. Trump's not the president of the United States and he's not running for the presidency. And pretty much all you need to do is go to one of the thousand different books that Mr. Trump has been featured in or has written and so on, a Trump created buzz around his announcement by promoting it on social media. On Wednesday, he finally broke the "big news" with a YouTube video. Trump offered to give $5 million to the charity of Obama's choice if the president publicly releases his college transcripts from Columbia, Harvard and Occidental College, as well as his passport records by Oct. 31. "President Obama is the least transparent president in the history of this country," Trump says in the video. The 66-year-old has long attempted to prove Obama was born in Kenya and not Hawaii. In May, he pushed the birther issue in the media when he continued to question the legitimacy of Obama's long-form birth certificate, which the president released in 2011. At that time, he also brought up Obama's college transcripts.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama “The Rickey Smiley Show” sitcom drew about 900,000 viewers for its debut appearance on TV One Tuesday night over its first two episodes. That isn’t all that impressive compared to shows like VH1’s “Love & Hop: Atlanta” or TLC’s “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.” But for TV One, these are big numbers, the biggest debut in the history of the network. Atlanta’s Roger Bobb, who produced the show and used to work with Tyler Perry, said oin an interview today that TV One has never gotten this type of market share before. “They’re extremely happy, as am I,” Bobb said. He notes that these numbers aren’t as large as Perry’s sitcoms on TBS, but TBS is in nearly twice as many households. (TV One is seen in 57 million households vs. 100 million for TBS.) Bobb also said Smiley’s acting improves steadily from episodes one to 10. He is hopeful for a second season pickup but TV One has to see if the initial audience sticks around the next few weeks before it makes that commitment. If Smiley gets a second season, it might be 13 or 26 episodes, not 90 like Perry wrangled from TBS and FX received from “Anger Management.” “While the model was successful for us,” Bobb said, when he was working with Perry, “it doesn’t always benefit the networks financially. It’s a tremendous gamble, an unnecessary gamble. You don’t know if the 90th episode will be as good as the second or third or 40th.” - VH1’s “T.I. & Tiny” Monday slipped to 1.76 million viewers from 2 million last week and 4 million for its season debut. 9. EPOK BHAM FIRST URBAN MAG AZINE
Wren's plan to attend a huge Halloween party thrown by the guy she likes goes awry when she's put in charge of her oddball little brother, who quickly wanders off on his own. It has been five years since the disappearance of Katie and Hunter, and a suburban family witness strange events in their neighborhood when a woman and a mysterious child move in. Critics give this horror 4.6 stars. Stars include Katie Featherston, Kathryn Newton and Matt Shively
A mother and daughter move to a new town and find themselves living next door to a house where a young girl murdered her parents. When the daughter befriends the surviving son, she learns the story is far from over.
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When her father disappears, Heather Mason is drawn into a strange and terrifying alternate reality that holds answers to the horrific nightmares that have plagued her since childhood. Seven friends on a road trip to Las Vegas break down near a rest-stop motel, where they encounter a seemingly helpful group of people. Convinced to stay overnight, the friends wake up in their rooms to a gruesome and bloody terror.
Welcome to the Hotel Transylvania, Dracula’s (Adam Sandler) lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up, free to be the monsters they are without humans to bother them. On one special weekend, Dracula has invited some of the world’s most famous monsters – Frankenstein and his bride, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, a family of werewolves, and more – to celebrate his daughter Mavis’s 118th birthday. For Drac, catering to all of these legendary monsters is no problem – but his world could come crashing down when one ordinary guy stumbles on the hotel and takes a shine to Mavis.
Liam Neeson returns as Bryan Mills, the retired CIA agent who stopped at nothing to save his abducted daughter in "Taken." When he is targeted by a mysterious figure seeking vengeance, Bryan must employ his “particular set of skills” to protect his family against an army out to kill them.
Found footage helps a true-crime author realize how and why a family was murdered in his new home, though his discoveries put his entire family in the path of a supernatural entity.
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SHE GOES BY THE NAME " “YPOO" , AND SHE IS A YOUNG UPCOMING FEMALE RAP ARTIST FROM ATHENS, AL. YPOO WAS BORN ON JULY 15, 1982. TODAY YPOO IS HARD-PRESSED ON COMPLETING HER FIRST MIX TAPE ENTITLED, “IT IS WHAT IT IS" VOL 1. WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE ON OCTOBER 30TH 2012. YPOO HAS BEEN RAPPING SINCE SHE WAS 12. “I'M REAL, RAW AND UNCUT.” HER DREAM IS TO BE ONE OF THE BEST HIP HOP FEMALE RAP ARTIST THAT HER FANS HAVE EVER HEARD. YPOO KNOWS THAT IN SOME WAY EVERYONE WILL BE ABLE TO RELATE TO HER MUSIC. YPOO HAS A GREAT TALENT AND SHE IS NOW READY TO SHARE IT WITH THE WORLD. .
EPOK MAGAZINE: How long have you been rhyming? YPOO: Since I was thirteen with my brother who is a few years older than myself. We would freestyle together all the time. EPOK MAGAZINE: When did you first know you wanted to rap? YPOO:I knew when I first heard Tupac Shakur, listening to him rap about the struggle out here and I was living in that same struggle. Watching my grandmother take care of her four, grown children living with her, and also taking care of us and her four grandchildren that also lived with her as well. EPOK MAGAZINE: Who are some of your influences in the music industry? Or not in the music industry. YPOO: Tupac, but I grew up in a church/blues household. So there was a lot of singing going on in my family but the person who I must say influenced me the most would have to be my big brother. EPOK MAGAZINE: Describe who YPOO is as a female rapper? Who is YPOO? YPOO: That's me YPOO!.:-) My life has been a struggle. As a single mother with a nine year old son, and I’m still keeping my head up high, and staying confident about everything I do. Who am I? A young, black, single, independent WOMAN and I believe in my heart the sky is the limit for my son and I. That's who I am. EPOK MAGAZINE: I know you hear this a lot but explain your name YPOO? How did you come up with your name YPOO? YPOO: Well my real name is YAMASHETTA WYSIETTE HUNTER. A lot of people could not pronounce my name. So people would just say why Poo? Asking me the question as to why is that my name. So I took the YPOO and made it one word and ran with it. And it's been with me every since. And believe it or not YAMASHETTA and YPOO have the same meaning which means "UNIQUE" about everything. Opposite 12. EPOK BHAM FIRST URBAN MAG AZINE
EPOK MAGAZINE: Blasturthoughts is an online radio station. You were Blasturthoughts Freestyle Champion four consecutive weeks. How did you feel? YPOO: I felt great! Blasturthoughts like you said is an internet/satellite radio station for Independent artists. A place where we (artist) can go speak our minds freely and listen to our music. Also have freestyle battles with people from all across the country. A place where you can show off your talent over the air to thousands of people. They show me so much love. They gave me the nickname Miss Mayweather because I was knocking other rappers out with no beat. It was a really great feeling. EPOK MAGAZINE: What was or do you remember your victory rhyme? YPOO: :-) To be honest, no not really. I had so many victory rhymes and sometimes its hard to keep up with them you know?..... Especially when its fresh off the dome in a freestyle battle. EPOK MAGAZINE: Your song "Juicee" your last single is so vivid, in-your-face, which I love! What were you thinking when you were writing the song "Juicee?" YPOO: Aww…. Thank you. I'm glad you love it! I must say "JUICEE" is the theme song for us ladies. I wanted "JUICEE" to express our (women) sexuality and confidence in ourselves. From the way we carry ourselves to our own personalities. A woman with confidence can step into any room and steal the crowd or audience attention. Now that's "JUICEE".:-). EPOK MAGAZINE: You have your first new mixtape entitled "It Is What It Is" Vol.1 that's coming out. What is this mixtape all about? YPOO: "IT IS WHAT IT IS” VOL 1. is about the struggle out here for us young single females trying to make a way for our children. Raising your kids on your own you know; In the REAL streets. I wanted the ladies to know just because your out here by yourself, that doesn't mean your dreams can't come true or you can't be successful. To keep fighting and don't give up. There's light at the end of the tunnel. And there is a song on this mixtape that EVERY female will be able to relate to. EPOK MAGAZINE: What was your inspiration for your mixtape "It Is What It Is?" YPOO: The title speaks for itself you know. I speak my mind and those that know me, know that's how I am. REAL. Period. People in my past have tried to keep me down whenever I tried to do something with my music, but I keep on fighting you know and whatever the outcome maybe, "IT IS WHAT IT IS." EPOK MAGAZINE: Since this is your first mixtape, what message do you want your fans and listeners to get when they listen to your mixtape "It Is What It Is" Vol. 1? YPOO: I want people to hear and feel something different about how hard it is being a single woman period, but continue to move forward and work hard for what you want. EPOK MAGAZINE: Your single "I'm Trying" has a universal sound to it. It doesn't sound like your everyday rap song in Alabama. Who produced the track "I'm Trying?" YPOO:"I'M TRYING" the track was produced by Dopeazzmuzik. He is affiliated with Blasturthougts radio. I wrote the lyrics myself though. EPOK MAGAZINE: Did you work with the same producers for your new mixtape "It Is What It Is?" YPOO: Yes. I have three different producers on “IT IS WHAT IT IS” VOL 1. Dopeazzmusik from Blasturtthoughts and M.O.E. out of Atlanta. But I do have my own producer which is Ken P of Ken P Productions out of Athens, AL.
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r
EPOK MAGAZINE: What female rappers or R/B sing-
do you think about other ers in Alabama?
YPOO:I think that the feBama should keep on pushdoor of this industry like people know that there are in Bama and across the just as much, if not more ue to keep pushing and true.
male artist out here in ing their way through the me. Get out here and let talented female artist here country; and we want it than the guys do. So continmake your dreams come
EPOK MAGAZINE: Do bama artist you would like male artist.
you have any favorite Alato work with? Male or fe-
YPOO: I would say Big bama, B.K.A Supa King. about real life situations to the fullest.
Pope from Huntsville, AlaHis music is real and its and how you gotta live life
EPOK MAGAZINE: Do styles of music in Alabama the same? For example are Birmingham, Montgomery, bama artist Explain.
you feel there are different from city to city or is it all Selma artist different from Athens, or Huntsville, Ala-
YPOO: Of course every artist have there own styles. That's what makes every artist unique you know?.. And that's good because there are different types of audiences that like different music. You know... So we have to be versatile. If not everyone would eventually get tired of the same ole same ole. EPOK MAGAZINE: As far as your rap career goes, what are some of your goals for this year early next year for yourself as a rapper? YPOO: Well I hope that people will listen and connect with my music and if that happens for me, then I will be here to give them what they want and to ultimately be able to do more shows and make hot new music for my fans. EPOK MAGAZINE: What would you like to see change about the music scene in Alabama? YPOO: I would like to see more opportunities for us independent artist here in ‘Bama. More people to bring exposure here for us. We are here at the bottom of the map. There are no good opportunities for music here for us, unless your with Epok Magazine and I'm not just saying that. EPOK MAGAZINE: Does Alabama music and artist need more unity? YPOO:I think all artist need more unity everywhere; not just here in ‘Bama. EPOK MAGAZINE: Go ahead and give out your Twitter, Facebook and any shows you have coming. YPOO: You can follow me on Twitter @Ypoo1982 on Facebook @YpooHunter. I just did a show on Oct 6th @ the Green Room. I performed in the Breast Cancer Benefit. The all female rap show and also on Oct 11th in Atlanta. I’ll be performing at Apache Cafe at the open mic nite. 14. EPOK BHAM FIRST URBAN MAG AZINE
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 ten word list on Bama-Bonics. 1.pie: n- Effeminate male lacking masculine qualities. Softy. sensitive. Example: “ He a pie Ass dude!” 2. janky: adv– A person with bad luck; An indecisive or unsure individual. Impulsive; Untrustworthy. Example: Dat Boy so janky!” 3. Aint It Maine-advFigurative phrase similar to other statements like, “Aint that the truth.” 4. going ham: adv– To act wildly out of control; Over-excited; Hyperactive. 5. go live: adv: to go all out for the cause. 6.Forfen: adv– to Forfeit. To back out of an agreement. 7. throwed: adv– Not articulate; crazy; Lacking coordination. Not attentive; intoxicated; under the influence of a substance. 8.gator:-n-A thorough individual; A strong leader; A gangster. 9. Lucious– A left turn. “Bust this luscious right here.” 10. Rico– A right turn. “Lets make this rico right here.”
Boy Wonda is an upcoming artist out of Selma, Alabama now residing in Huntsville, Al. Boy Wonda has been doing HipHop for eight years now with four mixtapes under his belt. SEL (Boy Wonda & Selsius) was released on June 27, 2009. Another classic by Boy Wonda entitled, "Underrated Underestimated" is going hard in the streets. Boy Wonda has dropped two solo projects, "Respect By Demand" & "Respect By Demand II." He has completed projects with label mates Trick & Low Key on the "Grind Season" mixtape feat Hot singles "Rollerskate," "All on me" & Hater Check. Boy Wonda has videos shot to both singles in Huntsville, Al and are now featured on WORLDSTARHIPHOP.COM & Youtube. Boy Wonda says he is about to, “Demand his respect and show the people that Alabama has talented artists as well.”
Born and raised in the infamous North side of Meadow Hills in Huntsville, Alabama- Quenton Barnes adopted his alias "Hater Proof" to remind all his enemies that his talents are impervious to any sinister machinations. Since his maturation into manhood Hater Proof has always been known for his distinctive baritone-bass voice that he now uses to deliver his venomous slick rhymes. As CEO of his own independent label M.H.P Ent (in partnership with Felonious Records) Hater Proof is reinventing Southern Street Style Hip Hop, and blowing up the underground & aboveground circuits. With an impressive catalogue of mixtapes already in rotation, Hater Proof is becoming a media sensation on radio, television, and internet. He also has been in demand on stage with his own headline shows as well as opening for fellow recording artists such as :Webbie, Slick Pulla, Pastor Troy and Plies. Hater Proof is determined to give his loyal fans "Something 2 Ride 2" and give back to his community that acknowledge him as their "Neighborhood Superstar". The combination of his enamored drive for music, a strong work ethic, street team, and aggressive self promotion puts Hater Proof at the top of the rap game! Fans stand up, Haters fall back because Hater Proof is on the road to becoming the world’s next legendary MC.
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Besides a big name like Yelawolf, what other independent rapper out of Alabama gets an opportunity to have a documentary of their life filmed by the legendary Quincy Jones son, Quincy Jones III. Well the Last Mr. Bigg does. The Last Mr. Bigg, born Donald Pears Jr., is one of the biggest rap stars to come out of Mobile Alabama. With hits like “Time To Go To Trial, and Long Hair, Mr. Bigg music has mirrored real life. In 2004 he was shot in the head twice. He spent eight days in a coma. He lost his right eye, part of his brain and nearly his life. The eye was later replaced with a prosthetic, centered with a diamond iris. “Number One with a Bullet," is an upcoming documentary film, still in the works that explores gun violence as experienced by the rappers and The Last Mr. Bigg, will be heavily featured in the film. Stay tuned.
DRIZZY "PRESS PLAY" D.R.O is a Hip Hop artist from Birmingham, Alabama. In 2006, Dro Created The Press Play Hotline, as a way to market his music. Dro has released four mixtapes “SO POTENT VOL 1-4), a solo album entitled “A STARVING ARTIST,” and a group album entitled “RAPS GOVERNMENT.” Don’t believe me? Then just press play and checkout his youtube channel at DRIZZYDRO1 and www.drizzydro.podomatic.com to check out mixtape podcasts.
Murc Heist aka 'Murcavelli' grew up on the streets of Bessemer, Al learning to hustle and survive. Murc was rappin' by the time he was 9 and skipping school by the age of 15. With the encouragement of friends and the support of his brother, P-Nut, Murc began to develop his skills as a lyricist and artist. P-Nut and Murc eventually formed Murc Camp Music and they started making mixtapes to showcase Murc’s lyrical talents. Murc’s skills led to performances at shows in Detroit, Canada, Florida, Memphis, Atlanta and all places in between. Suddenly and unexpectedly tragedy struck Murc and the Camp when they were rocked by the untimely death of PNut. But this did not deter Murc. In fact, it only motivated him to work even harder to finish what he began with his brother. He left his education to the streets as he started making mixtapes performing everywhere until he became known in todays underground rap.
Multi-talented , recording rap artist Jasmine Crum (Miss Mercy), is the 1st lady of O.C.F record label. Miss Mercy lights up the stage, city & microphone with her amazing talent, lyrics, style & persona. Mercy is the C.E.O of DivaFied Inc., and as of now a free, independent agent. She has her own modeling agency & she is juggling becoming one of the best and sexiest promoters around. Miss Mercy has established herself as one of the most fierce female rappers in Birmingham, Alabama thus far. 18. EPOK BHAM FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE
Miss Mercy can be very demanding and dedicated to being on top with others she has worked with. Being the youngest of five and the only girl, she managed to grow into the woman you see today, leaving behind her tomboy ways in her childhood. Her record label O.C.F consist of her brothers, sisters & cousins & through all obstacles, situations & struggles everyone continues to strive & support each other. Miss Mercy fights to stay on her grind in becoming the next big thing out of Alabama.
EPOK MAGAZINE: How would you describe yourself as a female rapper? MISS MERCY: I would describe myself as being a determined, motivated, dedicated, passionate female rapper. I consider myself to be different. EPOK MAGAZINE: How long have you been a female rapper? MISS MERCY: Since 2005. EPOK MAGAZINE: You just received “The Most Hated On” Female MC Award. Why do you feel Miss Mercy is the most hated female MC? MISS MERCY: Lol….. Look at me! But real talk, I do things others wont do. I can & I do make things happen. I don’t care what people have to say nor think about me. I just be Mercy & some can’t stand it. EPOK MAGAZINE: What producers have you worked with thus far? MISS MERCY: Id, Smoked Ham is the producer who works on all my projects, but I've worked with numerous of producers; like Hollowtip, Cleeze, Cane Carter, Low Key just to name a few. EPOK MAGAZINE: Are you currently working on any new material or mixtape? MISS MERCY:I stay working on new material. Some have never been heard, but I'm focused on my mixtape called “Kiss My Ass” right now & I'm aiming for December as the release date. EPOK MAGAZINE: You're also a model as well. Talk about your model and fashion shows that you've organized or participated in? MISS MERCY: Wow….. I do Model. Music is my passion but fashion is a must. I've organized a few fashion shows. Swagg R Us, Savage But Classy & Champaign Life. My Fashion shows are Hip-Hop fashion shows bringing together artist, models, dancers etc. to showcase their talent. I also participated in fashion shows as well, such as the Music Conference Fashion Show with Murc Camp in Western Hills Mall & more. EPOK MAGAZINE: What do you think about the female rappers in Alabama and the music scene in general in Alabama? MISS MERCY: I feel like we have a lot of talented female rappers in Birmingham, Alabama. As a matter of fact I just feel like some need to lose the negativity & hatred they have towards others and come together as a whole. Stop thinking they better than others because we all doing the same thing and trying to get to the same place. EPOK MAGAZINE: Do you feel as if you have any other competition to worry about when it comes to other female rappers in Alabama? MISS MERCY: No. Not at all. EPOK MAGAZINE: You are one of the female rappers for a new reality show called The Real Rap Wives of Alabama. The show has created a buzz in Alabama with well over twenty-two thousand views. How did this reality show come about? MISS MERCY: Yes I am. The show came about with a close friend, business partner of mind Nina Labelle A.K.A Nina Ross. The C.E.O & founder of the Rap Wives. She stay thinking about new ideas and this idea was one of them. We tried to do it once before but everyone was doing other things but she finally got everyone on one accord. 19. EPOK BHAM FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE
EPOK MAGAZINE: Is The Real Rap Wives of Alabama a scripted show? Are you acting? Or is the show raw and authentic? MISS MERCY: No. Its not scripted. We are not acting. It is as raw & authentic as it can get. Its real drama, real life issues from a female artist trying to go from nothing to something. EPOK MAGAZINE: Did you have a relationship with any of the other Rap Wives of Alabama before the show? Were any of you friends before the show begun? MISS MERCY: I knew all the girls before the show. We all support each other. We all exchanged words before the show. We all either done business or just hung out before the show at some point, but I’ve been close to Pooh since I was like thirteen years old. We have had our ups & downs, but what friends don’t. Nina & I bonded the first day we meet up to do a track together, & we’ve been down like 2 flats on a Cadillac. EPOK MAGAZINE: I feel that its been long overdue for Alabama to have a reality show. But some people really like The Real Rap Wives of Alabama; and others really dislike the reality show for Alabama. What are your thoughts on the feedback you've been getting? MISS MERCY: If you don’t have haters, you’re not doing nothing. If they hate it, oh well they still watching it. Views still going up. For everyone who supports us, thanks a lot. We appreciate it & we love every single one of our fans. Lol….. We stay hiring for more haters. EPOK MAGAZINE: What are your thoughts and feelings on the Illuminati? Do you believe in the Illuminati? Is it real or fake? MISS MERCY:I don’t even think about that. When I first heard about it, I kinda wanted to stop doing music. I felt if I gotta go through this just to make it, I don’t want it. I think it's real. Its just not for me. EPOK MAGAZINE: What would you like the listeners and your fans to know about Miss Mercy? MISS MERCY:I want them to know I don't’ just do this for fun. I do this because I love doing it. This is my career. I also want them to know I'm a strong believer in, “Hard works pays off.” If you do your best God will do the rest. I'm very outspoken, honest & loyal person. If u want to get to know me better follow me on Twitter & Instagram Missmercyocf, & friend me on Facebook at Miss Mercy Jasmine Santana. EPOK MAGAZINE: What shows do you have coming up? MISS MERCY: At this moment, I don’t have any shows booked yet in Birmingham, Al, but I have a lot of shows booked in ATL. Trust me everyone in the ‘Ham will know when I have a show.
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