EDITOR-IN-CHIEF– KANEKIA SIMPKINS PUBLISHERS– MAGCLOUD PUBLISHERS CONTRIBUTING EDITORS-KANEKIA SIMPKINS CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS– D. LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY, O.J’s. PHOTOGRAPY, LARRY MOSLEY LASTING LOOK PHOTOGRAPHY, MAGIC CITY PICS, & KANEKIA SIMPKINS CIRULATION-TREMAYNE HORTON SENIOR LAYOUT AND DESIGN-KANEKIA SIMPKINS ASSOCIATE LAYOUT & DESIGNALPHONSO SMITH
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I hope everyone is enjoying Birmingham’s very first entertainment magazine. Lord already knows the feeling I experience with each and every issue that I complete. I would like to shed some light and make clear a few sections inside Epok Magazine entitled, “What’s The Dirty” column. Please don’t get this column confused. This is not a section of Epok Magazine to talk about or poke fun at anyone. We (Birmingham, Al) are called the Dirty South. So that means that everything we do has to be prepared by our hands from the dirt and ground up. I know everyone can remember as a youth riding your bicycle for the first time, falling to the pavement on your knees, or flat on your face. Maybe you scratched up your knees so badly that you still have the scar to date. Or maybe you knocked out your first tooth. Then running frantically inside the house, as if you were dying, only to have your Mom or Dad say to you, “Stop all that hollering and crying, its just a scratch.” There’s nothing wrong with sometimes getting a little “Dirty.” We learn from falling in the dirt and getting a scratch or two. It gives us Southerners a story to tell about where we’ve been and how far we have come. The hot Summer is finally here and things have started to speed up. Stay on your grind during this long hot Summer. This issue is called the Swag issue. I entitled volume four this for many reasons. If you are a die hard Epok Magazine fan (which I know you are) I know you paid close attention to the cover. On the cover of Epok Magazine is Modesty Xo and Swagg Buddies. I chose these Alabama artist because they have both been a huge staple in contributing to the Hip Hop community in Alabama. As for me, I promise in 2012 and beyond, Birmingham will never be the same. Join Epok Magazine to help transform Alabama into what were suppose to be. Representing our community, our music, our history and our southern Hip Hop culture. So all you poets, singers, rappers, dancers, and local businesses that believe you’re the one, please step forward and be apart of history in the making. Love Always Kanekia Simpkins
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EPOK MAGAZINE: Who are all the members of S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES? Introduce yourselves. S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: Young Chevy, King Kuma, Petey Mo, and DJ Dity Ant. EPOK MAGAZINE: Describe the Swagg Buddies and what you guys are all about. S.W.A.G.G BUDDIES: Swagg buddies is a group of unique individuals with a common goal... Seriously Workin And Gettin Guap. That’s were the acronym S.W.A.G.G. comes from in our name. EPOK MAGAZINE: Most of you guys are solo artist. King Kuma has been doing his thing for years and Dirty Ant is a Deejay. Why start a group now called Swagg Buddies? S.W.A.G.G BUDDIES: We all just wanted to do something different with our music. The group was formed in 08' in a time where Southern Hip-Hop was in a transitional phase. EPOK MAGAZINE: How did the Swagg Buddies meet? S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: Initially myself (Kuma) and Young Chevy were just gonna collaborate on two tracks but the vibe we had was so good we decided to do a mixtape. Petey had just began rapping, and Dirty Ant was already workin with Chevy...things just kind of fell in place. EPOK MAGAZINE: What are each person role in the group S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES? S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: Dirty Ant is the DJ/manager, Kuma is an artist/engineer/ graphic designer, Chevy is an artist/model/actor, and Petey just raps.
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EPOK MAGAZINE: So how long have Swagg Buddies been together? S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: We started the group in 08'. We four years deep in this thang. EPOK MAGAZINE: Who is the most creative in the group when coming up with new material for the group? S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: We all play an integral part in the song writing process honestly. Everybody puts their ideas in the pot and whatever is the hottest is what we run . EPOK MAGAZINE: Who is the crunkest out of the group when you guys have a night out in the club? S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: Petey Mo gonna buy the bar, and Dirty Ant gonna show the club the latest dance craze! Everybody know about us on the Huntsville, Al club scene… EPOK MAGAZINE: Lets talk about your song "My Chevy." "My Chevy" is definitely an energetic club banger and my favorite by the S.W.A.G.G. Buddies. How 10. EPOK BHAM’S FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE
did the song "My Chevy" come together. What producer or producers did you work S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: The concept just came from us vibin in the studio... It was the last song we recorded for our first mixtape. We wanted something that was real universal. Something that old, young, black, white, orange, and green
people would listen to. S/O to Vybe on the beat! EPOK MAGAZINE: Will the S.W.A.G.G. Budddies shoot a video for "My Chevy?" S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: We actually already did the video and it should be out as your reading this! Look it up on YouTube. EPOK MAGAZINE: The S.W.A.G.G. Buddies have worked with big Alabama names like King South. What other artist have you worked with so far or would like to work with out of Alabama? S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: We haven't worked with any other "BIG" Bama artist as 11. EPOK BHAM’S FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE
of yet, but we have recorded music with Gorilla Zoe and a few other celebrities. EPOK MAGAZINE: "Going Ham" was a cool video directed by Jimmy Heart of The Heartbeat Show. I saw a lot of cameo appearances from Cant Stop Muzik’s Scootaboy Da Mayor, model Diva Status and Jurian Isabelle. Who came up with the treatment and concept for the video "Going Ham?" S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: Jimmy Heart and I came up with the concept and treatment together. We played off of the theme of the song. EPOK MAGAZINE: Any new mixtape or music that S.W.A.G.G. Buddies is currently working on? S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: We are currently finishing up the "Finesse Gang" mixtape, scheduled to release this fall. EPOK MAGAZINE: Let the readers know your Twitter, and any show and performances S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES have coming up in the near future. S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: Follow us @swaggbuddies on twitter and instagram, and like Swagg Buddies on Facebook to stay updated on our latest music and our tour schedule .
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Yelawolf is the guy that made it popular again to be a white boy that raps. Signed to Slaughter House a year prior to Bad Boys Machine Gun Kelley, Yelawolf is the perfect addition to Eminem’s record label. And we are not talking about Vanilla Ice. Yelawolf is a true lyricist from the hard streets of Gasden, Alabama. And he proves just that each and every time he opens his mouth tearing down BET cyphers alike. So don't let Yelawolf’s calm exterior fool you. He has worked with Dip Set’s Juelz Santana, and rapper/country singer Kid Rock. You can catch Yelawolf in concert at Sloss Furnace in Birmingham, Alabama on September 14, 2012.
A native of Albany, GA, Translee is quickly becoming an underground name in the streets of Atlanta. Raised in Huntsville, AL Translee began recording at the age of 18 when he decided to seriously pursue a career in music. His management and production team, DIGITAL NATIV3 Culture (DNC) is spearheaded by his college roommate Chris Hunter and Todd Marshall. Arriving in Atlanta in 2009, Translee entered into the industry by interning and assisting in promotions for Young Mogul Entertainment artist V.I.C ("Get Silly" "SAY BOW") and ColliPark Music's girl group Vistoso Bosses. "I wanted to learn everything I could about the business. The experience has helped me to shape my goals for my own career." HIs career is quickly coming into fruition with his two current singles "AYO" and "Cool as I Wanna Be." " My Music is a reflection of my dream to create art. I want to make music that people enjoy."
How does a rapper become one of the most talked about underground names in Alabama? Well one way is to become one of the first pioneers of rap music in Birmingham, Al as BJ aka Birmingham J has been doing for years. He not only carries the cities name as his marquee but Birmingham J has managed to continuously put out popular independent music for well over ten years. With legendary anthems like How You Like My Style, Neighborhood Super Star, Move Back to today’s On Dat, Birmingham J has literally carried the state of Birmingham music scene on his back. And it doesn't look like BJ will be slowing down anytime soon. I want people to know where I’m from. People think (Birmingham) is country, backwoods dirt streets. Its not really like that here. I want to do what Outkast did for Atlanta.
Mic Strange is just what the name states. STRANGE. But the word Strange holds no negative connation here. This is Strange in his best form. He is coming with an entire different angle on music. Mic Strange is an Alabama rapper that is mostly under rated by many. His lyrical ability and style is one unheard of in the state of Alabama. Although a very grimy rapper that focuses on a lot of street content, Mic Strange is a creative, out-of–the-box thinker when it comes to his musicality. Just picture Jimmy Hendrix, Outkast, and Tupac all rolled into one artist. Even through a drunken cloud of haze, Mic Strange is still consciously or subconsciously able to delivery eclectic pieces such as Going Hard and It Anit Hard To Tell.
As one of the members of the group XO, Mata cannot be stopped. This overly-cocky MC is a product of Selma, Alabama’s Sel Muzik Era, going “Dum Dum” on just about every track he graces. As a matter of fact, no one can discuss Alabama’s music scene without mentioning Mata, XO, Slow Motions Soundz, PRGz, and Artillery South. The Dread Man is affiliated with all things music in some way or another. He has produced a wide variety of music from Clean Everyday, The 100 Day Theory, I’m Different, and I’m Local. So if you’re an artist in Alabama, chances are you’ve heard or worked with Mata the Dread Man.
Not short of rhymes at all Short Change is one of the eight hottest rappers of North Alabama’s Southern Hip-Hop world. Alabama has always had a thriving underground capable for producing major stars such as Rich Boy, Dirty, 6 Tre G, Rudi Deville, Jackie Chan, Slow Motion and lady rapper Tam Tam. All mentioned above at one time dominated their city’s underground rap scene before moving to the next level. Next up to bat is SHORT CHANGE, Hunts-Vegas current underground Hip-Hop player or just call him “Dope Boi Yella”. The Huntsville based rapper has been running the underground North Alabama scene with a new outlook on the industry. Known and respected throughout the North side for his styles on the mic, Short is one of the South’s most respected young rappers.
he poverty-stricken ghettos across the globe have produced some of the most influential talents ever. Whether the sweltering cotton fields under a merciless Mississippi sun that birthed the blues of Muddy Waters and B.B. King, treacherous tenements of Jamaica that produced the rebellious rhythms Bob Marley and Peter Tosh or the run-down, roach-infested projects of the South Bronx giving way to Hip-Hop artist KRS-One and legendary DJ Kool Herc, the overcoming of poverty, pain and hardships has molded some of the greatest contributions to music, art and science.
Up next to share his trials, tribulations, victories and defeats to the masses now comes Alabama -born ghetto dweller Modesty XO. After becoming a permanent fixture on the local Hip-Hop scene more than a decade ago, Modesty’s reach has far surpassed the boundaries of Birmingham. With a string of regionally distributed mixtapes hosted by highly praised turntable technicians DJ Infamous and DJ Smallz, Modesty is set to take the world by storm aided by his bubbling, R&B-tinged new singles “Baby Girl”, “Money Money” “Paper” and “What u Got” (which accompanies an independent video shot on in Birmingham). “My music is a reflection of my mood for the moment. If I’m feeling good, my style might be crunk. If that day ain’t going right, you might get some blues. And that’s the average day that people live. Their moods change, and so does my music,” Modesty explains. “A lot of rappers put on images. I want people to know me. Everything is real in my music- 100 percent.” 16. EPOK BHAM’S FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE
Modesty grew up in Birmingham’s worst area known as the West End. The one-time center for the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, the section is now plagued by poverty, gangs and drugs. And while Modesty was raised in a two-parent home and was a tad bit better off than many of his neighbors, he still felt their same pains of coming up in the hood. “I might have been blessed with only a little bit of something, but the people across the street might not have nothing. So we leaned on each other’s shoulders,” he remembers. “Everybody that grew up in West End has all gone without at one point. You may have to go to your next door neighbor and ask for some ketchup or to get a ride to the store. Everybody is one big family. We had to be in order to survive.” Introduced to rap music by an older brother, Modesty first began penning lyrics at age 12. Modesty instantly found his calling. He could be in the school cafeteria banging on the table to make a beat, huddled up amongst a group of eager middle school students battling or going toe to toe with competitors in an open mic contest, but Modesty could always be found somewhere rapping. “I was always a fan of Hip-Hop,” he says. “When other kids were growing up saying they wanted to be a fireman, a policeman or a football star, I wanted to be a rapper. I always was good at poetry and writing stories. So I started rhyming and rapping my poetry.” By high school, Modesty had made a name for himself around town for his music. He began performing at clubs throughout the city and grew a strong local following because of his straightforward southern style and dynamic stage presence. Capitalizing on his fame across the city, Modesty began recording songs, burning them on discs and passing them out in school in 2003. So that the CDs would be distributed throughout the city, he wrote “burn me” on each CD with a magic marker. “That was my way of marketing,” he details. “People started burning it and it started spreading.” In 2006, Modesty hit pay dirt with his biggest local hit “Back It Up” and even brought home a trophy for Live Best Male Performer for Birmingham’s Dirty 30 Awards. The following year, his grind was recognized with a nomination for an Ozone Award for Patiently Waiting Birmingham in 2007. And he officially staked his claim in the game with his own label Fully Driven Entertainment in collaboration with Zoo Boyz Entertainment and the DJ Infamous-hosted mixtape 24/7 Grindin Chapter 1: Necessary By Any Means. He solidified his stay in 2008 with DJ Smallz-hosted mixtape Hustler Muzik. In addition, he was awarded an opportunity to collaborate with famed producers Marlo Mischief and J Millz, who has produced tracks for Atlanta-based group Youngbloodz and Memphis rap legend Yo Gotti. He also co-wrote the lyrics for song “Dope Boy Lean,” which appeared on Tyler Perry’s 2008 comedy Meet The Browns. 17. EPOK BHAM’S FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE
“I’m trying to be a counselor to the game,” says Modesty. “Everybody’s pockets ain’t fat every day. Everybody don’t have a ball every day. People lose people close to them some days. Some days, people’s money ain’t right. Somebody’s momma might be on drugs. Somebody’s daddy ain’t there. Some people from the hood just finished college and got to get on their hustle cause there ain’t no jobs. He continues, “I speak for and to those people, because they are me. They understand me because I understand their struggles and put it in my music.” And we are have ears.
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EPOK MAGAZINE: What does your name mean? How did you come up with Modesty Xo? Are you Modest? Explain. MODESTY XO: Well, Modesty XO came from my upbringing. I’m from the Westside of Birmingham. When I was younger, I lived in a community where people were doing different things. There were drug dealers, preachers, hustlers, teachers, whatever. I was modest because I listened and learned from all of them. I think a lot of that contributed to my success. I feel it takes an extraordinary person to do that. And I go extraordinarily hard in everything I do! EPOK MAGAZINE: Explain what Driven Entertainment is all about? When did you start your record label Driven Entertainment? MODESTY XO: The label started in 2008. The reason I started Driven because I always wanted to have my own company. EPOK MAGAZINE: You say you started in music through your brother who had a record label of his own called Slow & Low Production. What are some things you’ve learned while being associated with your brothers record label Slow & Low Production? How long was Slow & Low company in business? MODESTY XO: My brother had a record label along with his childhood friend. What I learned the most from them as a youngster was being more familiar with understanding the basic concepts of the music business. EPOK MAGAZINE: Being a production company, was your brother a rapper, writer or producer? Did your brother teach you how to rhyme? MODESTY XO: Actually he did, both but his main role in the company was the CEO.
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EPOK MAGAZINE: Your signature statement "Ok Ni Uh" has become very catchy. How did you come with your very own signature statement "OK Ni Uh?" MODESTY XO: That’s just branding. I always would say “OK Ni ” before I rapped or did a freestyle. It’s just me and branding myself. EPOK MAGAZINE: Lets talk about Kush Pack. What's Kush Pack all about? MODESTY XO: Well “Kush Pack” is off the upcoming mixtape “Loud Pack.” We shot the video for it on third avenue. It’s just a song I did representing the whole city….the 205.
EPOK MAGAZINE: Rapper Elee mentioned you in Epok Magazine June issue. You two collaborated for her new album and single "Beleeve." How was it working with female rapper Elee? MODESTY XO: It was cool….real cool. Elee is a dope artist. Actually this wasn’t our first time collaborating. “Beleeve” is a great song. As a artist it’s good to work with people that you have chemistry with. EPOK MAGAZINE: You also co-wrote on "Dope Boy Lean" for Tyler Perry's soundtrack. What was it like writing for Tyler Perry's Soundtrack? Do you feel that was a pivotal move for you as an artist? MODESTY XO: Of course it was! Ya’ know anytime you do something with Tyler Perry it’s big. It was cool working with Splash from Zooboy Ent. He worked with me on the project. We did that in New York. Shout out to Joe, Splash, Raegan and Lil Peedy.
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EPOK MAGAZINE: What's the name of your new mixtape? MODESTY XO: “Loud Pack.” EPOK MAGAZINE: Mostly all of your videos have between one thousand to over three thousand views, which is pretty decent for an independent artist. What video director do you primarily work with? MODESTY XO: I usually work with B. Mason. We work well together, he’s real dope. Shout
out to all the up and coming videographers. EPOK MAGAZINE:I know you've worked with female rapper Elee. Durdy Muzik produced her hit single "Oowee." How are you affiliated with Durdy Muzik? MODESTY XO: Well Durdy Muzik produced a couple of records for me. They make good music. EPOK MAGAZINE: You mention all the time the male rappers that you support and have worked with. Sometimes female artists get overlooked. What female artist do you respect on the Alabama music scene and you would work with? R/B, Rap, Models or Actresses. MODESTY XO: All of them…..all of them! 21. EPOK BHAM’S FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE
EPOK MAGAZINE: One thing I like about you Modesty, I truly feel that you understand this music industry from a independent artist or even becoming a signed artist with a major label. Which do you prefer. Being Independent or being on a major label? MODESTY XO: Well they both have their pros and cons .You just have to work both of them to your advantage. EPOK MAGAZINE:I hear that you are one of the Alabama Artist chosen to open up for Rick Ross. What would a show consist of if you opened up for Rick Ross? What would the energy be like?
MODESTY XO: Crazy! EPOK MAGAZINE: Your video " All Up On Her" was very pimpish. What prompted you to write the song "All On Her?" Who is the leading lady in your video "All On Her?" How did you link up with her? MODESTY XO: “All Up On Her” is just how I was feeling that time. When doing the treatment for the video I knew that I had to have right girl. Juicy was a great fit. EPOK MAGAZINE: The song that really put you on is "Bag It Up." Do you think you 22. EPOK BHAM’S FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE
can ever top your single "Bag It Up?" MODESTY XO: Of course that’s like asking Kobe could he get another ring. EPOK MAGAZINE: You stay relevant by continuously keeping videos out of what you have going on with your music. Whether that be just in the studio recording or plugging your next big single. How important do you feel it is to stay relevant in the music industry? MODESTY XO: The music business is very fast. Especially Hip-Hop. An artist is only as big as his last hit. EPOK MAGAZINE: What does Modesty XO have coming up? MODESTY XO: Constantly staying on the road doing shows. Recording and giving the streets good music. Lookout for my new mixtape “Loud Pack and Hip Hop Holy Ghost.” We’re launching and releasing both of ‘em on my site ModestyXO.com. You can also download the mixtapes too from there. Check me out on ModestyXO.com! You can purchase music there and on Itunes. Follow me on Twitter at @XO205, my Facebook fan page is Modesty XO and also YouTube.com/ Modestyo205.
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Epok Magazine has learned exclusively that Michael K. “Given the reWilliams, cent events that 45, will have taken star in an upcomplace, Evelyn ing film has decided to file for divorce about the legendary Wu-Tang Clan rapper and all-around troubled soul Russell Jones, a.k.a. Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and move on whose impressive mic skills and outrageous showmanship with her life,” were eclipsed by his erratic offstage behavior, assorted Lozada’s lawarrests, and an early death. yer, Michael B. Joaquín Baca-Asay, the cinematographer on We Own the Gilden, told the TV show “The Insider” in a statement. Night, Roger Dodger and Jay-Z’s video for 99 Problems, is also joining the project, making his feature directorial Johnson released his own statement — the first since debut. his arrest — on his official website, OCNN, and reaf- The movie is based on the final years of ODB’s life — a true story that is nonetheless stranger than fiction. firmed his love for Lozada. Titled Dirty White Boy, the film focuses on the offbeat friendship between the Wu-Tang Clan co-founder and “I am going to let the legal process run its course. I Jarred Weisfeld, a 22-year-old VH1 production assistant wish Evelyn nothing but the best, I have no negative who through a lot of hustle (and the occasional lie) talked words to say about her, the only thing I can say is I his way into becoming the rapper’s manager when Jones love her very much,” said Johnson, who was dumped was serving a three-year stint in prison in the early 2000s. by the Miami Dolphins a day after the arrest. Despite Weisfeld’s inexperience, and having a client whose talent was undermined by addiction and mental “I will continue to be positive and stay training hard illness, the novice manager engineered an unlikely comefor another opportunity in the NFL. I appreciate all my back — only to have it cut short by the star’s fatal drug fans and supporters and if I have disappointed you in overdose in 2004 at age 35. any way, you have my sincerest apologies. Once again I will continue to stay positive and appreciate all the support during this tough period in my life.” A rep for the VH1 reality star confirmed reports that Lozada filed for divorce Tuesday.
Sherman Hemsley, a comic actor who vaulted from a supporting role on Norman Lear’s groundbreaking 1970s sitcom All In The Family to a lead role as George in the spinoff “The Jefferson’s,” was found dead Tuesday in El Paso. He was 74. The death was confirmed by the El Paso Sheriff's Department, his agent, Todd Frank, told The Times. As George Jefferson, Hemsley bantered with his white neighbors Archie and Edith Bunker in Queens on "All in the Family." On "The Jefferson’s," Hemsley showed sparkling chemistry with Isabel Sanford, who played his wife, Louise, as the African American family “moving” on up to the Eastside of Manhattan. A Texas medical examiner’s office says cancer led to the death of actor Sherman Hemsley, who starred as George Jefferson in the hit television sitcom “The Jeffersons.” The El Paso County medical examiner’s office released a report Wednesday attributing the actor’s death to a cancerous tumor obstructing a large vein. 24. EPOK BHAM’S FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE
After weeks of speculation, Maybach Music Group (MMG) head Rick Ross announced today (May 2) that he has signed former B2K singer and actor, Omarion, to his growing label roster. The announcement of the Omarion addition was made at an invitation-only press conference at New York City’s Eventi Hotel. Label representatives, press, and industry tastemakers were on-hand to welcome the new artist to the roster that includes Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Wale, Masspike Miles, Teedra Moses, and others. MMG is distributed through Warner Bros. Records. Lyor Cohen, North American Chairman and CEO for Warner Music Group, spoke at the event about Rick Ross’ growing roster, saying, “He’s not satisfied. There’s no stopping him. The possibilities that Rick and Maybach Music bring is unprecedented. “He reminded me, he’s world, and that’s the that can stop this guy,”
got the biggest office in the streets. I don’t know anybody Cohen said of Rick Ross.
Rick Ross gave an imview with Rap Radar’s Swizz Beatz spoke about he helped him get his deal
promptu press conference interElliott Wilson, and producer his friendship with Ross and how with Reebok.
Omarion has been spotted recent weeks, prompting working on new material recently appeared on with Diddy and French would make a return to
with rapper Ma$e in the studio in speculation that the two were and possibly new deals. Ma$e Wale’s “Slight Work” remix Montana, fueling talk that he music, perhaps under MMG.
Rumors also swirled that Ma$e would serve as an A&R representative for FrenchMontana, whose official signing to both MMG and Bad Boy was announced to laughter at today’s press conference. Omarion, a solo artist since the breakup of B2K nearly a decade ago, has worked as a singer, actor, and dancer since childhood. MMG’s newly proclaimed “Maybach O”, was signed briefly with Lil Wayne’s Young Money in 2009 but left reportedly due to business concerns. Most recently, he released his DJ Drama-hosted The Awakening mixtape in May 2011. Rick Ross also announced that MMG’s Self Made Vol. 2 will be released June 26. “This one is much better than the first,” said Rick Ross of the album. “This is more of a body of work,” chimed in MMG artist, Wale. In addition to the MMG compilation, in August, Meek Mill’s Dreams and Nightmares will be released, and his Dream Chasers 2 mixtape is due on May 7. Rick Ross’ God Forgives I Don’t will debut on July 31. “Ross was and is a pioneer,” said Bad Boy Records label owner, Diddy, who reminded the crowd that the MMG head had made mixtapes more disposable. “He’s a genius to me, and he’s my brother.” About squelching the many rumors that he was announcing the signing of Ma$e or Shawnna, Rick Ross said, “I just let the rumors circulate.”
Diva Status-The Model & The New Host of The Mix Show Runway Miss September 2011 Miss October 2011 Miss June 2012 Model of the Week For I phone, Ipod,, I pod touch, & I pad AP (Hsv Stream) 9 Wks April 2010 Epok Magazine Sweet Toothe Model of The Month November 2010 Real Talk Magazine 2011 Zhe Magazine 2011 Countless Flyers/Posters Videos Wshh– Boy Wonda “Hater Chech” Jaydott- “Daddy Gotta Go” Jackie Chain Tre Woods– “”Certified” For booking contact 256.792.8398 divastatusthemodel@gmail.com
Website 26. EPOK BHAM’S FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE
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EPOK MAGAZINE: You say you don’t look like the typical rapper. Explain who is P-Air or “Mr. Live Like This” is? P-AIR: I really don't fit the physical description of the typical rapper. I get it all the time from people everywhere. When I give them a CD in the street, I see the skepticism in their eyes. Then after they check out my music, watch my videos, see me on Facebook and Twitter, and see me perform, they always come back and give me great compliments, encouragement, and respect. Plus I'm always working my professional job and attending church, so its normal to see P-Air in a tie handling business and grinding. EPOK MAGAZINE: What kind of style of rap would you consider it is that you do? P-AIR: Its hard to say what my overall style is because I'm not one dimensional, and my style is original. I bring lyrics, themes, messages, creative concepts, emotional connections, wordplay, differentiated delivery, metaphors and real-life situations to the booth with me. You never know how I'm going to approach a record and I feel as if that mindset and approach is good for the art and culture of Hip Hop. EPOK MAGAZINE: Your name P-Air kind of just rolls off the tongue. Its very cool. How did you come up with P-Air? P-AIR: My middle name is Pierre and that's what I've been called my whole life. So I just decided to keep it but spell it differently. It represents the real me. EPOK MAGAZINE: Talk about your single "Let The Money Talk." What is the track all about? What are you trying to convey with this track? P-AIR: "Let the Money Talk" was created unexpectedly. The hook came from a verse I did on another track. My rap partners, M-See and J. Purk, strongly suggested that I turn those bars into a song. Lil Dre, a young producer in Selma, Alabama produced the record and it was perfect for the hook. "Let the Money Talk" is my most popular song thus far and it gets radio play. It is also available on iTunes. Its just all about just letting your money speak for itself and being comfortable with who you really are. EPOK MAGAZINE: What do you like mostly about Music? What first inspired you to want to rhyme? P-AIR: I love every aspect of music. But what I like most is the power music has to change lives and influence people. Music plays a great role in our society and around the world. We often learn from music and live out the songs we can relate to in our everyday lives. I was inspired by so many different artists across all genres to start rhyming. I just wanted to tell my story and use my God-given talent to make positive contributions to help make the world a better place. EPOK MAGAZINE: What rap artist would you compare yourself to that’s in the industry now? 28. EPOK BHAM’S FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE
P-AIR: I'm a student of the game first. I look at all my favorite rappers and take notes on the positive attributes that made their careers successful and made their music stand out. Therefore, I aspire to have a career with longevity such as Jay-Z which is very difficult to do, but I love the challenge. I also want to be able to venture off into various avenues of entertainment and business outside of rap. 2pac and Jay-Z are my favorite two rappers ever, but I wanna leave my own mark on the game by creating my own legacy and exceeding expectations. EPOK MAGAZINE: What producers are you currently working with? P-AIR: Well up to this point I have worked with D. Moe, Lil Dre, M-See, E. Heard, Meechie, Poke Dog, Nigee, JB, OP, Anthrax, and Kountry Money Jay. But D. Moe is my exclusive producer and manager. EPOK MAGAZINE: I see you have Jabo on the mixtape as well. Another dope rapper out of Alabama. What's the relationship like between you and Jabo? P-AIR: I've been knowing Jabo for about five years. We have a solid relationship. We have a lot in common and we work well together. We both share a genuine passion for Hip Hop and we understand the game well and the hard-work it takes to make it to the next level. We're fans for each other's music. We both have put in a lot of work to become respected names in our hometowns and the city of Montgomery, Alabama. I see us both going really far in this game and making a lot of money someday. We also released a collaborative mixtape entitled Point Me 2 the Purple Tree hosted by DJ Deadly back in April 2012. I salute Jabo. That's my brother. EPOK MAGAZINE: Why entitle your mixtape “Mr. Live Like This?” P-AIR: After I did the song "Live Like This" it gave me the inspiration to create my alias "Mr. LiveLikeThis" because it completely personified my image and personality. I decided it would be perfect for my debut mixtape because my aim for that album was to show who P-Air really was. Kinda like my introduction to the rap game. EPOK MAGAZINE: How does P-Air live his life? P-AIR: I live my life knowing exactly what my purpose is here on earth. I live to inspire people by leading by example. I'm a man of principles and character but more importantly a man that loves God and family overall. I'm very confident, and I fight for what I believe in. EPOK MAGAZINE: Selma, Alabama plays a huge part in this Alabama movement. From Mr. Big aka Diamond Eye, Boy Wonda, Speed Hustle, Poke Dog, Mata, P-Air. How would you categorize Selma, Alabama rappers and its Hip-Hop culture? 29. EPOK BHAM’S FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE
P-AIR: Selma is probably the most musically united city in Alabama. The crazy thing about it is that most of the artist here were rapping while we were in High School. We have a plethora of great artists with talent such as M-SEE, Boy Wonda, Murda Mill, Poke Dog, Kaotik, Selmates, J. Purk, 20 Foot Trill Mobb, Trey Montana, ALA, Meechie, WGMDJ's, J-Styles, Unk Dee, Mata and so many more on the rise. I also give credit to DJ Deadly and Speedhustle.com for working hard to bring the music scene to life in Selma. EPOK MAGAZINE: I’m really feeling SEL Muzik. What is SEL Muzik for those who don't know? Explain? P-AIR: SEL Musik is basically an anthem for Selma, Alabama. We actually call Selma "SEL" or the "27". So I had to dedicate a song to my city for my debut mixtape without question. EPOK MAGAZINE: "Live Like This" has a very swagged out flow. Will you be shooting a video for this joint? P-AIR: Initially I did not intend to shoot a video for it, but the streets have been calling for it so it's possible. I did that song way back in 2010, but it turned out pretty good and my fans love it. EPOK MAGAZINE: You have you're own record label called Made Entertainment. Talk about that. Explain. P-AIR: Well Made Entertainment stands for Money All Day Everyday Entertainment. Our team is comprised of M-See , J. Purk, and me. M-SEE is the founder but we all own it together. We've been friends since elementary and we started rapping together in middle school and we're still here going strong. We are all solo artist and, we just completed a compilation album entitled Money All Day Everyday which we will released this fall. All three of us have solo projects coming out before the end of he year as well. 30. EPOK BHAM’S FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE
EPOK MAGAZINE: "Baptized and Alive" is very catharsis. Did you really have a dream of having a conversation with Pimp C? Why Pimp C and not just any other rapper? P-AIR: "Baptized in the Live" is one of my phrases for my image; kinda like how "Bling Bling" was for Cash Money Records. I'm trying to bring a fresh new meaning to the word "Live" every chance I get; whether through song or in person. I didn't actually have a dream of Pimp C speaking to me but he is one of my favorite rappers and a great pioneer of the South. I jut respect how Pimp kept it real and how he had the courage to say the things that he has said. So if you had to pick a person to “Baptize you in the Live,” wouldn't it be Pimp C? So it was my way of paying homage to a vet and introducing a phrase that's catchy and represents who I am. EPOK MAGAZINE: You went a little deep on "Save The World." My favorite line, "No Facebook. I got my face in a book." Dope. What would you like to see change about the state of Alabama and the Alabama music scene? P-AIR: “Save The World” is one of my most favorite songs I've ever done. I wanted to go deep and paint a vivid picture of the world we live in. I strategically touched on politics, racism, violence, love, hate, children, bible, and God. I wanted to show my diversity and courage by speaking about real issues. You don't hear tracks like Save the World very often in Hip Hop. I'm curious to see the reaction to that song once the video drops. Venom directed it for me and I predict that the video and song will elevate my career and expand my fan base. The timing is perfect for that song, especially with the presidential election coming up. EPOK MAGAZINE: What shows does P-Air have coming up? P-AIR:I just did a show in Atlanta on August 5th. I always compete in open mics and I'm always on stand by when an opportunity comes for me to perform. For booking and features I can be reached at mr.livelikethis@gmail.com or on twitter @Mr_LiveLikeThis. Finally You can expect more videos and more good music from P-Air for the remainder of 2012. My upcoming album "The Book of Live" is gonna be a classic and 3X better than my first album. Its gonna be a masterpiece of a working genius and my best effort yet. I can guarantee that labels will be blowing my phone up after this one. The productions and features are crazy. I haven't set a release date but it will be released in the 4th quarter of this year.
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