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D. Leeks……………………………………….....6 5ive Mics…………………………………………..8 Deuce Ducartier……………………………10 Bambi…………………………………………….12 Yung Joey……………………………………….16 Kaspa Tha Wicked………………………..18
Billy Blue………….20 Haitian Fresh………………………………..24
Credits Publisher Ladychelle Enterprises LLC
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Music's Financial Guy: David Leeks undergrad, DLeeks as he is known to the Atlanta music community, he took the reins at FLAVOR 450 radio, a station he started along with a group of classmates. With an enthusiasm that rebels your favorite mogul’s favorite mogul marketing major DLeeks captured the heart of the Atlanta Black College scene and the city as a whole.
By: Lashaun Betts Living by the credo “Loyalty is Royalty”, David Leeks treats each client’s career with the strategic care ensuring the fastest route to the individual end goal. As an Atlanta native and 2008 graduate of the historic Morehouse College, David Leeks was born for the business of music. During
Learning the power of networking early on, Leeks was able to up the ante at FLAVOR 450 radio. By staying on the scene as a college event promoter he had the keen ability to keep not only listeners, but his comrades in the know. His nonstop work ethic and perseverance propelled him up the ranks of the station landing him a formal and permanent executive role. While he remains tied to the network, it is his position as 1/4 of the management and entertainment marketing powerhouse Street Execu-
6
tives that gives DLeeks the opportunity to pool all of his talents for the benefit of many. The proof is in the pudding for this Business Manager. In his role at the Street Executives, alongside his partners DJ Teknikz, Allen Parks and Charley Jabaley he was behind the successful campaigns of Atlanta based hip hop artists 2Chainz and Travis Porter. His daily tasks range from arranging tours to client consultations, creating college and street promo strategies to tweeting about his latest project- collaboration with his partners and 2Chainz called Flx Phone. Honing in on his skills as a marketer and brand architect through his management title, DLeeks works diligently with Street Executives to educate artists on the rise by providing consulting services to help guide them away from potential pitfalls on the path to stardom.
For more on DLeeks follow him on twitter @dleeks
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5ive Mics As a music journalist there are often times when one really wants to tilt their head, make an ugly face and say "f*ck outta here!" Guys in girls clothes, ridiculous video visuals, rhymes about lives never lived and a smorgasbord of other tom foolery make me cringe every single time. Fortunately for hip hop fans around the country, a gritty NY born emcee who goes by the cocky name of 5ive Mics ( perhaps a nod to a popular hip hop mag's rating system where 5 is always the goal) is poised and ready to pounce on any and everything that could possibly make you want to make that ugly face, tilt your head and say "f*ck outta here". With connections to NYC and Atlanta, hip hop music's two most influential hubs, 5ive Mics has a unique insight on the music industry and lots and lots of opinions to share with the listening public...oh yeah, he's got bars for days and a heavyweight line up of features on his forthcoming mix tape. And without further ado...5ive Mics!
Its going to be interesting summer for NYC artist. What are you looking to do this summer with your movement? I'm taking it back to the essence of New York city rap. I'm starting a movement for the young generation that pays homage and respect to what New York City was as a hip hop community. I f*ck with all the new sounds of different areas around the country, but my love for NYC and hip hop is so evident in my music, and I feel the movement will share that with the public. How did you get started in music? I really Started rapping when I was like 14/15. At that time, I was being heavily looked at as a basketball 8
player, and that was really all I cared about on the time. I was back in new York. I was at Lincoln High school. I was gettin major basketball looks. I was just rappin for fun. Then some shit happened in my personal life, and really, I didn't give a f*ck anymore. Not about basketball, really not about shit. Like every hoop dream story, mine faded as well At that point, I'm back in Brooklyn and my peoples started hangin round the studio on a regular basis. I'm watching cats like C&N (Capone and Noriega) go in, and Im starting to hear myself get better and better At that point, I started taking My rap career more seriously.
You've been between NYC and Atlanta heavy. How do you think that impacts your style and what you speak about? For damn near a decade, I have been a Rollin stone. Before my shit really started getting hot, I was taking the Greyhound bus up and down the I95 to hustle. Ive been able to really vibe on all types of hip hop music from different geographical locations. The reason I've spent the most time in Atlanta Is because my flow and my demeanor really shines in the Atlanta hop scene, both musically and socially. My vibe and swag stands out in the A.. You also have to remember I've been around Grand Hustle now for five years, and the thing about that crew is that most of the rappers in Hustle gang have a sound that is between A southern rap sound and a gritty New york sound. Jason Geter (CEO of Grand Hustle) is from NEW York. TI and BOB have a New York feel to their music,. I feel, f*ck it, most people feel like the way I flow, nobody can bridge that gap between north and south better than me.
hottest mixtape coming out, or they are the hottest rapper ever. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE who's heard this shit, knows, this is a classic. They are hearing the birth of of the careers of one of the greatest rappers ever.
drops , so I might just have a few surprises more in store for the public. .
Tell us some of your features along with cuts to check for? we got French Montana on a song called "NBA" that's scorching. Waka flocka, Gillie da Kid and me did a remix to "Rozay Ciroc" that every f*ckin DJ is tryin to get their hands on. I also got a few with MItchelle'l, which you know the hooks are fire when Mitchelle'l is on them. There's a song called "Don't Talk to Me" with Iggy Azalea that we are bout to shoot a crazy video for. Shit, we got a few more weeks before the mixtape
What can we expect from you this year? My music is classic. This FOH mixtape isnt just a mixtape, it's a f*cking musical journey through my life. This year, the people are gonna hear two of the best mixtapes EVER, and a classic album. With a name like 5ive Mics, you know the pressure is on for me to make classic music every time. And thats just what the f*ck I'm gonna do. .
What is F.O.H.? F*ck. Outta. Here- youll get it when you hear the CD, but basically, New York City is due for a Classic work of music that says "f*ck all the bullshit, fake shit, cubix chain, rented car, f*ck shit that's been going on in hip hop". I'm speaking for all of hip hop to say this movement needs to be corrected, and all the other shit needs to get the f*ck outta here. You have an upcoming mixtape entitled F.O.H dropping soon. What can be expected from that project? Most rappers say they have the 9
Give us an example of an F.O.H.? man, f*ck outta here. Really......f*ck outta here!
Deuce DuCartier
10
Single handedly spearheading his own movement amongst a crowd of artist who all look the same an act the same, Deuce is an artist worth the listen. Coming out of Atlanta where catchy tunes and one hit wonders are far and in between, Deuce is more so looking for longevity than over night success. With his 'Rap N Roll' personalized genre combining the influences of Creed with Biggie Smalls his style is from one spectrum to the next. We recently sat down with Deuce to get more information on him and his movement. You have quite the interesting name. Where did it come from and what does it mean? Deuce means two. So I go by Deuce to represent how I mix two genres of music--rap and rock--to create the perfect blend of both sounds and a new genre called "rap n' roll" (a.k.a Urban Rock). Ducartier describes me on a more personal level. It has a lot to do with my infatuation with Ducati motorbikes and Cartier diamonds. When you think of motorcycles you think "edgy," and when you think of diamonds you think "rare" and "unique," just something you simply must have. How did you get your start in music? Basically, one word: Sacrifice. I devote most of my time giving 100% dedication to my music, my fans, and the whole nine. I love my fans. They really push me to keep going. After years of persistence and consistent hot music and live shows, it's finally starting to pay off.
How are you inspired and who musically inspires you? I'm inspired by art, struggle, my fans and the future me 10 years from now. I have a personal competition with myself to keep pushing. Sometimes I feel like I'm my only competitor. Not in a cocky way, but more like I'm the only one who can stop myself! When it comes to musical inspiration, the artists who inspire me varies. From rock acts such as Creed, The Beatles, Lenny Kravitz, Alice And Chains, and Michael Jackson to hip hop acts such as Biggie Smalls, Kanye West, DMX, and Pharrell. You're definitely taking a different lane than most Atlanta artists currently coming out in the genre. Can you talk about that lane for us? Rap n' roll. I say It over and over again because it's something people will soon get used to. As you can tell from the wide range of artists who inspire me, that if you were to mix any of these artists together on a record it would be an instant classic. Like if Biggie Smalls got with The Beatles to make an album together. Seriously, how groovy is that?! I'm different because I'm different. Point blank. Not because I'm trying to be. My music just is because I'm a huge rock fan. I know the greats and the music, and rap is just in me. Obviously, I know that really well too. They say anything is possible so when I infuse the different genres of music together it's more like a modern day collab of the greats!! What are you currently working on? Music, music, and more music. The 11
building process of giving fans quality music. Just made this track called "Boy I'm Groovy" that you'll be hearing in late June/July. It's hard hitting with a good a hook, 808s, and rock guitars. Definitely something you can hear on urban radio but but with a nice rock feel too. I'm also shooting videos and performing anywhere there is a mic, drum kit, and guitar amp lol. I'm not following the route of others or simply just jumping on what sound is hot at the moment because I'm in this for the long haul. I'm always working on building a personal relationship with fans everyday. Giving them a new sound to get away from hearing the same sound that everybody is making or trying to imitate. I'm working towards something that hasn't been done before. Honestly, I want to be compared to your favorite rapper of all time and your favorite rockstar of all time. What for you would be a dream artist collaboration? There's a couple. It depends on the record, but definitely Cee-lo Green, Andre 3k, Foo Fighters, Kanye and Pharrell! What can we expect from you in 2012? My new single dropping sometime in June or July and my new EP. Still working on the title and cover art. More videos that put viewers in different dimensions. I have a lot that's currently in the works. I hate to name drop lol or spill the beans but it's definitely going to be a busy, productive, breakthrough year for the whole SoundkastleMusic/340 Production family. Cheeeeaaa!!!!!
bambi
Lipstick Gang
Your movement is called, Lip-
response to the song. Dur-
stick Gang..you sprinkle Shim-
ing that time, I was running
mer and rock pink bandanas.
a club and all the DJs would
Where did this all come from?
mix the
The LipStick Gang started orig-
Waka's … and it got a
inally by someone jokingly
pretty good response so
calling me "LipStick Shawty", it
they started asking for
was a cute little inside joke; so
more.
when all my friends would be
What are your goals for this
around … I just called us the
year professionally?
LipStick Gang. I started wear-
This year my main goal is to
ing a pink bandanna one
expand the LipStick Gang
month during breast cancer
movement … I want wom-
awareness
and
en all over the world to
contented rocking it into No-
know about this move-
vember because i felt like it
ment.
was something that should be
If you could work with any-
thought about year around.
body who would it be?
So now this is something that
If I could work with ANY-
the LipStick Gang is recog-
BODY right now … it would
nized for.
be Dr Dre.
month,
song in with
Shimmer is like swag, but it's way sexier and cooler.
We heard you have a mixtape in the works. What
Who inspired you musically?
can we expect
I'm inspired by women … the
My
things that we go through in
"Shimmer" is a tape with all
all aspects of life truly inspire
of my features I've done so
me musically. Outside of my
far. You can expect to hear
parents both being musicians,
me sprinkle shimmer on all
the artist who inspire me the
types of different tracks. I
most are 2Pac and Jay Z
didn't leave anything out,
new
mixtape
some of these features on How did you even get into
the tape are very old, so
music?
you can definitely expect to
The first song I recorded was a
hear some changes i've
remix to Waka's "O Let's do it"
made in my flow and lyrics
… I just couldn't resist the
over the past year.
urge of recording a female's 12
13
Your newest cut features Scrappy. How did that collaboration come along? Scrappy is my guy, he supports the LipStick Gang movement and he's the Prince of the South so we had to get one in. A lot of female rappers are starting to come to the table. What sets you apart from those other female rappers? There are a lot of new female artists but there is nothing like the LipStick Gang, my movement is what sets me apart mostly. Outside of that, I'm a true Cali chick with so much west coast shimmer but I'm here in the A playing around with their style of music and melodies and that's definitely different.
14
15
Yung Joey BSM
Next to Go
16
Redemption is an oft-repeated phrase, whose value has been rendered incon-sequential. Scholars, religious fanatics, and pundits may use the term, but they’ve probably yet to experience it. For Yung Joey, 21-year old phenom from Northside Jamaica, Queens (by way of Atlanta), redemption is the song of success. Redemption is a second chance – and the beginning of a Rebirth. Raised during the late 80’s/early 90’s heyday of Southside Jamaica Queens, under the watchful auspice of the infamous Supreme Team, Yung Joey has always been around the music landscape. “My father had a club, so I used to rap there when I was like four, five years old,” he remembers. “And my uncle Bimmy was an A&R at Def Jam, so I’ve always been involved.”
who’s just had his first hit with “So Icey”. Yung Joey served as everything from roadie to Suburban driver to hype man, seeing once again how the music industry operates. Soon enough, the lure of fast cash and street life proved unbearable, and life hit hard. Dropping out of college to sell drugs, Yung Joey was caught up in a homicide investigation – and charged with fourteen counts, including aggravated assault, possession of a firearm, and murder. Police investigations led him from Atlanta back to New York, shuttling under-ground, re-evaluating relationships, and predicting his next move (as well as the next move of the FEDS).
song entitled “Stripper”, directed by WorldStar powerhouse Blind Folk Vision. He also got his production chops up, quietly producing the majority of his own records, while also working on songs with the likes Nicki Minaj, Bobby Valentino, and Vado. Citing versatility as his key attribute, Yung Joey now has over half a dozen videos on World-Star, approaching close to four million views. He cites his immediate peers and contemporaries, and his family as the reason for his drive: “My support system provides motivation for me. The fact that I’ve seen so many people do it – Gucci, Wacka. I’ve seen success right in front of me, over and over again.”
Being around the likes of LL Cool J, Slick Rick, Jay-Z, Irv Gotti and other Def Jam elite gave the youngster a first-hand look at the music business; while being around his father, a well known dopeboy of the era, gave him a bird’s eye view of the streets. It would be after he moved to Atlanta at age fourteen, though, that the two worlds would converge.
“When I found out, I had this gut feeling at the bottom of my stomach – I knew this was gonna be bad,” he recalls. Though his family was initially shocked at his troubles, they hired a powerful attorney, and through due diligence and conviction, Yung Joey beat the case. “The odds of beating a case like that are almost impossible; so when I walked out, I knew that this was my second chance – a second chance to breathe.”
Initially attending an elite boarding school with the world’s brightest students, he soon enrolled in college, which lasted a year. “I never was a problem child – that’s not my story. I got good grades, and went to good schools.” At the same time, his aunt Deb Antney had begun managing a local rapper named Gucci Mane,
As his trial wore on, Joey watched from the sidelines as the careers of his comrades (via blood relation) Wacka Flocka, Frenchie and Wooh Da Kid flourished. His aunt also managed artists Gucci Mane & Nicki Minaj, who became overnight sensations. Once freed, Joey immediately shot his first video, a
His latest music video for the single She Thick from his 6th Man mixtape has been received by fans and hip hop blog sites alike. Fueled by a hypnotic chorus, classic Mike Will production and features from Wooh Da Kid, Frenchie and their fallen BSM comrade Slim Dunkin the single is bound to command the attention of …and the proof is in the metrics. Within 72 hours, the strip club themed anthem for thick chicks garnered over 10, 000 unique views. With a growing fan base surely influenced by Yung Joey’s recent coverage by mainstream and underground media outlets alike, com already following his career and over 5,000 Google search results for the video released just days ago at time of print, Yung Joey is next to go.
17
Kaspa Tha Wicked Team Wicked Is The Movement. How does Kaspa the artist differs from Kaspa the person? There isn't much difference between my artist side and myself. Aside from being a good father to my daughter, everything else you hear in my music is in direct alignment with who I am and how I’ve maneuver in these streets my whole life. How do you balance your life outside of music? I live this music sh*t, there is almost no separation of the two in my day to day activities. Everything I have been doing at this point is in some way shape or fashion revolving around my music. I just purchased a studio building aka the "Team Wicked Head Quarters" so you know in dead serious about this.
The music industry lifestyle is a tough one to accept in a relationship, do you see yourself being able to balance and maintain both eventually? To me the key to being an entertainer and being able to be in a relationship is simply to find the right woman. A lot of women will tell you that they just couldn't be in a relationship with an entertainer because of the time they spend away from home and the fact that they are involved in an industry that is filled with temptation and lustful women and I respect those women because they know what they want. On the flip side if you can find someone that understand this world and are not threatened by the fact that their relationship is going to be tested over and over and she is still will18
ing to stand behind her man no matter what than y'all could be successful. What are the biggest misconceptions regarding the music industry??? Thinking that you are going to be filthy rich or become a STAR overnight! lol One thing about this music hustle is you can put in long hours, invest a lot of money into your project for several years, build a buzz, get a deal and realize that you are still not in the financial position you thought you was going to be in especially if you have the wrong people around you. You have to do this music because you LOVE it, not because you chasing a CHECK because the money is the last to come.
“I'm just getting started so keep me locked in on your radar cause you don't wanna miss this Blue Ray!� How does life in the streets compare/differ to the music industry? It has some similarities but the streets is the streets! At the end of the day although some things in entertainment may remind you of street sh*t it is still a "legitimate" business world and the situations that arise have to be handled in a "business" fashion and not with guns or violence like we would in the STREETS. There are no paperwork or contracts in the streets, if there's a contract its usually on someone's life. If you a street n*gga and you want to be involved in music, learn about the music business or keep people around you that knows the ins and outs and you should be fine. You're taking a separate route then most artists, what is your inspiration behind these moves? I always been my own Boss! Even when I was on the block I didn't believe in hustling for somebody else and if I did it was just for a limited time, once I got on my feet I took off and never looked back. I apply the same principles to my music career, I'm not waiting on anyone to make a move. We welcome major record labels but that's the least of my concerns, Team Wicked we do for self because we all we got. Who would your dream collab be? and Why? 2Pac, if I could bring him back. I just
feel like he was so ahead of his time and also misunderstood a lot which is something I can relate too. Would you say you've got the game figured out? Why or Why not? Not at all, there is no direct blueprint to the music business. All I can do is keep putting out good music out of LOVE for the craft and not the MONEY. Continue to build my fan base and my brand, stay innovative and fresh with ideas, keep faith in my team and leave the rest to GOD. We see you've launched the Team Wicked movement...what's the idea behind that movement? and How could someone join the team? TEAM WICKED is my Click, my Crew, my Family. It consists of the few people who are the machine behind KASPA THA WICKED. Collectively we make all the decisions, call the shots, and execute the plays that have brought me the success 19
that I have seen so far. We eat, sleep, grind, and play hard together. You can follow us on twitter: @TeamWicked_ . Most importantly if you are a fan of me and my music you are automatically an honorary member of Team Wicked. Without the support of fans and followers I would be irrelevant. I love creating music but it would be meaningless if it couldn't bring joy and entertainment to others besides of myself.
20
Billy Blue
21
Haitian Pride
Writer: Poe Boy Miami’s music scene has brought hip hop some of its brightest stars. With the path blazed by artists like Rick Ross and Flo Rida, new artist Billy Blue is hoping to bring that same fire to the game and he has a story to tell. His machine gun flow mixed with his gritty and very real lyrics make him a fortified contender to keep the fire burning in the South. Born Pedritho Dorsonne in New Rochelle, NY to Haitian immigrants, Billy Blue’s stage name came from his many trials and tribulations while growing up. His life story sounds more like a movie script than real life; the promising artist signed to Interscope through a joint venture with Poe Boy Entertainment, Akon’s Konvict Music and Timbaland’s Mosely Music Group has lived a dangerously fast and mostly tragic lifestyle. In fact, he would say music saved his life. At the formative age of 10, Blue’s mother passed away. This life changing occurrence would lead to his first nickname Blue. Never really finding joy in school or with friends once she passed, his schoolmates quickly named him “Blue” because he was always sad. When she died, he and his two sisters assumed they would live with their father, but their dad had other plans. Instead of taking in his own flesh and blood, he transferred his estranged wife’s social security checks to his sister in North Miami and shuffled his kin to reside with her and her two sons. This was the beginning of a long nightmare for Billy.
His older sister, ten years his senior, quickly got a job and moved out of the house. His younger sister, five years his junior, was taken care of Blue, on the other hand, was neglected. Instead of treating him like a member of the family, Blue’s aunt kicked him out of the house, making him sleep in her backyard. To this day, he has no idea why. Not only did being virtually homeless at such a young age rob Blue of a childhood, it also put him in the precarious position of doing whatever it took to get a dollar in order to eat. His survival techniques earned him his other moniker, Billy as in Billy the Kid. Struggling to live is not something a healthy 11 year old boy should have to worry about but in Blue’s case, it was his daily life. He surprisingly continued going to school, if not only to eat lunch and hang out with his classmates. It was around this time Blue discovered his love for music. He and his friends would freestyle on paper. “It sounds crazy now telling the story but we would get notebooks and write out rhymes, then pass the notebook to a friend in class. It was then their turn to put together a rhyme and on and on. Sometimes we would have to tell stories. The more I did it, the more I realized I was finally good at something. I never thought it would amount to anything, I just did it for fun,” says Blue. But school wasn’t always fun for Blue; he was constantly in trouble for acting out. “I was always getting suspended for fighting or other dumb things. I was the bummy kid in school and was treated like the bum22
my kid,” explains Blue. “Looking back, I think the fact that I wasn’t getting attention from my dad, my aunt or anyone else, led me to trying to get attention by doing other things.” These “other things” consisted of home invasions, stealing cars and other ways of getting money just to get some food in his stomach. Living a fast life finally caught up to Blue at age 13 when he caught a breaking and entering as well as aggravated assault charge. The sentence he received was three years in juvenile. While locked up, Blue continued rhyming and his musical influences unsurprisingly consisted of hardcore, gangster rap figures mainly The Ghetto Boyz, Dr. Dre and Big Mike. Blue says, “I was living that lifestyle and to hear people rapping about it was intriguing – they were definitely my musical influences.” Blue looked forward to getting out of lock up, hoping that his father would possibly move him back to New York that maybe his actions finally got the attention he was seeking. However, on the day of his release, he was sent packing to another relative, this time an uncle in Haiti. Going from his “home” in Miami to a new home in Haiti was definitely a step in the wrong direction. At the time, there was a revolt going on in the country, and Blue lived right in the middle of it all. Daily he would see dead bodies, hourly he was hearing the gunshots. All of this at age 16, coupled with his already troubled life, was a recipe for life long scars.
Blue returned to Miami a young adult. Now 19, Blue had to get his life together so he moved in with his sister who helped him get into a school in order to get his high school diploma. Once armed with a degree, Blue tried his hand at college and enrolled in Florida Memorial College. The stint was short lived once Blue started selling weed to the students and learned that drugs were a more lucrative career choice he dropped out.
hone his craft. However, a string of unfortunate events eventually landed his mentor in jail, and Blue out of a job. Luckily, another friend purchased the club and gave Blue a new position this time DJ. Since Blue was making his own music, he decided to use his job as a way to get his songs out there. He built a buzz with a song called “Ball Like a Dog,” and eventually caught the attention of two major entertainment companies in Miami .
Blue’s career as a drug dealer got him everything he needed friends, cars, new clothes, an apartment. His mentor in the drug game purchased a club and assigned Blue as the manager he also recognized Blue’s talent and put him in a recording studio. Blue was excited to be rapping but never really saw it as a reality. He did it as an outlet and was fortunate enough to get studio time to really
“I received 2 calls in the same week,” says Blue. “I met with both companies and really clicked with Poe Boy Entertainment. I decided to sign with them almost immediately.”
Poe Boy Entertainment is the home to high profile artists Rick Ross, Flo Rida, and Brisco; Billy Blue knew his style of music, personality and lyrical content would fit right in with the
23
company’s vision. Blue says, “What sets me apart from everyone in this game is my life experiences. I have been through so many crazy struggles and I rap about things I know things I have been through. I am another normal person from the streets, rap was NOT my life it was not something that I was destined to do, it is something that saved me from this messed up life that I have lived. I have regrets but I was trying to survive, I am thankful that I do not have to live that life anymore and I promise to give back once I make it.” Joining the already successful Miami movement, Blue is looking forward to continuing to build on his movement and style. Working with notable producers like Akon and Timbaland, Blue is finally getting the attention he yearned for as a child this time for all the right reasons.
Haitian Fresh
“The King Of Grind” 24
Waka Flocka has added Haitian Fresh to his growing roster of artists after the signee was an upstart with former Fugee Wyclef Jean. “Haitian Fresh is up next,” said Waka Flocka, who heads up the Brick Squad Monopoly. “He’s got a new EP and a hot new single about to drop. He’s definitely earned it, and we’re excited to welcome him to the group.” With Flocka, Haitian Fresh will release Face the World EP which will feature Waka Flocka, Wyclef, B.O.B., Young Money’s Shanel and Roscoe Dash. Ford Entertainment Magazine took a second to get to know the self-proclaimed “King of Grind” a little bit better.
one who’s all in, willing to die for it.
Just had to find my own lane
How long have you been doing what you do? Well 3-4 years but it feels like ten cause I'm da King of Grind, I don't sleep.
What has been the BEST moment so far in your career? Best moment was when Bill Clinton brought out Wyclef and Akon and they brought me out. What's the BEST thing about being in the music industry? Best thing is traveling, meeting people, and award shows. Chicks if that's what ya like. Me I love chicks dearly but I'm focused. They always gonna be there. Walk me thru your creative process, do you have any SPECIAL routines? Naw I just pray before anything I do. God haven't failed me yet. Performed in front 100 thousand people and also 2 thousand, doesn't matter.
How would you describe your music? My music is very different simply because I'm not a studio actor, I speak from da heart and I talk it like I live it hip hop haven't had that. Its too many fakes in hip hop, some of the biggest buzz in it is fake.
“…. biggest fear is people giving up on Haiti. We have a long way to go”
What influenced you and why did you choose to make music? well I sat back and watched hip hop ,and loved music all my life I just felt like my people Haitians needed a spokesman in Hip Hop I mean some-
How did you get started in this industry? What was your motivation? I just went in da studio one day actually to promote my friends who had a group and jumped in da booth freestyling, which I don't do, but engineer said my voice was made for this. 25
Who's #1 in your life? God and my daughter
Name 3 things you cannot live without. P*ssy, Money, clothes
What's your all time favorite quote? Neva failed until you stop trying Define "success".... Success is what ya make it. Everyone have their on definition of success, its in the heart.
What is your biggest fear? Biggest fear is people giving up on Haiti, we have a long way to go. And second, not being here for my daughter. If you could choose any other profession? Which would you choose and Why? Teacher or a lawyer. There’s a lot of people in jail because of public defender. And to teach because kids are our future. Teach them right way to live. Anything else you’d like to add? Just want a special thanks to every one who believed in me, who didn't believe in me, and all my loyal fans in all the cities in Florida: Orlando, Duval, Tallahassee, Gainesville, Polk, Palm beach, Broward and more. Also, I feel that artists need to have more respect for the djs and every upcoming n*gga in da business. And watch yo circle and watch ya where ya spending ya money.
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www.WHOSSHOZOE.com @WhoisShoZoe 29
www.KaspaThaWicked.com 30
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This Month in fashion:
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Zoe Nation A line of fashionable apparel designed for the enlightenment, uplifting and the uniting of a culture. In Unity We Find Strength.
“Besides my “Haitians Do it Better” shirt, my “Remember Haiti” sweatshirt from Zoe Nation Apparel is my absolute favorite! It keeps Haiti on mine’s and every one else’s heart as well as fit super comfortably. This is for sure my favorite piece of clothing in my closet!” -LadyChelle, Ford Ent Magazine
Zoe Nation Apparel is a personal favorite of all of us at Ford Entertainment Magazine. With shirts that encourages, uplifts and brings a sense of pride to being Haitian, how could we not love this line of shirts by Isaiah Fleurimont? With shirts available in a variety of sizes, colors, and sayings ranging from “Haitians do it Better”, “’I’m Zoe Fresh”, “What do you mean don’t look Haitian and our personal favorite “I speak Creole not Haitian” there’s something for everybody. What makes this line so unique, is the appearance of the Haitian crest that appears on the back of every shirt. Whether Haitian by nature, or just in support of a great culture and clothing line, head on over to www.ZoeNationApparel.com for your own personal shirt, sweatshirt, or even hand towel today! 34
Apparel
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Ocean De Luxe
www.oceandeluxe.com Winner of Best swimsuit designer at Orlando Fashion week Find ocean de luxe at your local stores Pinkies boutique and Rustic Star Collection. Photographer: David Lantrip. 36
Swimwear
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Ripple Junction Debuts ‘Ohiya’ Brand of Pop Culture Character Merchandise at Hastings Stores Nationwide Press Release CINCINNATI, OH, February 2012 Ripple Junction (www.ripplejunction.com), a Top 100 global apparel licensee and pop culture product powerhouse, today announced that it has partnered with Hastings, a leading multimedia entertainment retailer, to launch its highly anticipated new “Ohiya” line of character-driven merchandise to include t-shirts, toys, plushies, purses and keychains. Hastings initially debuted the line in February 2012 in 54 of its retail locations throughout the United States and also in its highly trafficked online storefront www.GoHastings.com. Additional retailers of the line to be announced thereafter. Poised to take the young adult and junior apparel - and pop culture sce-
ne at large - by storm, the Ohiya cast of imaginative characters (www.ohiyafriends.com) is the brainchild of Columbus, Ohio-based illustrator Jason Tharp. A self-proclaimed “obsessive dreamer,” Tharp’s mission for Ohiya is to encourage us to go beyond our personal boundaries and to simply say, “Hi” to one another. “A chance encounter can suddenly turn into something meaningful, all with the help of this simple two letter word,” Tharp proclaims. “This brand is all about the art of making friends.” And so the “o-HI-ya” identity was born. "We are thrilled for the opportunity to work with Ripple Junction to officially launch Ohiya merchandise into the marketplace and into the national consciousness at large,” said Rebecca Webb, Director of Trends for Hastings. “The whimsical imagery, 38
social vision and quality of this brand fits perfectly with our entertainment and pop culture oriented offerings and will greatly appeal to our customer base." Ohiya merchandise will feature a variety of characters grouped under different sub-brands that reflect their differing characteristics and personalities, including “Zombuddiez”, “Smooch”, “Zoomipop”, “Mythtaken”, and “Katinja”. All of the characters are unique and have their own back story, yet they’re tied together through similar, relatable qualities. Ohiya will also be on display at Magic February 13-15 in Las Vegas. Artist Jason Tharp and the cast of ‘Ohiya’ characters will be in booth 72107 at WWDMagic in the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Fun, original, friendship-driven Ohiya-brand characters inspire highly anticipated merchandise line - including t-shirts, toys, plushies, purses, and keychains - launched into the retail marketplace February 2012 at 54 Hastings retail locations throughout the U.S. and online at : www.GoHastings.com
About Ripple Junction Ripple Junction is a leading manufacturer of licensed pop-culture merchandise, known for combining great art with a quirky sense of humor applied to current and retro properties. Among other licenses, Ripple Junction produces apparel for Big Bang Theory, Doctor Who, Workaholics, The Big Lebowski, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Seinfeld, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Grateful Dead, and many others. The company works regularly with entertainment’s heavy hitters such as Warner Bros., Fox, Universal Studios, Paramount,
Proctor & Gamble, HBO, ABC, MTV, VIZ Media and Cartoon Network, and has been named to License Magazine's Top 100 Global Licensees list six years running.
Learn more about Ripple Junction: www.ripplejunction.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ripplejunction Twitter : www.Twitter.com/ripplejunction
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