Ozone Mag #49

OZONE MAGAZINE

YOUR FAVORITE RAPPER’S FAVORITE MAGAZINE

YOUNG JEEZY WITH OZONE AWARD NOMINEES:

I’M ON TOP CAUSE I DESERVE TO BE

DRE BUN B PITBULL FIELD MOB PAUL WALL TOO $HORT UNCLE LUKE DAVID BANNER CHAMILLIONAIRE PRETTY RICKY TRICK DADDY KILLER MIKE SLIM THUG RICK ROSS MAGNO JACKI-O TRAE E-40 & MORE

SEPTEMBER 2006

10 INSIDE:

REASONS TO BUY OZONE MAGAZINE

IN STORES AUGUST 8TH 10

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PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Julia Beverly MUSIC EDITOR: Maurice G. Garland

COVER STORIES

ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Matt Sonzala

Young Jeezy pg 122-125 David Banner pg 132-133 Tampa Tony & Da Splitta Squad pg 116-117

ADVERTISING SALES: Che’ Johnson (Gotta Boogie) Greg G PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR: Malik “Copafeel” Abdul MARKETING CONSULTANT: David Muhammad LEGAL CONSULTANT: Kyle P. King, P.A. (King Law Firm) SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER: Destine Cajuste MEDIA RELATIONS: Cynthia L. Coutard ADMINISTRATIVE: Cordice Gardner Nikki Kancey Tana Hergenraeder CONTRIBUTORS: ADG, Amanda Diva, Bogan, Carlton Wade, Charlamagne the God, Charles Parsons, Chuck T, E-Feezy, Edward Hall, Felita Knight, Iisha Hillmon, Jacinta Howard, Jaro Vacek, Jessica Koslow, J Lash, Jason Cordes, Jo Jo, Johnny Louis, Kamikaze, Keadron Smith, Keith Kennedy, K.G. Mosley, Killer Mike, King Yella, Lamar Lawshe, Lisa Coleman, Marcus DeWayne, Mercedes (Strictly Streets), Natalia Gomez, Ray Tamarra, Rico Da Crook, Robert Gabriel, Rohit Loomba, Shannon McCollum, Spiff, Swift, Wally Sparks, Wendy Day STREET REPS: Al-My-T, B-Lord, Big Teach (Big Mouth), Bigg C, Bigg V, Black, Brian Franklin, Buggah D. Govanah (On Point), Bull, C Rola, Cedric Walker, Chill, Chilly C, Chuck T, Controller, DJ Dap, David Muhammad, Delight, Derrick the Franchise, Dolla Bill, Dwayne Barnum, Dr. Doom, Ed the World Famous, Episode, General, Haziq Ali, H-Vidal, Hollywood, J Fresh, Jammin’ Jay, Janky, Joe Anthony, Judah, Kamikaze, KC, Kenneth Clark; Klarc Shepard, Kuzzo, Kydd Joe, Lex, Lil D, Lump, Marco Mall, Miguel, Mr. Lee, Music & More, Nick@Nite, Nikki Kancey, Pat Pat, PhattLipp, Pimp G, Quest, Raj Smoove, Rippy, Rob-Lo, Stax, TJ’s DJ’s, TJ Bless, Trina Edwards, Vicious, Victor Walker, Voodoo, Wild Billo, Young Harlem DISTRIBUTION: Curtis Circulation, LLC To subscribe, send check or money order for $11 to Ozone Magazine, Inc. 1310 W. Colonial Dr. Suite 10 Orlando, FL 32804 Phone: 407-447-6063 Fax: 407-447-6064 Web: www.ozonemag.com Cover credits: Young Jeezy (special thanks to Mansion & George Dukes), David Banner, and Tampa Tony & Da Splitta Squad photos by Julia Beverly; Lil Wayne photo by Ray Tamarra; Chamillionaire photo by Marlon Ross. OZONE Magazine is published monthly by OZONE Magazine, Inc. OZONE does not take responsibility for unsolicited materials, misinformation, typographical errors, or misprints. The views contained herein do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or its advertisers. Ads appearing in this magazine are not an endorsement or validation by OZONE Magazine for products or services offered. All photos and illustrations are copyrighted by their respective artists. All other content is copyright 2006 OZONE Magazine, all rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any way without the written consent of the publisher. Printed in the USA.

MONTHLY FEATURES Chin Check pg 24 JB’s 2 Cents pg 19 Photo Galleries pg 21-43 The Elements pg 144 Roland Powell pg 40 Feedback pg 14-16 Plies Live pg 146 13

10+ REASONS OZONE MAGAZINE IS THE SHIT: Chamillionaire pg 44 David Banner pg 62 Bigga Rankin pg 40 DJ Chuck T pg 46 Bohagon pg 110 DJ Khaled pg 88 DJ Drama pg 70 DJ Nasty pg 64 Jacki-O pg 74 Bun B pg 66 B.G. pg 104 E-40 pg 98 Citty pg 74 Dre pg 52 Gil Green pg 84 Too $hort pg 96 Rick Ross pg 58 Field Mob pg 72 Slim Thug pg 90 Killer Mike pg 56 Lil Scrappy pg 78 Pretty Ricky pg 76 Kamikaze pg 92 Rapid Ric pg 80 Paul Wall pg 60 Magno pg 54 Pitbull pg 48 T-Pain pg 86 Treal pg 102 Khia pg 42 Trae pg 68 Yung Joc pg 106 Uncle Luke pg 82 Young Cash pg 42 Young Jeezy pg 94 Trick Daddy pg 108

feedback because it helps aspiring artists like myself.

- Bama J, jrowland28@hotmail.com (Alabama)

Editor responds: We actually covered his Slip-N-Slide departure in a previous interview. Check out the J-Shin interview in the November 2005 issue on www.ozonemag.com under “back issues.”

I’m writing in response to Charlamagne Tha God’s article about Ho-Oops.

All I really want to say is, ya damn right and it’s about fucking time! Before I even get started, let me say that I ain’t no hater, cause like Remy Ma I look too good to be sweatin’ her. This chick is a classic example of reality TV equaling hoochie-hoe cable channel career day! Hell, Stevie Wonder could see that this stank skank is nothing more than the latest in a long series of stupid females with no real sense of self or sense of mind about the possibility of a 401k plan that gives you points for time NOT spent on your back or knees.

Bitches like Ho-Oops make it easy for rappers to refer to women as “hoes” or “bitches” because that’s exactly how these girls act. For the record, I am a woman, and the mother of a 10-year-old daughter. I never thought I would have to sit her down and explain to her how someone could be so proud of making a complete and total ass out of themselves for a few dollars and be proud of it. Ho-Oops is a beautiful woman physically, but it’s gonna take a lot more than rap magazine spread-eagle layouts to prove that you can turn a Ho-Oopz into a housewife!

– Charlene Blackwell, ene_mama_1@yahoo.com

I loved your Rick Ross interview. Rick Ross is the truth. The Rick The Ruler mixtape is bangin’ hard as hell. You can tell that nigga is genuine in that interview because in the 9th grade at Carol City High School all we was playing was Amerikkka’s Most Wanted by Ice Cube, and Luke. The man been behind the scenes and now it’s that nigga’s time to shine. Keep doin’ it big, dawg, as long as you drop records and CDs I will get them. They don’t understand that Carol City way of life, but they will fuckin’ with you. Free Big Morgan! JB keep up the good work and I will keep buying OZONE Magazine. Carol City High Class of ’94.

– Roberto Rivera, brollli0508@yahoo.com (Miami, FL)

What it do Ozone! My name is Cano & Cain, producer, from the Alabama rap group R.O.A.: Reality of Alabama. In the August issue there are a few errors. My name is not Kano but Cano, and I didn’t say we were living like New Jack City. I was referring to New Jack City to explain why R.O.A. was not around as a full group. Also, it’s not G’s 4 Life but G 4 Life. Thanks for your patience in the corrections! Keep doing what you do, the South needs it!

– Cano & Cain, troubleshootermuzik@gmail.com (Birmingham, AL)

In Charlamagne Tha God’s June Chin Check, I loved the fact that he hated on Keyshia Cole so well in his article. Someone with the power to put it out there should have done it as soon as her album dropped. I think it’s only Jacksonville, FL people that really hate that song with a passion, the whole off-key tone of her voice makes our dogs cringe with each “ah-ah-ah” she croons out. What was she thinking? I hope not different. “Love” is an insult to any true artist or singer who works to achieve a degree in music performance or all the other professionals in the business who actually know how to hold a tune. Keysha Cole’s style is depressing; only bitter individuals bought her album. Maybe her next drop will actually be something that professional and happy people can relate to and possibly listen to without getting headaches.

And your drop about Ghostface, although I wasn’t a great fan of his, I truly understand exactly how you feel. It’s like going to Luther’s concert (God rest his soul) and he sings the alphabet song in monotone. Come on people! You pay good money to see these entertainers and all the majority of them give you is a bunch of towel throwing and yellin’ in the mic. It’s better to hear them on the radio rather than in person. But we can’t blame performers like Keysha Cole and Ghost Face for doing what they do. I mean, if you could, would you not try to make a few grand for performing the alphabet song in an off-tone key? We, the audience, allow them to get away with it, so bad live performers will continue to do it. Let’s get a Beyonce, Prince, Janet or a Kem (Kemistry, Alubm II) to show you all what a real performance is. And that’s a Chin Check. I love to hate.

– Shana Shell, nates2002@yahoo.com (Jacksonville, FL)

I really appreciate the love you and your magazine gave us during the Dallas photo shoot. However, I nor my producers were in it. I am just grateful that another publication is paying attention to our hard work and grind from some of the best rappers in Dallas. We Got Next!

– Shonlew, shonlew73@yahoo.com I just wanted to say thank you providing ads and information that is useful to independent artists like myself. Keep it pimpin’.

– Marcus “Daalight” Gaston, daalight1@tmail.com I picked up OZONE Magazine for the first time a couple days ago because you had a story about hip-hop in my hometown of Dallas, TX. Being from South Dallas and now living in Virginia, I was really happy and impressed with the story. I like that your magazine has a real underground voice. Please keep up the great work and do not become The Source!

– kd@rescuescg.com (Virginia) Just curious – how did Trae’s “Swang” video not get on the ballot for Best Music Video at the OZONE Awards? Even Chamillionaire said he based his “Ridin’ Dirty” off the video for “Swang,” but his video wasn’t as good as he’d hoped. Everybody I know in Texas says it’s one of the best videos to ever come out of the scene, and even though I’m in Detroit, I agree. Even the message boards are praising it over every other video out of Texas, especially that Dr. Teeth bullshit. I guess even y’all have to go with the mainstream and not with the true talent. But keep up the good work and I’ll keep reading.

– Ross, southstarimages@Yahoo.com (Detroit, MI)

I know I’m late with this, but the 20 Greatest Southern Albums issue stole my heart. I hit you earlier this year regarding ATLiens being my favorite ‘Kast album, and then a few months later I saw them “two dope boyz” holding down two slots on your Southern albums list. VIBE knew what they were doing by putting them on the cover of their new issue, but it still couldn’t stop half the staff from getting canned (ouch). Your David Banner piece was also nice; I hate the way he is still slept on. Hopefully his role in the new Craig Brewer film is going to give him more visibility in the industry. Although I’m not a big fan of Cam’Ron, your interview with him did convince me to check out his new shit. I liked about three or four tracks. You’re doing a good job with the magazine. If OZONE was around when I was fresh out of high school, I would have applied for a writing staff position. Stay strong and much success.

– Kairon Arnold, khype1@hotmail.com (Birmingham, AL)

It’s your Westside Connection like Ice Cube, wishing you all the continued success and blessings in the world as I’m flicking through the latest issue featuring Rick Ross and Sqad Up on the glossy covers.

– Paul Vanselow, notesfam_bloccmusic@yahoo.com (Southern California) That Cam’Ron interview was great! You really asked great questions, unlike most lame duck reporters. I have read every interview he’s ever done, and this was the best. I really want to meet Cam’Ron. I have so much respect for him and the artist/business moves that he’s made over the years.

– Ivan Youngblood, hurrymoose@hotmail.com

I want give you guys mad recognition for the J-Shin interview. Along with Teedra Moses and Cee-Lo, he is one of the better hip-hop/soul/R&B artist who released a classic album that was slept on entirely by the mainstream. I still listen to his debut album from the late 90s to this day. However, I felt let down that you guys didn’t ask him about his long hiatus and his reasons for leaving Slip-N-Slide Records. Overall, this is a great magazine and I will be subscribing. Please continue to ask the industry-related questions in your interviews

JB, hats off to you, girl! You’re doing big things down here and you deserve this. I want you to know that I’ve been a fan since the first issue and will remain one. Go ahead and shine on these hatin’ ass muthafuckers. I know the OZONE Awards are gonna be way big in the O. I know you probably 14

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feedback think you ain’t gettin’ no love here, but trust, the streets got ya cause we see you grinding hard. It seems like every event I go to in the O, I see the OZONE crew there with their cameras, and I see that CRUNK!!!/OZONE SUV flying down 50 all the time. I’m proud of your accomplishments and I hope you grow to the top.

Scratch that – you already there. And as for the OZONE Awards, I already got my ticket. Keep doing your fuckin’ thing. You got love from the O. – ladilynn407@yahoo.com (Orlando, FL) This is Joi - I just wanted to drop a quick thank you to those of you at OZONE that saw fit to nominate me for the Best Female R&B Award. I’ve been in this game a long time and haven’t seen much mainstream acknowledgement. The recognition is appreciated. I plan on being in attendance at the Awards ceremony. – Joi (Atlanta, GA) I read your 2 Cents in the June edition – damn! Shit has just been hitting you from all angles. There’s a lot of cursing, but print this: You haters disgust me! Over the past two years I’ve had the pleasure of receiving OZONE Magazine, and I just wanna say to all the haters, doubters, thieves and vandals: Get on JB’s team! Quit hating, quit talking down, and quit tryin’ to slow down the train and figure out a way to jump on it instead. I don’t mean dick-ridin’ and tryin’ to get shit for free (if you ain’t payin’ for your ads you’re a fuckin’ loser – at least try to barter some of that shit off). I’m talking about building a working business relationship with one of the realest, if not the realest, editor and publisher in the game right now. Do you read other magazines? Do you see the bullshit and “fun facts” they put in other magazines? OZONE has real questions. Whether or not the artist answers truthfully is up to them.

OZONE is the hustler’s handbook. How else would I know about people like TJ’s DJ’s, Young Cash, and B.H.I., and have contact info to over a hundred DJs without having to put in my own legwork and phone time?

JB, keep grinding. Get more SUVs, add more pages, and if you ever run out of stuff to write about just remember that the Midwest got next!

– Chris Moss, cmoss412@tmail.com JB, I just wanted to tell you thanks and let you know that I’ve always had respect for you and in so many ways admire your swagger and tenacity. I remember when you first started up until now. I’ve watched you shake off and dodge the haters, even when they rolled in packs and you were solo.

When C Wakeley first got in the game, you were one of the people that I told him about. I knew you were good for the game and would bring the respect back our way. I’m 100% for the Florida movement as well as the whole South. I hope and pray that you go as far as Oprah or past that. If it’s true that you get out of it what you put into it, then the game owes you a lot. I wish some of the younger artists could see that, because during the booty days we had no outlet. Much respect!

– Big Amp, ioubigamp@aol.com (Gainesville, FL) I just received the new issue with Rick Ross on the cover and I want to applaud you for consistently bringing heat to the streets. Good lookin’ out on the 9th Ward issue – that’s where I grew up. With mainstream appeal, somehow you still narrow it down to the issues that I actually care about.

– Derrick tha Franchise, derrick_francis03@hotmail.com (Virginia Beach, VA) JB, I read your editorial this month - bravo! Weird maybe, but I am so proud of you (yeah, lame line). I really admire your tenacity and my sense is that you are so much smarter than you let these industry cats know. I’m proud because you represent the destruction of so many stereotypes. It takes great courage to be yourself. I live through you because I let the semantics of this fucked-up business turn me off so thoroughly that I wish I had just studied nursing like I wanted to ten years ago. Watching you shine does so much for me, for US. I’ve always been silently cheering for your success. Your life has so much purpose and I know that who you are is so much greater than any hater bullshit. You are the Queen Bee in this publishing game. Fuck them other niggas!

- Linda Day, lindaday@tmail.com (Atlanta, GA) JB, I am 19 years old and to me you are one of the most influential people in my life to date. I do love your columns, and not tryin’ to kiss your ass, but I do think you’re the shit because you’ve made it possible for Southern rappers to get noticed to the world.

– Tiana Minors, minorsh@bellsouth.net (Jacksonville, FL) Hate it? Love it?

Send your comments to feedback@ozonemag.com OZONE reserves the right to edit comments for clarity or length.

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jb’s 2 cents

W

elcome to JB’s very special OZONE Awards/TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference edition of OZONE Magazine. First of all let me say: I don’t wanna sound like I’m gloating. I’m not. I’m just proud. We’re the shit and we know it. Why? We made it through (almost) with some sort of sanity. Haha! And look at how thick this book is! I know y’all see all these ads! I know y’all are hating me right now and trying to count my money. Stop wasting your time worry about me and trying to stop me and go make some money of your own. It all comes back around anyway.

10 OZONE Award Nominees I’m Hatin’ On

By Roland “Lil Duval” Powell

But, aw, man, this has been like the issue that never ends. And my editorial is always the hardest part to write so I put it off til the last minute. It was originally titled “10 People Who Pissed Me Off During The Planning Of The OZONE Awards,” but I scratched that at the last minute. Sorry to disappoint you .

Disclaimer: This is really what everybody else is sayin’.

I know I’m dead wrong, but I’m hating anyway.

10 The We Couldn’t Think Of Nobody Else To Nominate For This Category Award: Joi I’ll probably be the only person at the Award Show that knows who she is.

09 The I Knew They Wasn’t Gonna Have But One Video Award: Purple Ribbon All-Stars I believe they knew that too.

08 The Promoter Most Likely To Try To Come Up Off Ya While You’re In Town Award: Dawgman How come every time I’m in a 100 mile radius of Orlando, this nigga calls me and says, “Shiiiiit, come pick up this bread while you passing through.” Little do I know, he done promoted the shit a month before.

T-Pain, me, and Trae in Tallahassee

Lil Jon and I in Atlanta

07 The I Got Caught Shittin’ Where I Lay Award: Dem Franchize Boyz That’s supposed to be the first rule you learn when you hustle.

06 The I Fuck With Niggas Cause They Let Me Shit On Them Award: TV Johnny Does it make sense to pay the same price for a grill that can only hold so many diamonds than a house?

05 The Oldest Nigga In Hip-Hop Award: Bigga Rankin My grandma used to go see Cool Runnings when she was in high school.

04 The We Know Gotdamn Well He Ain’t Coming Award: Jamie Foxx Come on now. Would you come if you were him?

03 The I Got Nominated Because I Advertise A Lot In OZONE Award: Tampa Tony You my nigga, but stop advertising in OZONE and see if they nominate you next year.

02 Worst Wardrobe Ever Award: Pretty Ricky No grown ass man should wear that much damn glitter. You can always tell if they’ve been around by the glitter trail they leave behind.

01 The When Keeping It Real Goes Wrong Award: Plies I seen that coming a mile away and I’m sure you did too.

The first time you do anything, you’re bound to make some mistakes.

You wouldn’t believe all the drama me and TJ and the whole crew (collectively known as TJB – cute huh) went through to make this event happen – and it actually hasn’t even happened yet so I really shouldn’t be writing about it. It’s like living in the midst of a bad movie with too many plot twists. As I write this at 5:08 AM on July 25th I’m quite sure there are more surprise twists and turns to come.

There are many reasons why I don’t throw parties, and I’ve been reminded of those reasons throughout this whole ordeal. Dealing with promoters + club owners + rappers + rapper’s managers + record label execs + music industry bullshitters in general is a massive headache.

Everybody has dreams of being rich. And while it’s true that the more money you have, the more freedom and power you gain, it also works against you. But you’ll never understand the undercurrents of it until you experience it yourself. Whenever you’re dealing with big money – or the perception of big money – you run across two types of unpleasant people: One, the ones who will do anything to get a piece of your pie; two, the ones who hate to see you come up and will do anything to stop you from eating. Money makes people crazy, for real.

They show their true colors. Greedy people really turn me off and I’ve run across quite a few of them in this process. One in particular, actually, but it’s okay: your time is coming, my friend. I suspect that many people will enjoy watching your downfall.

Pimp C and I in Milwaukee

The most amusing part of success is watching how people’s attitudes towards you change. Some people are genuinely happy for you, but more often than not they have a little bitter afterthought or they feel left behind. All of a sudden everybody who used to hate on me and have problems with me wants to be my best friend.. and wants free tickets to the show. When I take a step back and look at all this shit that’s happening, it’s crazy how everything came full circle. It used to be me trying to get media passes to events and award shows and people not taking me seriously, and it pissed me off bad enough to work harder.

Now I’m on the flip side and I’m trying to do the right thing and help people, not discourage them.

This whole game runs 360 so when you’re on top it’s your responsibility to help the ones on the come up. Anybody who’s willing to get out here and grind like I did, I don’t hate. More power to ya. There’s a Me & TJ - before we got all stressed out. bigger picture.

(Photo: Ray Tamarra)

- Julia Beverly, jb@ozonemag.com

Lil Wayne f/ Robin Thicke “Shooter” Bonecrusher f/ David Banner “Thank You Kindly” T.I. f/ P$C & Young Dro “Bankhead” Lloyd f/ Lil Wayne “Want You” Outkast “Morris Brown” Pimp C f/ E-Vicious & Smoke D “I Don’t Fuck Wit U” Da BackWudz f/ Bun B “Look Of It (remix)” Big Neil f/ Rick Ross “Dope Boy Music (remix)” 19

jb’splaylist Young Cash “Believe It” Ne-Yo “Sexy Love” Rihanna “Unfaithful” Jibbs “Chain Hang Low”

01: A productive day at the office for Uncle Luke’s girls 02: Tampa Tony apparently wasn’t really feeling Khia’s statements about his city in her OZONE interview 03: Yukmouth and a diehard fan @ Club Escape for Pimpin’ Ken’s birthday bash (Milwaukee, WI) 04: Block Entertainment’s Block Party in the Hood (Atlanta, GA) 05: Slim Thug and the Boyz N Blue with Rapid Ric and Matt Sonzala on a Norwegian fishing boat 06: Rick Ross, Trina, DJ Khaled, and Pitbull at DJ Khaled’s Listennn instore (Miami, FL) 07: Lil Scrappy, Lil Jon, Young Buck, and Chamillioniare on the set of “Money In The Bank” (Los Angeles, CA) 08: T-Pain and Tampa Tony examine the damage to his vehicle on the set of J-Shin’s “Send Me An Email” (Miami, FL) 09: Too $hort and the Wolfpack on the set of the “Vans” video shoot (San Francisco, CA) 10: The apple doesn’t fall far... Trick Daddy and his son representing for Dade County and Dunk Ryder Records on the set of DJ Khaled’s “Born & Raised” video shoot (Miami, FL) Photos: Bogan (02,06,08,10); Julia Beverly (03); Marlon Ross (07); Ray Tamarra (10); Shannon McCollum (04); Uncle Luke (01); www.stress. no (05)

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mathematics

10 WAYS TO AVOID GETTING SUCKED INTO A BAD RECORD DEAL

by Rap Coalition’s Wendy Day

www.WendyDay.com

Since 1992, I have been pulling artists out of bad deals. In almost every case, the bad situation could have been avoided. Breaking a bad contract is as emotionally draining and frustrating as going through a bad divorce - in many ways worse. For some artists, being able to find a new deal is almost impossible, as there are quite a few companies that do not want to sign anyone who has had any pervious history in this business (their thinking is that it’s harder to un-do negative perception than to start from scratch with a new artist who isn’t jaded). Here is how I think most artists can avoid getting into a fucked up situation to begin with:

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Learn The Business If you spend the time learning how the music business works, you will learn what is fair and acceptable. That way, you will learn what to expect and what to avoid at all cost.

Learn Who’s Who Instead of just wanting to rhyme or make beats, spend some time learning who the real players are. Do the research on who is really behind successful artists. Find out how record labels work and who works there. Ask around about managers and who the real movers and shakers are. The same names come up over and over, and after awhile you will learn who is good at what they do and who is full of shit.

Separate Hype from Reality As you learn how the industry works and who’s really making moves behind the scenes, it’s important to separate the real from the hype. Just because it’s reported that Whitney Houston has a $100 million dollar deal, doesn’t make it true. When you fall for that crap it makes you look stupid to repeat it. Learn what’s real and true in the business so you can spot the obvious fakes and the bullshit. After awhile, it’s very easy to do.

Network With Success When you find someone who is legit and making things happen for real (instead of just saying they are making things happen), keep in touch with them. Try to meet the people they know and interact with on a regular basis. For the most part, legit attracts legit. There are people who bumble around this industry without having any real success, and you will not be their first success (even though they are hoping you will be). If someone does not have a verifiable, legitimate track record of success, avoid them.

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Get A Lawyer In your learning process, find out who the legitimate, powerful entertainment attorneys are. For the most part, they are where the industry is based: New York, Los Angeles, and a few in Atlanta (but not many). Just because someone is the lawyer for a superstar, does NOT mean they are great at what they do. It just means they were able to land a superstar client who is loyal.

Build Leverage The best deals go to the artists with the most leverage. If you are looking to do great deals, put yourself in a position to build leverage. Depending on the situation, that could mean increased sales, a lot of radio play, a track record of success, or a team of top notch industry folks with a proven track record of success. The best deals go to the artists who have recently sold a lot of CDs regionally in a six to nine month period.

Build An Outstanding Team Even the worst team in the NBA could beat Shaq by himself on the court. If you build a team of successful professionals (manager, lawyer, booking agent, accountant, and publicist) they can help propel you forward to have a successful career. They must be good at what they do, committed to your success, and play their role.

Do For Self The best way to be certain you are heading in the right direction is to learn how-to, and then do it yourself (if you are able). As I look at the top ten artists on the charts year after year, they are almost always artists who started out selling their own CDs on the streets in their region. They learned how the business works and interacted with their fan base on a daily basis. When their label drops the ball, they know how to grind and make it happen regardless.

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Interact With Other Artists Learning from those who came before you is an excellent way to learn what to do and what not to do. When you ask people how they did something, they are more than happy to explain how. When you meet other artists who are more successful, or record label executives who’ve had success on a project, ask them how they did it and get their contact info so you can keep in touch with them. My deals have been great because I have learned what to do and what not to do from those who came before - from artists, from managers, from lawyers, and label staff.

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Always Do What’s Right If you make it a common practice in your life to always do your best and to do what’s right, it will come back to you. Treat others with the respect and fairness you expect to be treated with, and most often you will. If you set the precedent that you won’t tolerate any bullshit, you rarely will have to. This industry has a ridiculous amount of scum bags, and it’s important to avoid them like the plague - once you know who they are. If someone has jerked a lot of folks before you, they will most likely jerk you too. Don’t be blinded by money or opportunity, and most of all, don’t make any decision based on greed. A deal is not a good deal unless everybody wins.

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01: Pimp C and J Prince (Houston, TX) 02: Cristal Bubblin’, Andre 3000, and DJ Sosa @ Phillips Arena for Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash (Atlanta, GA) 03: Pop Gates, Suge Knight, and Bulletz @ Ne-Yo’s party (Los Angeles, CA) 04: Trae, Lil Keke, Jody Breeze, and friends on the set of Swishahouse’s video shoot (Houston, TX) 05: Gil Green and Udonis Haslem on the set of DJ Khaled’s “Born & Raised.”

(Miami, FL) 06: Trina, Rick Ross, Pitbull, and Fat Joe @ Khaled’s Listennn in-store signing (Miami, FL) 07: Puerto Rican Mike, Bella, Small Soulja, and Big Tuck @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 08: Trey Songz and Eva @ Matrix (Houston, TX) 09: Eye Kandi @ Baja Beach Club for Raja’s Birthday Party (Tallahassee, FL) 10: Ivory and J-Kwik @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 11: Bigg V and DJ Princess Cut @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 12: Guest and Coach @ Ghost House (Ocala, FL) 13: Kid Money KG and Acafool @ Chubby’s for Summerfest (Tallahassee, FL) 14: T-Pain’s mom Aliyah and Reginald (West Palm Beach, FL) 15: Yukmouth and Paperchase @ Club Escape for Pimpin’ Ken’s Birthday Bash (Milwaukee, WI) 16: T-Pain and Trae @ Chubby’s for Summerfest (Tallahassee, FL) 17: Big Duke, Greg Street, Block, and Ryan Cameron @ Block Entertainment’s Block Party (Atlanta, GA) 18: Young Texxus, Mr. Blakes, and Spark Dawg @ the Backroom (Austin, TX) 19: Michael Soul, 00key, Dr, Triple J & Chad Brown @ WFXE (Columbus, GA) 20: Charles Young, Charles Wakeley, and BloodRaw @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 21: Field Mob performing @ Ghost House Bogan (05,06); Chad Brown (19); DJ Sosa (02); Edward Hall (07,11); Julia Beverly (10,13,15,16,20,21); Keadron Smith (01,04,08); Kool Laid (03); Luxury Mindz (18); Malik Abdul (09,12); Nay Fresh (14); Shannon McCollum (17)

23

CHARLAMAGNE

Best Album - Rap Some people would say T.I.’s King, but naw, homie. Young Jeezy’s Thug Motivation: Let’s Get It is a bonafied classic how Jeezy didn’t get indicted after this record is beyond me.

THA GOD’s

CHIN

Best Rap Artist - Male T.I. will win, but Bun B of UGK should get it just out of respect. Could he please get a standing ovation if JB and TJ do decide to be politically incorrect?

Best R&B Artist - Male Ne-Yo. If T-Pain wins then you know this whole show is rigged.

CHECK: OZONE

Best Rap Artist - Female Khia will win but I would love to see Diamond and Princess get it. Those chicks are going to make noise in the game, plus I got a soft spot in my cold heart for both of them.

AWARDS SPECIAL EDITION

Best R&B Artist - Female Wile E. Kitten a.k.a. Keyshia Cole Thundercats HOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Best Album - R&B Ne-Yo’s In My Own Words. I got a lot of pussy off this record

P

eace to the planet! Y’all know what the fuck it is! The Catalyst of Controversy, Alpha Don of all Drama, Prince of Pissing People Off, Ruler of Rubbing You the Wrong Way, Architect of Aggravation, commonly known to this planet as Charlamagne Tha God.

Best Rap Group Little Brother should win it if it’s about talent, but Three 6 will win because they are veterans and they won an Oscar. Dem Franchise Boyz and D4L better not look like they got robbed.

So JB hit me up wanting me to do a “Chin Check” for the special OZONE Awards edition of this highly respected magazine we all know and love called - duh - OZONE. I accepted of course because I always take advantage of chances to express my politically incorrect views and potentially dangerous rhetoric. Now, I’m not a hater, I just make points. The first point I want to make is that the nominees and categories for the 1st Annual OZONE Awards are 85% on point. That’s great though, considering that the Bamboozled Entertainment Awards (BET) and Massa’s Television (MTV) are 10% on point and 90% percent bullshit.

Best Lyricist This is a tough one because OZONE got all the nominees right: Bun B, Chamillionaire, T.I., Killer Mike, Lil Wayne, and Scarface. If you’re talking about over the years, Scarface and Bun B, no question. My personal favorites are Killer Mike and T.I.; Chamillionaire will get his chance, but this year it’s gotta be Lil Wayne.

Think about it: How is Young Jeezy not even nominated in the Best New Artist category at the BET Awards? Or Wile E. Kitten a.k.a. Keyshia Cole for that matter? How does Ne-Yo not win best new R&B artist at the BET awards? Sure Chris Brown can do backflips and cartwheels but this is not the gymnastics competition at the Olympics, it’s the best new R&B artist at the BET awards. That’s why when Chris Brown won he brought Ne-Yo out there with him. He knows what it is. See? I’m not a hater I just make points.

Best Rap Collaboration - Three 6 Mafia f/ Young Buck & 8Ball & MJG “Stay Fly”

Breakthrough Artist For some reason, I don’t really care. I guess Mike Jones.

Best Rap/R&B Collaboration I really don’t give a fuck about this category, but, let’s say Young Jeezy f/ Akon “Soul Survivor.”

No Escape Award “Laffy Taffy,” of course, but I really hated all these records.

So, why is the OZONE Awards 85% on point and not the whole 100%?

Because they didn’t have a Radio Personality of the Year Award! Not DJ, but Radio Personality. You know, people that run their mouths, not play records.

The nominees could’ve been Supa Cindy (99 Jamz Miami, FL), Big Lip Bandit (99 Jamz Miami FL), Ryan Cameron (V103 Atlanta, GA), K Foxx (99 Jamz Miami, FL), and Charlamagne Tha God (of the nationally syndicated Wendy Williams Experience by way of the mighty, mighty state known as South Carolina).

Club Banger Yung Joc’s “It’s Goin’ Down” will win, but T.I. “What U Know” and Rick Ross “Hustlin’” were my personal favorites.

Mixtape Monster Award - Young Jeezy Living Legend Award Uncle Luke. He’s done so much for Southern rap and hasn’t gotten his just due.

And the winner is......... Ryan Cameron. But wait a minute! Charlamagne Tha God is rushing the stage with a bottle of George Vesselle champagne in his hand! He snatches the mic and says, “I’m up here in and with this outfit that the fine people at Akademiks gave me for this event I really thought I was going to win this award and now I feel like George W. Bush cornered in an elevator by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan! Ryan Cameron is good, I respect him, but Charlamagne Tha God is for the babies!!!! Wu-Tang bitches!!”

Slept-On Artist Little Brother. Carolinas all day!

TJ’s DJ’s Hustler Award DJ Drama will win, but Chuck T should. That’s my homie since the sandbox!

I’m not doing the rest of them because the amount of words I’m allowed doesn’t permit it, but you already know I wish it was a 6-way tie for the Patiently Waiting: Carolinas award. Piazo should win that; he’s been grinding for years and has established a fan base in the Carolinas that a lot of artists only dream about. So I think he should walk away with that one. Macadon and Marly Mar, your time is coming!

Another category that should have been there but is not is Best Mixtape of the Year!! You’ve got Best Mixtape DJ and Mixtape Monster, but no Mixtape of the Year? T.I.’s The Leak, Young Jeezy’s Can’t Ban The Snowman, and Piazo’s Street Credibility should have been on there. Where do you want to go with this? Please, JB and the gang, remember this next year.

Also, D4L and Dem Franchize Boyz should not be in the Best Rap Group categories. Both groups suck - everyone knows this. And don’t act like it wasn’t other groups to nominate either: P$C, Youngbloodz, Purple Ribbon All Stars?

Pay attention to what’s going on, people! But other than that I was impressed with the categories and nominees.

Best Mixtape DJ: Chuck T of course!! Damn right I’m throwing it up for the home team! This my column and I can do that! When JB asks your dumb donkey ass to do a column, then you can root for your team too! Until then, eat a piece of rat poison a day to spare your hating ass the sight of seeing me accept the Radio Personality of the Year Award at next year’s OZONE Awards.

Now can I pick my winners? Reference my picks at the end of the night and I bet you will be asking me who’s gonna win the Super Bowl this year (Dallas Cowboys, if you really want to know).

Gutter always, The Militant Midget Charlamagne Tha God - www.cthagod.com

loaded 44 on the low where the cheese at / fresh out the jet to the jects where the g’s at

24

01: Young Cash, T-Roy, and DJ Q45 @ Club Christopher’s (Jacksonville, FL) 02: Pimpin’ Ken, JR, and Don Fetti @ Club Escape for Pimpin’ Ken’s Birthday Bash (Milwaukee, WI) 03: Derrick Crooms, Wyclef, and Mr. Collipark (Miami, FL) 04: Short Dawg & Webbie @ Matrix (Houston, TX) 05: Treal @ Firestone (Orlando, FL) 06: Slim Thug and Mira Craig @ Norway’s QUART Festival (Norway) 07: OZONE party @ Chubby’s (Tallahassee, FL) 08: Tru-Life @ Boost Mobile concert (Houston, TX) 09: Yung Joc and Kaye Dunaway @ WJHM (Orlando, FL) 10: Tony Neal and Yukmouth @ Onyx (Milwaukee, WI) 11: DJ Quest and Shawn Jay of Field Mob @ 105.5 The Beat’s Crunkfest (Ft. Myers, FL) 12: Lil Scrappy reppin’ for G-Unit South on the set of “Money In The Bank” (Los Angeles, CA) 13: Dukwon and Bigga Rankin @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 14: Kevin Hart and Greg G @ Zinc Bar (Orlando, FL) 15: DJ Khaled and J-Shin @ Khaled’s in-store signing for his album Listennn (Miami, FL) 16: Matt Sonzala, Tony C, and Tino Cochino on the set of Rapid Ric’s “Pullin’ Up” video shoot (Austin, TX) 17: JAM TV’s JL Shade and DJ Dap @ Chubby’s for Summerfest (Tallahassee, FL) 19: DJ Incognito, Dre, and Chad Brown @ Family Day in the Park (Columbus, GA) 20: Young Doe, DJ K-Tone, and Keak da Sneak (Los Angeles, CA) 21: DJ Reflection, DJ Jelly, Skits & Mark @ Club Platinum (Beaufort, SC) Photos: Bogan (15); Buggah D. Govanah (03); DJ Don Juan (12); DJ Greg G (14); DJ Incognito (19); DJ K-Tone (20); DJ Quest (11); Julia Beverly (02,09,10,13,16,18); Keadron Smith (04,08); Luxury Mindz (17); Malik Abdul (01,05,07); Southern Grind (21); www.stress. no (06)

25

01: DJ Chill and Short Dog @ Matrix (Houston, TX) 02: DJ Khaled and Rick Ross on the set of “Born & Raised” (Miami, FL) 03: Yung Joc, G-Money, Nino, and Block @ WJHM 102 Jamz (Orlando, FL) 04: Pimpin’ Ken, Paperchase and friends @ Club Escape for Pimpin’ Ken’s birthday bash (Milwaukee, WI) 05: Slim Goodye and Omar @ Blue Room (Orlando, FL) 06: Pimp C and Maroy @ Pimpin’ Ken’s house for his birthday party (Milwaukee, WI) 07: Duval County Rockstars 08: Luke’s girls get paid on the road 09: Kool Laid, DJ Drama and a friend (Los Angeles, CA) 10: DJ Quest and his girlfriend @ Crunkfest (Ft. Myers, FL) 11: Money Waters and DJ Drama @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 12: DJ Commando and Johnny P @ Uptown Lounge (Waterloo, IA) 13: Goldie and Dennis Rodman (Los Angeles, CA) 14: Sha Money and Rhea (NYC) 15: Pimp C @ Pimpalation in-store (Houston, TX) 16: Haitian Fresh video shoot (Daytona Beach, FL) 17: Lil Scrappy and Lloyd Banks on the set of “Money In The Bank” (Los Angeles, CA) 18: Lil Keke, Dee Money, Paul Wall, and friends @ Tabu for Dee Money & Mercedes birthday bash (Orlando, FL) 19: DJ Khaled and Gil Green at Miami landmark Chef Creole for the “Born & Raised” video shoot (Miami, FL) 20: Trae and Acafool @ Chubby’s for Summerfest (Tallahassee, FL) 21: Big Homie and Rick Ross (Los Angeles, CA) Photos: Bogan (02,19); DJ Commando (12); DJ Don Juan (17); DJ Jam-X (13); DJ Quest (10); Edward Hall (11); Jason Walker (18); Julia Beverly (03,04,06,07,20); Keadron Smith (01,15); Kool Laid (09,21); Malik Abdul (06,16); Noel Malcolm (14); Uncle Luke (08)

27

01: Too $hort and Lady T @ Apache Cafe (Atlanta, GA) 02: Trakk Team @ car show (Dallas, TX) 03: Kaye Dunaway and 8Ball & MJG @ WJHM 102 Jamz (Orlando, FL) 04: Jin and Buggah D. Govanah on the set of DJ Khaled’s “Born & Raised” (Miami, FL) 05: Acafool performing @ Chubby’s for Summerfest (Tallahassee, FL) 06: Corleone, Mark Boss, D Webb, and Steve Bellamy @ Plush Nightclub (Jacksonville, FL) 07: Youngbleed, Don Fetti, Pimpin’ Ken and friends @ Pimpin’ Ken’s house for his birthday party (Milwaukee, WI) 08: Gekko and Short Dawg @ Matrix 09: Matt Sonzala and DJ Herkules @ Norway’s QUART Festival (Norway) 10: Chamillionaire and Jae Rae @ WBTT 105.5 The Beat’s Crunkfest (Ft. Myers, FL) 11: Supastar J-Kwik and BloodRaw @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 12: Priya B and Yung Joc @ WPYO Power 95.3 (Orlando, FL) 13: Chalie Boy and models on the set of Rapid Ric’s “Pullin’ Up” (Austin, TX) 14: Bigga Rankin and C. Wakeley @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 15: D Webb and Quinn Gray @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 16: Kid Money KG, Acafool, Justin, guest, and Matt Daniels @ Chubby’s for Summerfest (Houston, TX) 17: Luther, D, and Trae @ Pimp C’s album release instore (Houston, TX) 18: T-Pain, Tampa Tony, and J-Shin with a model on the set of “Send Me An Email” (Miami, FL) 19: DJ Don Juan and Lloyd Banks have “Money In The Bank” (Los Angeles, CA) 20: ESG, Lil Keke, and Hard Head @ H&H (Houston, TX) 21: K-Paul and DJ Bounz (Houston, TX) Photos: Bogan (04,18); DJ Don Juan (19); DJ Quest (10); Julia Beverly (06,07,11,12,14,15,16); Keadron Smith (08,17); LeJauren Hailey (20); Luxury Mindz (13,21); Malik Abdul (01,05); Rock T (02); Shoeb Malik (03); www.stress.no (09)

29

01: Ghost and the G.R.I.T. Girls (Ocala, FL) 02: DJ Chill and friends @ the premiere of DJ Screw movie (Houston, TX) 03: Disco, Lisa Walker, and Haitian Fresh @ Disco’s birthday bash (Orlando, FL) 04: Play & Skillz and Freeze @ Chamillionaire’s platinum party (Houston, TX) 05: The Runners and Bohagon @ Transcontinental Studios (Orlando, FL) 06: Gil Green, Trick Daddy, and Dayo on the set of DJ Khaled’s “Born & Raised” (Miami, FL) 07: Nappy Headz @ Chubby’s for Summerfest (Tallahassee, FL) 08: Tru-Life and Method Man (Los Angeles, CA) 09: Pheave and DJ Commando @ Uptown Lounge (Waterloo, IA) 10: Six2 and Money Waters @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 11: OG Ron C and TJ Chapman @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 12: Santana of GCC and J Baby @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 13: Pimpin’ Ken and his daughter @ his birthday party (Milwaukee, WI) 14: T-Pain and his mom @ Chubby’s for Summerfest (Tallahassee, FL) 15: Dreadlocks and E-40 on the And1 mixtape tour (Houston, TX) 16: Crucial Conflict and Pimpin’ Ken @ Club Escape for Pimpin’ Ken’s birthday bash (Milwaukee, WI) 17: K Paul, Jamie Lee, Black Mike, and Duce on the set of Rapid Ric’s “Pullin’ Up” 18: Youngbleed, Pimp C, Paperchase @ Kickz & Phitz (Milwaukee, WI) 19: C.O., 22, and Trick Daddy @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 20: Trae, Jody Breeze, and Gekko @ Swishahouse video shoot (Houston, TX) 21: Slim Thug fishing in Norway Photos: Bogan (06); DJ Commando (09); Edward Hall (10,11); Julia Beverly (07,12,13,14,16,18,19); Keadron Smith (02,04,15,20); Kool Laid (08); Luxury Mindz (17); Malik Abdul (01,03,05); www.stress. no (21)

31

01: Lil J, C-Rola, and a guest @ Swishahouse video shoot (Houston, TX) 02: Mistah F.A.B. and DJ KTone (Los Angeles, CA) 03: Stick 3000 and friends @ Firestone for Disco’s birthday bash (Orlando, FL) 04: M-Geezy, Young Cash, Vic, and crew reppin’ Duval County Rockstars during Marcus Stroud weekend (Jacksonville, FL) 05: Tony Neal, Steve-O, and Youngbleed @ Onyx (Milwaukee, WI) 06: Yung Joc and City Teenz crew (Orlando, FL) 07: Block and Yo Gotti @ Block Entertainment’s hood block party (Atlanta, GA) 08: Tallahassee’s T-Pain Day Declaration (Tallahassee, FL) 09: Rapid Ric and the What It Dew family on the set of “Pullin’ Up” (Austin, TX) 10: Sytonnia and DJ Nasty @ the Roxy (Orlando, FL) 11: Cofa Boy reppin’ OZONE (Milwaukee, WI) 12: Michael Watts and Bella @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 13: Freeze and Big Bank Hank @ Melyssa Ford party (Houston, TX) 14: DJ Chill and Captain Jack @ Chill’s birthday party (Houston, TX) 15: The Runners, Bohagon, and DJ Nasty @ Transcontinental Studios (Orlando, FL) 16: Ghost and Field Mob DJs @ Florence Drayton Center (Ocala, FL) 17: Disco and DJ Demp @ Disco’s birthday party (Orlando, FL) 18: P.M., Rick Ross, and Big Will on the set of “Born & Raised” (Miami, FL) 19: Da Backwudz, DJ Quest, & Trey Peezy @ Crunkfest (Ft. Myers, FL) 20: Don Fetti, Paperchase, Pimp C, and Pimpin’ Ken @ Kickz & Phitz (Milwaukee, WI) 21: PayDay, Classick of Dirty Dialect Click, and John Tha Baptist @ Gypsy Tea Room (Dallas, TX) Photos: Bogan (18); Dino DeRose (11); DJ Quest (19); DJ Greg G (10); Edward Hall (12); Julia Beverly (05,06,20); Keadron Smith (01,13,14); Kool Laid (02); Luxury Mindz (09); Malik Abdul (03,15,16,17); Miss Classick (21); Shannon McCollum (07); T-Pain (08); Terrence Tyson (04)

33

01: Daz and Snoop Dogg (Los Angeles, CA) 02: Paperchase, Don Fetti, and Maroy @ Onyx (Milwaukee, WI) 03: DJ Commando, Rip, and DJ Daze @ Uptown Lounge (Waterloo, IA) 04: Trakk Team @ car show (Dallas, TX) 05: DJ Commando & friends @ Uptown (Waterloo, IA) 06: Guest, Youngbleed, Yukmouth, Paperchase, Roslynn, Pimp C, Pimpin’ Ken, and Knowledge @ Kickz & Phitz (Milwaukee, WI) 07: T-Pain surveys his car’s damage while parked on the set of J-Shin’s video for “Send Me An Email” 08: Paul Wall and TV Johnny @ Swishahouse video shoot (Houston, TX) 09: Rapid Ric and Dolla Bill on the set of “Pullin’ Up” 10: Bigga Rankin and DJ DMoney @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 11: Q-Dog and Mr. CC @ Firestone (Orlando, FL) 12: DJ Chino and Yung Joc @ WJHM 102 Jamz (Orlando, FL) 13: Ghost and Sir Knight Train @ Ghost House (Ocala, FL) 14: Pimpin Pen and Spark Dawg on the set of “Pullin’ Up” (Austin, TX) 15: Goodie Mob @ Birthday Bash (Atlanta, GA) 16: Murphy the Kid, DJ Bishop, and John Hill @ John’s release party (St. Louis, MO) 17: Final Draft, Jody Breeze, and Block @ Block Entertainment’s hood block party (Atlanta, GA) 18: Tiffany Diamonds photo shoot @ Lake Lanier (Atlanta, GA) 19: The Runners and Pat Nix @ Whispers for Pat’s birthday party (Orlando, FL) 20: Paul Wall, Dee Money, and Lil Keke @ Tabu for Dee Money’s birthday party (Orlando, FL) 21: Frank Luv and Trae @ Chubby’s for Summerfest (Tallahassee, FL) Photos: Adam Murphy (16); Bogan (07); BrightStar (20); Czar Allen (18); DJ Commando (03,05); FortKnoxx Records (15); Jason Walker (21); Julia Beverly (02,06,10,12,22); Keadron Smith (08,14,19); Kool Laid (01); Luxury Mindz (09); Malik Abdul (11,13); Rock T (04); Shannon McCollum (17)

35

01: Mannie Fresh and Freeze @ Melyssa Ford party (Houston, TX) 02: Dr. Teeth, G Dash, and guest @ Swishahouse video shoot (Houston, TX) 03: “Walkin’ It Out” at Firestone (Orlando, FL) 04: Pimp C with Pimpin’ Ken and his brother @ Club Escape for Pimpin’ Ken’s birthday bash (Milwaukee, WI) 05: Baby D and DJ Unk @ Chubby’s for Summerfest (Tallahassee, FL) 06: Gone but not forgotten: DJ Screw’s birthday cake (Houston, TX) 07: Trey Songz loves the ladies (Houston, TX) 08: Raja and Ashley @ Baja Beach Club for Raja’s birthday party (Tallahassee, FL) 09: Ed the World Famous and Keith Kennedy @ Baja Beach Club for Raja’s birthday party (Tallahassee, FL) 10: Tuesday @ Baja Beach Club for Raja’s birthday party (Tallahassee, FL) 11: Pop Gates and Tru-Life @ Def Jam party (Los Angeles, CA) 12: Big Bodie and DJ Dr. Doom during Marcus Stroud weekend (Jacksonville, FL) 13: Field Mob performing @ Ghost House (Ocala, FL) 14: Trick Daddy performing @ Ghost House (Ocala, FL) 15: Yukmouth getting acquainted with an IHOP waitress (Milwaukee, WI) 16: DJ Khaled and DJ Nasty @ Club Whispers for Pat Nix’ birthday party (Orlando, FL) 17: Yung Redd, Jody Breeze, Webbie, and Trae @ Swishahouse video shoot (Houston, TX) 18: T-Pain with his mom and dad (Tallahassee, FL) 19: Bishop Don Juan and George Daniels (Los Angeles, CA) 20: Quinn Gray and Trick Daddy @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 21: Kiotti and Rayface @ Matrix (Houston, TX) Photos: BrightStar (16); Julia Beverly (04,05,15,20); Keadron Smith (01,02,06,07,17,21); Kool Laid (11,19); Malik Abdul (03,08,09,10,13,14); Terrence Tyson (12); T-Pain (18)

37

38

01: Fantasy World calendar models @ Baja Beach Club for Raja’s birthday party (Tallahassee, FL) 02: Block and Mook B from D4L @ Block Entertainment’s hood block party 03: Pimp C visits Pimpin’ Ken and his sons (Milwaukee, WI) 04: “This picture is as close as you’ll ever come to some real pimpin’,” he says (Milwaukee, WI) 05: Da Ryno and BNard @ Street Pharmacy Meet & Greet (Houston, TX) 06: Rico Brooks, DJ DStrong, Yung Joc, Nino, and Block @ WJHM 102 Jamz (Orlando, FL) 07: DJ Khaled and Pat Nix @ Club Whispers for Pat’s birthday party (Orlando, FL) 08: GRIT girls @ Ghost House (Ocala, FL) 09: DJ Drama and Pookie @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 10: Swordz and Steve Bellamy @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 11: Rico Love and Cofa Boy (Milwaukee, WI) 12: Princess of the O and Jersey (Orlando, FL) 13: Brandon and friends @ Blue Room (Orlando, FL)\ 14: Doc Holiday and G-Money @ Firestone (Orlando, FL) 15: J Prince and Papa Screw @ DJ Screw movie release (Houston, TX) 16: Lil O and Jas Prince @ DJ Screw movie release (Houston, TX) 17: C-Rena, Ms. Monique, and Lisa Walker at Ghost House (Ocala, FL) 18: Pimp C and Yukmouth @ Pimpin’ Ken’s Birthday Bash (Milwaukee, WI) 19: Bun B performing @ the QUART Festival (Norway) 20: Jas Prince and Trey Songz @ Matrix (Houston, TX) 21: Paperchase and Pimpin’ Ken (Milwaukee, WI) Photos: BrightStar (07); Dino DeRose (11); Edward Hall (09); Julia Beverly (03,04,06,10,18,21); Keadron Smith (15,16,20); Luxury Mindz (05); Malik Abdul (01,08,12,13,14,17); Shannon McCollum (02); www.stress. no (19)

39

TJ BIGGA CHAPMAN’S RANKIN’S

10 NEXT TO BLOW

10 HOTTEST UNDERGROUND

10

Rich Boy (Mobile, AL) Dude got some hot, different stuff. He’s a Southern rapper but because of Polow, they have a whole different style that I think will allow him to carve his place in the game. I’ve been impressed as hell ever since they flew me up to Atlanta and sat in the studio to hear all these records.

He’s multi-talented, an artist and a producer, but he doesn’t have the standard artist’s mentality. Under Polow’s tutelage he sees the big picture and understands what needs to be done to get out there and make it happen.

FLORIDA RAPPERS

10 09

09

The CORE DJs Even though they’re DJs, they’re getting ready to drop an album and they really want to be taken as artists. I’ve been real impressed with their music; they’ve got good records. I like what Tony’s doing; the movement and the momentum he has as a DJ. I really see him making this album shit happen. It’s a whole new concept for DJs to empower themselves.

Acafool (Tampa) First of all, he’s got a great team behind him. He’s like the Ludacris of Florida and already has a hit on the radio, “Hatah Blockas.”

He’s been grinding big time and also has a great internet buzz as well as the streets.

Lloyd (Atlanta, GA) I think his record with Lil Wayne is gonna be the biggest record for the rest of the year. That’s a hit, all day, and it’s finally gonna catapult him to the position he deserves to be in.

08 07 06 05 04 03 02 tracks.

Young Dro (Atlanta, GA) He’s already kinda blown up, even though he ain’t dropped an album yet. In this game it’s all about creating your own lane. His image and music separates him from all these other artists.

Wine-O (Houston, TX) I love his music. He’s an all-in-one package as far as rapping and production. Even though he’s from Texas, his style is almost like Texas meets Florida/Georgia type style. He has his own sound.

Baby Huey (St. Louis, MO) He’s got catchy, infectious studio raps. I love his record. When I heard it and saw the dance associated with it, I was like, wow.

sal Records.

BloodRaw (Panama City, FL) He’s the ultimate grinder. He understands what he has to do to get to the next level, and his ear for music is crazy.

RAY TAMARRA

01

Papa Duck (Belle Isle) He’s an excellent producer with a nice buzz. He stays grindin’ and has street cred.

Young Ca$h (Jacksonville) Tremendous buzz, radio play, stays on the grind, has hot features and a good image. Plus, he’s already got a deal with SRC/UniverChill (Bradenton) He’s got a hot mixtape that’s getting him some buzz. He has good street cred and hustles.

Revo (Ft. Myers) He’s got lyrics and a hot delivery. He’s also got street cred and is always on his grind.

Bohagon (Atlanta, GA) He’s been soaking up the game for years, just waiting for this opportunity.

Now, I think it’s his time, and he’s not gonna let his time pass him by.

Plies (Ft. Myers, FL) He’s got the streets. He has a movement. I ain’t seen a movement like this since Jeezy.

PRC (Ft. Myers) This group has some hot lyrics, a new mixtape, and street cred, and they’re always on the grind.

MayDay (Miami) This is Jim Jonsin’s band and they’re signed to SouthBeat Records.

They’ve already got a buzz off their single with Cee-Lo. They’re always on tour and their video was #1 on YouTube.com.

Yola (Atlanta, GA) His single is heat. That’s all I can say because I don’t know shit else about dude, but that song “I Ain’t Gon’ Let Up” is a muthafucker. They played that three times in the club the other night and the crowd lost it.

03 02

Whole Wheat Bread (Jacksonville) These guys are so amazing. They’re in a band that plays “dirty South punk” and have been in the studio with Lil Jon cutting

01

Swordz (Jacksonville) He’s got IT! He performs well, writes well, has a great personality, great street credibility, a great management team, and a great buzz. He’s got the whole package.

even when i’m on the road a gangsta stay in touch / why the fuck you think they love me so much?

40

JULIA BEVERLY

08 07 06 05 04

Garcia (Miami) He’s got a strong publicity team behind him and is constantly doing shows.

01: Webbie (Daytona Beach, FL) 02: Chris Brown @ Hot 97’s Summer Jam (NYC) 03: Pimpin’ Ken and Pimp C @ Club Escape for Pimpin’ Ken’s Birthday Bash (Milwaukee, WI) 04: Hoopz @ Adidas party (Los Angeles, CA) 05: DJ Enuff @ Hot 97’s Summer Jam (NYC) 06: Magno and Steve Austin @ Antone’s (Austin, TX) 07: And 1’s Hot Sauce (San Antonio, TX) 08: Coach K and Young Jeezy @ Mansion (Miami, FL) 09: Boost Mobile ladies @ And 1 game (San Antonio, TX) 10: Young Cash @ Kartouche (Jacksonville, FL) 11: DJ Bounz, Spark Dawg, and Big Sid at Rapid Ric, Magno, and Chalie Boy’s “Pullin’ Up” video premiere party (Austin, TX) 12: Clinton Sparks @ Benny Boom’s party (Los Angeles, CA) 13: Haziq Ali, Julia Beverly, and Too $hort @ Apache Cafe (Atlanta, GA) 14: Big Wheel Records @ Club Envy (Dallas, TX) 15: Trae @ the Backroom (Austin, TX) 16: DJ Drama @ Summer Jam (NYC) 17: Fidel and Steve-O @ Club Escape for Pimpin’ Ken’s Birthday Bash (Milwaukee, WI) 18: Dre, DJ K-Tone, and Cool (Los Angeles, CA) 19: Veda Loca @ Rhythm City (Dallas, TX) 20: The Beat ladies (San Antonio, TX) 21: Royal and Merk Camp @ Club Envy (San Antonio, TX) 22: Charles Young, Steve Bellamy, and Byron Trice @ Club Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 23: Lupe Fiasco @ Ecko Concert in Central Park (NYC) 24: Professor on the And 1 tour (San Antonio, TX) 25: Remy Ma on the And 1 tour (San Antonio, TX) 26: Bobo Luciano @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 27: Pop Gates, Benny Boom, and Bulletz (Los Angeles, CA) 28: T-Pain on the set of J-Shin’s “Send Me An Email” (Miami, FL) 29: Archie Lee and Cootabang @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 30: Scooby of the G.R.i.T. Boys @ their meet & greet (Houston, TX) 31: Ryno during Texas Relays (Austin, TX) 32: KG & Lil Bubba @ Rhythm City (Dallas, TX) 33: Money Waters and Steve Nice @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 34: DJ Drop @ Rhythm City (Dallas, TX) 35: Corey Cleghorn and a guest @ Rhythm City (Dallas, TX) 36: Rapid Ric and a photographer on the set of his video for “Pullin’ Up” (Austin, TX) 37: And 1 Tour 38: Mr. Pookie @ Rhythm City (Dallas, TX) Photos: Bogan (28); DJ K-Tone (18); Edward Hall (14,19,21,26,29,32,33,34,35, 38); Julia Beverly (03,08,17,22); Kool Laid (04,12,27); Luxury Mindz (06,08, 09,11,15,20,24,25,30,31,36); Malik Abdul (13); Ron Locklear (10); Shoeb Malik (01); Swift (02,05,16,23)

41

K H I A ’ S 10 REASONS I’M THE

YOUNG CASH’S 10 STREET LAWS 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01

QUEEN OF THE SOUTH

Every Trap In The World Must Have An OZONE Magazine It’s the number one magazine in the world, it represents the street niggas, and it’s based out of Florida.

10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01

Always Ride With Yo’ Firestick, With One In The Chamber Ain’t no time to be doing no cocking back if it goes down.

Don’t Let The Trap And Where You Stay Be The Same Place If niggas kick yo’ trap, in, they kickin’ your house door in. If they do, you better pray they got on masks, cause it’s a chance you may live. If they don’t got on a mask, your ass is outta here.

I’m A CEO I run my own label. I put out my album Gangstress under Thug Misses Entertainment.

I Have A Solid Fan Base In The South No female in the South got more fans than me. My fan base is solid. I’m the only female that’s really been able to get work. I don’t see no female doing more shows than me.

Keep These Raggedy Ass Hoes Out Yo’ Business The same way you fuckin’ these hoes and pillow talkin’, tellin’ them all your business, the next day she’s laid up with another nigga tellin’ him where all your shit is at.

Stop Snitchin’, Period That’s self-explanatory.

Don’t Think The Police Is A White Man In Street Clothes The police have dreads, golds, and red monkey jeans just like me and you.

bail you out.

I Handle My Own Business I do my own booking, my own management, and I handle all my own business affairs. I work for myself.

I Write My Own Shit No features. No ghostwriters. I do all my own writing. I ain’t looking for no big features.

I Produced My Whole Album Gangstress was self-produced. I ain’t looking for no big name producers. I do my own beats.

My First Album Went Platinum Independent, with no promotions, 800k Soundscan. With the bootlegs, y’all know that’s two times platinum. So many DJs made money off Thug Misses. I went platinum with no promotion.

Put Some Money Away If you go to jail, you’re gonna look like a dumbass when you find out that all your so-called homeboys are out of money and can’t Hustle To Get Legal Money If you’re hustlin’ just for new Jordans and rims on your box Chevy, you got the game fucked up. You’ll be dead or in jail soon.

Don’t Be Ballin’ Out Of Control Don’t be throwing money out in the clubs, showin’ off for bitches, and takin’ bitches on shopping sprees if your children ain’t got no school clothes. Take care of your kids.

Buy My Shit This is the most important rule. Whenever you’re in any hood and you see that Young Cash Straight Drop Volume 2 mix CD, or when you go to the store and see a Young Cash album, cop that shit because it’s official.

I Own My Own Publishing And Masters I get all my royalties. All that is mine. Those royalty checks are beautiful, four times a year.

I’m A Stand Up Chick I hustled from the dirt. I did all my shit from the ground up with no help. Just me, out here hustling from hood to hood by myself.

I’m The Rawest, Realest Bitch In The Game These hoes ain’t real. Thug Misses, they know I’m raw and uncut. I’m real. Ain’t nothing fake about me.

The Hood Cosigned Me My face is good in any hood, all over the world. The hood cosigned me and I sealed the deal with worldwide recognition, not just in the South, so they’ve gotta give me the title.

WARDS OZONE AIN NOM EE:

OZONES AWARD NOMINEE:

Y PATIENTL RIDA WAITING: FLO

MALIK ABDUL

LE BEST FEMA RAP ARTIST

i’m tatted like a building in a gang zone / and every month you see me in the ozone

42

01: Green Lantern and Young Jeezy @ Hot 97’s Summer Jam (NYC) 02: J-Shin on the set of his video for “Send Me An Email” (Miami, FL) 03: Chingy (Los Angeles, CA) 04: Da Brat @ Hot 97’s Summer Jam (NYC) 05: T-Pain on the set of J-Shin’s “Send Me An Email” (Miami, FL) 06: Benny Boom @ Hot 97’s Summer Jam (NYC) 07: Bohagon @ Transcontinental Studios (Orlando, FL) 08: Matt Sonzala and Nancy Byron @ Backroom (Austin, TX) 09: Lil Jon and DJ Sosa @ Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash at Phillips Arena (Atlanta, GA) 10: Kiotti @ Matrix (Houston, TX) 11: Freeze and models @ Matrix for Webbie’s concert (Houston, TX) 12: Mr. Blakes and Rapid Ric on the set of “Pullin’ Up” (Austin, TX) 13: Ghostface @ Boost Mobile Concert (Houston, TX) 14: Mike and Miss Info @ Hot 97’s Summer Jam (NYC) 15: Spiff, The Runners, and DJ Nasty @ Transcontinental Studios (Orlando, FL) 16: T-Hud checkin’ out OZONE 17: Kiotti signing autographs @ Rosedale Park (Austin, TX) 18: YoungBleed and Klajh @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 19: X Squad (West Palm Beach, FL) 20: 98.5 The Beat crew (San Antonio, TX) 21: Clinton Sparks, Pop, and Don Cannon @ Benny Boom’s party (Los Angeles, CA) 22: Chalie Boy and his kids on the set of Rapid Ric’s “Pullin’ Up” video shoot (Austin, TX) 23: J-Deezy (Orlando, FL) 24: Alchemist @ Hot 97’s Summer Jam (NYC) 25: Nappy Roots @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 26: Baby Shaq @ And 1 Concert (San Antonio, TX) 27: Goldie from Flavor of Love @ BB King’s (Hollywood, CA) 28: Play & Skillz @ 98.5 The Beat concert (San Antonio, TX) 29: Dub and George Lopez @ T-Town Music Store (Dallas, TX) 30: D’Lyte and Uncle Pauly @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 31: Salih and Nac of Carnival Beats on the set of Rapid Ric’s “Pullin’ Up” video shoot (Austin, TX) 32: Rick Ross and Carol City Cartel @ WWHV Hot 102.1 (Virginia Beach, VA) 33: Ras Kass @ Ecko Concert in Central Park (NYC) 34: Atiyyah Wali 35: Suave Smooth (West Palm Beach, FL) 36: Cee-Lo @ the mall (Atlanta, GA) 37: Gutta Gang on the set of Rapid Ric’s “Pullin’ Up” video shoot (Austin, TX) 38: Limp Leg @ Nexxus Media Studios (Dallas, TX) Photos: Atiyyah Wali (34); Bogan (02,05); Derrick Tha Franchise (32); DJ Sosa (09); Edward Hall (18,25,29,30,37); Katching Casez (35); Keadron Smith (10,11,13,17); Kool Laid (03,21,27); Luxury Mindz (08,12,20,22,26,28,31, 36); Malik Abdul (07,15,23); Nay Fresh (19,35); Swift (01,04,06,14,24,33); Troy Hudson (16)

43

CHAMILLIONAIRE’S 10 REASONS RAPPERS SHOULDN’T LISTEN TO A&Rs 10

Ask Him How Many Mixtapes He’s Sold His answer will be proof that you shouldn’t listen to his advice. Actions speak louder than words, so tell him to get out there and prove that he can make someone hot in the streets instead of always talking about it. They can’t tell you how to get a street buzz.

09

A&Rs Are Like Stylists If you play a hot track in a studio session, I bet he’ll nod his head to an off-beat rhythm. Just like stylists, A&Rs act like everything they get is hot when everything they get is actually not. When everyone else starts telling you it’s whack, that’s when you’re A&R will be standing right next to them agreeing.

08

If You Drop A Hit Record Or Not, They Still Get Paid I bet you don’t even know what day of the week your A&R gets his paycheck, or how much he makes each week.

He won’t talk to you about that, but just know that he isn’t feeding you all these beats and giving his opinion for free. If you fail there is a possibility he’ll get fired, but he will probably attach himself to an artist that’s hotter than you and save his job.

07

He Can Disappear If your album sells less than ten copies the first week, see if you can get anything other than the answering machine, or the receptionist telling you he’s busy. You’ll be the one on the promo tour, doing all the interviews, and you will start to wonder how the hell he can be busier than you. No one likes to stand next to a loser. Only your ride-or-die homie, your girlfriend, or your mother would do that – and your A&R is none of the above.

OZONES AWARD NOMINEE:

06

When Was The Last Time You Saw An A&R Wreck The Booth On Rap City?

Most artists can’t even do it well, so how is an A&R gonna tell you how to put together your bars or craft your delivery? If he thinks you’re just a mixtape rapper, he’s not gonna give you his honest opinion when you’re doing your album.

, BEST VIDEO IS BEST LYRIC T

05

He Will Spend $20 To Purchase Something You Could Get For $2, And You’ll Have To Pay For It It’s like giving someone your wallet and telling them to go to the candy store and buy something good. After he comes back with the candy, he’s gonna give you back your empty wallet and tell you that you owe him. Your A&R is gonna spend too much money, and isn’t good at negotiating prices. We all know if the hustle man says something is $1500, you can give him $900 and a box of black & milds.

04 03 02 01

They Don’t Get Caught Ridin’ Dirty They have people that drive for them. Your A&R probably can’t relate to whatever it is that you decide to talk about on your records, so don’t expect him to. Don’t get upset when he tells you that no one wants to hear about it. He was not out there when you were pushin’ work, rollin’ dice, or hustlin’ whatever you used to hustle. He will then tell you that “Pimp B” and “Bun C” are dope but are not national.

Ever Met An A&R That Can Actually Rap? How is he gonna tell you how to rap? I know this one sounds familiar, but seriously, can anyone name an A&R that can rap? Is there one on the planet? I have never met an A&R that can even spit half a verse. Is there even a former platinum rapper that is now a successful A&R? If you can find at least one then I might be wrong, but until then I stand correct.

They’re Not In The Streets An A&R will always tell you who’s hot and who’s not hot. Your A&R is listening to whatever is the big radio station in your city, and that’s how they get their top secret street information. The morning show DJ is his top secret informant. He logs on to allhiphop.com’s rumor section weekly to find out who’s hot.

They Can’t Tell You How To Do You If you don’t trust your own decisions, you’ll be mad at yourself for listening to the same person who signed all the rappers you think are whack.

You’ll get dropped from the label and he probably won’t. Even if he does get fired, he’ll find another job at another label and do the same thing to another artist. Not all A&Rs are idiots, but no one can tell you how to do you better than you. the world is looking at texas mayne, just watch how they pick up the slang / just show ‘em your grill and pick up some drank and watch how they do the same

44

45

DJ CHUCK T’s 10 GREATEST

PUBLICITY STUNTS

10

Bow Wow Dissing Will Smith Can you believe this lil nigga had the nerve to get greasy on Will Smith? Even though Will Smith may not be your “favorite” rapper, you can’t deny the fact that he broke down a lot of doors and blazed the trail for hip-hop culture to take over the music industry and the film industry. Respect your elders, lil one. What you need to be worried about is Lil Romeo coming for your ass.

09

Philly Rappers Getting Shot So Much Philly rappers love getting shot – just look at Beanie Sigel and Gillie Da Kid. When Beans got shot, he made a record about it the very next day. When Gillie got shot his publicist flooded half the music industry’s email boxes with “BREAKING NEWS” like she had naked pictures of Beyonce or something. When will rappers realize that getting shot does not make you gangsta?

OZONES AWARDE NOMINE :

PE DJ, BEST MIXTLA HUST ER

08

Lupe Fiasco’s Fake Album Leak Most down South niggas don’t know who Lupe Fiasco is, but he’s one of the up and coming Midwest emcees. Chances are, the only place you’ve heard of him was on Kanye West’s single “Touch The Sky.” He was well on his way to releasing a double plastic album when the full version of his critically acclaimed album leaked on the internet. It was the best thing that ever happened to him. It bought him some more time, let the fans hear his music and gain confidence, and gave the label more time to promote him.

Leaking that album kept dude from being another label tax write-off. Good job Lupe!

07

Jim Jones and Tru Life’s $50,000 Boxing Match No disrespect to Jimmy or Tru Life, but this has to be the biggest crock of shit of all time. When we first heard Cam’Ron diss the fuck out of Jay-Z we wondered how long Jigga would take to drop another “Takeover” and end the career of Killa Cam and the whole Dipset movement. But Jay-Z, saying he was “too big” to respond, did the only thing he could do: unleashed Tru Life on him, the Roc’s only rapper left with some type of hood credentials (Charlamagne the God left Memphis Bleek with a swollen eye and he wasn’t gonna do shit). After Tru Life dissed the fuck out of Dipset at a life show Jim Jones went on the radio and said he’d put up $50,000 to fight Tru Life one-on-one. We all know this shit ain’t happening, and even if it did, would anyone really care?

This New York beef shit is so played out.

06 05 04 03 02

Jay-Z’s “I Declare War” Concert This one had me heated for real. After months of niggas taking subliminal shots at Jigga, we thought President Carter was finally about to bust back.

But when the concert finally came around, he dissed nobody! This nigga even went so far as to squash the beef with Nas and perform with him on stage. I’m all for people resolving their differences in peace, but damn, I wanted Hova to diss somebody bad!

Foxy Brown Losing Her Hearing This one sounded like bullshit from the minute I heard it. I’ve never heard of someone losing their hearing and having a 90% chance of gaining it back after surgery. If that was the case then damn near every deaf person would be lined for miles to get that shit done. Did Jacki-O whip her ass so bad that she couldn’t hear afterwards? Looks like she was just trying to get the attention off of that beatdown she received.

The CORE DJs Conference Call With Benzino, Funkmaster Flex, and Julia Beverly I must admit that I’m jealous of Benzino. He used this one to his advantage perfectly. Dude hopped on the call and went straight bananas. He was cursing people out left and right and didn’t give anyone a chance to say a word. The last thing on his mind was resolving the problems he had with Flex and JB; he was too worried about being a SUPER THUG. If you haven’t heard this call, you need to download it. It’s a classic.

Cam’Ron Getting Shot, Blaming Jay-Z For The Shooting, Then Dissing Jay-Z Right Before His Album Dropped This one right here is self-explanatory. It was the perfect stunt! His album was average, but if it was a little better he would be triple platinum by now.

50 Cent and The Game’s Press Conference Now this one right here takes the cake. After months of feuding and even a shootout outside of Hot 97, 50 Cent and The Game met up in Harlem on the anniversary of Biggie Smallz’ death to squash their beef. Both of them vowed not to diss each other anymore and gave away some money to charity so we’d believe them. This truce lasted a few hours. The G-Unit crew was back on Shade 45 the next weekend dissing Game. The Game came back with a few diss tracks of his own, but he should’ve stopped while he was ahead. The G-Unit crew went on a world tour and forgot about him; meanwhile he dropped mixtape after mixtape and diss track after diss track. They’d finally had enough – you can peep the new G-Unit Radio 21 cover to see what I’m talking about. Game is wearing a G-String and is in a strip club. They even have a DVD out with him on the popular dating show “Change Of Heart” admitting that he frequents male strip clubs. The cover is a Photoshop fake, but the Change of Heart clips aren’t. Game should’ve just left well enough alone. Now his career is damn near over.

01

These East Coast Rappers Will Do Just About Anything to Take The South Out of the #1 Spot In Hip-Hop Look at this list of Top 10 Publicity Stunts and tell me that there isn’t a pattern here. The East coast will do just about anything to take the attention off the South right now other than the obvious: MAKE HOT MUSIC. It’s a shame it had to come to this, but some niggas just can’t take being #2.

i’m a hustler, baby, i just want you to know / it ain’t where i’ve been, it’s where i’m ‘bout to go

46

47

PITBULL’S 10 REASONS I LOVE MIAMI 10

05 04 03 02

The Other Side Of The Bridge Miami is a melting pot, and it’s the fastest growing city ever known in the United States of fucking America. Yeah, it sounds fuckin’ good, huh?

Cuban Food And Cuban Coffee The Cuban food will put your ass to sleep and the coffee will wake your ass up.

Old School Bass And Freestyle Music You gotta check out that Stevie B “Spring Love” and that 2 Live Crew Nasty As They Wanna Be album. That and Poison Clan, that’s what I came up on.

09 08 07 06

The Tropical Environment There’s a lot of people with hot blood out there. I love Miami cause it’s hot and fucking freaky, yeah! There we go. Hot and freaky, muthafucker.

The Best Crippy In The Nation Miami crippy is different than that Cali shit. Cali shit is so strong.

Some niggas like they weed strong, but I like mine to make me happy. Miami crippy is just so fruity. Shit!

The Old School Chevy Game All the birds, the donks, the old Chevys. I love the way they can make an old car look better than a new car.

It’s The Reason America Ever Had A Drug Problem (Cocaine Capital) Everything comes through Miami directly from Columbia. There was a time that 95% of anything coming into the United States of America was coming through the port of Miami. And that right there, that’s a scientific fact.

That Bitch Don’t Sleep, Nigga We got clubs that go til the next afternoon. Everybody else’s clubs close at 2:00. You can get liquor 24 hours a day in Miami, so it works out well for alcoholics.

01

The Women The exotic international women. Miami’s full of Caribbean women, Haitians, Cubans, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, shit.

You’ve got all these women from South America there. It’s a bunch of beautiful women; all exotic.

The Nightlife The clubs, the strip clubs, everything. Oxygen, Martini Bar in the Gables, Rollexx, Coco’s, Diamonds. That’s where you can find Pitbull, yeaaaaaaah!!!!

OZONES AWARDE NOMINE :

MIXTAPE MONSTER

i do what i wanna do, move when i wanna move / y’all gonna see what i mean when i live out my dreams

48

49

50

51

DRE’S 05

basically like having a brand-new engine. The last thing you’re trying to do is get caught out on the side of the highway cause your shit broke down. Throw that one-belt system in it and it updates the engine. It’s like a brand new car, really. You want your engine to be running right, cause the last thing you wanna be doing is worrying about your shit breaking down.

10 WAYS TO HOOK UP

Throw Four 15”s In The Trunk And Play “Chevy Ridin’ High” If you got a Chevy, you gotta put 15”s in the back so niggas will hear you before they see you. And of course the record you must be playing in your Chevy is “Chevy Ridin’ High.” That’s the only record that’s gonna bump properly. That’s the right representation of your donk.

YOUR CHEVY

04

Fiberglass The Trunk And Door Panels This is another way to update the car and make it look incredible. Stunt hard. Spend a lot of money making your shit look incredible. It’s just another way of stuntin’ on muthafuckers. That fiberglass lets muthafuckers know that you really give a fuck about your car and you’re spending money on your shit and you want it to bling harder than anybody else’s. You could go to the NBA draft and pick up a decent player, or you could get a Dwayne Wade or Lebron James. Throwin’ fiberglass in your shit is like picking up a superstar; an MVP.

10 09

Put A Digital Dash In It A digital dash makes it look like a spaceship inside. If your Chevy is a ’71, they didn’t have digital dashes back then. You gotta drop in a digital dash so it looks futuristic.

Drop Candy On It The candy is the paint job; we call it “wetness.” You gotta have that wet look on the donk so when the light hits it, it just shines.

It’s gotta be wet. It’s gotta look crazy. That way, when you drop the top and you’re driving through on the beach or in the hood, if it’s 100 degrees out and the sun is shining down, that bitch is just shining.

03

Drop A Porsche Or Ferrari Top On That Bitch!

Yeah, the top is important. You can’t put that vinyl wrap on top of your car cause that shit is cheap. I went out and got a Porsche top. I got a cloth top on top of that muthafucker. Whenever it rains and you put the top up, you gotta look clean. And make sure the top matches the muthafuckin’ paint. Make it match. You gotta have a Porsche top.

08

Throw Some 26”s On It And Look Down On Them Haters You gotta look down on ‘em. That’s the main reason to put 26”s on it. It’s not a donk without 24” or 26” rims. You gotta have your Chevy ridin’ high. I can’t make a record called “Chevy Ridin’ High” and not put some 26”s on my shit. You gotta ride high.

02

Put Bucket Seats So That Bitch Can Recline!

A lot of people have a bench seat in their Chevy, but it doesn’t recline. So I dropped two captain chairs in there from an Escalade. I got two bucket seats in my shit that recline all the way back. I got a two-seater, for real.

07

Ostrich On The Seats The ostrich is just to let you know that we’re spending a lot of money. Basically, you gotta spend at least $90,000 on your Chevy if you’re trying to stunt for real. A lot of people will put suede or leather in their car, but me, I went all the way and put ostrich on it. I’m fly like a muthafucker so I might as well throw the bird all in that bitch.

06

01

A Secret Compartment For That Fire, Cause Niggas Be Plottin’!

The number one rule in the Chevy game is, never pull that bitch out the lot unless you got that iron with you. There’s a lot of haters out there. If you followed the first nine rules and your Chevy looks like mine, you better follow this rule. Dudes will definitely try to take your muthafuckin’ car – even with you in it.

Drop A One Belt System In With A 454 Engine And Do 100 On I-95 The one belt system is another way to update your car. It’s

OZONES AWARD NOMINEE:

ER BEST PRODUC i got monopoly cheese, i work the streets hard / and try to dodge them snitches with get-out-of-jail-free cards

52

53

10 WAYS TO TELL YOU’RE

DEALING WITH A TRUE

MIXTAPE MONSTER

HOUSTONIAN

10

They Still Use Sta-Flo To Starch Their Jeans Everybody else probably uses Niagara Falls or something, but down here in Houston we use Sta-Flo. It ain’t a spray starch, it comes in a Clorox-type bottle. Then you can dilute it as much as you want. I started off putting half water and half Sta-Flo, and then I started getting my skill right on the iron. If you don’t iron right, your pants will look flaky. I was using straight Sta-Flo back in the day. I used to be able to stand my pants up by themselves in the middle of the floor. If you’re a true Houstonian, you still do it like that.

09

They Rolled Up A Fat Ass Ballbat When They Heard The Pimp Was Free, And Have Been Impatiently Waiting For A UGK Reunion Ever Since Even though UGK isn’t from Houston, they’ve been putting it down for us for so, so long. I’ve been listening to them since I was a youngster. I remember the first time I met Bun B, I was kinda starstruck. He practically raised me and didn’t even know it. I was listening to UGK, Master P, Cash Money, and a few other people at the time, but when Pimp got locked up, that kinda put the UGK thing on ice. Everybody thought he was gonna be doing the full eight [years] so when we heard he was getting out, everybody lit a fat one up for him. Now we’re waiting for that UGK album. I got that Pimp album now and I’m loving it.

08

They’re Still Talking About How Pissed Off They Are That It Took 20 Hours To Get From Houston To Conroe (Normally 30 Minutes) During Hurricane Rita, And Ain’t Shit Happen!

You gotta be a true Houstonian to know about that. Actually, you gotta be a true Nawfside Houstonian to know about that. If you were on the Soufside you were probably going towards Victoria. Imagine being in a club and there’s 1,000 people in there, and it’s only two exits, and you tell everybody they’ve got two minutes to get out. So everybody’s trying to leave at the same time. When that storm was coming, man, everybody was running out of gas. The freeways were just gridlocked. Houston’s a big city and there’s only two ways to exit. Man, it was crazy.

07 06 05

They’re Still Houston Rocket Season Ticket Holders A lot of Houstonians are still trying to hold onto that last piece of glory we had from ’94, ’95. Eleven years later, we just ain’t been able to do it. We ain’t even been getting into the playoffs, and if we do, we lose in the first round. I’m still a big Rockets fan. It takes a true Houstonian to stay down.

They Own An Astrovan With Swangaz (4-4s) On It Down here, we’ll put swangaz on anything. I think my grandpa used to have swangaz on his wheelchair – I’m tryin’ to remember. We’ll put swangaz on a Yugo, it don’t matter.

Their Favorite Rapper Totally Depends On Which Side Of Town They Were Raised On Ain’t nobody from the Nawf fans of the Soufside rappers. But with the OG rappers, you never know, because some of them were around before the Nawf and Soufside beef came about. Slim Thug, Chamillionaire, and Paul Wall are from the Nawf, and Lil Keke is from the Souf. I’ve heard Paul say that Keke was his favorite rapper, which is easy to believe because Keke was doing it way back then when we was still kids. So that one goes against the stereotype. But a lot of Nawfside people grew up only listening to Nawfside rappers. When I was 11 or 12 years old I started listening to the Screwed Up Click, and when all that stuff started going down they were talking down on the Nawf so I stopped buying their tapes. I started buying Swishahouse tapes instead, so what you see [in music] right now is a result of the tension [between the Nawf and Souf sides of Houston]. True Houstonians don’t really support the other side.

But now that the spotlight is on us, we’re getting our mind right. It’s a Houston thing – it don’t matter, Nawf or Souf. Back in the day you wouldn’t dare hear somebody say that.

04

Every Photo Pose Is A Grill Shot I’ll admit that I’m guilty of this one. But in my recent photo shoots, I just take serious pics. But back in the day, if you got a brand new grill, you finna be grillin’ all over. What’s funny is that other places are just now getting into the grill thing. Man, in Houston, our grandmamas used to be grilled out, so it’s nothing new to us. Now we’re seeing people in other cities just extra cheesy. Man, it’s just a grill. Everybody got one. Even rappers that have been having a grill for five or six years before they hit the limelight, even they’re cheesing real hard with a grill. So that’s a true Houstonian – when you gotta let everybody know you’ve got a grill. That’s how we do.

03 02 01

They’re Latino And Have A Grill From Paul Wall No matter where I go, the only places I’ve ever seen a Latino person with a grill was in Houston or Dallas. If you go somewhere else, only black people have grills. Here in Houston, black people, white people, and Mexicans all have grills, which brings us to number two: They’re Oriental And Have A Grill From Paul Wall I was in the mall today pumping CDs and an Oriental kid who happened to be a real big fan stopped me. It tripped me out that he was Oriental and grilled out. He probably had a better grill than Mike Jones.

Every Other Word Out Of Their Mouth Is “Awready,” “Knowmsayin’?” or “Knowmtimbout”?

That’s just how we talk down here in Texas. Whenever we get caught in the middle of a thought, that’s our crutch. I believe everybody has a crutch – different dialects have different crutches. We say “awready” for everything, man.

c taught me how to pimp, ‘face showed me how to cock a pump / p taught me game, bun showed me how to pop a trunk

54

LUXURY MINDZ

MAGNO’S

OZONES AWARDE NOMINE :

KILLER MIKE’S 10 REASONS OPRAH HATES RAPPERS

10

OZONES AWARDE NOMINE :

She’s “The Other O” Amongst the readers of the OZONE Magazine, Oprah is referred to as “the other O.” Oprah’s magazine is called “O,” but yours is the real “O,” yours is the real shit. OZONE is the real “O.”

IST, BEST LYRIC P BEST RA ION COLLABORAT

09

Steadman Denied Access To Def Jam Tour Oprah felt that Steadman should have been the third member of the Redman and Method Man concert tour. So basically she’s mad that Def Jam didn’t grant Steadman access to the tour. They wouldn’t give him an honorary membership in the group. She wanted it to be Method Man, Redman, and Steadman.

08

Papoose Never Got Clearance To Make The Song “The Color Purple” Papoose has a song called “The Color Purple” and he didn’t clear it with Oprah. You know, she opened her thing in New York, the Broadway thing. But when I went up there, the biggest thing was Papoose’s song, not Oprah’s play.

07 06

than she did.

Diddy She’s angry that Diddy got more press for doing the New York City marathon

David Banner She’s angry that David Banner made Mississippi more famous than she did.

She’s from a little small town in Mississippi. Betcha didn’t know that, huh?

05 04 03

something.

Outkast Refused To Do Her Show…

Again She must have a crush on Andre 3000 or

Killer Mike Outkast owns a record company that puts out Killer Mike, so since she’s mad at Outkast, she’s mad at Killer Mike.

Jim Jones Jim Jones said that Kanye’s clothes are gay, and Kanye West is Oprah’s favorite rapper. And no matter how successful he is, all other rappers refuse to dress like Kanye.

02

She Thinks We Told Harpo To Beat Her If you watch “The Color Purple,” there’s a scene where Harpo, the stepson of Whoopi Goldberg, asks her what he should do about Oprah because she’s too strong-minded. Whoopi says he should beat her, cause that’s what happened to her the whole movie. So she thinks that we were the ones that told Harpo to beat her.

JULIA BEVERLY

01

I Don’t Know I don’t know why she’s mad. Who knows? We both got white audiences.

We’re the hip-hop generation. Our audience’s parents is her audience.

glitter, glisten, gloss, floss / i catch a beat runnin’ like randy moss

56

RICK ROSS’

06

The Music Jay-Z is on the album. Akon is on the album. Lyfe Jennings is on the album. Lil Wayne is on the album. Mario Winans is on the album. My group Carol City Cartel is on the album. Young Jeezy is on the album. The music speaks for itself.

10 REASONS TO 05 BUY MY ALBUM 10 09 08 07

The Movement This is causing a movement, and I want to salute all my partners that made it possible – the DJ Khaleds, the Cool & Dres, the whole 305 M-I-Yayo, feel me? This is a movement so real, you want to be a part of this shit. It wasn’t like this in Miami for a long time. It’s a lot of down South support right now.

04

Because I Kicked In The Door With The Biggest Anthem Of The Year Every day I’m “Hustlin’.” Biggest anthem of the year. And to top it off, I went and put Jay-Z and Young Jeezy on the remix.

“Boss.”

The Ladies Are Gonna Love It Too All they’re hearing is the street Rick Ross. So they’re buying the album thinking they’re gonna surprise their nigga. But when they hear it, they’re gonna be like, I love this guy. This guy makes shit for us too. I got music for the ladies; I got a few surprises for the ladies.

My Struggle Twelve years in the game. I started with no lights on and kept going hard, and we prevailed. Now I’ve got everybody saying

03 02 01

My Flow My lyrics; my presence. It’s just different. It’s the new trend; the new shit. Gotta have that flow.

My Flyness, My Fashion, My Style I’m 300 pounds and proud of it. Billionaire Boys Club, we diesel.

I’m a fly dude, sweetheart. How many fat 300 pound dudes wear Gucci belts? It’s just my swagger. I’m fly until I die. I’m a fly guy. I’m the only 300 pound dude that wears Prada and BBC. It’s all part of my lifestyle.

It’s History This is history in the making. I know it is for me, and for my fans it should be too.

It’s A Classic It’s a classic cause it’s a classic. It’s a classic cause the boss said it was a classic. It’s a must-have collectible.

I’m The Fucking Best Last but not least, I’m the fucking best. I’m the fucking best. I’m the fucking best. Want me to tell you why? Because I started from nothing. Nobody believed in me and I turned a mixtape into the biggest bidding war in the history of Southern hip-hop.

WARDS OZONE AIN NOM EE:

ROUGH BREAKTHIS ART T, , BEST VIDEGOER CLUB BAN

who the fuck you think you’re fuckin’ with, i’m the fuckin’ boss / 745 white on white, that’s fuckin’ ross

58

59

PAUL WALL’S 10 PERSONAL FAVORITE SCREW TAPES

Disclaimer: DJ Screw is the originator. If he didn’t mix it, technically it’s not “Screwed.” However, it’s our obligation and responsibility to represent his legacy as Texans and loyal fans of “Screw” music. To call the music anything other than “Screw” would be a discredit to the originator himself.

10 09 08 07 06

05 04 03 02

Michael “5000” Watts – Before The Kappa 2000 This was the mixtape that gave me my claim to fame. I freestyled over Dre Dre’s “Xxxplosive” and made my place in the Screw Hall of Fame.

circuit.

any Texan.

Window.”

Michael “5000” Watts – Northside 9 Slim Thug, J-Dawg, and PJ put forth some very memorable freestyles that Watts mixed, chopped, and blended. It was the shit.

ABA – Lil Keke: The Album Before The Album Lil Keke’s most recent mixtape shows that he can still hold his own on the m-i-c. It’s amazing to see how the original freestyle pro and Screwed Up Click originator can still set trends and turn heads.

Paul Wall & Gu – Mushu Academy This mixtape was a collection of all the best slow jams from the 90s, Screwed and Chopped. It was a huge hit on the slow jam

Slim Thug & Michael “5000” Watts – I Represent This A collaboration of all of Slim Thug’s best known freestyles up to the date of its release in 1999. By ’99, Slim Thug already had a “Greatest Hits” collection.

Michael “5000” Watts – Swisha 90 This was the first time we heard Slim Thug on a mixtape. His verse to Master P’s “Homies and Thugs” is still well-known to

DJ Screw – 3 N’ The Mornin’ Vol. 2 This was the first ever nationally distributed “Screw” tape.

Lil Keke ravaged the airwaves of radio with the hit freestyle “Pimpin’ Pens,” unquestionably the biggest song/freestyle to ever come out of Houston. To this day if you play this in any club in Houston, you’ll get a bigger response than any other song all night long.

DJ Screw – Leanin’ On A Switch Lil Keke ruled the mic on this one. Him and Big Pokey did their thing to various instrumentals like Goodie Mob’s “Peepin’ In My

01

Michael “5000” Watts – Rolling Strapped This was the original Swishahouse mixtape that had the Slim Thug freestyle which contained the sample for the hit song “Still Tippin’,” six years later.

DJ Screw – Who’s Next With Plex Lil Keke, Big Pokey, and Bird wrecked instrumentals like “Love’s Gonna Get Ya’ and “You’s A Customer.” Lil Keke showed finesse and one hell of a vocab as he dismantled the mic in classic freestyle form: no pen, no pad, off the top of the dome.

OZONES AWARDE NOMINE :

JULIA BEVERLY

BEST RAPLE, A ARTIST - M K A TASTEM ER

it’s paul wall baby what you know ‘bout me / i’m on that 5-9 southlea baby holla at me

60

DAVID BANNER’S

10 ART OF WAR TACTICS 10 09 08 07

Fuck His Ol’ Lady Muthafuckers front like they’re pimps, but they’re really weak for women. I think most of the altercations that go down, most of the problems that happen, and most of the wars that are fought in this world are over women. So if you really wanna get to a nigga’s brain you can do it through his heart. That’s how you really win a fight. Fuck the shit outta his old lady.

Get Money Jealousy is the root of all evil. So in a lot of cases, I don’t even try to physically beat these muthafuckers. If you get money and become successful, a person has to live in your shadow for the rest of their life. The best way to win a war is not to touch a muthafucker. Let him live in your shadow for the rest of his life. Make his little daughter scream your name when she sees you on TV. Fuck His Sister Getting to their family will always piss them off. It’s hard for somebody to retaliate against you if someone in their family loves you.

Take His Dope Aside from his woman, nothing fucks with a man more than his money. If you take away his way to feed his family, you can control his emotions.

Being emotional is never the way to win a war. If you fight somebody, fight them with a calm spirit. If you go to war, go with a calm spirit. You can never win when you’re mad. You have to be able to think, and when you’re mad you’re not thinking straight.

OZONES AWARDE NOMINE :

06 05

Blow Up His Car People spend so much money on their car, it’s almost like their woman. Refer to #10.

, BEST VIDERO HUSTLE ,E NO ESCAP

Take A Picture In His House And Send It To Him This one’s self-explanatory. He’ll know that you’ve been in his fucking house.

You’ve violated his comfort zone.

04

Ignore Him A lot of times, people’s ego leads them to become angry. When they’re giving their best effort and you’re ignoring them, you make them feel insignificant; like a fool, a court jester.

03

Piss Or Spit On Him Pissing or spitting on him is another one of my anger tactics. When you piss or spit on somebody it makes them so angry that you control them. Anger is a good way for you to control somebody. If you whoop their ass and knock them out and piss on them and spit in their face, it’s really good for you.

02 01

Slap Him Same thing as pissing. Refer back to #03.

JULIA BEVERLY

Pray For Him This is the most important one.

Sometimes it’s better for you to just pray for your enemies and leave it at that. Sometimes the moves that you make while trying to attack someone else actually work against you.

Put it like this: To dig a grave for somebody, you have to have one step in the grave yourself. So if you just pray for them and leave it with God, then you’re protected and you’re in the right. All the other nine methods that I talked about bring you one step closer to the grave.

maybe hell ain’t a place for us to burn / maybe earth is hell and just a place for us to learn

62

63

DJ NASTY’S

10 09 08 07 06 05 04

10 ORLANDO HOT SPOTS Tabu Nightclub It’s the #1 spot to party on a Wednesday night, plus Orlando’s hottest DJ, DJ Nasty, sets the party off lovely. First Wednesdays at Tabu Nightclub are legendary.

The Blue Room’s Martini Mondays After the weekend is over, you know it’s impossible to find a nice spot to party on a Monday night. Well, say no more – DJ Nasty, DJ K-Ozz, and Infinite keep this place poppin’ every Monday night.

Chef in Pine Hills This dude should have his own cooking show. If you’re looking for a spot to eat after the club, you need to go check out my boy Chef. Where else can you eat steak, lobster, and shrimp at 4 AM? Carib Craft C’mon, you know hip-hop and reggae go together. My homie Trevor’s got the hottest dancehall in the city, plus he keeps a full stock of champagne cola.

Nelquan’s Touch Barbershop I’ve been going to Nelquan since he was cutting hair at his mom’s crib back in the days, and I haven’t stopped yet. Plus, if you wanna know all the street gossip, you’ll hear it here.

OZONES AWARD NOMINEE:

Kres Restaurant If you’re in the mood for a good steak or a cool, sexy, chillout spot, this is the perfect place. Plus, it’s open late night.

BEST RADIO DJ

Rock & Roll Heaven I’ve been going to this record store for twelve years now, and it’s the last record store left in the city. If you’re looking for classic soul, jazz, rock, funk, and hip-hop records, you don’t wanna leave the O without checking them out.

03

Transcontinental Studios This is most definitely the place to be if you’re in the music business and trying to record like a king. Everyone from Dr. Dre to R Kelly has recorded here. You can find me and The Runners at this hot spot.

02 01

Club Whispers Saturday Night If you know anything about Frontline Promotions, you know they know how to throw a party! Add DJ Nasty and the game’s over. It’s grown and sexy.

MALIK ABDUL

JULIA BEVERLY

The Club At Firestone What can I say? It’s the hottest party in the city on a Sunday night. You can hear me DJ, plus, it’s the OZONE Awards official afterparty spot.

so we holding grudges / screaming “fuck ‘em” at all the orange county judges

64

BUN B’s 10 WAYS TO

07 06 05 04 03 02 01

Take Ya Time Don’t rush for the quick money. It leads to the quick route out of the game. Be patient til the lane is clear.

Know Ya Limits Big bank still takes little bank. Don’t compete with people that are out of your league. Keeping up with the Joneses is the quickest way to go broke.

KEEP IT TRILL 10 09 08

Stay Focused Money, power, and hoes can cloud even the strongest man’s focus. Keep your eyes on the prize.

Keep It To Yourself If it’s not your business, keep it that way.

Recognize And Respect Trillness In Others Under no circumstances can a trill nigga hate on another. If they’re doing their thang, give it up accordingly, and try to break bread if at all possible.

or not.

Give Back Be it through money, time, advice, or mentorship, it is your duty to teach the next generation the right way to do things. No matter how smart they may seem, they don’t really know.

Know The Game Whatever your grind is, know as much as you can before you jump in. Otherwise, you disrespect the game and also the players.

Rep Yo’ Hood Not the part of your city that’s gangsta, or the closest gangsta city.

I’ma rep P.A., regardless of whether they group us with Houston Run Wit’ Trill Niggas You know the saying, “Hang with nine broke niggas and you’ll be the tenth”? It applies to trill niggas too.

Be Trill In The First Place You can’t keep it trill until you get trill.

DS NOMINEE: OZONE AWABREST LYRICIST,

, BEST ALBEUNM , D G E L LIVING MALE BEST RAP ARTIST

two young boys who was ready to mash / put p.a. on the map and maybe make a little cash

66

67

TRAE’S 10 WAYS TO BE AN

ASSHOLE 10

Rules Are Made To Be Broken Hell yeah. I take it to the extent that a nigga don’t really listen to nobody. Since you’re an asshole you can have the attitude that you’re gonna do whatever you wanna do. We really don’t care what nobody says.

09

Just Don’t Give A Damn That’s the type of mindframe we keep all the time. We don’t give a damn about anything. That’s our attitude. I’m talking about, we give a fuck about what you like or don’t like. We just don’t give a damn.

08 07

Pants Saggin’ Flag Waving Asshole By Nature is gang-affiliated, so you got a lot of different gangs involved, from the Crips to the Bloods to the GDs and Vice Lords. We rep the flag.

Take The Law Into Your Own Hand If shit ain’t going right and somebody got out of line and you feel the need to take care of it, take care of it yourself. If something happens to one of your people in these streets you gotta take care of the shit in your own way.

06 05 04

new friends.

Keep A Fucked Up Attitude Shit, you gotta keep a fucked up attitude at all times. Ain’t nothing friendly about us. We really ain’t tryin’ to make too many

Disrespect Those Who Disrespect You Shit, if somebody crosses that line and disrespects you, beat they muthafuckin’ ass. If they cross that line of respect, they’ve got to be dealt with.

Hop In The Slab And Swang On Somebody’s Ass That’s when you’re looking good in your slab. Pop the trunk, wave on muthafuckers. That’s what we do to the laws and all those people who think they holdin’, all the people who think they looking good.

everything.

Always Yell “Free Dinkie” And “Free Jay’Ton” No Matter Where You At From the block to the award ceremony, we always yell “Free Dinkie” and “Free Jay’Ton.” Them two are the soldiers that’s gone, and both of them are my brothers. We always yell that, no matter where we at, at all times.

OZONES AWARDE NOMINE :

BEST RAP, COLLABOY PATIENTLEXAS WAITING T

01

Fuck With Us And Find Out If you really wanna know what being an asshole is all about, try to break one of these rules we just made and you’ll find out real quick. Keep in mind that this is only the ten rules that we’re willing to give you.

ain’t too much they can do to a g / but try to hate me every second due to the fact who i be

68

MIKE FROST

03 02

Death Before Dishonor Everything with us is family made. So if you do decide to dishonor the family, remember that there’s consequences for

DJ DRAMA’S

04

DJ Drama, T.I., & P$C - In Da Streetz Meets Gangsta Grillz In Da Streetz is the first T.I. & P$C mixtape, the first complete tape I did with Grand Hustle. And the Gangsta Grillz release was the first complete tape with one movement from one artist, with Tip being the main artist. Now that you see what Gangsta Grillz has become and how other movements have been built, a lot of that shit has been built off that tape. That tape came before any of the Trap or Dies or Dedications. Tip was the first person I did a whole, complete mini-album with. That set the standard for myself and other tapes after that.

10 FAVORITE GANGSTA GRILLZ 10

03

DJ Drama & Lil Wayne - Dedication 1 & 2 Around the time when those tapes came out, it was at a point where Lil Wayne really convinced people of his lyrical domination. When the Dedication came out, Wayne went hard. Real hard. I think covers mean a lot, and there was something about the artistic value of that cover that really matched the CD. Plus, the fact that it was a part one and a part two – the majority of the tapes that have come out with an artist have only been one CD. So that was big. With Jeezy, it was a whole new movement. With Tip, every time he came out it was a whole new situation. But with Wayne, we stayed with the concept for the second part. When you do a sequel, you’ve always gotta be concerned about living up to the first one.

I think the second one surpassed the first. That nigga proved he’s a beast.

DJ Drama, DJ Sense, Don Cannon, & Willie The Kid - The Day The Game Changed Willie the Kid is the future of our movement.

Willie’s the first artist off Aphilliates Music Group so that’s a special tape because that’s under my umbrella. I’ve been watching that project blossom and bloom. That’s home team, so you know that’s more powerful than anything.

09

DJ Drama, Killer Mike, David Banner, & Bonecrusher - Gangsta Grillz 6 This Gangsta Grillz was when I kinda realized I was onto something. I was still working in the streets, making my moves on the day-to-day grind, and I was seeing bootleggers. I didn’t realize how many units were actually being moved, even if they weren’t all coming from me. This Gangsta Grillz had all the bangers on it, and at the time, the mixtape game wasn’t what it is now – oversaturated. Of course, Big Oomp and Jelly and them and Goldfinger and a couple of other people in the A were making mixtapes, but it wasn’t as many out there. It had all the bangers and it was right on the cusp of when those songs were about to blow up. From that tape, I realized something was definitely brewing.

02

DJ Drama, T.I., & P$C - Gangsta Grillz: Down With Tha King This mixtape is another classic moment in history. At the time there was an ongoing feud between Tip and Lil Flip, and I think this tape was a standing point in that battle. From a hip-hop standpoint, if you look at what that tape meant on both sides – what it meant to Tip’s career and what it meant to Flip’s career, for that matter – that shit was a classic.

08

DJ Drama & Bun B - Gangsta Grillz: Legend Series Vol. 1 This was the first of the legend series. I got the opportunity to work with a real veteran. Until that point, I had been working with people that I was coming up with. Bun hit me out of the blue one day on my pager – it was an old one, a 2way. He wanted to do a project with me so it was a no-brainer, being the legend that he is. That was a breakthrough for me, and he’s a good dude. He saw the movement early on.

01

DJ Drama & Young Jeezy - Gangsta Grillz: Trap or Die When that tape was out, I was doing a lot of traveling. It didn’t matter what city I was in – I always heard it in everybody’s city. It was essential. Gangsta Grillz has had a lot of pivotal moments, but it was something about the impact of that tape. What it did for both my career and Jeezy’s career was monumental.

07

DJ Drama & Big Boi - Gangsta Grillz 10 At that time in his career, nobody had gotten Big Boi to do a mixtape. Outkast had just come out with their last album, which went on to do millions of numbers. It was a tape that took me a long time to really make happen. I put it in existence by saying it, so I had to make sure it happened. That was big at the time. It was very hard to get him in the studio. I had been working on it for months prior to their album coming out, but because it took so long, it didn’t happen til after the album came out. But it actually worked out better, because it gave the tape a different flavor. I had to use my brain a little more and be creative.

OZONES AWARDE NOMINE :

BEST MIXTAPE DJ, U H STLER

06

DJ Drama & Lil Jon - Gangsta Grillz 4 This is what really kicked it off. T.I. was the first complete tape, but Lil Jon was almost where Gangsta Grillz was born. “Gangsta Grillz,” that’s the slogan that everybody knows and hears throughout their hood, and that’s Lil Jon’s voice. So from him coming in early and coming to fuck with me and showing love and hosting my tape, the next tape I did after that I didn’t have a host, so I said, fuck it, let me use Jon’s voice again. From then on out, it stuck.

05

DJ Drama & Little Brother - Gangsta Grillz: Separate But Equal This is one of my favorites because this situation helped me get back to my roots and show that Gangsta Grillz and what I represent, or even the South as a whole, can’t be put in a box. Little Brother are some artists from North Carolina, but they’re compared more to A Tribe Called Quest or Slum Village than anything else in the South. They’re talented dudes that get overlooked. It was an interesting move to do a Gangsta Grillz, because at the time we were wondering how it was going to be perceived. Why is a group that’s not perceived as “gangsta” doing a Gangsta Grillz? But I think it was ingenious, and it took the movement outside of the box and let people know that I’m well-rounded.

try to jack, we pull the strap asap pronto / king of the south, every hood’s head honcho

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71

FIELD MOB’S

The NBA players did their homework cause that’s their job to know who’s coming and who’s playing. The industry is no different. Niggas have heard of Big Nod. There’s a lot of Big Nod wannabes. Some of your favorite rappers sound just like him, but with an Atlanta twang. I be peeping game. Go cop that Big Nod Come Up Man. I told you so. Everybody who hears it loves it. if you hear it, you’re a fan. And I don’t like nobody’s shit. I’m picky. People be making bullshit to me. But then again, I look at music differently, cause I do it.

A fire-ass beat don’t really turn me on.

SHAWN JAY’S

10 MOST SLEPT-ON 04

Beanie Sigel He’s another one I think they’re really afraid of. If you just look at the game, it’s funny, man. The industry really is kind of gay.

Every CD he puts out, I be like, damn, it’s time niggas thought Beanie Sigel was on the same level as Jay. But damn, when you look at his numbers, he’s still slept on. What if the label gave the same push to Beanie Sigel that they gave Nelly?

RAPPER S

03

10

Yukmouth Yukmouth can spit. I think he’s another one of those niggas that’s been around for a minute getting that gwop. When I say “slepton,” these niggas are still getting gwop, but they deserve that one mil, two mil gwop straight out the gate every time. I wish more of the real talented niggas got on more than it just being focused on the beats. I be joking with my nigga Frank Nitti, cause Nitti just basically give you a beat and that’s the song. It’s over. He’ll write it, give you the hook and the song. With a producer like that, damn, they make a rapper’s job easy. Nowadays all you gotta do is be pretty.

“C’mon, baby, just be cute and we’ll get you a rapping job.” Yukmouth got them West Coast beats and I think that’s why he’s on the low low. I hear him, but I wanna see more TV and magazine covers for niggas like that.

Tech N9ne You know what I think it is? I think niggas are just scared of how he looks. You gotta sell yourself, and that nigga do look devilish. So that’s what it is, that’s why he ain’t cracked open yet. The mainstream people fussing behind a desk ain’t gonna sign him because they don’t see the marketability. That’s why he’s slept on. He’s hard though; he’s fire.

09

Devin The Dude Shit, he’s one of my favorites. Matter of fact, he might be one of the best. He don’t talk about all that dumb shit. I ain’t never heard him talk about no dope other than smoking it. Everybody says he’s fire, but people don’t never talk about him. He’s one of those people that niggas steal shit from. They bite his style and he don’t get that compliment. He’s cool enough to know that and never say nothing. He’s that cool laid back nigga.

I could say whatever the fuck I wanna say in this magazine; that’s why I wanted to do 10 most slept on artists. Those are the niggas that ain’t gonna say nothing. The album sales don’t mean nothing. His shit is fire. You don’t hear him in the club or on the radio, but I know somebody out there agrees with me cause he still got a job and J Prince still takes care of him, apparently.

02

Playaz Circle They’re another one – if you hear them, you’re gonna like it. You gotta give them that push. I’m glad they’re signed to the same label as me, DTP. It’s a good look. They got a mixtape; these niggas got a fan base and they ain’t really tryin’ to have a fan base. They just pushing CDs and they shit kept getting bootlegged. It’s crazy. I like ‘em.

01

08

Shawn Muthafuckin’ Jay Me, myself, I. Know why? Cause sometimes being different is a muthafucker. I have fun. I don’t wear that gangsta image. Thugs ain’t harder than niggas like me, man. I done been in every environment; every situation you can think of. We done hit licks. You can do anything, nigga, I know about karma. I got a daughter now. I’m tryin’ to keep my hands out of the streets so bad right now. I can just be cool because I wanna talk about life, straight up. Just some real life shit. Sometimes I wanna stay dapper. I try to keep it one hundred, right? Niggas say that when I talk I’m very animated.

That’s just me; I get it. I just do Shawn Jay. I’m getting that gwop. It’s time for these niggas to crack it open. This time, Luda and them are behind me, pushing me. Shawn Jay, he is I and I am him. You ain’t used to niggas like me, so it’ son the low. You ain’t hearin’ about me in The Source or XXL, but I’m moving mixtapes on my myspace page. Tell ‘em that. I’m one of the best out there right now. Ain’t no other options.

MJG It’s 2006 and I’m just now starting to see MJG on some other folk’s songs. When you talk about slept on, he is the pillowcase. I coulda put Bun B on this list too but he done got out there, finally. I want him to win an award. Bun B is official now. They recognize him. But MJG, damn.

I never heard MJG have a whack verse, ever, and that’s what we here for, aren’t we? Every time he gets up in the pulpit and preaches, it sounds good. If you don’t like MJG, you’re stupid.

07

Chamillionaire I had to put him on there. He’s my partna, but sometimes, dawg, he’s like Scottie Pippen. Scottie Pippen is a great player, man, a Hall of Famer, but he will always be overshadowed by Michael Jordan. The Houston movement is like the Chicago Bulls. I love the Houston movement and I’m a big supporter, I got a lot of partnas out there like Slim Thugga, but Chamillionaire done sold a million records and ain’t got no accolades for being the shit. It’s still hate all around the board. I just look at who controls the game, and it’s crazy how niggas from the South do certain shit and it’ll still be so low key that nobody hears about it. Boy, don’t make me get started. Yeah, he’s another nigga that’s slept on. He’s my dawg and he done sold a million records. I hope niggas respect that and give him some TV time. I want everybody to get some TV time. I don’t really care, I’d rather write songs for these niggas. Holla at me, I’m still doing that. I’m your favorite rapper’s rapper.

OZONES AWARDE NOMINE :

/R&B BEST RAPB COLLA O

06

Haystak When you’re a white boy in rap music, it’s gotta be hard.

Everybody’s gonna classify you as something – either you’re an Eminem or a Paul Wall. But Haystak’s been around for a while and he don’t sound like nobody in particular. Shit, Haystak’s fire. I ain’t never met him, but I’m tryin’ to do something with him. He’s an underground cat so I’m pretty sure he’s getting that gwop. I try to keep up with his CD collection. I’ve been fuckin’ with him since back in the day.

05

JULIA BEVERLY

Big Nod Albany, Georgia is a big-ass fruitful city. It’s small as fuck. It’s country as hell. It’s like Pluto. Imagine if you went to Pluto – nobody on Pluto will act like on another planet, cause it ain’t close to nothing.

Big Nod is Albany to the core; he’s my favorite. He made muthafuckers want to rap. He’s the Lebron James of this shit. Before Lebron James came to the league, all the NBA players had heard about him. They knew he was coming.

hustlers on every corner like the waffle house in atlanta / r.i.p. camoflauge out in savannah

72

CITTY’S

JACKI-O’s 10 WAYS A GIRL CAN GET MONEY 10 09 08

10 WAYS TO GRIND

10 09 08 07 06 05 04

Get A Job If you don’t have a bad background, you can always try to go get a job.

Welfare If you got kids, you can get a lil’ small check from the government. That always helps a little.

07 06

Boostin’ This ain’t something I recommend, but you know, when the first three things ain’t work and it’s kinda getting hard, you gotta go get something. Especially if it’s time to pay your bills.

producer.

Bartending That’s just like stripping cause you still gotta use that talk game to get extra money. Niggas don’t like to tip these days in the club, so you gotta have game to get big tips. It’s damn near like stripping except you ain’t showing nothing.

03 02

03

02

01

Find A Rich Nigga And Get Pregnant

By Him You gotta be real, real scandalous to pull this one off. Even I ain’t this scandalous. That’s what you do when all else fails.

OZONE AWARDS NOMINEE:

PATIENTLGY WAITIN GEORGIA

girl, i don’t pay for weed, i get in clubs free / in v.i.p., and we drinking bubbly

74

TERRENCE TYSON

Sacrifice And Grind As Hard As Possible!

Can’t nobody promote you better than you. If you grind hard, it makes the people around you grind hard.

01 RONNIE WRIGHT

Be A Professional Know how to approach people. Be respectable, because respect can get you a long way.

Do What Other Artists Around You Don’t Do Find something that makes you stand out, whether it’s your style of rapping, clothes, or hair color. Find your niche.

Child Support You can get money from a nigga when he don’t wanna take care of them kids. Welfare is what you get from the government; child support is what you get when the government gets tired of giving it to you so they make the nigga give it to you. That’s what child support is for.

LE BEST FEMTA T IS R A RAP

Try The Open Mic Spots, Showcases, And Concerts It won’t hurt to spend a couple dollars to be heard. You’ll gain experience and fans by showing off your shit.

Sell Your Product!

Sell your shit for a reasonable price. Don’t try to sell a CD for $10 if nobody’s ever heard of your ass. It’s all about the music, so make it available. The more people that have your music, the more valuable you are.

Trafficking A lot of niggas ain’t even got shit for a bitch to traffic. Nowadays, it’s so hard out here in the streets there ain’t no dope to traffic.

WARDS OZONE AIN NOM EE:

Pick Good Production Get tracks from every producer you can find. Listen to everything because you just might find a hit from a no-name

Find Genuine Help Look for people who truly believe in your shit. You can’t do it by yourself, so get people who are really going to help and not try to take away from your situation. Don’t shit on them, either.

Stripping If you’re shy about stripping and you don’t want nobody to see your body, you’ll probably have to go to a white club or something like that where they won’t know you. I done caught a lot of hoes that act like they all that up in the white clubs, stripping. Stripping is the all-time favorite pastime for girls when they’re tryin’ to get money.

Selling Pussy This one is real scandalous too.

This is scraping the bottom of the barrel. Thank God I ain’t reached down there yet. That’s when you ain’t got no more hustle; no more game. That’s what hoes do when they just lay down; they start selling pussy because they ain’t got no more grind and no more hustle.

But that’s just 10 ways to get money; I got 90 more.

Hit Every Spot You Can Strip clubs, reggae joints, upscale clubs, hood spots, bars, even white clubs. Don’t limit your music.

Talk To Every DJ Personally Get their info and call them later to follow up. Don’t pressure the DJ to play your shit if they’ve never heard it. Some DJs may play your shit on the spot, it just depends on the situation.

A Nigga If you got your talk game up, you can get it from a nigga. If you know how to hustle a nigga without fuckin’ him, she could get it. You gotta have game though. You can’t just go ask a nigga for money. You could try, but if that don’t work you gotta have game.

05 04

Create Hot Shit In The Studio People like to hear hot shit. The best thing you can do is make a hit. It makes everybody’s job easier.

75

10 WAYS TO MAKE LOVE:

PRETTY RICKY STYLE 10

05

Girl On Top, Ridin’ When a man is trying to satisfy a woman, he can’t satisfy her as well as she could satisfy herself, so when you let the woman get on top she can ride and catch her nut and then you go to work. So that’s multiple orgasms for her.

From The Back On Her Stomach See, when you hittin’ it from the back, there’s different ways to hit it from the back. You can start her off on her knees, then lay her down on her stomach and slow grind. Then you can switch it up and put one leg down and slide one leg up on the side, that’s another different way.

Hit it from the back and then close her legs and tear it up.

09

Doggy Style Well, see, when you hit it from the back – I’m gonna tell these niggas a trick. You get a belt and wrap the belt around your hand until you’ve got a little bit left, and when you hit it from the back you smack that ass with the belt and make it jiggle. Make it bounce back and grab her ass cheeks. Pull her hair, make sure you turn that bitch around, kiss her back, do some freaky shit.

04 03

69 Or 68 and I owe you one, but make sure she’s satisfied. It’s really just a little foreplay to set it off. You don’t wanna be doing all that til you orgasm, just get it wet enough to set the whole mood of the night.

Two Girls At One Time Switch it up. A little variety is good. A woman can satisfy a woman more than a man cause a woman knows what a woman wants. So if you’ve got another woman in the picture, wherever you’re slacking at, she can pick up the slack. It’s a little more entertaining.

08

Missionary You know you’re always better off with missionary style. You can get it and take your time; slow. You can’t just jump in and beat it up, you gotta go in missionary style slow grinding. You can’t just go in and start beating the pussy up. Make sure you hit all the corners, all the right spots. Make sure she’s satisfied, and then start hitting every other position.

Just switch it up a little bit. Make sure you’re in each position long enough that she can catch a nut.

02 01

In The Air, Against The Wall It takes a little strength for this one in the leg area. The wall provides all the leverage, so if you’ve got enough leg muscles you can tear it up against the wall. I can’t really explain all that extracurricular shit.

07 06

Legs On Your Shoulders Boy, that’s how you go in deep. You put her legs on your shoulders, go in deep, and ride out. Make sure she’s straight; a lot of girls can’t take it anyway. You might have to put the knees to her chest.

Knees To Her Chest You put the knees to her chest because when you do that, it provides a blockage instead of the legs being straight on your shoulders and you pounding the back of the pussy. That way, you ain’t going in all the way. If she can’t take it all, that’s enough. She’ll be satisfied.

OZONES AWARDE NOMINE :

BEST MALET R&B ARTIS

(l to r): Slick ‘Em, Spectacular, Baby Blue, Pleasure

yessir, the game is automatic / give it to ‘em one time, they come back like addicts

76

RAY TAMARRA

In The Bathroom, On The Sink, On The Floor, On The Counter Top, Anywhere, Everywhere!

After a while the bed starts getting boring. You gotta try different things in the heat of the moment. You might be in the shower and your girl walks in the bathroom, so it goes down. But you’ve gotta know how to handle yourself. Be careful in the shower. Make sure you’re in a position where your feet have enough friction that you ain’t gonna slip. I don’t recommend nobody doing nothing in the water unless it’s your main girl, because the rubber might slip. On top of the sink, in the kitchen, in the car, in the shopping cart at Wal-Mart, you can do it anywhere! - (by Baby Blue & Spectacular)

LIL SCRAPPY’S

10 WAYS TO KEEP IT G

10 09 08 07

05 04 03 02

You Gotta Be Extra Real You gotta be real. Tell the truth. Lie only when it makes sense to lie, you know what I’m sayin’? Be 100 with yourself at all times.

Be Hater Free You can’t be ‘round no haters. You gotta be hater free because haters will knock you out of your whole fuckin’ game, and you can’t let that happen.

Stay Focused Always, always make sure you stay focused. Being focused is the key to success.

Take Care Of Your Responsibilities Whatever you’ve got going on, whether it’s kids, a job, a house, or anything, you gotta take care of your responsibilities.

Surround Yourself With The Right People Real recognize real, so if you’ve got all kinds of real people around you helping you, then you’re gonna win because you’ve got a strong team. A team is always better than one.

Do You At All Times You gotta always do you. Doing you is always gonna get you to the future.

Get Your Money Game Up You gotta have at least $500 somewhere near you at all times, feel me? And that’s just for the normal, keepin’-it-G type person.

Everywhere you go, you’re gonna need money, cause if you’re keeping it G you’re gonna stay away from the bullshit, stay away from the fags and the lames, and you’ll be somewhere having a good time.

You Gotta Have Loyalty Stay loyal to your people and to the people over you; the people that have showed you love. If you have loyalty, with loyalty comes respect too. Loyalty brings relationships closer. You need relationships because of the way the world is. You gotta know somebody that’s somebody.

You gotta know somebody that knows somebody.

06

01

Show Respect And You Will Earn Respect If you give a lot of people respect, you’ll always have some people that disrespect you but you’ll have way more respect than disrespect. Respect goes a long way.

RAY TAMARRA

Mind Your Own Fuckin’ Business Keep it moving. Keep your hands in your own pockets. Keep a vest – on your chest, and your dick. But remember that you ain’t gotta be hard to be real. You gotta have God in your heart.

i dont give a fuck if you don’t like me / straight knock your ass out into captivity

78

79

RAPID RIC’s

10 CLASSIC UNDERGROUND TEXAS RECORDS

10

Bavu Blakes f/ Paul Wall & Money Waters “Play The Role (remix)” This song identifies people that are trying to be somebody else. Bavu Blakes and Money Waters are two Dallas acts that are more into the soulful hip-hop flavor.

They’re not too commercial, they’re more underground and soulful, with live instruments. They’re musicians; artists.

OZONES AWARDE NOMINE :

BEST MIXTAPE DJ

09

South Park Mexican “Wiggy” This was like the first Latin artist to come up, and he never really said that he’s Latin, he just happened to be. This was one of the really big club songs.

A lot of Texas music was just cruising music, but if you play that in a Mexican hip-hop club today, it’ll pop off.

08

Chalie Boy & Slim Thug “Candy” This is an old song, produced by Salih Williams of Carnival Beats. Salih produced all or most of the songs on this list, actually. This was one of the first club songs that was rap and R&B. Chalie was singing R&B, and Slim was rapping.

07 06

Devin the Dude “Do What You Wanna Do” This is the laid-back side of Texas, the more soulful side. People just chillin’. That’s what Devin’s all about.

Mike Jones & Magnificent “Cuttin’” This was like Swishahouse’s new generation.

They had a bunch of back and forth wordplay.

The way they wrote this song was dope. Magno went first, Mike Jones went second, Magno and Mike Jones back and forth for eight bars each throughout the whole song.

05

Nemesis “Trendsetter” Nemesis is from Dallas, in this is one of the first Dallas club songs. Dallas has always been more bouncy and clubby, while Houston was more slowed down.

04

5th Ward Boyz “Pussy Weed & Alcohol” This song has got Devin the Dude on the hook – a lot of people don’t know that. 5th Ward is Willie D from the Geto Boys and his group. That song was real popular.

03

The Wreckshop Family “Power Up” That song was big around 1999 and 2000, right when everyone was into raves and doing X and shit. That was one of those songs. It was a song about X. Power up, take a pill, have fun. Texas isn’t all about syrup.

02 01 see it.

UGK “Let Me See It” That’s the ultimate strip club song that makes girls in Texas flaunt. Baby show me, let me

LUXURY MINDZ

Fat Pat “Tops Drop” Fat Pat’s pretty much the whole reason why Texas has that voice; that “comin’ down,” “tippin’ down,” Fat Pat and Keke started that. Rest in peace Fat Pat; this was his big song. It works in any club or on any radio station in Texas. It’s popular.

candy red with the screens, and i’m riding on cream / mean mugs triple beams make reality a dream

80

UNCLE

04

Don’t Get Fucked Up Do not under any circumstance allow the company to purchase drugs for you or purchase women for you. Some companies like to keep their artists high and not knowing what the hell is going on. Some companies like to buy drugs and women for you and pay all your bills. Some companies like to keep their artists high and keep all the financial information away from the artist by taking care of it or assigning some individual to take care of all their financial responsibilities. When the artist falls off, he don’t know what the hell he was getting in and what he needs to be paying out.

L U K E ’ S 03 10 WAYS TO NOT

Have An Unbiased Lawyer Make sure the lawyer that’s negotiating your contract does not have any affiliation with that record company and does not represent any individuals at the company. There are a lot of lawyers in this business that will sell an artist down the tube because those lawyers have a long-standing relationship with that record company. They deal with the company every day and a lot of times they’ve represented the executives of that company at one time. That could be a good thing or a bad thing – that’s why it goes back to #10. Read your own contact. You can really get fucked by some lawyer selling you down the river for his dawg.

GET FUCKED 10 09 08

02

Do Not Quit Your Day Job Once you sign a deal, do not quit your day job because then the record company knows that you are 100% fully dependent on them to provide funds, pay bills, and everything. At that point you become very vulnerable and you’ll end up doing whatever they tell you to do, whether you like it or not, because at that point you’ll have to pay your bills.

Know How To Read A Contract Do not rely on your lawyer to read a contract for you. Read it for yourself. If you as an individual can read and comprehend and understand, you will find that reading a contract is not actually that difficult.

01

Understand All The Different Ways Of Getting Paid Within A Contract Understand what publishing is. Understand what writing is.

Know Everything The Company Is Paying For On Your Behalf In a lot of cases, video directors and marketing people are getting kickbacks for overbilling and overspending, and that all goes back to you. For instance, the record label may say they’re spending $40,000 for an ad in OZONE but they’re really only spending $5,000, so OZONE kicks them back $15,000. (laughing)

Know What Marketing Is All About A lot of artists get fucked by signing a contract and then find that there’s no minimum or maximum amount of dollars put into marketing them as an artist. A company may have no intention of putting forth a fullfledge effort into marketing their product, so therefore they have a small budget, and with that small budget comes low record sales. Every artist thinks they’re gonna do a $250,000 video, but in actuality, the marketing budget might only allow for a $25,000 video.

WARDS OZONE AIN NOM EE:

D LIVING LEGEN

07

Sign A Contract That Allows You To Grow If you sign a contract for the minimum amount of money and the minimum amount of points, make sure it allows your points to go up based on your performance when you sell records. The number of points you get should be based on your performance from the year before. Let’s say you start out with 8% and sell a million records – if you didn’t put in the contract that your shit should go up to 12% or 15% if you sell a million records, then you’re still gonna be getting 8%. If you sell a million records, you should automatically get a $2 million dollar contract the following year.

06

Do Not Sell The Company Your Writing And Publishing Make sure those deals are separate. There’s a lot of situations where artists have sold their rights for $50,000, and now they’re in lawsuits with the company because of what they signed.

05

Look At Their Track Record When you sign a contract make sure you look at how the company treats the artists that were on the label before; the ones who were hot and fell off. If they treat the ones who fell off bad, you know how they gonna treat you if you fall off.

i’m caked up and well respected with shit to prove / be straight up with ya, i wanna fuck you

82

VIDEO DIRECTOR GIL GREEN’S 10 FAVORITE VIDEOS Check out all the videos at www.gilgreen.com

04 03

10

Young Buck “Shorty Wanna Ride” In this video, we recreated the film Natural Born Killers. We got the beautiful Melinda Williams to star in it. A month later, Young Buck was really on the run after the VIBE Awards incident.

Trick Daddy “Amerika” We actually burned a 50-foot American flag in Trick’s video to show the unjust American society. The cops on the set weren’t too happy when the saw the flag burning and Society rapping on top of a police car.

09 08 07 06 05

Lil Jon & the Eastside Boyz f/ Mystikal and Krayzie Bone “I Don’t Give A Fuck” This video showed the Southern club experience through the perspective of one rowdy, crunked up individual. We shot the video in one continuous shot. In 4 minutes, our person jumps out of a car, busts through the security, bum rushes the cashier, throws bows with the crowd, dives off the stage, rushes the VIP, knocks chicken wings out of a girl’s hand, pops a Champagne bottle, fools with a girl in the bathroom, takes a ghetto picture with some pimps, rushes the bar, pulls the bra off a girl, snags cash from a dice game, and gets arrested in the alleyway. After that, you knew how we get down in the Southern clubs.

Iconz “Get Crunked Up” We introduced the world to the term “crunk” with this Iconz video.

Three 6 Mafia “2 Way Freak” This is one of my favorite openings: “Can I get a beam?” I actually first met Three 6 Mafia when I directed their first film, Choices. After that we went on to do many videos together.

Lil Jon & the Eastside Boyz f/ Lil Scrappy “What U Gon’ Do” Two Lil Jons. Two Lil Scrappys. Two Sams. Two Bos. They all want to scrap in the club!

02

Lil Scrappy “No Problems” We recreated the classic film Training Day for this video. We actually shot in the same Mexican house as the film. I love the fact that this video really feels like a movie. Lil Jon gave me the Pro Tools session so I could break down the music during the acting scenes and build up the tension in the scenes.

Trillville f/ Lil Scrappy “Neva Eva” I never had so much fun on a video set. We recreated the last day of school: food fights, shaving cream, straight actin’ a fool!

01

dead prez “Hell Yeah” This is one of my favorite videos, because we got to shoot this in my hometown of Miami. The video shows what happens to tourists who make the wrong turn. Unfortunately, many people never peeped this video because it is a bit controversial, and a lot of the stations were afraid to play it.

Rick Ross “Hustlin’” Being from Miami, I always wanted to show tourists that there’s a whole other side to Miami besides South Beach. It was good to make it happen with Rick, because we met over 5 years ago, when he was putting in the hustle. He told me back then that I would direct his first video.

OZONES AWARD NOMINEE:

Gil Green (far right) overseeing the set of DJ Khaled’s new video “Born & Raised” with (l-r) director Dayo, DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, and Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat

as kids, we used to laugh / who knew that life would move this fast

84

BOGAN

BEST VIDEO

85

T-PAIN’S

10 CELEBRITY WOMEN THAT COULD GET IT Disclaimer: I’m married. This is for entertainment purposes only.

10 09 08 07 all over.

Macy Gray Ain’t nobody fuckin’ her, so we can have good clean fun. I know she’s nasty.

Monique She can definitely get it. Oh my God. Fat girls got real big pussies. It makes me warm

EE: ARDS NOMIN OZONE AW , M U B R&B AL

BEST E R&B ARLTAISBTO, BEST MAL/R COL BEST RAP &B

Oprah Oprah can get it, but only if she pays for it.

It don’t have to be much. It could be a onetime, $100 thing, and she’d be all good.

Queen Latifah Not the old Queen Latifah, the new one. She has some big ol’ titties. I wouldn’t fuck her, though. She could only get a titty fuck. And she’s gotta have that hat on her when I’m fuckin’ her titties.

06

Peggy, The Momma On Married With Children I don’t know her real name, but she could get it. The bitch on Married With Children was fine as fuck even though nobody was looking at her with all that makeup on. Katie whatever the fuck her name is Segal.

05

Milla Jovovich She’s the bitch from the movie Ultraviolet and The Fifth Element. She’s Russian or some shit. German, maybe. On Ultraviolet, there’s one part where her outfit was changing colors and they showed her ass. She’s got a lot of ass for a white girl. I would definitely grab that from the back and spread it apart and knock it down.

04 03 02 it’s on.

Pam Grier She could get it, but only from the back cause something’s wrong with her face.

Hilary Duff Hilary Duff can get it because she can get me a Disney deal. Once I get that Disney deal,

Charli Baltimore She can get it just cause of her hair. It’s fluctuating. And she’s taller than me, so I can lift her up. It’s a lot of stuff. It’s all kinds of reasons. There ain’t no good reason, but it’d just be great to say that I fucked Charli Baltimore.

01

Shawnna C’mon. First of all, she’s Shawnna. She can rap her ass off. I would love for her to rap to me while we’re getting it on. She’s just cute as hell. She’s hood too, so sometimes if I’m too tired and can’t fight, she’d probably fight for me. That’s why she’s number one on the list.

now i’m leavin’ quickly, before she come and try to get me

86

87

DJ10KHALED’S WAYS TO MAKE

THE HATERS GO CRAZY 10

Have The #1 Independent Album When you’re on your grind, the enemy and the haters want you to not come up. So my album Listennn being the #1 independent album is a big achievement. And that comes from making good music – that’s going down on it’s own. It’s not like these other guys who’ve got all types of ways to try to get their shit #1. My shit is #1 for real.

OZONES AWARD NOMINEE:

BEST CLUB DJ, BEST RADIO DJ

09 08

Ride In A Bentley Flying Spur Sittin’ On 22”s If you work hard, you’ve gotta treat yourself and sit in that baby blue exclusive Flying Spur on 22”s. Those haters are just gonna hate regardless.

Have The #1 Ratings for The Takeover on WEDR 99 Jamz Every day being on the radio, my community supports me. The Takeover show being rated #1 is a big achievement, and all the haters hate that. When people are behind you and they’re ready to show that it’s all about love and unity, the haters just don’t understand.

07

Be A Part Of The Miami Movement I’m one of the keyholders of the Miami movement, and this movement is the biggest thing that’s happening right now in this whole game. Some people don’t like to see that. The movement is coming together as a team, and a lot of people don’t like to see people unite. We’re uniting and taking it to another level.

06

Be So Humble And Yet So Powerful Haters get real scared when a humble brother like me is so powerful at the same time, because I’m loved. I’m loved by a lot of people and that’s why my career is always on the upswing. I’m powerful and the haters can’t stand that, cause they can’t stop me.

05

Have Respect In The Game Respect is everything. When you go to other cities and other markets aside from your hometown and they respect you, that’s a beautiful thing. Getting respect is a beautiful thing and the haters can’t stand that.

04

Have The Whole City Riding With You It’s the best thing ever, man. When the whole city is riding with you, you can’t lose because the city’s gonna have your back.

With every move you make, they’re riding with you, and with every move they make I’m riding with them. The haters really can’t stand that.

03

Get The Front Cover of OZONE Magazine You know the OZONE Mag is the number one magazine out.

When you see the magazine state to state and you see DJ Khaled on that front page, it’s so incredible and it makes the haters go crazy. They lose their mind and just don’t know what to do. They know I’m coming.

02

Win An OZONE Award This is an early prediction. The people know that DJ Khaled is a part of the whole OZONE movement, so when I win an OZONE Award, the haters are gonna hate. They’re really gonna hate when I’m on that stage accepting my award and feeling so proud to have an OZONE Award.

01

JULIA BEVERLY

Be Loved By Every Ghetto In The World That’s the best thing in the world, man, because it goes back to the respect factor. I can walk in any hood and get embraced cause I’m a hood nigga myself and they know I represent the people. I’m the poor people’s president; the poor people’s governor. The haters can’t stand that.

i go hard, ask my broad / ms. stevie wonder, she ain’t lookin’ at y’all

88

SLIM THUG’S 10 WAYS TO INVEST YOUR MONEY

10 09 08

Hookin’ Up Cars If you can fix up cars, that’s a real good investment. Open up a shop and trick out cars with rims, tints, all that. You can make money like that.

Stocks and Life Insurance Of course you’ve gotta do stocks, and life insurance is some good shit to invest in that. You can invest in yourself, get yourself set up for retirement.

With life insurance you can hide your money so you don’t have to pay taxes and shit.

The Music Business Rapping or whatever you do is a good way to make money. If you don’t rap, you can find a hot artist and hot producer and put a little money behind them. If you get them some good equipment, you might luck up and find out they got some skills. That’s paper right there.

07

Clothing That’s the shit right there. If you can come out with a hot clothing line, you’ll see niggas with a gang of bread.

It’ll probably cost a few dollars to make a shirt, but you can sell it for up to $50. Ain’t no telling how much you can get – it depends on how hot your shit is.

OZONES AWARDE NOMINE :

ROUGH BREAKTHIS ART T

06 05

Wreckin’ Service There’s a gang of money doing that type of shit. You get a little wrecker car service and make a killing.

Restaurant Business The restaurant business is a good business to be in. Just look at Starbucks. It costs them like 4 or 5 cents to make a cup of Starbucks coffee, and then they turn around and sell that shit for like $4 a cup. That’s a hell of a flip. That’s the type of restaurant shit I’d like to get into.

04

Car Lot You could either be sellin’ cars or leasing them out, like exotic cars. Both of them are good ways to go, especially if you like cars. You can buy a lot of cars and least them out to make your money back.

03

CD and Tape Stores With me being in the music business, I feel like that’s a good thing for me to do. If I got a CD and tape store, you’re gonna come to me and I can get your CD for a dollar each instead of fifteen, so that’s a good flip.

02

Nightclubs You can do stuff with nightclubs; that’s something that’s pretty good. You can make a lot of money doing clubs.

01

WWW.STRESS.NO

Real Estate Real estate is great because property values just don’t go down. If you can buy a house right now in an upcoming neighborhood, the value is gonna go up. You’ve got to find out where they’re building something up, and your money can get flipped quick.

look who creepin’, look who crawlin’, still ballin’ in the mix / it’s that 6’ 6” long dick slim nigga stickin’ yo’ chick

90

91

KAMIKAZE’S 10 REASONS SOME OF YOU NIGGAS SHOULD STOP RAPPIN’

10 09

either one.

05 04 03

You’re Better At Selling Dope So actually we’d just prefer that you do that. It’s better to be good at one thing than try to do two things and not be good at

BET Uncut Got Cancelled Why did you even waste that $120 you spent on the video anyway? Did you really think that shit looked good? Hell, the song ain’t even jammin’. I was only looking at the chicks anyway.

We Need to Make Room For Tyrese, Fonsworth Bentley, And The Chick That Raps That “Chicken Noodle” Song Out Of New York Ever wonder how easy we must be making this look, or how untalented we must look to some folks? Everybody thinks they can rap.

08 07 06

Benzino Is Gone Nowadays, you’ll have to actually earn a spot in The Source.

Thanks, JB, for exposing that shit. Finally, someone will actually have to know you before you get some print. Sorry, but your money’s no good.

Ras Kass And Pimp C Are Home Plus Mysonne is gonna be out soon and Mystikal is gonna be coming home, so we’re gonna need at least two more slots.

02 01

There Is No 401K, No Medical, No Dental You spent your advance on a $30,000 chain instead of getting life insurance or some property. How do you have a record deal and you’re still taking your kid to the free clinic?

aiight head.

Okay, We Get It, You Know How To Cook Crack!

We know how much you’re paying for a key, we know to come to you when it’s a drought, cool.

You Let Your Homeboys Tell You If Your Shit Is Good They only want to get in the club free and fuck hoes off your name. These cats grew up with you, so they’re gonna like everything you do. Stop listening to them.

Superhead Is Retired If you’re buckin’ to meet the supergroupie you’ll have to buy her book or download the porno, or settle for a chick that gives

My New Album The Franchise Is Dropping Soon Y’all’s days are numbered. I’ve been grinding harder, sleeping less, and my lyrics are simply better than most of you. So step your rap game up or go home.

OZONES AWARDE NOMINE :

JARO VACEK

PATIENTLGY WAITIN MISSISSIPPI

like pimp say, it’s hatin’ goin’ on in p.a. / but shit, them same hatin’ niggas is on them streets where i stay

92

YOUNG JEEZY’S 10 WAYS TO GET OUT OF THE TRAP

10 09

Get On Your Grind Get your hustle on, that’s one thing you definitely gotta do.

Stay Safe You gotta stay safe, cause if you don’t, you might fuck around and get locked up or killed in that muthafucker and nothing else is gonna matter anyway.

08

Play The Game Play the game, you can’t let the game play you. You can’t get in something and get caught up in it. You can’t fuck around and get caught up in it.

07 06

Watch The Niggas Around You Remember that everybody ain’t cool with you.

OZONES AWARDE NOMINE :

, BEST ALBULM E A BEST M T, RAP ARTISNSTER, O MIXTAPE M ABO, O C RAP/R&B MALKLER TASTE

Have A Backup Plan That way, if your first idea don’t work, you’ll have something to fall back on no matter what it might be.

05

Have A Goal Definitely to get up out of the trap you gotta know where the hell you’re trying to go. Ain’t no use trying to leave something if you don’t know where you’re going. If you can’t see the vision and you ain’t got no goal, you ain’t gonna make it nowhere. You gotta have a goal.

04

Look Out For The People Who Look Out For You That way, when you get to where you’re going, you’ll have a real team behind you.

03

Don’t Fuck With No Fake Ass Fuck Niggas Definitely don’t do that, cause that shit is gonna come back and bite you in the ass every time.

02 01

Stack Your Money Up You definitely gotta stack your paper up to get out of the hood.

JULIA BEVERLY

Maintain It takes a while to get to where you gotta go.

You gotta be able to maintain. You gotta put yourself on budgets and shit like that. Monitor what you do, don’t just ball the fuck out. this ain’t a rap song, nigga, this is my life / if the hood was a battlefield then i earned stripes

94

TOO $HORT’S 10 REASONS TO SAY “FUCK A MAJOR LABEL” 10 09

money against your little 15% or 20%. Everybody has a fucked up contract. If you ever get to the point where you can get rid of all those clauses, you’ll be good, but it’s a lot of bullshit in the entertainment industry. That goes for all aspects, not just being a rapper.

Be Your Own Boss You can be your own boss. You run your own situation – nobody can tell you what to do.

02

Complete Creative Control A major label will tell you what order to put your songs in, which one is the next single, what’s the next video, how much the video budget is going to be, what you’re supposed to wear in the video, and who’s supposed to shoot your video.

Sign All The Tight Rappers In Your Neighborhood Everybody who’s a rapper who’s experienced any kind of success knows where they come from, and throughout the history of their own career and their own struggle, they’ve come across a guy who’s really close to you – your cousin, your homie, your best friend’s little brother – that deserves that shot. When you’re in an independent situation, you pretty much have the resources and the know-how and the ability to give it to them.

You can do what you do for yourself, for the next homie. It doesn’t cost a lot to put out an indie album. You can put out $25,000-$50,000 to invest in your homeboy and you could make a lot more back.

08 07

Make More Money You can make more money indie. A major label will make you a star, but independent labels will make you rich. You make real money, and they’ll actually pay you.

01

Less Pressure It’s not as much pressure being indie. Being on a major label, you’re always gonna have certain expectations. These days, major labels are looking to ship at least 500,000 copies of your album and build on that. They aren’t really interested in trying to make an album go gold. They want platinum or better. They want instant success. There’s a lot of pressure to be instantly successful. Sometimes you have to work a record.

It’s so much pressure because if your first single isn’t blowing up the charts, the label is gonna back away from your project.

You’ll Stay Hungry Independents can’t always ball like the majors, so it causes you to sit at home and watch BET and MTV and know in your heart that you’re just as good, if not better, than a lot of people that you see enjoying success. It just makes you have that hunger and work harder and hustle harder and not give up, so you can get on that level. Some artists start their career off trying to be on BET on a major label, and all they do is try to figure out how to take pictures and package themselves so major labels will buy into their image.

When you’re indie, you gotta be hungry.

06

Longevity Independents have a better chance of having a longer career.

It might not be BET, MTV, superstar status, but you can find your niche and sell a certain amount of units every time you drop a project, and that’ll be enough money for you to feed your family. You have a better chance of putting out 12, 15 albums indie than you do on a major label.

There’s not a lot of rappers on a major label that can say they’ve got 10 or 15 albums. If you check out the indies across the country and see how many mixtapes or underground albums they’ve put out, the indies probably have a better track record than the majors as far as recording and releasing songs.

05

Your Homeboys You have a better chance of helping out your really close friends if you’re in control of your own indie situation. If you’re with a major, it might not be as easy to employ some of your homeboys and teach them the game. The majors don’t have the time or patience to bring in inexperienced people and let them learn the business. If you’re indie, you and your crew can learn through trial and error; on-the-job training. When you have on-the-job training, you might end up like Baby and Slim: executives.

You learn hands-on in the streets running your indie label, and ten years label, you’re dealing with all the majors, building Lil Wayne’s career and shit.

04 03

Bad Contracts If you go with a major, you have to sign that shit. It’s really hard to earn your way to dealing with a major and getting a super, super excellent contract. That’s a hard thing to do. A major will never say, “We’ll give you the greatest contract ever.” The majority of the people in the industry have fucked up contracts. They may think they have a good contract, but if you were to tell the average person in average words – just plain English, not contract terms – what the contract says, they’d be shocked.

In most cases, the label gets like 80% and the artist gets like 20%. The artist gets charged half of everything and the label gets charged half of everything to market and promote the project. So the label gets 80% but they’re splitting the costs, and they’ll hold high percentages in reserve. They’ll just hold their

OZONES AWARD NOMINEE:

EGEND, LIVING LR RY HONO AN ER R E H T U SO

short dog’s on your mind, bitch

96

RAY TAMARRA

You’ll Get A Better Deal Being on a major label is not a bad thing. If you really wanna end up on a major label eventually, being independent and saying “fuck a major” will probably get you a better deal than if you just concentrated on packaging yourself to get a deal. If you say fuck all that and just put it down indie and say “fuck a major” and hustle really good, the majors are gonna call you and you’ll get a better deal.

97

E-40’s 10 REASONS

07 06

We Have An Independent Mentality We’ve shown that we can sell tapes and CDs without a lot of airplay.

Bay Artists Getting Deals A lot of talent in the Bay is getting signed to major labels, and all the people that’s getting signed are on different labels so that makes it even better because we’re gonna hit ‘em from all angles. Of course Too $hort is already signed to Jive, but we’ve also got a lot of other artists getting deals, like Big Rich – he’s on Koch and I executive produced his album.

Turf Talk is on Warner, The Federation got signed, The A’s are on TVT, The Pack are on Jive, and I believe Mister F.A.B. signed a deal.

THE BAY IS ABOUT TO BLOW

05 04

Timing Is Everything And it’s our time. The symptoms and signs are there. The light is on the bay. We’re on the industry’s radar right now.

We’re Trendsetters We have always been trendsetters and ahead of our time, in terms of slang, our swagger, you know, the way we carry it.

We’re ahead of our time so it goes over people’s heads at first and then it catches up later on. People are just now starting to catch up on slang that we were saying 10 or 15 years ago.

10

We’re Well-Rounded The Bay is about to blow because we’ve also got people like Keyshia Cole signed to Interscope, Goapele signed to Colombia, and J Valentine who just signed to J Records. They’re showcasing their skills from an R&B perspective to show that we’re well-rounded.

03 02 01

We’ve Got Talent The Bay is about to blow up because the artists in the Bay are hella talented, both young talent and old school talent that was way ahead of their time. We don’t just do hyphy; we do reality music overall.

09 08

The Ambassador You’ve got the Ambassador of the Bay, E-40, pushing the Northern California car to the masses. What better person to do it that has the respect of these outlets, and talent?

Northern California Radio Support Even on the independent scene, radio in the whole Northern California area has been playing us now and showing a lot of support to local rappers. Once the world sees that, they’ll know we got something going on out here.

We’ve Got A Movement We’ve got a movement in the Bay that’s really part of our lifestyle and culture.

We’ve Been Slept On For So Long The Bay is about to blow up because we’ve been slept on for so long. Everything comes back around full circle.

WARDS OZONE AIN EE: M O N Y

R HONORAN ER R E SOUTH

i don’t bump mainstream, i knock underground / all that other shit sugar-coated and watered down

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TREAL’S 12 ORLANDO 06 ‘HOODS 05 07

Pine Hills a.k.a. Chopper City (Balboa Dr., Powers Dr., Silver Star Rd., Willow Bend) The Spots: J-Mart (Got Dat Tobacco, Got Dat Music, Tangerine Music), Evans High School, “An Ode to the Chicken Coop”(Man they got roaches….I know, so give me 20 wings), “An Ode to Caribbean Beach Club”(MegaCity), “An Ode to The Tunnel” (Megacity) Mercy Drive (The Palms “Behind the Gates,” Lake Lawne, Peppertree) The Spots: Mr. Lee’s AKA “The Sto’”, The Fairgrounds, Barnett Park, Magic Mall (Mega Chick Music), the old “Candy” Lady (For whatever kind of “sweet” you need), “An Ode to Diamonds” (MegaCity), “An Ode to Pac Jam” (DME) Eatonville – America’s 1st Black established township (Kennedy Blvd., home of the Original 12 a.k.a. “The Police”) The Spots: Club Koha (Heroes, Wayne’s World), Ponchos, Home of Zora Neal Hurston festival, MLK Parade, Hungerford Prep

12

Trailblazers (Gore St., 21 Jump St., Nashville Ave., 18th St., 39th St., Rio Grande Ave., Oakridge Rd.) The Spots: Cleo’s (for the booty), Club Crunk (DME), Goffs (Landmark for ice cream), Oasis liquor (for the oil), 33rd (Got bond money?), Jones High School

11 10 09 08

04

Crosstown, home of “Lick the Wall” The Spots: Jackson Center, Jac Center (“Got Juvenile Bond Money?”), “An Ode to the Green Parrot,” (South St., where they don’t sleep!) Parramore Ave. (Home of the Snakes), Livingston St. (Home of the L Dogs), Long St. (The D Boys), The Darkside (Westmoreland and Kaley), Beirut “An Ode to Carver Court and Parramore Village”

The Shores (Washington Shores, Carver Shores, Motown, Lake Mann, Raleigh St. Columbia St.) The Spots: Hankins Park, Washington Shores shopping center (Fish and Bootleg), The Clinic (“You good?”)

03

Orange Center (Gates, Boca Club - The Haitian Pound, Hollywood) The Spots: Barker Park/Clear Lake (Dump your gun waters), Mac Music (MegaCity), Citrus Bowl (Home of the Florida Classic), Lake Lorna Doone Park, Solo Gas Station (Gas and bootleg to go), Queen B

Richmond Heights (Bruton Blvd, Nat King Cole Blvd, Prince Hall Blvd.)

The Spots: Save Rite AKA “Quick Lick”, Smith Center, Family Dollar (Don’t act like y’all don’t go there), Willie Mays Park

02 01

Eastside (436/Semoran Blvd., Reeves Terrace, Alafaya Tr.: fresh college skeet meat) The Spots: University of Central Florida (UCF), Drag Racing and Drug Lacing, “An Ode to Headlights” (Megacity)

Apopka a.k.a. APK “Came to club just to fight!!” and that’s all we gonna say.

Ivey Lane (700 block, Pork and Bean, Malibu, Lake Mann Gardens, Egypt, 1400 Block, Old Winter Garden Rd.) The Spots: “The Liquor Store”, Ivey Lane Park

WARDS OZONE AIN EE: M O N ITING:

Y WA PATIENTL FLORIDA

where’s orange county

102 102

West Orange County (Hiawassee Rd., Kirkman Rd., Winter Garden, Ocoee The Spots: West Oaks Mall (“The after school teenage mall”)

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B.G.’s

10 REASONS TO REBUILD NEW ORLEANS

06

New Orleans Saints I love them to death and hopefully they could get through this year and bring us to the playoffs. Hopefully they can bring us to the Superbowl and show us that they feel our pain and make us proud to be from New Orleans. I’m always proud to be from New Orleans all the way around the board, but I hope they’ll make me even prouder to be from New Orleans this year. I rep my hometeam. And the Hornets, too.

08 07

04 03

The Lakefront Sundays it be poppin’ out there on the lake. A lot of people get their first head job on the lake (laughing). I done had a few incidents that took place on the lake. I got a lot of memories on that lake.

The Jazzfest The food, the music, everything. The food and the music at the Jazzfest is the key attraction.

Essence Festival It was relocated this year to Houston and I really wasn’t too happy with that, because I’m used to it being in New Orleans. It’s a big function and it brings up a lot of different things; money and power in the city. That’s something else that New Orleans is known for.

The Projects They had to be cleaned up, you know? But what’s New Orleans without the Magnolia Projects? What’s New Orleans without the Calliope Projects? Don’t get me wrong, a lot of violence occurs in the projects, but that’s still home to us. They’re rebuilding the rich white neighborhoods, so why can’t they rebuild the projects?

02 01

06

Uptown, Period That’s my set, you know, uptown. They need to rebuild New Orleans for us people who the hood is all we know, so we could get back to our roots and get out of these other people’s hoods. These different states don’t want us on they land. Some of them are accepting us with open arms, but then again, there ain’t no place like home.

Mardi Gras It’s just so historical and legendary. What is New Orleans without Mardi Gras? Shit.

The Food To me, there ain’t no food like New Orleans food. The spiciness and the flavor and seasoning, you know? It’s unexplainable.

OZONES AWARD NOMINEE:

EGEND, LIVING LR RY HONO AN ER R E H T U SO a year ago i was fuckin’ my veins up / now i’m on the grind just gettin’ my change up

104

DAVIDE

10 09

House Of Blues And Club Rockefeller Those are legendary spots. They’re already in the process of rebuilding Club Rockefeller. A lot of legendary concerts have went down at the House of Blues; they’re known for bringing R&B and hip-hop there. And Bourbon St. and the French Quarter, you know, it ain’t no place like that. The alcohol is 24/7. Ain’t no last call for alcohol in New Orleans.

In all these other cities I hear them holla “last call” at 1 or 2 in the morning.

In New Orleans, there ain’t no such thing as last call for alcohol. I don’t even much know the definition of that. And that brings me to another reason – the daiquiris in New Orleans. They have daiquiri shots – they have the second line every Sunday, man, anybody from New Orleans knows exactly what I’m talking about.

Red Rooster’s Snowball Stand They sell nachos, food, just some hood shit. I miss the snowball stand.

105

I Stay Cool In The Craziest Situations Even in the midst of a robbery, I would remain cool.

I Know How To Get Money I get money on an everyday basis. I know how to let my money make more money. I understand the hustle.

My Dress Game My dress game is superb. I travel from city to city in different places. I take a little from here and a little from there, and put it together.

I Always Pick The Flyest Chick Out Of The Crowd First and foremost, her swagger gotta be just right, you know what I’m sayin’? Everything about her gotta be fly.

My Habit I’m a kush connossieur. A connosseiure is a person who has researched and fully understands a product or something that he really likes. He’s like, the number one consumer of a product. He’s very enthralled by a product.

My Shade Game I got 32 pairs of shades: Gucci, Versace, Louie Vuitton, Cardier, Prada.

My Shoe Game My shoes are exclusive. I always start my outfits from the shoes up.

My Whip Game I’ve got a CLS 500 Benz and a ’65 Chevy Impala customized just the way I like ‘em. I fixed them up so that they’re sexy and aggressive at the same time.

WARDS OZONE AIN NOM EE:

D LIVING LEGEN

My Talk Game You know, the way I talk, I make words move to convince your eardrums.

My Fans The number one reason I’m so fly is because the rest of the world says so.

MALIK ABDUL

10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01

YUNG JOC’s 10 REASONS I’M SO FLY

niggas in my face damn near every day / askin’ me questions like “joc, where ya stay”

106

TRICK DADDY’S

10 WAYS TO GET FUCKED UP IN DADE COUNTY

10

Counterfeit Money If you come tryin’ to cop with them dummy wads and counterfeit bankrolls, that’ll get you fucked up real quick.

09 08

Dummy Birds Fake blocks, you know?

Ride Through The Triangle With That Bullshit The Triangle is Opa-Locka. If you ain’t from 21 and you don’t hang in 21, you don’t got no business on 21.

07

Slippin’ Some red lights are meant to be ran at certain times of night. Don’t get caught slippin’.

06

Snitchin’ Any nigga that points fingers and testifies is a snitch. A nigga that’s been debriefed is a snitch that don’t even know they a snitch yet.

05

Getting High Weed, laced, base, or pills. Getting doped up will definitely get you fucked up in Dade County.

04

Hating On The Heat, Dolphins, Or Hurricanes You can get killed by hating. That means hating on the 305, period.

Niggas who don’t like the Miami Dolphins, Miami Hurricanes, or Miami Heat are straight haters, and that’ll get you fucked up.

03

Gambling Gambling will get you fucked up. Tryin’ to stop my bank in the cee lo game will get you fucked up.

02

Slimy Ass Hoes Slimy-ass hoes will get you fucked up in Dade County with all that he-say she-say shit.

OZONES AWARD NOMINEE:

01

Guns 223s, 308s, mini 14s, AKs, SKs, Calicos – being on the wrong end of ‘em will get you fucked up. It’s better to be judged by twelve than carried by six.

EGEND, LIVING LR RY HONO AN ER R E H T U SO since memories are all we have / don’t you agree that all lil’ kids deserve to laugh

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BOHAGON’S 10 REASONS MY ALBUM

OZONES AWARDE NOMINE :

SLEPT-ON ARTIST!

HASN’T COME OUT YET

10 09

I’m From A Small Town In South Georgia Up until now, people didn’t really wanna hear nobody from a little itty bitty town. The world wasn’t ready for it.

I Was Ahead Of My Time I was a lyricist from South Georgia, from a little small town, and didn’t nobody really wanna hear no real lyrics way back in the day. They just got the point the last couple years where it was cool to be country and from the South and spit some lyrics.

08 07

I Always Get Mad At BME And Cuss Everybody Out That further delayed my album coming out. I would voice my displeasure when really I should’ve learned to be patient and go about it in different ways. I would voice my frustrations to the powers that be.

Lil Jon Always Told Me The Timing Wasn’t Right He said it’s all about timing. Now I guess it’s the perfect timing for my album to come out. I ain’t never understood that. That’s why I was getting frustrated and doing a whole lot of cursing. I never understood but I understand now because the timing is right. The world is ready.

06

I Switched Labels Right Before Put Yo’ Hood Up Came Out I was on BME and we did the We Still Crunk album, which was an independent album. I felt like I was on the back burner so I signed a deal over at Noontime right before [Lil Jon & the Eastside Boyz’] Put Yo’ Hood Up came out. I was on like ten songs on the We Still Crunk album, but I got frustrated and signed what I thought was a better deal. I ended up in the same situation where I had to wait behind somebody else, which was Jim Crow at the time.

05 04

I Was Always In A Group My Whole Career I had to learn how to be a solo artist. I had to break away from being up under people’s wings and being in a group, and learn how to function on my own.

The Full Time Family Album Me, Chyna Whyte, Sixshot, Don Yute, and Lil Jon & the Eastside Boyz did a whole album. It took about six or seven months and Tommy Boy didn’t know what to do with it. We were a supergroup before they had down South supergroups. Tommy Boy didn’t pick up on the album so that frustrated everybody. BME felt like they needed to put their best foot forward so they went ahead with the Lil Jon album.

03

I Had To Move I had to get to Atlanta, to get to where shit was happening. I had to be where the music was bubbling. It wasn’t gonna happen with me staying in my town, in the country. I had to move to where the movement was happening, and it took a minute to get readjusted.

02

Right Before They Was ‘Bout to Shoot The Video for “Get Crunk,” Jon Fell Out With TVT That was gonna be my shining moment, but he fell out with TVT. I can’t blame him for that, cause he had to get his money right. They were fucking with his money so he had to take care of his business. I had the first verse on “Get Crunk.” People always knew my voice, but nobody knows my face. People can recite verses I did in 1998 or 1999, but they don’t know my face. That’s a big part of your success. How much money you get depends on how famous you are.

01

I Had To Put My Career In My Own Hands I can’t depend on the next man to do it for me. I did my first mixtape three and a half years ago, and that’s when I stopped relying on BME. I stopped relying on Jon. I stopped relying on all the powers that be to do something for me and I just got out there and did the shit myself.

I made my own money and put it back into Bohagon, and that’s the most I’ve ever gotten out of my career. i’m a pimp, i’m a gangsta, all the above / and i’m worldwide, baby girl, show me some love

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TAMPA TONY & DA SPLITTA SQUAD

WORDS & PHOTOS: JULIA BEVERLY 116

S

tart by introducing yourselves. Who is Da Splitta Squad?

Tampa Tony: I’m a member of Da Splitta Squad and a partner in Da Splitta Records. I’m the CEO of Da Splitta and DS Apparel. It’s a movement.

Lucky: I’m his partner in DS Apparel and the record label. My job consists of everything he wants to do but can’t get done because of a solo project he’s working on or because of other things he’s doing with other members within the group. I’m more on the business end, that’s what I stick to. Everybody wants to be an artist so I’m on the business end.

Great Dane: I’m another member of Da Splitta Squad, partner with DS Apparel and the record label, and I’m an artist.

How did the three of you meet?

Lucky: Originally, we wanted Tony on a song with us. Everybody knows that he’s the man when it comes to club hits. We wanted a club song and ended up hooking up with him. He liked our work ethic and it’s been on ever since.

Tony, what are you working on as far as your solo project? I heard you got a deal with Southbeat Records.

Tampa Tony: The thing with Southbeat is a pretty good thing. It’s independent, like I wanted it to be. I’m a hard worker and I like to get out there and grind, so I wanted to do something with an independent instead of coming from a major label. When you come from a major, people feel like the major did everything anyway. I wanted to be the big artist from an independent label who put that label on his back and carried it.

Are you looking at all these side projects as a way to further your solo career?

Tampa Tony: I look at all angles – to help promote my solo career, to help the label, and to promote Da Splitta and DS Apparel.

is well-thought through. It’s not something that we put together quickly, but we’re also hoping it’ll help his album do good.

Musically speaking, how does Da Splitta Squad’s sound compare to the “jukin’” dance style of music that you’re known for?

Tampa Tony: It’s a variety. It’s a couple club bangers on there. We’re trying to do more ridin’ music; you can get in your car and ride to it or sit in the house and ride to it. I don’t like to make all club music. I want to give it another angle to the type of music that we can put out.

What appealed to you musically about the other guys in Da Splitta Squad?

What do they bring to the table?

Tampa Tony: Different styles and different voices. It’s unique because nobody sounds alike, but it blends well. Everybody’s got their own lil’ personalities.

Great is the laid-back gangsta, the pretty boy.

Lucky: In my personal opinion, I think it’s the most innovative group since Outkast. They can switch up styles and give you a whole variety so you won’t get bored and get sick of the album. Not everything is “shoot ‘em up, kill” and “selling bricks” and what every artist is trying to go for.

What records has Da Splitta Squad released so far?

Tampa Tony: We put out a five song demo just to test the waters. We’re getting ready to drop the mixtape to get the buzz out. We got a lot of good records and we’re trying to get the name out there. I’m just trying to hype it up right now and we’re in negotiations with a couple labels. I’m just trying to make sure everything’s cool first before I do that.

“I’m trying to show them why I was nominated for Hustler of The Year.”

It seems like everyone has a clothing line. What makes DS Apparel different? Is it just an extension of Da Splitta to promote the name, or are you actually designing the clothes?

Tampa Tony: Yeah, really want to get into designing clothes. I want to come in the game how everybody else ends up in the game. It seems like everybody ends up with shoe contracts and clothing lines, so I want to come in with all that. We cater to the smokers; the smoker’s look

What exactly is the smoker’s look?

Lucky: We’re more hands-on with it than a lot of artists. A lot of major artists start a clothing line and pass it off to other people. Everything we do for DS Apparel, he might have an idea and my job is just to make sure that the actual product comes to light. We all sit down as partners and we all look at it, and if he doesn’t like something he might modify it. As an artist, he likes to wear his own products. So he’s got to make sure it looks good and represents for everybody else to wear too. We represent for the whole urban lifestyle, period, whether you’re a smoker or you like to hang out on the corner or you’re just a regular dude that goes to school. The whole clothing line and the shoe line

How have things progressed with your revolutionary smoker’s product Da Splitta as far as getting them in stores?

Tampa Tony: I got a new one coming out in two weeks that’s more like a key-chain holder. It ain’t as obvious that it’s something to do with marijuana. It’s totally different. It’s like a keychain holder that has a lighter. It’s more discreet and less bulky. You ain’t got to wear it around your neck. I’m trying to come from a more business point of view. If you wear it, you won’t have to be classified as a smoker. I got a couple distribution deals I’m working on. We’re talking about a large quantity – Canada, Houston, I got two distributors there waiting on the prototype.

Lucky: We’re just trying to make it more accessible to any person that wants to get it so they don’t have to order them online. It’ll be at every little gas station and corner store.

Being involved in a lot of different aspects of business – clothing, music, and other types of products – which type of business do you think offers the most potential to make money?

Tampa Tony: It’s all going to make money. I think it’s all going to come at one time. When you come in the game with a whole lot of stuff that you can sell and make money off of, it’s a good thing because you ain’t gonna just make money off rap. You’re gonna make money off everything as a whole. It all ties together. When I come out, it’s gonna be huge because we’ve got Da Splitta Squad, DS Apparel, and Da Splitta, so we’re capitalizing off everything. Once we come in the game we’re gonna make that real big sweep.

What are you pushing as your solo single right now – is it the “Bobbahead” record?

Tampa Tony: Yeah, and the second single is “High Dollar” featuring Mike Jones. It’s gonna be a banger.

It was produced by T Berry, and my management team, Chase Management, they’re real strong. I really got a lot of confidence with this album. I’m looking at dropping it the beginning of next year: Juke City.

How would you explain the term “Juke City” to someone who’s not from Tampa?

Tampa Tony: Juke City is Tampa. Tampa’s been known to break a whole heap of dances. All we do in Tampa is dance. That’s why I renamed it Juke City. Look out for Da Splitta Squad mix CD coming soon. Call your local radio station and request “Bobbahead.” I want to show everybody why they nominated me for Hustler of the Year. Just watch out for all my upcoming projects. Anything you see Tony’s name on, it’s going to be official.

Lucky: They got a shitload of fake Tampa Tony’s on Myspace, so make sure you check out the official Tampa Tony Myspace page: www.myspace.com/ theofficialtampatony

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YOUNG JEEZY

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

WORDS & PHOTOS: JULIA BEVERLY 122

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arlier, you were talking about budgeting your money, which is sort of funny because people have the perception of you as someone who just goes in the club and makes it rain and blows money on whatever.

I do. But I’ve been doing this so long that I’m a vet. Any nigga like me, if you got this much shit coming in, you know how much you can fuck off, you know what I mean? But you’ve gotta pace yourself and be set up for this. You can’t be a new nigga and come out here blowing out money and balling out thinking it’s gonna last. I’ve been doing this shit forever so I know what it is.

A lot of niggas be trying to impress muthafuckers and fuck around and end up broke.

my songs. They say, “Nigga, keep doing what you doing. You’re holding us down out here.” That’s what my whole shit is about.

After you achieve a certain level of success, how do you still keep that mentality that you had when you were in the streets and hungry?

I’m gonna never stop being hungry. I’m a greedy-ass dude. But at the end of the day, that’s who I am. That’s my whole life. I could never change. Of course a nigga’s tax bracket might get bigger, but I still fuck with the same niggas. I still go to the same places and do the same shit. I ain’t gonna get caught up in the fame. To me, this is just a grind. I love the hustle. And when a nigga ain’t hot no more, a lot of people can’t deal with that cause they’re used to being a star. I had all this shit before I got on, so to me it’s more of a respect thing. As long as niggas where I’m at still fuck with me and the streets are still fuckin’ with me, I’m cool. I ain’t tryin’ to be no crossover nigga. I’m not gambling with it and trying to go for the big numbers. That really ain’t where I’m at, I’m just trying to make good music.

During the photo shoot you mentioned that you’re not going to wear jewelry anymore. Why’s that?

I did all that, you know what I’m sayin’? It might mean more to the next man than to me. I’m more than a chain. To me, that shit don’t even matter no more. Fuck that, I’m more than a chain. I don’t want nobody to think that’s who I am. That’s the environment I was raised in so I just ran with it, but I understand that shit now. I’m the same nigga, with or without the chains. I still got the same mentality.

Your first album went double platinum, right? Will you be disappointed if The Inspiration doesn’t exceed those numbers?

Nah, man, the numbers don’t matter as long as niggas are still fuckin’ with me.

I’m a hood nigga. For me to go places and niggas really know who the fuck you are, that shit is better than all that shit. A lot of niggas do numbers but ain’t got that respect. Real niggas appreciate me.

You’ve been working out and trimming down a lot. Are you putting more emphasis on your image this time around to sell records?

I always said that when I got out of the streets and I wasn’t stressed and worried about all that other shit, I was gonna try to get myself together. I ain’t tryin’ to be no 26-year-old fat boy. I’m just trying to have longevity with this shit, and I definitely think health got a lot to do with it. I always said that when I got myself together I was gonna get my health together too. I wasn’t focused on that before because I had a lot of other shit going on, but now I’ve got time to work out. I ain’t tryin’ to be no sex symbol, I’m just trying to be healthy. I wanna live for a long time.

You don’t think you’re a sex symbol?

The hoodrats love me, so I’m good in the hood.

So what’s up with you and Keyshia Cole?

Nothing.

Nothing?

Nothing. It ain’t like that, man.

So Jeezy is single and mingling.

Yeah, same old shit. Ain’t nothin’ changed.

Musically are you going into some new territory on this album?

Just doing what I feel. It ain’t no shit where I’m going to try to be lyrical and come up with a concept, it’s just what’s on a nigga’s mind and heart. I just put on the track and let it be what it is. Whether a nigga like it or don’t like it, I really don’t give a fuck.

“Fuck that, I’m more than a chain. I don’t want nobody to think that’s who I am. I’m the same nigga, with or without the chain.”

What’s your workout routine like?

I got a trainer, so I might run about six or seven miles.

On a good day I might run about eight miles. When I work out I don’t really do a lot of weights. I’m not trying to be big, I’m trying to be healthy. I’m not trying to be no big-ass buff nigga, so I do a lot of cardio. When a nigga fucks with me, I don’t have to fuck with those straps no more. I’m gonna take ‘em myself.

Even after a successful album you came back and dropped another mixtape, Can’t Ban The Snowman.

What was the purpose, just to keep the hype going?

I like to work. It was a lot of speculation. Niggas said I couldn’t rap – like I really give a fuck. I’m lyrical with reality. Niggas can’t do that. Niggas are good with them words but at the end of the day if that shit don’t mean nothing to nobody, it don’t matter. With Can’t Ban The Snowman, I let them know that if I wanna rap on this nigga’s beat, I’ll kill that shit my own way. I put some shit out on the street, “I Do This,” and niggas think it’s my single. This is just some mixtape music. I just wanted to put some shit in the streets and see what the streets want. When I drop, I’m gonna hit ‘em over the head hard. I’ve got a full clip this time.

Have you decided on a lead single?

I’ma drop this shit “Child of God.” Bury me a G. This shit is crazy. You’re gonna know when you hear it.

I heard you’ve got a crazy record called “Hypnotize.”

That’s just Jeezy being Jeezy. That’s some deep shit, but it’s more for my core audience. Niggas who really fuck with me, real niggas that listen to Jeezy, that’s some shit that’s gonna really fuck them up. If you ain’t on it like that, you won’t get it.

What about your diet?

I don’t really do junk food no more. I don’t really drink and smoke as much as I used to. I still get down, but I just take it easy on that shit so I can take care of my business. I don’t eat no beef or pork. I just eat fish and chicken and shit.

I keep it real basic – three or four meals a day with a couple snacks in between.

People know that you had some sort of affiliation with BMF. I’m sure you don’t wanna talk in detail about that situation, so here’s the question: what separates someone like yourself, or 50 Cent, admitted drug dealers who are now legally successful, from the hustlers who end up in prison?

I don’t think nothing separates us. Shit, I mean, I meet a lot of niggas, and I don’t blame muthafuckers. A lot of niggas might think I’m lying, but I don’t give a fuck. They might think, shit, this nigga’s trippin’. But niggas who know me know what it is at the end of the day, and I ain’t gonna let nobody go in vain. I miss my niggas. I know what’s real. My reality might not be a muthafuckin’ nightmare, but I really understand that it’s real out here.

Of course you had a real successful run with your debut album – now that you’re working on your sophomore project, do you feel the need to switch it up and catch people off guard?

I do what I feel. I’ve never really done music for the clubs. I really just do what I feel in my heart. My shit is heartfelt, you know? I just feel that it’s my responsibility to straighten out a lot of shit that was took wrong on the first album. I was straight out the streets, so I had to give a nigga me. But I don’t want a nigga thinking that all I know about is cars and hustling. A nigga’s smarter than that. I made it farther than a lot of niggas. I’ve seen a lot of my peers dead or in jail. I’m still trying to win. I don’t wanna win and don’t give nothing back; that’s why I named it The Inspiration. That’s where I’m going.

I want a nigga to feel me and love me, you know what I mean? I don’t think I’ve really changed, it’s just that I’ve showed niggas the growth. I’m thinking. I ain’t no dumb nigga from the hood.

Why do you think BMF was so blatant with it? Billboards and all?

The shit is real, that’s all I can really say. I ain’t tryin’ to break down why anybody would do anything. Niggas are gonna do what they feel. Shit, if you got the nuts to do it, fuck it.

With this new album being called The Inspiration, I guess you’re sticking with the whole Thug Motivation theme.

It’s not a theme, it’s a way of life. It’s a movement. You’ve got muthafuckers out there who really need niggas to help them through the day. I know I needed that shit when I was on the other end. So that’s why I call it The Inspiration. You know, I’m inspired by the streets, and I inspire niggas. So I felt like it was the only way to go. Niggas don’t never come up to me and say they like

Did you get your baby mama drama straightened out?

We’ve been straight. It was smoothed out before it even started, really.

Your child support bill just went up a little.

Yeah, you know how that go.

Well, you did say the hoodrats love you.

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Not even just the hoodrats. Muthafuckers just gotta understand that I’m a real nigga. At the end of the day I ain’t tryin’ to be nobody who I ain’t. Fuck with me, that’s all I ask for. I’m not tryin’ to be somebody else.

They think I’m crazy – why are you talking about this? But I get it. All the drug dealing rappers are like, muthafucker, you couldn’t walk a day in my shoes. You ain’t good where I’m good. You can’t survive where I’ve survived.

Life is life – everybody can’t live the same. I don’t know about your job, I might not be good at whatever you do, but I know where I came from. I made a way when there wasn’t no way to be made, so I’ma respect that and you should do the same. I could drop you off where the fuck I was at and you couldn’t survive a day. You couldn’t even lace my shoes up. That “Air Forces” song was dead ass true. A lot of muthafuckers couldn’t walk a mile in my shoes. Niggas criticize me, all he talks about this and that, well, that’s who the fuck I am. If you don’t like my shit, don’t buy it. For real. I don’t need your favors. My niggas fuck with me, so I’m cool. When I say “crossover,” I mean, I ain’t gonna do nothing that makes me feel like I’m doing it just to sell records. I might do a big song, but I ain’t gonna do something that makes me feel uncomfortable. I don’t wanna be somewhere and hear a nigga tell me that the shit is whack. I’ma do what I feel like is right by ‘em, so hopefully niggas will get it.

Where did the Boyz N Da Hood situation fall apart?

It never fell apart. When I did it, it was a one album situation. I got a label deal at Def Jam. I’m not just an artist, I’m a boss. It was an understanding. It was an opportunity for me and everybody else. It was a one album thing and we all understood that. So it didn’t really fall apart, that’s how it was supposed to be.

When Katrina came through, I heard you took care of some people.

I did what any real nigga would do, and that’s my focus for this next album.

I’m gonna get more involved with my hood, places I grew up. I’m really on that shit right now. A nigga been blessed, so fuck it, I’ma do the right thing this time. I’m not gonna get caught up in the bullshit. I’m gonna give. Katrina happened, man, and black people are hurting. Those are my people, so anything I could do to help, I’ma help.

Do you feel like you don’t get recognized for the positive things you give back to the community?

Controversy and drama, that shit sells. So anytime your baby mama is getting at you, muthafuckers are gonna put that shit all over the news. But the first time you do some positive shit, niggas don’t give a fuck. But it’s cool cause I ain’t doing it for no press or promo, I’m doing it cause it’s the right thing to do.

Everybody ain’t got it. Sometimes you gotta be the nigga to look out. Fuck it, I get my blessings on the back end, so I ain’t trippin’.

You’ve got 84 songs done for this album already? Who have you worked with as far as features?

Yep. I’ll probably only do like 14 on the album. I’m gonna have some features, but I really don’t bank on my features. I’m more concerned with having a solid album.

What’s the process of narrowing 84 songs down to 14 like?

Just depends on what I feel. I might smoke a couple blunts and listen and pick.

You just gotta know what sounds right. I think I put too many songs on the last album – I gave niggas a chance to say what they didn’t like and what they did like. If it had been like 14 songs it’d be a classic, period.

Have you been able to collaborate with Jay-Z on this album, or has he offered any words of advice?

We’re both working right now. We’re doing what we do, back and forth talking. He’s working on his joint, I’m working on mine. A nigga’s in grind mode.

I put the fatigues back on. He’s in his trap and I’m in mine.

Is The Inspiration a classic?

Definitely. I ain’t got no choice. Coming off that Thug Motivation shit I gotta hit them in the head, you know?

You were spending some time on the boards in the studio. Are you getting into the engineering and production aspect of the music?

Yeah, I’m all over my shit. If I sit around anything long enough, I’m gonna make up my mind to learn that shit. I don’t like to call somebody and need help. I’m just one of them types of dudes. I’ma make a bad situation a better one, and me just being around all the fuckin’ studio shit all the time, I wanted to learn how to do it so I can get shit done without my engineer there. I co-produced a lot of shit on my last album but I really wasn’t trippin’ on the credits. When I go sit down with a nigga in the studio, I know what I want and where I’m going.

Do you think you’re in a position to become the next big rap superstar? Do you think we need a Tupac or Biggie?

They weren’t superstars. They were just real niggas. I think in this industry right now, niggas are scared to be themselves. They go with what’s hot. Everybody tries to jump on what’s hot to sell records, cause everybody wants to get on. Pac didn’t give a fuck what single he dropped. He wasn’t talking about, “This is my radio single.” He just did what he felt. Same with Big. Once you try to break that shit down into “radio singles” and “club singles,” c’mon, man.

You’re gimmicking yourself.

Are you worried about The Inspiration getting leaked and bootlegged like your last album?

Hell naw. If my shit gets leaked this time, I’m going to jail, point blank.

Who are you dealing with as far as production for this album?

Toomp, Speedy, T.A., Shawty Red, Midnight Black, The Drumma Squad. I’ma give niggas a chance, you know what I mean? I really didn’t get a lot of big production. I fuck with Timbaland. He came to the hood with me; it’s a classic Timbo beat. I’ma definitely fuck with my nigga Scott Storch. Other than that, I just kept the shit hood.

Is it true that a Patchwerk Studios employee caught a beatdown for that?

It is what it is. No comment. I don’t wanna get sued again. These bitch niggas are out here suing.

Are you going to drop another mixtape before this album?

I’m about to do the whole CTE thing, so me and my niggas will probably do one together – BloodRaw, Slick Pulla, 211, the whole CTE.

What’s up with your clothing line USDA? December 1st we’re in stores. But the government was trippin’ on the USDA shit, you know, that meat shit is trademarked or something. So I flipped it. If you’re really from the hood and street, you’ll understand. I flipped it to 8732, which is USDA how we used to do it on the old-school pagers. So my clothing line is called 8732, and my shit is looking good. Hella good.

What’s up with the USDA album?

I think we’re gonna drop Slick first and then Blood.

What appealed to you about Slick and Blood? Why sign them to CTE? The niggas are real. I don’t really fuck with a lot of niggas. Me and Slick been down for a long-ass fuckin’ time, and he’s just a real nigga. Same thing with ‘Raw, his whole persona is just real nigga shit. At the end of the day it’s not about the music, you gotta be able to trust these niggas. And ‘Raw, he go hard.

That nigga hustles. Slick is the same way. You don’t have to get on a nigga’s ass, they just do what they do. I hear about more shit them niggas do that I don’t even know about. They’re out working and creating their own situations, and I like that. Any nigga that hustles like that, I’ma hustle with them.

And I respected them niggas before I met them. I heard Slick’s shit and was like, damn, this nigga’s hard. When I heard ‘Raw, he comes from his heart.

Anytime you can feel a nigga’s pain in his music, you really understand it.

When I listen to ‘Raw, I can tell that this nigga really been through this shit.

When I listen to Slick, he’s a real wild ass young dude.

Everybody says they’ve got a clothing line. Are you actually designing clothes or is it just t-shirts?

Oh, hell no. I’m gonna be where Sean John, LRG, Rocawear, and everything is at. I’ma be right there with them. I got all that, jeans, hats, velour jackets, sweaters, all that shit. It’s no bullshit. I know you hear about niggas saying they’ve got a clothing line, but this is some real shit.

Are you still putting out the book Thug Motivation?

I’m still working on it. It took a little bit longer than I thought. I really wanna impress niggas.

Any other projects you’ve got going on?

Trap or Die, the movie. I’m probably gonna fuck with that. It’s my life story, but I ain’t gonna do it like everybody else did it. I’ma just transition to show how it is. It’s gonna be more like a documentary than a movie. Other than that, just working on Slick and Blood’s stuff. “Birds Fly South” in the clubs right now. That BloodRaw mixtape is hitting hard.

You mentioned that you’re not trying to cross over. Even though mainstream America looks at “The Snowman” as the bad guy, they’ll probably never understand that your goal is to be more like a motivational speaker.

Once you get past the hood, a lot of people don’t get it. Well – I should say – once you get past people who live like you, people who hustle and struggle and people who live life the way I’ve lived it – some people still don’t get it.

Anything else you’d like to say?

Look out for that album late October, The Inspiration. You know what it is.

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“You couldn’t walk a day in my shoes. You can’t survive where I’ve survived.

Everybody can’t live the same. I don’t know about your job, I might not be good at whatever you do, but I know where I came from. I made a way when there wasn’t no way to be made, so I’ma respect that and you should do the same.”

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DAVID BANNER NO MORE MR. NICE GUY

WORDS & PHOTOS: JULIA BEVERLY 132

P

eople usually expect a consistent image from an artist. You talk about peace and positive things and aren’t known to have beef with other artists – so why appear on the cover of a magazine with guns?

There shouldn’t have to be an explanation because that’s how I came out.

People forget too quickly. That’s how I came out; that’s a part of me. Regardless of what people say, they think the “new” David Banner is cool, everybody likes him, but that ain’t what folks want.

Is your new record with Yola, “Get Money,” going to be the lead single off your next album?

It’s definitely going to be on the album. I don’t know if it’s going to be the lead single; that’s really up to the public. Based on the reaction I’m getting from it now, hell yeah, it’s going to be a single. With this album, I’m going to let the fans tell me what they want. I’ma put songs out there and once they grab on I’m gon’ bust they head with it. I got so many songs now that we’re gonna throw a couple out there and let people pick what they want. “Get Money” is really showing me that I’m doing the right thing. I’m always on my myspace all the time just taking advice from my fans – if I happen to be their favorite rapper, where would they like to see me in the future? A lot of people say they wasn’t hearing enough “boom,” so I gotta bring it back for them. Hit me up at www.myspace.com/davidbanner.

Who’s the “new” David Banner?

Well, not really “new.” The Heal the Hood David Banner. The “Play” David Banner. All that is good. I guess that’s less scary and less aggressive, and that’s the position that the general public would like to see a black man take – less aggressive. And I think that’s some bullshit. Let’s get it crackin’.

What happened to make the “old” David Banner want to come back?

Interally, he never left. Musically, what we have to understand is that as an artist, I always want to be on the cutting edge. By the time people get into our music, we’re really not on that no more. It just got the point where I had been doing a certain type of music for so long that it wasn’t challenging to me anymore. Even though other music may or may not have done as well or may not been what people wanted, I had to satisfy myself as an artist. I had to try other things. Sometimes you have to leave home in order to respect what you really have and what you do.

Is the first line of the song a diss to Steve Rifkind?

If people listen to it they’ll be able to figure out what it is. It’s funny to see how people react to it. People are looking for somebody to die or somebody to start something. So I’m just gonna let people take it how they want.

You didn’t answer the question.

I know.

“I’m the best producer in the game, and I will prove it this year.”

Now that you’re breaking into Hollywood and getting some acting roles, how would you compare the politics and the process of breaking into the music business as opposed to the movie business?

I really can’t be so vain as to say that I know what it means to break into the music industry because I had the advantage of being a rapper, so I didn’t have to necessarily go through the things that the average person off the street had to go through. I wouldn’t want to bitch and moan about the struggles I had to go through to become an actor because I already had something to get me through the front door. It was nothing close to what I went through in order to be a rapper – being homeless and sitting outside studios. I would never harp on what it took for me to become an actor. But that’s one of the reasons I went to acting school. That’s one of the reasons I work so hard as far as acting is concerned, because I know I did have a blessing that most people don’t have when they’re trying to become a serious actor.

The difference between a lot of people and me is that I really take this acting thing seriously.

Hot 97 announced that you were no longer signed to SRC/ Universal. True or false?

That really depends on how the business goes. If Steve does what he needs to do, then there’s a possibility that stuff can be cool. If he don’t, I’m gonna act and do beats. It’s really up to Steve Rifkind. I’ve gotten a whole lot of offers from other places. I just take it in and listen to what people say. Steve really has got some work he needs to do for the person who started his company.

Initially, when you first signed to SRC, you felt like Steve really understood what you were trying to do and saw your vision. What do you think changed since then?

In a lot of cases, people have too much going on instead of concentrating on one thing. But it’s not all Steve’s fault. Like I said in the last interview, there was a lot of mistakes that I made, so I really put it on myself more than I do Steve. I know how to make a hit record. I know how to get out here and make my record pop. If you look at every group that was really successful with Steve, they had somebody who was runnin’ it, who had a vision, and they basically put their vision out there and Steve quarterbacked it. My vision got sort of blurry because I got caught up doing too much stuff. It’s on me, regardless of what label I’m with.

What acting roles will you be appearing in?

I can’t really speak on the upcoming movies. The only movie I can speak on is the one I’ve done. It’s a lot of politics and red tape when it comes to movies.

I’m in the movie Black Snake Moan; me, Justin Timberlake, Christina Ricci, and Samuel L. Jackson. It’s a major role, from beginning to end. And it’s a major accomplishment for a young black male to be in the movie the whole way and not die. We’re usually the first ones that die. In the first five minutes, boy, you got to go! It’s funny, somebody told me something amazing: people will cut off their left arm just to breath on the same screen as Samuel L. Jackson, who has become a friend of mine and my acting coach. That meant a whole lot to me and I’ve learned a lot of life lessons from the man.

Creatively, did you just hit a roadblock?

I wouldn’t say that. You just have to pick who you want to be. You can’t really be everything at one time, especially when you don’t have a strong enough team behind you. I had to concentrate on being David Banner the rapper, and now I’m trying to concentrate on being David Banner the producer. I just learned that you have to pace yourself. Right now I’m close to placing 20 beats, just this month. I’m back on my grizzy so right now my major concentration is with God, my family, movies, and beats. That’s my concentration. As I work on other people’s stuff, I do a couple beats for myself here and there as I feel comfortable and bust they damn head.

What’s going on with your cartoon?

It’s wonderful. I’m making the music for it right now. It’s been a great experience. One of my biggest problems with music is the fact that what you said earlier is true: people want to keep you in a box. I’m just going to experiment, cause I want to try new things in my movies and in my other adventures and endeavors. I guess I’m going to give people what they expect of David Banner and just keep him there. But in my cartoon, there’s a lot of stuff I want to talk about and a lot of topics that I really can’t touch or fully explain inside a rap song. So I’m gonna do it in my other ventures, and my cartoon is actually helping me do that. It’s strange. It’s gonna be a really funny political cartoon.

It’s gonna be really funny.

So you’re not really concerned with a release date for your next album? It’s basically up to SRC as far as how things progress?

Basically, they got to pay me. It just comes down to that. Pay me. That’s it. I’m just gonna be up front with you. Pay me. You know the type of person I am.

If the record label is fuckin’ up, I’ll pay for my own posters. You know those orange David Banner posters, I paid for them. That last set of t-shirts you saw, I paid for them. They’re not doing what they need to do, but I can’t hear excuses. I’ll make it happen, but dude needs to step it up. If I’m the person who started your company, dude, pay me. Make sure I’m good for the rest of my life. These record labels can sign another David Banner, but we can’t find a new identity. Once it’s over for us, it’s done.

Is the cartoon geared towards kids or adults?

Aw, hell naw. It’s not aimed at kids at all. Kids should not watch my cartoon at all. If kids watch my cartoon, they need they lil’ bad ass whooped. They do not need to watch this cartoon at all. No.

But, at the same time, did your album sales meet SRC’s expectations according to the amount of money they put out?

I know the first album did. Whether or not they sold enough records out there for their expenses to be taken care of, I don’t know. You’d have to ask them because I can’t answer that question. Go ask Steve Rifkind. Go ask Universal, I don’t know. But regardless, we’re talking about who started SRC. I’m the reason you know what SRC is.

Having hooked up with the Cartoon Network, how does it work? Do you write the cartoon or just provide the background beats?

It’s a collaborative effort. The cartoon was going to go in effect before me. This dude that works at Cartoon Network was really affected by my first album, Mississippi: The Album. He said the album influenced him so much that he wrote a cartoon based on it, and then he met me and we just picked it up from there.

Anything else you’d like to say?

I’m the best producer in the game, and I will prove it this year. Quote that.

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M.O.E. stands for Money Over Everything. That’s how we live our life. ’m the CEO, and my other business partner Lil Man is the CEO of the company too. Young Cash is the president.

Right now we’re looking for a distribution deal. We’re trying to get us a label deal, but as far as what M.O.E.’s doing, we’re right behind cash. He’s getting ready to be the first one released off the label. All of us are really behind him; check out that Straight Drop Vol. 2 in stores August 22nd.

904 Click is the group; M.O.E. is the label. The 904 Click consists of Young Cash, Dirt Diggla, T-Smiley, and Chicken Man. They’re all solo artists too; they’ve all got their own projects coming out. So right now we’re just putting out all the mixtapes. The first mixtape is Young Cash’s Straight Drop Vol. 3, then we’re coming out with a Real Nigga mixtape. October 11th, it’s in stores. Then we’ve got Dirk Diggla, man, a lot of stuff coming up.

Right now we’ve got a perfect situation. The best thing I could say is that I compare myself to G-Unit, cause that’s who’s making all the money out here. 50 Cent made $50 mil fuckin’ selling records. Fuck all that talking about how bad you are and how much shit you pop; let’s break down who sells the most records. We’re independent but niggas know that we’re straight street niggas; we been grinding for years and building, staying consistent with what we’re doing. Right now is our time to bubble. My whole city, Jacksonville, has a lot of talent, and now is the time to get everybody out. M-Geezy is doing all the production for all the products in the city right now, so it’s getting real hard for our city. I’m not really messing with any other artist or person outside of Jacksonville. I’m really concentrating on helping my artists and everybody in Duval. I just wanna see my city do it big. I want Jacksonville to be the next Atlanta, and I look at myself as the next Jermaine Dupri, helping all this young talent eat out here.

- As told to Vic

Backdoor Productions, a.k.a. The Producers of the New South, consists of Bishop Jones, Lando 28, Lil Joe, the Trump Boys, and Big J. Born and raised in Jacksonville, they all make beats. They can be reached at 904-885-1306 Bishop Jones: We grew up together. We were cousins, and we started doing beats around high school. When we met Young Cash and M-Geezy, it was a wrap from there. Me and Cash are from the same side of town, so we kind of grew up together. We go way back. M-Geezy had heard of us. He was stayin’ in the neighborhood and we met him at the old studio and started a group. We started off playing live shit.

After that I got my chance in the studio and took off from there. As far as Young Cash we produced most of his album.

We worked with G-Mack out of Kentucky; I did a couple songs with him and Young Cash. We ain’t really mainstream yet but I’m tryin’ to get out there as far as I can get. Our sound is different cause it ain’t like most producers. It’s hard to classify. We don’t call it “rap” or “R&B,” we do all that, but that’s just how it comes up.

Lando 28: I’ve been doing the little production thing since I was young, on little Casios and low-class instruments. But I’d rather have my own live set. I started doing live sets in my early teens and that’s how I looked up with M-Geezy.

We started a band called Burn One. By watching him, eventually I gained the knowledge to be a phenomenal young produer. It’s really beautiful cause we always learn from each other. We always try to get it to another level; we never want to get stuck or stay in one stop. We learn from each other to get to the next level of production.

Mario Andretti: My cousin really put me on to production back in ’98, ’99. I liked to hear the keys he was pushing. I’ve produced “Real Niggas,” and a couple other good songs that people probably ain’t heard yet. We dedided to call it Backdoor Productions because we felt like if you wanna get into the music business you gotta come through us. You gotta come through our door, so don’t just come back the front door and make a big scene and kidekick broke.

Big J: I produced a lot of the new stuff Cash is coming out with.

I learned how to produce just by hanging around and listening and learning from different stuff. I’ve produced a bunch of Cash’s new stuff. This mixtape goes hard in the paint. You won’t hear some of my stuff til later after the album comes out.

Lil Joe: I’m from Jacksonville, Duval County too. I met up with Backdoor Productions through M-Geezy and my older brother. I bring fire beats like “In My Chevy.” We always got heat coming.

We did the group thing and we always wanted the solo shots.

We got that fire, man. Come cocked and holla at us one time for DCR.

plieslive Plies @ Upper Level Orlando, FL Photo: Julia Beverly

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tj’s dj’s tastemakers & ozone awards itinerary

*subject to change

Friday August 4, 2006

Don Diva Magazine), Wendy Day (CEO, Rap Coalition), & Wendy Washington (Senior Vice President of Media Relations, Universal Records)

10 AM - until On-Site Registration at Host Hotel Ivanhoe Plaza/Sheraton Hotel 60 S. Ivanhoe Blvd. downtown Orlando, FL

1:30 PM – Manish Man presents the DJ Crew Panel panelists: 1st Lady El (CEO, Murda Mamis), Cristal Bubblin (Vice President, Bumsquad DJz), DJ Mars (CEO, SuperFriends), Kaspa (CEO, Hittmenn DJs) Scrap Dirty (CEO, Violator All-Star DJs), & Tony Neal (CEO, The CORE DJs)

*all panels and suite parties take place at Host Hotel unless otherwise noted* 2 PM – Musik Boxx presents the Producers Panel panelists: Cool & Dre, DJ Toomp, Jim Jonsin, Khao, KLC, Mr. Collipark, Nitti, & The Runners 2 PM – No Name Necessary presents the Technology Panel panelists: Corey Llewellen (Digiwaxx), Donya Floyd (AOL Radio), Roslynn Cobarrubias (Myspace.com), Jamie Chvotkin (CDBaby.com), Wendy Day (CEO, Rap Coalition) & more TBA

1:30 PM – Bossman presents the Media Panel panelists: Carl Chery (SOHH.com), Cavario Hodges (Don Diva Magazine), Jesus Trivino (Senior Editor, Scratch Magazine), Kraze (CEO, All Access DVD), Matt Sonzala (Murder Dog Magazine), Maurice Garland (Music Editor, OZONE Magazine), N. Ali Early (Editor-In-Chief, Grip Magazine), Rahman Dukes (MTV News/Mixtape Mondays) 4 PM – Jathar Diamonds presents the Artist Panel panelists: David Banner, Juelz Santana, Killer Mike, Pimp C, Slim Thug, T-Pain, Webbie & more TBA

3:30 PM – b.i.G.f.a.c.e. Entertainment presents the Indie Executives Panel panelists: Bryan Leach (TVT), Chaka Zulu (CEO, DTP Records), Jason Geter (CEO, Grand Hustle), Ted Lucas (CEO, Slip-N-Slide Records), Mike Clarke (Swishahouse), Uncle Luke (CEO, Luke Records), & Vince Phillips (CEO, BME Records)

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM – DJ Suite Parties / Listening Sessions (DJ CREDENTIAL REQUIRED FOR ACCESS) - Bad Boy/Atlantic Records Suite Party with 8Ball & MJG - Asylum Records Suite Party with Lil Flip - Jive Records Suite Party with Dre & M.O.S.

3:30 PM - Royal Blunts presents the DJ Panel panelists: Brandi Garcia, Clinton Sparks, DJ Chuck T, DJ Jelly, DJ Nasty, DJ Wally Sparks, Green Lantern, & Greg Street

8 PM - 10 PM - Tastemakers Only Showcase Club at Firestone 578 N. Orange Ave. downtown Orlando, FL with DJ-exclusive Serato & laptop raffle performances by Trillville, Mr. Magic, Tampa Tony, J-Shin, Young A & more

5-7 PM – DJ Suite Party/Listening Sessions (DJ CREDENTIAL REQUIRED FOR ACCESS) - Koch Records Suite Party w/ DJ Unk & Baby D - Others TBA 7-10 PM – Welcome to Florida Pool Party & Fashion Show hosted by Khao & Stay Fresh performances by Crime Mob, Chyna Whyte, B.H.I., Young Capone, THud, Mannish Man, & Da Mouf Records 10 PM - 3 AM - Interscope Records Official TJ’s DJ’s/OZONE Awards Kickoff Party Cairo Nightclub performances by Young Buck, Lloyd Banks, Slim Thug, Rich Boy, Jibbs, Obie Trice, Hot Rod, & Stat Quo Music by DJ Q45, Supastar J-Kwik & DJ Greg G Registered members of the conference are admitted free until MIDNIGHT.

10 PM - 3 AM - Tastemakers Only Afterparty Club at Firestone Lil Wayne & many more celebrity guests will be in the building Music by Cool Runnings, Disco & the City Boyz, Emperor Searcy, & Supastar J-Kwik Registered members of the conference are admitted free until MIDNIGHT. 3 AM – until - Late Night Suite Party at Host Hotel - TBA

Sunday August 6, 2006 12 PM - 3 PM - OZONE Brunch - Location TBA 4 PM - 6 PM - OZONE Red Carpet With comedians Benji Brown & Roland “Lil Duval” Powell Livingston St. in front of the Bob Carr Auditorium

3 AM – until BME Records Late Night Suite Party at Host Hotel with Crime Mob, Chyna Whyte, B.H.I. & more

7 PM - 11 PM - 1st Annual OZONE Awards Bob Carr Auditorium 401 W. Livingston St., downtown Orlando, FL hosted by David Banner & Trina

Saturday August 5, 2006 10 AM - until On-Site Registration at Host Hotel Ivanhoe Plaza/Sheraton Hotel

performances by Lil Wayne, T.I., Pimp C & Bun B, Trick Daddy, Pitbull, Rick Ross, Too $hort, Shawnna, T-Pain, Young Dro, Slim Thug, Trae, Yung Joc, Paul Wall & more

*all panels and suite parties take place at Host Hotel* 12 PM – G-Mack of Lost Land Entertainment presents the A&R Panel panelists: Dart La (Director of A&R, Shady Records), Dino Delvaille (Senior VP of A&R, Sony BMG), James Eichelberger (Director of A&R, TVT Records), Joie Manda (Director of A&R & Promotions, Asylum Records), Kawan Prather (Executive VP of A&R, Sony Urban), MeMpHiTz (Director of A&R, Jive Records), Mike Caren (Senior VP of A&R, Atlantic Records), Shakir Stewart (VP of A&R, Def Jam), Shawn Holiday (Senior VP of A&R, Interscope Records), & Wes Phillips (Select-O-Hits) 12 PM – Earthworm Clothing presents the Women In The Industry Panel panelists: Elora Mason (CEO, E. Mason & Associates), Jill Strada (Program Director, WPYO Power 95.3 Orlando), Kim Osorio (Editor-In-Chief, BET.com), Miss Info (On-Air Personality, Hot 97) Supa Cindy (Morning Show On-Air Personality, WEDR 99 Jamz Miami), Tiffany Chiles (CEO,

appearances by 8Ball & MJG, Aztek, B.G., Bohagon, Bonecrusher, Cam’Ron, Choppa, Crime Mob, DJ Khaled, ESG, Grandaddy Souf, JackiO, Juelz Santana, Khia, Killer Mike, Lil Boosie, Lil Flip, Lyfe Jennings, Obie Trice, Rich Boy, Roy Jones Jr. & 3D, Smitty, Sqad Up, Stat Quo, TV Johnny, Twista, Uncle Luke, Webbie, Young Cash, Young Jeezy, Yukmouth & many more 10 PM - 3 AM - Atlantic Records Official OZONE Awards Afterparty with Grand Hustle, Bad Boy Records, & Slip-N-Slide Club at Firestone 578 N. Orange Ave. downtown Orlando, FL performances by Young Dro, Plies, B.G. & many more TBA music by DJ Drama, DJ Khaled, DJ Nasty, & Disco & the City Boyz Registered members of the conference are admitted free until MIDNIGHT.

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meet our panelists BRANDI GARCIA / DJ & radio personality, KBXX-Houston – DJ Panel (Houston, TX) The bit of sunshine Brandi Garcia took from her native state of Florida has paved a bright future. Garcia worked the radio ladder to become the proud owner of Houston’s #1 night show on 97.9 The Box, host of the music video show “Hot TV,” creator of the sultry Southern Stilletto mix CD series, and becoming 2006 Southern Entertainment Award’s Female DJ of the Year. A proud member of the Murder Mamis & NoizeMob, Garcia is en fuego!

BRYAN LEACH / TVT Records – Indie Exec Panel (New York, NY) Bryan was largely responsible for propelling acts like Lil Jon & the Eastside Boyz, the Ying Yang Twins, and Pitbull to national success during his time as VP of A&R at TVT Records. Now on the verge of launching his own label, Bryan’s thorough knowledge of the music business and hands-on approach to artist development will guarantee him success.

CARL CHERY / SOHH.com – Media Panel (New York, NY) CAVARIO HODGES / Don Diva Magazine – Media Panel (Atlanta, GA) CHAKA ZULU / Co-CEO, Disturbing Tha Peace & Ebony Son – Indie Exec Panel (Atlanta, GA) Chaka Zulu has been making his mark in the music industry for the past 10 years. Much like his namesake, Zulu relies on education and tenacity for success while giving back to his people. Chaka Zulu has worn many hats including Music Director for Atlanta’s Hot 97.5, radio promotions for Sony & Universal, and currently serves as Co-CEO and manager for entertainment icon Ludacris and the Disturbing Tha Peace brand.

CLINTON SPARKS / DJ, Producer, Entrepreneur – DJ Panel (Hartford, CT) Music is universal as Clinton Sparks proves through the syndication of his “SmashTime Radio” heard in the USA, Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Canada and on Sirius Satellite’s Shade 45. Sparks takes full advantage of his entrepreneurial skills with two merchandising websites MixUnit.com & FlixUnit.com. While cats from Kanye West, 50 Cent, Eminem, & Pharrell have all blessed his famous mixtapes, the world is just now “getting familiar” with Sparks the producer. And as Sparks continues to push it to the limit with a new album plus deals involving video games and Pepsi, the world is about to become very familiar with Clinton Sparks.

COOL & DRE – Producer Panel (Miami, FL) Production credits include Ja Rule f/ Jadakiss & Fat Joe “New York New York,” The Game f/ 50 Cent “Hate It Or Love It,” Christina Milian f/ Young Jeezy “Say I,” Juvenile “Rodeo,” and DJ Khaled f/ Paul Wall, Rick Ross, Pitbull, & Fat Joe “Holla At Me.” COREY LLEWELLYN / Digiwaxx.com – Technology Panel (New York, NY) CRISTAL BUBBLIN / Vice President, Bum Squad DJz – DJ Crew Panel DART PARKER / Dir. A&R, Shady Records – A&R Panel (New York, NY) Most folks in the industry base signing new talent from charts and bandwagons, but true A&R’s such as Dart Parker rely on their ear and the conviction to stand behind the music they sign. Parker has trusted his instincts ever since leaving Raleigh, NC via Amtrak armed with $800 and a dream. Parker has continued living his dream beginning as a producer for DMX and De La Soul then eventually moving up to becoming Director of A&R for Shady Records, signing Stat Quo and Ca$his to the house Em built.

DJ CHUCK T / DJ & CEO, Port City Productions – DJ Panel (Charleston, SC) Frustrated with the lack of opportunities available to independent artists, Chuck T dropped his mic and picked up the turntable. He decided to fight the game from within the system and has opened doors for many artists in and

around his hometown of Charleston, SC though his mixtape series, Ghetto Gangsters including dropping 45 titles in one year! DJ Chuck T has already had coverage in The Source, Ozone Magazine, Scratch Magazine, and MTV’s Mixtape Mondays to name a few. His hard work is paying off as DJ Chuck T was nominated for 14 Southern Entertainment Awards in his first year of eligibility and looks forward to watching his label Port City Productions become a super power in the music industry.

DJ JELLY - DJ Panel (Atlanta, GA) DJ MARS / Founder, World Famous Superfriends – DJ Crew (Atlanta, GA) As the President and founding member of the World Famous Superfriends Crew, DJ Mars single handedly changed the DJ scene in Atlanta. While attending Clark Atlanta University, DJ Mars started his career DJing in the cafeteria during dinner for only $75. Mars went from being Outkast’s original DJ to touring with Usher. Currently Mars is living the life of legends and happily on tour with Ciara.

DJ NASTY / DJ & Producer, Nasty Beatmakers – DJ Panel (Orlando, FL) Now that his partner DJ Prostyle has departed for NYC and BET, Nasty virtually holds a DJ monopoly on the city of Orlando, dominating radio and clubs. Widely considered one of the best on the one’s & two’s, Nasty and his brother LVM have also used their industry connections to venture into production. Their tracks have appeared on albums by everyone from Camron to Ludacris.

DJ TOOMP – Producer Panel (Atlanta, GA) Production credits include T.I.’s “Dope Boyz,” “U Don’t Know Me,” “Motivation,” “What U Know,” “Be Easy,” and Ludacris’ “Two Miles An Hour.”

DJ WALLY SPARKS / DJ, syndicated – DJ Panel (Chattanooga, TN) Once upon a time Wally Sparks was OZONE Magazine’s music editor, but he left us to pursue his true love 24/7: DJing and breaking new music. He can currently be heard on 3 commercial radio stations in 3 different states in addition to his own weekly show on Sirius Satellite Radio entitled “League Crew Radio.” Wally Sparks currently has globally distributed mixtapes featuring big names such as Ludacris, Chamillionaire, Yung Joc, Trae, and 8Ball & MJG. DONYA FLOYD / Programmer, AOL Radio Network – Technology Panel (New York, NY) Donya Floyd programs nearly 40 urban music stations for the AOL Radio Network, including R&B, dancehall and gospel – acting as a liaison between AOL Music and labels and artists. In addition to her radio responsibilities, she is a contributor to AOL Music’s news and feature articles, AIM interviews and Sessions. Ms. Floyd’s background includes programming and on-air stints at WOWI-FM in Norfolk, WPGC 95.5 FM in Washington, DC, and WUSL Power 99 FM in Philadelphia. Most recently, she also appeared as a weekly entertainment news contributor on Philadelphia’s top-rated TV station, NBC-10.

ELORA MASON / Founder, E. Mason & Associates – Women In the Industry Panel (Atlanta, GA) Elora Mason is the founder and CEO of E. Mason & Associates, a Miami based Events Management and Publicity Firm. She is also the co-founder of Young Florida Vote, a non-profit, non-partisan voter empower program and the Florida Entertainment Summit, Florida’s most important entertainment networking summit. Elora, born in St. Croix, has worked with Atlantic Records, Bigga Rankin, Benji Brown, Caribbean Reggae Fest, DJ DEMP, DEMP Week, So South, Tarvoria, The Core DJs, The Core DJs Retreat, Trick Daddy, Trick Luvs Da Kids Foundation and a host of others.

ozone 10 awards

1st LADY EL / Founder, Murda Mamis Ent - DJ Crew Panel (New York, NY) 1st Lady El is the architect of the largest collective of

meet our panelists women in the urban entertainment industry, The Murda Mamis. This prolific group covers all industry genres from DJs, recording artists, media personalities, producers, executives, journalists, and models including placements at MTV, Don Diva Magazine and power stations like KBXX-Houston to name a few. Lady El notes that “I started Murda Mamis to unify women in Hip Hop. Women are very powerful and together we can be invincible.” With a hustler’s ambition this strong, the Murda Mamis will always be respected to the 1st degree.

GREEN LANTERN – DJ Panel (New York, NY) Aside from the infamous Jadakiss DVD incident which led to Green’s dismissal from Eminem’s camp, Green is known for being one of the sickest mixtape DJs, dropping unique blends and exclusive songs regularly.

KASPA / CEO, Hittmenn DJs (Atlanta, GA)

and Ray Cash.

KHAO – Producer Panel (Atlanta, GA) Production credits include Young Jeezy f/ Trick Daddy & Young Buck “Last of a Dying Breed,” T.I. “Why U Wanna,” T.I. “Stand Up Guy,” T.I. f/ P$C “Limelight,” Paul Wall f/ T.I. “So Many Diamonds,” and Lil Kim “Get Yours.”

GREG “GATE$” DAVENPORT / Murder Dog - Media Panel (N. Florida) GREG STREET – DJ Panel (Atlanta, GA) The Ultimate Hustler, Greg once balanced dual radio shows in Atlanta and Dallas and has expanded his brand to encompass car shows, sneaker shows, and other entrepreneurial ventures.

JAMES EICHELBERGER / A&R, TVT Records – A&R Panel (New York, NY) JASON GETER / Co-CEO, Grand Hustle – Indie CEO Panel (Atlanta, GA) As both T.I.’s manager and business partner, Jason can be largely credited with not only the success of T.I.’s individual career, but the success of the label as a whole. Grand Hustle was responsible for the Hustle & Flow soundtrack and, in addition to the veteran P$C crew, recently brought in new acts like Young Dro and Yola who are set to follow in T.I.’s footsteps and achieve worldwide success.

JESUS TRIVINO ALARCON / Senior Editor, Scratch Magazine – Media Panel (New York, NY) Jesus Trivino Alarcon has been apart of the Scratch Magazine family from the beginning as a founding editor of the DJ publication. Alarcon is not relegated to the desk as he has interviewed Nas, Kanye West, Willie Colon, Jay-Z while writing for Vibe, The Source, XXL, King, People.com and others. As a Brooklyn-born South American, Alarcon provides a unique experience that readers can’t enjoy more.

JILL STRADA / Program Director, WPYO Power 95.3 FM – Women In The Industry Panel (Orlando, FL) Jill Strada is currently the Program Director of Orlando hip-hop station WPYO/Power 95.3. Jill entered the entertainment industry in January 1996 as a promotion intern at WJHM/102 Jamz in Orlando. In 1999, she became the Marketing Director of a new start up radio station in Orlando, WPYO/95.3 Party. Jill is always challenging herself, and over time she took on additional responsibilities in the station’s programming department and added Assistant Program Director & Music Director to her title. Jill also believes that giving back is one thing that is missing in the industry, so she started up Stradagy Inc. – a non-profit organization that fosters mentorship within the entertainment industry.

JIM JONSIN - Producers Panel (Miami, FL) Formerly 1/2 of the Unusual Suspects duo with Big D, Jim has now branched off into a solo production career and also maintains an executive position at Southbeat Records.

Production credits include Trick Daddy “Let’s Go,” Pitbull f/ Piccalo “Dammit Man,” Jamie Foxx f/ Ludacris “Unpredictable,” Pretty Ricky “Your Body,” Pretty Ricky “Grind With Me,” and Trina f/ Kelly Rowland “Here We Go.” JOIE MANDA / Head of A&R & Promotions, Asylum Records - A&R Panel (New York, NY) Asylum, billed as an “incubator” label, serves as the “umbrella” for many successful indie labels like Swishahouse.

As head of A&R, Joie is involved with projects from artists like Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Webbie, Lil Boosie, Cam’Ron, and Bun B.

KAWAN PRATHER / Executive VP of Sony Urban and Head A&R (New York, NY) Originally from Atlanta, KP first made his mark as an A&R by pairing Usher with Jermaine Dupri for the My Way album. He also discovered and signed T.I. and the YoungBloodz and signed them to LaFace Records long before the Southern movement was widely accepted.

Now at Sony, his most recent signees include John Legend

KIM OSORIO – Editor, BET.com Although you may recognize her name as former editor of The Source during the Dave & Benzino days, Kim is now responsible for BET’s online content.

KLC / producer, Beats By the Pound & The Medicine Men – Producers Panel (Baton Rouge, LA) Few producers can claim an entire place in time. KLC as a member of Beats By The Pound served as the backbone behind the No Limit movement that peaked at over 40 million units sold and opened a brand new sound. Today, as a member of The Medicine Men, KLC has produced for mega stars such as Ludacris and Mariah Carey while anticipating the release of the first release for The Medicine Men’s Overdose/Asylum venture entitled KLC The Drum Major.

KRAZE / CEO, All Access DVD (New York, NY) MATT SONZALA / Writer, Photographer, Promoter, Booker –Media Panel (Houston, TX) Matt Sonzala is a writer/photographer/promoter/booking agent from Houston, TX. He’s been in the music game since the age of 16 when he first started promoting live events at clubs. Since then he has developed into THE voice for Houston hip-hop. While he is not affiliated with any artist officially, when you need to get at someone from Texas, you call Matt first. In recent years he has been published in Ozone, The Source, XXL and Vibe Magazine, and is currently booking artists like Devin the Dude and DJ Rapid Ric on tours of Europe, Canada, and the Pacific Rim. His weekly radio program - the wildly popular Damage Control Show with DJ Chill - is heard all over the world and is a direct link to everything going on in Dirty South Rap. MAURICE G. GARLAND / Music Editor, OZONE Magazine – Media Panel (Atlanta, GA) After a stint working at Rolling Out, Maurice joined the OZONE team and has been responsible for several memorable spreads (“20 Greatest Southern Albums,” “Bay Area Patiently Waiting,” etc.).

MICKEY “MeMpHiTz” WRIGHT / VP, A&R – Jive; CEO, HiTz Committee – A&R Panel (New York, NY) Arriving in New York fresh from his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, Mickey Wright embarked on a journey fueled by faith and determination that would eventually lead him to becoming the most sought after golden ears of hip-hop. Wright released both the debut album of his latest signing, Tallahassee R&B singer/songwriter, T-Pain, as well as the YoungBloodZ’s third album, only a week apart. He is currently back in the studio, preparing releases with legendary Houston group UGK, J-Kwon, and newcomer M.O.S. (Money Over Sex), a rapper from Durham, NC. With his recent promotion to Vice President of A&R at Jive, Wright’s eyes and ears are always poised for the next big thing, but he particularly cares “more about real talent, potential stardom, and longevity.”

MIKE CAREN / Senior Vice President of A&R, Atlantic Records - A&R Panel (Los Angeles, CA)

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MICHAEL CLARKE / VP, Swisha House; owner, M&M Music – Indie Exec Panel (Houston, TX) Michael Clarke embarked on a career in the music industry before landing a coveted executive position at Swisha House Records. A proprietor of the family owned and operated M&M Music, Clarke assumed full responsibilities of manning and operating the award winning record store in 1996. Since joining the Swisha House family officially in 2003, Clarke has risen in ranks from a consultant to Vice President. Clarke expertly outlines the marketing and promotional procedures for all artists on the Swisha House roster simultaneously working in conjunction with the record company partner’s various departments to provide artists with optimal success.

MIKE RIOS / Mixunit.com (Hartford, CT) MISS INFO / Journalist, Personality – Hot 97 – Women In The Industry Panel (New York, NY) Whether on radio, television, or print, Miss Info brings the same opinionated blend of wit, news, and gossip that’s become her trademark. Born to Korean immigrants in Chicago, Miss Info moved to New York to join the staff at the Source Magazine. She has since written and edited for magazines such as Vibe, XXL, King, Mass Appeal, Rolling Stone, Glamour as well as MTV News and various shows on VH1. Recently, Miss Info joined New York City’s Hot 97 family, wrote a book, and still has time to pen a monthly Vibe column and give writing workshops.

During Def Jam’s transition, Shakir helped maintain the label’s reputation for breaking rap acts by signing bubbling talent like Young Jeezy and Rick Ross and helping their careers break on a national level.

SHAWN HOLIDAY / Senior VP of A&R, Universal Records – A&R Panel (Los Angeles, CA) SUPA CINDY / Personality, WEDR-Miami – Women In The Industry Panel (Miami, FL) For the past 6 1/2 years Supa Cindy has kept the #1 spot in the Arbitron ratings. First with her partner Big Lip Bandit in the evenings and now for the last 2 years as part of the “Big Lip Bandit in the A.M.” Mornings Show. Along with holding the title as the most popular female radio personality in South Florida, Supa Cindy also has the responsibility of running her own non profit organization called “Supa Friends” whose main goal is to motivate and inspire young women. Supa Cindy plans to use her bilingual skills (thanks to her Haitian and Dominican parents) to broaden her resume with a new television venture.

TED LUCAS / CEO, Slip-N-Slide Records – Indie CEO Panel (Miami, FL) THE RUNNERS – Production Panel (Orlando, FL) They got their big break with Rick Ross’ “Hustlin’” and DJ Khaled’s “Born & Raised,” and are now working with everyone from Lil Wayne to UGK.

MR. COLLIPARK – Producer Panel (Atlanta, GA) Also known as DJ Smurf, Collipark crafted the sound and progress of the Ying Yang Twins career and now is working with several new acts including P Stones and Homebwoi. He produced the infamous “whisper song” for the Ying Yang Twins as well as David Banner’s “Play,” Bubba Sparxxx’ “Ms. New Booty,” Bun B’s “Git It,” Pitbull’s “Shake,” and dozens of other Ying Yang Twins hits.

TIFFANY CHILES / CEO, Don Diva Magazine – Media Panel (New York, NY) TONY NEAL / CEO, The CORE DJs – DJ Crew Panel (Milwaukee, WI) After a rather vocal departure from the Tech.Nitions, Tony pushed forward to create his own DJ crew The CORE and has assembled an all-star cast of DJs and industry movers & shakers from across the country that moves as one unit. A former boxer, Tony’s take-charge attitude has enabled him to build a strong, valuable army of DJs.

N. ALI EARLY / Editor at Large, Grip Magazine – Media Panel (Atlanta, GA) A proud graduate of Clark Atlanta University, N. Ali Early began humbly with UrbanStyle Weekly serving as Music Editor for 2 years. Since then Early has set the world on fire with credits in XXL, The Source, Vibe, and more while still having time to launch his media umbrella, www.KreativeSouls. com. Now as Editor-At-Large for Grip Magazine, Early is optimistic knowing that “the sky’s the limit as to what we can accomplish – and we want it all.”

UNCLE LUKE / CEO, Luke Records – Indie Exec Panel (Miami, FL) A veteran in the game both as an artist and a businessman, Luke can provide valuable information of what to do – and what not to do – when running your own record label.

VINCE PHILLIPS / Co-CEO, BME – Indie Exec Panel (Atlanta, GA) In addition to his work as an entertainment attorney for some of the biggest names in Atlanta music, Vince owns BME along with Lil Jon, Rob Mac, and Emperor Searcy. The upstart label which launched Lil Jon’s career now boasts a promising roster that includes Lil Scrappy, Trillville, E-40, Chyna Whyte, Bohagon, B.H.I., and more.

NITTI – Producer Panel (Atlanta, GA) “This is a Nitti beat,” c’mon, you had to have heard that at least a million times by now on the intro to Yung Joc’s “It’s Goin’ Down.” Nitti has also crafted beats for 8Ball, Young Jeezy, Rasheeda, and a crop of talented upcoming Atlanta artists.

RAHMAN DUKES / MTV News - Media Panel (New York, NY)

WENDY DAY / Founder, Rap Coalition - Women In The Industry Panel (Atlanta, GA) In chess, the Queen is the most powerful piece on the board. Likewise, Wendy Day runs the boardroom as if she wields the power, continuously crafting deals for the likes of Cash Money, No Limit, Eminem, and David Banner. Founder of the Rap Coalition, she is an advocate for artist rights and believes firmly in the adage “knowledge is power.”

ROSLYNN COBARRUBIAS / NARIP, MySpace.com – Technology Panel Roslynn Cobarrubias started “Third Floor Radio” in college in 1998 where she acted as host, producer and DJ. In July of 2004, she came to MySpace. While holding the position of Director of Marketing for the National Association of Record Industry Professionals (NARIP), Cobarrubias met Chris De Wolfe (CEO of MySpace.com) via her former boss, president of the network, Tess Taylor. The web community had just begun MySpace Music and only had 3.5 million users compared to the 90 million + that it has to date. Friends know her as a work-aholic that calls herself the “traveling janitor.” She prides herself most in the ability to help others and has a strong belief in coincidences after reading the Celestine Prophecy numerous times.

SHAKIR STEWART / Senior VP of A&R, Island Def Jam – A&R Panel (Atlanta, GA)

WENDY WASHINGTON / Senior VP of Media Relations, Universal Records – Women In The Industry Panel (New York, NY) Once a law school student, Wendy now runs Universal’s media relations/publicity department. During her first years in the music industry, she helped Bad Boy launch Biggie’s career. Since then, she’s been responsible for securing press coverage for everyone from A Tribe Called Quest to Nelly to Juvenile.

WES PHILLIPS / Select-O-Hits (Memphis, TN)

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First Annual OZONE Awards: Sunday, August 6th at the Bob Carr Auditorium in downtown Orlando, FL red carpet: 4-6 PM showtime: 7 PM

in association with TJ’s DJ’s Tastemaker’s Music Conference (August 4th-5th) visit www.ozonemag.com or www.tjsdjs.com to register for weekend passes to all events Tickets to the OZONE Awards are also available through www.ticketmaster.com Nominees were selected by a panel of DJs, journalists, and other knowledgeable, non-biased individuals in the rap community. OZONE is widely known and respected as the premiere voice of Southern rap music, so it’s only right that our nominations this year are focused on Southern artists. Keep in mind that this year’s nominations are based solely on music released between May 1, 2005 and April 30, 2006.

BEST ALBUM - RAP Bun B - Trill

Rap-A-Lot/Asylum

The king of collaborations brought together the entire South for his perfectly-timed first solo album, even uniting Houston - if only for a few minutes - on the “Draped Up” remix.

Juvenile - Reality Check

Atlantic

Facing with the challenge of adjusting to a new recording home and picking up his life after Katrina, Juve came with his best material since his groundbreaking Cash Money release 400 Degreez.

Lil Wayne - The Carter 2

Cash Money/Universal

Wayne became a critical and media darling with the superior lyrical dexterity he showcased on his latest project.

T.I. - King

Grand Hustle/Atlantic

He claimed the throne years ago, and backed it up in a major way in 2006 with one of his strongest efforts to date.

Young Jeezy - Thug Motivation: Let’s Get It

Def Jam

The highly-anticipated major label debut from the South’s hottest underground commodity spawned numerous hit singles and club anthems.

BEST RAP ARTIST (MALE)

BEST RAP ARTIST (FEMALE)

Bun B

Crime Mob (Diamond & Princess)

Left alone to keep the UGK flame burning, the Trillest of the Trill came strong with a gang of top notch collaborations and elevated himself to become one of the finest solo artists in the rap game.

Lil Wayne

Cash Money’s most loyal soldier took shots at former labelmates Juvenile and B.G., but backed it up with a release that captured his confidence, growth, and versatility.

Paul Wall

In addition to dropping his first national release, The People’s Champ was everywhere this year. He dropped verses for everyone from T-Pain to Nelly to Bun B and even using the birth of his firstborn son as an opportunity to market his side hustle selling grills.

T.I.

This young duo kept their crew’s name alive after people got tired of knucking and bucking.

Jacki-O

The self-proclaimed Madam of Miami will take your attention, your man and your jewelry if the cameras aren’t watching. But, when on the mic, she takes no shit.

Khia

Raw and uncut, Khia still represents for the ghetto females in the ongoing battle of the sexes (“J.O.D.D.,” “Snatch the Cat Back”).

Rasheeda

The “R” in her name must stand for resilient. This “Georgia Peach” has proven that she’s here to stay.

This Urban Legend told you he was Serious, but he still had to Trap you with his Muzik until you crowned him the King he’d always claimed to be.

Shawnna

Young Jeezy

Trina

After helping to establish Boyz N Da Hood, the Snowman used his charisma to entrance the entire nation as he vividly described the realities of street life.

Slowly but surely stepping out of Ludacris’ shadow, this Chi-Town queen is about to make the world respect female emcees again.

Attitude for years, sassiness for months and ass for days, Trina “blah blah blah”-ed her way to the top and snagged Birdman Jr. on the way.

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nominees BEST R&B ARTIST (MALE)

Originally written off as an R Kelly Jr., Trey Songz created his own lane and brought a breath of fresh air to R&B.

Anthony Hamilton

BEST RAP GROUP

The raw emotions in his voice catapulted him to near iconic status in today’s climate of soulless music.

Boyz N Da Hood

Bobby Valentino

This former Mista front man went from Organizing Noize to Disturbing Tha Peace and created a sound hit in the process.

A collective comprised of two underground rap vets and two flashy newcomers, Boyz N Da Hood took the South by storm, drawing comparisons to the legendary gangsta rap group N.W.A.

Chris Brown

D4L

This smooth teen catapulted to the top of the charts virtually overnight.

Ne-Yo

After penning hit records for Mario and others, Ne-Yo stepped out into his own limelight.

Pretty Ricky

Love them, hate them, or hate them a lot, ATL foursome D4L ignored the dissenters and made an undeniable run for the top.

Dem Franchize Boyz

Right when you thought they got worn out, Dem Franchize Boyz dusted off the “White Tees” and reminded us why we like them.

A little raunchy for your mother’s liking, but Pretty Ricky snuck their way into the hearts of teenage girls everywhere. Their “Grind” finally paid off.

Little Brother

T-Pain

Three 6 Mafia

BEST R&B ARTIST (FEMALE)

Ying Yang Twins

With his seamless songwriting abilities, this Rappa Ternt Sanga made it seem classy to fall in love with a stripper.

Christina Milian

Although born in New Jersey, this talented singer spends a lot of time in the Dirty Dirty these days, collaborating with Young Jeezy, Lil Jon, and Miami production duo Cool & Dre.

They held up a mirror and forced hip-hop to take a good look at itself with their critically acclaimed major debut The Minstrel Show.

It’s a little easier out here for a pimp now that Memphis legends Three 6 Mafia have received their mainstream respect.

Best known for their strip club anthems, this Atlanta duo expanded their horizons into grown-man territory with United State of Atlanta - and still managed a few “HANH?!?”s in the process.

BEST LYRICIST

Ciara

Bun B

Destiny’s Child

Chamillionaire

This overnight celebrity dropped an album and had a run that proves she will be here for many moons.

Houston’s angels bid farewell, but did so in grand fashion.

Even though he’s reppin’ the Screwed and Chopped state of Texas, Cham’s flows and lyrics are anything but slow.

Joi

George Clinton, Big Gipp, Bun B and Pastor Troy can vouch for her. She is the Queen of the Underground.

Keyshia Cole

Swiftly becoming the Mary J. Blige of her generation, Ms. Cole got hyphy with the fellas but still represented for the ladies.

LeToya Luckett

Showing that there is indeed life after Beyonce, Luckett crept in with the Houston wave and found her niche.

BEST ALBUM - R&B Anthony Hamilton - Ain’t Nobody Worryin’

Arista

His second studio album clearly indicated that he was not a flash in the pan.

Lyfe Jennings - Lyfe 268-192

Sony

If every convicted felon had a soulful voice and songwriting skills like the ones displayed on Lyfe’s autobiographical debut, we wouldn’t see many repeat offenders. Fuck a license plate – give them a guitar!

Ne-Yo - In My Own Words

Def Jam

R&B’s new man of the hour scored big with “So Sick” and his debut album.

T-Pain - Rappa Ternt Sanga

Konvict/Jive

Atlantic

Killer Mike

Shaky release dates and a shelved album almost deaded his name, but Killa Kill managed to stay alive with the amazing freestyles and lyrical dexterity of The Killer mixtape and the Got Purp? compilation.

Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne finally gained nationwide respect for being the talented emcee that he has been since his pre-teen years.

Scarface

For well over a decade Scarface has proven why he is one of the most revered voices in all of hip-hop. In 2006 he continued to add to his legendary status with his group The Product.

T.I.

He talks cash shit and he’s money on the mic, but T.I. still spits like he struggling in the trap.

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST Mike Jones

He may not have picked up his phone when you called, but Mike Jones saw his career go from off the radar to off the hook.

Paul Wall

Tallahassee’s multi-talented son dropped an album laced with his trademark singing and production style, and produced two massive hits in the process. Not bad for a rapper.

Trey Songz - I Gotta Make It

The South ain’t got lyrics, huh? Tell that to Bun B. There’s a reason why he’s been featured alongside virtually every rapper you’ve ever heard of.

On top of single-handedly birthing (and soon killing) our fascination with Grillz, Paul Wall went from being a local Chick Magnet to The People’s Champ.

Rick Ross

Hustlin’ every day (for years) led Miami’s Rick Ross to a major label bidding war and a multi-million dollar Def Jam deal.

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nominees Slim Thug

They say everything’s bigger in Texas. Houston’s 7-footer was ridin’ a Bentley even before the album dropped.

T-Pain

Save for the now infamous chain-snatching incident, T-Pain’s breakthrough has been a pleasurable experience. Being “Sprung” and “In Luv” never hurt nobody.

Webbie

Coming from Lousiana’s ‘other’ city, Baton Rouge’s Webbie brought back the I-don’t-give-a-fuck attitude that others have forgotten.

BEST RAP COLLABORATION Bun B f/ H-Town All Stars (Lil Keke, Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Aztek, Lil Flip, Z-Ro) “Draped Up (remix)” Rodney King and DJ Screw would be so proud to see everybody just get along. Or at least they edited it that way.

by the Ying Yang Twins’ “Wait.”

Dem Franchize Boyz “Lean Wit’ It, Rock Wit’ It”

DFB ruled the airwaves in the year of the snap, with back-to-back radio cuts that were unavoidable.

Dem Franchize Boyz f/ Jermaine Dupri, Da Brat, and Bow Wow “Oh I Think They Like Me (remix)” Jermaine and his entire So So Def roster came through to remix this “White Tees” spin-off.

Webbie f/ Bun B “Gimme Dat”

We’re not condoning rape - but when a woman says “no,” sometimes she actually does mean “yes,” which could explain this record’s widespread appeal.

CLUB BANGER Bubba Sparxxx f/ Ying Yang Twins “Ms. New Booty”

After a disappointing reaction to his sophomore attempt, Bubba came back strong with his third-time’s-the-Charm project and gave the people what they wanted.

DJ Khaled f/ Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Fat Joe, and Pitbull “Holla At Me Baby”

Miami’s DJ Khaled called in a bunch of favors for this energetic lead single off his debut album.

Rick Ross “Hustlin’”

Everybody in the country can relate to this record, no matter what their hustle is.

Purple Ribbon All-Stars (Big Boi & Killer Mike) “Kryptonite”

Yeah, the song was jamming. But you may need to go back and listen closely to Big Boi’s verse. He’s no slouch.

Three 6 Mafia f/ Young Buck & 8Ball & MJG “Stay Fly”

This Tennessee union was a long time coming, but well worth the wait.

Trae f/ Big Hawk & Fat Pat “Swang”

Only God can bring the whole crew back, but until then, Screwed Up Click fans have Trae’s tribute to hold them down.

BEST RAP/R&B COLLABORATION Beyonce f/ Slim Thug “Check Up On It”

T.I. “What You Know”

The lead single off King set the stage for both T.I.’s big screen debut and his biggest album to date.

Ying Yang Twins f/ Pitbull “Shake”

First they caught the country’s attention with a whisper - then back to the usual ass-shaking ruckus, teaming up with Pitbull for added effect and multi-cultural appeal.

Yung Joc “It’s Goin’ Down”

This breakthrough record from Bad Boy South’s newest representative came complete with its own dance.

This H-Town radio friendly combo had clubs jumpin’ all across the country.

MIXTAPE MONSTER AWARD

Field Mob f/ Ludacris & Jamie Foxx “Georgia”

Texas’ tamale king stays in the kitchen, whipping up new product.

Chingo Bling

These underrated country boys paid tribute to their home state along with Luda and a damn good Ray Charles impersonation by Jamie Foxx.

T-Pain f/ R Kelly, Twista, Pimp C, Paul Wall, MJG, & Too $hort “I’m In Luv (Wit’ A Stripper)” remix

DSR

Dallas’ T-Town Music collective landed a $7 million dollar deal with Universal Records off their impressive underground grind.

Better known as “T-Pain featuring everyone,” the only hit bigger than the original version of this song was the remix. Apparently, a lot of men can relate.

Magno

Ying Yang Twins f/ Avant “Bedroom Boom”

Pitbull

Young Jeezy f/ Akon “Soul Survivor”

Plies

NO ESCAPE AWARD

Young Jeezy

Atlanta’s wildest “twins” got grown and sexy and hooked up with Avant to serenade the ladies.

Akon’s unique vocals were a perfect match for Jeezy’s street tales on this massive hit from Jeezy’s debut album.

The record that was such a huge hit you literally could not escape it if you wanted to - from the radio to the clubs to the streets, it was everywhere.

D4L “Laffy Taffy”

Love it or hate it, music lovers of all ages were introduced to snap music in a big way through D4L’s breakthrough record.

David Banner “Play”

Banner stepped outside of his element and showed his versatility by creating a smash hit with Mr. Collipark that blew up, riding the wave created

Mike Jones’ (who?) former partner Magno now represents DJ Clue’s Desert Storm South and stays on his mixtape grind.

No longer just Mr. 305, this internationally recognized superstar still stays true to his humble beginnings and releases mixtapes frequently.

Ft. Myers, FL newcomer Plies’ 100% Real Nigga mixtapes with Cool Runnings’ DJ Bigga Rankin helped him amass plenty of fans, and haters, in 2006.

This category wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Jeezy’s accomplishments with mixtapeS like Trap or Die and Can’t Ban the Snowman.

SLEPT ON ARTIST B.G.

Although he’s been in the game for a decade plus, B.G.’s independent releases and lyrical skills have been largely underappreciated by the mainstream rap audience.

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nominees Bohagon

Lil Jon’s secret weapon helped everybody “Get Crunk,” but he’s just a soulful country boy at heart.

Jody Breeze

Jazze Pha protege and Boyz N Da Hood member Jody Breeze is still waiting to drop his solo album, and fans are waiting also.

Little Brother

Allegedly dubbed “too intelligent” for their audience by BET, the lack of recognition for this North Carolina trio proves once again that catchy hooks unfortunately often win over substance.

Webbie

ist added “inventor” to his list of job titles this year with the ingenious smoker’s device Da Splitta.

Tony Neal

The founder of The CORE DJs, Tony goes the extra mile to make sure his crew eats.

TJ’s DJ’s TASTEMAKER AWARD:

(MUSIC/SOUND) DJ Screw

Although he’s gone (R.I.P.), his legacy and music lives on through Houston’s recent rap explosion.

Grimy, gutta, and unrefined, this truly talented Baton Rouge rhymer stayed somewhat under the radar despite two big singles.

K-Rab

Yo Gotti

Respected in the streets of Memphis and beyond, Yo Gotti is still awaiting national recognition.

LIVING LEGEND AWARD

The trailblazing artist/individual who’s influence can be clearly seen in the music released during this time period.

8Ball & MJG

Before all the radio play and mainstream attention, it was 8Ball and MJG who helped put Southern music on the map with Comin’ Out Hard. Since then, they’ve maintained their core fanbase.

Scarface

After parting ways with the Geto Boys, this Houston emcee developed a ghetto-nurtured rap trademark, leading a wave of Southern emcees who emulated his style.

Three 6 Mafia

By now, we all know that they made history by winning an Academy Award. But even before the Oscar, these Memphis legends’ impact was clear.

Too $hort

Sharing his sexual tales and stories of violence, Too $hort pioneered a movement while earning two gold and four platinum plaques. More importantly, he blazed a trail for the South’s independent explosion.

UGK

Port Arthur, TX, rap partners Bun B and Pimp C have each earned the title of Underground King. Bun B also gets the loyalty award for his relentless (and apparently, successful) “Free Pimp C” campaign.

Snap, crackle, pop. The “inventor” of Atlanta’s newest trend, snap music, K-Rab’s impact is clear.

Lil Jon

Even though somewhat silenced this year by label issues, Jon ventured beyond the South and kept his sound alive by linking up with rock groups like Korn and California legends like E-40.

Mr. Collipark

Although its longevity remains to be seen, Mr. Collipark’s vision for a new genre of “intimate club music” became a reality with the success of the Ying Yang Twins’ “Wait” and David Banner’s “Play.”

T-Pain

Florida’s dreadlocked rapper, singer, and producer discovered a new vocal effect in the studio and “went crazy” with it. Love it or hate it, you’ve got to admit that it worked.

TJ’s DJ’s TASTEMAKER AWARD:

(STYLE/TRENDSETTER) Dem Franchize Boyz

White tees have become hip-hop’s official uniform, thanks in part to DFB.

Fabo of D4L

Famous for his white sunglasses, Fabo’s unique style kicked off a new trend.

Lil Wayne

Bling, bling. Every time I come around your city, bling bling.

Uncle Luke

Paul Wall & TV Johnny

TJ’s DJ’s HUSTLER AWARD

T.I.

From challenging censors to paving the way as a businessman, Miami’s bass king has earned the title of “pioneer.”

Not only is T.I. a great rapper, but he’s also become a sex symbol.

DJ Chuck T

Carolina representative “Mr. Publicity” lives up to his name, churning out mixtapes consistently and maintaining numerous other hustles.

David Banner

Whether rapping, producing, acting, or aiding hurricane victims in his home state of Mississippi, Banner redefines 24/7.

DJ Drama

Drama and his Affiliates’ crew are literally everywhere, and he played a key role in the success of artists like T.I., Young Jeezy, and Paul Wall.

Mike Jones

You don’t grind, you don’t shine. You don’t work, you don’t eat. Call 281330-8004 for more information.

Tampa Tony

Everyone and their brother, sister, mama, and grandmomma has a grill now, thanks to Paul Wall’s side hustle and his comedic - but presumably rich - business partner, Johnny Dang of TV Jewelry.

Known for his Florida anthem “Keep Jukin’,” Tampa’s most creative art-

Young Jeezy

Although CNN tried, they couldn’t ban the Snowman. Jeezy’s trademark t-shirts became a best-seller at hip-hop clothing stores worldwide.

BEST VIDEO Chamillionaire f/ Krayzie Bone “Ridin’ Dirty”

Kudos are already in order for having Debo in the video, but the parallel between pro wrestling and police brutality was ingenious.

Da BackWudz “I Don’t Like The Look of It”

The Willy Wonka movie is already weird enough, so calling this video weird is mundane. But you have to appreciate a vid where the models don’t get more face time than the artist.

David Banner “Play”

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nominees Speaking of models, this one was a who’s who. Sweaty, steamy and sticky, Banner gave his fans a little eye and ear candy.

airwaves and streets for quite some time.

Juvenile “Get Ya Hustle On”

When workaholic Greg Street isn’t planning a celebrity car show, sneaker show, or party, he can usually be heard blazing the Atlanta airwaves.

This video had more accurate Katrina reporting than Fox News on their best day. Juve reminded us of the forgotten.

Rick Ross “Hustlin’”

Greg Street (Atlanta, GA)

DJ Nasty (Orlando, FL)

Now branching off into the production world, Nasty’s skills on the turntables remain top-of-the-line.

Crossing the bridge into the real Miami, Rick Ross gave the world a glimpse of the everyday hustle in his Carol City ‘hood.

Three 6 Mafia f/ Young Buck and 8Ball & MJG “Stay Fly”

A night in the life of a rap star: endless partying captured by great camera work made us feel like we were right there with them.

Honorable mention: Although Korn is not a Southern rap group,

their video for “Twisted Transistor,” which featured Lil Jon, David Banner, Xzibit, and Snoop Dogg playing the roles of the band, certainly deserves mention.

HONORARY SOUTHERNER AWARD The artist from outside our region who showed the most love the South and/or was most accepted in the South.

Cam’Ron

Don’t forget, this guy rapped on the “Neva Scared” remix and did a “Bout It” remake a while back. So his collabos with Webbie and Lil’ Wayne should come as no surprise - he’s no bandwagon jumper.

E-40

He unified crunk with hyphy and still maintained his O.G. status.

Michael Watts (Houston, TX)

Swishahouse’s Michael Watts carries on the legacy of DJ Screw through the fine art of chopping and Screwing.

BEST PRODUCER Cool & Dre

Miami’s Terror Squad affiliates Cool & Dre have put their stamp on the industry, producing massive hits for Ja Rule and Game and more recent records like Christina Milian’s “Say I” and Juvenile’s “Rodeo.”

Jermaine Dupri

After landing both an executive position and a label deal at Virgin Records, he bulked up his roster by producing hits for Dem Franchize Boyz and Bow Wow post-puberty.

Lil Jon

After a few years as the reigning King of Crunk, Jon kept up his winning streak with the YoungBloodz’ “Presidential” and E-40’s “Snap Yo’ Fingers.”

Mannie Fresh

Juelz Santana

His Jeezy mixtape hasn’t dropped, but Juelz earned his Dirty South pass.

Too $hort

Having lived in Atlanta since the 90s, he’s damn near a Southerner now.

But at the end of the day he’s “still coming straight from Oakland.”

Twista

Chi-town’s rapid-fire spitter’s trademark style has universal appeal, and Twista is no stranger to Dirty South collabos.

BEST CLUB DJ Bigga Rankin (Jacksonville, FL)

Cool Runnings’ O.G. Bigga Rankin faithfully preaches his Ghetto Gospel to clubgoers all throughout the South, no matter how drunk they are.

DJ Irie (Miami, FL)

Widely regarded as one of the top mixers in the country, the official DJ of the Miami Heat still finds time to rock your favorite South Beach nightspots.

DJ Khaled (Miami, FL)

Waited in line too long and your favorite record was over by the time you got inside? Don’t worry, the Southern version of Funkmaster Flex is sure to bring it back and drop a bomb on it - three or four times.

Although somewhat low-profile since departing Cash Money, Mannie’s production skills are still on point, as evidenced by records like Young Jeezy’s “And What,” Bun B’s “I’m Fresh,” and B.G.’s “Move Around.”

Mr. Collipark

Otherwise known as DJ Smurf, the man behind the Ying Yang Twins took bass music to a whole new level and created “intimate club music.”

The Unusual Suspects (Big D & Jim Jonsin)

Although Big D and Jim Jonsin have since moved on to pursue solo projects, they achieved major back-to-back successes as a duo, crafting Pretty Ricky’s album and hits for Trick Daddy, Trina, and Twista, among others.

BEST MIXTAPE DJ Bigga Rankin (Jacksonville, FL)

Bigga’s trademark WRNR: Real Nigga Radio mixtape series is ghetto platinum in the streets, introducing artists like Plies and Young Cash and reintroducing Jacki-O to ‘hoods across the South.

DJ Chuck T (Charleston, SC)

The cockiest DJ in the Carolinas talks a lot of shit, but consistently backs it up with a flurry of releases showcasing the hottest new music and breaking indie acts.

DJ Drama (Atlanta, GA)

Lil Larry (Memphis, TN)

Larry keeps the clubs poppin’ in Tennessee.

Drama took his mixtape series Gangsta Grillz to a whole new level. DJ Chuck T asserts that Drama’s career path is the blueprint for all other DJs - a strong statement coming from a fellow nominee.

DJ Mars (Atlanta, GA)

DJ Ideal (Miami, FL)

BEST RADIO DJ

Rapid Ric (Austin, TX)

The CEO of the SuperFriends’ DJ crew, Mars keeps the party jumpin’.

DJ Khaled (Miami, FL)

If you had a bad day at work, Khaled’s afternoon mix is sure to liven up the rest of your day.

Freddy Hydro (Memphis, TN)

Yo Gotti drama aside, Freddy Hydro has been holding down the Memphis

Straight from Da Bottom, Ideal played a role in Pitbull’s success and dropped solid projects with everyone from Ludacris to Smitty.

The Mixtape Mechanic’s Whut It Dew? series consistently captures the essence of Texas music, highlighting the best of the best.

DJ Smallz (Tampa, FL)

Smallz’ peers have mixed feelings: some hate him, some love him, some envy him, but most do respect his hustle. Smallz’ created a career with exclusives and industry connects, not hype and image.

ozone 17 awards

nominees PATIENTLY WAITING: FLORIDA Acafool (Tampa, FL)

Tampa’s class clown put his “Hata Blockas” on and sparked both a radio frenzy and label bidding war.

BloodRaw (Panama City, FL)

Rejuvenated after winning a Federal court case, the Bangin’ Bay representative is back on the road with Young Jeezy and his CTE camp and taking full advantage of all opportunities.

Plies (Ft. Myers, FL)

Stirring up controversy with his bold “100% real nigga, dawg” campaign, Slip-N-Slide’s newest recruit rocked packed clubs throughout Florida without an album or a video.

Treal (Orlando, FL)

Central Florida’s hypest foursome, known for their crunk performances, stayed on their grind and landed in regular rotation on local radio.

Triple J (West Palm Beach, FL)

Arguably one of Florida’s top lyricists, Triple J has survived record label politics and gunfire and still managed to create a name for himself with witty rhymes and creative mixtape records.

Young Cash (Jacksonville, FL)

Jacksonville’s head honcho stayed on the scene this year with his Duval County Rockstars, dropped records with Webbie, Paul Wall, and Mike Jones, and landed a deal with SRC/Universal.

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lorida has had its spurts in hip-hop. Luke and the 2 Live Crew movement was the first, but fizzled out when the group broke up. 69 Boyz went platinum with their classic hit “Tootsee Roll.” Trick Daddy and Trina were soon to follow with their barrage of hits coming out of the MIA. Now Florida has Rick Ross at the forefront to show the world exactly how M-I-Yayo be hustlin’. However, for the first time in the state’s hip-hop history, the future looks bright with talent from all areas looking to break out and show the world that Florida is here to stay.

Nicknamed the Gunshine State for the shape of the state, first up is Bloodraw hailing from Panama City. Soon after signing to Young Jeezy’s CTE label, Bloodraw was arrested, and eventually acquitted on drug charges. Working on a Gangsta Grillz mixtape as well as group U.S.D.A.’s album, Bloodraw is the leader to break North Florida.

Five hours across the state is Duval County’s own Young Cash. Signed to SRC/Universal, he is patiently waiting to release his debut album. Recording a local hit track with Paul Wall, “Disco Ball,” Young Cash has much more to come from Jacksonville.

Treal have been local stars for years ever since they dropped their Orlando classic “Orange County.” With their recent independent release “Crunk Tested and Approved,” Treal are ready to show the world what it is like to be crunk in a city that outsiders consider Mickey Mouse territory.

Everyone across I-4 has their “Hatah Blockas” on. One of the few Tampa artists to break through and receive local radio support after years of hard work, Acafool found his niche and has the Hatah Blockas shades craze spreading throughout Florida. It’s only a matter of time before he blows.

One of the more underappreciated artists in Florida, Triple J reps West Palm Beach to the fullest. He wasn’t even one to appreciate his talents until after he was shot. He made a transition, but kept the streets locked. With his MLK BLVD album, he is sure to have labels hunting for him.

Finally, “the hottest nigga in Florida” is the street’s own Plies. Hailing from Ft. Myers, Plies carries an “I don’t give a fuck” attitude with Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic backing him. This South Florida new breed of MC is destined to blow nationwide.

With just this small group of Florida talent, who is to deny them as the next to shine?

- Leon Bailey

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nominees PATIENTLY WAITING GEORGIA Citty (Atlanta, GA)

Even with a Slip-N-Slide/Def Jam deal, you can still find the Cookieman in the streets and the hole-in-the-wall clubs that made him hot.

Da BackWudz (Atlanta, GA)

They waited for quite a while, and their patience finally paid off this year when they linked up with Dallas Austin.

Lil Weavah (Atlanta, GA)

Weavah’s widely respected independent hustle extends from the internet to Soundscan.

Slick Pulla (Atlanta, GA)

Young Jeezy’s smooth-talking CTE sidekick’s rap skills have improved rapidly - Pulla represents the trap with lyrics and clever wordplay.

Yola (Atlanta, GA)

With “Ain’t Gon’ Let Up” currently the most requested song on Atlanta radio stations, the future is bright for Yola.

Young Dro (Atlanta, GA)

After stints with various Atlanta collectives, Dro finally found a home with Grand Hustle and landed a hit with “Shoulder Lean.”

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uilt on the blueprints of more recent breakthrough artists like Ludacris, T.I. and Young Jeezy, 2006 saw a new crop of Georgia artists make their presence felt. And with crunk fading into its last stages in popularity and snap music reaching its apex and eventual fall, it was prime time for lyricists to come back to the forefront.

Slip-N-Slide/Def Jam signee Citty proved that he was indeed a soldier ready to go for his in the war that is the rap game.

The former Marine and Field Mob protégé toured every nook and cranny that had a microphone, creating his buzz from the ground up. His underground single “Da Cookieman” showed that there are more hustles than selling dope and pimping women. Then songs like “That’s Gangsta” proved that you can get a crowd amped without brandishing weapons in every line.

Another group that gave us plenty of alternatives were the Da Backwudz, reminding people of Outkast, but yet showing that Southern Hip Hop’s future is in good hands. Hell, the simple existence of their debut Wood Work is historic in the fact that it made Dallas Austin resurrect Rowdy Records just for them.

You can’t mention the new talent coming from the Peach state without talking about Lil Weavah either. Correction, you can’t mention mixtape grind without talking about Lil Weavah. True to the underground, this Southwest Atlanta bred artist has his name on the minds of everyone in the country with no radio support, although an appearance on ESPN’s Cold Pizza and mention on MTV.com definitely helped. Appearing on 200 mixtapes since last year and getting massive support from overseas is evidence that Weavah won’t be patiently waiting for too much longer.

Even though Slick Pulla hasn’t been on a bunch of mixtapes, his appearances on Young Jeezy’s have given him a muchdeserved spotlight. Him bringing wordplay and wit to the much talked about “trap life” shows that there is more than one way to skin a cat. Now, with his debut album The Trapublican slated to release later this year, Slick is bound to pull a lot of attention his way.

Keeping in tune with that, Yola Da Great has been able to motivate thugs in his own way as well. His infectious single “Ain’t Gon’ Let Up” has been killing Atlanta radio for months and his grind was rewarded with a deal through Grand Hustle/Atlantic Records.

As your reading this article, odds are you’ve heard Young Dro’s “Shoulder Lean” at least twice today. Already a name in the streets through regional hits like “Yes Sir” back in 2002, he eventually signed with Grand Hustle this year and plans to burn the scene with his debut Best Thang Smokin.

If these six artists are an indication of what Georgia has to offer for the future, your best bet is to hop on the bandwagon right now.

- Cedric Boothe

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nominees PATIENTLY WAITING: TENNESSEE All Star (Nashville, TN)

The self-proclaimed Cashville Prince scored a huge hit with “Grey Goose” and landed a solo deal with Cash Money.

Cadence (Nashville, TN)

A witty emcee with striking versatility, Cadence toured the world opening for Kenny Chesney but still makes records that can get the most thugged out club poppin’.

D. Cooley (Chattanooga, TN)

Thanks to his consistent grind, D. Cooley has seen his record “Trap Clothes” grow into a bonafide regional smash.

Kinfolk Nakia Shine (Memphis, TN)

This indie hustler played an integral role in other Memphis’ artists careers, but now he’s telling you to “Respect My Fresh.”

Lutinent G (Memphis, TN)

Representing for Memphis’ underground rap breeding ground, Lutinent G had every club in Tennessee screaming “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” to his monster club banger.

Yo Gotti (Memphis, TN)

Never one to wander far from the streets, the hottest up-and-comer in Memphis hustled his way through the mixtape and indie scene and is poised to achieve national success.

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ast year, hip-hop witnessed a first when Three 6 Mafia took to a Hollywood stage and accepted an Academy Award. Tennessee, which has had its fair share of musical adversity, was finally able to bask in a shining moment again. Add to that the strong reemergence of the state’s crowned princes via the bonafide hits “Stay Fly” and “Poppin’ My Collar,” the release of Project Pat and Playa Fly from jail, and the influx of young visitors to Memphis for major boxing matches, and it’s obvious that Tennessee is on the rise once again.

While “Tennekey” has been on the music scene for years, producing the likes of Al Green and 8Ball & MJG, in recent years it’s remained relatively quiet while surrounding areas have stepped into the spotlight. Even still, talent continued to bubble quietly, and 2006 was the year for it to be manifested publicly.

Take Cadence, for example. Hailing from “Cashville,” this rapper proves that witty lyricism and concentrated storytelling can be just as entertaining as snapping your fingers and two stepping with his debut, Songs of Vice Virtue. Having previously toured with alternative rock group Uncle Kracker and country phenom Kenny Chesney, folks couldn’t help but compare him to Kanye West, and with due cause. His easy charm and penchant for diversity made him an underground favorite. It’s only a matter of time before everyone else catches up.

Memphis rapper Yo Gotti’s persistence and familiarity made his TVT debut Back 2 Da Basics one of the most anticipated of the summer season, propelled by the single “Gangsta Party” featuring Bun B and 8ball. He continued his rise to success with his artist All-Star, who also hails from Nashville. After garnering a buzz with his impressive showing on Young Jeezy’s “Grey Goose” the rapper is poised to make a significant mark in the rap game.

Even the often ignored city of Chattanooga produced the regional hit with D. Cooley’s “Trap Clothes,” featuring Atlanta rapper, Maceo. Reaping the benefits of his consistent grind, D. Cooley has undoubtedly shown that a little hustle can go a long way.

And of course, the Bluff City remained on the cusp of innovation with Kinfolk Nakia Shine and Lutinent G. Kinfolk’s single “Respect My Fresh” quickly became an underground favorite, defined by the rapper’s natural swagger. Newcomer Lutinent G made significant waves with his catchy, humorous single, “Mangla,” from his debut Out Da Gate on Select-O-Hits It’s clear that Tennessee is a haven for inspired artists. Seems like “Patiently Waiting” may not be an accurate description for the state’s talent much longer.

- Jacinta Howard

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nominees PATIENTLY WAITING: LOUISIANA Chyna Whyte (New Orleans, LA)

BME’s female rapper made noise with Lil Jon when he first dropped, but fell off the radar momentarily. Now she’s back and ready to make a solo statement.

E-Vicious (Lake Charles, LA)

This former member of the X-Mobb is now signed to UGK Records.

Lil Boosie (Baton Rouge, LA)

Webbie’s labelmate is a diamond in the rough, with one of the most unique voices in rap and highly underappreciated lyrical abilities.

Max Minelli (Baton Rouge, LA)

One of Louisiana’s most persistent artists, over the years Max has collaborated with everyone from C-Loc to Paul Wall.

Partners-N-Crime (New Orleans, LA)

This duo inked a deal with Juve’s UTP Records and linked up with Rap-A-Lot.

Sqad Up (New Orleans, LA)

Lil Wayne’s former crew, still intact after Hurricane Katrina, is now dropping a solo album.

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o Limit and Cash Money Records came and went with a gangload of gold and platinum plaques. Other then those two labels, Louisiana has been quiet on the national scene. Last year Webbie made some noise with his hit single “Gimme That”, but that’s about it. The following artists have been patiently waiting their turn and are on the verge of breaking loose.

E-Vicious is from Lake Charles, LA, which is close to the Texas line. He linked with Pimp C and is signed to his label UGK Records. The former X-Mobb member is featured on Pimp C’s “Pimpalation.” He is definitely ready to show you that Louisiana is not just New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

Southside Baton Rouge, Louisiana native Lil Boosie has been through his trials and tribulations. A Baton Rouge favorite, he’s released several solo albums and has undeniable talent, but it all depends on the label to show the world why many consider Lil’ Boosie Bad Ass the best out the boot. He will be a problem once he releases Bad Ass. Another Baton Rouge native, Max Minelli, has been putting it down for years. An original member of the Concentration Camp, he is highly slept on as a lyricist. Releasing many successful selling albums, he is currently in a bidding war with major labels. While patiently waiting on that chance to blow, he is scheduled to release Pain Medicine on Koch in October.

Godfathers of the popular genre called ‘bounce music’, Partners-N-Crime embody New Orleans. They were holding their city down before anyone knew who the Hot Boyz or TRU was. Having just releasing their album Club Bangaz on UTP/Rap-A-Lot, PNC hopes to show the world that New Orleans is still bouncin’.

Exploding on the scene with her aggressive verse on Lil Jon’s “Bia Bia,” Chyna Wyte has been quiet for a few years.

But this New Orleans bred femcee recently stepped back on to the scene, dropped a mixtape with DJ Smallz, and is waiting to raise the bar that previous New Orleans female artists left high.

Many thought that they were just Lil Wayne’s sidekicks. But since branching off into their own, Sqad Up has made plenty of noise independently. Releasing their debut album Now or Never, numerous mixtapes, and their new album We Here Now, Sqad Up is poised to show the world that New Orleans rap is to stay.

No disrespect to No Limit or Cash Money and what they have done, but these artists are the new generation, and all come to the forefront with different styles.

- Leon Bailey

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nominees PATIENTLY WAITING: MISSISSIPPI Big K.R.I.T. (Meridian, MS)

At the young age of 19, K.R.I.T. is a more complete artist than some who have been making records for a decade. He is not only an extremely talented producer, but also a rapper with solid subject matter.

Boo da Boss Playa (Canton, MS)

Having spent years on the shelf due to record label politics at both Interscope and J Records, Boo is still waiting for his turn to shine.

Jewman (Jackson, MS)

This newcomer’s “Swag” created a buzz in the streets of Jacktown.

Kamikaze (Jackson, MS)

David Banner’s former rap partner will split your head to the white meat with his hard-hitting lyrics. In addition to his regional successes as an artist, he founded the Mississippi Artists & Producers Coalition.

Scar (Columbus, MS)

Big Boi’s “secret weapon” has a story to tell and talent to match.

Smoke D (Jackson, MS)

This soulful UGK affiliate appeared on the group’s classic Ridin’ Dirty album, live from the penitentiary. Now free like Pimp C, he’s focused on GFM (God, Family, & Music).

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n the 90s, during the rap world’s infatuation with the East Coast vs. West Coast, one would have thought it absurd to suggest that a rap revolution was brewing in Mississippi. The average American’s impression of the ‘Sipp is perhaps one of racial strife and backwards thinking.

But over the past few years, as rap has gradually turned Southward and remains below the Mason-Dixon line, country vocals became more acceptable and Mississippi representatives like David Banner have broken through the stereotypes to take the Mississippi mentality worldwide. In 2006, a new crop of country rap tunes is brewing.

Speaking of David Banner, he recently sought out Meridian-based producer/rapper Big K.R.I.T. for some beats. And he’s not the only one noticing the promising young talent. K.R.I.T. is quickly making a name for himself amongst industry heads as an all-around hustler who’s taking the right steps to succeed.

Formerly signed to Interscope and now waiting for J Records to drop his major label debut, Boo da Boss Playa, a.k.a. Boo Rossini, is perhaps best known for his street single “Miss Me With That Rap Shit.” The single, which featured Jeezy just as he blew up, was perhaps a blessing and a curse because Jeezy’s street buzz almost overpowered the fact that it was Boo’s song. Still, Boo has stayed true to his grind and can usually be found anywhere between Miami and Houston.

Already a local celebrity, Jackson-based newcomer Jewman’s “Swag” has the streets talking. Combine that with mixtape appearances and you’ve got a strong start to a potentially fruitful career.

Moving right along from a newcomer to another veteran, Kamikaze has enjoyed regional success with singles like “U Ain’t Hard,” and is still on the verge of a big breakthrough. Perhaps best known to the average rap fan as the other half of David Banner’s Crooked Lettaz, Kamikaze lacks the charisma and ridiculous stage antics of his former rap partner but can lyrically compete with your favorite emcee. Still a hometown favorite, Kamikaze’s The Franchise drops later this year.

Hailing from Columbus, Mississippi, you can catch Scar - guess how he got that name - in the new Outkast video for “Morris Brown,” dropping that Dungeon Family flavor alongside Big Boi’s sharp vocals. One of the most promising members of Big Boi’s Purple Ribbon camp, Scar’s background story is just as intriguing as his musical abilities.

Smoke D, once the unofficial third member of UGK, spent seven years in prison which prevented him from nationwide success with the group. After his release he began recording for a solo project, with his trademark soulful vibe that explores all aspects of the streets and life in general.

- Mayson Drake

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nominees PATIENTLY WAITING TEXAS Big Tuck (Dallas, TX)

The lead-off solo artists from Dallas collective DSR, Tuck is prepared to carry the city on his back.

ESG (Houston, TX)

Although he’s been in the game for years, national acclaim has thus far eluded ESG, known for his wicked freestyles.

G.R.i.T. Boys (Houston, TX)

This group, affiliated with Paul Wall, brings a fresh new flavor, speaking on Ghetto Reality in Texas.

Kiotti (Houston, TX)

Young and charismatic, this former battle rapper has a bright future in front of him.

Money Waters (Dallas, TX)

As the Houston hype slowly dies down, it looks as if Dallas is next to blow, with Money Waters ranking high on the list of the city’s talented artists.

Trae (Houston, TX)

Trae is straddling the thin line between patiently waiting and full-out blown up. After gaining the attention of several major labels with his single “Swang,” he signed with Rap-A-Lot.

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p until maybe last year, the Patiently Waiting column was practically tailor-made for Texas. The rap scene in that great state had been bubbling and building for years, until finally it peaked and a bunch of artists from Houston reached the top. Well, Houston is a big city, but Texas is a huge state and hot on the heels of Paul Wall, Chamillionaire and Slim Thug are a hot new crop of artists who are popping off from border to border. Here’s a look at what’s next for Texas.

A lot of people have Dallas metro star Big Tuck pegged as the next to blow out of Texas. His countrified voice has a very direct and imminent delivery that makes what he has to say hard to ignore. A member of the group Dirty South Rydaz, Tuck’s reputation is solid in the streets, the clubs and the booth. DSR is certainly the biggest group in Texas from outside of Houston.

Houston-based ESG has been patiently waiting to get that national exposure for some years now. His 1995 hit “Swang and Bang” is a Texas anthem to this day and ever since then he has consistently dropped some of the hottest independent releases in the region. He’s been eating well off of the rap game for over 10 years, but is now pursuing that major label status. He’s the backbone of the Houston rap community and one of the folks who pioneered the sounds you are currently hearing from the Lone Star State.

Also hailing from Texas, the G.R.i.T. Boys are one of the hottest young groups in the streets of Houston and their affiliation with Paul Wall has been taking them all over the United States. Their name stands for Ghetto Reality in Texas, so you won’t hear a lot of the same ol’ same ol’ from these guys. Their stories are ones of struggle and pain, coupled with the lighter side of life in the hood. They are some lyrical giants who come from the same area as most of the Screwed Up Click and hold those values tight, but have an original sound and a whole different energy than their predecessors.

Recently signed to Asylum Records, Kiotti is best known as a battle rap champion around Houston. But you can’t sleep on the regional hits he has been a part of, most recently “Minute Plan” also known as “The Phone Song.” He’s a serious hustler who has been at it since his early teens and seems set to finally blow nationwide.

Dallas representative Money Waters comes with a whole different perspective than the other artists on this list. He is more like the old sage - though he is young – who you can turn to for advice or a funny story. This vibe runs throughout his CD’s and his live show where often he comes off as a brilliant blues man rather than your average rapper.

Recently signed to Rap-A-Lot Records, Trae has been hot in the streets of Texas since his first release in 1999, the debut album from his group, Guerilla Maab. He is a voice for the voiceless in Houston and beyond, representing the hard streets with his reality based raps. He’s seen a lot of struggle and strife in his life and has no problem telling you all about it. He is possibly the most reality based rapper the game has seen since the early days of Scarface.

- Matt Sonzala

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nominees PATIENTLY WAITING: ALABAMA 334 M.O.B.B. (Montgomery, AL)

Representing the Montgomery area code to the fullest, 334 M.O.B.B. parlayed their intense mixtape grind into national opportunities.

Attitude (Birmingham, AL)

Formerly signed to Timbaland, this underrated lyricist has penned rhymes for Diddy and Bubba Sparxxx. Now living in Atlanta, he’s poised and ready.

Birmingham J (Birmingham, AL)

Birmingham’s official hood representative has dropped several indie albums over the years, catching the majors’ attention.

Rich Boy (Mobile, AL)

Multi-talented Mobile representative Rich Boy landed a deal at Interscope through Jim Crow rapper/producer Polow and has since been working on his debut album.

The Last Mr. Bigg (Mobile, AL)

Mobile’s O.G. has survived court cases, prison time, and a near-death experience. Now sporting a glass eye, he’s collaborating with Three 6 Mafia to expand his musical reach beyond the region.

Tyte Wurk (Enterprise, AL)

Coming from a small town in South Alabama, Tyte Wurk had to double up their grind to get noticed.

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ven beyond their music being overlooked, Alabama has had to fight stereotypes and scrap for respect for years. A lot of times, the only time you hear them mentioned is when someone hurls an insult like, “You’re ‘Bama.” How flattering can that be? Well, this year, things took a turn in the right direction for the state that rests in the heart of the South.

Headlines were made when word broke that Montgomery’s 334 M.O.B.B. got signed to Def Jam. But instead of letting that get to their heads, they continued to work as hard as they did before they got the deal and it worked out in their favor. Releasing mixtapes on top of mixtapes, this duo received plenty of exposure with hardly any help from their pioneering label. If you need more proof, just peep them on Myspace.

“Patiently Waiting” is definitely appropriate when speaking on Birmingham’s Attitude. Poised to blow by way of a deal with Timbaland’s now defunct Beat Club, ‘Tude got a chance to travel the world and work with the likes of Missy and Diddy. Even though no record came from out of that deal, it was not a wasted experience.

Birmingham J reps so hard that he puts his city on the map without even saying a word. But, when he does finally speak, people listen. And that includes everyone from local retail and radio to big time A&Rs. And with his city prepping to be the next area to blow in the South, J is sure to lead the charge.

About three hours away, you can hear what Mobile has cooking too. Rapper/producer Rich Boy is slowly proving that casinos aren’t the city’s only attraction. His single “Get To Poppin” generated just enough buzz to make is Gangsta Grillz mixtape one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Still signed to Interscope, Rich is bound to get richer.

Right around the corner, we also saw the resurgence of The Last Mr. Bigg. Already a legendary figure in his region, he got a lot of face time due to his cameo on Three 6 Mafia’s “Poppin’ My Collar.” Now, with people going back to peep his older music after his unfortunate shooting earlier this year, his new music is guaranteed to open some more doors.

A drive east to Enterprise, Alabama will bring you to Tyte Wurk. Their smash “Mary Jane: Remix” had smokers singing their praises while their other song “What It Is” served as the opening song for ESPN’s Sunday Night Football this past season.

With this crop of artist leading the charge Alabama just may turn “Bama” into a compliment.

- Kale Swanson

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nominees PATIENTLY WAITING: CAROLINAS Big Cas (Fayetteville, NC)

Cas has effectively captured the internet, the streets, and mainstream media with his music, buildling up his fanbase equally in each area.

Fat Boy (Charleston, SC)

The diplomat of the Carolinas, Fat Boy has the respect of his peers and good relationships with record stores, other artists, radio personalities, producers, and ‘hood dudes.

J-Khrist (Fayetteville, NC)

J-Khrist got his swagger back and is ready to carry the flag for the Carolinas.

Mac-A-Don (Columbia, SC)

Over the past year, Mac-A-Don has grown lyrically and developed his own style, creating a buzz from the ground up.

Marly Mar (Charleston, SC)

Charleston’s most consistent artist has dropped over ten albums over the past three years and maintained a steady radio presence.

Piazo (Columbia, SC)

Piazo’s steady mixtape grind has helped him lock down the streets of South Carolina and create a fanbase.

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he Carolinas aren’t known for being a hotbed of talent. For years, we’ve sat back and watched Southern hip-hop evolve, moreso as fans and not active participants. We’ve seen artists from Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and other smaller areas receive major deals and nationwide exposure, while we sat on the sidelines patiently waiting for our turn to shine. For years we screamed that the game is coming to us. But it seemed like success and recognition in the hip-hop industry went to every Southern state surrounding us and then took a wild turn and headed to Texas and skipped right over us here in the Carolinas. We thought we’d get the look we needed when Petey Pablo went platinum and Little Brother finally signed with Atlantic, but neither one of those artists created enough buzz to catch the attention of A&Rs. Through all our misfortune, we’ve come to realize that we can’t depend on the industry to come to us. We have to create our own industry. Just like the blues and jazz performers of the 40s and 50s created the Chitlin Circuit to gain exposure, Carolina artists have ben forced to do the same.

Marly Mar, from Charleston, SC, was the first artist in the city to have a song in regular rotation on the radio. His hit single “Act A Donkey” is over four years old and still continues to get heavy spins on the radio and in the clubs. He’s also one of the most consistent artists in the state, having released 3 albums per year for the last 3 years.

Big Cas, from Fayetteville, NC (also know as Fayettenam) has taken the mixtape game by storm. He’s appeared on over 60 mixtapes in the last 2 years and has shared songs with Jae Millz, Freeway, Grafh, Remy Ma, Geolani, Corey Gunz, and other prominent East coast hip hop artists. Also causing a ruckus on the streets is Meccadon, from Columbia, SC, and J-Khrist from Fayetteville, NC. These two artists are relatively new to the Carolina hip-hop scene but both have taken the game by storm. They’re constantly doing shows all throughout the state and have singles blazing the radio airwaves and tearing up the clubs. Meccadon’s last single “No” was a huge hit and his new song “We Ball’n” is following in the same pattern. J-Khrist’s single “Swagger Back” is a club banger that can go toe to toe with any other song on the Billboard charts. It’s a guaranteed hit once it touches mainstream radio.

As far as longevity and street credibility are concerned, Fat Boy and Piazo both have that aspect of the game sewed up.

Fatboy, representing Charleston, SC, not only had one of the best selling albums of 2005 but has also been a key figure in easing the tension between hip-hop artists from Downtown Charleston and North Charleston. His new album, Laughing Hyenas, drops this fall and features artists from both areas on the same tracks and is set to be one of 2006s most highly anticipated album. Columbia, SC’s Piazo is one of the Cackalack’s most sought after artists and has a slew of albums and mixtapes on the streets that date back to 1995. He’s been pounding the streets longer than any other artist from the Carolinas and has maintained a consistent a buzz both on the streets and on the radio throughout his career.

His music has caught the attention of many label A&Rs, most recently G-Unit Record’s Sha Money XL, and he has had had offers on the table from many major record labels. now!

- DJ Chuck T

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tj’s dj’s tastemakers xclusives disc 1 1. Rich Boy / Throw Some Dees – Interscope Contact: Rosalie – 310.865.7929 On this track you can tell that Rich Boy is steady smirking ‘cause his flow is dangerous. What’s more, like Indego Montoya, he knows something that you don’t - he’s not even right handed. His natural talent is production rather than rapping.

2. Rick Ross / Push It - Slip-N-Slide/Def Jam Contact: Eclass@nextel.blackberry.net “Push It” features an interpolation from one of the greatest montage records made famous by Scarface the movie and South Park. Rick Ross’ Miami gangsta tales are so boss that they would make Crockett & Tubbs look silly.

3. David Banner ft. Yola / Get Money – b.i.G.f.a.c.e./SRC Contact: Willie Nash – 601.238.5658 David Banner cleverly samples Yola’s “Ain’t Gonna Let Up” and proves that he’s ahead of his time as the rest of the world has yet to discover what Yola has to offer. Scroll down to track 9 and you’ll see why Banner decided to run with this lil monster.

4. Trick Daddy / I Pop – Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic Contact: Sam Crespo – sam.crespo@atlanticrecords.com Trick Daddy’s got another notch for the catalog. This record is funky and shows Trick on a different level. Plus Trick continues to spit thought provoking word play when he explains why “$100 bills smell like pubic hairs.”

5. BHI / Dat Bubble Gum – BME Contact: Sabrina Montgomery – 404.367.8130 Just when you thought snap music was through, BHI will have the genre sticking around like “Bubble Gum” with this juicy record.

6. Young Dro / Rubberband Banks – Grand Hustle/Atlantic Contact: Sam Crespo – sam.crespo@atlanticrecords.com Young Dro takes a break from making his shoulder lean to show that that record has set him up rather lovely. In other words his rubberbands have expanded like his bank account.

7. Bohagon ft. Crime Mob & Fabo / Wuz Up – BME Contact: Sabrina Montgomery – 404.367.8130 Bohagon, the B-M-E- representa, strikes a strong blow for those who are interested in having their bass bins blown up by an MC that will make your cones snap to the music. Plus, with Crime Mob checking in on the track shaking their dreads, the track is elevated to another club banging dimension. And that’s wuz up!

8. Young Buck ft. 50 Cent / Do It Myself – G-Unit/Interscope Contact: Rosalie – 310.592.2121 The theme of the record is really simple. When you need to make improvements on how you live, like Home Depot you should do it yourself and G-Unit with 50 Cent can help. In fact, 50 lets a few bullets off of his chest by drawing a retaliatorial line in the sand.

9. Yola / Ain’t Gonna Let Up – Grand Hustle/Atlantic Contact: Sam Crespo – sam.crespo@atlanticrecords.com At first listen, the Caribbean steal drums in the production lead to a laid back vibe until Yola gets on the track and crushes all haters in the way. Straight up, Yola is a monster in training. By the way, watch out for T.I. - the executive. Quiet though.

10. Young Capone / Wat It Iz – So So Def/Virgin Contact: Tikke Chaney – 212.786.8215 This is a Nitty beat that Young Capone takes full advantage of. Young Capone is a nice addition to the So So Def/Virgin stable. He’s been in the minor leagues getting his weight up and from the sound of this record; it is time for him to be called up to the majors.

11. Magic ft. Detroit / Shorty – BHE/TVT

Contact: TVT – 212.979.6410 Magic knows that shorties love a gangsta. And Magic is more than eager to deliver yet another quality tune that the people want. Be on the lookout for Magic, he is on another level since his rise from the ashes of New Orleans.

12. Obie Trice / Jamaican Girl – Interscope Contact: Rosalie – 310.592.2121 Taking the lead from Eminem the producer on a carefully crafted island tune, Obie Trice demonstrates that he is not afraid of change.

And in fact, flows well on the oceans of this tropical melody.

13. Chyna Whyte ft. Gangsta Boo & DJ Demp / Drop A Bundle – BME Contact: Sabrina Montgomery – 404.367.8130 Finally, China White has come back to whup tracks and beat bass with a gangsta style unmatched by any other MC. She has recruited Gangsta Boo and DJ Demp, the shorty pimp to accentuate an already club crunching record soon to break needles across the South.

14. Jibbs / Chain Hang Low – Geffen Contact: Rosalie – 310.592.2121 Jibbs perfectly translates a children’s nursery rhyme into a tune that celebrates opulence. If the thought rolls eyes, keep an open mind, remember there were many people who felt Nelly could never sell a record with a nursery rhyme, and he turned out alright.

15. Daz ft. Kurupt / Daz Thang – So So Def/Virgin Contact: Tikke Chaney - 212.786.8215 Daz reached back to his roots with a jam just short of “7 Minutes of Funk” and he brought The Whole Darn Family by reuniting with the OG DPG Kurupt. Jermaine Dupri is in a great zone right now and continues the trend with another hot one. Oh, and the XXX rated video of this tune is a great way to have your break today.

16. M.O.S. / Drug Related – Jive Contact: Chad Brown – jivemixshow@gmail.com On “Drug Related,” M.O.S. speaks of life in the land of Carolina blue where life wasn’t guaranteed. It’s not the life that’s celebrated, M.O.S. is happy he made it and with tracks this good, I’m sure Jive is too.

17. Young Hot Rod ft. Mary J. Blige / Be Easy - Interscope Contact: Rosalie – 310.592.2121 Anytime the Queen blesses a track a certain polish remains leaving the listener with the understanding of what makes soul music feel so good. Young Hot Rod is old enough to know when a blessing is bestowed upon him and crafts a record worthy of royalty.

18. Plies / Take Off – Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic Contact: Sam Crespo – sam.crespo@atlanticrecords.com For the record, Plies is not the future of Slip-N-Slide, he’s the right now. And if you come up shorting Plies, you better take off cuz he has no problems seeing you about it - he’s got lots of bond money behind him.

19. Trillville ft. Kandi & Cutty Cartel / Eat It Up – BME Contact: Sabrina Montgomery – 404.367.8130 Trillville has teamed up with everyone’s favorite multi-platinum flavored Kandi to make a track that tastes so good, you have to “Eat It Up.” Be prepared to dance off the pounds because a joint that tastes this good can’t be good for your health.

20. Lyfe Jennings ft. Lala Brown / S.E.X. – Sony/Columbia Contact: Cara Lewis – 212.903.1316 One word: wow! This is the definition of a great record that is sure to boost the population 9 months from its release.

- Keith “1st Prophet” Kennedy, keith@tjsdjs.com

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tj’s dj’s tastemakers xclusives disc 2 1. Plies ft. Akon / I Wanna – Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic Contact: Sam Crespo – sam.crespo@atlanticrecords.com If you were trying to find a great way to express your feelings about how talented a dancer in the pole position is, this is the record for you. Akon opens many mainstream doors for the judicially prepared Plies as this record will get more action than the champagne room.

2. 8Ball & MJG ft. Diddy / Ridin’ High – Bad Boy/Atlantic Contact: Sam Crespo – sam.crespo@atlanticrecords.com Traditional 8Ball & MJG fans may not be used to the duo on an up tempo S. Florida ride out vibe, but give them a chance and you’ll be impressed. And if you’re worried about how Diddy mic checks; don’t worry if he writes rhymes, he writes checks.

3. DJ Unk / Walk It Out – Big Oomp/Koch Contact: Gazelle – 212.353.8800 x266 DJ Unk with “Walk It Out” continues the Big Oomp tradition of keeping folks musically intoxicated while they shake jelly on the dance floor. One time to DJ Montay who is in a great production zone right now.

4. Da Backwudz / The World Could Be Yours – Rowdy Contact: Eli Brown - 404.345.0609 Milwaukee Black turns in another masterpiece with Da Backwudz lacing the verses. Women, listen closely and Da Backwudz will tell you the tale of why men need space. The lesson - be easy and the world could be yours.

5. Smoot ft. Slim Thug, Chamillionaire, & Killa Kyleon / Grain Grippa - Kwik Contact: Smoot - 310.497.2880 Direct from the town that’s so cool it’s got two drop top stadiums, Smoot helps Houston continue its run of candy painted tunes that are sweet to your CD player.

6. Blak Jak / Bobbin’ My Head – 1972/Vintage Sounds Contact: Jerry Clark – 404.966.0010 When this record drops, you’ll have no choice but to ride & swerve, throw up deuces, and start bobbin’ ya head. Blak Jak has a knack for making those records that just make you feel good in your ride as if you just left a fresh detail shop.

7. Shawt prod. Mannie Fresh / I’m Da Man – Akright Contact: Heidi Buech - 310.869.4010 With a proclaimed beat king like Mannie Fresh behind him, it’s no problem for Shawt to claim that “I’m Da Man.” Thankfully, he has the skills to make the track Akright and develop into a record worthy of such acclaim.

8. Hard Head Jacob / Trap All Day – Stay Paid Contact: Rio – 678.283.8057 In order to stay paid, Hard Head Jacob outlines his daily routine while working at the “Trap All Day.” The hard bass line is strong enough to scare the trap rats away and vibrates speakers enough to trap the hood rats.

9. Big Koon & Hollywood / Take It Back – Two Dogg Contact: Johnny Vickers - 850.443.5999 If you needed extra motivation to get your stacks up, Big Koon & Hollywood murderize this cut to provide a sense of urgency to collect that paper.

10. Small Tyme Ballaz / Be Rich One Day – Small World/Long Money Contact: Uncle Paully - 334.221.8497 Just because you’re a baller on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t have big tunes. If you have an optimistic outlook and hustle hard like the Small Tyme Ballaz, you’ll “be rich one day” too.

11. Wine-O / Pop My Trunk – Wine-O/Universal Contact: Heidi Buech - 310.869.4010 Fed up with the haters dipping into his business, Wine-O has popped the trunk and is ready to lay haters to rest. This jamming track is your warning - stop the gum flappin’ before this cap’n gets to poppin’!

12. Lil Ru / King Of The Parking Lot – Bout What Contact: Greg Fish – 803.731.8173 DJ Brad of the Legion of Doom laces a beat that Lil Ru takes full advantage of. When this track drops in the classic rides outside of the club, Lil Ru will officially be crowned King of the Parking Lot. 13. Urban Mystic ft. Stacks / I Refuse (Remix) – Sobe Contact: Buggah – 305.754.6446 Urban Mystic, the lil guy with a big soul has found the right combination to make ‘em make ‘em clap to this like Rakim on repeat.

It involves Rick Ross, Stacks, and a hip-hop classic that makes you refuse to listen to this record only once.

14. Tiffany ft. Jacki-O / Automatic – Phamus Folks Contact: Micky Rollins – 786.586.4653 Thanks to Gorilla Tek, Tiffany and the Miami Madame Jacki-O jump in for a musical ride a la Thelma & Louise that keeps you hanging on to your seat as if you’re flying off a cliff.

15. Durt Mobb Clik / She Wrong 4 Dat - Da Mouf Contact: Pope – 910.474.6559 Mixing well with the snap beat sets, Durt Mobb Clik have arrived to become the club fashion police by drawing attention to all of the reasons why a club chick goes home lonely.

16. Baby Boy / The Way I Live – Universal/Republic Contact: O.J. Wedlaw - 212.584.5406 When you live the life of Baby Boy it is standard to be grown and still ride big wheels. Plus, it helps to have a hook that’s fun to sing along to as DJs watch this record go round and round.

17. Sonia Collymore ft. Black Majik / No Cash Flow – Manatee Contact: Doc – 312.226.9034 If the road to hell is paved with good intentions, Sonia Collymore is one of the hottest artists on the market as she wants to buy her man so many good things but there’s “No Cash Flow.” With a tune this vibrant it won’t be long before Sonia leaves her money woes behind.

18. Decky ft. Max Minelli / Louder - Divided Soul Contact: Brent Dixon - 225.315.1772 Decky made a smart move by keeping the in-house production of Divided Soul as they laced a beat with a nice mix of scratching and a protruding bass line. With a track produced this well you will have no choice but to turn the music “Louder.”

19. Black Majik / Put Your Drink Up – Manatee Contact: Doc – 312.226.9034 Black Majik fits a perfect slow mo flow over production that makes your ears hear double as if intoxicated by this Chicagoan’s lyrical sensations.

20. Coalition / Alarm – Pure Platinum Contact: Big Boo - 901.240.5491 Driving two miles an hour so everybody sees the Coalition, haters will have to raise the alarm to alert the block that true ballers are on the set. And with a cup of drank in their palm the Coalition ain’t bout to let no B.S. pass on this cruisin’ tune.

- Keith “1st Prophet” Kennedy, keith@tjsdjs.com

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tj’s dj’s tastemakers xclusives disc 3 1. Khao / Keyz In The Air –Intaprize/GTT Contact: Tanya Marvin - 866.379.0027 Although he has production credits on TI’s “The King,” Khao can’t rest until he gets a throne of his own. With this cut, Khao with a solid lyrical beatmaking K.O. will have other artists putting their keys in the air because it’s time for them to go home.

2. Crime Mob / Rock Yo Hips – BME Contact: Sabrina Montgomery – 404.367.8130 For those who love chicks rocking hips to that Crime Mob crew, this joint is for you. When this beat drops make sure you hold on tight because if she’s got that Beyonce’ lusciousness you may be in for a long ride.

3. Tampa Tony / Bobbahead – SouthBeat Contact: James Jackson - 305.695.6730 Tampa Tony takes a break from pushing his Blunt Splitta’s to describe his favorite chick, the “Bobbahead.” For those who are slow, the “Bobbahead” is a chick who loves to bob her head like a bobble head found at the ball game. If a “Bobbahead” acts right, they might end up on Tampa Tony’s dashboard.

4. Lil Flip / I’m A Balla – Asylum/Warner Bros.

Contact: Asylum Promotions – 212.707.3030 True ballas are the ones that know how to flip their chips over and over. Even on a new imprint, Lil Flip will continue to define what ballin’ is all about. Plus, it doesn’t hurt if you have the luck of a leprechaun on your side.

5. J-Shin ft. T-Pain / Sent Me An Email – SouthBeat Contact: James Jackson - 305.695.6730 Roger & Zapp were years ahead of their time singing about Computer Love. Now, J-Shin & T-Pain put together a nice lil diddy that explains what love in the computer generation is all about. And it ain’t always something to LOL about. Beware of those viruses!

6. Randy B. / It’s Over Now – Southern Boy Contact: Randy B. - 850.766.6356 Love past its expiration date can be a traumatic experience. Thankfully, Randy B. has been able to encapsulate the feelings of a breakup and strike the right chords to make the song cry instead of you.

7. T-Hud ft. UGK & Static Major / Never Thought – T-Hud/Nutty Boyz Contact: Nikki - 612-720-8252 T-Hud never thought he would have a track this good unless he hooked up with certified platinum stars like UGK and Static Major (songwriter, Ginuwine, Aaliyah). Thankfully, T-Hud will have nothing but clear skies and great weather forecast for his future with this jamming tune.

8. Jovan Dais / Came A Long Way – Nzone Contact: Bernard Parks - 404.753.6522 DJ Toomp has shared his bag of Hollywood Magic to have Jovan Dais pair with the 5 Heartbeats’ Eddie Caine to form a duo who have come so far but have so far to go. By the end of this record you will know that on nights like this nobody can be Jovan Dais.

9. D-Shep / Stay Real – Conspiracy Music Contact: Mike Rojas - 305.672.7562 Opponents of the use of the “N” word stay away from this tune.

D-Shep flips the word by wisely blending the hook to phrase the emotionally charged term in a way that makes you say, it may not be right, but I understand.

10. G-Mack ft. Young Ca$h / Checks Out – Lost Land Contact: Kaper - 614.596.7485 From Kentucky to Duval, G-Mack and Young Ca$h unabashedly run shit. So if you listen to this tune and you hear them talk about it, you already know it’s for real. So respect their gangsta or rest in peace.

11. Willo Da Don / Hustle All Day, Ball All Night – Two Dogg Contact: Johnny Vickers - 850.443.5999 All work and no play makes Willo Da Don a dull artist. That’s why he has to make sure that if he hustles all day, ya gotta ball all night.

It’s only right to have a party soundtrack so tight.

12. Strangers / Guac – Two Dogg Contact: Johnny Vickers - 850.443.5999 Although they may be strangers to you, these Strangers are no strangers to getting plenty of guac. With this bass thumping tune, the Strangers provide a new use for stacks of chips.

13. Scoundrel Squad ft. Bohagon / Pat Em Down – Invisible Contact: Pamela Shelby - 706.984.5406 Fresh from a nod by Billboard Magazine, the Scoundrel Squad have been getting much attention from the haters. So, they need to “Pat Em Down” at the door to make sure that no foolishness goes down at the shows. And be forwarned these Savannah sergeants play no games.

14. Suga Suga / Studio Trap – Nzone Contact: Bernard Parks - 404.753.6522 DJ Toomp fresh off one of the hottest tunes of the season (TI’s “What U Know About”) has lent his production talents to his artist Suga Suga who put some work in the studio. With this much bang in the studio other MCs don’t stand a chance.

15. Killa Kim / I Pop – Phamus Folks Contact: Micky Rollins - 786.586.4653 Killa Kim masterfully rides this track into submission and has the beat in her total control making it pop and bend to her will. Luckily she’s brought us along for the trip.

16. La Chat ft. Yo Gotti / Baby Mamma Drama – Inevitable Contact: Mario Myers - 901.406.4528 Yo Gotti & La Chat are the baddest thing smoking from Tennessee since that hillbilly boogie! Yo Gotti & La Chat has been making noise on the underground for the longest and with this track the underground will continue to bubble their name like a 5 prong bong.

17. Alozade / Bad Out Deh – Manatee Contact: Doc - 312.226.9034 Lawdamercy! Alozade knows it’s “Bad Out Deh” so he has to shoot ‘em down wit a bang bang like he was trying to Kill Bill. This is a nice sample of a rude bwoy living the life of a true shotta on a mellow groove.

18. Haitian Fresh / On My Own – Fresh Productions Contact: Ms. Rivercity - 904.465.0745 Although Haitian Fresh is in the streets and grinding on his own, he always has the isle of Haiti on his back. And with a legion that strong no force can stand against him.

19. Young A ft. Juvenile / Down N New Orleans – Akright Contact: Heidi Buech - 310.869.4010 “Down N New Orleans” reveals a dark side of the Crescent City that has become more ruthless since Queen Katrina established her reign of terror. With Young A & Juvenile tag teaming to tell the truth on this track, they show that like a stale beignet, it ain’t sweet.

20. Raw LT ft. Bun B / Getcha Mind Right – BBH Contact: Big Bank Hank - 832.215.7317 Raw LT rides the track like a royal highness should. With Bun B getting her back, I wish somebody would try and disrespect the crown.

21. F.A.S.T. ft. Smoke / Str8’n Me – Fat Fred Contact: JB - 850.528.5028 Smoke from the po’ folk lyrical assassins, Field Mob reaches out to F.A.S.T. to lace a track that will Str8’n anyone being disrespectful.

- Keith “1st Prophet” Kennedy, keith@tjsdjs.com

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sponsors We at TJ’s DJ’s & OZONE Magazine wish to thank the following partners who helped to make the 2006 TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers DJ/Music Conference & 1st Annual OZONE Awards the Greatest Event In Southern Music History!

Title Sponsors BME/Warner Interscope Diamond Partners Atlantic Records Bad Boy Records Grand Hustle Intaprize/GTT Slip-N-Slide Records Multi-Platinum Partners Ackright Records Asylum Records Jive Records Koch Records LRG Clothing SouthBeat Records Virgin Records Platinum Partners 1972/Vintage Sounds ADL Custom Designs BBH Bout What Records Crunk Juice Da Mouf Records Fresh Productions Lost Land Entertainment Manatee Records Select-O-Hits Southern Boy Entertainment Sobe Phamus Folks Booking & Mgmt Pure Platinum Records T-Hud/Nutty Boyz Entertainment Two Dogg Records Gold Partners A&M Addicted Akademiks Azzure Jeans Bernard Moore Bathhouse Cheese Wagon Conspiracy Music Divided Soul Entertainment Dlishia Clothing Earthworm Clothing Envy Me, Inc. Fat Fred Entertainment Gino Green Global Indigo Red Invisible Records Juana Records Key Block Entertainment Kwik Entertainment Latino Royalty Miskeen Originals Mixrevolution.com Musik Boxx No Name Necessary Productions NZone Entertainment Pinel Swimsuits Reprise Roger Gary’s Aqua Couture Royal Blunts Rowdy Small World Entertainment/Long Money Stay Paid Steve Harvey Suits Struggle Wear Clothing StingIt.net The Spot Tye Dye Couture Universal/Republic White Trash Entertainment Wine-O/Universal

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