Ozone Mag All Star 2010 special edition

WELCOMETO DALLAS

ALL STAR 2010

edition** **special

G FEATURIN

DORROUGH

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DJ MR ROGERS // PARTY BOYZ BONE // DONDRIA // DOUGHSKI G FAT PIMP // RAY PAUL // B HAMP BLOCKBOI // DJ DROP // YOUNG T LIL TONY // TOMEKA PEARL // FAT B

WELCOMETO DALLAS

ALL STAR 2010

edition** **special

ING FEATURM ’S A J DEF

BONE

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DJ MR ROGERS // PARTY BOYZ BONE // DONDRIA // DOUGHSKI G FAT PIMP // RAY PAUL // B HAMP BLOCKBOI // DJ DROP // YOUNG T LIL TONY // TOMEKA PEARL // FAT B

PUBLISHER: Julia Beverly SPECIAL EDITIONS EDITOR: Jen McKinnon a.k.a.

Ms. Rivercity CONTRIBUTORS & CREW: Edward “Pookie” Hall Jee’Van Brown Kisha Smith Maurice G. Garland Randy Roper Torrey Holmes

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ALL STAR EDITORIAL CLUB LISTING DALLAS MAPS DJ DROP DJ MR ROGERS DONDRIA DOUGHSKI G EVENT LISTING FAT PIMP PARTY BOYZ

22-24 DORROUGH

PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR: Malik Abdul STREET TEAMS: Urban South SUBSCRIPTIONS: To subscribe, send check or money order for $11 to: OZONE Magazine 644 Antone St. Suite 6 Atlanta, GA 30318 Phone: 404-350-3887 Fax: 404-601-9523 Web: www.ozonemag.com COVER CREDITS: Bone photo by Hannibal Matthews; Dorrough photo

by SLFEMP. DISCLAIMER: 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 2010 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.

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2MUCH B HAMP BLOCKBOI DJ HOLLYWOOD DJ WHITE CHOCOLATE FAT B LIL TONY RAY PAUL TOMEKA PEARL YOUNG T

20-22 BONE

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DALLAS Event Listing

Thursday, FebRUARY 11th Welcome to Dallas Happy Hour @ Beamers 2443 Wallnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX 75229 4pm to 4am, 21 & Up Ladies, 23 & Up Gents 214-902-6490 All Star Tip Off Party w/ Ludacris, Allen Iverson, Letoya Luckett, Tank, & DJ Clue @ Palladium Ballroom - 1135 South Lamar St., Dallas, TX, 75215 All Star Hollywood Soiree Hosted by Vivica Fox, Boris Kodjoe, Taraji, Columbus Short, Lamman Rucker, & Biz Markie @ Union Station - 400 South Houston St., Dallas, TX 75202 Alonzo Mourning & Magic Johnson 8 Ball Challenge After Party w/ Doug E Fresh @ Kindal’s Soul Fusion Café 10333 W. Technology Blvd., Dallas, TX 75220 (I35 & Northwest Hwy, In Shadow of AMC Theatre) www.Kindals.com All Star Jump Off Hosted by The Game @ Skye Bar 1217 Main St., Dallas, TX 75201 General Admission $25+ Table/VIP/Bottle Service 469-323-5148 Dwayne Wade’s All Star Jump Off Partyw/ Trina, Brian (Day 26), Bu (Konvict Muzic), Bone (“Homegurl”), Tony Neal (CORE DJs) @ The Starlight Room 603 Munger Ave., Dallas, TX - 214-560-8811 Play N Skillz Welcome to All Star Affair w/ Bay Bay, Dallas Desire, Ken Hamlin, Inertia @ Plush 1400 Main St., Dallas, TX Young Jeezy’s All Star Wknd Takeover w/ Nicki Minaj & Birdman Performing Live @ Cirque 1930 Pacific Ave., Dallas, TX 75201

Friday, FebRUARY 12th Mary J. Blige, Common, Jason Terry, Dirk Nowitzki Private Hangar Party @ Jet Aviation Hanger (Love Field Airport) - 7363 Cedar Springs Rd., Dallas, TX 75235 Tickets: https://allstarvip2010.ticketleap.com Carmelo Anthony Presents Club Melo @ Beamers 2443 Wallnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX 75229 8pm to 4am, 21 & Up Ladies, 23 & Up Gents 214-902-6490 Vibe Magazine All Star Comedy Explosion Hosted by Ricky Smiley w/ Bill Bellamy, Chris 8 // OZONE MAG

Spencer, Jay Lamont, Aries Spears @ The Majestic Theatre 1925 Elm St., Dallas, TX 75201 Shows @ 7pm & 10pm Tickets via TicketMaster Biggest Boss Party w/ Rick Ross & Shawty Lo @ Club Flow - 10945 Composite Dr., Dallas, TX VIP Tickets @ Da Bomb in Big T Bazaar VIP/Bottle Service call 214-366-FLOW All Star Clash of the Titans: NBA vs. NFL Hosted by Allen Iverson & Michael Vick @ Union Station 400 South Houston St., Dallas, TX 75202 Vibe Magazine All Star Affair Hosted by Laz Alonzo & Ken Hamilton Sounds by Biz Markie @ F.I.G. (Fashion Industry Gallery) 1807 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75201 Trey Songz, Young Jeezy & Friends @ Kindal’s Soul Fusion Café 10333 W. Technology Blvd., Dallas, TX 75220 (I35 & Northwest Hwy, In Shadow of AMC Theatre) www.Kindals.com Lebron James & Drake Live @ AM/PM Lounge 300 N. Akard, Dallas, TX 75201 (Located in Mosaic Building) Tickets: TexasPartyScene.com All Star Jump Off Hosted by Derrick Rose & JR Smith @ Skye Bar 1217 Main St., Dallas, TX 75201 General Admission $50+ Table/VIP/Bottle Service 469-323-5148 Rosa Acosta Presents All Star Ladies Night Hosted by Boris Kodjoe, Hosea Chanchez, Brian White, Tank, Lance Gross @ Karma 15203 Knoll Trail Drive, Dallas, TX 75248 10pm – 2am Kenyon Martin, Michael Huff, & Dorrough Hosted by Ajia Nicole @ Plush 1400 Main St., Dallas, TX Official Cash Money Birdman Bday Bash Music by DJ Green Lantern & DJ Holiday @ Sex In The City Lounge 2616 Commerce Place, Dallas, TX TO’s All Star Welcome to Dallas Party @ Aloft Hotel - 1033 Young St., Dallas, TX Akon’s All Star Celebrity Bash @ Sting Ultra Lounge - 15240 Dallas Pkwy., Dallas, TX MyVIPAllStar.com 5 Star Chicks Celeb All Star Edition Hosted by Nicki Minaj, Trina, Candi Redd @ Wish 3001 Knox Street, Dallas, TX MyVIPAllStar.com

Young Jeezy All Star Wknd Takeover w/ Ludacris, Slim Thug, Trae, Webbie, Foxx & More Performing Live @ Cirque Nightclub 1930 Pacific Ave., Dallas, TX 75201

Saturday, FebRUARY 13th 8th Annual TX Summer Music Conf. All Star Edition @ Maximedia Studios (10 AM - 6 PM) 13300 Branch View Lane, Dallas, TX 75234 Contact Info: Terry McGill 214-282-8933 The All Star Weekend Network w/ Definition DJs, Jay Classik & Hustle Squad DJs, Chalie Boy & Dirty 3rd, Fat B, Tum Tum & More @ The Mansion (11 AM - 4 PM) 2505 Pacific Ave., Dallas, TX Contact: TheMillionDollaFamily@gmail.com Daytime Party Hosted by Terrence J @ Go Fish Ocean Club (Behind Galleria Mall) 5301 Alpha Rd., Dallas, TX 75240 2pm – 7pm Dorrough Music’s Gangsta Grillz/OZONE Release Party @ The Mansion - 2505 Pacific Ave., Dallas, TX 10pm - Late Nelly Presents Club Derrty @ Beamers 2443 Wallnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX 75229 8pm to 4am, 21 & Up Ladies, 23 & Up Gents 214-902-6490 Nicki Minaj & Trina Live @ Club Flow 10945 Composite Dr., Dallas, TX VIP Tickets @ Da Bomb in Big T Bazaar VIP/Bottle Service call 214-366-FLOW Katt Williams Live @ The Majestic Theatre 1925 Elm St., Dallas, TX 75201 Shows @ 7pm & 10pm Tickets via TicketMaster Vibe Magazine All Star Party Hosted by Gabrielle Union, Elise Neal, Gary Payton, Dwight Freeney, Ray Crockett, and more @ The Starck Club 703 McKinny Ave., Dallas, TX 9pm – 5am Vibe Magazine 30+ Sexy Party @ The Tower Club in Thanksgiving Tower - Sounds by Frances Jaye 1601 Elm, 48th Floor, Dallas, TX 75201 10pm – 2am 30 & Over Only Drake Performing Live w/ Appearances by Young Money @ Kindal’s Soul Fusion Café 10333 W. Technology Blvd., Dallas, TX 75220 (I35 & Northwest Hwy, In Shadow of AMC Theatre) www.Kindals.com

All Star Guest Appreciation Party Hosted by Allen Iverson @ Iron Cactus 1520 Main St., Dallas, TX 75201 VIP Admission Only, $200 Table/VIP/Bottle Service 469-323-5148 After Hours Hosted by Internet Vixen Tisha Marie @ Iniquity - 10821 Composite Dr., Dallas, TX 2am - Until The Lavish Life w/ Jason Terry, Terrell Owens, Taraji Henson @ Wish Ultra Lounge 3001 Knox Street, Dallas, TX MyVIPAllStar.com Ray J, Terrence J & Amber Rose @ Skye Bar 1217 Main St., Dallas, TX 75201 MTV Mixtape Daily All Star Party Hosted by Rahman Dukes & Shaheem Reid of MTV, Three 6 Mafia, Slim Thug, Marcus Spears, Play N Skillz, & Slim (112) @ Plush 1400 Main St., Dallas, TX 75202 Young Jeezy All Star Wknd Takeover w/ Plies Performing Live @ Cirque Nightclub 1930 Pacific Ave., Dallas, TX 75201

Sunday, FebRUARY 14th The Finale w/ Diddy & Friends @ Beamers 2443 Wallnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX 75229 8pm to 4am, 21 & Up Ladies, 23 & Up Gents 214-902-6490 Waka Flocka Flame Live @ Club Flow 10945 Composite Dr., Dallas, TX VIP Tickets @ Da Bomb in Big T Bazaar VIP/Bottle Service call 214-366-FLOW Grand Finale Hosted by Kenny Smith & Michael Vick - Sounds by Kid Capri All Star Game Watch Party 6pm – 2am, 21 & Over @ Union Station 400 South Houston St., Dallas, TX 75202 Dwele, Raheem Devaughn, Kjon @ Kindal’s Soul Fusion Café 10333 W. Technology Blvd., Dallas, TX 75220 (I35 & Northwest Hwy, In Shadow of AMC Theatre) www.Kindals.com Young Jeezy All Star Wknd Takeover w/ Drake Performing Live & Special Guests B.G. & Juvenile @ Cirque Nightclub 1930 Pacific Ave., Dallas, TX 75201 For the Love of All Star hosted by Ray J @ Wish Ultra Lounge - 3001 Knox Street, Dallas, TX MyVIPAllStar.com All Star Valentines Day Finale @ Plush 1400 Main St., Dallas, TX 75202

Disclaimer: If any of these artists don’t show up, blame the promoter not us.

Play N Skillz Latin All Star Explosion Appearances by Pitbull & JJ Barea (Dallas Mavericks) @ Encore 5361 Sears St, Dallas, TX 75206

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DAllas CLUB LISTING

2026 Ultra Lounge 2026 Commerce St., Dallas, TX 75201 (214) 390-6230

Cirque Nightclub 1930 Pacific Ave., Dallas, TX 75201 (214) 234-8404

8 Lounge 1906 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75206

Club Che/Kindal’s 10333 W. Technology Blvd., Dallas, TX (214) 353-8701

AM/PM Lounge 300 N. Akard, Dallas, TX Beamers 2443 Wallnut Hill Ln Dallas, TX 75229 214-902-6490 Bijou 2301 N. Collins St., Arlington, TX 76011 (817) 274-2916 Carson’s Live 17727 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75287 Club Chrome 2408 E. Belknap St. Fort Worth, TX 76111 (817) 222-2244

Club Flow 10945 Composite Dr., Dallas, TX, 75220 (214) 366-3569 Club Mystique 455 E. University Blvd Odessa, TX 79762 432-363-8531 Crystal’s Nightclub 3008 E. Pioneer Pkwy Arlington, TX 76010 Encore 5361 Sears St, Dallas, TX Iron Cactus 1520 Main St., Dallas, TX 75201

Karma 15203 Knoll Trail Drive, Dallas, TX 75248 Level 5 10733 Spangler Rd., Dallas, TX 75220 972-501-9935 Mambo Café 2020 North Lamar St Dallas, TX 75202 (214) 999-0935

Skye Bar 1217 Main St., Dallas, TX 75201

The Starlight Room 603 Munger Ave., Dallas, TX 214-560-8811 Sting Ultra Lounge 15240 Dallas Pkwy., Dallas, TX

The Mansion 2505 Pacific Ave., Dallas, TX

Stone Trail 14833 Midway Road, Addison, TX 75001 (972) 701-9600

Palladium Ballroom 1135 South Lamar St., Dallas, TX, 75215 (972) 343-2444

TePhejez 2226 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75201 (214) 744-5299

Plush 1400 Main St. Dallas, TX 75202 (214) 741-7587

Union Station 400 South Houston St., Dallas, TX 75202 (214) 571-5700

Rack Daddy’s 955 N Cooper St., Arlington, TX 76011

Wish Ultra Lounge 3001 Knox Street, Dallas, TX (214) 389-5723

The Ranch Bar & Grille 701 106th St., Arlington, TX 76011 (817) 640-5114

DAllas AREA MAP

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Map courtesy of visitdallas.com Many more Dallas area maps are available online at http://www.visitdallas.com/visitors/maps.php

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DOWNTOWN

DAllas MAP

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OZONE MAG // 13

ALLSTAR EDITORIAL

I

apologize. It’s only right to start by expressing my regrets that we couldn’t include all the DFW VIPs in this special edition. There was definitely some rhyme and reason for who was interviewed, but there was also a lack of time. And some of y’all don’t have good phone numbers anymore (or your girl was lying when I called).

As for the ones that are featured, I mostly selected people we haven’t shown love to in the past. We know there are a lot of OG’s in DFW, and many of them we’ve already featured in the mag or on the website, so we wanted to give the up-and-comers a look in OZONE too.

OZONE always supports the indie grind and the underdogs. We also took suggestions from DJs and our reps, so essentially the movers and shakers of Dallas put together this lineup. Plus, there are a few names on the radar we plan to showcase in monthly issues yet to come, so we held off for now.

I started to shout out the folks missing, then realized it’s impossible to quantify them all.

So, just know that I know who’s who, or I know someone that knows who’s who, and we have respect for everyone equally. We also have a lot of future opportunities for Patiently Waiting articles, reviews, photo galleries, audio/video/event features on OzoneMag.com, not to mention the Super Bowl issue next year.

If you feel you’ve been overlooked or have something to submit, feel free to reach out (Jen@ OzoneMag.com).

There are two special people I do need to thank for their help. Our rep Pookie of Ur-

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banSouth provided photos, input, and a neverending street phone book. Without that I’d be lost. And shouts to my pa’tna DJ Merk, CEO of NGenius Ent., for keeping it 100 whenever I asked a question. Merk has his own artists, but he put me up on a lot of rappers outside of his camp. Really, Merk made me a fan of the whole Dallas movement in the first place, and he’s not even from there originally.

Dallas is by far one of my favorite places – the culture, the movement, all of it. In many ways this city’s Hip Hop movement parallels Atlanta’s, and the comparisons are obvious – but there’s a big difference as well. Dallas’ full potential hasn’t been tapped yet. People are willing to grow, and most don’t have the “I’m a celebrity already, minus the check” mentality. I fux with people like that. And I predict the rest of the country will catch on soon enough too.

Especially after All Star visitors see how y’all get down. BTW, have you seen the weekend event listing? Am I gonna have time to eat?

Someone better take me to Rudy’s and Sweet Georgia Brown. “I finna hit dat hoe.”

- Ms. Rivercity (Below: Louisiana Cash, Kiki J, Mr Lucci, Ms Rivercity, & Mr Pookie @ K104)

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///DJ DROP Words by Jee’Van Brown

DJ Drop isn’t afraid to take risks. As CEO and one of the founders of the Definition DJs, Drop has created his own lane and established a coalition that is growing more and more each day. He’s responsible for breaking some of the biggest party records that have exploded out of the Dallas AREA in the past year, and in doing so, he’s gained major respect.

As a founder of the Definition DJs, what are you guy’s working on right now?

Right now we’re letting the whole world know about the power of the Definition DJs. We’re trying to get people to know that it’s not just about the dancing music. The Definition DJs are really overlooked in this market, but we’re really responsible for the whole D-Town movement that’s going on right now. If you notice every record that’s popped has been a party record, and that right there let’s you know it comes from the club. It was really ground breaking to me because a lot of DJs gave me get credit for the beginning of this movement.

I think the Dallas movement has been going on for over several years, but this “Boogie” movement is the new Dallas movement.

What made you want to start the Definition DJs, and for the people who don’t know, what does a DJ Coalition do?

I can’t speak on other DJ Coalitions, because I don’t really agree with the way some of them are run. In the beginning we were only supposed to be a three-man crew. It was going to be a DJ version of a rap group – we were going to go out and perform through turntables, mixing, and MCing on the mic. It started with me, a Latin DJ named DJ Lil E, and DJ Chicken from New Orleans. The concept was that I would bring the hood crowd, Lil E would bring the Spanish crowd, and Chicken would bring the New Orleans crowd. The main goal I had was to put my city on, so that’s why we took it from a crew to a coalition.

How did the name “Boogie” come about for the new movement?

You would have to see it to really understand it – it’s dancing, but it’s really not dancing.

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“Boogie” kind of combines your swag with your personality, and also the music. “Boogie” is a word that we use down here often, like if it’s a day where you haven’t made that much money then it’s a “slow boogie day.” If you’re about to go whoop someone’s ass, then you’re in “gangsta boogie mode.”

You were around before the beginning of the digital era of MP3s, Serato, and downloads.

Has the transition helped or hurt you, and how has the game changed from your perspective?

To be honest, I love it. I love the digital age coming from the analog era. I was fully trained in the analog era, I’m the last of a dying breed.

Other people call me “the last of the true DJ” just due to the fact that I can still get on vinyl and still go as hard as I do on digital. When I’m on Serato, it’s still the same. Some people get it twisted. They think Serato is going to make it easier, but it’s not. The one thing Serato does do is create a better show and enhance everything you’re doing, but it doesn’t make anything easier.

Are you DJing anywhere for All Star Weekend?

I’m DJing at Club Mystique in Ft. Worth on Thursday, at Southside Lamar on Friday, at Mansion on Saturday, and at the Grand Opening of Fat Dallas on Sunday. //

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///DJ MR ROGERS Words by Maurice G. Garland

OVER the last FEW years, Dallas has eclipsed Atlanta as the dance capital OF Hip Hop. The latest craze comes courtesy of DJ Mr. Rogers and the Party Boyz hit “Flex.” Here is Rogers’ explanation OF “Flex” and his take on the boogie movement as a whole.

Dallas is starting to become known for a lot of dance music. Was it always like this?

Dallas music has always had a club-like energy to it. It’s similar to Atlanta, so being in the club has always been a Dallas thing.

Greg Street was in Dallas as much as he was in Atlanta at one point. I’m not sure if he was bringing music back and forth, but the music has the same style and essence. We never sounded like Houston. Lil Jon used to shout us out all the time on his songs because of that. The sound has always been here, it’s just now blowing up. For so long Dallas never had an identity. We never had an artist other than The D.O.C. but even with him the music sounded more West Coast because he was with Dr. Dre and N.W.A. We never had artists who we could call our own. But that’s starting to happen now.

Explain to us the DJ Mr. Rogers and the Party Boyz make up.

DJ Mr. Rogers and the Party Boyz is like Lil Jon and the Eastside Boyz. I’m the DJ and producer. We all handle the lyrics and ideas because we are all creative minds. We all went to Prairie View A&M, which we call the New Motown now because of all the music that’s coming from there. They used to get the party crunk all the time, by dancing and boogying. I was DJ and just developed a record for what they were doing and that’s how the Party Boyz came to life.

So people are calling Prairie View the New Motown?

Yes, they are. I went to Prairie View and I graduated from there. When I came there a Dallas record couldn’t even get played, but that has changed. We’ve broken a lot of records there like Trap Stars “Get It Big,” and “Halle Berry” which was made by Superstar before Hurricane Chris blew it up. Plus the school is the closest black college to the West Coast, so we get all kinds of people coming through there.

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We have great alumni like DJ Premier. Prairie View doesn’t even have a music program, but we’ve got it popping out there.

So how did your hit song “Flex” come about?

It started at a party at Prairie View. Dude was out there in the party and I played “Paper Planes” by M.I.A. with different acapellas over it. They did a routine to it, dancing behind girls, incorporating the dance into the beat.

Then they started getting behind the girls and putting their hand on their head. It looked fun.

After that I was with on the way back riding from Dallas to Houston. I made the beat in the car and my manager Cam was like, “It’s gonna work.” The whole pattern of the beat rolls with the boogie. I brought it back that next day to Hump Day on the Hill. I told them to go out and “hit that hoe,” which is what we say when mean “do the dance.” I played the beat, and the whole crowd was doing it. We knocked out the song the next week and took it to the club and it was a wrap after that.

Earlier you said you guys are like Lil Jon and the Eastside Boyz. Ae you trying to brand this as your sound, the way he did with crunk?

The position he played in the group is what I mean. That’s my role. I don’t want to be limited to one sound. He has an incredible sound but it got stuck up under that moniker. I’m one third of DSF productions. We did “Swang” for Trae, “Walk Like That” for Hurricane Chris, as well as some production for Boss Hogg Outlaws and “Walk That Walk” for Dorrough. So we have a lot of sounds to offer. //

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Party Boyz

Rivercity Words by Ms.

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Discovered by DJ Mr. Rogers at Prairie View A&M, The Party Boyz were known for a dance they had everyone doing around campus – but they weren’t actually rappers. After linking up with Rogers, they recorded their first song ever, “Flex,” and quickly entered THE Billboard charts. Here the newly signed Hitz Committee/Jive artists explain how they fit into the new Dallas music movement.

How did the whole Party Boyz’ group situation come to be?

Iceberg Slim: It all started when we were at school at Prairie View. We had a dance we were doin’ at parties and everyone at the school was doin’ it so we had a lil buzz goin’. Everyone was tellin’ us we should get a song to go with this dance. We didn’t pay it no mind, we just kept doin’ us. We got call from Mr. Rogers and he said he had an opportunity for us. We met up with him and got a beat. We took it home to all our friends, and everyone was excited about it.

A couple weeks later we did the song.

Did “Flex” catch on fast with everyone already being familiar with the dance first?

Iceberg Slim: Everybody at school jumped on board right off the bat. We got a lot of love just ‘cause of who we were at the school. We were always the cool kids at school, but we didn’t know we could end up doing this. That was our first time ever being recorded. We’re fresh in the game.

Besides Texas, where else has the “Flex” record gotten a lot of play?

Iceberg Slim: We took over the whole south really quick – Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi. We’re working on the Midwest.

Is everyone in the group from Dallas? Did you know each other before going to Prairie View?

Iceberg Slim: We’re all from Dallas. There’s a misconception because we went to school at Prairie View, but we all grew up in Dallas.

Duce Phat: Lil Pudge is my brother. Everyone thinks we’re twins ‘cause we look just alike, but we’re not.

Lil Pudge: He’s older than me. And Big Chris, that’s our blood cousin.

Big Chris: That’s me, a.k.a. HiC. I’m from the Cliff, which is a hood in Dallas. My granny is the one that talked me into going to going to college.

When I graduated high school I was just tryna

get this money, but after two years I finally went [to college]. A year later we started doin’ this.

So did y’all finish school or did you put it on hold for now?

Iceberg Slim: Some of us put it off. Some of us are still in school.

Duce Phat: Well, I put school on hold for now.

Big Chris: I was never really into school. I was just seeing where it would take me.

What’s your perception on the boogie movement in Dallas?

Iceberg Slim: As far as all the haters, I think the reason they’re hatin’ is ‘cause they can’t do it.

We don’t do it for the haters – we do it for the ladies. Think about it like this: when rap music came out it was made for people to dance to, and then it evolved into the lyrical stuff. If they don’t like it, oh well. We’re just gon’ boogie our way to the top.

Duce Phat: We’re from Dallas. We like to party, handle our business, get money, and boogie.

We don’t hate on nobody. Life’s too short. We just boogie and do us.

What are each of you like as individuals?

Describe your personalities.

Iceberg Slim: I’m the player, the ladies man, the lover. I’m always takin’ my shirt off. All I wanna do is have fun by any means necessary. I love to party. I love Polo – Polo is the only thing I know. Shout out to Ralph Lauren.

Duce Phat: I have a 2 year old son. I love to party. Coogi is all I wear. I wear Coogi from my boxers, to my promotional T’s, I might even get a Coogi part in my head.

Lil Pudge: Since I’m the youngest out of the group, everyone thinks I’m the one raising all the hell. But not me personally. I love the ladies, I enjoy what I’m doing. And yeah, me and my brother are Coogi fanatics.

Big Chris: I’m the more laid back one. You can hear it in my lyrics.

What else do you have going on right now and coming up?

Iceberg Slim: The first day our video was on WorldStarHipHop we got 2.3 million views.

Before the video was even put up, we had 1,000 radio spins a week. We got our Welcome to Dallas mixtape droppin’ All Star Weekend.

We’re #43 on the Billboards. We’re coming soon to BET, Spring Bling, MTV, TRL, all of that.

Dallas got next. PartyBoyzFlex.com. //

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Dorrough Words by Ms. Rivercity Photo by SLFEMP

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SINCE’s HE’S A Dallas ambassador, we had Mr. Yeah Buddy break down what’s popping off in his city All Star Weekend. Along with his Gangsta Grillz release party, Dorrough also lets us know about some other hot spots in D-town, as well as artists he’s working with on his label. Be sure to check out Dorrough’s other cover feature on our annual Sex Issue hitting newsstands soon.

You’ve been putting out a lot of new videos and collaborations. What do you have circulating on the net right now?

I just put out a new track with Yo Gotti called “Hood Chick Fetish” off the Gangsta Grillz I’m droppin’ All Star Weekend. It’s pickin’ up a lot.

DJs are spinnin’ it in the club. It’s gonna be a big record. We’ve also been pushin’ the “Number 23” record. We just dropped the “Caramel Sundae” video. It picked up a big buzz. It got like 6 million views on Worldstarhiphop.

Is the Gangsta Grillz mixtape your first nationally released mixtape? I know you’ve done other tapes here and there, but is this your biggest one so far?

I did a lot of mixtapes in the past, but this is my first major mixtape. I also believe I’m the first Texas artist to do a Gangsta Grillz, if I’m not mistaken.

How did you link up with Drama for this mixtape? Was it something you reached out to him to do?

One day we ran into each other and he was spinnin’ the “Ice Cream Paint Job” record. This was back in the summertime. We exchanged numbers and after that we started hittin’ each other up for drops and different things I was doing. I started givin’ him other records that were on my album and he thought they were jammin’ so we started talkin’ about doin’ a mixtape. I wanted to do something after the album [was released] and he was cool with it. After the album dropped I started putting together mixtape tracks, which are on the Gangsta Grillz that’s being released All Star Weekend.

What’s the experience been like for you since “Ice Cream Pain Job” hit number one?

This is probably not where you saw yourself years ago; I know you used to have basketball dreams.

It’s just fast. One day I’ll be here, the next day I’m there. I do a lot of stuff so fast. That was probably the main thing I had to adjust to, living a faster life than I was [before]. I’m adjusted to it now. That’s been the experience. Everything comes fast. You make some mistakes, you learn and grow from ‘em. So that was the process, and now I’m more of a

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mature artist than I was a year ago, and now I see a whole different lane for where I want to go with my music.

You put out a huge remix for “Ice Cream Paint Job” and you have some records with Three 6 Mafia, Yo Gotti, and a lot of other people.

What’s it’s feel like to work with artists that have been in the game for a while?

I grew up listenin’ to Three 6 Mafia. To me I feel like they’re veterans in the game. Snoop Dogg is a legend in the game. I’m on Juvenile’s new single “We Be Getting Money” with Shawty Lo. I feel like the artists I grew up listenin’ to and now I’m workin’ with, it’s an honor just be doing it. I grew up listenin’ to Lil Flip, and to get him on my album shows how far you can go with the music. I’ve worked with a lot of artists and I plan on working with a lot more. Mainly I’m trying to get to [the point] where people respect me as an artist.

How do you plan to get that respect?

One thing I can say I’m proud of is that I came out with my own lane when I put my singles out. I didn’t have features on none of my singles, not “Walk That Walk,” “Ice Cream Paint Job,” or “Wired to the T.” Those were all just me rapping, and a lot of people nowadays don’t really do that. I feel like the ones that come out and stand on their own two feet stay in the game longer than most other artists.

What about the artists within your camp Primetime Click and NGenius Entertainment?

What’s the lineup look like?

I’m President of the NGenius label. DJ Merk and Cash Capone are the CEOs. We made that up in college. The artists are me, Lil Tony - an upcoming artist making some noise in Dallas, Da Blockboi, and a singer named D Jo. Primetime Click is my imprint that I put together.

Blockboi is in that also, and we got Yung Lott in the Bay Area, and Teddy B who’s in Houston.

We got Norm T and Q Smith, he produced “Halle Berry” and “Caramel Sundae.” He’s gonna be a big producer. We’re putting our first official Primetime Click single that’s on the Gangsta Grillz too. It’s called “Stop Light,” produced by Q Smith. It’s gonna be big by summertime. I want the brand to be bigger than me, so I’m putting a lot into that.

This is the first time Dallas has hosted the All Star game. What do you think it’ll be like?

Man, it’s gonna be crazy! It’s gonna be different from any other All Star game. I was at the one in Houston a couple years. As far as the Hip Hop scene and everybody coming down,

24 // OZONE MAG

//Dorrough continued they’re definitely gon’ have a good experience and see how we do thangs in Dallas. We’re very unique, from the club nightlife, to our fads in fashion, to the spots we hit up, to the food. It’s gon’ be real exciting. Everybody’s gon’ leave with a good taste in their mouth.

On that note, what are some food spots people should check out while they’re in Dallas?

You gotta hit up Rudy’s Chicken that everyone hears about. You gotta eat Hall’s Chicken as well. Sweet Georgia Brown is a big spot in Dallas. TD’s BBQ is a big spot. William’s Chicken too, we got a lot of chicken restaurants.

There’s more, but those are the main spots.

What clubs are jumping off out there?

On Saturday you’ve got The Mansion. That’s one of the newer, biggest spots. On All Star Weekend I will be hosting my Gangsta Grillz/ OZONE Release Party there Saturday night.

You’ve also got Club Beamers; that’s a big spot. Level 5 goes down on Sunday. Cirque goes down on Friday and Saturday. The Palladium is gon’ jump off that Friday. Dallas has so many club and nightlife spots. It’s crazy.

They’re all spread out though.

When people come to town, where do they go to get a fresh Dorrough-type haircut?

Quality Cuts off Pleasure Run. My barber’s name is Malcolm and he’s the one that freshens everybody up and gives ‘em my official Dorrough fade. That’s the spot I recommend.

What else do you want to mention to everybody coming to your city?

I just want to let everybody know that they should pick up the Gangsta Grillz featuring artists like Shawty Lo, OJ da Juiceman, Yo Gotti, Diamond from Crime Mob, and Chalie Boy. It’s gon’ be a big project in the streets. It’ll be at all the mom and pops, it’ll be at Big T Bizarre; they gon’ see and hear it everywhere. //

OZONE MAG // 25

a i r d n o D Rivercity Words by Ms. ek Blanks Photo by Der

26 // OZONE MAG

23-year-old songstress Dondria is exploding on the scene with her R&B song “You’re the One.” After amassing a YouTube audience comparable to some major artists, The Dallas native was discovered

by Jermaine Dupri and signed to So So Def. Now that her album is nearly complete, Dondria talks about how she got her start, and publicly singing the National Anthem for the first time.

Tell us how you got serious with your singing career.

In ’06 I put my first video up on YouTube where I was singing “Love” by Musiq Soulchild acapella. I wanted to see the opinions of people other than my family and friends. I knew they’d be straight honest: either I sucked or I was good. I wasn’t trying to get a deal. A year later I had put up 25 videos. I reached a million views on the video I did for Ciara’s “Promise.”

My name was getting popular and people were requesting videos. People were trying to collaborate on records and even trying to sign me to underground labels.

How did Jermaine Dupri hear about you?

Someone told him, “Go look at this girl on YouTube singing other people’s songs. She’s really dope.” It took him a while. I guess at first he was thinking, why would he watch someone singing other people’s songs? Eventually he went and looked. In addition to the numbers, he saw the talent. I think he was impressed because he hit me up and wanted to work with me. I signed with him about 6 months after that.

You have a song on the radio called “You’re the One.” When did that come out?

It was released in November so we’re workin’ that. I’m actually about to start a promo tour to work the record in surrounding cities like Chattanooga, Augusta, Macon, Charlotte, places like that.

Have you been working with other writers or do you write music as well?

I’ve been working with people like Johnta Austin. Bryan Cox wrote a song, and some others.

I wrote some things on the mixtape I put out.

I’m getting the album together; it’s supposed to come out in March.

have 20 songs, so we’ll see if it makes the cut.

It’s intended to be for the album.

Do you have a title yet?

Yeah, it’s gonna be entitled Dondria Vs. Phatfffat. Phatfffat was my username on YouTube.

My college roommate gave me the nickname because of how much I eat and I’m so little.

The deeper meaning of the title is, Dondria is the artist coming out, and everybody is about to see that she’s more than the Phatfffat on YouTube singing other people’s songs.

Did you have any formal music training when you were growing up?

I’ve been singing in church since I was like 3.

My mom put me in the youth choir. Once I got into middle school, I started recognizing the talent and figured out that this is what I wanted to do. That’s when I started taking formal voice lessons. I did that in middle school, all through high school, and even into college.

For those who haven’t heard your music yet, do you have more of an R&B sound or it is like pop/crossover?

I’m taking the R&B route.

You’ve been working a lot in Atlanta. Did you move to Atlanta?

You could say I moved to Atlanta. I’m out here 6 to 8 months out of the year. You could really say I live in Atlanta and Dallas.

Are you going to be home in Dallas for All Star Weekend?

Yes I am, actually. I’m really excited because I’m gonna be singing the National Anthem at one of the games. I’m excited, but nervous.

What else do you want to let people know about?

Stay on the lookout for the single “You’re the One.” It’s spreading pretty quickly – it’s on iTunes and it’s on the Billboard charts. That makes me very happy because I’m not even really out yet. My mixtape Dondria Duets is available for free. It gives people a feel for me ‘cause they’re still trying to figure out who I am. It’s a small introduction. You can find that on Global14.com – that’s J.D.’s website. And you can see my videos on YouTube.com/Phatfffat. I also have Myspace.com/DondriaNicoleMusic and on Twitter it’s @Dondria. //

What about collaborations for the album?

I have one with Johnta Austin and Bow Wow that might be on the album. At this point we

OZONE MAG // 27

Doughski G Words by Ms. Rivercity Photo by Edward “Pookie” Hall

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EVEN THOUGH HE’S A familiar name in the Dallas area, Doughski G isn’t actually a native OF the city.

Born in California, Doughski G didn’t earn his stripes as a D-Town rapper until HE WENT on the road with Pookie & Lucci a few years ago and put out the regional smash “She Baad.”

Take us back to how you got started.

I’ve been a serious artist in Dallas about three to five years now. I feel like now is the time for me; back then I was on some other shit.

I started out pushing a group called T.M.A. – they were some buddies of mine. I was getting them into parties, clubs, and all that. One day someone [challenged me] and told me I couldn’t do it, so I started doin’ me. I was doing shows and I bumped into Pookie and Lucci.

They took me on the road and that’s how I got my first paid show and my first paid verse. I stuck with it ever since.

What happened with your career after that?

My brother sings and raps, so we did a little mix CD together and we were selling ‘em at the club. That’s when I really saw people liking me.

From sittin’ in the trap freestylin’, to freestylin’ on the radio 97.9 the Beat, to battling on MTV 2, I did all that and it started opening people’s eyes. DJs started reaching out to me. I dropped a mixtape in 2008 called Just Feel Me Bro with DJ Q. I had a song on there called “She Baad.”

That’s the song that a lot of people know you for, right?

Yeah. A female friend of mine made me make the song and it popped. I shot a video in November of 2008 and that’s what really elevated the song. It took off in 2009 and it’s still got legs. I go out of town for shows every week pretty much – from Kansas, to Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, east/west/south Texas.

Where were you born? You’re not from Dallas originally.

I was born in Inglewood, California and I was partially raised in St. Croix, Virgin Islands. I’ve been in Dallas since ’96.

With you coming from other regions, what do you bring to the Dallas sound?

I bring more of a street essence to the game, but I don’t want to be an artist that can only make street music. You’ve got artists that can only rap about dope, but I just want to rap about real life situations that an average

person goes through. I wanna be a regular nigga, and that’s what I put in my music. I don’t boogie, but at the same time I make good music that works. I’m a songwriter more than I am a rapper.

According to how you describe your overall aim with music, would you say “She Baad” was out of your normal element?

Well, I made a mixtape with 28 songs and 2 of ‘em were about females. To this day they’re both bubblin’ in the clubs, which is crazy to me. I ain’t gonna say I made the boogie music – I respect it to the fullest – but it’s not what I do. But the song fits with that sound. When I was making the song, I just looked at it like a regular cat would do lookin’ at a woman. The response I got let me know I stayed in my element. DJs and real cats on the street came to me like, “You did it right.” That song changed my life.

What have you been working on since then?

My main focus was to keep moving, make new music, stay in my element, and make fans that I gained from “She Baad” happy at the same time. I got a mixtape with OG Ron C called Still On It that I’m about to drop after I complete my album. My album is called Doughski By the Zone and the release date is set for 4/20. I have a distribution deal with Music Access.

Are you involved in any other projects?

We have an N.D.A. movement which stands for Nawf Dallas Association. It’s a group of artists like Lil Wil, JB, Mr. Pookie, Mr. Lucci, T. Cash, Deonte, the list goes on. It’s not just about music, it’s about the youth and trying to keep violence out the neighborhoods. We try to teach kids positive things like staying in school, playing sports, reading, stuff like that.

Kids look up to us so we try to give them a different direction.

Do you want to give out any contact info for booking or collaborations?

Hit me at Twitter.com/DoughskiG or Myspace. com/BigDoughskiG. //

OZONE MAG // 29

Fat Pimp Rivercity Words by Ms. Hall ard “Pookie” Photo by Edw

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Originally from Dallas, Fat Pimp moved to Houston to attend college where he landed his big break freestyling on BET. Since then, the rapper/producer has had some major label offers on the table, but is currently pushing his music independently. Songs like “Rack Daddy” and “I’m Gettin’ Money” have made Fat Pimp in high demand, and he continues to release new material for his fans, like the mixtape he’ll be promoting All Star Weekend.

Give us your background in music. How did you start rapping?

I started in 9th or 10th grade. Then I went to TSU and used to host a lot of talent shows.

B.E.T. came to TSU in ’04 and I won the freestyle competition. Ever since then I’ve been takin’ it serious with this music.

Besides rapping, you’re also known for being a popular producer.

Yeah, I actually produced all the songs I came out with the first go around, like “Rack Daddy,” “I’m Gettin Money,” and “Rollin’ Off X.” I was really known more for being a producer than a rapper, but at the end of the day, I can’t help the love I’ve got for rapping. Rappin’ is what I love, but producing pays the bills.

Out of those songs you mentioned, is “Rack Daddy” your claim to fame?

Yeah, I guess you could say “Rack Daddy” was the most popular song. “I’m Gettin Money” with Ray Paul was big, but it didn’t take off like it was supposed to. “Rack Daddy” was really the start of the whole D-Town boogie movement, along with Lil Wil’s “My Dougie.”

What’s your perspective on the boogie movement, as far as it representing Dallas?

On one hand it’s good ‘cause the attention is good for my hometown, but on the other hand it’s not good ‘cause the record labels ain’t respecting it. I just left New York and they think it’s a joke ‘cause it’s not sellin’ no records. It’s a gift and a curse. You can enjoy the music in the club, but on a national level, it’s not profitable.

As far as you being with a major label, what’s going on with that step in your career?

I’m kinda glad my situation last year didn’t go through with Warner Bros. Business wasn’t right at the time. I’m glad I stayed independent because it gave me a chance to build my catalog of music and develop a track record. The la-

bels are looking for an artist that’s consistent, has a fan base, and is gonna sell some records.

That’s something I wouldn’t have been able to [prove] a year and a half ago.

What do you have going on now as far as new records?

I got a record buzzin’ on the radio right now called “Maserati.” By the time this is printed it’ll be on the Billboard charts. I sampled “Bizzy Body,” that Mouse produced. It’s a big record.

It’s probably like the new “Back That Ass Up.” We just got rotation in Houston on 97.9, Louisiana jumped on it, Austin’s jumpin’ on it.

Who are some other big names you’ve worked with that people might not know about?

I started doing a couple songs with Mannie Fresh that’s probably gonna be on my new mixtape. He really helped me out and gave me direction. I got Slim Thugg on a new single coming out called “Like a Boss” that I produced. It’s gonna be like a DJ Khaled type of record for DJ J. Boss in Houston.

So you live in Houston now?

Yeah, I stay in Houston. I was going to school, but with the music going on I don’t really have time to go to school. That’s why I don’t really consider myself to be just a Dallas artist – I really consider myself to be a Texas artist. Dallas is home, but Houston is what put me on.

Where do you think the Dallas sound is going in the future?

If the rappers don’t learn how to be artists and not just songmakers, I don’t think Dallas is gonna stand a chance in the industry. You need to be able to create an album and a fan base. I don’t think my city has enough artists like that right now. Like Tum Tum, he’s been in the game a long time, he has a fan base. He has numbers across the board. If we don’t get enough people in my city doing that, we’re not gonna be successful.

Where will you be during All Star Weekend?

I’m coming home early. I’ma try to hit as many parties as possible and get my network on.

Plus I got a mixtape out called Bad As I Wanna Be hosted by DJ Storm so I’ll be out pumpin’ that. //

OZONE MAG // 31

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DORROUGHBOOKING@GMAIL.COM

///2MUCH

Words by Ms Rivercity

Describing himself as an upcoming underground producer with some nationwide exposure, Dallas producer 2Much landed his first major hit last year with Dorrough’s “Ice Cream Paint Job.” Here 2Much talks about his future placements and what makes the Dallas sound so catchy.

For those who don’t know, which records are you most known for producing?

“Ice Cream Paint Job” was my first nationwide hit. I did that and “Wired to the T” for Dorrough’s album. I have some records that are more popular in Dallas – “Work That Lumba” by Young T. I got two joints on C-Murder’s last album Screamin 4 Vengeance. I did Yung Texxus’ “Drank In My Cup” and Sparkdawg’s “Mouf Full of Blang” featuring Trae on the remix.

Do you have any songs with major artists that haven’t been released yet?

I’m doing some work with Slim Thug. Bun B’s people at Rap-A-Lot got at me for some placements on his album. There’s a Florida artist named Triple J with a record called “You Know It’s Me” – he reached out to me to do the remix featuring Lil Boosie and Bun B. I’m working real close with Glasses Malone and Cash Money. He hasn’t released the song yet, but I think he’s got Red Café and Birdman on it. I got some stuff with Young Money’s Lil Twist featuring Birdman on the Head of the Class mixtape. I’m working on some stuff with Plies and Flo Rida for an A&R at Atlantic.

Right now I have the MPC 2500 and a Motif XS6. I go back and forth from Mac and PC. I mess with the FL Studio and Reason too. I try to work with everythang ‘cause artists like different sounds.

A lot of producers have artists they’re developing. Are there any artists you’re directly tied into?

My artist Young T is the next Dallas artist about to get a major deal. He has a song on the radio right now called “Shawty What It Is.” I did the beat for that. We’re just pushing him. And I’m still doing beats with Dorrough. We’re working on his Gangsta Grillz mixtape, so look out for that All Star Weekend.

How can people get at you if they want to shop for beats?

Get at me on Myspace.com/BlackTeeProductions or Twitter.com/2MuchBTP. My publisher’s email is songs@mindermusic.com. I’m pretty easy to get at. //

Where did you get your name from?

I got it in middle school. I used to be DJ 2Much, I did little house parties. I started making beats in 9th grade and dropped the “DJ.” There’s not a big story behind the name though.

How does Dallas’ sound differ from other parts of Texas?

I know Houston got the laidback, sippin’ on some drank, Screwed up kinda sound. Dallas music has more of a faster paced bounce to it, it’s got a jig to it. It’s real radio friendly.

You got your hood stuff too, but it’s not like Houston hood, or Scarface type stuff – it’s more up-tempo and Atlanta-type crunk. Dallas has a variety of music.

What equipment do you use to make beats?

OZONE MAG // 7

///B HAMP Words by Ms Rivercity Photo by Keith Milburn

You’re probably familiar with B-Hamp’s Talladega Nights inspired single “Ricky Bobby” that took off last year. He never had an opportunity to share his story with OZONE so we reached out to him for a few questions.

B Dash is still putting out new music and will be appearing at 23 parties All Star Weekend (yes, TWENTY THREE).

Last year you had the Ricky Bobby single poppin’. How did you get that song out there?

When I recorded “Ricky Bobby” I was in a group. “Ricky Bobby” was my solo song. When I recorded it, I was just playin’ around, being goofy, and I gave it to my manager and he heard somethin’ in it. He gave it to DJ G Rock and they took it to the other DJs around here.

They liked it and blew it up in the clubs. And YouTube helped me a lot.

Which clubs started playing “Ricky Bobby” first?

It started in Rhythm City on Sundays, Stars Lounge, Cirque was hittin’ it. In Fort Worth it was at Club Access, Cristal’s…it was crazy how quick everybody caught on to it. I didn’t expect it to blow up that fast.

You had a couple other songs buzzing in your area after that too. What were those?

I put out “I Be Jiggin” and “Put You On,” which was a slow song featuring Dorrough and Daron Jones from 112. I also had another song called “Don’t Say Nothin’.”

When did you drop the album? Was it through a major label?

I dropped an album in May of last year. I’m signed to the label CKB Entertainment and it was distributed through Malaco Music group.

I had a bunch of major labels reach out – Sony, BMG, Asylum, Koch, a lot. Malaco was the one that stepped forward and let us know what they wanted to do, and it was great so that’s who we went with.

Who else is on CKB Entertainment?

CKB just signed two new artists – Cor’ess is an R&B singer featured on my new track “Fooly” 8 // OZONE MAG

and Motion is another rapper. And we have the rappers Lil Rick and Aqua Man. We’re also working with an R&B group called Lush.

What’s going on with your Yums deal?

I have a clothing line with Yums. We put out a bunch of stuff with Yums and we have a bunch of stuff coming up that y’all will see soon. And I have eyewear called Forever K. Michaels.

How did you get interested in music in the first place?

When I was younger I used to sit in front of the television and watch The Box channel that used to be on basic cable. I would watch videos all day – from country, to R&B, to rap, to pop, everything. Me and my little brother knew every word to every song on the radio.

My mama used to be like, “Shut up!” And when I’d get ready for church I’d imitate James Brown and dance in the mirror. In high school I was on the step team, in theatre, so I always knew I had to do something with music.

What are your plans for All Star Weekend?

We have 23 parties planned and people still calling. I’m tryin’ to work ‘em all in. The first party starts Wednesday. A lot of the clubs don’t end til 6 in the morning because it’s All Star Weekend.

What else do you have in the works?

We got that new single “Fooly.” Look out for the official video soon – we just put up the unofficial video on YouTube. I’m working on a new mixtape right now, and I’ve got three movie soundtrack songs with Lions Gate Films. 2010 finna be real “Fooly.” //

///BLOCKBOI Words by Ms Rivercity

Da Blockboi can be found this All Star Weekend alongside his labelmate Dorrough Music at all the spots hittin’ in Dallas. As part of the Prime Time Click/NGenius roster, Blockboi is working on his own material, which includes the new single “Bottles N Models” featuring Chalie Boy. According to Dorrough, he says you’re on both his label Prime Time Click and DJ Merk’s label NGenious Entertainment. Tell us how you ended up being their artist.

I was in college and Merk asked me if I wanted to be with NGenius. At first, nothin’ was really official. Then Dorrough put me in Prime Time.

Him and Merk worked it out so that I’m under Dorrough and Merk at the same time.

What were you doing before you linked up with them?

Originally I had my own song called “Check Out My Fit.” I kinda already had a name by myself before I clicked up with them. Dorrough happened to be the front man because “Walk That Walk” and “Ice Cream Paint Job” jumped off. Now that Dorrough opened a lot of doors, it’s easier for me to my thing.

What do you have poppin’ right now?

I just dropped the single “Bottles N Models” with Chalie Boy. It’s only been out for two months and it’s doing pretty good. Corpus Christi radio just started playin’ it and I’m waiting on everybody else to pick it up.

How’s your mixtape game looking?

Man, I done hosted so many mixtapes. I just did Southern, Smothered N Covered with DJ Mr. King. The next mixtape I’ma do is with my manager DJ Hella Yella in Austin. It’s gonna be a compilation of just my songs.

Where are you from originally? You don’t really have the full Dallas accent.

I was born in Hartford, CT. I stayed in Cleveland, OH, Dayton, OH, Charlotte, NC, New York, then I came to Dallas. I’ve been in Dallas since I was 12 years old so this is my home.

Describe your sound and what you’re trying to express with your music.

I don’t feel like I got a certain sound because I’ve lived everywhere from the Midwest to the East Coast to Down South. And I like all types of music. It’s just how I feel at the moment, but I do prefer to make club music – not dance music, but club music.

What type of resources do local artists in Dallas have for getting their music heard?

Dallas is really supporting Dallas. There’s a lot of open mics. If you grind hard enough and get your stuff poppin’ in the club, you can get a paid show. The Definition DJs throw an event called The Dallas Explosion where artists can bring their music. The GO DJs have a meeting every Monday for artists to bring their music. But you can get a couple hundred singles pressed up and grind in the streets with the people.

Is there anything else you want to mention?

I’ve also got “Drop, Pop, Repeat” with my bro Dorrough, and another song called “Go Dumb.”

A couple DJs got it but we ain’t really put it out there yet. Just support this whole Prime Time Click and NGenius movement because I feel it’s one of the strongest movements in Dallas with me, Dorrough, and Lil Tony. // OZONE MAG // 9

For the last two years DJ Hollywood has been at K104 in Dallas, where he breaks a lot of the new music coming from the region. His DJ affiliations include the Go DJs, CORE DJs, Funhouse DJs, which is based in Dallas. This All Star Weekend you can catch Hollywood spinning at some of the hottest parties in D-town, as well as his regular scheduled radio mixshows.

What’s your history as a DJ? I’ve been in the game since I was 15. I’ve been at several radio stations, and I’m currently working at K104. I’m one of the main mixers. I try to break a lot of new local artists and put Dallas on the map. I started at a community station and DJ Reave took me under his wing and really inspired me to get where I’m at now. I also want to thank everyone at K104 and our music director for leading me in the right direction.

Who are some hot local artists getting radio play in Dallas?

Young T – “What It Is,” Bone – “Homegurl,” Party Boyz – “Flex.” I also do a local show on Sundays where we have artists like Vell’s “Coogi 2 The Frame.” Mr. Cirque is big too. Young Black had “Big Boy Stuntin” and now he has “That Pipe” and “Sorority Chick.”

What’s your on-air schedule?

I mix on Friday from 8pm to 12am with Cat Daddy, Saturday 4pm to 8pm with Cat Daddy, and from 7pm to midnight I mix with Kiki J on Street Swag Sundays. I also do the 8 O’Clock mixtape on Monday through Thursday.

Why do you think Dallas is more open to breaking new music than some other markets?

We’ve got a lot of talent out here, like Atlanta does, but I’d rather break a local artist than break an Atlanta artist. We’re more of a dance and boogie scene. If you go to the clubs here you’ll see

10 // OZONE MAG

DJ HOLLYWOOD Words by Ms Rivercity the difference. We’re a #5 market in the radio industry and even the #1 markets look at us as kind of [trendsetters]. We just need more artists that aren’t one-hit wonders. If more of them can come out with a whole album like Dorrough, we could have a shot. We’ve got talent, but the only one putting us on the map right now is Dorrough.

Do you think the artists in Dallas just need to be more educated on how to get their music hot outside of the city?

That’s what I tell a lot of the local artists. They can’t just stay at home, they’ve got to go to other cities. You don’t need a lot of money, just go on a little road trip and get a cheap hotel.

They don’t get out there. They just want to stay in Texas.

Besides radio, do you DJ in the clubs as well?

On Thursday I’m at Whiskey Charlies. On Friday I’m at Club 2026 in Downtown Dallas. On Saturday I do a new club called Infinity 81 and on Sundays I’m at 8 Lounge. I travel to San Antonio a lot as well.

Where will you be during All Star Weekend?

On Thursday I’ve got a big show with the “I Work I Jig” Boyz performing, B-Hamp, Trai’D, and I’m working on Candi Redd. Wednesday we’ll be doing a Welcome to Dallas party at Infinity 81 for all the Latinos. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I’ll be at the Crowne Plaza with the Go DJs. If people don’t want to pay $150 and up [at the clubs] they can just come to the Crowne Plaza and hang out. You ain’t gotta dress up, it’s a hood spot. Just enjoy yourself. //

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///DJ WHITE CHOCOLATE Words by Ms Rivercity / Photo by Juicy Graphix

As a member of the Definition DJs and Hustle Squad DJs, DJ White Chocolate holds down the teen club market and also DJs on 97.9 The Beat. At only 17 years old, he still attends high school and manages to put out one of the HOTTEST mixtape series in Dallas – appropriately titled Ahead of the Class.

How long have you been DJing?

I’ve been DJing almost 5 years, since I was 12.

DJing intrigued me, and one year for Christmas I asked my parents for a beginner DJing kit. It started out as a hobby at first. I was at a record store and met a DJ that worked for a Hip Hop station in Dallas. That’s when I started taking things seriously. Through him I started going up to the radio station and one thing led to another.

Did you start out with mixtapes or party DJing? What got your name out there?

I actually started out as a turntablist. I was focused on doing tricks and scratching. If you go on YouTube, the videos of me when I was younger are scratch videos. That got my name out there ‘cause everyone was like, “Check out at this scrawny little white boy scratching like crazy!”

You’re Ahead of the Class mixtapes are really popular. When did you start doing those?

It’s one of the biggest mixtapes in Dallas, especially with the teen crowd. I dropped that series when I was 16, but I started doing mixtapes when I was 14, just little compilations of the hottest songs out.

You’re also big in the clubs too. What’s your club schedule like?

I do almost every teen club in Dallas. I don’t have a permanent spot, I bounce around.

When I turn 18 I’ll do bigger clubs. My birthday is September 4th.

What about radio? What’s your on-air schedule?

I’m with 97.9 The Beat and I guest DJ on different stations around Texas in smaller markets. I don’t have a permanent schedule. Until I turn 18 they can’t fully hire me so they have me on during stuff like holiday weekends. They’re putting together a teen radio show, so if that goes through I’ll be on every Sunday.

With you being in school and DJing, how are you handling both responsibilities?

I’ve had to turn down a lot of video shoots and gigs because school comes first. I’m pretty much making A’s and B’s right now. It gets hectic sometimes, but I manage to balance it.

What’s the big plan after graduation? I’m sure the DJing is about to blow up for you.

I hope so, I need something to pay rent. (laughs) Once I get out of high school I’ll be able to go on tour and get outside of the city, which is the next step for me. The way things are going right now, I’m getting a lot of offers so I might not go straight to college. If I do go to college, I’ll go somewhere in Dallas so I can still do clubs and radio out here.

Are you working with any artists?

The main artist I’m working with Thug Boss Nation. You’ll be hearing about them pretty soon.

My group is SkyHigh. There’s so many people.

I was supposed to go on tour with Lil Twist for the I Am Music tour but that never happened – I’d like to do something with Lil Twist ‘cause he’s doin’ it big for the younger generation.

How can people get at you?

Myspace.com/DJWCMusic, Twitter.com/ DJWhiteChoc214, YouTube.com/DJWCTV. //

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OZONE MAG // 13

///LIL TONY Words by Jee’Van Brown

On the road to success many people give up after facing OBSTACLES, but not Lil Tony. For nearly ten years, Lil Tony has been chasing his dream of becoming an AllStar rapper, and it seems that all the hard work is finally about to pay off. After being in a rap group where things didn’t work out and losing some of his closeST friends, he’s finally found his home with NGenious Entertainment. Now Lil Tony plans to do it big, Texas-style.

What do you have going on right now?

I just joined NGenius Entertainment, and I’m pushing my singles “I Like That” and “Shout Out.” The first artist off of Ngenious Entertainment was Dorrough. The second time around we’re going do it real major, plus we’ve got DJ Merk as the CEO. I’m also working on my visuals like YouTube, Twitter, and MySpace.

How did the opportunity for you to get signed to NGenius come about?

I was a friend of Dorrough’s and he used to always tell me he was going to look out for me. One day DJ Merk just hit me up when they were on their way back from a show. He said he was thinking about bringing me onto Ngenius Entertainment.” We just took it from there. He put me in the studio and it’s been crazy ever since.

How did you and Dorrough know each other?

I knew Dorrough because he played basketball in high school, and in Texas, high school basketball is a big thing. I had been hearing his name and then I heard he started rapping. We really hooked up from doing shows together, seeing each other in the club, and networking.

As a child you were in the group S.A.S., Street All Stars. What happened with that group?

Well, we never broke up. It was a group with me, Lil Twist of Young Money, and Gator Main, now of the Ball Playaz. We were signed to M.V.P. Entertainment, but we all parted because of financial problems.

You’re half African-American and half Mexican. Has your racial background affected 14 // OZONE MAG

your rap career?

It kinda helped me because a lot of my fans are black and a lot of my fans are Spanish, but I really felt like some people just wouldn’t give me the chance that I deserved. They thought I was this mixed breed trying to be something I wasn’t.

Your two best friends died when you were younger. How did that change you?

My two best friends Sergio and Hillard were murdered on October 4th, 2007. From how the story was told to me, they tried to rob a security guard. During the robbery Sergio was shot dead on the scene, and my other partner Hillard was driving off and the security [guard] shot his car 11 times. He was hit 5 times. That changed my life forever. That was my last year of high school, and I just couldn’t believe I lost two of my partners like that. That woke me up and helped me change my life. It inspired me to work harder at what I do.

Are you working on any new material?

Yeah, I have two projects coming out: Flight 214: No Destination with DJ Drop and The Original Tape…Posted, Loaded, Floatin. Chalie Boy is also putting me on his All Star Remix for “I Look Good.” //

Fat B Words by Ms Rivercity Photo by Aaron Cortez of Non Stop Graphics

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Always a big mixtape seller, Fat B, a.k.a. Fat Bastard, is dropping a new tape for All Star Weekend.

Also preparing for the release of his debut solo album, the former D.S.R. member explains what really happened with the group and how he’s grown from the experience.

For those who don’t know the history, explain how you came up and some of the things you’re known for.

Everybody knows me from my underground mixtapes, that’s how I started out. I was collabing with a lot of H-Town artists on the freestyle level. We started traveling and everywhere we’d go we’d leave our mixtapes.

Then when we’d come back they’d want us to perform because the whole town knew our music. People know me as Fat Bastard with D.S.R., they know me as Mr. Get In My Belly – they know me for being on “Not a Stain on Me” with Tuck. I also collaborated with Dorrough on his new joint “Caramel Sundae.”

A lot of people consider you to be a pioneer of Dallas rap. Would you agree with that?

I don’t really wanna be a pioneer – I’m like a legend. I feel like I originated a lot of the freestyle in Dallas. We were the first cats to really grind on the mixtapes and move units out of Dallas. It was all freestyled, it wasn’t written.

We set a lot of trends. Even though a lot of artists coming out of Dallas today got the dance movement, they’re still using the freestyle swag in their dance songs.

How do you view the current music scene in Dallas right now?

It’s great. We’re at the peak of our game. The whole city is jumpin’ with All Star coming up.

We got the Super Bowl coming up next year.

We got the hottest music right now. It’s a real big movement. We’re all coming together and have unity. It’s never been better and I feel like it’s my time too.

Take us back and explain what really happened to D.S.R. and T-Town Music, from your perspective.

It’s the same thing that happens to every other group. Everybody already knows it’s about m.o.n.e.y. Some of the people wanted more than everybody else. It was a lot of issues – miscommunication, greed, and management.

You might could say there was favoritism too.

What did you learn from that experience that could help others avoid the same issues?

Do you, but be a team player. Everybody’s time is gon’ come. If you’re in a group workin’ hard, your time will come. Just be ready when it does. Groups aren’t permanent. Most groups break up. Take the promotion you get and really stand out in the group.

So once things started to disband with D.S.R., you and Tuck did “Not a Stain On Me.” Where did things go from there for you?

It blew up in markets we never had before like Kansas City, St. Louis, parts of Indiana – we were going to different places. During the midst of “Not a Stain On Me,” it jumped off the beginning of MPR Ent. It was a whole new label with new financing. That’s the label I’m on now. Free Trini, that’s my CEO. He’s actually George Lopez’ cousin from T-Town. I’ve been with Trini from the day one. I’m doing it for him.

What direction are you and the new label moving in now?

We got the mixtape droppin’ February 4th with Definition DJ Drop. I’ma be promoting heavy during All Star Weekend, hittin’ radio stations and doing in-stores. It’s all Fat B freestyles, no pen, which is what the fans want.

The buzz is crazy. We’re in New Era music, all the mom and pop stores. It’s a good look.

What about album plans?

I’ma drop Belly of the Beast after the mixtape.

It’s gonna be the first Fat B album ever. It’s real anticipated. We’re droppin’ hot singles, exclusives with other artists, just gettin’ it in right now.

You mentioned working with Dorrough.

Who are some other people you’ve been featured with lately?

I’ve still been workin’ with Tum Tum. We’re on both of each other’s projects. I’m everywhere.

If you go to Worldstar you’ll see me in the “Mr. Hit Dat Hoe” video, Bone’s video, the Chalie Boy video. We’re gettin’ a lot of cameos in with Mr. Boomtown [the director] and we’ll be shooting my video soon. //

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Young T Words by Ms Rivercity

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Currently promoting his single “Hit Em With a Jimmy (Shorty What It Is),” 22-year-old Young T has several local DALLAS hits under his belt. Having collaborated with Treal Lee on “Work Dat Lumba,” Young T is also getting a buzz with the new party record “2 Da Flo.” With 3 songs in rotation simultaneously throughout Texas, Young T is on the verge of signing a major deal. We sat down with the Dallas All Star to find out how he got to this point.

How did you come up on the Dallas rap scene? I know you have a few hits out there already.

Me and Treal Lee went to school together at West Mesquite and I heard he had a song in the clubs called “Bad Lil Braud.” He had some exposure so me and him did a song together called “Work Dat Lumba.” It starting gettin’ hot real quick. He went on to do “Mr. Hit Dat Hoe” and he got on. I went on to do “Hit Em With A Jimmy” by myself. I just been hitting the clubs, grinding every day, anything the radio had going on I was there pushin’ my single.

So you were definitely taking things seriously at a young age?

Oh yeah, I’ve been serious since I was 16. That’s how long I’ve been rappin’ – about 6 years. I just been practicing my craft and I’m very serious about it.

Is “Hit Em With a Jimmy” the same song people call “Shorty What It Is”?

Yeah, it’s the same thing. We had to kinda change the name from “Shorty What It Is” to “Hit Em With a Jimmy” for radio.

What other songs do you have that people are familiar with?

“Work Dat Lumba” came first. It’s still in rotation in Houston. Then I got “Hit Em With a Jimmy,” and I got another song called “2 Da Flo” featuring Double R. We ain’t even been pushin’ that one, and it’s already spread to Tennessee.

We had one DJ push it in Level 5, that’s like the biggest club in Dallas, and it spread out from there. It’s on the radio in Tyler right now. So I got three different songs on radio, not just in Dallas.

Did 2Much produce all of those songs?

Yeah he produced all of ‘em.

You’ve had a lot of success working with the producer 2Much and BTP. What’s your history with them?

Yeah, me and him have been working together for a good 6 years now. We went to school together too. I remember rappin’ in the studio with a sock over the microphone. We’ve been doing this forever.

You make dance music, but do you actually dance yourself? Or is it more for other people’s enjoyment?

I mean, I make the music for the people to dance to. I call it party music. If that’s how they gon’ categorize me, that’s how I want to be categorized – party music.

How did you know when you had hits people would like? Were you testing your music in the clubs first?

We have the Definition DJs here so I go to their meetings. I play the music for them and then they’ll rate it and give feedback. Once I played “Hit Em With a Jimmy” they said, “Yeah, we need this.” So they started pushing it. The radio got a hold of it and it’s been a wrap since then.

What do you think it’ll take to get some of your music a little bit more known nationwide?

I’ve already been talking to different labels that have called. We’re just waiting to see who’s gonna give me the better deal and who’s gonna promote me the best. It’ll happen any minute now. If they promote me right it’s gonna go.

Are you promoting any mixtapes right now?

Yeah, I got a free mixtape right now called Sex, Drank, Money on Myspace.com/YoungTBTP. I’m on Twitter too @YoungTBTP. I have 27 tracks on the mixtape. Most of ‘em are produced by 2Much, and a couple of ‘em are radio beats. It’s jammin’. People are liking it. I been promoting it as best as I can by myself.

My grind is paying off right now.

For people just now hearing about you and your music, what do you want people to know about you?

From my sound, you’d think I’m the crunkest, loudest person in the club. But that ain’t me.

I’m a real laid back, chill type of dude, but when it comes to rappin’, that’s my thang. //

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OFTEN, a hit record explodes overnight and disappears just as quickly. but for Bone, his song “Homegurl” had to marinate before hitting the charts.

Circulating in the Texas region for nearly six months, “Homegurl” got a major push after being discovered by THE CORE DJs CEO Tony Neal during the Texas Summer Music Conference last year. Bone, a student at Prairie View University, was signed to Citi USA Ent/Def Jam and the song was eventually added to radio rotation. NOW OVER A YEAR SINCE HE ORIGINALLY releasED the single, Bone and his label ARE DROPPING the video and introducing him to the rest of the country, starting with the patrons of All Star Weekend. Here he explains how a small town kid from east Texas landed a big break.

How did you get the “Homegurl” song so hot out there in Dallas? It’s been out for a little while now.

It got popular after Definition DJ Tuss broke it in the club, and then it spread to the other Definition DJs. Michael Watts put it on his I45 2K8 mixtape. Then more DJs started pickin’ up on it. After the Texas Summer Music Conference with the CORE DJs and Definition DJs, Tony Neal heard the song and liked it. He put the CORE DJs on it and that’s how it all came about.

Are you originally from Dallas?

No, I’m from East Texas. It’s not too far though – Dallas is the closest metropolitan area to where I’m from. I don’t say I’m from Dallas though. When I graduated high school I went straight to Prairie View where I met my

producer, and he was from Ft. Worth. I wanted to continue doing music, so after that I moved to Dallas/Ft. Worth. I had family that stayed in Arlington so I decided to move there to be closer to the music scene.

What did you go to college for? Did you finish?

I’m actually still in school right now. I’m a history major.

Did your song start poppin’ and that’s when you decided to pursue music, or were you always serious about rapping?

It was something I always did since I was little.

It’s just that being from a small town, there really wasn’t an opportunity. I knew I’d have to leave eventually – that’s why I came to Prairie View and moved to Ft. Worth.

Were you known in the area before “Homegurl” blew up?

Nah, actually I was part of a group. When I met my producer we established a group but things weren’t moving completely the way we wanted. I always had this idea for “Homegurl” but I never made it because I was trying to do the group thang. But after I got out of the group and we did the record, it came out the way it did and that’s how it happened.

Do you have any mixtapes out right now?

At school we did group mixtapes. Freshman year we did Kings of the Yard mixtape, we did another one junior year. We were just trying to get ourselves out there.

So you were going to school at Prairie View and staying in Ft. Worth during your off time – where did the song get hot at first? In school or in the Dallas area?

It got hot at Prairie View, and then it got hot in Dallas at the same time.

How long did it take for “Homegurl” to get in radio rotation?

The amazing thing is, the first time it was played on radio was by Michael Watts. Watts played it on radio in December 2008 and the radio spins picked up after that. It was getting like two or three spins a week, nothing major, then it took off.

So when did you sign to Def Jam?

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Bone Words by Ms. Rivercity Photos by Hannibal Matthews

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After the Texas Summer Music Conference, Tony Neal introduced me to Citi Under Siege and Citi got me the opportunity to perform for L.A. Reid. I performed for L.A., he liked what he saw, and signed me that day. That was October 16th when I got signed; I believe it was at 11:32 pm. (laughs) What has the label had you working on the last few months since you signed with them?

I actually just learned that I have the number one priority record in the building, which is a great look, especially coming from Def Jam. It’s a dream come true. They really got behind me and the person I am. I’m just keeping it real for the whole college boy movement. They’ve been putting me out there with the marketing and everything. It’s truly a blessing.

There’s a lot of rappers coming out of Prairie View right now. Is that like the new trend?

I think it’s a tremendous thing. I really hope to publicize that as much as I can. The first record to pop was Supastaar’s “Halle Berry” record.

After that, Dorrough had “Walk That Walk” and “Ice Cream Paint Job.” Then I came with “Homegurl.” After me, it was the Party Boyz with “Flex.”

All of us have had the opportunity for major exposure, and it’s a lot of new artists coming along. It’s a beautiful thing on campus. It’s a lot of love from everybody. The Hip Hop scene out here is real crazy.

Have you had a chance to collaborate with any major artists yet?

The only one I had an opportunity to work with so far is Tum Tum and TBGz. I was on his song “Just Might.” For me that’s major because I remember buying Tum’s mixtapes. I had to drive all the way to Tyler, which is like an hour and thirty minutes away, just to get the D.S.R. mixtapes. So for me to do a song with Tum was like a dream come true for me. I was in the studio nervous and sweating, but it came out pretty good.

Tum and D.S.R. definitely opened a lot of doors in Dallas, but the sound has somewhat changed since they came on the scene.

What are your thoughts on how things have evolved since then?

I don’t think it’s necessarily different, I think it’s just gotten more loose with the younger generation. When Tum and them started it was more like crunk, aggressive type of music, and it’s still crunk and aggressive but it’s more about dances now. It wasn’t so much about dance music back then. It’s more of a party feel now than a fight feel.

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//Bone continued Who are some other artists in the Dallas area that you looked up to?

Recently Doughski G reached out to me. I was a quick fan of Twisted Black. He’s one of the most amazing artists I’ve ever heard. He didn’t get a lot of publicity like I thought he would. I used to jam Fat B’s Get In My Belly like every day when I was 16 years old. I’m a big fan of Big Tuck. I’m a big fan of Mr. Pookie and Mr. Lucci and Diamond D. When I found out The D.O.C. was from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, that’s when I knew there was a chance for me.

6 Tre is from Ft. Worth – he’s on the “Explosive” song with Dr. Dre. Listening to them, I saw there were opportunities out there if I kept workin’. It motivated me not to give up.

What are you working on for the next month or two?

We got the mixtape finished called Realest N*gga in the Classroom. That’s what we’re pushing right now. We’ve got my second single coming called “I Got Paper.” It’s already L.A. Reid approved so we’re gon’ get everythang goin’ with that. I’m working on my album with my producer JB. Hopefully we’ll have a summertime release on that.

Do you have your show schedule lined up for All Star Weekend yet?

I’ma definitely be rockin’ the house at the Dwyane Wade/Trina CORE DJ party. I know I got some more stuff comin’ and I’ma be real busy, but that’s the only thing set in stone right now.

For all the out of towners coming to Dallas, where are some local spots people should check out, as far as shopping, eating, etc.?

I’m a big fan of Rudy’s. Sweet Georgia Brown is my favorite – that’s the best soul food in Dallas. As far as Ft. Worth goes, they don’t have the Chill’s Snow Cone stand up right now, but I’d definitely tell you to go there if it was open.

As far as clubs, Mistique is gon’ be packed.

Beamers is crazy. I heard Diddy is throwing a party at The Palladium. The CORE DJ party is gon’ be crazy, Level 5, Crystal’s, The Ranch in Arlington, they’re all gon’ have a lot of people.

What else do you want to let the people know about?

Boogie music is more than dance. You got real artists that make real music. The dance songs are a foundation – now it’s time to build up. //

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Ray Paul

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Words by Ms Rivercity Photo by Edward “Pookie” Hall

Representing the Oak Cliff area of Dallas, Ray Paul has a heavy street presence in the city, along with his click the Y.G.z. Last summer Ray invited OZONE out to the Y.G. picnic and it was clear that their crew comes out in numbers.

Here he gives us the scoop on his fan base, his affiliation with Greg Street, and some insightful opinions on the music game.

Introduce yourself and tell us how you became known in Dallas.

They call me Ray Paul Massaun in the streets.

I started getting known when I was in 7th or 8th grade. I was always popular in the streets so that made it easy for me. I knew people from the nawfside, soufside, all the hoods everywhere. When I was about 16 that’s when I started rappin’. At first I took it as a joke but I started seeing the fan base we had. You can’t buy that overnight.

Where did you go from there?

My cousin T-Nick kept telling me, “Man, I think we got somethin’.” He was gettin’ calls from everywhere about me and Y.G. – Y.G. is a click of about 400 people and we all support each other. It’s a big family thang. I was one of the leaders out of the situation so people knew me. One day a few years ago I was performing my first single “I’m Gettin Money,” and I met Marone – he’s Greg Street and C Dawg’s patna.

He’s an A&R for Def Jam and Bad Boy South. He saw me performing at Rhythm City and I had the whole club goin’. We took over the whole hood area with that.

So Marone is the one that hooked you up with Greg Street?

Yeah, he called Greg Street in Atlanta and Greg Street was lookin’ for an artist out here in Dallas. A few weeks later he threw a party with Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson. I performed up there and we made magic after that.

Has dealing with Greg Street helped you get your music outside of the city at all?

That’s one thing I can say about Marone, that’s one hard-workin’ dude in Dallas. I hadn’t

been out of Dallas till I started doin’ shows with people like them. Them and Greg Street hooked me up with a lot of different people.

Marone and T-Nick keep me live.

Where exactly are you from in Dallas?

The middle of Oak Cliff – Wheatland and Polk.

Dallas has a big dance/boogie movement going on but you obviously don’t fit into that sound. Talk about how your music differs from some of the stuff Dallas is getting famous for.

I don’t hate the dance music. If a person makes a #1 hit off a dance song, I’ma congratulate ‘em. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a competition out here, and this industry is not a friendly sport. But as far as me, that’s not what I’m tryna come into the game with. I brought “Gettin’ Money” to the game. I brought another character to the game. I don’t try to be like the next man. I’m not tryna be on Jay-Z or Lil Wayne’s level – nah, I’m just focused on Ray Paul. I think a lot of youngsters can learn a lot from me and my music.

Besides “I’m Gettin’ Money” what are some of your other hits?

We got “Feed These Streets” featuring B.o.B. Me and Gorilla Zoe got a song called “Tudilu.”

I got another song called “Feel Free to Hate,” which is all me. We have a new one we’re pushing right now called “Out of There (I’m Gone)” with Young Black, he did “Big Boy Stuntin’.”

Do you have any mixtapes out right now?

Matter of fact, I’m putting out two of ‘em. I’m doing one with Y.G. J Don, that’s my lil youngsta comin’ up in the game. We’re gonna drop a Y.G. compilation and I’m gettin’ ready to drop a mixtape with Greg Street. I might come out with a mixtape just for All Star Weekend just for promo.

Where will you be during All Star Weekend?

My patnas Marone and C Dawg are throwing a lot of parties out here. They got Club Che, Cirque, they got Drake coming out, Snoop Dogg, Trey Songz, Jeezy. I’m gon’ be at all of ‘em.

Outside of All Star Weekend, what else do you have going on?

We have the Y.G. picnic coming up again June 1st. People can also check me out on Myspace.com/YGRayPaul or Myspace.com/ YGTexas or Twitter.com/YGRayP. //

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Tomeka Pearl Words by Jee’Van Brown

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Setting herself apart from other female R&B artists, Tomeka Pearl brings spice and bounce to her music. After debuting her artistry on Dorrough’s album Dorrough Music, more opportunities are coming left and right for this talented young singer. With her street single “You Like It” heating up on the south and west coast, you can believe this isn’t the last time you will hear from her.

You were featured on a few songs on Dorrough’s album. What else do you have going on right now?

I have a little single that I’m working on right now. I have a street single that’s doing pretty good out there in the Bay area, it’s a song called “You Like It” featuring Dorrough.

Do you have a name for your album yet?

It’s probably going to be self-titled, but I’m really kind of crazy with the whole artistry shit so I don’t know. I want to say it will be self-titled, but it probably won’t.

How long have you been singing and writing?

I’m 23 right now so I want to say I’ve been pursuing it since I was about 18, but I’ve been singing since I was about 10 or 11. I’ve been out here in Dallas performing since I was 18.

You graduated from high school early to pursue your music career full time. Do you think you missed out on any of those childhood/ teenage memories?

Definitely not. I graduated a semester earlier than everybody else so I could pursue it full time, but I wasn’t really into school. I’m not saying don’t go to school and don’t go to college, but school just wasn’t my thing. I originally wanted to pursue the whole music thing full time, so I had my little childhood moments.

Your cousin, who was very close to you, died on your birthday. Did that motivate you to keep going?

Yeah, my cousin died on my birthday when I was 11. He was killed in Houston, and he actually rapped. I looked up to him especially with what he was doing [musically]. I wanted to pursue the same thing he wanted to pursue so when he passed I felt like I wanted to continue his legacy because he was only 19.

As a child you took vocal lesson and acting lessons. Do you have anything going on as far as acting right now?

Yeah, I am actually reading for a role right now that is being filmed through Prime Time Click.

I can’t get in depth about it, but I am reading for the main role.

How did you hook up with Dorrough for his album?

Man, it’s crazy, we actually hooked up to do his last album on the track “Hood Song.” When we did “Hood Song” he liked the whole vibe and sound, so he put me on some other records. Then he hopped on the “I Like It” record.

When that happened he was kinda like, “Do you want to be a part of the whole Prime Time Click movement?” I saw that his movement was doing big things, so I was like shit, I’m gonna fuck with it.

What is the process like when you two are in the studio?

Well, for the most part we’re both just in there vibing and we kinda bounce ideas off each other. With his whole album situation, Dorrough did his thing with the hooks and kind of had everything laid out and ready with how he wanted to do it. But, we definitely do vibe all the time.

Your style of music isn’t the typical cliché R&B. What made you want to step out of the box and be different?

I don’t want to really say it was me being different. At that time in my life, that’s just what I was into. But right now I’m at the point in my life where I want to talk about love, getting hurt, or being with a dude. With me it’s going to always be a little more edgy – like if I say, “I love somebody,” I’m going say, “I love that nigga!”

Are you performing anywhere for All Star?

I’m doing a Haiti Relief show out here in Dallas around the same time All Star comes here. I also have a fashion show and a couple of appearances lined up for All Star. //

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DAllas AREA MAP

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