To Make The US Crypto Capital Of The World
By Nic White
Donald Trump is courting the votes of cryptocurrency investors by promising to make the US a 'Bitcoin superpower' with far less regulation. The former president even offered them a high profile government scalp as he gave a speech to the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville on Saturday. 'On day one I will fire Gary Gensler,' he told the crowd, speaking of the Securities and Exchange Commission chairman. Trump received so much applause from the crowd that he repeated his pledge, adding, 'I didn't know he was that unpopular'.Gensler would be replaced with someone friendly to crypto investors, and he would create a crypto advisory council to design regulatory guidance. Trump made numerous promises to make the US the world's 'crypto capital', in contrast with President Joe Biden's efforts to strongly regulate it. 'I pledge to the Bitcoin community, the day I take the oath of office, Joe Biden's and Kamala Harris's anti-crypto crusade will be over. It will end. It will be done,' he said. 'The moment I'm sworn in, the persecution stops and the weaponization ends against your industry.’ He warned that if Vice President Harris won 'every one of you will be gone. They will be vicious. They will be ruthless. They will do things that you wouldn't believe.’. Trump's embracing of cryptocurrency is a sharp turn from just three years ago when he railed against it, and even top crypto boosters admit the former president iS
pandering' to them to win votes. 'Bitcoin, it just seems like a scam,' Trump said in 2021, calling it 'another currency competing against the dollar’. I am not a fan of Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies, which are not money, and whose value is highly volatile and based on thin air,' he said in 2019, linking it to drug sales and criminals. 'We have only one real currency in the USA, and it is stronger than ever. It is called the United States Dollar!’ But wealthy donors, and Trump's desire to be president again no matter, what fueled a road to Damascus conversion he hopes will give him an edge. In Nashville, he tried to sell himself as 'the crypto president' in contrast to Harris, who allegedly privately told a donor 'Bitcoin is money for criminals’. 'This is the steel industry of 100 years ago,' Trump said. 'If we don't do it, China and others are going to be doing it. Let's do it right. If crypto is going to define the future, I want to be mined, minted, and made in the USA. 'It's not going to be made anywhere else. And if bitcoin is going to the moon, as we say… I want America to be the nation that leads the way, and that's what's going to happen. So you're going to be very happy with me.’ Trump outlined his plan to create a framework for the expansion of stable coins, and promised to keep all the crypto the US Government owned. He would then expand those holdings to create a 'strategic national Bitcoin stockpile’. 'America's laws are too unclear, and too tough, and too angry and too stiff,' he said. Trump would also end Treasury Department efforts to create a central bank digital currency, which would compete with Bitcoin and others. 'There will never be a CBDC while I'm president of the United States,' he said. Trump's about-face on cryptocurrency followed investors poring tens of millions into his campaign coffers, and Americans sending $4 million in crypto donations. Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, who famously sued Mark Zuckerberg for stealing their idea for Facebook, each pledged $1 million to his campaign. They each also sent $250,000 the Elon Musk's America PAC, which funnels money to the Trump campaign. Tyler Winklevoss, in a 1,417-word rant on Twitter, claimed the Biden Administration 'openly declared war against crypto' and endorsed Trump for president.M'It’s time for the crypto army to send a message to Washington. That attacking us is political suicide,' he wrote. He claimed Biden 'weaponized multiple government agencies to bully, harass, and sue the good actors in our industry in an effort to destroy it.’ 'This administration's actions have been nothing short of an unprecedented abuse of power wielded entirely for twisted political gain at the complete expense of innovation, the American taxpayer, and the American economy.’ Winklevoss and other crypto boosters also got into a fight with Harris after she declined an invitation to speak at Saturday's event in Nashville. 'The BidenHarris Administration wages all-out war on the crypto industry for four years,' he wrote on Twitter. 'Despite all of this, Kamala is still invited to the The Bitcoin Conf[erence] in Nashville and given a chance to speak to our industry and reset the relationship. 'What does she do? She declines. She can’t even take the first step and show up to start mending fences. 'Our industry won't forget this. We will show no mercy in November.'
Teedo Gonzalez X Bob G the Chef
DJ EFFECT, DJ MONEY MOOK
DARREN BROWN , & DJ CANYON BANNON CHOP IT UP OUTSIDE
DUBBA SHOTTZ POSES WITH HIS TWO AWARDS ON THE RED CARPET
TRAILBLAZER AWARD WINNERS MARCUS HOUSEY & SHERA BASS POSE ON THE RED CARPET WITH DARREN SOUTHERN PLUG BROWN
V12’S MOSSIAH JONES POSE WITH LEGEND AWARD RECIPIENT DJ CHUCK T
GROUP OF THE YEAR WINNERS TEEDO GONZLEZ & BOB G THE CHEF POSES ON THE RED CARPET
B. ME TEARS DOWN THE STAGE WITH HER RIVETING PERFORMANCE
LADY SHABAZZ ROCKS THE HOUSE WITH HER HIT SINGLE “DON’T FUCK WITH ME”
KWEENA DESS POSE FOR A SELFIE WITH COLORS THE NETWORKING MAN
RILLA CITY POSES FOR A PHOTO OUTSIDE THE SHOW
SOVA BLACK & HIS SISTER HITS THE RED CARPET
MS. TRILL GOES FOR BEST PERFORMANCE AT THE METRO MUSIC AWARDS
MIKE BEEZY & GEECHIE GURL HAVING FUN ON THE RED CARPET
Introducing Kaijah Wilson, an experienced business owner who successfully transitioned from managing million-dollar retail ventures to thriving in the world of entrepreneurship. At the young age of 27, she utilized her extensive knowledge to establish her first daycare center, marking the beginning of an extraordinarybusiness journey. Over the course of the past six years, Kaijah has successfully launched a total of eight daycare centers, each making a significant contribution to the community by providing employment opportunities, childcare services, and invaluable support to families in need. Kaijah places great emphasis on fostering a sense of family within her centers, extending support beyond childcare to address personal needs, thereby creating a lasting impact on the Tiny Tots family. Kaijah’s exceptional business acumen and unwavering dedication to success have earned her prestigious titles such as Store Manager, and Owner of her own enterprise. The daycare centers, including Tiny Tots Academy West, Tiny Tots Before and After, Sauk Village Academy, and Sauk Village Before and After, serve as nurturing havens for both children and teachers. In addition
to her flourishing daycare centers, Kaijah also owns a beauty business in Chicago called Beauty Vault. What sets Beauty Vault apart is its unwavering commitment to bringing a luxurious atmosphere to the community. Wilson ensures that her store not only offers a diverse range of products but also employs women from the local community who possess extensive knowledge about and personally use the products. This unique approach provides customers with well informed advice and an unparalleled personalized shopping experience, which is rarely found in traditional beauty supply stores. Kaijah’s entrepreneurial journey is now expanding to Houston, TX, and Atlanta, GA, where she is preparing to launch two more luxury beauty supply stores, aiming to make a positive impact on the community. It will be the largest black owned beauty in Houston. Beyond her business ventures, she is also set to release her first e book this year in 2024. Kaijah’s book will share her experiences in opening a beauty supply store, with the aim of guiding aspiring black entrepreneurs in navigating the market.
CHARLESTON’SNO.1HOTGIRLPORAA ISMAKINGANAMEFORHERSELF
Charleston native and indie rapper Poraa exudes an artistic conviction gleaned from years of shaping her image since long before she stormed into the local music scene in 2020. Poraa’s in your face rap has surpassed a million streams, yet, she considers herself a shy person behind the scenes and was hesitant to even share her first song. And while it’s no secret that women are underrepresented in the hip hop industry, Poraa calls the
local support she has received overwhelming. Local magazine Black Business Prosperity named her female rap music artist of the year in 2021, solidifying her as a noticeable force in the Lowcountry. “My hometown — they support me 100%,” Poraa told us. Taking inspiration from Crime Mob’s female rappers Princess and Diamond, as well as Lil’ Kim and City Girls, the hard hitting lyricism and rapid tempo on Poraa’s most recent album 10 Steps Ahead reflects southern rap proficiency and girl power prowess. “I don’t want to be a female rapping about kicking in doors — I don’t do that,” Poraa said. “I can rap about what I do or what females do. The things that I say in rap are the things that females are scared to say. They like my music because I’m saying what they’re thinking, and now they have an excuse to say, ‘I can say this because it’s an art now.’ Poraa said each track on 10 Steps Ahead started as a freestyled verse she developed as a songwriter, playing off themes or ideas she uncovered spontaneously in her stream of consciousness. She then perfected the material verse by verse at Str8 Drop Studio in North Charleston. While Poraa is accustomed to doing featured verses on other artists’ songs, she said
Exclusive Story
By Darren James-Brown Sr.
In Columbia, SC everyone knows Shae Mack. Weather you know her from bartending and hosting at some of the most iconic parties & hotspots in the city. Or maybe you know her as the bomb ass sexy girl with dope photos and funny posts on social media. One thing for sure, Shae Mack is one of the most popular socialites in a city where there is no professional sports teams or media market, and bottle girls party promoters & hosts are the local celebrities. Aside from all that Shae is also known as one of the most prolific female lyricists in the State. There’s just one problem. Shae doesn’t really consider herself an artist. With her not seriously perusing music but sporadically releasing freestyle videos she has left fans wanting more. But time after time she has just ignored the anticipation for a Shae Mack radio release to continue doing what she does best. Party hard and get paid for it and bartend. I even had a serious heart to heart with her after the 2023 Metro Music Awards in Columbia, SC. Where Shae Mack was the host of the Show. I expressed to her that I thought it was time for her to take her God given gift of rap more seriously and release some radio hits and start touring. She responds, “you know Darren
you are not the first person to tell me such but honestly that’s just not in my heart to do. I walked away from that conversation disappointed and thinking that I may never see a Shae Mack album or tour. And, since I’ve grown to be ok with that. Then one July 2024 day I’m on my laptop and who do I see posting on Facebook. None other that the sexy Shae Mack and this was no regular Shae Mack Facebook post. I caught the post after it had only been up for an hour and the video already had hundreds of likes. Shae Mack was making the announcement that I though she never would. That she was releasing a full studio EP for her birthday. Of course, this excited me and I know I just had to get her on the cover of this magazine before it was released. One problem though, we already had a cover artist, and I wasn’t about to strap her and all the work that we had put into this issue. That’s when my Sales Director had the great idea of making 4 covers and making it a special edition release. Sop we did, and we called it Fempire: Boss Ladies Edition III. The sequel to the 2015 and 2021 issues we had released. So, I’ve listened to the album, and I must say I’m impressed. I love the flow of the album and the versatility. Coming with hot Meagan the Stallion like, I’m that Bitch type , record even to my favorite song on the entire Project. Broken promises” feat. Ainchuu GeeGee. Which is kind of a love song letting a guy know that he will never ever find another love like hers. One thing for sure Shae Mack has what it takes to make it in this new industry of hard-hitting, empowered black women speaking their truth their own way. But one has to wonder will this be the last time we hear a Shae Mack release or will this album, “Introduction to Shae Mack catapulte her into the superstar that we here at Southern Plug knows she’s destined for. Guess we all have to stay tuned on her socials @shaesosavage on Instagram Snapchat & YouTube, @shae.p.mack on Facebook. In order to see what shew will do next..
BY DARREN JAMES-BROWN SR.
BunnyTat,theself-proclaimedvoiceofthehoochiesisalso theQueenofUpstatehip-hopmusic.Withhitslike“Freaky Girl”,&“HoociheMama” shehasgainedacultlike followingamongstbaddies&hoochiesalike.A followingofover6,000andgrowingon Instagramalone.Hernostalgic&supersexual visualshasgarneredthousandsofviewsanda superpositiveresponsefromthehip-hop public.Bunnytathaswonmany awardsforherworkincluding MusicVideooftheYearand FemaleHipHopArtistofthe YearatboththeJetties& SouthernPlugMusicAwards.
Breakout Artist of the Year
Kuzco Da Foo @officialkuzcodafoowgf (Columbia, SC)
Group of the Year
Teedo Gonzalez x Bob G The Chef @teedogonzalez (Columbia, SC)
Female Artist of the Year
Pretti Emage @pretti_emage (Tampa,FL)
Male Artist of the Year
Mike Beezy @mikebeezy_badazz (Atlanta, GA)
LGBTQ+ Artist of the Year
Josie Jo @alwayslovejosie (Charlotte,NC)
Underrated Artist of the Year
Marle Blu @marleblu (Warner Robbins,GA)
Single of the Year
#1 Fan- Dubba Shottz @dubba_shottz (Atlanta, GA)
Collaboration of the Year
FMG - Coopcity ft Bunny Tat, T'Ara Nätizhá, Cuzo Carolina @coopcity86 (Greenville,SC)
Album/Mixtape of the Year Kashed Out - Kash Kyla @kashkyla (Charlotte, NC)
Music Video of the Year
I Like - Bunny Tat @bunnytat_ (Greenville,SC)
Male Hip Hop Artist of the Year
Kuzco Da Foo @officialkuzcodafoowgf(Columbia, SC)
Female Hip Hop Artist of the Year
Bunny Tat @bunnytatworld_(Greenville,SC)
Male R&B Artist of the Year
Marcus Allen @marcusallenofficial (Knightsville, SC)
Female R&B Artist of the Year
P. Young @chinadoll__1 (Columbia, SC)
Male Southern Soul/Blues Artist of the Year
Dubba Shottz @dubba_shottz (Atlanta, GA)
Female Southern Soul/Blues Artist of the Year
Lady Shabazz @ladyshabazzmusic (Atlanta, GA)
Southern Soul/Blues Record of the Year
Single Life - Janell Moore @janell.ellison.37 (Atlanta GA)
Gospel Artist of the Year
Kevin Thompson (Columbia, SC)
Jazz Artist of the Year
Corey Stone @musically_stoned (Columbia, SC)
Radio Personality of the Year
Miss Monique @iheartmissmo (Columbia, SC)
Radio Personality of the Year
Miss Monique @iheartmissmo (Columbia, SC)
DJ of the Year
DJ Chuck T @djchuckt (Charlotte NC)
Underrated DJ of the Year
DJ Kurious George @djkg864 (Greenville, SC)
Female DJ of the Year
DJ Rozay Red @djrozayred (Columbia,SC)
Radio DJ of the Year
DJ Kryptonite @djkryptonitesdm (Columbia, SC)
Club DJ of the Year
DJ Puff @therealdjpuffsc (Columbia,SC)
DJ Crew of the Year
SC Fleet DJs @scfleetdjs (SouthCarolina)
Video Director of the Year
The Directorz 4K @davoicebox (Greenville, SC)
Producer of the Year
IMix Nation @imixnationforreal (Columbia, SC)
Record Label of the Year
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Recording Studio of the Year
V12 Studios @v12studios (Columbia,SC)
Graphic Designer of the Year
Killumbia GFX @killumbiagfx (Columbia,SC)
Photographer of the Year
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Podcast/Blog of the Year
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Model/Video Vixen of the Year
Lady Slim @thinkrich_slim (Charlotte,NC)
Music Club/Venue of the Year
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Fashion Designer/Label of the Year
VOLOD Clothing @volodclothing (Greenville, SC)
Comedian of the Year
Charlie Mac @funnycharliemac (Austin,TX)
Host of the Year
Carisha J @carishathediva (Atlanta, GA)
