YOUR FAVORITE RAPPERS FAVORITE MAGAZINE

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

WITH OZONE AWARD NOMINEES:

10
INSIDE:

REASONS TO BUY OZONE MAGAZINE

IN STORES AUGUST 8TH

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

sep06contents
Young Jeezy pg 122-125 David Banner pg 132-133 Tampa Tony & Da Splitta Squad pg 116-117
COVER STORIES

MONTHLY FEATURES Chin Check pg 24 JBs 2 Cents pg 19 Photo Galleries pg 21-43 The Elements pg 144 Roland Powell pg 40 Feedback pg 14-16 Plies Live pg 146
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10+ REASONS OZONE MAGAZINE IS THE SHIT: Chamillionaire pg 44 David Banner pg 62 Bigga Rankin pg 40 DJ Chuck T pg 46 Bohagon pg 110 DJ Khaled pg 88 DJ Drama pg 70 DJ Nasty pg 64 Jacki-O pg 74 Bun B pg 66 B.G. pg 104 E-40 pg 98 Citty pg 74 Dre pg 52 Gil Green pg 84 Too $hort pg 96 Rick Ross pg 58 Field Mob pg 72 Slim Thug pg 90 Killer Mike pg 56 Lil Scrappy pg 78 Pretty Ricky pg 76 Kamikaze pg 92 Rapid Ric pg 80 Paul Wall pg 60 Magno pg 54 Pitbull pg 48 T-Pain pg 86 Treal pg 102 Khia pg 42 Trae pg 68 Yung Joc pg 106 Uncle Luke pg 82 Young Cash pg 42 Young Jeezy pg 94 Trick Daddy pg 108

feedback
because it helps aspiring artists like myself. - Bama J, jrowland28@hotmail.com (Alabama)

Editor responds: We actually covered his Slip-N-Slide departure in a previous interview. Check out the J-Shin interview in the November 2005 issue on www.ozonemag.com under back issues.
Im writing in response to Charlamagne Tha Gods article about Ho-Oops. All I really want to say is, ya damn right and its about fucking time! Before I even get started, let me say that I aint no hater, cause like Remy Ma I look too good to be sweatin her. This chick is a classic example of reality TV equaling hoochie-hoe cable channel career day! Hell, Stevie Wonder could see that this stank skank is nothing more than the latest in a long series of stupid females with no real sense of self or sense of mind about the possibility of a 401k plan that gives you points for time NOT spent on your back or knees. Bitches like Ho-Oops make it easy for rappers to refer to women as hoes or bitches because thats exactly how these girls act. For the record, I am a woman, and the mother of a 10-year-old daughter. I never thought I would have to sit her down and explain to her how someone could be so proud of making a complete and total ass out of themselves for a few dollars and be proud of it. Ho-Oops is a beautiful woman physically, but its gonna take a lot more than rap magazine spread-eagle layouts to prove that you can turn a Ho-Oopz into a housewife! Charlene Blackwell, ene_mama_1@yahoo.com What it do Ozone! My name is Cano & Cain, producer, from the Alabama rap group R.O.A.: Reality of Alabama. In the August issue there are a few errors. My name is not Kano but Cano, and I didnt say we were living like New Jack City. I was referring to New Jack City to explain why R.O.A. was not around as a full group. Also, its not Gs 4 Life but G 4 Life. Thanks for your patience in the corrections! Keep doing what you do, the South needs it! Cano & Cain, troubleshootermuzik@gmail.com (Birmingham, AL) I really appreciate the love you and your magazine gave us during the Dallas photo shoot. However, I nor my producers were in it. I am just grateful that another publication is paying attention to our hard work and grind from some of the best rappers in Dallas. We Got Next! Shonlew, shonlew73@yahoo.com I just wanted to say thank you providing ads and information that is useful to independent artists like myself. Keep it pimpin. Marcus Daalight Gaston, daalight1@tmail.com I picked up OZONE Magazine for the first time a couple days ago because you had a story about hip-hop in my hometown of Dallas, TX. Being from South Dallas and now living in Virginia, I was really happy and impressed with the story. I like that your magazine has a real underground voice. Please keep up the great work and do not become The Source! kd@rescuescg.com (Virginia) Just curious how did Traes Swang video not get on the ballot for Best Music Video at the OZONE Awards? Even Chamillionaire said he based his Ridin Dirty off the video for Swang, but his video wasnt as good as hed hoped. Everybody I know in Texas says its one of the best videos to ever come out of the scene, and even though Im in Detroit, I agree. Even the message boards are praising it over every other video out of Texas, especially that Dr. Teeth bullshit. I guess even yall have to go with the mainstream and not with the true talent. But keep up the good work and Ill keep reading. Ross, southstarimages@Yahoo.com (Detroit, MI) Its your Westside Connection like Ice Cube, wishing you all the continued success and blessings in the world as Im flicking through the latest issue featuring Rick Ross and Sqad Up on the glossy covers. Paul Vanselow, notesfam_bloccmusic@yahoo.com (Southern California) That CamRon interview was great! You really asked great questions, unlike most lame duck reporters. I have read every interview hes ever done, and this was the best. I really want to meet CamRon. I have so much respect for him and the artist/business moves that hes made over the years. Ivan Youngblood, hurrymoose@hotmail.com JB, hats off to you, girl! Youre doing big things down here and you deserve this. I want you to know that Ive been a fan since the first issue and will remain one. Go ahead and shine on these hatin ass muthafuckers. I know the OZONE Awards are gonna be way big in the O. I know you probably 14

I loved your Rick Ross interview. Rick Ross is the truth. The Rick The Ruler mixtape is bangin hard as hell. You can tell that nigga is genuine in that interview because in the 9th grade at Carol City High School all we was playing was Amerikkkas Most Wanted by Ice Cube, and Luke. The man been behind the scenes and now its that niggas time to shine. Keep doin it big, dawg, as long as you drop records and CDs I will get them. They dont understand that Carol City way of life, but they will fuckin with you. Free Big Morgan! JB keep up the good work and I will keep buying OZONE Magazine. Carol City High Class of 94. Roberto Rivera, brollli0508@yahoo.com (Miami, FL) In Charlamagne Tha Gods June Chin Check, I loved the fact that he hated on Keyshia Cole so well in his article. Someone with the power to put it out there should have done it as soon as her album dropped. I think its only Jacksonville, FL people that really hate that song with a passion, the whole off-key tone of her voice makes our dogs cringe with each ah-ah-ah she croons out. What was she thinking? I hope not different. Love is an insult to any true artist or singer who works to achieve a degree in music performance or all the other professionals in the business who actually know how to hold a tune. Keysha Coles style is depressing; only bitter individuals bought her album. Maybe her next drop will actually be something that professional and happy people can relate to and possibly listen to without getting headaches. And your drop about Ghostface, although I wasnt a great fan of his, I truly understand exactly how you feel. Its like going to Luthers concert (God rest his soul) and he sings the alphabet song in monotone. Come on people! You pay good money to see these entertainers and all the majority of them give you is a bunch of towel throwing and yellin in the mic. Its better to hear them on the radio rather than in person. But we cant blame performers like Keysha Cole and Ghost Face for doing what they do. I mean, if you could, would you not try to make a few grand for performing the alphabet song in an off-tone key? We, the audience, allow them to get away with it, so bad live performers will continue to do it. Lets get a Beyonce, Prince, Janet or a Kem (Kemistry, Alubm II) to show you all what a real performance is. And thats a Chin Check. I love to hate. Shana Shell, nates2002@yahoo.com (Jacksonville, FL) I know Im late with this, but the 20 Greatest Southern Albums issue stole my heart. I hit you earlier this year regarding ATLiens being my favorite Kast album, and then a few months later I saw them two dope boyz holding down two slots on your Southern albums list. VIBE knew what they were doing by putting them on the cover of their new issue, but it still couldnt stop half the staff from getting canned (ouch). Your David Banner piece was also nice; I hate the way he is still slept on. Hopefully his role in the new Craig Brewer film is going to give him more visibility in the industry. Although Im not a big fan of CamRon, your interview with him did convince me to check out his new shit. I liked about three or four tracks. Youre doing a good job with the magazine. If OZONE was around when I was fresh out of high school, I would have applied for a writing staff position. Stay strong and much success. Kairon Arnold, khype1@hotmail.com (Birmingham, AL) I want give you guys mad recognition for the J-Shin interview. Along with Teedra Moses and Cee-Lo, he is one of the better hip-hop/soul/R&B artist who released a classic album that was slept on entirely by the mainstream. I still listen to his debut album from the late 90s to this day. However, I felt let down that you guys didnt ask him about his long hiatus and his reasons for leaving Slip-N-Slide Records. Overall, this is a great magazine and I will be subscribing. Please continue to ask the industry-related questions in your interviews

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feedback
think you aint gettin no love here, but trust, the streets got ya cause we see you grinding hard. It seems like every event I go to in the O, I see the OZONE crew there with their cameras, and I see that CRUNK!!!/OZONE SUV flying down 50 all the time. Im proud of your accomplishments and I hope you grow to the top. Scratch that you already there. And as for the OZONE Awards, I already got my ticket. Keep doing your fuckin thing. You got love from the O. ladilynn407@yahoo.com (Orlando, FL) This is Joi - I just wanted to drop a quick thank you to those of you at OZONE that saw fit to nominate me for the Best Female R&B Award. Ive been in this game a long time and havent seen much mainstream acknowledgement. The recognition is appreciated. I plan on being in attendance at the Awards ceremony. Joi (Atlanta, GA) I read your 2 Cents in the June edition damn! Shit has just been hitting you from all angles. Theres a lot of cursing, but print this: You haters disgust me! Over the past two years Ive had the pleasure of receiving OZONE Magazine, and I just wanna say to all the haters, doubters, thieves and vandals: Get on JBs team! Quit hating, quit talking down, and quit tryin to slow down the train and figure out a way to jump on it instead. I dont mean dick-ridin and tryin to get shit for free (if you aint payin for your ads youre a fuckin loser at least try to barter some of that shit off). Im talking about building a working business relationship with one of the realest, if not the realest, editor and publisher in the game right now. Do you read other magazines? Do you see the bullshit and fun facts they put in other magazines? OZONE has real questions. Whether or not the artist answers truthfully is up to them. OZONE is the hustlers handbook. How else would I know about people like TJs DJs, Young Cash, and B.H.I., and have contact info to over a hundred DJs without having to put in my own legwork and phone time? JB, keep grinding. Get more SUVs, add more pages, and if you ever run out of stuff to write about just remember that the Midwest got next! Chris Moss, cmoss412@tmail.com JB, I just wanted to tell you thanks and let you know that Ive always had respect for you and in so many ways admire your swagger and tenacity. I remember when you first started up until now. Ive watched you shake off and dodge the haters, even when they rolled in packs and you were solo. When C Wakeley first got in the game, you were one of the people that I told him about. I knew you were good for the game and would bring the respect back our way. Im 100% for the Florida movement as well as the whole South. I hope and pray that you go as far as Oprah or past that. If its true that you get out of it what you put into it, then the game owes you a lot. I wish some of the younger artists could see that, because during the booty days we had no outlet. Much respect! Big Amp, ioubigamp@aol.com (Gainesville, FL) I just received the new issue with Rick Ross on the cover and I want to applaud you for consistently bringing heat to the streets. Good lookin out on the 9th Ward issue thats where I grew up. With mainstream appeal, somehow you still narrow it down to the issues that I actually care about. Derrick tha Franchise, derrick_francis03@hotmail.com (Virginia Beach, VA) JB, I read your editorial this month - bravo! Weird maybe, but I am so proud of you (yeah, lame line). I really admire your tenacity and my sense is that you are so much smarter than you let these industry cats know. Im proud because you represent the destruction of so many stereotypes. It takes great courage to be yourself. I live through you because I let the semantics of this fucked-up business turn me off so thoroughly that I wish I had just studied nursing like I wanted to ten years ago. Watching you shine does so much for me, for US. Ive always been silently cheering for your success. Your life has so much purpose and I know that who you are is so much greater than any hater bullshit. You are the Queen Bee in this publishing game. Fuck them other niggas! - Linda Day, lindaday@tmail.com (Atlanta, GA) JB, I am 19 years old and to me you are one of the most influential people in my life to date. I do love your columns, and not tryin to kiss your ass, but I do think youre the shit because youve made it possible for Southern rappers to get noticed to the world. Tiana Minors, minorsh@bellsouth.net (Jacksonville, FL) Hate it? Love it? Send your comments to feedback@ozonemag.com OZONE reserves the right to edit comments for clarity or length. 16

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W
10 OZONE Award Nominees Im Hatin On
By Roland Lil Duval Powell
Disclaimer: This is really what everybody else is sayin. I know Im dead wrong, but Im hating anyway.

elcome to JBs very special OZONE Awards/TJs DJs Tastemakers Music Conference edition of OZONE Magazine. First of all let me say: I dont wanna sound like Im gloating. Im not. Im just proud. Were the shit and we know it. Why? We made it through (almost) with some sort of sanity. Haha! And look at how thick this book is! I know yall see all these ads! I know yall are hating me right now and trying to count my money. Stop wasting your time worry about me and trying to stop me and go make some money of your own. It all comes back around anyway. But, aw, man, this has been like the issue that never ends. And my editorial is always the hardest part to write so I put it off til the last minute. It was originally titled 10 People Who Pissed Me Off During The Planning Of The OZONE Awards, but I scratched that at the last minute. Sorry to disappoint you . The first time you do anything, youre bound to make some mistakes. You wouldnt believe all the drama me and TJ and the whole crew (collectively known as TJB cute huh) went through to make this event happen and it actually hasnt even happened yet so I really shouldnt be writing about it. Its like living in the midst of a bad movie with too many plot twists. As I write this at 5:08 AM on July 25th Im quite sure there are more surprise twists and turns to come. There are many reasons why I dont throw parties, and Ive been reminded of those reasons throughout this whole ordeal. Dealing with promoters + club owners + rappers + rappers managers + record label execs + music industry bullshitters in general is a massive headache. Everybody has dreams of being rich. And while its true that the more money you have, the more freedom and power you gain, it also works against you. But youll never understand the undercurrents of it until you experience it yourself. Whenever youre dealing with big money or the perception of big money you run across two types of unpleasant people: One, the ones who will do anything to get a piece of your pie; two, the ones who hate to see you come up and will do anything to stop you from eating. Money makes people crazy, for real. They show their true colors. Greedy people really turn me off and Ive run across quite a few of them in this process. One in particular, actually, but its okay: your time is coming, my friend. I suspect that many people will enjoy watching your downfall.

10 The We Couldnt Think Of Nobody Else To Nominate For This Category Award: Joi Ill probably be the only person at the Award Show that knows who she is. 09 The I Knew They Wasnt Gonna Have But One Video Award: Purple Ribbon All-Stars I believe they knew that too. 08 The Promoter Most Likely To Try To Come Up Off Ya While Youre In Town Award: Dawgman How come every time Im in a 100 mile radius of Orlando, this nigga calls me and says, Shiiiiit, come pick up this bread while you passing through. Little do I know, he done promoted the shit a month before. 07 The I Got Caught Shittin Where I Lay Award: Dem Franchize Boyz Thats supposed to be the first rule you learn when you hustle. 06 The I Fuck With Niggas Cause They Let Me Shit On Them Award: TV Johnny Does it make sense to pay the same price for a grill that can only hold so many diamonds than a house? 05 The Oldest Nigga In Hip-Hop Award: Bigga Rankin My grandma used to go see Cool Runnings when she was in high school. 04 The We Know Gotdamn Well He Aint Coming Award: Jamie Foxx Come on now. Would you come if you were him? 03 The I Got Nominated Because I Advertise A Lot In OZONE Award: Tampa Tony You my nigga, but stop advertising in OZONE and see if they nominate you next year. 02 Worst Wardrobe Ever Award: Pretty Ricky No grown ass man should wear that much damn glitter. You can always tell if theyve been around by the glitter trail they leave behind. 01 The When Keeping It Real Goes Wrong Award: Plies I seen that coming a mile away and Im sure you did too.

T-Pain, me, and Trae in Tallahassee

Lil Jon and I in Atlanta

Pimp C and I in Milwaukee

The most amusing part of success is watching how peoples attitudes towards you change. Some people are genuinely happy for you, but more often than not they have a little bitter afterthought or they feel left behind. All of a sudden everybody who used to hate on me and have problems with me wants to be my best friend.. and wants free tickets to the show. When I take a step back and look at all this shit thats happening, its crazy how everything came full circle. It used to be me trying to get media passes to events and award shows and people not taking me seriously, and it pissed me off bad enough to work harder. Now Im on the flip side and Im trying to do the right thing and help people, not discourage them. This whole game runs 360 so when youre on top its your responsibility to help the ones on the come up. Anybody whos willing to get out here and grind like I did, I dont hate. More power to ya. Theres a Me & TJ - before we got all stressed out. bigger picture.
(Photo: Ray Tamarra)

- Julia Beverly, jb@ozonemag.com

Lil Wayne f/ Robin Thicke Shooter Bonecrusher f/ David Banner Thank You Kindly T.I. f/ P$C & Young Dro Bankhead Lloyd f/ Lil Wayne Want You Outkast Morris Brown Pimp C f/ E-Vicious & Smoke D I Dont Fuck Wit U Da BackWudz f/ Bun B Look Of It (remix) Big Neil f/ Rick Ross Dope Boy Music (remix) 19

jbsplaylist
Young Cash Believe It Ne-Yo Sexy Love Rihanna Unfaithful Jibbs Chain Hang Low

01: A productive day at the office for Uncle Lukes girls 02: Tampa Tony apparently wasnt really feeling Khias statements about his city in her OZONE interview 03: Yukmouth and a diehard fan @ Club Escape for Pimpin Kens birthday bash (Milwaukee, WI) 04: Block Entertainments Block Party in the Hood (Atlanta, GA) 05: Slim Thug and the Boyz N Blue with Rapid Ric and Matt Sonzala on a Norwegian fishing boat 06: Rick Ross, Trina, DJ Khaled, and Pitbull at DJ Khaleds Listennn instore (Miami, FL) 07: Lil Scrappy, Lil Jon, Young Buck, and Chamillioniare on the set of Money In The Bank (Los Angeles, CA) 08: T-Pain and Tampa Tony examine the damage to his vehicle on the set of J-Shins Send Me An Email (Miami, FL) 09: Too $hort and the Wolfpack on the set of the Vans video shoot (San Francisco, CA) 10: The apple doesnt fall far... Trick Daddy and his son representing for Dade County and Dunk Ryder Records on the set of DJ Khaleds Born & Raised video shoot (Miami, FL)
Photos: Bogan (02,06,08,10); Julia Beverly (03); Marlon Ross (07); Ray Tamarra (10); Shannon McCollum (04); Uncle Luke (01); www.stress. no (05)

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mathematics

10 WAYS TO AVOID GETTING

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

10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01

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

Learn Whos Who Instead of just wanting to rhyme or make beats, spend some time learning who the real players are. Do the research on who is really behind successful artists. Find out how record labels work and who works there. Ask around about managers and who the real movers and shakers are. The same names come up over and over, and after awhile you will learn who is good at what they do and who is full of shit. Separate Hype from Reality As you learn how the industry works and whos really making moves behind the scenes, its important to separate the real from the hype. Just because its reported that Whitney Houston has a $100 million dollar deal, doesnt make it true. When you fall for that crap it makes you look stupid to repeat it. Learn whats real and true in the business so you can spot the obvious fakes and the bullshit. After awhile, its very easy to do. Network With Success When you find someone who is legit and making things happen for real (instead of just saying they are making things happen), keep in touch with them. Try to meet the people they know and interact with on a regular basis. For the most part, legit attracts legit. There are people who bumble around this industry without having any real success, and you will not be their first success (even though they are hoping you will be). If someone does not have a verifiable, legitimate track record of success, avoid them. Get A Lawyer In your learning process, find out who the legitimate, powerful entertainment attorneys are. For the most part, they are where the industry is based: New York, Los Angeles, and a few in Atlanta (but not many). Just because someone is the lawyer for a superstar, does NOT mean they are great at what they do. It just means they were able to land a superstar client who is loyal. Build Leverage The best deals go to the artists with the most leverage. If you are looking to do great deals, put yourself in a position to build leverage. Depending on the situation, that could mean increased sales, a lot of radio play, a track record of success, or a team of top notch industry folks with a proven track record of success. The best deals go to the artists who have recently sold a lot of CDs regionally in a six to nine month period. Build An Outstanding Team Even the worst team in the NBA could beat Shaq by himself on the court. If you build a team of successful professionals (manager, lawyer, booking agent, accountant, and publicist) they can help propel you forward to have a successful career. They must be good at what they do, committed to your success, and play their role. Do For Self The best way to be certain you are heading in the right direction is to learn how-to, and then do it yourself (if you are able). As I look at the top ten artists on the charts year after year, they are almost always artists who started out selling their own CDs on the streets in their region. They learned how the business works and interacted with their fan base on a daily basis. When their label drops the ball, they know how to grind and make it happen regardless. Interact With Other Artists Learning from those who came before you is an excellent way to learn what to do and what not to do. When you ask people how they did something, they are more than happy to explain how. When you meet other artists who are more successful, or record label executives whove had success on a project, ask them how they did it and get their contact info so you can keep in touch with them. My deals have been great because I have learned what to do and what not to do from those who came before - from artists, from managers, from lawyers, and label staff. Always Do Whats Right If you make it a common practice in your life to always do your best and to do whats right, it will come back to you. Treat others with the respect and fairness you expect to be treated with, and most often you will. If you set the precedent that you wont tolerate any bullshit, you rarely will have to. This industry has a ridiculous amount of scum bags, and its important to avoid them like the plague - once you know who they are. If someone has jerked a lot of folks before you, they will most likely jerk you too. Dont be blinded by money or opportunity, and most of all, dont make any decision based on greed. A deal is not a good deal unless everybody wins. 22

01: Pimp C and J Prince (Houston, TX) 02: Cristal Bubblin, Andre 3000, and DJ Sosa @ Phillips Arena for Hot 107.9s Birthday Bash (Atlanta, GA) 03: Pop Gates, Suge Knight, and Bulletz @ Ne-Yos party (Los Angeles, CA) 04: Trae, Lil Keke, Jody Breeze, and friends on the set of Swishahouses video shoot (Houston, TX) 05: Gil Green and Udonis Haslem on the set of DJ Khaleds Born & Raised. (Miami, FL) 06: Trina, Rick Ross, Pitbull, and Fat Joe @ Khaleds Listennn in-store signing (Miami, FL) 07: Puerto Rican Mike, Bella, Small Soulja, and Big Tuck @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 08: Trey Songz and Eva @ Matrix (Houston, TX) 09: Eye Kandi @ Baja Beach Club for Rajas Birthday Party (Tallahassee, FL) 10: Ivory and J-Kwik @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 11: Bigg V and DJ Princess Cut @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 12: Guest and Coach @ Ghost House (Ocala, FL) 13: Kid Money KG and Acafool @ Chubbys for Summerfest (Tallahassee, FL) 14: T-Pains mom Aliyah and Reginald (West Palm Beach, FL) 15: Yukmouth and Paperchase @ Club Escape for Pimpin Kens Birthday Bash (Milwaukee, WI) 16: T-Pain and Trae @ Chubbys for Summerfest (Tallahassee, FL) 17: Big Duke, Greg Street, Block, and Ryan Cameron @ Block Entertainments Block Party (Atlanta, GA) 18: Young Texxus, Mr. Blakes, and Spark Dawg @ the Backroom (Austin, TX) 19: Michael Soul, 00key, Dr, Triple J & Chad Brown @ WFXE (Columbus, GA) 20: Charles Young, Charles Wakeley, and BloodRaw @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 21: Field Mob performing @ Ghost House Bogan (05,06); Chad Brown (19); DJ Sosa (02); Edward Hall (07,11); Julia Beverly (10,13,15,16,20,21); Keadron Smith (01,04,08); Kool Laid (03); Luxury Mindz (18); Malik Abdul (09,12); Nay Fresh (14); Shannon McCollum (17)

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CHARLAMAGNE

CHIN

THA GODs

Best Album - Rap Some people would say T.I.s King, but naw, homie. Young Jeezys Thug Motivation: Lets Get It is a bonafied classic how Jeezy didnt get indicted after this record is beyond me. Best Rap Artist - Male T.I. will win, but Bun B of UGK should get it just out of respect. Could he please get a standing ovation if JB and TJ do decide to be politically incorrect? Best R&B Artist - Male Ne-Yo. If T-Pain wins then you know this whole show is rigged. Best Rap Artist - Female Khia will win but I would love to see Diamond and Princess get it. Those chicks are going to make noise in the game, plus I got a soft spot in my cold heart for both of them. Best R&B Artist - Female Wile E. Kitten a.k.a. Keyshia Cole Thundercats HOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Best Album - R&B Ne-Yos In My Own Words. I got a lot of pussy off this record Best Rap Group Little Brother should win it if its about talent, but Three 6 will win because they are veterans and they won an Oscar. Dem Franchise Boyz and D4L better not look like they got robbed. Best Lyricist This is a tough one because OZONE got all the nominees right: Bun B, Chamillionaire, T.I., Killer Mike, Lil Wayne, and Scarface. If youre talking about over the years, Scarface and Bun B, no question. My personal favorites are Killer Mike and T.I.; Chamillionaire will get his chance, but this year its gotta be Lil Wayne. Breakthrough Artist For some reason, I dont really care. I guess Mike Jones. Best Rap Collaboration - Three 6 Mafia f/ Young Buck & 8Ball & MJG Stay Fly Best Rap/R&B Collaboration I really dont give a fuck about this category, but, lets say Young Jeezy f/ Akon Soul Survivor. No Escape Award Laffy Taffy, of course, but I really hated all these records. Club Banger Yung Jocs Its Goin Down will win, but T.I. What U Know and Rick Ross Hustlin were my personal favorites. Mixtape Monster Award - Young Jeezy Living Legend Award Uncle Luke. Hes done so much for Southern rap and hasnt gotten his just due. Slept-On Artist Little Brother. Carolinas all day! TJs DJs Hustler Award DJ Drama will win, but Chuck T should. Thats my homie since the sandbox! Im not doing the rest of them because the amount of words Im allowed doesnt permit it, but you already know I wish it was a 6-way tie for the Patiently Waiting: Carolinas award. Piazo should win that; hes been grinding for years and has established a fan base in the Carolinas that a lot of artists only dream about. So I think he should walk away with that one. Macadon and Marly Mar, your time is coming! Best Mixtape DJ: Chuck T of course!! Damn right Im throwing it up for the home team! This my column and I can do that! When JB asks your dumb donkey ass to do a column, then you can root for your team too! Until then, eat a piece of rat poison a day to spare your hating ass the sight of seeing me accept the Radio Personality of the Year Award at next years OZONE Awards. Gutter always, The Militant Midget Charlamagne Tha God - www.cthagod.com

CHECK: OZONE
AWARDS SPECIAL EDITION

eace to the planet! Yall know what the fuck it is! The Catalyst of Controversy, Alpha Don of all Drama, Prince of Pissing People Off, Ruler of Rubbing You the Wrong Way, Architect of Aggravation, commonly known to this planet as Charlamagne Tha God. So JB hit me up wanting me to do a Chin Check for the special OZONE Awards edition of this highly respected magazine we all know and love called - duh - OZONE. I accepted of course because I always take advantage of chances to express my politically incorrect views and potentially dangerous rhetoric. Now, Im not a hater, I just make points. The first point I want to make is that the nominees and categories for the 1st Annual OZONE Awards are 85% on point. Thats great though, considering that the Bamboozled Entertainment Awards (BET) and Massas Television (MTV) are 10% on point and 90% percent bullshit. Think about it: How is Young Jeezy not even nominated in the Best New Artist category at the BET Awards? Or Wile E. Kitten a.k.a. Keyshia Cole for that matter? How does Ne-Yo not win best new R&B artist at the BET awards? Sure Chris Brown can do backflips and cartwheels but this is not the gymnastics competition at the Olympics, its the best new R&B artist at the BET awards. Thats why when Chris Brown won he brought Ne-Yo out there with him. He knows what it is. See? Im not a hater I just make points. So, why is the OZONE Awards 85% on point and not the whole 100%? Because they didnt have a Radio Personality of the Year Award! Not DJ, but Radio Personality. You know, people that run their mouths, not play records. The nominees couldve been Supa Cindy (99 Jamz Miami, FL), Big Lip Bandit (99 Jamz Miami FL), Ryan Cameron (V103 Atlanta, GA), K Foxx (99 Jamz Miami, FL), and Charlamagne Tha God (of the nationally syndicated Wendy Williams Experience by way of the mighty, mighty state known as South Carolina). And the winner is......... Ryan Cameron. But wait a minute! Charlamagne Tha God is rushing the stage with a bottle of George Vesselle champagne in his hand! He snatches the mic and says, Im up here in and with this outfit that the fine people at Akademiks gave me for this event I really thought I was going to win this award and now I feel like George W. Bush cornered in an elevator by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan! Ryan Cameron is good, I respect him, but Charlamagne Tha God is for the babies!!!! Wu-Tang bitches!! Another category that should have been there but is not is Best Mixtape of the Year!! Youve got Best Mixtape DJ and Mixtape Monster, but no Mixtape of the Year? T.I.s The Leak, Young Jeezys Cant Ban The Snowman, and Piazos Street Credibility should have been on there. Where do you want to go with this? Please, JB and the gang, remember this next year. Also, D4L and Dem Franchize Boyz should not be in the Best Rap Group categories. Both groups suck - everyone knows this. And dont act like it wasnt other groups to nominate either: P$C, Youngbloodz, Purple Ribbon All Stars? Pay attention to whats going on, people! But other than that I was impressed with the categories and nominees. Now can I pick my winners? Reference my picks at the end of the night and I bet you will be asking me whos gonna win the Super Bowl this year (Dallas Cowboys, if you really want to know).

loaded 44 on the low where the cheese at / fresh out the jet to the jects where the gs at

24

01: Young Cash, T-Roy, and DJ Q45 @ Club Christophers (Jacksonville, FL) 02: Pimpin Ken, JR, and Don Fetti @ Club Escape for Pimpin Kens Birthday Bash (Milwaukee, WI) 03: Derrick Crooms, Wyclef, and Mr. Collipark (Miami, FL) 04: Short Dawg & Webbie @ Matrix (Houston, TX) 05: Treal @ Firestone (Orlando, FL) 06: Slim Thug and Mira Craig @ Norways QUART Festival (Norway) 07: OZONE party @ Chubbys (Tallahassee, FL) 08: Tru-Life @ Boost Mobile concert (Houston, TX) 09: Yung Joc and Kaye Dunaway @ WJHM (Orlando, FL) 10: Tony Neal and Yukmouth @ Onyx (Milwaukee, WI) 11: DJ Quest and Shawn Jay of Field Mob @ 105.5 The Beats Crunkfest (Ft. Myers, FL) 12: Lil Scrappy reppin for G-Unit South on the set of Money In The Bank (Los Angeles, CA) 13: Dukwon and Bigga Rankin @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 14: Kevin Hart and Greg G @ Zinc Bar (Orlando, FL) 15: DJ Khaled and J-Shin @ Khaleds in-store signing for his album Listennn (Miami, FL) 16: Matt Sonzala, Tony C, and Tino Cochino on the set of Rapid Rics Pullin Up video shoot (Austin, TX) 17: JAM TVs JL Shade and DJ Dap @ Chubbys for Summerfest (Tallahassee, FL) 19: DJ Incognito, Dre, and Chad Brown @ Family Day in the Park (Columbus, GA) 20: Young Doe, DJ K-Tone, and Keak da Sneak (Los Angeles, CA) 21: DJ Reflection, DJ Jelly, Skits & Mark @ Club Platinum (Beaufort, SC) Photos: Bogan (15); Buggah D. Govanah (03); DJ Don Juan (12); DJ Greg G (14); DJ Incognito (19); DJ K-Tone (20); DJ Quest (11); Julia Beverly (02,09,10,13,16,18); Keadron Smith (04,08); Luxury Mindz (17); Malik Abdul (01,05,07); Southern Grind (21); www.stress. no (06)

25

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

27

01: Too $hort and Lady T @ Apache Cafe (Atlanta, GA) 02: Trakk Team @ car show (Dallas, TX) 03: Kaye Dunaway and 8Ball & MJG @ WJHM 102 Jamz (Orlando, FL) 04: Jin and Buggah D. Govanah on the set of DJ Khaleds Born & Raised (Miami, FL) 05: Acafool performing @ Chubbys for Summerfest (Tallahassee, FL) 06: Corleone, Mark Boss, D Webb, and Steve Bellamy @ Plush Nightclub (Jacksonville, FL) 07: Youngbleed, Don Fetti, Pimpin Ken and friends @ Pimpin Kens house for his birthday party (Milwaukee, WI) 08: Gekko and Short Dawg @ Matrix 09: Matt Sonzala and DJ Herkules @ Norways QUART Festival (Norway) 10: Chamillionaire and Jae Rae @ WBTT 105.5 The Beats Crunkfest (Ft. Myers, FL) 11: Supastar J-Kwik and BloodRaw @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 12: Priya B and Yung Joc @ WPYO Power 95.3 (Orlando, FL) 13: Chalie Boy and models on the set of Rapid Rics Pullin Up (Austin, TX) 14: Bigga Rankin and C. Wakeley @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 15: D Webb and Quinn Gray @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 16: Kid Money KG, Acafool, Justin, guest, and Matt Daniels @ Chubbys for Summerfest (Houston, TX) 17: Luther, D, and Trae @ Pimp Cs album release instore (Houston, TX) 18: T-Pain, Tampa Tony, and J-Shin with a model on the set of Send Me An Email (Miami, FL) 19: DJ Don Juan and Lloyd Banks have Money In The Bank (Los Angeles, CA) 20: ESG, Lil Keke, and Hard Head @ H&H (Houston, TX) 21: K-Paul and DJ Bounz (Houston, TX) Photos: Bogan (04,18); DJ Don Juan (19); DJ Quest (10); Julia Beverly (06,07,11,12,14,15,16); Keadron Smith (08,17); LeJauren Hailey (20); Luxury Mindz (13,21); Malik Abdul (01,05); Rock T (02); Shoeb Malik (03); www.stress.no (09)

29

01: Ghost and the G.R.I.T. Girls (Ocala, FL) 02: DJ Chill and friends @ the premiere of DJ Screw movie (Houston, TX) 03: Disco, Lisa Walker, and Haitian Fresh @ Discos birthday bash (Orlando, FL) 04: Play & Skillz and Freeze @ Chamillionaires platinum party (Houston, TX) 05: The Runners and Bohagon @ Transcontinental Studios (Orlando, FL) 06: Gil Green, Trick Daddy, and Dayo on the set of DJ Khaleds Born & Raised (Miami, FL) 07: Nappy Headz @ Chubbys for Summerfest (Tallahassee, FL) 08: Tru-Life and Method Man (Los Angeles, CA) 09: Pheave and DJ Commando @ Uptown Lounge (Waterloo, IA) 10: Six2 and Money Waters @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 11: OG Ron C and TJ Chapman @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 12: Santana of GCC and J Baby @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 13: Pimpin Ken and his daughter @ his birthday party (Milwaukee, WI) 14: T-Pain and his mom @ Chubbys for Summerfest (Tallahassee, FL) 15: Dreadlocks and E-40 on the And1 mixtape tour (Houston, TX) 16: Crucial Conflict and Pimpin Ken @ Club Escape for Pimpin Kens birthday bash (Milwaukee, WI) 17: K Paul, Jamie Lee, Black Mike, and Duce on the set of Rapid Rics Pullin Up 18: Youngbleed, Pimp C, Paperchase @ Kickz & Phitz (Milwaukee, WI) 19: C.O., 22, and Trick Daddy @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 20: Trae, Jody Breeze, and Gekko @ Swishahouse video shoot (Houston, TX) 21: Slim Thug fishing in Norway
Photos: Bogan (06); DJ Commando (09); Edward Hall (10,11); Julia Beverly (07,12,13,14,16,18,19); Keadron Smith (02,04,15,20); Kool Laid (08); Luxury Mindz (17); Malik Abdul (01,03,05); www.stress. no (21)

31

01: Lil J, C-Rola, and a guest @ Swishahouse video shoot (Houston, TX) 02: Mistah F.A.B. and DJ KTone (Los Angeles, CA) 03: Stick 3000 and friends @ Firestone for Discos birthday bash (Orlando, FL) 04: M-Geezy, Young Cash, Vic, and crew reppin Duval County Rockstars during Marcus Stroud weekend (Jacksonville, FL) 05: Tony Neal, Steve-O, and Youngbleed @ Onyx (Milwaukee, WI) 06: Yung Joc and City Teenz crew (Orlando, FL) 07: Block and Yo Gotti @ Block Entertainments hood block party (Atlanta, GA) 08: Tallahassees T-Pain Day Declaration (Tallahassee, FL) 09: Rapid Ric and the What It Dew family on the set of Pullin Up (Austin, TX) 10: Sytonnia and DJ Nasty @ the Roxy (Orlando, FL) 11: Cofa Boy reppin OZONE (Milwaukee, WI) 12: Michael Watts and Bella @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 13: Freeze and Big Bank Hank @ Melyssa Ford party (Houston, TX) 14: DJ Chill and Captain Jack @ Chills birthday party (Houston, TX) 15: The Runners, Bohagon, and DJ Nasty @ Transcontinental Studios (Orlando, FL) 16: Ghost and Field Mob DJs @ Florence Drayton Center (Ocala, FL) 17: Disco and DJ Demp @ Discos birthday party (Orlando, FL) 18: P.M., Rick Ross, and Big Will on the set of Born & Raised (Miami, FL) 19: Da Backwudz, DJ Quest, & Trey Peezy @ Crunkfest (Ft. Myers, FL) 20: Don Fetti, Paperchase, Pimp C, and Pimpin Ken @ Kickz & Phitz (Milwaukee, WI) 21: PayDay, Classick of Dirty Dialect Click, and John Tha Baptist @ Gypsy Tea Room (Dallas, TX) Photos: Bogan (18); Dino DeRose (11); DJ Quest (19); DJ Greg G (10); Edward Hall (12); Julia Beverly (05,06,20); Keadron Smith (01,13,14); Kool Laid (02); Luxury Mindz (09); Malik Abdul (03,15,16,17); Miss Classick (21); Shannon McCollum (07); T-Pain (08); Terrence Tyson (04)

33

01: Daz and Snoop Dogg (Los Angeles, CA) 02: Paperchase, Don Fetti, and Maroy @ Onyx (Milwaukee, WI) 03: DJ Commando, Rip, and DJ Daze @ Uptown Lounge (Waterloo, IA) 04: Trakk Team @ car show (Dallas, TX) 05: DJ Commando & friends @ Uptown (Waterloo, IA) 06: Guest, Youngbleed, Yukmouth, Paperchase, Roslynn, Pimp C, Pimpin Ken, and Knowledge @ Kickz & Phitz (Milwaukee, WI) 07: T-Pain surveys his cars damage while parked on the set of J-Shins video for Send Me An Email 08: Paul Wall and TV Johnny @ Swishahouse video shoot (Houston, TX) 09: Rapid Ric and Dolla Bill on the set of Pullin Up 10: Bigga Rankin and DJ DMoney @ Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 11: Q-Dog and Mr. CC @ Firestone (Orlando, FL) 12: DJ Chino and Yung Joc @ WJHM 102 Jamz (Orlando, FL) 13: Ghost and Sir Knight Train @ Ghost House (Ocala, FL) 14: Pimpin Pen and Spark Dawg on the set of Pullin Up (Austin, TX) 15: Goodie Mob @ Birthday Bash (Atlanta, GA) 16: Murphy the Kid, DJ Bishop, and John Hill @ Johns release party (St. Louis, MO) 17: Final Draft, Jody Breeze, and Block @ Block Entertainments hood block party (Atlanta, GA) 18: Tiffany Diamonds photo shoot @ Lake Lanier (Atlanta, GA) 19: The Runners and Pat Nix @ Whispers for Pats birthday party (Orlando, FL) 20: Paul Wall, Dee Money, and Lil Keke @ Tabu for Dee Moneys birthday party (Orlando, FL) 21: Frank Luv and Trae @ Chubbys for Summerfest (Tallahassee, FL) Photos: Adam Murphy (16); Bogan (07); BrightStar (20); Czar Allen (18); DJ Commando (03,05); FortKnoxx Records (15); Jason Walker (21); Julia Beverly (02,06,10,12,22); Keadron Smith (08,14,19); Kool Laid (01); Luxury Mindz (09); Malik Abdul (11,13); Rock T (04); Shannon McCollum (17)

35

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

37

38

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

39

TJ BIGGA CHAPMANS
10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01
10 NEXT TO BLOW

RANKINS
10D E R G R O U N D HOTTEST UN
FLORIDA RAPPERS

Rich Boy (Mobile, AL) Dude got some hot, different stuff. Hes a Southern rapper but because of Polow, they have a whole different style that I think will allow him to carve his place in the game. Ive been impressed as hell ever since they flew me up to Atlanta and sat in the studio to hear all these records. Hes multi-talented, an artist and a producer, but he doesnt have the standard artists mentality. Under Polows tutelage he sees the big picture and understands what needs to be done to get out there and make it happen. The CORE DJs Even though theyre DJs, theyre getting ready to drop an album and they really want to be taken as artists. Ive been real impressed with their music; theyve got good records. I like what Tonys doing; the movement and the momentum he has as a DJ. I really see him making this album shit happen. Its a whole new concept for DJs to empower themselves. Lloyd (Atlanta, GA) I think his record with Lil Wayne is gonna be the biggest record for the rest of the year. Thats a hit, all day, and its finally gonna catapult him to the position he deserves to be in. Young Dro (Atlanta, GA) Hes already kinda blown up, even though he aint dropped an album yet. In this game its all about creating your own lane. His image and music separates him from all these other artists. Wine-O (Houston, TX) I love his music. Hes an all-in-one package as far as rapping and production. Even though hes from Texas, his style is almost like Texas meets Florida/Georgia type style. He has his own sound. Baby Huey (St. Louis, MO) Hes got catchy, infectious studio raps. I love his record. When I heard it and saw the dance associated with it, I was like, wow.

10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02
tracks.

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

Acafool (Tampa) First of all, hes got a great team behind him. Hes like the Ludacris of Florida and already has a hit on the radio, Hatah Blockas. Hes been grinding big time and also has a great internet buzz as well as the streets. Whole Wheat Bread (Jacksonville) These guys are so amazing. Theyre in a band that plays dirty South punk and have been in the studio with Lil Jon cutting PRC (Ft. Myers) This group has some hot lyrics, a new mixtape, and street cred, and theyre always on the grind.

MayDay (Miami) This is Jim Jonsins band and theyre signed to SouthBeat Records. Theyve already got a buzz off their single with Cee-Lo. Theyre always on tour and their video was #1 on YouTube.com. Papa Duck (Belle Isle) Hes an excellent producer with a nice buzz. He stays grindin and has street cred. Young Ca$h (Jacksonville) Tremendous buzz, radio play, stays on the grind, has hot features and a good image. Plus, hes already got a deal with SRC/UniverChill (Bradenton) Hes got a hot mixtape thats getting him some buzz. He has good street cred and hustles.

Yola (Atlanta, GA) His single is heat. Thats all I can say because I dont know shit else about dude, but that song I Aint Gon Let Up is a muthafucker. They played that three times in the club the other night and the crowd lost it. BloodRaw (Panama City, FL) Hes the ultimate grinder. He understands what he has to do to get to the next level, and his ear for music is crazy.

sal Records.

Bohagon (Atlanta, GA) Hes been soaking up the game for years, just waiting for this opportunity. Now, I think its his time, and hes not gonna let his time pass him by. Plies (Ft. Myers, FL) Hes got the streets. He has a movement. I aint seen a movement like this since Jeezy.

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

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

40

JULIA BEVERLY

RAY TAMARRA

01

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

01: Webbie (Daytona Beach, FL) 02: Chris Brown @ Hot 97s Summer Jam (NYC) 03: Pimpin Ken and Pimp C @ Club Escape for Pimpin Kens Birthday Bash (Milwaukee, WI) 04: Hoopz @ Adidas party (Los Angeles, CA) 05: DJ Enuff @ Hot 97s Summer Jam (NYC) 06: Magno and Steve Austin @ Antones (Austin, TX) 07: And 1s Hot Sauce (San Antonio, TX) 08: Coach K and Young Jeezy @ Mansion (Miami, FL) 09: Boost Mobile ladies @ And 1 game (San Antonio, TX) 10: Young Cash @ Kartouche (Jacksonville, FL) 11: DJ Bounz, Spark Dawg, and Big Sid at Rapid Ric, Magno, and Chalie Boys Pullin Up video premiere party (Austin, TX) 12: Clinton Sparks @ Benny Booms party (Los Angeles, CA) 13: Haziq Ali, Julia Beverly, and Too $hort @ Apache Cafe (Atlanta, GA) 14: Big Wheel Records @ Club Envy (Dallas, TX) 15: Trae @ the Backroom (Austin, TX) 16: DJ Drama @ Summer Jam (NYC) 17: Fidel and Steve-O @ Club Escape for Pimpin Kens Birthday Bash (Milwaukee, WI) 18: Dre, DJ K-Tone, and Cool (Los Angeles, CA) 19: Veda Loca @ Rhythm City (Dallas, TX) 20: The Beat ladies (San Antonio, TX) 21: Royal and Merk Camp @ Club Envy (San Antonio, TX) 22: Charles Young, Steve Bellamy, and Byron Trice @ Club Plush (Jacksonville, FL) 23: Lupe Fiasco @ Ecko Concert in Central Park (NYC) 24: Professor on the And 1 tour (San Antonio, TX) 25: Remy Ma on the And 1 tour (San Antonio, TX) 26: Bobo Luciano @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 27: Pop Gates, Benny Boom, and Bulletz (Los Angeles, CA) 28: T-Pain on the set of J-Shins Send Me An Email (Miami, FL) 29: Archie Lee and Cootabang @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 30: Scooby of the G.R.i.T. Boys @ their meet & greet (Houston, TX) 31: Ryno during Texas Relays (Austin, TX) 32: KG & Lil Bubba @ Rhythm City (Dallas, TX) 33: Money Waters and Steve Nice @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 34: DJ Drop @ Rhythm City (Dallas, TX) 35: Corey Cleghorn and a guest @ Rhythm City (Dallas, TX) 36: Rapid Ric and a photographer on the set of his video for Pullin Up (Austin, TX) 37: And 1 Tour 38: Mr. Pookie @ Rhythm City (Dallas, TX) Photos: Bogan (28); DJ K-Tone (18); Edward Hall (14,19,21,26,29,32,33,34,35, 38); Julia Beverly (03,08,17,22); Kool Laid (04,12,27); Luxury Mindz (06,08, 09,11,15,20,24,25,30,31,36); Malik Abdul (13); Ron Locklear (10); Shoeb Malik (01); Swift (02,05,16,23)

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YOUNG CASHS
10 STREET LAWS 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01
Every Trap In The World Must Have An OZONE Magazine Its the number one magazine in the world, it represents the street niggas, and its based out of Florida. Always Ride With Yo Firestick, With One In The Chamber Aint no time to be doing no cocking back if it goes down. Dont Let The Trap And Where You Stay Be The Same Place If niggas kick yo trap, in, they kickin your house door in. If they do, you better pray they got on masks, cause its a chance you may live. If they dont got on a mask, your ass is outta here. Keep These Raggedy Ass Hoes Out Yo Business The same way you fuckin these hoes and pillow talkin, tellin them all your business, the next day shes laid up with another nigga tellin him where all your shit is at. Stop Snitchin, Period Thats self-explanatory. Dont Think The Police Is A White Man In Street Clothes The police have dreads, golds, and red monkey jeans just like me and you. bail you out. Dont Be Ballin Out Of Control Dont be throwing money out in the clubs, showin off for bitches, and takin bitches on shopping sprees if your children aint got no school clothes. Take care of your kids. Buy My Shit This is the most important rule. Whenever youre in any hood and you see that Young Cash Straight Drop Volume 2 mix CD, or when you go to the store and see a Young Cash album, cop that shit because its official.

KREASONSA THE H I IM S 10
QUEEN OF THE SOUTH

Put Some Money Away If you go to jail, youre gonna look like a dumbass when you find out that all your so-called homeboys are out of money and cant Hustle To Get Legal Money If youre hustlin just for new Jordans and rims on your box Chevy, you got the game fucked up. Youll be dead or in jail soon.

10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01

I Handle My Own Business I do my own booking, my own management, and I handle all my own business affairs. I work for myself. Im A CEO I run my own label. I put out my album Gangstress under Thug Misses Entertainment.

I Have A Solid Fan Base In The South No female in the South got more fans than me. My fan base is solid. Im the only female thats really been able to get work. I dont see no female doing more shows than me. I Write My Own Shit No features. No ghostwriters. I do all my own writing. I aint looking for no big features. I Produced My Whole Album Gangstress was self-produced. I aint looking for no big name producers. I do my own beats.

My First Album Went Platinum Independent, with no promotions, 800k Soundscan. With the bootlegs, yall know thats two times platinum. So many DJs made money off Thug Misses. I went platinum with no promotion. I Own My Own Publishing And Masters I get all my royalties. All that is mine. Those royalty checks are beautiful, four times a year. Im A Stand Up Chick I hustled from the dirt. I did all my shit from the ground up with no help. Just me, out here hustling from hood to hood by myself. Im The Rawest, Realest Bitch In The Game These hoes aint real. Thug Misses, they know Im raw and uncut. Im real. Aint nothing fake about me.

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

PATIENTLY IDA R WAITING: FLO

DS OZONE AWAR MINEE: NO

BEST FEMALE RAP ARTIST

OZONES AWARDE: NOMINE

MALIK ABDUL

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

42

01: Green Lantern and Young Jeezy @ Hot 97s Summer Jam (NYC) 02: J-Shin on the set of his video for Send Me An Email (Miami, FL) 03: Chingy (Los Angeles, CA) 04: Da Brat @ Hot 97s Summer Jam (NYC) 05: T-Pain on the set of J-Shins Send Me An Email (Miami, FL) 06: Benny Boom @ Hot 97s Summer Jam (NYC) 07: Bohagon @ Transcontinental Studios (Orlando, FL) 08: Matt Sonzala and Nancy Byron @ Backroom (Austin, TX) 09: Lil Jon and DJ Sosa @ Hot 107.9s Birthday Bash at Phillips Arena (Atlanta, GA) 10: Kiotti @ Matrix (Houston, TX) 11: Freeze and models @ Matrix for Webbies concert (Houston, TX) 12: Mr. Blakes and Rapid Ric on the set of Pullin Up (Austin, TX) 13: Ghostface @ Boost Mobile Concert (Houston, TX) 14: Mike and Miss Info @ Hot 97s Summer Jam (NYC) 15: Spiff, The Runners, and DJ Nasty @ Transcontinental Studios (Orlando, FL) 16: T-Hud checkin out OZONE 17: Kiotti signing autographs @ Rosedale Park (Austin, TX) 18: YoungBleed and Klajh @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 19: X Squad (West Palm Beach, FL) 20: 98.5 The Beat crew (San Antonio, TX) 21: Clinton Sparks, Pop, and Don Cannon @ Benny Booms party (Los Angeles, CA) 22: Chalie Boy and his kids on the set of Rapid Rics Pullin Up video shoot (Austin, TX) 23: J-Deezy (Orlando, FL) 24: Alchemist @ Hot 97s Summer Jam (NYC) 25: Nappy Roots @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 26: Baby Shaq @ And 1 Concert (San Antonio, TX) 27: Goldie from Flavor of Love @ BB Kings (Hollywood, CA) 28: Play & Skillz @ 98.5 The Beat concert (San Antonio, TX) 29: Dub and George Lopez @ T-Town Music Store (Dallas, TX) 30: DLyte and Uncle Pauly @ Texas Summer Music Conference (Dallas, TX) 31: Salih and Nac of Carnival Beats on the set of Rapid Rics Pullin Up video shoot (Austin, TX) 32: Rick Ross and Carol City Cartel @ WWHV Hot 102.1 (Virginia Beach, VA) 33: Ras Kass @ Ecko Concert in Central Park (NYC) 34: Atiyyah Wali 35: Suave Smooth (West Palm Beach, FL) 36: Cee-Lo @ the mall (Atlanta, GA) 37: Gutta Gang on the set of Rapid Rics Pullin Up video shoot (Austin, TX) 38: Limp Leg @ Nexxus Media Studios (Dallas, TX) Photos: Atiyyah Wali (34); Bogan (02,05); Derrick Tha Franchise (32); DJ Sosa (09); Edward Hall (18,25,29,30,37); Katching Casez (35); Keadron Smith (10,11,13,17); Kool Laid (03,21,27); Luxury Mindz (08,12,20,22,26,28,31, 36); Malik Abdul (07,15,23); Nay Fresh (19,35); Swift (01,04,06,14,24,33); Troy Hudson (16)

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CHAMILLIONAIRES 10 REASONS RAPPERS SHOULDNT LISTEN TO A&Rs

10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01
Ask Him How Many Mixtapes Hes Sold His answer will be proof that you shouldnt listen to his advice. Actions speak louder than words, so tell him to get out there and prove that he can make someone hot in the streets instead of always talking about it. They cant tell you how to get a street buzz. A&Rs Are Like Stylists If you play a hot track in a studio session, I bet hell nod his head to an off-beat rhythm. Just like stylists, A&Rs act like everything they get is hot when everything they get is actually not. When everyone else starts telling you its whack, thats when youre A&R will be standing right next to them agreeing. If You Drop A Hit Record Or Not, They Still Get Paid I bet you dont even know what day of the week your A&R gets his paycheck, or how much he makes each week. He wont talk to you about that, but just know that he isnt feeding you all these beats and giving his opinion for free. If you fail there is a possibility hell get fired, but he will probably attach himself to an artist thats hotter than you and save his job. He Can Disappear If your album sells less than ten copies the first week, see if you can get anything other than the answering machine, or the receptionist telling you hes busy. Youll be the one on the promo tour, doing all the interviews, and you will start to wonder how the hell he can be busier than you. No one likes to stand next to a loser. Only your ride-or-die homie, your girlfriend, or your mother would do that and your A&R is none of the above. When Was The Last Time You Saw An A&R Wreck The Booth On Rap City? Most artists cant even do it well, so how is an A&R gonna tell you how to put together your bars or craft your delivery? If he thinks youre just a mixtape rapper, hes not gonna give you his honest opinion when youre doing your album.

BEST VIDEO,T BEST LYRICIS

OZONES AWARDE: NOMINE

He Will Spend $20 To Purchase Something You Could Get For $2, And Youll Have To Pay For It Its like giving someone your wallet and telling them to go to the candy store and buy something good. After he comes back with the candy, hes gonna give you back your empty wallet and tell you that you owe him. Your A&R is gonna spend too much money, and isnt good at negotiating prices. We all know if the hustle man says something is $1500, you can give him $900 and a box of black & milds. They Dont Get Caught Ridin Dirty They have people that drive for them. Your A&R probably cant relate to whatever it is that you decide to talk about on your records, so dont expect him to. Dont get upset when he tells you that no one wants to hear about it. He was not out there when you were pushin work, rollin dice, or hustlin whatever you used to hustle. He will then tell you that Pimp B and Bun C are dope but are not national. Ever Met An A&R That Can Actually Rap? How is he gonna tell you how to rap? I know this one sounds familiar, but seriously, can anyone name an A&R that can rap? Is there one on the planet? I have never met an A&R that can even spit half a verse. Is there even a former platinum rapper that is now a successful A&R? If you can find at least one then I might be wrong, but until then I stand correct. Theyre Not In The Streets An A&R will always tell you whos hot and whos not hot. Your A&R is listening to whatever is the big radio station in your city, and thats how they get their top secret street information. The morning show DJ is his top secret informant. He logs on to allhiphop.coms rumor section weekly to find out whos hot. They Cant Tell You How To Do You If you dont trust your own decisions, youll be mad at yourself for listening to the same person who signed all the rappers you think are whack. Youll get dropped from the label and he probably wont. Even if he does get fired, hell find another job at another label and do the same thing to another artist. Not all A&Rs are idiots, but no one can tell you how to do you better than you.
the world is looking at texas mayne, just watch how they pick up the slang / just show em your grill and pick up some drank and watch how they do the same

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45

DJ CHUCK Ts 10 GREATEST
10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01
Bow Wow Dissing Will Smith Can you believe this lil nigga had the nerve to get greasy on Will Smith? Even though Will Smith may not be your favorite rapper, you cant deny the fact that he broke down a lot of doors and blazed the trail for hip-hop culture to take over the music industry and the film industry. Respect your elders, lil one. What you need to be worried about is Lil Romeo coming for your ass. Philly Rappers Getting Shot So Much Philly rappers love getting shot just look at Beanie Sigel and Gillie Da Kid. When Beans got shot, he made a record about it the very next day. When Gillie got shot his publicist flooded half the music industrys email boxes with BREAKING NEWS like she had naked pictures of Beyonce or something. When will rappers realize that getting shot does not make you gangsta?

PUBLICITY STUNTS

Lupe Fiascos Fake Album Leak Most down South niggas dont know who Lupe Fiasco is, but hes one of the up and coming Midwest emcees. Chances are, the only place youve heard of him was on Kanye Wests single Touch The Sky. He was well on his way to releasing a double plastic album when the full version of his critically acclaimed album leaked on the internet. It was the best thing that ever happened to him. It bought him some more time, let the fans hear his music and gain confidence, and gave the label more time to promote him. Leaking that album kept dude from being another label tax write-off. Good job Lupe!

DJ, BEST MIXTAPE HUSTLER

OZONES AWARD NOMINEE:

Jim Jones and Tru Lifes $50,000 Boxing Match No disrespect to Jimmy or Tru Life, but this has to be the biggest crock of shit of all time. When we first heard CamRon diss the fuck out of Jay-Z we wondered how long Jigga would take to drop another Takeover and end the career of Killa Cam and the whole Dipset movement. But Jay-Z, saying he was too big to respond, did the only thing he could do: unleashed Tru Life on him, the Rocs only rapper left with some type of hood credentials (Charlamagne the God left Memphis Bleek with a swollen eye and he wasnt gonna do shit). After Tru Life dissed the fuck out of Dipset at a life show Jim Jones went on the radio and said hed put up $50,000 to fight Tru Life one-on-one. We all know this shit aint happening, and even if it did, would anyone really care? This New York beef shit is so played out. Jay-Zs I Declare War Concert This one had me heated for real. After months of niggas taking subliminal shots at Jigga, we thought President Carter was finally about to bust back. But when the concert finally came around, he dissed nobody! This nigga even went so far as to squash the beef with Nas and perform with him on stage. Im all for people resolving their differences in peace, but damn, I wanted Hova to diss somebody bad! Foxy Brown Losing Her Hearing This one sounded like bullshit from the minute I heard it. Ive never heard of someone losing their hearing and having a 90% chance of gaining it back after surgery. If that was the case then damn near every deaf person would be lined for miles to get that shit done. Did Jacki-O whip her ass so bad that she couldnt hear afterwards? Looks like she was just trying to get the attention off of that beatdown she received. The CORE DJs Conference Call With Benzino, Funkmaster Flex, and Julia Beverly I must admit that Im jealous of Benzino. He used this one to his advantage perfectly. Dude hopped on the call and went straight bananas. He was cursing people out left and right and didnt give anyone a chance to say a word. The last thing on his mind was resolving the problems he had with Flex and JB; he was too worried about being a SUPER THUG. If you havent heard this call, you need to download it. Its a classic. CamRon Getting Shot, Blaming Jay-Z For The Shooting, Then Dissing Jay-Z Right Before His Album Dropped This one right here is self-explanatory. It was the perfect stunt! His album was average, but if it was a little better he would be triple platinum by now.

50 Cent and The Games Press Conference Now this one right here takes the cake. After months of feuding and even a shootout outside of Hot 97, 50 Cent and The Game met up in Harlem on the anniversary of Biggie Smallz death to squash their beef. Both of them vowed not to diss each other anymore and gave away some money to charity so wed believe them. This truce lasted a few hours. The G-Unit crew was back on Shade 45 the next weekend dissing Game. The Game came back with a few diss tracks of his own, but he shouldve stopped while he was ahead. The G-Unit crew went on a world tour and forgot about him; meanwhile he dropped mixtape after mixtape and diss track after diss track. Theyd finally had enough you can peep the new G-Unit Radio 21 cover to see what Im talking about. Game is wearing a G-String and is in a strip club. They even have a DVD out with him on the popular dating show Change Of Heart admitting that he frequents male strip clubs. The cover is a Photoshop fake, but the Change of Heart clips arent. Game shouldve just left well enough alone. Now his career is damn near over. These East Coast Rappers Will Do Just About Anything to Take The South Out of the #1 Spot In Hip-Hop Look at this list of Top 10 Publicity Stunts and tell me that there isnt a pattern here. The East coast will do just about anything to take the attention off the South right now other than the obvious: MAKE HOT MUSIC. Its a shame it had to come to this, but some niggas just cant take being #2.

im a hustler, baby, i just want you to know / it aint where ive been, its where im bout to go

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47

PITBULLS 10 REASONS I LOVE MIAMI

10 09 08 07 06
The Other Side Of The Bridge Miami is a melting pot, and its the fastest growing city ever known in the United States of fucking America. Yeah, it sounds fuckin good, huh? The Tropical Environment Theres a lot of people with hot blood out there. I love Miami cause its hot and fucking freaky, yeah! There we go. Hot and freaky, muthafucker. The Best Crippy In The Nation Miami crippy is different than that Cali shit. Cali shit is so strong. Some niggas like they weed strong, but I like mine to make me happy. Miami crippy is just so fruity. Shit! That Bitch Dont Sleep, Nigga We got clubs that go til the next afternoon. Everybody elses clubs close at 2:00. You can get liquor 24 hours a day in Miami, so it works out well for alcoholics. The Nightlife The clubs, the strip clubs, everything. Oxygen, Martini Bar in the Gables, Rollexx, Cocos, Diamonds. Thats where you can find Pitbull, yeaaaaaaah!!!!

05 04 03 02 01

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

Old School Bass And Freestyle Music You gotta check out that Stevie B Spring Love and that 2 Live Crew Nasty As They Wanna Be album. That and Poison Clan, thats what I came up on. The Old School Chevy Game All the birds, the donks, the old Chevys. I love the way they can make an old car look better than a new car.

Its The Reason America Ever Had A Drug Problem (Cocaine Capital) Everything comes through Miami directly from Columbia. There was a time that 95% of anything coming into the United States of America was coming through the port of Miami. And that right there, thats a scientific fact. The Women The exotic international women. Miamis full of Caribbean women, Haitians, Cubans, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, shit. Youve got all these women from South America there. Its a bunch of beautiful women; all exotic.

MIXTAPE MONSTER

OZONES AWARD NOMINEE:

i do what i wanna do, move when i wanna move / yall gonna see what i mean when i live out my dreams

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51

YOUR CHEVY
10 09 08 07 06
Put A Digital Dash In It A digital dash makes it look like a spaceship inside. If your Chevy is a 71, they didnt have digital dashes back then. You gotta drop in a digital dash so it looks futuristic. Drop Candy On It The candy is the paint job; we call it wetness. You gotta have that wet look on the donk so when the light hits it, it just shines. Its gotta be wet. Its gotta look crazy. That way, when you drop the top and youre driving through on the beach or in the hood, if its 100 degrees out and the sun is shining down, that bitch is just shining. Throw Some 26s On It And Look Down On Them Haters You gotta look down on em. Thats the main reason to put 26s on it. Its not a donk without 24 or 26 rims. You gotta have your Chevy ridin high. I cant make a record called Chevy Ridin High and not put some 26s on my shit. You gotta ride high. Ostrich On The Seats The ostrich is just to let you know that were spending a lot of money. Basically, you gotta spend at least $90,000 on your Chevy if youre trying to stunt for real. A lot of people will put suede or leather in their car, but me, I went all the way and put ostrich on it. Im fly like a muthafucker so I might as well throw the bird all in that bitch. Drop A One Belt System In With A 454 Engine And Do 100 On I-95 The one belt system is another way to update your car. Its

DRES 05
10 WAYS TO HOOK UP

basically like having a brand-new engine. The last thing youre trying to do is get caught out on the side of the highway cause your shit broke down. Throw that one-belt system in it and it updates the engine. Its like a brand new car, really. You want your engine to be running right, cause the last thing you wanna be doing is worrying about your shit breaking down. Throw Four 15s In The Trunk And Play Chevy Ridin High If you got a Chevy, you gotta put 15s in the back so niggas will hear you before they see you. And of course the record you must be playing in your Chevy is Chevy Ridin High. Thats the only record thats gonna bump properly. Thats the right representation of your donk.

04 03 02

Fiberglass The Trunk And Door Panels This is another way to update the car and make it look incredible. Stunt hard. Spend a lot of money making your shit look incredible. Its just another way of stuntin on muthafuckers. That fiberglass lets muthafuckers know that you really give a fuck about your car and youre spending money on your shit and you want it to bling harder than anybody elses. You could go to the NBA draft and pick up a decent player, or you could get a Dwayne Wade or Lebron James. Throwin fiberglass in your shit is like picking up a superstar; an MVP. Drop A Porsche Or Ferrari Top On That Bitch! Yeah, the top is important. You cant put that vinyl wrap on top of your car cause that shit is cheap. I went out and got a Porsche top. I got a cloth top on top of that muthafucker. Whenever it rains and you put the top up, you gotta look clean. And make sure the top matches the muthafuckin paint. Make it match. You gotta have a Porsche top. Put Bucket Seats So That Bitch Can Recline! A lot of people have a bench seat in their Chevy, but it doesnt recline. So I dropped two captain chairs in there from an Escalade. I got two bucket seats in my shit that recline all the way back. I got a two-seater, for real.

01

A Secret Compartment For That Fire, Cause Niggas Be Plottin! The number one rule in the Chevy game is, never pull that bitch out the lot unless you got that iron with you. Theres a lot of haters out there. If you followed the first nine rules and your Chevy looks like mine, you better follow this rule. Dudes will definitely try to take your muthafuckin car even with you in it.

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

OZONES AWARDE: NOMINE

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MAGNOS
10 WAYS TO TELL YOURE

DEALING WITH A TRUE

MIXTAPE MONSTER

OZONES AWARDE: NOMINE

10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01

HOUSTONIAN

They Still Use Sta-Flo To Starch Their Jeans Everybody else probably uses Niagara Falls or something, but down here in Houston we use Sta-Flo. It aint a spray starch, it comes in a Clorox-type bottle. Then you can dilute it as much as you want. I started off putting half water and half Sta-Flo, and then I started getting my skill right on the iron. If you dont iron right, your pants will look flaky. I was using straight Sta-Flo back in the day. I used to be able to stand my pants up by themselves in the middle of the floor. If youre a true Houstonian, you still do it like that. They Rolled Up A Fat Ass Ballbat When They Heard The Pimp Was Free, And Have Been Impatiently Waiting For A UGK Reunion Ever Since Even though UGK isnt from Houston, theyve been putting it down for us for so, so long. Ive been listening to them since I was a youngster. I remember the first time I met Bun B, I was kinda starstruck. He practically raised me and didnt even know it. I was listening to UGK, Master P, Cash Money, and a few other people at the time, but when Pimp got locked up, that kinda put the UGK thing on ice. Everybody thought he was gonna be doing the full eight [years] so when we heard he was getting out, everybody lit a fat one up for him. Now were waiting for that UGK album. I got that Pimp album now and Im loving it. Theyre Still Talking About How Pissed Off They Are That It Took 20 Hours To Get From Houston To Conroe (Normally 30 Minutes) During Hurricane Rita, And Aint Shit Happen! You gotta be a true Houstonian to know about that. Actually, you gotta be a true Nawfside Houstonian to know about that. If you were on the Soufside you were probably going towards Victoria. Imagine being in a club and theres 1,000 people in there, and its only two exits, and you tell everybody theyve got two minutes to get out. So everybodys trying to leave at the same time. When that storm was coming, man, everybody was running out of gas. The freeways were just gridlocked. Houstons a big city and theres only two ways to exit. Man, it was crazy. Theyre Still Houston Rocket Season Ticket Holders A lot of Houstonians are still trying to hold onto that last piece of glory we had from 94, 95. Eleven years later, we just aint been able to do it. We aint even been getting into the playoffs, and if we do, we lose in the first round. Im still a big Rockets fan. It takes a true Houstonian to stay down. They Own An Astrovan With Swangaz (4-4s) On It Down here, well put swangaz on anything. I think my grandpa used to have swangaz on his wheelchair Im tryin to remember. Well put swangaz on a Yugo, it dont matter.

Their Favorite Rapper Totally Depends On Which Side Of Town They Were Raised On Aint nobody from the Nawf fans of the Soufside rappers. But with the OG rappers, you never know, because some of them were around before the Nawf and Soufside beef came about. Slim Thug, Chamillionaire, and Paul Wall are from the Nawf, and Lil Keke is from the Souf. Ive heard Paul say that Keke was his favorite rapper, which is easy to believe because Keke was doing it way back then when we was still kids. So that one goes against the stereotype. But a lot of Nawfside people grew up only listening to Nawfside rappers. When I was 11 or 12 years old I started listening to the Screwed Up Click, and when all that stuff started going down they were talking down on the Nawf so I stopped buying their tapes. I started buying Swishahouse tapes instead, so what you see [in music] right now is a result of the tension [between the Nawf and Souf sides of Houston]. True Houstonians dont really support the other side. But now that the spotlight is on us, were getting our mind right. Its a Houston thing it dont matter, Nawf or Souf. Back in the day you wouldnt dare hear somebody say that. Every Photo Pose Is A Grill Shot Ill admit that Im guilty of this one. But in my recent photo shoots, I just take serious pics. But back in the day, if you got a brand new grill, you finna be grillin all over. Whats funny is that other places are just now getting into the grill thing. Man, in Houston, our grandmamas used to be grilled out, so its nothing new to us. Now were seeing people in other cities just extra cheesy. Man, its just a grill. Everybody got one. Even rappers that have been having a grill for five or six years before they hit the limelight, even theyre cheesing real hard with a grill. So thats a true Houstonian when you gotta let everybody know youve got a grill. Thats how we do. Theyre Latino And Have A Grill From Paul Wall No matter where I go, the only places Ive ever seen a Latino person with a grill was in Houston or Dallas. If you go somewhere else, only black people have grills. Here in Houston, black people, white people, and Mexicans all have grills, which brings us to number two: Theyre Oriental And Have A Grill From Paul Wall I was in the mall today pumping CDs and an Oriental kid who happened to be a real big fan stopped me. It tripped me out that he was Oriental and grilled out. He probably had a better grill than Mike Jones. Every Other Word Out Of Their Mouth Is Awready, Knowmsayin? or Knowmtimbout? Thats just how we talk down here in Texas. Whenever we get caught in the middle of a thought, thats our crutch. I believe everybody has a crutch different dialects have different crutches. We say awready for everything, man.

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

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LUXURY MINDZ

10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01

KILLER MIKES 10 REASONS OPRAH HATES RAPPERS

, BEST LYRICIST BEST RAP ION COLLABORAT
OZONES AWARD NOMINEE:

Shes The Other O Amongst the readers of the OZONE Magazine, Oprah is referred to as the other O. Oprahs magazine is called O, but yours is the real O, yours is the real shit. OZONE is the real O. Steadman Denied Access To Def Jam Tour Oprah felt that Steadman should have been the third member of the Redman and Method Man concert tour. So basically shes mad that Def Jam didnt grant Steadman access to the tour. They wouldnt give him an honorary membership in the group. She wanted it to be Method Man, Redman, and Steadman. Papoose Never Got Clearance To Make The Song The Color Purple Papoose has a song called The Color Purple and he didnt clear it with Oprah. You know, she opened her thing in New York, the Broadway thing. But when I went up there, the biggest thing was Papooses song, not Oprahs play. Diddy Shes angry that Diddy got more press for doing the New York City marathon

than she did.

David Banner Shes angry that David Banner made Mississippi more famous than she did. Shes from a little small town in Mississippi. Betcha didnt know that, huh? Outkast Refused To Do Her Show Again She must have a crush on Andre 3000 or

something.

Killer Mike Outkast owns a record company that puts out Killer Mike, so since shes mad at Outkast, shes mad at Killer Mike. Jim Jones Jim Jones said that Kanyes clothes are gay, and Kanye West is Oprahs favorite rapper. And no matter how successful he is, all other rappers refuse to dress like Kanye. She Thinks We Told Harpo To Beat Her If you watch The Color Purple, theres a scene where Harpo, the stepson of Whoopi Goldberg, asks her what he should do about Oprah because shes too strong-minded. Whoopi says he should beat her, cause thats what happened to her the whole movie. So she thinks that we were the ones that told Harpo to beat her. I Dont Know I dont know why shes mad. Who knows? We both got white audiences. Were the hip-hop generation. Our audiences parents is her audience.
JULIA BEVERLY

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

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RICK ROSS
10 09 08 07
Boss. Because I Kicked In The Door With The Biggest Anthem Of The Year Every day Im Hustlin. Biggest anthem of the year. And to top it off, I went and put Jay-Z and Young Jeezy on the remix. My Struggle Twelve years in the game. I started with no lights on and kept going hard, and we prevailed. Now Ive got everybody saying My Flow My lyrics; my presence. Its just different. Its the new trend; the new shit. Gotta have that flow.

10 REASONS TO 05 BUY MY ALBUM

04 03 02 01

06

The Music Jay-Z is on the album. Akon is on the album. Lyfe Jennings is on the album. Lil Wayne is on the album. Mario Winans is on the album. My group Carol City Cartel is on the album. Young Jeezy is on the album. The music speaks for itself. The Movement This is causing a movement, and I want to salute all my partners that made it possible the DJ Khaleds, the Cool & Dres, the whole 305 M-I-Yayo, feel me? This is a movement so real, you want to be a part of this shit. It wasnt like this in Miami for a long time. Its a lot of down South support right now. The Ladies Are Gonna Love It Too All theyre hearing is the street Rick Ross. So theyre buying the album thinking theyre gonna surprise their nigga. But when they hear it, theyre gonna be like, I love this guy. This guy makes shit for us too. I got music for the ladies; I got a few surprises for the ladies. Its History This is history in the making. I know it is for me, and for my fans it should be too. Its A Classic Its a classic cause its a classic. Its a classic cause the boss said it was a classic. Its a must-have collectible.

My Flyness, My Fashion, My Style Im 300 pounds and proud of it. Billionaire Boys Club, we diesel. Im a fly dude, sweetheart. How many fat 300 pound dudes wear Gucci belts? Its just my swagger. Im fly until I die. Im a fly guy. Im the only 300 pound dude that wears Prada and BBC. Its all part of my lifestyle.

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

O G BREAKTHRT,U ARTIS , BEST VIDEOR CLUB BANGE

DS OZONE AWAR OMINEE: N H

who the fuck you think youre fuckin with, im the fuckin boss / 745 white on white, thats fuckin ross

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

PAUL WALLSTAPES 10 PERSONAL FAVORITE SCREW

10 09 08 07 06
circuit. Window. Michael 5000 Watts Before The Kappa 2000 This was the mixtape that gave me my claim to fame. I freestyled over Dre Dres Xxxplosive and made my place in the Screw Hall of Fame. Paul Wall & Gu Mushu Academy This mixtape was a collection of all the best slow jams from the 90s, Screwed and Chopped. It was a huge hit on the slow jam Michael 5000 Watts Swisha 90 This was the first time we heard Slim Thug on a mixtape. His verse to Master Ps Homies and Thugs is still well-known to DJ Screw Leanin On A Switch Lil Keke ruled the mic on this one. Him and Big Pokey did their thing to various instrumentals like Goodie Mobs Peepin In My any Texan.

05 04 03 02 01

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

ABA Lil Keke: The Album Before The Album Lil Kekes most recent mixtape shows that he can still hold his own on the m-i-c. Its amazing to see how the original freestyle pro and Screwed Up Click originator can still set trends and turn heads. Slim Thug & Michael 5000 Watts I Represent This A collaboration of all of Slim Thugs best known freestyles up to the date of its release in 1999. By 99, Slim Thug already had a Greatest Hits collection. DJ Screw 3 N The Mornin Vol. 2 This was the first ever nationally distributed Screw tape. Lil Keke ravaged the airwaves of radio with the hit freestyle Pimpin Pens, unquestionably the biggest song/freestyle to ever come out of Houston. To this day if you play this in any club in Houston, youll get a bigger response than any other song all night long. DJ Screw Whos Next With Plex Lil Keke, Big Pokey, and Bird wrecked instrumentals like Loves Gonna Get Ya and Yous A Customer. Lil Keke showed finesse and one hell of a vocab as he dismantled the mic in classic freestyle form: no pen, no pad, off the top of the dome.

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

BEST RAPLE, A ARTIST - MKER TASTEMA

OZONES AWARDE: NOMINE

its paul wall baby what you know bout me / im on that 5-9 southlea baby holla at me

60

JULIA BEVERLY

10 ART OF WAR TACTICS

10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01
Fuck His Ol Lady Muthafuckers front like theyre pimps, but theyre really weak for women. I think most of the altercations that go down, most of the problems that happen, and most of the wars that are fought in this world are over women. So if you really wanna get to a niggas brain you can do it through his heart. Thats how you really win a fight. Fuck the shit outta his old lady. Get Money Jealousy is the root of all evil. So in a lot of cases, I dont even try to physically beat these muthafuckers. If you get money and become successful, a person has to live in your shadow for the rest of their life. The best way to win a war is not to touch a muthafucker. Let him live in your shadow for the rest of his life. Make his little daughter scream your name when she sees you on TV. Fuck His Sister Getting to their family will always piss them off. Its hard for somebody to retaliate against you if someone in their family loves you.

DAVID BANNERS

Take His Dope Aside from his woman, nothing fucks with a man more than his money. If you take away his way to feed his family, you can control his emotions. Being emotional is never the way to win a war. If you fight somebody, fight them with a calm spirit. If you go to war, go with a calm spirit. You can never win when youre mad. You have to be able to think, and when youre mad youre not thinking straight. Blow Up His Car People spend so much money on their car, its almost like their woman. Refer to #10. Take A Picture In His House And Send It To Him This ones self-explanatory. Hell know that youve been in his fucking house. Youve violated his comfort zone. Ignore Him A lot of times, peoples ego leads them to become angry. When theyre giving their best effort and youre ignoring them, you make them feel insignificant; like a fool, a court jester. Piss Or Spit On Him Pissing or spitting on him is another one of my anger tactics. When you piss or spit on somebody it makes them so angry that you control them. Anger is a good way for you to control somebody. If you whoop their ass and knock them out and piss on them and spit in their face, its really good for you. Slap Him Same thing as pissing. Refer back to #03.

BEST VIDEO, HUSTLER,E NO ESCAP

OZONES AWARDE: NOMINE

Pray For Him This is the most important one. Sometimes its better for you to just pray for your enemies and leave it at that. Sometimes the moves that you make while trying to attack someone else actually work against you. Put it like this: To dig a grave for somebody, you have to have one step in the grave yourself. So if you just pray for them and leave it with God, then youre protected and youre in the right. All the other nine methods that I talked about bring you one step closer to the grave.

maybe hell aint a place for us to burn / maybe earth is hell and just a place for us to learn

62

JULIA BEVERLY

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10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01

10 ORLANDO HOT SPOTS

Tabu Nightclub Its the #1 spot to party on a Wednesday night, plus Orlandos hottest DJ, DJ Nasty, sets the party off lovely. First Wednesdays at Tabu Nightclub are legendary. The Blue Rooms Martini Mondays After the weekend is over, you know its impossible to find a nice spot to party on a Monday night. Well, say no more DJ Nasty, DJ K-Ozz, and Infinite keep this place poppin every Monday night. Chef in Pine Hills This dude should have his own cooking show. If youre looking for a spot to eat after the club, you need to go check out my boy Chef. Where else can you eat steak, lobster, and shrimp at 4 AM? Carib Craft Cmon, you know hip-hop and reggae go together. My homie Trevors got the hottest dancehall in the city, plus he keeps a full stock of champagne cola.

DJ NASTYS

Nelquans Touch Barbershop Ive been going to Nelquan since he was cutting hair at his moms crib back in the days, and I havent stopped yet. Plus, if you wanna know all the street gossip, youll hear it here. Kres Restaurant If youre in the mood for a good steak or a cool, sexy, chillout spot, this is the perfect place. Plus, its open late night.

Rock & Roll Heaven Ive been going to this record store for twelve years now, and its the last record store left in the city. If youre looking for classic soul, jazz, rock, funk, and hip-hop records, you dont wanna leave the O without checking them out. Transcontinental Studios This is most definitely the place to be if youre in the music business and trying to record like a king. Everyone from Dr. Dre to R Kelly has recorded here. You can find me and The Runners at this hot spot. Club Whispers Saturday Night If you know anything about Frontline Promotions, you know they know how to throw a party! Add DJ Nasty and the games over. Its grown and sexy. The Club At Firestone What can I say? Its the hottest party in the city on a Sunday night. You can hear me DJ, plus, its the OZONE Awards official afterparty spot.

BEST RADIO DJ

OZONES AWARDE: NOMINE

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

64

JULIA BEVERLY

MALIK ABDUL

BUN Bs 10 WAYS TO
KEEP IT TRILL
10 09 08
Keep It To Yourself If its not your business, keep it that way. Recognize And Respect Trillness In Others Under no circumstances can a trill nigga hate on another. If theyre doing their thang, give it up accordingly, and try to break bread if at all possible. Give Back Be it through money, time, advice, or mentorship, it is your duty to teach the next generation the right way to do things. No matter how smart they may seem, they dont really know.

07 06 05 04 03 02 01
or not.

Stay Focused Money, power, and hoes can cloud even the strongest mans focus. Keep your eyes on the prize. Take Ya Time Dont rush for the quick money. It leads to the quick route out of the game. Be patient til the lane is clear.

Know Ya Limits Big bank still takes little bank. Dont compete with people that are out of your league. Keeping up with the Joneses is the quickest way to go broke. Know The Game Whatever your grind is, know as much as you can before you jump in. Otherwise, you disrespect the game and also the players. Rep Yo Hood Not the part of your city thats gangsta, or the closest gangsta city. Ima rep P.A., regardless of whether they group us with Houston Run Wit Trill Niggas You know the saying, Hang with nine broke niggas and youll be the tenth? It applies to trill niggas too. Be Trill In The First Place You cant keep it trill until you get trill.

S NOMINEE: ZONE AWARD LYRICIST, O BEST

BEST ALBUM,, ND LIVING LEGEALE EST M T B RAP ARTIS

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

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TRAES
10 WAYS TO BE AN

ASSHOLE
10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01
Rules Are Made To Be Broken Hell yeah. I take it to the extent that a nigga dont really listen to nobody. Since youre an asshole you can have the attitude that youre gonna do whatever you wanna do. We really dont care what nobody says. Just Dont Give A Damn Thats the type of mindframe we keep all the time. We dont give a damn about anything. Thats our attitude. Im talking about, we give a fuck about what you like or dont like. We just dont give a damn. Pants Saggin Flag Waving Asshole By Nature is gang-affiliated, so you got a lot of different gangs involved, from the Crips to the Bloods to the GDs and Vice Lords. We rep the flag. Take The Law Into Your Own Hand If shit aint going right and somebody got out of line and you feel the need to take care of it, take care of it yourself. If something happens to one of your people in these streets you gotta take care of the shit in your own way. Keep A Fucked Up Attitude Shit, you gotta keep a fucked up attitude at all times. Aint nothing friendly about us. We really aint tryin to make too many

new friends.

Disrespect Those Who Disrespect You Shit, if somebody crosses that line and disrespects you, beat they muthafuckin ass. If they cross that line of respect, theyve got to be dealt with. Hop In The Slab And Swang On Somebodys Ass Thats when youre looking good in your slab. Pop the trunk, wave on muthafuckers. Thats what we do to the laws and all those people who think they holdin, all the people who think they looking good. Death Before Dishonor Everything with us is family made. So if you do decide to dishonor the family, remember that theres consequences for

everything.

Always Yell Free Dinkie And Free JayTon No Matter Where You At From the block to the award ceremony, we always yell Free Dinkie and Free JayTon. Them two are the soldiers thats gone, and both of them are my brothers. We always yell that, no matter where we at, at all times. Fuck With Us And Find Out If you really wanna know what being an asshole is all about, try to break one of these rules we just made and youll find out real quick. Keep in mind that this is only the ten rules that were willing to give you.

aint too much they can do to a g / but try to hate me every second due to the fact who i be

68

MIKE FROST

BEST RAP, COLLABOY PATIENTLXAS WAITING TE

OZONES AWARDE: NOMINE

DJ DRAMAS
GANGSTA GRILLZ 10
DJ Drama, DJ Sense, Don Cannon, & Willie The Kid - The Day The Game Changed Willie the Kid is the future of our movement. Willies the first artist off Aphilliates Music Group so thats a special tape because thats under my umbrella. Ive been watching that project blossom and bloom. Thats home team, so you know thats more powerful than anything.

10 FAVORITE
DJ Drama, Killer Mike, David Banner, & Bonecrusher - Gangsta Grillz 6 This Gangsta Grillz was when I kinda realized I was onto something. I was still working in the streets, making my moves on the day-to-day grind, and I was seeing bootleggers. I didnt realize how many units were actually being moved, even if they werent all coming from me. This Gangsta Grillz had all the bangers on it, and at the time, the mixtape game wasnt what it is now oversaturated. Of course, Big Oomp and Jelly and them and Goldfinger and a couple of other people in the A were making mixtapes, but it wasnt as many out there. It had all the bangers and it was right on the cusp of when those songs were about to blow up. From that tape, I realized something was definitely brewing. DJ Drama & Bun B - Gangsta Grillz: Legend Series Vol. 1 This was the first of the legend series. I got the opportunity to work with a real veteran. Until that point, I had been working with people that I was coming up with. Bun hit me out of the blue one day on my pager it was an old one, a 2way. He wanted to do a project with me so it was a no-brainer, being the legend that he is. That was a breakthrough for me, and hes a good dude. He saw the movement early on. DJ Drama & Big Boi - Gangsta Grillz 10 At that time in his career, nobody had gotten Big Boi to do a mixtape. Outkast had just come out with their last album, which went on to do millions of numbers. It was a tape that took me a long time to really make happen. I put it in existence by saying it, so I had to make sure it happened. That was big at the time. It was very hard to get him in the studio. I had been working on it for months prior to their album coming out, but because it took so long, it didnt happen til after the album came out. But it actually worked out better, because it gave the tape a different flavor. I had to use my brain a little more and be creative.

DJ Drama, T.I., & P$C - In Da Streetz Meets Gangsta Grillz In Da Streetz is the first T.I. & P$C mixtape, the first complete tape I did with Grand Hustle. And the Gangsta Grillz release was the first complete tape with one movement from one artist, with Tip being the main artist. Now that you see what Gangsta Grillz has become and how other movements have been built, a lot of that shit has been built off that tape. That tape came before any of the Trap or Dies or Dedications. Tip was the first person I did a whole, complete mini-album with. That set the standard for myself and other tapes after that. DJ Drama & Lil Wayne - Dedication 1 & 2 Around the time when those tapes came out, it was at a point where Lil Wayne really convinced people of his lyrical domination. When the Dedication came out, Wayne went hard. Real hard. I think covers mean a lot, and there was something about the artistic value of that cover that really matched the CD. Plus, the fact that it was a part one and a part two the majority of the tapes that have come out with an artist have only been one CD. So that was big. With Jeezy, it was a whole new movement. With Tip, every time he came out it was a whole new situation. But with Wayne, we stayed with the concept for the second part. When you do a sequel, youve always gotta be concerned about living up to the first one. I think the second one surpassed the first. That nigga proved hes a beast. DJ Drama, T.I., & P$C - Gangsta Grillz: Down With Tha King This mixtape is another classic moment in history. At the time there was an ongoing feud between Tip and Lil Flip, and I think this tape was a standing point in that battle. From a hip-hop standpoint, if you look at what that tape meant on both sides what it meant to Tips career and what it meant to Flips career, for that matter that shit was a classic. DJ Drama & Young Jeezy - Gangsta Grillz: Trap or Die When that tape was out, I was doing a lot of traveling. It didnt matter what city I was in I always heard it in everybodys city. It was essential. Gangsta Grillz has had a lot of pivotal moments, but it was something about the impact of that tape. What it did for both my career and Jeezys career was monumental.

04 03

09 08 07

02 01

06 05

DJ Drama & Lil Jon - Gangsta Grillz 4 This is what really kicked it off. T.I. was the first complete tape, but Lil Jon was almost where Gangsta Grillz was born. Gangsta Grillz, thats the slogan that everybody knows and hears throughout their hood, and thats Lil Jons voice. So from him coming in early and coming to fuck with me and showing love and hosting my tape, the next tape I did after that I didnt have a host, so I said, fuck it, let me use Jons voice again. From then on out, it stuck. DJ Drama & Little Brother - Gangsta Grillz: Separate But Equal This is one of my favorites because this situation helped me get back to my roots and show that Gangsta Grillz and what I represent, or even the South as a whole, cant be put in a box. Little Brother are some artists from North Carolina, but theyre compared more to A Tribe Called Quest or Slum Village than anything else in the South. Theyre talented dudes that get overlooked. It was an interesting move to do a Gangsta Grillz, because at the time we were wondering how it was going to be perceived. Why is a group thats not perceived as gangsta doing a Gangsta Grillz? But I think it was ingenious, and it took the movement outside of the box and let people know that Im well-rounded.

BEST MIXTAPE DJ, HUSTLER

OZONES AWARDE: NOMINE

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

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FIELD MOBS
SHAWN JAYS
10 09 08 07
Tech N9ne You know what I think it is? I think niggas are just scared of how he looks. You gotta sell yourself, and that nigga do look devilish. So thats what it is, thats why he aint cracked open yet. The mainstream people fussing behind a desk aint gonna sign him because they dont see the marketability. Thats why hes slept on. Hes hard though; hes fire. Devin The Dude Shit, hes one of my favorites. Matter of fact, he might be one of the best. He dont talk about all that dumb shit. I aint never heard him talk about no dope other than smoking it. Everybody says hes fire, but people dont never talk about him. Hes one of those people that niggas steal shit from. They bite his style and he dont get that compliment. Hes cool enough to know that and never say nothing. Hes that cool laid back nigga. I could say whatever the fuck I wanna say in this magazine; thats why I wanted to do 10 most slept on artists. Those are the niggas that aint gonna say nothing. The album sales dont mean nothing. His shit is fire. You dont hear him in the club or on the radio, but I know somebody out there agrees with me cause he still got a job and J Prince still takes care of him, apparently. MJG Its 2006 and Im just now starting to see MJG on some other folks songs. When you talk about slept on, he is the pillowcase. I coulda put Bun B on this list too but he done got out there, finally. I want him to win an award. Bun B is official now. They recognize him. But MJG, damn. I never heard MJG have a whack verse, ever, and thats what we here for, arent we? Every time he gets up in the pulpit and preaches, it sounds good. If you dont like MJG, youre stupid. Chamillionaire I had to put him on there. Hes my partna, but sometimes, dawg, hes like Scottie Pippen. Scottie Pippen is a great player, man, a Hall of Famer, but he will always be overshadowed by Michael Jordan. The Houston movement is like the Chicago Bulls. I love the Houston movement and Im a big supporter, I got a lot of partnas out there like Slim Thugga, but Chamillionaire done sold a million records and aint got no accolades for being the shit. Its still hate all around the board. I just look at who controls the game, and its crazy how niggas from the South do certain shit and itll still be so low key that nobody hears about it. Boy, dont make me get started. Yeah, hes another nigga thats slept on. Hes my dawg and he done sold a million records. I hope niggas respect that and give him some TV time. I want everybody to get some TV time. I dont really care, Id rather write songs for these niggas. Holla at me, Im still doing that. Im your favorite rappers rapper.

10 MOST SLEPT-ON 04

The NBA players did their homework cause thats their job to know whos coming and whos playing. The industry is no different. Niggas have heard of Big Nod. Theres a lot of Big Nod wannabes. Some of your favorite rappers sound just like him, but with an Atlanta twang. I be peeping game. Go cop that Big Nod Come Up Man. I told you so. Everybody who hears it loves it. if you hear it, youre a fan. And I dont like nobodys shit. Im picky. People be making bullshit to me. But then again, I look at music differently, cause I do it. A fire-ass beat dont really turn me on. Beanie Sigel Hes another one I think theyre really afraid of. If you just look at the game, its funny, man. The industry really is kind of gay. Every CD he puts out, I be like, damn, its time niggas thought Beanie Sigel was on the same level as Jay. But damn, when you look at his numbers, hes still slept on. What if the label gave the same push to Beanie Sigel that they gave Nelly?

RAPPER S

03 02 01

Yukmouth Yukmouth can spit. I think hes another one of those niggas thats been around for a minute getting that gwop. When I say slepton, these niggas are still getting gwop, but they deserve that one mil, two mil gwop straight out the gate every time. I wish more of the real talented niggas got on more than it just being focused on the beats. I be joking with my nigga Frank Nitti, cause Nitti just basically give you a beat and thats the song. Its over. Hell write it, give you the hook and the song. With a producer like that, damn, they make a rappers job easy. Nowadays all you gotta do is be pretty. Cmon, baby, just be cute and well get you a rapping job. Yukmouth got them West Coast beats and I think thats why hes on the low low. I hear him, but I wanna see more TV and magazine covers for niggas like that. Playaz Circle Theyre another one if you hear them, youre gonna like it. You gotta give them that push. Im glad theyre signed to the same label as me, DTP. Its a good look. They got a mixtape; these niggas got a fan base and they aint really tryin to have a fan base. They just pushing CDs and they shit kept getting bootlegged. Its crazy. I like em. Shawn Muthafuckin Jay Me, myself, I. Know why? Cause sometimes being different is a muthafucker. I have fun. I dont wear that gangsta image. Thugs aint harder than niggas like me, man. I done been in every environment; every situation you can think of. We done hit licks. You can do anything, nigga, I know about karma. I got a daughter now. Im tryin to keep my hands out of the streets so bad right now. I can just be cool because I wanna talk about life, straight up. Just some real life shit. Sometimes I wanna stay dapper. I try to keep it one hundred, right? Niggas say that when I talk Im very animated. Thats just me; I get it. I just do Shawn Jay. Im getting that gwop. Its time for these niggas to crack it open. This time, Luda and them are behind me, pushing me. Shawn Jay, he is I and I am him. You aint used to niggas like me, so it son the low. You aint hearin about me in The Source or XXL, but Im moving mixtapes on my myspace page. Tell em that. Im one of the best out there right now. Aint no other options.

06 05

Haystak When youre a white boy in rap music, its gotta be hard. Everybodys gonna classify you as something either youre an Eminem or a Paul Wall. But Haystaks been around for a while and he dont sound like nobody in particular. Shit, Haystaks fire. I aint never met him, but Im tryin to do something with him. Hes an underground cat so Im pretty sure hes getting that gwop. I try to keep up with his CD collection. Ive been fuckin with him since back in the day. Big Nod Albany, Georgia is a big-ass fruitful city. Its small as fuck. Its country as hell. Its like Pluto. Imagine if you went to Pluto nobody on Pluto will act like on another planet, cause it aint close to nothing. Big Nod is Albany to the core; hes my favorite. He made muthafuckers want to rap. Hes the Lebron James of this shit. Before Lebron James came to the league, all the NBA players had heard about him. They knew he was coming.

/R& BEST RAPBO B LLA CO

OZONES AWARD NOMINEE:

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

72

JULIA BEVERLY

JACKI-Os
10 WAYS A GIRL CAN GET MONEY 10 09 08
Get A Job If you dont have a bad background, you can always try to go get a job. Welfare If you got kids, you can get a lil small check from the government. That always helps a little. A Nigga If you got your talk game up, you can get it from a nigga. If you know how to hustle a nigga without fuckin him, she could get it. You gotta have game though. You cant just go ask a nigga for money. You could try, but if that dont work you gotta have game.

CITTYS
10 WAYS TO GRIND

07 06 05 04 03

Boostin This aint something I recommend, but you know, when the first three things aint work and its kinda getting hard, you gotta go get something. Especially if its time to pay your bills. Stripping If youre shy about stripping and you dont want nobody to see your body, youll probably have to go to a white club or something like that where they wont know you. I done caught a lot of hoes that act like they all that up in the white clubs, stripping. Stripping is the all-time favorite pastime for girls when theyre tryin to get money. Trafficking A lot of niggas aint even got shit for a bitch to traffic. Nowadays, its so hard out here in the streets there aint no dope to traffic.

10 09 08 07 06 05 04
producer.

Create Hot Shit In The Studio People like to hear hot shit. The best thing you can do is make a hit. It makes everybodys job easier. Hit Every Spot You Can Strip clubs, reggae joints, upscale clubs, hood spots, bars, even white clubs. Dont limit your music.

Talk To Every DJ Personally Get their info and call them later to follow up. Dont pressure the DJ to play your shit if theyve never heard it. Some DJs may play your shit on the spot, it just depends on the situation. Pick Good Production Get tracks from every producer you can find. Listen to everything because you just might find a hit from a no-name

Find Genuine Help Look for people who truly believe in your shit. You cant do it by yourself, so get people who are really going to help and not try to take away from your situation. Dont shit on them, either. Try The Open Mic Spots, Showcases, And Concerts It wont hurt to spend a couple dollars to be heard. Youll gain experience and fans by showing off your shit.

Bartending Thats just like stripping cause you still gotta use that talk game to get extra money. Niggas dont like to tip these days in the club, so you gotta have game to get big tips. Its damn near like stripping except you aint showing nothing. Child Support You can get money from a nigga when he dont wanna take care of them kids. Welfare is what you get from the government; child support is what you get when the government gets tired of giving it to you so they make the nigga give it to you. Thats what child support is for.

Sell Your Product! Sell your shit for a reasonable price. Dont try to sell a CD for $10 if nobodys ever heard of your ass. Its all about the music, so make it available. The more people that have your music, the more valuable you are.

03 02 01

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

02 01

Do What Other Artists Around You Dont Do Find something that makes you stand out, whether its your style of rapping, clothes, or hair color. Find your niche. Sacrifice And Grind As Hard As Possible! Cant nobody promote you better than you. If you grind hard, it makes the people around you grind hard.

Find A Rich Nigga And Get Pregnant By Him You gotta be real, real scandalous to pull this one off. Even I aint this scandalous. Thats what you do when all else fails. Selling Pussy This one is real scandalous too. This is scraping the bottom of the barrel. Thank God I aint reached down there yet. Thats when you aint got no more hustle; no more game. Thats what hoes do when they just lay down; they start selling pussy because they aint got no more grind and no more hustle. But thats just 10 ways to get money; I got 90 more.

RONNIE WRIGHT

DS OZONE AWAR OMINEE: N LE

BEST FEMA T RAP ARTIS

PATIENTLY WAITING GEORGIA

74

girl, i dont pay for weed, i get in clubs free / in v.i.p., and we drinking bubbly

TERRENCE TYSON

OZONE S AWARDE: NOMINE

75

PRETTY RICKY STYLE

10 09 08 07 06
Girl On Top, Ridin When a man is trying to satisfy a woman, he cant satisfy her as well as she could satisfy herself, so when you let the woman get on top she can ride and catch her nut and then you go to work. So thats multiple orgasms for her.

10 WAYS TO MAKE LOVE:

05 04 03 02 01

Doggy Style Well, see, when you hit it from the back Im gonna tell these niggas a trick. You get a belt and wrap the belt around your hand until youve got a little bit left, and when you hit it from the back you smack that ass with the belt and make it jiggle. Make it bounce back and grab her ass cheeks. Pull her hair, make sure you turn that bitch around, kiss her back, do some freaky shit. Missionary You know youre always better off with missionary style. You can get it and take your time; slow. You cant just jump in and beat it up, you gotta go in missionary style slow grinding. You cant just go in and start beating the pussy up. Make sure you hit all the corners, all the right spots. Make sure shes satisfied, and then start hitting every other position. Just switch it up a little bit. Make sure youre in each position long enough that she can catch a nut. Legs On Your Shoulders Boy, thats how you go in deep. You put her legs on your shoulders, go in deep, and ride out. Make sure shes straight; a lot of girls cant take it anyway. You might have to put the knees to her chest. Knees To Her Chest You put the knees to her chest because when you do that, it provides a blockage instead of the legs being straight on your shoulders and you pounding the back of the pussy. That way, you aint going in all the way. If she cant take it all, thats enough. Shell be satisfied.

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

69 Or 68 and I owe you one, but make sure shes satisfied. Its really just a little foreplay to set it off. You dont wanna be doing all that til you orgasm, just get it wet enough to set the whole mood of the night. Two Girls At One Time Switch it up. A little variety is good. A woman can satisfy a woman more than a man cause a woman knows what a woman wants. So if youve got another woman in the picture, wherever youre slacking at, she can pick up the slack. Its a little more entertaining. In The Air, Against The Wall It takes a little strength for this one in the leg area. The wall provides all the leverage, so if youve got enough leg muscles you can tear it up against the wall. I cant really explain all that extracurricular shit. In The Bathroom, On The Sink, On The Floor, On The Counter Top, Anywhere, Everywhere! After a while the bed starts getting boring. You gotta try different things in the heat of the moment. You might be in the shower and your girl walks in the bathroom, so it goes down. But youve gotta know how to handle yourself. Be careful in the shower. Make sure youre in a position where your feet have enough friction that you aint gonna slip. I dont recommend nobody doing nothing in the water unless its your main girl, because the rubber might slip. On top of the sink, in the kitchen, in the car, in the shopping cart at Wal-Mart, you can do it anywhere! - (by Baby Blue & Spectacular)

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

BEST MALE R&B ARTIST

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

76

RAY TAMARRA

OZONES AWARD NOMINEE:

10 09 08 07 06

10 WAYS TO KEEP IT G
You Gotta Be Extra Real You gotta be real. Tell the truth. Lie only when it makes sense to lie, you know what Im sayin? Be 100 with yourself at all times. Do You At All Times You gotta always do you. Doing you is always gonna get you to the future.

LIL SCRAPPYS
05 04 03 02 01

Stay Focused Always, always make sure you stay focused. Being focused is the key to success. Take Care Of Your Responsibilities Whatever youve got going on, whether its kids, a job, a house, or anything, you gotta take care of your responsibilities.

Be Hater Free You cant be round no haters. You gotta be hater free because haters will knock you out of your whole fuckin game, and you cant let that happen.

Surround Yourself With The Right People Real recognize real, so if youve got all kinds of real people around you helping you, then youre gonna win because youve got a strong team. A team is always better than one. You Gotta Have Loyalty Stay loyal to your people and to the people over you; the people that have showed you love. If you have loyalty, with loyalty comes respect too. Loyalty brings relationships closer. You need relationships because of the way the world is. You gotta know somebody thats somebody. You gotta know somebody that knows somebody. Mind Your Own Fuckin Business Keep it moving. Keep your hands in your own pockets. Keep a vest on your chest, and your dick. But remember that you aint gotta be hard to be real. You gotta have God in your heart.

Get Your Money Game Up You gotta have at least $500 somewhere near you at all times, feel me? And thats just for the normal, keepin-it-G type person. Everywhere you go, youre gonna need money, cause if youre keeping it G youre gonna stay away from the bullshit, stay away from the fags and the lames, and youll be somewhere having a good time. Show Respect And You Will Earn Respect If you give a lot of people respect, youll always have some people that disrespect you but youll have way more respect than disrespect. Respect goes a long way.

i dont give a fuck if you dont like me / straight knock your ass out into captivity

78

RAY TAMARRA

79

10 CLASSIC UNDERGROUND TEXAS RECORDS

RAPID RICs

10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01
see it.

Bavu Blakes f/ Paul Wall & Money Waters Play The Role (remix) This song identifies people that are trying to be somebody else. Bavu Blakes and Money Waters are two Dallas acts that are more into the soulful hip-hop flavor. Theyre not too commercial, theyre more underground and soulful, with live instruments. Theyre musicians; artists. South Park Mexican Wiggy This was like the first Latin artist to come up, and he never really said that hes Latin, he just happened to be. This was one of the really big club songs. A lot of Texas music was just cruising music, but if you play that in a Mexican hip-hop club today, itll pop off. Chalie Boy & Slim Thug Candy This is an old song, produced by Salih Williams of Carnival Beats. Salih produced all or most of the songs on this list, actually. This was one of the first club songs that was rap and R&B. Chalie was singing R&B, and Slim was rapping. Devin the Dude Do What You Wanna Do This is the laid-back side of Texas, the more soulful side. People just chillin. Thats what Devins all about. Mike Jones & Magnificent Cuttin This was like Swishahouses new generation. They had a bunch of back and forth wordplay. The way they wrote this song was dope. Magno went first, Mike Jones went second, Magno and Mike Jones back and forth for eight bars each throughout the whole song. Nemesis Trendsetter Nemesis is from Dallas, in this is one of the first Dallas club songs. Dallas has always been more bouncy and clubby, while Houston was more slowed down. 5th Ward Boyz Pussy Weed & Alcohol This song has got Devin the Dude on the hook a lot of people dont know that. 5th Ward is Willie D from the Geto Boys and his group. That song was real popular. The Wreckshop Family Power Up That song was big around 1999 and 2000, right when everyone was into raves and doing X and shit. That was one of those songs. It was a song about X. Power up, take a pill, have fun. Texas isnt all about syrup. UGK Let Me See It Thats the ultimate strip club song that makes girls in Texas flaunt. Baby show me, let me

BEST IXTAPE DJ M

OZONES AWARDE: NOMINE

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

80

LUXURY MINDZ

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

UNCLE
GET FUCKED
10 09 08 07
Know How To Read A Contract Do not rely on your lawyer to read a contract for you. Read it for yourself. If you as an individual can read and comprehend and understand, you will find that reading a contract is not actually that difficult. Understand All The Different Ways Of Getting Paid Within A Contract Understand what publishing is. Understand what writing is. Know What Marketing Is All About A lot of artists get fucked by signing a contract and then find that theres no minimum or maximum amount of dollars put into marketing them as an artist. A company may have no intention of putting forth a fullfledge effort into marketing their product, so therefore they have a small budget, and with that small budget comes low record sales. Every artist thinks theyre gonna do a $250,000 video, but in actuality, the marketing budget might only allow for a $25,000 video. Sign A Contract That Allows You To Grow If you sign a contract for the minimum amount of money and the minimum amount of points, make sure it allows your points to go up based on your performance when you sell records. The number of points you get should be based on your performance from the year before. Lets say you start out with 8% and sell a million records if you didnt put in the contract that your shit should go up to 12% or 15% if you sell a million records, then youre still gonna be getting 8%. If you sell a million records, you should automatically get a $2 million dollar contract the following year.

04

LWAYS TO NOT 03 UKES 10

02 01

Dont Get Fucked Up Do not under any circumstance allow the company to purchase drugs for you or purchase women for you. Some companies like to keep their artists high and not knowing what the hell is going on. Some companies like to buy drugs and women for you and pay all your bills. Some companies like to keep their artists high and keep all the financial information away from the artist by taking care of it or assigning some individual to take care of all their financial responsibilities. When the artist falls off, he dont know what the hell he was getting in and what he needs to be paying out. Have An Unbiased Lawyer Make sure the lawyer thats negotiating your contract does not have any affiliation with that record company and does not represent any individuals at the company. There are a lot of lawyers in this business that will sell an artist down the tube because those lawyers have a long-standing relationship with that record company. They deal with the company every day and a lot of times theyve represented the executives of that company at one time. That could be a good thing or a bad thing thats why it goes back to #10. Read your own contact. You can really get fucked by some lawyer selling you down the river for his dawg. Do Not Quit Your Day Job Once you sign a deal, do not quit your day job because then the record company knows that you are 100% fully dependent on them to provide funds, pay bills, and everything. At that point you become very vulnerable and youll end up doing whatever they tell you to do, whether you like it or not, because at that point youll have to pay your bills. Know Everything The Company Is Paying For On Your Behalf In a lot of cases, video directors and marketing people are getting kickbacks for overbilling and overspending, and that all goes back to you. For instance, the record label may say theyre spending $40,000 for an ad in OZONE but theyre really only spending $5,000, so OZONE kicks them back $15,000. (laughing)

DS OZONE AWAR EE: NOMIN

D LIVING LEGEN

06 05

Do Not Sell The Company Your Writing And Publishing Make sure those deals are separate. Theres a lot of situations where artists have sold their rights for $50,000, and now theyre in lawsuits with the company because of what they signed. Look At Their Track Record When you sign a contract make sure you look at how the company treats the artists that were on the label before; the ones who were hot and fell off. If they treat the ones who fell off bad, you know how they gonna treat you if you fall off.

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

82

VIDEO DIRECTOR GIL GREENS

10 FAVORITE VIDEOS
Check out all the videos at www.gilgreen.com

10 09 08 07 06 05

Trick Daddy Amerika We actually burned a 50-foot American flag in Tricks video to show the unjust American society. The cops on the set werent too happy when the saw the flag burning and Society rapping on top of a police car. Iconz Get Crunked Up We introduced the world to the term crunk with this Iconz video.

04 03 02 01

Young Buck Shorty Wanna Ride In this video, we recreated the film Natural Born Killers. We got the beautiful Melinda Williams to star in it. A month later, Young Buck was really on the run after the VIBE Awards incident. Lil Jon & the Eastside Boyz f/ Mystikal and Krayzie Bone I Dont Give A Fuck This video showed the Southern club experience through the perspective of one rowdy, crunked up individual. We shot the video in one continuous shot. In 4 minutes, our person jumps out of a car, busts through the security, bum rushes the cashier, throws bows with the crowd, dives off the stage, rushes the VIP, knocks chicken wings out of a girls hand, pops a Champagne bottle, fools with a girl in the bathroom, takes a ghetto picture with some pimps, rushes the bar, pulls the bra off a girl, snags cash from a dice game, and gets arrested in the alleyway. After that, you knew how we get down in the Southern clubs. Lil Scrappy No Problems We recreated the classic film Training Day for this video. We actually shot in the same Mexican house as the film. I love the fact that this video really feels like a movie. Lil Jon gave me the Pro Tools session so I could break down the music during the acting scenes and build up the tension in the scenes. Rick Ross Hustlin Being from Miami, I always wanted to show tourists that theres a whole other side to Miami besides South Beach. It was good to make it happen with Rick, because we met over 5 years ago, when he was putting in the hustle. He told me back then that I would direct his first video.

Three 6 Mafia 2 Way Freak This is one of my favorite openings: Can I get a beam? I actually first met Three 6 Mafia when I directed their first film, Choices. After that we went on to do many videos together. Lil Jon & the Eastside Boyz f/ Lil Scrappy What U Gon Do Two Lil Jons. Two Lil Scrappys. Two Sams. Two Bos. They all want to scrap in the club! Trillville f/ Lil Scrappy Neva Eva I never had so much fun on a video set. We recreated the last day of school: food fights, shaving cream, straight actin a fool!

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

BEST VIDEO

OZONES AWARDE: NOMINE

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

84

BOGAN

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

85

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

T-PAINS
E: A DS NOMINE OZONE AW&R ALBUM, R B

10 09 08 07
all over.

Macy Gray Aint nobody fuckin her, so we can have good clean fun. I know shes nasty. Monique She can definitely get it. Oh my God. Fat girls got real big pussies. It makes me warm

BEST R&B ARTIST, BEST MALE&B COLLABO BEST RAP/R

Oprah Oprah can get it, but only if she pays for it. It dont have to be much. It could be a onetime, $100 thing, and shed be all good. Queen Latifah Not the old Queen Latifah, the new one. She has some big ol titties. I wouldnt fuck her, though. She could only get a titty fuck. And shes gotta have that hat on her when Im fuckin her titties.

06 05 04 03 02
its on.

Peggy, The Momma On Married With Children I dont know her real name, but she could get it. The bitch on Married With Children was fine as fuck even though nobody was looking at her with all that makeup on. Katie whatever the fuck her name is Segal. Milla Jovovich Shes the bitch from the movie Ultraviolet and The Fifth Element. Shes Russian or some shit. German, maybe. On Ultraviolet, theres one part where her outfit was changing colors and they showed her ass. Shes got a lot of ass for a white girl. I would definitely grab that from the back and spread it apart and knock it down. Pam Grier She could get it, but only from the back cause somethings wrong with her face. Hilary Duff Hilary Duff can get it because she can get me a Disney deal. Once I get that Disney deal,

Charli Baltimore She can get it just cause of her hair. Its fluctuating. And shes taller than me, so I can lift her up. Its a lot of stuff. Its all kinds of reasons. There aint no good reason, but itd just be great to say that I fucked Charli Baltimore.

01

Shawnna Cmon. First of all, shes Shawnna. She can rap her ass off. I would love for her to rap to me while were getting it on. Shes just cute as hell. Shes hood too, so sometimes if Im too tired and cant fight, shed probably fight for me. Thats why shes number one on the list.

now im leavin quickly, before she come and try to get me

86

87

THE HATERS GO CRAZY

10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01
Have The #1 Independent Album When youre on your grind, the enemy and the haters want you to not come up. So my album Listennn being the #1 independent album is a big achievement. And that comes from making good music thats going down on its own. Its not like these other guys whove got all types of ways to try to get their shit #1. My shit is #1 for real. Ride In A Bentley Flying Spur Sittin On 22s If you work hard, youve gotta treat yourself and sit in that baby blue exclusive Flying Spur on 22s. Those haters are just gonna hate regardless. Have The #1 Ratings for The Takeover on WEDR 99 Jamz Every day being on the radio, my community supports me. The Takeover show being rated #1 is a big achievement, and all the haters hate that. When people are behind you and theyre ready to show that its all about love and unity, the haters just dont understand. Be A Part Of The Miami Movement Im one of the keyholders of the Miami movement, and this movement is the biggest thing thats happening right now in this whole game. Some people dont like to see that. The movement is coming together as a team, and a lot of people dont like to see people unite. Were uniting and taking it to another level. Be So Humble And Yet So Powerful Haters get real scared when a humble brother like me is so powerful at the same time, because Im loved. Im loved by a lot of people and thats why my career is always on the upswing. Im powerful and the haters cant stand that, cause they cant stop me. Have Respect In The Game Respect is everything. When you go to other cities and other markets aside from your hometown and they respect you, thats a beautiful thing. Getting respect is a beautiful thing and the haters cant stand that. Have The Whole City Riding With You Its the best thing ever, man. When the whole city is riding with you, you cant lose because the citys gonna have your back. With every move you make, theyre riding with you, and with every move they make Im riding with them. The haters really cant stand that. Get The Front Cover of OZONE Magazine You know the OZONE Mag is the number one magazine out. When you see the magazine state to state and you see DJ Khaled on that front page, its so incredible and it makes the haters go crazy. They lose their mind and just dont know what to do. They know Im coming. Win An OZONE Award This is an early prediction. The people know that DJ Khaled is a part of the whole OZONE movement, so when I win an OZONE Award, the haters are gonna hate. Theyre really gonna hate when Im on that stage accepting my award and feeling so proud to have an OZONE Award. Be Loved By Every Ghetto In The World Thats the best thing in the world, man, because it goes back to the respect factor. I can walk in any hood and get embraced cause Im a hood nigga myself and they know I represent the people. Im the poor peoples president; the poor peoples governor. The haters cant stand that.
JULIA BEVERLY

DJ KHALEDS 10 WAYS TO MAKE

OZONES AWARDE: NOMINE

BEST CLUB DJ, BEST ADIO DJ R

i go hard, ask my broad / ms. stevie wonder, she aint lookin at yall

88

10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01

SLIM THUGS 10 WAYS TO INVEST YOUR MONEY

Hookin Up Cars If you can fix up cars, thats a real good investment. Open up a shop and trick out cars with rims, tints, all that. You can make money like that. Stocks and Life Insurance Of course youve gotta do stocks, and life insurance is some good shit to invest in that. You can invest in yourself, get yourself set up for retirement. With life insurance you can hide your money so you dont have to pay taxes and shit.

The Music Business Rapping or whatever you do is a good way to make money. If you dont rap, you can find a hot artist and hot producer and put a little money behind them. If you get them some good equipment, you might luck up and find out they got some skills. Thats paper right there. Clothing Thats the shit right there. If you can come out with a hot clothing line, youll see niggas with a gang of bread. Itll probably cost a few dollars to make a shirt, but you can sell it for up to $50. Aint no telling how much you can get it depends on how hot your shit is. Wreckin Service Theres a gang of money doing that type of shit. You get a little wrecker car service and make a killing. Restaurant Business The restaurant business is a good business to be in. Just look at Starbucks. It costs them like 4 or 5 cents to make a cup of Starbucks coffee, and then they turn around and sell that shit for like $4 a cup. Thats a hell of a flip. Thats the type of restaurant shit Id like to get into. Car Lot You could either be sellin cars or leasing them out, like exotic cars. Both of them are good ways to go, especially if you like cars. You can buy a lot of cars and least them out to make your money back. CD and Tape Stores With me being in the music business, I feel like thats a good thing for me to do. If I got a CD and tape store, youre gonna come to me and I can get your CD for a dollar each instead of fifteen, so thats a good flip. Nightclubs You can do stuff with nightclubs; thats something thats pretty good. You can make a lot of money doing clubs. Real Estate Real estate is great because property values just dont go down. If you can buy a house right now in an upcoming neighborhood, the value is gonna go up. Youve got to find out where theyre building something up, and your money can get flipped quick.

R GH BREAKTHISOU ART T

OZONES AWARDE: NOMINE

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

90

WWW.STRESS.NO

91

KAMIKAZES
10 REASONS SOME OF YOU NIGGAS SHOULD STOP RAPPIN

10 09 08 07 06

either one.

Youre Better At Selling Dope So actually wed just prefer that you do that. Its better to be good at one thing than try to do two things and not be good at

We Need to Make Room For Tyrese, Fonsworth Bentley, And The Chick That Raps That Chicken Noodle Song Out Of New York Ever wonder how easy we must be making this look, or how untalented we must look to some folks? Everybody thinks they can rap. Ras Kass And Pimp C Are Home Plus Mysonne is gonna be out soon and Mystikal is gonna be coming home, so were gonna need at least two more slots.

05 04 03 02 01

Okay, We Get It, You Know How To Cook Crack! We know how much youre paying for a key, we know to come to you when its a drought, cool.

BET Uncut Got Cancelled Why did you even waste that $120 you spent on the video anyway? Did you really think that shit looked good? Hell, the song aint even jammin. I was only looking at the chicks anyway.
Benzino Is Gone Nowadays, youll have to actually earn a spot in The Source. Thanks, JB, for exposing that shit. Finally, someone will actually have to know you before you get some print. Sorry, but your moneys no good. You Let Your Homeboys Tell You If Your Shit Is Good They only want to get in the club free and fuck hoes off your name. These cats grew up with you, so theyre gonna like everything you do. Stop listening to them. My New Album The Franchise Is Dropping Soon Yalls days are numbered. Ive been grinding harder, sleeping less, and my lyrics are simply better than most of you. So step your rap game up or go home.

There Is No 401K, No Medical, No Dental You spent your advance on a $30,000 chain instead of getting life insurance or some property. How do you have a record deal and youre still taking your kid to the free clinic? Superhead Is Retired If youre buckin to meet the supergroupie youll have to buy her book or download the porno, or settle for a chick that gives

aiight head.

PATIENTLY WAITING I MISSISSIPP

OZONES AWARD NOMINEE:

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

92

JARO VACEK

YOUNG JEEZYS 10 WAYS TO GET

OUT OF THE TRAP

10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01

Get On Your Grind Get your hustle on, thats one thing you definitely gotta do.

Stay Safe You gotta stay safe, cause if you dont, you might fuck around and get locked up or killed in that muthafucker and nothing else is gonna matter anyway. Play The Game Play the game, you cant let the game play you. You cant get in something and get caught up in it. You cant fuck around and get caught up in it. Watch The Niggas Around You Remember that everybody aint cool with you. Have A Backup Plan That way, if your first idea dont work, youll have something to fall back on no matter what it might be. Have A Goal Definitely to get up out of the trap you gotta know where the hell youre trying to go. Aint no use trying to leave something if you dont know where youre going. If you cant see the vision and you aint got no goal, you aint gonna make it nowhere. You gotta have a goal. Look Out For The People Who Look Out For You That way, when you get to where youre going, youll have a real team behind you. Dont Fuck With No Fake Ass Fuck Niggas Definitely dont do that, cause that shit is gonna come back and bite you in the ass every time. Stack Your Money Up You definitely gotta stack your paper up to get out of the hood. Maintain It takes a while to get to where you gotta go. You gotta be able to maintain. You gotta put yourself on budgets and shit like that. Monitor what you do, dont just ball the fuck out.

BEST ALBUM, BEST MALE , RAP ARTIST TER, S MIXTAPE MON ABO, LL CO RAP/R&B MAKER TE TAS

OZONES AWARD NOMINEE:

this aint a rap song, nigga, this is my life / if the hood was a battlefield then i earned stripes

94

JULIA BEVERLY

TOO $HORTSLABEL 10 REASONS TO SAY FUCK A MAJOR

10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03
Be Your Own Boss You can be your own boss. You run your own situation nobody can tell you what to do. Complete Creative Control A major label will tell you what order to put your songs in, which one is the next single, whats the next video, how much the video budget is going to be, what youre supposed to wear in the video, and whos supposed to shoot your video. Make More Money You can make more money indie. A major label will make you a star, but independent labels will make you rich. You make real money, and theyll actually pay you. Less Pressure Its not as much pressure being indie. Being on a major label, youre always gonna have certain expectations. These days, major labels are looking to ship at least 500,000 copies of your album and build on that. They arent really interested in trying to make an album go gold. They want platinum or better. They want instant success. Theres a lot of pressure to be instantly successful. Sometimes you have to work a record. Its so much pressure because if your first single isnt blowing up the charts, the label is gonna back away from your project. Longevity Independents have a better chance of having a longer career. It might not be BET, MTV, superstar status, but you can find your niche and sell a certain amount of units every time you drop a project, and thatll be enough money for you to feed your family. You have a better chance of putting out 12, 15 albums indie than you do on a major label. Theres not a lot of rappers on a major label that can say theyve got 10 or 15 albums. If you check out the indies across the country and see how many mixtapes or underground albums theyve put out, the indies probably have a better track record than the majors as far as recording and releasing songs. Your Homeboys You have a better chance of helping out your really close friends if youre in control of your own indie situation. If youre with a major, it might not be as easy to employ some of your homeboys and teach them the game. The majors dont have the time or patience to bring in inexperienced people and let them learn the business. If youre indie, you and your crew can learn through trial and error; on-the-job training. When you have on-the-job training, you might end up like Baby and Slim: executives. You learn hands-on in the streets running your indie label, and ten years label, youre dealing with all the majors, building Lil Waynes career and shit. Youll Get A Better Deal Being on a major label is not a bad thing. If you really wanna end up on a major label eventually, being independent and saying fuck a major will probably get you a better deal than if you just concentrated on packaging yourself to get a deal. If you say fuck all that and just put it down indie and say fuck a major and hustle really good, the majors are gonna call you and youll get a better deal. Bad Contracts If you go with a major, you have to sign that shit. Its really hard to earn your way to dealing with a major and getting a super, super excellent contract. Thats a hard thing to do. A major will never say, Well give you the greatest contract ever. The majority of the people in the industry have fucked up contracts. They may think they have a good contract, but if you were to tell the average person in average words just plain English, not contract terms what the contract says, theyd be shocked. In most cases, the label gets like 80% and the artist gets like 20%. The artist gets charged half of everything and the label gets charged half of everything to market and promote the project. So the label gets 80% but theyre splitting the costs, and theyll hold high percentages in reserve. Theyll just hold their money against your little 15% or 20%. Everybody has a fucked up contract. If you ever get to the point where you can get rid of all those clauses, youll be good, but its a lot of bullshit in the entertainment industry. That goes for all aspects, not just being a rapper.

02 01

Sign All The Tight Rappers In Your Neighborhood Everybody whos a rapper whos experienced any kind of success knows where they come from, and throughout the history of their own career and their own struggle, theyve come across a guy whos really close to you your cousin, your homie, your best friends little brother that deserves that shot. When youre in an independent situation, you pretty much have the resources and the know-how and the ability to give it to them. You can do what you do for yourself, for the next homie. It doesnt cost a lot to put out an indie album. You can put out $25,000-$50,000 to invest in your homeboy and you could make a lot more back. Youll Stay Hungry Independents cant always ball like the majors, so it causes you to sit at home and watch BET and MTV and know in your heart that youre just as good, if not better, than a lot of people that you see enjoying success. It just makes you have that hunger and work harder and hustle harder and not give up, so you can get on that level. Some artists start their career off trying to be on BET on a major label, and all they do is try to figure out how to take pictures and package themselves so major labels will buy into their image. When youre indie, you gotta be hungry.

short dogs on your mind, bitch

96

RAY TAMARRA

E LIVING LRGE Y HONO ARER SOUTHERN

OZONES AWARDE: NOMINE ND,

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E-40s 10 REASONS
THE BAY IS ABOUT TO BLOW
10 09 08
Were Well-Rounded The Bay is about to blow because weve also got people like Keyshia Cole signed to Interscope, Goapele signed to Colombia, and J Valentine who just signed to J Records. Theyre showcasing their skills from an R&B perspective to show that were well-rounded. The Ambassador Youve got the Ambassador of the Bay, E-40, pushing the Northern California car to the masses. What better person to do it that has the respect of these outlets, and talent? Northern California Radio Support Even on the independent scene, radio in the whole Northern California area has been playing us now and showing a lot of support to local rappers. Once the world sees that, theyll know we got something going on out here.

07 06 05 04 03 02 01

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

Bay Artists Getting Deals A lot of talent in the Bay is getting signed to major labels, and all the people thats getting signed are on different labels so that makes it even better because were gonna hit em from all angles. Of course Too $hort is already signed to Jive, but weve also got a lot of other artists getting deals, like Big Rich hes on Koch and I executive produced his album. Turf Talk is on Warner, The Federation got signed, The As are on TVT, The Pack are on Jive, and I believe Mister F.A.B. signed a deal. Timing Is Everything And its our time. The symptoms and signs are there. The light is on the bay. Were on the industrys radar right now.

Were Trendsetters We have always been trendsetters and ahead of our time, in terms of slang, our swagger, you know, the way we carry it. Were ahead of our time so it goes over peoples heads at first and then it catches up later on. People are just now starting to catch up on slang that we were saying 10 or 15 years ago. Weve Got Talent The Bay is about to blow up because the artists in the Bay are hella talented, both young talent and old school talent that was way ahead of their time. We dont just do hyphy; we do reality music overall. Weve Got A Movement Weve got a movement in the Bay thats really part of our lifestyle and culture. Weve Been Slept On For So Long The Bay is about to blow up because weve been slept on for so long. Everything comes back around full circle.

DS OZONE AWAR INEE: NOM

Y HONORARER N SOUTHER

i dont bump mainstream, i knock underground / all that other shit sugar-coated and watered down

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TREALS 06 12 ORLANDO HOODS 05

07 12 11 10 09 08
Trailblazers (Gore St., 21 Jump St., Nashville Ave., 18th St., 39th St., Rio Grande Ave., Oakridge Rd.) The Spots: Cleos (for the booty), Club Crunk (DME), Goffs (Landmark for ice cream), Oasis liquor (for the oil), 33rd (Got bond money?), Jones High School The Shores (Washington Shores, Carver Shores, Motown, Lake Mann, Raleigh St. Columbia St.) The Spots: Hankins Park, Washington Shores shopping center (Fish and Bootleg), The Clinic (You good?) Richmond Heights (Bruton Blvd, Nat King Cole Blvd, Prince Hall Blvd.) The Spots: Save Rite AKA Quick Lick, Smith Center, Family Dollar (Dont act like yall dont go there), Willie Mays Park Apopka a.k.a. APK Came to club just to fight!! and thats all we gonna say. Ivey Lane (700 block, Pork and Bean, Malibu, Lake Mann Gardens, Egypt, 1400 Block, Old Winter Garden Rd.) The Spots: The Liquor Store, Ivey Lane Park

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

04 03 02 01

Crosstown, home of Lick the Wall The Spots: Jackson Center, Jac Center (Got Juvenile Bond Money?), An Ode to the Green Parrot, (South St., where they dont sleep!) Parramore Ave. (Home of the Snakes), Livingston St. (Home of the L Dogs), Long St. (The D Boys), The Darkside (Westmoreland and Kaley), Beirut An Ode to Carver Court and Parramore Village Orange Center (Gates, Boca Club - The Haitian Pound, Hollywood) The Spots: Barker Park/Clear Lake (Dump your gun waters), Mac Music (MegaCity), Citrus Bowl (Home of the Florida Classic), Lake Lorna Doone Park, Solo Gas Station (Gas and bootleg to go), Queen B Eastside (436/Semoran Blvd., Reeves Terrace, Alafaya Tr.: fresh college skeet meat) The Spots: University of Central Florida (UCF), Drag Racing and Drug Lacing, An Ode to Headlights (Megacity) West Orange County (Hiawassee Rd., Kirkman Rd., Winter Garden, Ocoee The Spots: West Oaks Mall (The after school teenage mall)

AIT PATIENTLY WA FLORID

DS OZONE AWAR MINEE: NO ING:

wheres orange county

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10 09 08 07 06

10 REASONS TO REBUILD NEW ORLEANS

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

B.G.s
06 04 03 02 01

New Orleans Saints I love them to death and hopefully they could get through this year and bring us to the playoffs. Hopefully they can bring us to the Superbowl and show us that they feel our pain and make us proud to be from New Orleans. Im always proud to be from New Orleans all the way around the board, but I hope theyll make me even prouder to be from New Orleans this year. I rep my hometeam. And the Hornets, too. The Lakefront Sundays it be poppin out there on the lake. A lot of people get their first head job on the lake (laughing). I done had a few incidents that took place on the lake. I got a lot of memories on that lake. The Projects They had to be cleaned up, you know? But whats New Orleans without the Magnolia Projects? Whats New Orleans without the Calliope Projects? Dont get me wrong, a lot of violence occurs in the projects, but thats still home to us. Theyre rebuilding the rich white neighborhoods, so why cant they rebuild the projects? Uptown, Period Thats my set, you know, uptown. They need to rebuild New Orleans for us people who the hood is all we know, so we could get back to our roots and get out of these other peoples hoods. These different states dont want us on they land. Some of them are accepting us with open arms, but then again, there aint no place like home.

House Of Blues And Club Rockefeller Those are legendary spots. Theyre already in the process of rebuilding Club Rockefeller. A lot of legendary concerts have went down at the House of Blues; theyre known for bringing R&B and hip-hop there. And Bourbon St. and the French Quarter, you know, it aint no place like that. The alcohol is 24/7. Aint no last call for alcohol in New Orleans. In all these other cities I hear them holla last call at 1 or 2 in the morning. In New Orleans, there aint no such thing as last call for alcohol. I dont even much know the definition of that. And that brings me to another reason the daiquiris in New Orleans. They have daiquiri shots they have the second line every Sunday, man, anybody from New Orleans knows exactly what Im talking about. The Jazzfest The food, the music, everything. The food and the music at the Jazzfest is the key attraction.

Essence Festival It was relocated this year to Houston and I really wasnt too happy with that, because Im used to it being in New Orleans. Its a big function and it brings up a lot of different things; money and power in the city. Thats something else that New Orleans is known for. Mardi Gras Its just so historical and legendary. What is New Orleans without Mardi Gras? Shit. The Food To me, there aint no food like New Orleans food. The spiciness and the flavor and seasoning, you know? Its unexplainable.

a year ago i was fuckin my veins up / now im on the grind just gettin my change up

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DAVIDE

E LIVING LRGE Y HONO ARER SOUTHERN

OZONES AWARDE: NOMINE ND,

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10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01

YUNGIM SO FLY JOCs 10 REASONS

I Stay Cool In The Craziest Situations Even in the midst of a robbery, I would remain cool. I Know How To Get Money I get money on an everyday basis. I know how to let my money make more money. I understand the hustle. My Dress Game My dress game is superb. I travel from city to city in different places. I take a little from here and a little from there, and put it together. I Always Pick The Flyest Chick Out Of The Crowd First and foremost, her swagger gotta be just right, you know what Im sayin? Everything about her gotta be fly. My Habit Im a kush connossieur. A connosseiure is a person who has researched and fully understands a product or something that he really likes. Hes like, the number one consumer of a product. Hes very enthralled by a product. My Shade Game I got 32 pairs of shades: Gucci, Versace, Louie Vuitton, Cardier, Prada. My Shoe Game My shoes are exclusive. I always start my outfits from the shoes up. My Whip Game Ive got a CLS 500 Benz and a 65 Chevy Impala customized just the way I like em. I fixed them up so that theyre sexy and aggressive at the same time. My Talk Game You know, the way I talk, I make words move to convince your eardrums. My Fans The number one reason Im so fly is because the rest of the world says so.

DS OZONE AWAR EE: NOMIN

D LIVING LEGEN

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

106

MALIK ABDUL

10 WAYS TO GET FUCKED UP IN DADE COUNTY

TRICK DADDYS
Dummy Birds Fake blocks, you know?

10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01

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

Ride Through The Triangle With That Bullshit The Triangle is Opa-Locka. If you aint from 21 and you dont hang in 21, you dont got no business on 21. Slippin Some red lights are meant to be ran at certain times of night. Dont get caught slippin. Snitchin Any nigga that points fingers and testifies is a snitch. A nigga thats been debriefed is a snitch that dont even know they a snitch yet. Getting High Weed, laced, base, or pills. Getting doped up will definitely get you fucked up in Dade County. Hating On The Heat, Dolphins, Or Hurricanes You can get killed by hating. That means hating on the 305, period. Niggas who dont like the Miami Dolphins, Miami Hurricanes, or Miami Heat are straight haters, and thatll get you fucked up. Gambling Gambling will get you fucked up. Tryin to stop my bank in the cee lo game will get you fucked up. Slimy Ass Hoes Slimy-ass hoes will get you fucked up in Dade County with all that he-say she-say shit. Guns 223s, 308s, mini 14s, AKs, SKs, Calicos being on the wrong end of em will get you fucked up. Its better to be judged by twelve than carried by six.

E LIVING LRGE Y HONO ARER SOUTHERN

since memories are all we have / dont you agree that all lil kids deserve to laugh

OZONES AWARDE: NOMINE ND,

108

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BOHAGONS 10 REASONS MY ALBUM

HASNT COME OUT YET

SLEPT-ON ARTIST!

OZONES AWARD NOMINEE:

10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01

Im From A Small Town In South Georgia Up until now, people didnt really wanna hear nobody from a little itty bitty town. The world wasnt ready for it.

I Was Ahead Of My Time I was a lyricist from South Georgia, from a little small town, and didnt nobody really wanna hear no real lyrics way back in the day. They just got the point the last couple years where it was cool to be country and from the South and spit some lyrics. I Always Get Mad At BME And Cuss Everybody Out That further delayed my album coming out. I would voice my displeasure when really I shouldve learned to be patient and go about it in different ways. I would voice my frustrations to the powers that be. Lil Jon Always Told Me The Timing Wasnt Right He said its all about timing. Now I guess its the perfect timing for my album to come out. I aint never understood that. Thats why I was getting frustrated and doing a whole lot of cursing. I never understood but I understand now because the timing is right. The world is ready. I Switched Labels Right Before Put Yo Hood Up Came Out I was on BME and we did the We Still Crunk album, which was an independent album. I felt like I was on the back burner so I signed a deal over at Noontime right before [Lil Jon & the Eastside Boyz] Put Yo Hood Up came out. I was on like ten songs on the We Still Crunk album, but I got frustrated and signed what I thought was a better deal. I ended up in the same situation where I had to wait behind somebody else, which was Jim Crow at the time. I Was Always In A Group My Whole Career I had to learn how to be a solo artist. I had to break away from being up under peoples wings and being in a group, and learn how to function on my own. The Full Time Family Album Me, Chyna Whyte, Sixshot, Don Yute, and Lil Jon & the Eastside Boyz did a whole album. It took about six or seven months and Tommy Boy didnt know what to do with it. We were a supergroup before they had down South supergroups. Tommy Boy didnt pick up on the album so that frustrated everybody. BME felt like they needed to put their best foot forward so they went ahead with the Lil Jon album. I Had To Move I had to get to Atlanta, to get to where shit was happening. I had to be where the music was bubbling. It wasnt gonna happen with me staying in my town, in the country. I had to move to where the movement was happening, and it took a minute to get readjusted. Right Before They Was Bout to Shoot The Video for Get Crunk, Jon Fell Out With TVT That was gonna be my shining moment, but he fell out with TVT. I cant blame him for that, cause he had to get his money right. They were fucking with his money so he had to take care of his business. I had the first verse on Get Crunk. People always knew my voice, but nobody knows my face. People can recite verses I did in 1998 or 1999, but they dont know my face. Thats a big part of your success. How much money you get depends on how famous you are. I Had To Put My Career In My Own Hands I cant depend on the next man to do it for me. I did my first mixtape three and a half years ago, and thats when I stopped relying on BME. I stopped relying on Jon. I stopped relying on all the powers that be to do something for me and I just got out there and did the shit myself. I made my own money and put it back into Bohagon, and thats the most Ive ever gotten out of my career.
im a pimp, im a gangsta, all the above / and im worldwide, baby girl, show me some love

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TAMPA TONY
& DA SPLITTA SQUAD

WORDS & PHOTOS: JULIA BEVERLY

116

tart by introducing yourselves. Who is Da Splitta Squad? Tampa Tony: Im a member of Da Splitta Squad and a partner in Da Splitta Records. Im the CEO of Da Splitta and DS Apparel. Its a movement. Lucky: Im his partner in DS Apparel and the record label. My job consists of everything he wants to do but cant get done because of a solo project hes working on or because of other things hes doing with other members within the group. Im more on the business end, thats what I stick to. Everybody wants to be an artist so Im on the business end. Great Dane: Im another member of Da Splitta Squad, partner with DS Apparel and the record label, and Im an artist. How did the three of you meet? Lucky: Originally, we wanted Tony on a song with us. Everybody knows that hes the man when it comes to club hits. We wanted a club song and ended up hooking up with him. He liked our work ethic and its been on ever since. Tony, what are you working on as far as your solo project? I heard you got a deal with Southbeat Records. Tampa Tony: The thing with Southbeat is a pretty good thing. Its independent, like I wanted it to be. Im a hard worker and I like to get out there and grind, so I wanted to do something with an independent instead of coming from a major label. When you come from a major, people feel like the major did everything anyway. I wanted to be the big artist from an independent label who put that label on his back and carried it. Are you looking at all these side projects as a way to further your solo career? Tampa Tony: I look at all angles to help promote my solo career, to help the label, and to promote Da Splitta and DS Apparel.

is well-thought through. Its not something that we put together quickly, but were also hoping itll help his album do good. Musically speaking, how does Da Splitta Squads sound compare to the jukin dance style of music that youre known for? Tampa Tony: Its a variety. Its a couple club bangers on there. Were trying to do more ridin music; you can get in your car and ride to it or sit in the house and ride to it. I dont like to make all club music. I want to give it another angle to the type of music that we can put out. What appealed to you musically about the other guys in Da Splitta Squad? What do they bring to the table? Tampa Tony: Different styles and different voices. Its unique because nobody sounds alike, but it blends well. Everybodys got their own lil personalities. Great is the laid-back gangsta, the pretty boy. Lucky: In my personal opinion, I think its the most innovative group since Outkast. They can switch up styles and give you a whole variety so you wont get bored and get sick of the album. Not everything is shoot em up, kill and selling bricks and what every artist is trying to go for. What records has Da Splitta Squad released so far? Tampa Tony: We put out a five song demo just to test the waters. Were getting ready to drop the mixtape to get the buzz out. We got a lot of good records and were trying to get the name out there. Im just trying to hype it up right now and were in negotiations with a couple labels. Im just trying to make sure everythings cool first before I do that. How have things progressed with your revolutionary smokers product Da Splitta as far as getting them in stores? Tampa Tony: I got a new one coming out in two weeks thats more like a key-chain holder. It aint as obvious that its something to do with marijuana. Its totally different. Its like a keychain holder that has a lighter. Its more discreet and less bulky. You aint got to wear it around your neck. Im trying to come from a more business point of view. If you wear it, you wont have to be classified as a smoker. I got a couple distribution deals Im working on. Were talking about a large quantity Canada, Houston, I got two distributors there waiting on the prototype. Lucky: Were just trying to make it more accessible to any person that wants to get it so they dont have to order them online. Itll be at every little gas station and corner store. Being involved in a lot of different aspects of business clothing, music, and other types of products which type of business do you think offers the most potential to make money? Tampa Tony: Its all going to make money. I think its all going to come at one time. When you come in the game with a whole lot of stuff that you can sell and make money off of, its a good thing because you aint gonna just make money off rap. Youre gonna make money off everything as a whole. It all ties together. When I come out, its gonna be huge because weve got Da Splitta Squad, DS Apparel, and Da Splitta, so were capitalizing off everything. Once we come in the game were gonna make that real big sweep. What are you pushing as your solo single right now is it the Bobbahead record? Tampa Tony: Yeah, and the second single is High Dollar featuring Mike Jones. Its gonna be a banger. It was produced by T Berry, and my management team, Chase Management, theyre real strong. I really got a lot of confidence with this album. Im looking at dropping it the beginning of next year: Juke City. How would you explain the term Juke City to someone whos not from Tampa? Tampa Tony: Juke City is Tampa. Tampas been known to break a whole heap of dances. All we do in Tampa is dance. Thats why I renamed it Juke City. Look out for Da Splitta Squad mix CD coming soon. Call your local radio station and request Bobbahead. I want to show everybody why they nominated me for Hustler of the Year. Just watch out for all my upcoming projects. Anything you see Tonys name on, its going to be official. Lucky: They got a shitload of fake Tampa Tonys on Myspace, so make sure you check out the official Tampa Tony Myspace page: www.myspace.com/ theofficialtampatony

It seems like everyone has a clothing line. What makes DS Apparel different? Is it just an extension of Da Splitta to promote the name, or are you actually designing the clothes? Tampa Tony: Yeah, really want to get into designing clothes. I want to come in the game how everybody else ends up in the game. It seems like everybody ends up with shoe contracts and clothing lines, so I want to come in with all that. We cater to the smokers; the smokers look

Im trying to show them why I was nominated for Hustler of The Year.

What exactly is the smokers look? Lucky: Were more hands-on with it than a lot of artists. A lot of major artists start a clothing line and pass it off to other people. Everything we do for DS Apparel, he might have an idea and my job is just to make sure that the actual product comes to light. We all sit down as partners and we all look at it, and if he doesnt like something he might modify it. As an artist, he likes to wear his own products. So hes got to make sure it looks good and represents for everybody else to wear too. We represent for the whole urban lifestyle, period, whether youre a smoker or you like to hang out on the corner or youre just a regular dude that goes to school. The whole clothing line and the shoe line

119

YOUNG JEEZY

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

WORDS & PHOTOS: JULIA BEVERLY

122

arlier, you were talking about budgeting your money, which is sort of funny because people have the perception of you as someone who just goes in the club and makes it rain and blows money on whatever. I do. But Ive been doing this so long that Im a vet. Any nigga like me, if you got this much shit coming in, you know how much you can fuck off, you know what I mean? But youve gotta pace yourself and be set up for this. You cant be a new nigga and come out here blowing out money and balling out thinking its gonna last. Ive been doing this shit forever so I know what it is. A lot of niggas be trying to impress muthafuckers and fuck around and end up broke. During the photo shoot you mentioned that youre not going to wear jewelry anymore. Whys that? I did all that, you know what Im sayin? It might mean more to the next man than to me. Im more than a chain. To me, that shit dont even matter no more. Fuck that, Im more than a chain. I dont want nobody to think thats who I am. Thats the environment I was raised in so I just ran with it, but I understand that shit now. Im the same nigga, with or without the chains. I still got the same mentality. Youve been working out and trimming down a lot. Are you putting more emphasis on your image this time around to sell records? I always said that when I got out of the streets and I wasnt stressed and worried about all that other shit, I was gonna try to get myself together. I aint tryin to be no 26-year-old fat boy. Im just trying to have longevity with this shit, and I definitely think health got a lot to do with it. I always said that when I got myself together I was gonna get my health together too. I wasnt focused on that before because I had a lot of other shit going on, but now Ive got time to work out. I aint tryin to be no sex symbol, Im just trying to be healthy. I wanna live for a long time. You dont think youre a sex symbol? The hoodrats love me, so Im good in the hood. So whats up with you and Keyshia Cole? Nothing. Nothing? Nothing. It aint like that, man. So Jeezy is single and mingling. Yeah, same old shit. Aint nothin changed.

my songs. They say, Nigga, keep doing what you doing. Youre holding us down out here. Thats what my whole shit is about. After you achieve a certain level of success, how do you still keep that mentality that you had when you were in the streets and hungry? Im gonna never stop being hungry. Im a greedy-ass dude. But at the end of the day, thats who I am. Thats my whole life. I could never change. Of course a niggas tax bracket might get bigger, but I still fuck with the same niggas. I still go to the same places and do the same shit. I aint gonna get caught up in the fame. To me, this is just a grind. I love the hustle. And when a nigga aint hot no more, a lot of people cant deal with that cause theyre used to being a star. I had all this shit before I got on, so to me its more of a respect thing. As long as niggas where Im at still fuck with me and the streets are still fuckin with me, Im cool. I aint tryin to be no crossover nigga. Im not gambling with it and trying to go for the big numbers. That really aint where Im at, Im just trying to make good music. Your first album went double platinum, right? Will you be disappointed if The Inspiration doesnt exceed those numbers? Nah, man, the numbers dont matter as long as niggas are still fuckin with me. Im a hood nigga. For me to go places and niggas really know who the fuck you are, that shit is better than all that shit. A lot of niggas do numbers but aint got that respect. Real niggas appreciate me. Musically are you going into some new territory on this album? Just doing what I feel. It aint no shit where Im going to try to be lyrical and come up with a concept, its just whats on a niggas mind and heart. I just put on the track and let it be what it is. Whether a nigga like it or dont like it, I really dont give a fuck. Even after a successful album you came back and dropped another mixtape, Cant Ban The Snowman. What was the purpose, just to keep the hype going? I like to work. It was a lot of speculation. Niggas said I couldnt rap like I really give a fuck. Im lyrical with reality. Niggas cant do that. Niggas are good with them words but at the end of the day if that shit dont mean nothing to nobody, it dont matter. With Cant Ban The Snowman, I let them know that if I wanna rap on this niggas beat, Ill kill that shit my own way. I put some shit out on the street, I Do This, and niggas think its my single. This is just some mixtape music. I just wanted to put some shit in the streets and see what the streets want. When I drop, Im gonna hit em over the head hard. Ive got a full clip this time.

Whats your workout routine like? I got a trainer, so I might run about six or seven miles. On a good day I might run about eight miles. When I work out I dont really do a lot of weights. Im not trying to be big, Im trying to be healthy. Im not trying to be no big-ass buff nigga, so I do a lot of cardio. When a nigga fucks with me, I dont have to fuck with those straps no more. Im gonna take em myself.

Fuck that, Im more than a chain. I dont want nobody to think thats who I am. Im the same nigga, with or without the chain.

Have you decided on a lead single? Ima drop this shit Child of God. Bury me a G. This shit is crazy. Youre gonna know when you hear it. I heard youve got a crazy record called Hypnotize. Thats just Jeezy being Jeezy. Thats some deep shit, but its more for my core audience. Niggas who really fuck with me, real niggas that listen to Jeezy, thats some shit thats gonna really fuck them up. If you aint on it like that, you wont get it. People know that you had some sort of affiliation with BMF. Im sure you dont wanna talk in detail about that situation, so heres the question: what separates someone like yourself, or 50 Cent, admitted drug dealers who are now legally successful, from the hustlers who end up in prison? I dont think nothing separates us. Shit, I mean, I meet a lot of niggas, and I dont blame muthafuckers. A lot of niggas might think Im lying, but I dont give a fuck. They might think, shit, this niggas trippin. But niggas who know me know what it is at the end of the day, and I aint gonna let nobody go in vain. I miss my niggas. I know whats real. My reality might not be a muthafuckin nightmare, but I really understand that its real out here. Why do you think BMF was so blatant with it? Billboards and all? The shit is real, thats all I can really say. I aint tryin to break down why anybody would do anything. Niggas are gonna do what they feel. Shit, if you got the nuts to do it, fuck it. Did you get your baby mama drama straightened out? Weve been straight. It was smoothed out before it even started, really. Your child support bill just went up a little. Yeah, you know how that go. Well, you did say the hoodrats love you.

What about your diet? I dont really do junk food no more. I dont really drink and smoke as much as I used to. I still get down, but I just take it easy on that shit so I can take care of my business. I dont eat no beef or pork. I just eat fish and chicken and shit. I keep it real basic three or four meals a day with a couple snacks in between. Of course you had a real successful run with your debut album now that youre working on your sophomore project, do you feel the need to switch it up and catch people off guard? I do what I feel. Ive never really done music for the clubs. I really just do what I feel in my heart. My shit is heartfelt, you know? I just feel that its my responsibility to straighten out a lot of shit that was took wrong on the first album. I was straight out the streets, so I had to give a nigga me. But I dont want a nigga thinking that all I know about is cars and hustling. A niggas smarter than that. I made it farther than a lot of niggas. Ive seen a lot of my peers dead or in jail. Im still trying to win. I dont wanna win and dont give nothing back; thats why I named it The Inspiration. Thats where Im going. I want a nigga to feel me and love me, you know what I mean? I dont think Ive really changed, its just that Ive showed niggas the growth. Im thinking. I aint no dumb nigga from the hood. With this new album being called The Inspiration, I guess youre sticking with the whole Thug Motivation theme. Its not a theme, its a way of life. Its a movement. Youve got muthafuckers out there who really need niggas to help them through the day. I know I needed that shit when I was on the other end. So thats why I call it The Inspiration. You know, Im inspired by the streets, and I inspire niggas. So I felt like it was the only way to go. Niggas dont never come up to me and say they like 123

Not even just the hoodrats. Muthafuckers just gotta understand that Im a real nigga. At the end of the day I aint tryin to be nobody who I aint. Fuck with me, thats all I ask for. Im not tryin to be somebody else. Where did the Boyz N Da Hood situation fall apart? It never fell apart. When I did it, it was a one album situation. I got a label deal at Def Jam. Im not just an artist, Im a boss. It was an understanding. It was an opportunity for me and everybody else. It was a one album thing and we all understood that. So it didnt really fall apart, thats how it was supposed to be. When Katrina came through, I heard you took care of some people. I did what any real nigga would do, and thats my focus for this next album. Im gonna get more involved with my hood, places I grew up. Im really on that shit right now. A nigga been blessed, so fuck it, Ima do the right thing this time. Im not gonna get caught up in the bullshit. Im gonna give. Katrina happened, man, and black people are hurting. Those are my people, so anything I could do to help, Ima help. Do you feel like you dont get recognized for the positive things you give back to the community? Controversy and drama, that shit sells. So anytime your baby mama is getting at you, muthafuckers are gonna put that shit all over the news. But the first time you do some positive shit, niggas dont give a fuck. But its cool cause I aint doing it for no press or promo, Im doing it cause its the right thing to do. Everybody aint got it. Sometimes you gotta be the nigga to look out. Fuck it, I get my blessings on the back end, so I aint trippin. Have you been able to collaborate with Jay-Z on this album, or has he offered any words of advice? Were both working right now. Were doing what we do, back and forth talking. Hes working on his joint, Im working on mine. A niggas in grind mode. I put the fatigues back on. Hes in his trap and Im in mine. You were spending some time on the boards in the studio. Are you getting into the engineering and production aspect of the music? Yeah, Im all over my shit. If I sit around anything long enough, Im gonna make up my mind to learn that shit. I dont like to call somebody and need help. Im just one of them types of dudes. Ima make a bad situation a better one, and me just being around all the fuckin studio shit all the time, I wanted to learn how to do it so I can get shit done without my engineer there. I co-produced a lot of shit on my last album but I really wasnt trippin on the credits. When I go sit down with a nigga in the studio, I know what I want and where Im going. Who are you dealing with as far as production for this album? Toomp, Speedy, T.A., Shawty Red, Midnight Black, The Drumma Squad. Ima give niggas a chance, you know what I mean? I really didnt get a lot of big production. I fuck with Timbaland. He came to the hood with me; its a classic Timbo beat. Ima definitely fuck with my nigga Scott Storch. Other than that, I just kept the shit hood. Are you going to drop another mixtape before this album? Im about to do the whole CTE thing, so me and my niggas will probably do one together BloodRaw, Slick Pulla, 211, the whole CTE. Whats up with the USDA album? I think were gonna drop Slick first and then Blood. What appealed to you about Slick and Blood? Why sign them to CTE? The niggas are real. I dont really fuck with a lot of niggas. Me and Slick been down for a long-ass fuckin time, and hes just a real nigga. Same thing with Raw, his whole persona is just real nigga shit. At the end of the day its not about the music, you gotta be able to trust these niggas. And Raw, he go hard. That nigga hustles. Slick is the same way. You dont have to get on a niggas ass, they just do what they do. I hear about more shit them niggas do that I dont even know about. Theyre out working and creating their own situations, and I like that. Any nigga that hustles like that, Ima hustle with them. And I respected them niggas before I met them. I heard Slicks shit and was like, damn, this niggas hard. When I heard Raw, he comes from his heart. Anytime you can feel a niggas pain in his music, you really understand it. When I listen to Raw, I can tell that this nigga really been through this shit. When I listen to Slick, hes a real wild ass young dude. You mentioned that youre not trying to cross over. Even though mainstream America looks at The Snowman as the bad guy, theyll probably never understand that your goal is to be more like a motivational speaker. Once you get past the hood, a lot of people dont get it. Well I should say once you get past people who live like you, people who hustle and struggle and people who live life the way Ive lived it some people still dont get it. 124

They think Im crazy why are you talking about this? But I get it. All the drug dealing rappers are like, muthafucker, you couldnt walk a day in my shoes. You aint good where Im good. You cant survive where Ive survived. Life is life everybody cant live the same. I dont know about your job, I might not be good at whatever you do, but I know where I came from. I made a way when there wasnt no way to be made, so Ima respect that and you should do the same. I could drop you off where the fuck I was at and you couldnt survive a day. You couldnt even lace my shoes up. That Air Forces song was dead ass true. A lot of muthafuckers couldnt walk a mile in my shoes. Niggas criticize me, all he talks about this and that, well, thats who the fuck I am. If you dont like my shit, dont buy it. For real. I dont need your favors. My niggas fuck with me, so Im cool. When I say crossover, I mean, I aint gonna do nothing that makes me feel like Im doing it just to sell records. I might do a big song, but I aint gonna do something that makes me feel uncomfortable. I dont wanna be somewhere and hear a nigga tell me that the shit is whack. Ima do what I feel like is right by em, so hopefully niggas will get it. Youve got 84 songs done for this album already? Who have you worked with as far as features? Yep. Ill probably only do like 14 on the album. Im gonna have some features, but I really dont bank on my features. Im more concerned with having a solid album. Whats the process of narrowing 84 songs down to 14 like? Just depends on what I feel. I might smoke a couple blunts and listen and pick. You just gotta know what sounds right. I think I put too many songs on the last album I gave niggas a chance to say what they didnt like and what they did like. If it had been like 14 songs itd be a classic, period. Is The Inspiration a classic? Definitely. I aint got no choice. Coming off that Thug Motivation shit I gotta hit them in the head, you know? Do you think youre in a position to become the next big rap superstar? Do you think we need a Tupac or Biggie? They werent superstars. They were just real niggas. I think in this industry right now, niggas are scared to be themselves. They go with whats hot. Everybody tries to jump on whats hot to sell records, cause everybody wants to get on. Pac didnt give a fuck what single he dropped. He wasnt talking about, This is my radio single. He just did what he felt. Same with Big. Once you try to break that shit down into radio singles and club singles, cmon, man. Youre gimmicking yourself. Are you worried about The Inspiration getting leaked and bootlegged like your last album? Hell naw. If my shit gets leaked this time, Im going to jail, point blank. Is it true that a Patchwerk Studios employee caught a beatdown for that? It is what it is. No comment. I dont wanna get sued again. These bitch niggas are out here suing. Whats up with your clothing line USDA? December 1st were in stores. But the government was trippin on the USDA shit, you know, that meat shit is trademarked or something. So I flipped it. If youre really from the hood and street, youll understand. I flipped it to 8732, which is USDA how we used to do it on the old-school pagers. So my clothing line is called 8732, and my shit is looking good. Hella good. Everybody says theyve got a clothing line. Are you actually designing clothes or is it just t-shirts? Oh, hell no. Im gonna be where Sean John, LRG, Rocawear, and everything is at. Ima be right there with them. I got all that, jeans, hats, velour jackets, sweaters, all that shit. Its no bullshit. I know you hear about niggas saying theyve got a clothing line, but this is some real shit. Are you still putting out the book Thug Motivation? Im still working on it. It took a little bit longer than I thought. I really wanna impress niggas. Any other projects youve got going on? Trap or Die, the movie. Im probably gonna fuck with that. Its my life story, but I aint gonna do it like everybody else did it. Ima just transition to show how it is. Its gonna be more like a documentary than a movie. Other than that, just working on Slick and Bloods stuff. Birds Fly South in the clubs right now. That BloodRaw mixtape is hitting hard. Anything else youd like to say? Look out for that album late October, The Inspiration. You know what it is.

You couldnt walk a day in my shoes. You cant survive where Ive survived. Everybody cant live the same. I dont know about your job, I might not be good at whatever you do, but I know where I came from. I made a way when there wasnt no way to be made, so Ima respect that and you should do the same.
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NO MORE MR. NICE GUY

WORDS & PHOTOS: JULIA BEVERLY

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eople usually expect a consistent image from an artist. You talk about peace and positive things and arent known to have beef with other artists so why appear on the cover of a magazine with guns? There shouldnt have to be an explanation because thats how I came out. People forget too quickly. Thats how I came out; thats a part of me. Regardless of what people say, they think the new David Banner is cool, everybody likes him, but that aint what folks want. Whos the new David Banner? Well, not really new. The Heal the Hood David Banner. The Play David Banner. All that is good. I guess thats less scary and less aggressive, and thats the position that the general public would like to see a black man take less aggressive. And I think thats some bullshit. Lets get it crackin. What happened to make the old David Banner want to come back? Interally, he never left. Musically, what we have to understand is that as an artist, I always want to be on the cutting edge. By the time people get into our music, were really not on that no more. It just got the point where I had been doing a certain type of music for so long that it wasnt challenging to me anymore. Even though other music may or may not have done as well or may not been what people wanted, I had to satisfy myself as an artist. I had to try other things. Sometimes you have to leave home in order to respect what you really have and what you do.

Is your new record with Yola, Get Money, going to be the lead single off your next album? Its definitely going to be on the album. I dont know if its going to be the lead single; thats really up to the public. Based on the reaction Im getting from it now, hell yeah, its going to be a single. With this album, Im going to let the fans tell me what they want. Ima put songs out there and once they grab on Im gon bust they head with it. I got so many songs now that were gonna throw a couple out there and let people pick what they want. Get Money is really showing me that Im doing the right thing. Im always on my myspace all the time just taking advice from my fans if I happen to be their favorite rapper, where would they like to see me in the future? A lot of people say they wasnt hearing enough boom, so I gotta bring it back for them. Hit me up at www.myspace.com/davidbanner. Is the first line of the song a diss to Steve Rifkind? If people listen to it theyll be able to figure out what it is. Its funny to see how people react to it. People are looking for somebody to die or somebody to start something. So Im just gonna let people take it how they want. You didnt answer the question. I know. Hot 97 announced that you were no longer signed to SRC/ Universal. True or false? That really depends on how the business goes. If Steve does what he needs to do, then theres a possibility that stuff can be cool. If he dont, Im gonna act and do beats. Its really up to Steve Rifkind. Ive gotten a whole lot of offers from other places. I just take it in and listen to what people say. Steve really has got some work he needs to do for the person who started his company.

Now that youre breaking into Hollywood and getting some acting roles, how would you compare the politics and the process of breaking into the music business as opposed to the movie business? I really cant be so vain as to say that I know what it means to break into the music industry because I had the advantage of being a rapper, so I didnt have to necessarily go through the things that the average person off the street had to go through. I wouldnt want to bitch and moan about the struggles I had to go through to become an actor because I already had something to get me through the front door. It was nothing close to what I went through in order to be a rapper being homeless and sitting outside studios. I would never harp on what it took for me to become an actor. But thats one of the reasons I went to acting school. Thats one of the reasons I work so hard as far as acting is concerned, because I know I did have a blessing that most people dont have when theyre trying to become a serious actor. The difference between a lot of people and me is that I really take this acting thing seriously. What acting roles will you be appearing in? I cant really speak on the upcoming movies. The only movie I can speak on is the one Ive done. Its a lot of politics and red tape when it comes to movies. Im in the movie Black Snake Moan; me, Justin Timberlake, Christina Ricci, and Samuel L. Jackson. Its a major role, from beginning to end. And its a major accomplishment for a young black male to be in the movie the whole way and not die. Were usually the first ones that die. In the first five minutes, boy, you got to go! Its funny, somebody told me something amazing: people will cut off their left arm just to breath on the same screen as Samuel L. Jackson, who has become a friend of mine and my acting coach. That meant a whole lot to me and Ive learned a lot of life lessons from the man. Whats going on with your cartoon? Its wonderful. Im making the music for it right now. Its been a great experience. One of my biggest problems with music is the fact that what you said earlier is true: people want to keep you in a box. Im just going to experiment, cause I want to try new things in my movies and in my other adventures and endeavors. I guess Im going to give people what they expect of David Banner and just keep him there. But in my cartoon, theres a lot of stuff I want to talk about and a lot of topics that I really cant touch or fully explain inside a rap song. So Im gonna do it in my other ventures, and my cartoon is actually helping me do that. Its strange. Its gonna be a really funny political cartoon. Its gonna be really funny. Is the cartoon geared towards kids or adults? Aw, hell naw. Its not aimed at kids at all. Kids should not watch my cartoon at all. If kids watch my cartoon, they need they lil bad ass whooped. They do not need to watch this cartoon at all. No. Having hooked up with the Cartoon Network, how does it work? Do you write the cartoon or just provide the background beats? Its a collaborative effort. The cartoon was going to go in effect before me. This dude that works at Cartoon Network was really affected by my first album, Mississippi: The Album. He said the album influenced him so much that he wrote a cartoon based on it, and then he met me and we just picked it up from there.

Im the best producer in the game, and I will prove it this year.

Initially, when you first signed to SRC, you felt like Steve really understood what you were trying to do and saw your vision. What do you think changed since then? In a lot of cases, people have too much going on instead of concentrating on one thing. But its not all Steves fault. Like I said in the last interview, there was a lot of mistakes that I made, so I really put it on myself more than I do Steve. I know how to make a hit record. I know how to get out here and make my record pop. If you look at every group that was really successful with Steve, they had somebody who was runnin it, who had a vision, and they basically put their vision out there and Steve quarterbacked it. My vision got sort of blurry because I got caught up doing too much stuff. Its on me, regardless of what label Im with. Creatively, did you just hit a roadblock? I wouldnt say that. You just have to pick who you want to be. You cant really be everything at one time, especially when you dont have a strong enough team behind you. I had to concentrate on being David Banner the rapper, and now Im trying to concentrate on being David Banner the producer. I just learned that you have to pace yourself. Right now Im close to placing 20 beats, just this month. Im back on my grizzy so right now my major concentration is with God, my family, movies, and beats. Thats my concentration. As I work on other peoples stuff, I do a couple beats for myself here and there as I feel comfortable and bust they damn head. So youre not really concerned with a release date for your next album? Its basically up to SRC as far as how things progress? Basically, they got to pay me. It just comes down to that. Pay me. Thats it. Im just gonna be up front with you. Pay me. You know the type of person I am. If the record label is fuckin up, Ill pay for my own posters. You know those orange David Banner posters, I paid for them. That last set of t-shirts you saw, I paid for them. Theyre not doing what they need to do, but I cant hear excuses. Ill make it happen, but dude needs to step it up. If Im the person who started your company, dude, pay me. Make sure Im good for the rest of my life. These record labels can sign another David Banner, but we cant find a new identity. Once its over for us, its done. But, at the same time, did your album sales meet SRCs expectations according to the amount of money they put out? I know the first album did. Whether or not they sold enough records out there for their expenses to be taken care of, I dont know. Youd have to ask them because I cant answer that question. Go ask Steve Rifkind. Go ask Universal, I dont know. But regardless, were talking about who started SRC. Im the reason you know what SRC is. Anything else youd like to say? Im the best producer in the game, and I will prove it this year. Quote that. 133

M.O.E. stands for Money Over Everything. Thats how we live our life. m the CEO, and my other business partner Lil Man is the CEO of the company too. Young Cash is the president. Right now were looking for a distribution deal. Were trying to get us a label deal, but as far as what M.O.E.s doing, were right behind cash. Hes getting ready to be the first one released off the label. All of us are really behind him; check out that Straight Drop Vol. 2 in stores August 22nd. 904 Click is the group; M.O.E. is the label. The 904 Click consists of Young Cash, Dirt Diggla, T-Smiley, and Chicken Man. Theyre all solo artists too; theyve all got their own projects coming out. So right now were just putting out all the mixtapes. The first mixtape is Young Cashs Straight Drop Vol. 3, then were coming out with a Real Nigga mixtape. October 11th, its in stores. Then weve got Dirk Diggla, man, a lot of stuff coming up. Right now weve got a perfect situation. The best thing I could say is that I compare myself to G-Unit, cause thats whos making all the money out here. 50 Cent made $50 mil fuckin selling records. Fuck all that talking about how bad you are and how much shit you pop; lets break down who sells the most records. Were independent but niggas know that were straight street niggas; we been grinding for years and building, staying consistent with what were doing. Right now is our time to bubble. My whole city, Jacksonville, has a lot of talent, and now is the time to get everybody out. M-Geezy is doing all the production for all the products in the city right now, so its getting real hard for our city. Im not really messing with any other artist or person outside of Jacksonville. Im really concentrating on helping my artists and everybody in Duval. I just wanna see my city do it big. I want Jacksonville to be the next Atlanta, and I look at myself as the next Jermaine Dupri, helping all this young talent eat out here. - As told to Vic

Backdoor Productions, a.k.a. The Producers of the New South, consists of Bishop Jones, Lando 28, Lil Joe, the Trump Boys, and Big J. Born and raised in Jacksonville, they all make beats. They can be reached at 904-885-1306 Bishop Jones: We grew up together. We were cousins, and we started doing beats around high school. When we met Young Cash and M-Geezy, it was a wrap from there. Me and Cash are from the same side of town, so we kind of grew up together. We go way back. M-Geezy had heard of us. He was stayin in the neighborhood and we met him at the old studio and started a group. We started off playing live shit. After that I got my chance in the studio and took off from there. As far as Young Cash we produced most of his album. We worked with G-Mack out of Kentucky; I did a couple songs with him and Young Cash. We aint really mainstream yet but Im tryin to get out there as far as I can get. Our sound is different cause it aint like most producers. Its hard to classify. We dont call it rap or R&B, we do all that, but thats just how it comes up. Lando 28: Ive been doing the little production thing since I was young, on little Casios and low-class instruments. But Id rather have my own live set. I started doing live sets in my early teens and thats how I looked up with M-Geezy. We started a band called Burn One. By watching him, eventually I gained the knowledge to be a phenomenal young produer. Its really beautiful cause we always learn from each other. We always try to get it to another level; we never want to get stuck or stay in one stop. We learn from each other to get to the next level of production.

Mario Andretti: My cousin really put me on to production back in 98, 99. I liked to hear the keys he was pushing. Ive produced Real Niggas, and a couple other good songs that people probably aint heard yet. We dedided to call it Backdoor Productions because we felt like if you wanna get into the music business you gotta come through us. You gotta come through our door, so dont just come back the front door and make a big scene and kidekick broke. Big J: I produced a lot of the new stuff Cash is coming out with. I learned how to produce just by hanging around and listening and learning from different stuff. Ive produced a bunch of Cashs new stuff. This mixtape goes hard in the paint. You wont hear some of my stuff til later after the album comes out. Lil Joe: Im from Jacksonville, Duval County too. I met up with Backdoor Productions through M-Geezy and my older brother. I bring fire beats like In My Chevy. We always got heat coming. We did the group thing and we always wanted the solo shots. We got that fire, man. Come cocked and holla at us one time for DCR.

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Plies @ Upper Level Orlando, FL Photo: Julia Beverly

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

Friday August 4, 2006
10 AM - until On-Site Registration at Host Hotel Ivanhoe Plaza/Sheraton Hotel 60 S. Ivanhoe Blvd. downtown Orlando, FL

*subject to change

Don Diva Magazine), Wendy Day (CEO, Rap Coalition), & Wendy Washington (Senior Vice President of Media Relations, Universal Records) 1:30 PM Manish Man presents the DJ Crew Panel panelists: 1st Lady El (CEO, Murda Mamis), Cristal Bubblin (Vice President, Bumsquad DJz), DJ Mars (CEO, SuperFriends), Kaspa (CEO, Hittmenn DJs) Scrap Dirty (CEO, Violator All-Star DJs), & Tony Neal (CEO, The CORE DJs) 1:30 PM Bossman presents the Media Panel panelists: Carl Chery (SOHH.com), Cavario Hodges (Don Diva Magazine), Jesus Trivino (Senior Editor, Scratch Magazine), Kraze (CEO, All Access DVD), Matt Sonzala (Murder Dog Magazine), Maurice Garland (Music Editor, OZONE Magazine), N. Ali Early (Editor-In-Chief, Grip Magazine), Rahman Dukes (MTV News/Mixtape Mondays) 4 PM Jathar Diamonds presents the Artist Panel panelists: David Banner, Juelz Santana, Killer Mike, Pimp C, Slim Thug, T-Pain, Webbie & more TBA 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM DJ Suite Parties / Listening Sessions (DJ CREDENTIAL REQUIRED FOR ACCESS) - Bad Boy/Atlantic Records Suite Party with 8Ball & MJG - Asylum Records Suite Party with Lil Flip - Jive Records Suite Party with Dre & M.O.S. 8 PM - 10 PM - Tastemakers Only Showcase Club at Firestone 578 N. Orange Ave. downtown Orlando, FL with DJ-exclusive Serato & laptop raffle performances by Trillville, Mr. Magic, Tampa Tony, J-Shin, Young A & more 10 PM - 3 AM - Tastemakers Only Afterparty Club at Firestone Lil Wayne & many more celebrity guests will be in the building Music by Cool Runnings, Disco & the City Boyz, Emperor Searcy, & Supastar J-Kwik Registered members of the conference are admitted free until MIDNIGHT. 3 AM until - Late Night Suite Party at Host Hotel - TBA

*all panels and suite parties take place at Host Hotel unless otherwise noted*
2 PM Musik Boxx presents the Producers Panel panelists: Cool & Dre, DJ Toomp, Jim Jonsin, Khao, KLC, Mr. Collipark, Nitti, & The Runners 2 PM No Name Necessary presents the Technology Panel panelists: Corey Llewellen (Digiwaxx), Donya Floyd (AOL Radio), Roslynn Cobarrubias (Myspace.com), Jamie Chvotkin (CDBaby.com), Wendy Day (CEO, Rap Coalition) & more TBA 3:30 PM b.i.G.f.a.c.e. Entertainment presents the Indie Executives Panel panelists: Bryan Leach (TVT), Chaka Zulu (CEO, DTP Records), Jason Geter (CEO, Grand Hustle), Ted Lucas (CEO, Slip-N-Slide Records), Mike Clarke (Swishahouse), Uncle Luke (CEO, Luke Records), & Vince Phillips (CEO, BME Records) 3:30 PM - Royal Blunts presents the DJ Panel panelists: Brandi Garcia, Clinton Sparks, DJ Chuck T, DJ Jelly, DJ Nasty, DJ Wally Sparks, Green Lantern, & Greg Street 5-7 PM DJ Suite Party/Listening Sessions (DJ CREDENTIAL REQUIRED FOR ACCESS) - Koch Records Suite Party w/ DJ Unk & Baby D - Others TBA 7-10 PM Welcome to Florida Pool Party & Fashion Show hosted by Khao & Stay Fresh performances by Crime Mob, Chyna Whyte, B.H.I., Young Capone, THud, Mannish Man, & Da Mouf Records 10 PM - 3 AM - Interscope Records Official TJs DJs/OZONE Awards Kickoff Party Cairo Nightclub performances by Young Buck, Lloyd Banks, Slim Thug, Rich Boy, Jibbs, Obie Trice, Hot Rod, & Stat Quo Music by DJ Q45, Supastar J-Kwik & DJ Greg G Registered members of the conference are admitted free until MIDNIGHT. 3 AM until BME Records Late Night Suite Party at Host Hotel with Crime Mob, Chyna Whyte, B.H.I. & more

Sunday August 6, 2006

12 PM - 3 PM - OZONE Brunch - Location TBA 4 PM - 6 PM - OZONE Red Carpet With comedians Benji Brown & Roland Lil Duval Powell Livingston St. in front of the Bob Carr Auditorium 7 PM - 11 PM - 1st Annual OZONE Awards Bob Carr Auditorium 401 W. Livingston St., downtown Orlando, FL hosted by David Banner & Trina performances by Lil Wayne, T.I., Pimp C & Bun B, Trick Daddy, Pitbull, Rick Ross, Too $hort, Shawnna, T-Pain, Young Dro, Slim Thug, Trae, Yung Joc, Paul Wall & more appearances by 8Ball & MJG, Aztek, B.G., Bohagon, Bonecrusher, CamRon, Choppa, Crime Mob, DJ Khaled, ESG, Grandaddy Souf, JackiO, Juelz Santana, Khia, Killer Mike, Lil Boosie, Lil Flip, Lyfe Jennings, Obie Trice, Rich Boy, Roy Jones Jr. & 3D, Smitty, Sqad Up, Stat Quo, TV Johnny, Twista, Uncle Luke, Webbie, Young Cash, Young Jeezy, Yukmouth & many more 10 PM - 3 AM - Atlantic Records Official OZONE Awards Afterparty with Grand Hustle, Bad Boy Records, & Slip-N-Slide Club at Firestone 578 N. Orange Ave. downtown Orlando, FL performances by Young Dro, Plies, B.G. & many more TBA music by DJ Drama, DJ Khaled, DJ Nasty, & Disco & the City Boyz Registered members of the conference are admitted free until MIDNIGHT.

Saturday August 5, 2006

10 AM - until On-Site Registration at Host Hotel Ivanhoe Plaza/Sheraton Hotel

*all panels and suite parties take place at Host Hotel*

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

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meet our panelists

BRANDI GARCIA / DJ & radio personality, KBXX-Houston DJ Panel (Houston, TX) The bit of sunshine Brandi Garcia took from her native state of Florida has paved a bright future. Garcia worked the radio ladder to become the proud owner of Houstons #1 night show on 97.9 The Box, host of the music video show Hot TV, creator of the sultry Southern Stilletto mix CD series, and becoming 2006 Southern Entertainment Awards Female DJ of the Year. A proud member of the Murder Mamis & NoizeMob, Garcia is en fuego! BRYAN LEACH / TVT Records Indie Exec Panel (New York, NY) Bryan was largely responsible for propelling acts like Lil Jon & the Eastside Boyz, the Ying Yang Twins, and Pitbull to national success during his time as VP of A&R at TVT Records. Now on the verge of launching his own label, Bryans thorough knowledge of the music business and hands-on approach to artist development will guarantee him success. CARL CHERY / SOHH.com Media Panel (New York, NY) CAVARIO HODGES / Don Diva Magazine Media Panel (Atlanta, GA) CHAKA ZULU / Co-CEO, Disturbing Tha Peace & Ebony Son Indie Exec Panel (Atlanta, GA) Chaka Zulu has been making his mark in the music industry for the past 10 years. Much like his namesake, Zulu relies on education and tenacity for success while giving back to his people. Chaka Zulu has worn many hats including Music Director for Atlantas Hot 97.5, radio promotions for Sony & Universal, and currently serves as Co-CEO and manager for entertainment icon Ludacris and the Disturbing Tha Peace brand. CLINTON SPARKS / DJ, Producer, Entrepreneur DJ Panel (Hartford, CT) Music is universal as Clinton Sparks proves through the syndication of his SmashTime Radio heard in the USA, Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Canada and on Sirius Satellites Shade 45. Sparks takes full advantage of his entrepreneurial skills with two merchandising websites MixUnit.com & FlixUnit.com. While cats from Kanye West, 50 Cent, Eminem, & Pharrell have all blessed his famous mixtapes, the world is just now getting familiar with Sparks the producer. And as Sparks continues to push it to the limit with a new album plus deals involving video games and Pepsi, the world is about to become very familiar with Clinton Sparks. COOL & DRE Producer Panel (Miami, FL) Production credits include Ja Rule f/ Jadakiss & Fat Joe New York New York, The Game f/ 50 Cent Hate It Or Love It, Christina Milian f/ Young Jeezy Say I, Juvenile Rodeo, and DJ Khaled f/ Paul Wall, Rick Ross, Pitbull, & Fat Joe Holla At Me. COREY LLEWELLYN / Digiwaxx.com Technology Panel (New York, NY) CRISTAL BUBBLIN / Vice President, Bum Squad DJz DJ Crew Panel DART PARKER / Dir. A&R, Shady Records A&R Panel (New York, NY) Most folks in the industry base signing new talent from charts and bandwagons, but true A&Rs such as Dart Parker rely on their ear and the conviction to stand behind the music they sign. Parker has trusted his instincts ever since leaving Raleigh, NC via Amtrak armed with $800 and a dream. Parker has continued living his dream beginning as a producer for DMX and De La Soul then eventually moving up to becoming Director of A&R for Shady Records, signing Stat Quo and Ca$his to the house Em built. DJ CHUCK T / DJ & CEO, Port City Productions DJ Panel (Charleston, SC) Frustrated with the lack of opportunities available to independent artists, Chuck T dropped his mic and picked up the turntable. He decided to fight the game from within the system and has opened doors for many artists in and around his hometown of Charleston, SC though his mixtape series, Ghetto Gangsters including dropping 45 titles in one year! DJ Chuck T has already had coverage in The Source, Ozone Magazine, Scratch Magazine, and MTVs Mixtape Mondays to name a few. His hard work is paying off as DJ Chuck T was nominated for 14 Southern Entertainment Awards in his first year of eligibility and looks forward to watching his label Port City Productions become a super power in the music industry. DJ JELLY - DJ Panel (Atlanta, GA) DJ MARS / Founder, World Famous Superfriends DJ Crew (Atlanta, GA) As the President and founding member of the World Famous Superfriends Crew, DJ Mars single handedly changed the DJ scene in Atlanta. While attending Clark Atlanta University, DJ Mars started his career DJing in the cafeteria during dinner for only $75. Mars went from being Outkasts original DJ to touring with Usher. Currently Mars is living the life of legends and happily on tour with Ciara. DJ NASTY / DJ & Producer, Nasty Beatmakers DJ Panel (Orlando, FL) Now that his partner DJ Prostyle has departed for NYC and BET, Nasty virtually holds a DJ monopoly on the city of Orlando, dominating radio and clubs. Widely considered one of the best on the ones & twos, Nasty and his brother LVM have also used their industry connections to venture into production. Their tracks have appeared on albums by everyone from Camron to Ludacris. DJ TOOMP Producer Panel (Atlanta, GA) Production credits include T.I.s Dope Boyz, U Dont Know Me, Motivation, What U Know, Be Easy, and Ludacris Two Miles An Hour. DJ WALLY SPARKS / DJ, syndicated DJ Panel (Chattanooga, TN) Once upon a time Wally Sparks was OZONE Magazines music editor, but he left us to pursue his true love 24/7: DJing and breaking new music. He can currently be heard on 3 commercial radio stations in 3 different states in addition to his own weekly show on Sirius Satellite Radio entitled League Crew Radio. Wally Sparks currently has globally distributed mixtapes featuring big names such as Ludacris, Chamillionaire, Yung Joc, Trae, and 8Ball & MJG. DONYA FLOYD / Programmer, AOL Radio Network Technology Panel (New York, NY) Donya Floyd programs nearly 40 urban music stations for the AOL Radio Network, including R&B, dancehall and gospel acting as a liaison between AOL Music and labels and artists. In addition to her radio responsibilities, she is a contributor to AOL Musics news and feature articles, AIM interviews and Sessions. Ms. Floyds background includes programming and on-air stints at WOWI-FM in Norfolk, WPGC 95.5 FM in Washington, DC, and WUSL Power 99 FM in Philadelphia. Most recently, she also appeared as a weekly entertainment news contributor on Philadelphias top-rated TV station, NBC-10. ELORA MASON / Founder, E. Mason & Associates Women In the Industry Panel (Atlanta, GA) Elora Mason is the founder and CEO of E. Mason & Associates, a Miami based Events Management and Publicity Firm. She is also the co-founder of Young Florida Vote, a non-profit, non-partisan voter empower program and the Florida Entertainment Summit, Floridas most important entertainment networking summit. Elora, born in St. Croix, has worked with Atlantic Records, Bigga Rankin, Benji Brown, Caribbean Reggae Fest, DJ DEMP, DEMP Week, So South, Tarvoria, The Core DJs, The Core DJs Retreat, Trick Daddy, Trick Luvs Da Kids Foundation and a host of others. 1st LADY EL / Founder, Murda Mamis Ent - DJ Crew Panel (New York, NY) 1st Lady El is the architect of the largest collective of

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meet our panelists

women in the urban entertainment industry, The Murda Mamis. This prolific group covers all industry genres from DJs, recording artists, media personalities, producers, executives, journalists, and models including placements at MTV, Don Diva Magazine and power stations like KBXX-Houston to name a few. Lady El notes that I started Murda Mamis to unify women in Hip Hop. Women are very powerful and together we can be invincible. With a hustlers ambition this strong, the Murda Mamis will always be respected to the 1st degree. GREEN LANTERN DJ Panel (New York, NY) Aside from the infamous Jadakiss DVD incident which led to Greens dismissal from Eminems camp, Green is known for being one of the sickest mixtape DJs, dropping unique blends and exclusive songs regularly. GREG GATE$ DAVENPORT / Murder Dog - Media Panel (N. Florida) GREG STREET DJ Panel (Atlanta, GA) The Ultimate Hustler, Greg once balanced dual radio shows in Atlanta and Dallas and has expanded his brand to encompass car shows, sneaker shows, and other entrepreneurial ventures. JAMES EICHELBERGER / A&R, TVT Records A&R Panel (New York, NY) JASON GETER / Co-CEO, Grand Hustle Indie CEO Panel (Atlanta, GA) As both T.I.s manager and business partner, Jason can be largely credited with not only the success of T.I.s individual career, but the success of the label as a whole. Grand Hustle was responsible for the Hustle & Flow soundtrack and, in addition to the veteran P$C crew, recently brought in new acts like Young Dro and Yola who are set to follow in T.I.s footsteps and achieve worldwide success. JESUS TRIVINO ALARCON / Senior Editor, Scratch Magazine Media Panel (New York, NY) Jesus Trivino Alarcon has been apart of the Scratch Magazine family from the beginning as a founding editor of the DJ publication. Alarcon is not relegated to the desk as he has interviewed Nas, Kanye West, Willie Colon, Jay-Z while writing for Vibe, The Source, XXL, King, People.com and others. As a Brooklyn-born South American, Alarcon provides a unique experience that readers cant enjoy more. JILL STRADA / Program Director, WPYO Power 95.3 FM Women In The Industry Panel (Orlando, FL) Jill Strada is currently the Program Director of Orlando hip-hop station WPYO/Power 95.3. Jill entered the entertainment industry in January 1996 as a promotion intern at WJHM/102 Jamz in Orlando. In 1999, she became the Marketing Director of a new start up radio station in Orlando, WPYO/95.3 Party. Jill is always challenging herself, and over time she took on additional responsibilities in the stations programming department and added Assistant Program Director & Music Director to her title. Jill also believes that giving back is one thing that is missing in the industry, so she started up Stradagy Inc. a non-profit organization that fosters mentorship within the entertainment industry. JIM JONSIN - Producers Panel (Miami, FL) Formerly 1/2 of the Unusual Suspects duo with Big D, Jim has now branched off into a solo production career and also maintains an executive position at Southbeat Records. Production credits include Trick Daddy Lets Go, Pitbull f/ Piccalo Dammit Man, Jamie Foxx f/ Ludacris Unpredictable, Pretty Ricky Your Body, Pretty Ricky Grind With Me, and Trina f/ Kelly Rowland Here We Go. JOIE MANDA / Head of A&R & Promotions, Asylum Records - A&R Panel (New York, NY) Asylum, billed as an incubator label, serves as the umbrella for many successful indie labels like Swishahouse. As head of A&R, Joie is involved with projects from artists like Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Webbie, Lil Boosie, CamRon, and Bun B. KASPA / CEO, Hittmenn DJs (Atlanta, GA) KAWAN PRATHER / Executive VP of Sony Urban and Head A&R (New York, NY) Originally from Atlanta, KP first made his mark as an A&R by pairing Usher with Jermaine Dupri for the My Way album. He also discovered and signed T.I. and the YoungBloodz and signed them to LaFace Records long before the Southern movement was widely accepted. Now at Sony, his most recent signees include John Legend KHAO Producer Panel (Atlanta, GA) Production credits include Young Jeezy f/ Trick Daddy & Young Buck Last of a Dying Breed, T.I. Why U Wanna, T.I. Stand Up Guy, T.I. f/ P$C Limelight, Paul Wall f/ T.I. So Many Diamonds, and Lil Kim Get Yours. KIM OSORIO Editor, BET.com Although you may recognize her name as former editor of The Source during the Dave & Benzino days, Kim is now responsible for BETs online content. KLC / producer, Beats By the Pound & The Medicine Men Producers Panel (Baton Rouge, LA) Few producers can claim an entire place in time. KLC as a member of Beats By The Pound served as the backbone behind the No Limit movement that peaked at over 40 million units sold and opened a brand new sound. Today, as a member of The Medicine Men, KLC has produced for mega stars such as Ludacris and Mariah Carey while anticipating the release of the first release for The Medicine Mens Overdose/Asylum venture entitled KLC The Drum Major. KRAZE / CEO, All Access DVD (New York, NY) MATT SONZALA / Writer, Photographer, Promoter, Booker Media Panel (Houston, TX) Matt Sonzala is a writer/photographer/promoter/booking agent from Houston, TX. Hes been in the music game since the age of 16 when he first started promoting live events at clubs. Since then he has developed into THE voice for Houston hip-hop. While he is not affiliated with any artist officially, when you need to get at someone from Texas, you call Matt first. In recent years he has been published in Ozone, The Source, XXL and Vibe Magazine, and is currently booking artists like Devin the Dude and DJ Rapid Ric on tours of Europe, Canada, and the Pacific Rim. His weekly radio program - the wildly popular Damage Control Show with DJ Chill - is heard all over the world and is a direct link to everything going on in Dirty South Rap. MAURICE G. GARLAND / Music Editor, OZONE Magazine Media Panel (Atlanta, GA) After a stint working at Rolling Out, Maurice joined the OZONE team and has been responsible for several memorable spreads (20 Greatest Southern Albums, Bay Area Patiently Waiting, etc.). MICKEY MeMpHiTz WRIGHT / VP, A&R Jive; CEO, HiTz Committee A&R Panel (New York, NY) Arriving in New York fresh from his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, Mickey Wright embarked on a journey fueled by faith and determination that would eventually lead him to becoming the most sought after golden ears of hip-hop. Wright released both the debut album of his latest signing, Tallahassee R&B singer/songwriter, T-Pain, as well as the YoungBloodZs third album, only a week apart. He is currently back in the studio, preparing releases with legendary Houston group UGK, J-Kwon, and newcomer M.O.S. (Money Over Sex), a rapper from Durham, NC. With his recent promotion to Vice President of A&R at Jive, Wrights eyes and ears are always poised for the next big thing, but he particularly cares more about real talent, potential stardom, and longevity. MIKE CAREN / Senior Vice President of A&R, Atlantic Records - A&R Panel (Los Angeles, CA)

and Ray Cash.

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MICHAEL CLARKE / VP, Swisha House; owner, M&M Music Indie Exec Panel (Houston, TX) Michael Clarke embarked on a career in the music industry before landing a coveted executive position at Swisha House Records. A proprietor of the family owned and operated M&M Music, Clarke assumed full responsibilities of manning and operating the award winning record store in 1996. Since joining the Swisha House family officially in 2003, Clarke has risen in ranks from a consultant to Vice President. Clarke expertly outlines the marketing and promotional procedures for all artists on the Swisha House roster simultaneously working in conjunction with the record company partners various departments to provide artists with optimal success. MIKE RIOS / Mixunit.com (Hartford, CT) MISS INFO / Journalist, Personality Hot 97 Women In The Industry Panel (New York, NY) Whether on radio, television, or print, Miss Info brings the same opinionated blend of wit, news, and gossip thats become her trademark. Born to Korean immigrants in Chicago, Miss Info moved to New York to join the staff at the Source Magazine. She has since written and edited for magazines such as Vibe, XXL, King, Mass Appeal, Rolling Stone, Glamour as well as MTV News and various shows on VH1. Recently, Miss Info joined New York Citys Hot 97 family, wrote a book, and still has time to pen a monthly Vibe column and give writing workshops. MR. COLLIPARK Producer Panel (Atlanta, GA) Also known as DJ Smurf, Collipark crafted the sound and progress of the Ying Yang Twins career and now is working with several new acts including P Stones and Homebwoi. He produced the infamous whisper song for the Ying Yang Twins as well as David Banners Play, Bubba Sparxxx Ms. New Booty, Bun Bs Git It, Pitbulls Shake, and dozens of other Ying Yang Twins hits. N. ALI EARLY / Editor at Large, Grip Magazine Media Panel (Atlanta, GA) A proud graduate of Clark Atlanta University, N. Ali Early began humbly with UrbanStyle Weekly serving as Music Editor for 2 years. Since then Early has set the world on fire with credits in XXL, The Source, Vibe, and more while still having time to launch his media umbrella, www.KreativeSouls. com. Now as Editor-At-Large for Grip Magazine, Early is optimistic knowing that the skys the limit as to what we can accomplish and we want it all. NITTI Producer Panel (Atlanta, GA) This is a Nitti beat, cmon, you had to have heard that at least a million times by now on the intro to Yung Jocs Its Goin Down. Nitti has also crafted beats for 8Ball, Young Jeezy, Rasheeda, and a crop of talented upcoming Atlanta artists. RAHMAN DUKES / MTV News - Media Panel (New York, NY) ROSLYNN COBARRUBIAS / NARIP, MySpace.com Technology Panel Roslynn Cobarrubias started Third Floor Radio in college in 1998 where she acted as host, producer and DJ. In July of 2004, she came to MySpace. While holding the position of Director of Marketing for the National Association of Record Industry Professionals (NARIP), Cobarrubias met Chris De Wolfe (CEO of MySpace.com) via her former boss, president of the network, Tess Taylor. The web community had just begun MySpace Music and only had 3.5 million users compared to the 90 million + that it has to date. Friends know her as a work-aholic that calls herself the traveling janitor. She prides herself most in the ability to help others and has a strong belief in coincidences after reading the Celestine Prophecy numerous times. SHAKIR STEWART / Senior VP of A&R, Island Def Jam A&R Panel (Atlanta, GA)

During Def Jams transition, Shakir helped maintain the labels reputation for breaking rap acts by signing bubbling talent like Young Jeezy and Rick Ross and helping their careers break on a national level. SHAWN HOLIDAY / Senior VP of A&R, Universal Records A&R Panel (Los Angeles, CA) SUPA CINDY / Personality, WEDR-Miami Women In The Industry Panel (Miami, FL) For the past 6 1/2 years Supa Cindy has kept the #1 spot in the Arbitron ratings. First with her partner Big Lip Bandit in the evenings and now for the last 2 years as part of the Big Lip Bandit in the A.M. Mornings Show. Along with holding the title as the most popular female radio personality in South Florida, Supa Cindy also has the responsibility of running her own non profit organization called Supa Friends whose main goal is to motivate and inspire young women. Supa Cindy plans to use her bilingual skills (thanks to her Haitian and Dominican parents) to broaden her resume with a new television venture. TED LUCAS / CEO, Slip-N-Slide Records Indie CEO Panel (Miami, FL) THE RUNNERS Production Panel (Orlando, FL) They got their big break with Rick Ross Hustlin and DJ Khaleds Born & Raised, and are now working with everyone from Lil Wayne to UGK. TIFFANY CHILES / CEO, Don Diva Magazine Media Panel (New York, NY) TONY NEAL / CEO, The CORE DJs DJ Crew Panel (Milwaukee, WI) After a rather vocal departure from the Tech.Nitions, Tony pushed forward to create his own DJ crew The CORE and has assembled an all-star cast of DJs and industry movers & shakers from across the country that moves as one unit. A former boxer, Tonys take-charge attitude has enabled him to build a strong, valuable army of DJs. UNCLE LUKE / CEO, Luke Records Indie Exec Panel (Miami, FL) A veteran in the game both as an artist and a businessman, Luke can provide valuable information of what to do and what not to do when running your own record label. VINCE PHILLIPS / Co-CEO, BME Indie Exec Panel (Atlanta, GA) In addition to his work as an entertainment attorney for some of the biggest names in Atlanta music, Vince owns BME along with Lil Jon, Rob Mac, and Emperor Searcy. The upstart label which launched Lil Jons career now boasts a promising roster that includes Lil Scrappy, Trillville, E-40, Chyna Whyte, Bohagon, B.H.I., and more. WENDY DAY / Founder, Rap Coalition - Women In The Industry Panel (Atlanta, GA) In chess, the Queen is the most powerful piece on the board. Likewise, Wendy Day runs the boardroom as if she wields the power, continuously crafting deals for the likes of Cash Money, No Limit, Eminem, and David Banner. Founder of the Rap Coalition, she is an advocate for artist rights and believes firmly in the adage knowledge is power. WENDY WASHINGTON / Senior VP of Media Relations, Universal Records Women In The Industry Panel (New York, NY) Once a law school student, Wendy now runs Universals media relations/publicity department. During her first years in the music industry, she helped Bad Boy launch Biggies career. Since then, shes been responsible for securing press coverage for everyone from A Tribe Called Quest to Nelly to Juvenile. WES PHILLIPS / Select-O-Hits (Memphis, TN)

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First Annual OZONE Awards: Sunday, August 6th at the Bob Carr Auditorium in downtown Orlando, FL
red carpet: 4-6 PM showtime: 7 PM

in association with TJs DJs Tastemakers Music Conference (August 4th-5th) visit www.ozonemag.com or www.tjsdjs.com to register for weekend passes to all events Tickets to the OZONE Awards are also available through www.ticketmaster.com
Nominees were selected by a panel of DJs, journalists, and other knowledgeable, non-biased individuals in the rap community. OZONE is widely known and respected as the premiere voice of Southern rap music, so its only right that our nominations this year are focused on Southern artists. Keep in mind that this years nominations are based solely on music released between May 1, 2005 and April 30, 2006.

BEST ALBUM - RAP

Bun B - Trill
The king of collaborations brought together the entire South for his perfectly-timed first solo album, even uniting Houston - if only for a few minutes - on the Draped Up remix.
Rap-A-Lot/Asylum

Juvenile - Reality Check

Facing with the challenge of adjusting to a new recording home and picking up his life after Katrina, Juve came with his best material since his groundbreaking Cash Money release 400 Degreez.

Atlantic

Lil Wayne - The Carter 2 T.I. - King

Wayne became a critical and media darling with the superior lyrical dexterity he showcased on his latest project. He claimed the throne years ago, and backed it up in a major way in 2006 with one of his strongest efforts to date.
Grand Hustle/Atlantic

Cash Money/Universal

Young Jeezy - Thug Motivation: Lets Get It

The highly-anticipated major label debut from the Souths hottest underground commodity spawned numerous hit singles and club anthems.

Def Jam

BEST RAP ARTIST (MALE)

Bun B
Left alone to keep the UGK flame burning, the Trillest of the Trill came strong with a gang of top notch collaborations and elevated himself to become one of the finest solo artists in the rap game.

BEST RAP ARTIST (FEMALE)

Crime Mob (Diamond & Princess) Jacki-O
This young duo kept their crews name alive after people got tired of knucking and bucking. The self-proclaimed Madam of Miami will take your attention, your man and your jewelry if the cameras arent watching. But, when on the mic, she takes no shit.

Lil Wayne

Cash Moneys most loyal soldier took shots at former labelmates Juvenile and B.G., but backed it up with a release that captured his confidence, growth, and versatility.

Paul Wall

Khia

In addition to dropping his first national release, The Peoples Champ was everywhere this year. He dropped verses for everyone from T-Pain to Nelly to Bun B and even using the birth of his firstborn son as an opportunity to market his side hustle selling grills.

Raw and uncut, Khia still represents for the ghetto females in the ongoing battle of the sexes (J.O.D.D., Snatch the Cat Back).

Rasheeda Shawnna Trina

T.I.

The R in her name must stand for resilient. This Georgia Peach has proven that shes here to stay. Slowly but surely stepping out of Ludacris shadow, this Chi-Town queen is about to make the world respect female emcees again. Attitude for years, sassiness for months and ass for days, Trina blah blah blah-ed her way to the top and snagged Birdman Jr. on the way.

This Urban Legend told you he was Serious, but he still had to Trap you with his Muzik until you crowned him the King hed always claimed to be.

Young Jeezy

After helping to establish Boyz N Da Hood, the Snowman used his charisma to entrance the entire nation as he vividly described the realities of street life.

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nominees
BEST R&B ARTIST (MALE)
Anthony Hamilton Bobby Valentino Chris Brown Ne-Yo
The raw emotions in his voice catapulted him to near iconic status in todays climate of soulless music. This former Mista front man went from Organizing Noize to Disturbing Tha Peace and created a sound hit in the process. This smooth teen catapulted to the top of the charts virtually overnight. After penning hit records for Mario and others, Ne-Yo stepped out into his own limelight. Originally written off as an R Kelly Jr., Trey Songz created his own lane and brought a breath of fresh air to R&B.

BEST RAP GROUP

Boyz N Da Hood
A collective comprised of two underground rap vets and two flashy newcomers, Boyz N Da Hood took the South by storm, drawing comparisons to the legendary gangsta rap group N.W.A.

D4L

Love them, hate them, or hate them a lot, ATL foursome D4L ignored the dissenters and made an undeniable run for the top.

Dem Franchize Boyz Little Brother

Pretty Ricky

Right when you thought they got worn out, Dem Franchize Boyz dusted off the White Tees and reminded us why we like them. They held up a mirror and forced hip-hop to take a good look at itself with their critically acclaimed major debut The Minstrel Show.

A little raunchy for your mothers liking, but Pretty Ricky snuck their way into the hearts of teenage girls everywhere. Their Grind finally paid off.

T-Pain

With his seamless songwriting abilities, this Rappa Ternt Sanga made it seem classy to fall in love with a stripper.

Three 6 Mafia

Its a little easier out here for a pimp now that Memphis legends Three 6 Mafia have received their mainstream respect.

BEST R&B ARTIST (FEMALE)

Christina Milian
Although born in New Jersey, this talented singer spends a lot of time in the Dirty Dirty these days, collaborating with Young Jeezy, Lil Jon, and Miami production duo Cool & Dre.

Ying Yang Twins

Best known for their strip club anthems, this Atlanta duo expanded their horizons into grown-man territory with United State of Atlanta - and still managed a few HANH?!?s in the process.

BEST LYRICIST
Bun B
The South aint got lyrics, huh? Tell that to Bun B. Theres a reason why hes been featured alongside virtually every rapper youve ever heard of.

Ciara

This overnight celebrity dropped an album and had a run that proves she will be here for many moons.

Destinys Child Joi

Houstons angels bid farewell, but did so in grand fashion. George Clinton, Big Gipp, Bun B and Pastor Troy can vouch for her. She is the Queen of the Underground.

Chamillionaire Killer Mike

Even though hes reppin the Screwed and Chopped state of Texas, Chams flows and lyrics are anything but slow. Shaky release dates and a shelved album almost deaded his name, but Killa Kill managed to stay alive with the amazing freestyles and lyrical dexterity of The Killer mixtape and the Got Purp? compilation.

Keyshia Cole

Swiftly becoming the Mary J. Blige of her generation, Ms. Cole got hyphy with the fellas but still represented for the ladies.

Lil Wayne Scarface

LeToya Luckett

Showing that there is indeed life after Beyonce, Luckett crept in with the Houston wave and found her niche.

Lil Wayne finally gained nationwide respect for being the talented emcee that he has been since his pre-teen years. For well over a decade Scarface has proven why he is one of the most revered voices in all of hip-hop. In 2006 he continued to add to his legendary status with his group The Product.

BEST ALBUM - R&B

Anthony Hamilton - Aint Nobody Worryin Lyfe Jennings - Lyfe 268-192
Sony

His second studio album clearly indicated that he was not a flash in the pan. If every convicted felon had a soulful voice and songwriting skills like the ones displayed on Lyfes autobiographical debut, we wouldnt see many repeat offenders. Fuck a license plate give them a guitar!

Arista

T.I.

He talks cash shit and hes money on the mic, but T.I. still spits like he struggling in the trap.

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST
Mike Jones Paul Wall
He may not have picked up his phone when you called, but Mike Jones saw his career go from off the radar to off the hook. On top of single-handedly birthing (and soon killing) our fascination with Grillz, Paul Wall went from being a local Chick Magnet to The Peoples Champ.

Ne-Yo - In My Own Words T-Pain - Rappa Ternt Sanga

R&Bs new man of the hour scored big with So Sick and his debut album. Tallahassees multi-talented son dropped an album laced with his trademark singing and production style, and produced two massive hits in the process. Not bad for a rapper.
Konvict/Jive

Def Jam

Rick Ross

Trey Songz - I Gotta Make It

Atlantic

Hustlin every day (for years) led Miamis Rick Ross to a major label bidding war and a multi-million dollar Def Jam deal.

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Slim Thug T-Pain
They say everythings bigger in Texas. Houstons 7-footer was ridin a Bentley even before the album dropped. Save for the now infamous chain-snatching incident, T-Pains breakthrough has been a pleasurable experience. Being Sprung and In Luv never hurt nobody. by the Ying Yang Twins Wait.

Dem Franchize Boyz Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It

DFB ruled the airwaves in the year of the snap, with back-to-back radio cuts that were unavoidable.

Webbie

Dem Franchize Boyz f/ Jermaine Dupri, Da Brat, and Bow Wow Oh I Think They Like Me (remix)
Jermaine and his entire So So Def roster came through to remix this White Tees spin-off.

Coming from Lousianas other city, Baton Rouges Webbie brought back the I-dont-give-a-fuck attitude that others have forgotten.

BEST RAP COLLABORATION

Bun B f/ H-Town All Stars (Lil Keke, Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Aztek, Lil Flip, Z-Ro) Draped Up (remix)
Rodney King and DJ Screw would be so proud to see everybody just get along. Or at least they edited it that way.

Webbie f/ Bun B Gimme Dat

Were not condoning rape - but when a woman says no, sometimes she actually does mean yes, which could explain this records widespread appeal.

CLUB BANGER
Bubba Sparxxx f/ Ying Yang Twins Ms. New Booty
After a disappointing reaction to his sophomore attempt, Bubba came back strong with his third-times-the-Charm project and gave the people what they wanted.

DJ Khaled f/ Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Fat Joe, and Pitbull Holla At Me Baby

Miamis DJ Khaled called in a bunch of favors for this energetic lead single off his debut album.

Rick Ross Hustlin

Purple Ribbon All-Stars (Big Boi & Killer Mike) Kryptonite

Everybody in the country can relate to this record, no matter what their hustle is.

Yeah, the song was jamming. But you may need to go back and listen closely to Big Bois verse. Hes no slouch.

T.I. What You Know

Three 6 Mafia f/ Young Buck & 8Ball & MJG Stay Fly Trae f/ Big Hawk & Fat Pat Swang

The lead single off King set the stage for both T.I.s big screen debut and his biggest album to date.

This Tennessee union was a long time coming, but well worth the wait. Only God can bring the whole crew back, but until then, Screwed Up Click fans have Traes tribute to hold them down.

Ying Yang Twins f/ Pitbull Shake

First they caught the countrys attention with a whisper - then back to the usual ass-shaking ruckus, teaming up with Pitbull for added effect and multi-cultural appeal.

BEST RAP/R&B COLLABORATION

Beyonce f/ Slim Thug Check Up On It
This H-Town radio friendly combo had clubs jumpin all across the country.

Yung Joc Its Goin Down

This breakthrough record from Bad Boy Souths newest representative came complete with its own dance.

MIXTAPE MONSTER AWARD

Chingo Bling DSR
Texas tamale king stays in the kitchen, whipping up new product. Dallas T-Town Music collective landed a $7 million dollar deal with Universal Records off their impressive underground grind.

Field Mob f/ Ludacris & Jamie Foxx Georgia

These underrated country boys paid tribute to their home state along with Luda and a damn good Ray Charles impersonation by Jamie Foxx.

T-Pain f/ R Kelly, Twista, Pimp C, Paul Wall, MJG, & Too $hort Im In Luv (Wit A Stripper) remix

Better known as T-Pain featuring everyone, the only hit bigger than the original version of this song was the remix. Apparently, a lot of men can relate. Atlantas wildest twins got grown and sexy and hooked up with Avant to serenade the ladies.

Magno Pitbull Plies

Mike Jones (who?) former partner Magno now represents DJ Clues Desert Storm South and stays on his mixtape grind. No longer just Mr. 305, this internationally recognized superstar still stays true to his humble beginnings and releases mixtapes frequently. Ft. Myers, FL newcomer Plies 100% Real Nigga mixtapes with Cool Runnings DJ Bigga Rankin helped him amass plenty of fans, and haters, in 2006.

Ying Yang Twins f/ Avant Bedroom Boom

Young Jeezy f/ Akon Soul Survivor

Akons unique vocals were a perfect match for Jeezys street tales on this massive hit from Jeezys debut album.

NO ESCAPE AWARD
D4L Laffy Taffy

The record that was such a huge hit you literally could not escape it if you wanted to - from the radio to the clubs to the streets, it was everywhere. Love it or hate it, music lovers of all ages were introduced to snap music in a big way through D4Ls breakthrough record.

Young Jeezy

This category wouldnt be complete without mentioning Jeezys accomplishments with mixtapeS like Trap or Die and Cant Ban the Snowman.

SLEPT ON ARTIST
B.G.
Although hes been in the game for a decade plus, B.G.s independent releases and lyrical skills have been largely underappreciated by the mainstream rap audience.

David Banner Play

Banner stepped outside of his element and showed his versatility by creating a smash hit with Mr. Collipark that blew up, riding the wave created

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Bohagon
Lil Jons secret weapon helped everybody Get Crunk, but hes just a soulful country boy at heart. ist added inventor to his list of job titles this year with the ingenious smokers device Da Splitta.

Jody Breeze

Tony Neal

Jazze Pha protege and Boyz N Da Hood member Jody Breeze is still waiting to drop his solo album, and fans are waiting also.

The founder of The CORE DJs, Tony goes the extra mile to make sure his crew eats.

Little Brother

Allegedly dubbed too intelligent for their audience by BET, the lack of recognition for this North Carolina trio proves once again that catchy hooks unfortunately often win over substance.

TJs DJs TASTEMAKER AWARD:

(MUSIC/SOUND)
DJ Screw K-Rab

Webbie

Grimy, gutta, and unrefined, this truly talented Baton Rouge rhymer stayed somewhat under the radar despite two big singles.

Although hes gone (R.I.P.), his legacy and music lives on through Houstons recent rap explosion. Snap, crackle, pop. The inventor of Atlantas newest trend, snap music, K-Rabs impact is clear.

Yo Gotti

Respected in the streets of Memphis and beyond, Yo Gotti is still awaiting national recognition.

LIVING LEGEND AWARD

8Ball & MJG

Lil Jon

The trailblazing artist/individual whos influence can be clearly seen in the music released during this time period. Before all the radio play and mainstream attention, it was 8Ball and MJG who helped put Southern music on the map with Comin Out Hard. Since then, theyve maintained their core fanbase.

Even though somewhat silenced this year by label issues, Jon ventured beyond the South and kept his sound alive by linking up with rock groups like Korn and California legends like E-40.

Mr. Collipark

Although its longevity remains to be seen, Mr. Colliparks vision for a new genre of intimate club music became a reality with the success of the Ying Yang Twins Wait and David Banners Play.

Scarface

T-Pain

After parting ways with the Geto Boys, this Houston emcee developed a ghetto-nurtured rap trademark, leading a wave of Southern emcees who emulated his style.

Floridas dreadlocked rapper, singer, and producer discovered a new vocal effect in the studio and went crazy with it. Love it or hate it, youve got to admit that it worked.

Three 6 Mafia

By now, we all know that they made history by winning an Academy Award. But even before the Oscar, these Memphis legends impact was clear.

TJs DJs TASTEMAKER AWARD:

(STYLE/TRENDSETTER)
Dem Franchize Boyz Fabo of D4L Lil Wayne

Too $hort

Sharing his sexual tales and stories of violence, Too $hort pioneered a movement while earning two gold and four platinum plaques. More importantly, he blazed a trail for the Souths independent explosion.

White tees have become hip-hops official uniform, thanks in part to DFB. Famous for his white sunglasses, Fabos unique style kicked off a new trend. Bling, bling. Every time I come around your city, bling bling.

UGK

Port Arthur, TX, rap partners Bun B and Pimp C have each earned the title of Underground King. Bun B also gets the loyalty award for his relentless (and apparently, successful) Free Pimp C campaign.

Uncle Luke

From challenging censors to paving the way as a businessman, Miamis bass king has earned the title of pioneer.

Paul Wall & TV Johnny

TJs DJs HUSTLER AWARD

DJ Chuck T
Carolina representative Mr. Publicity lives up to his name, churning out mixtapes consistently and maintaining numerous other hustles.

Everyone and their brother, sister, mama, and grandmomma has a grill now, thanks to Paul Walls side hustle and his comedic - but presumably rich - business partner, Johnny Dang of TV Jewelry.

T.I.

Not only is T.I. a great rapper, but hes also become a sex symbol.

Young Jeezy

David Banner DJ Drama

Although CNN tried, they couldnt ban the Snowman. Jeezys trademark t-shirts became a best-seller at hip-hop clothing stores worldwide.

Whether rapping, producing, acting, or aiding hurricane victims in his home state of Mississippi, Banner redefines 24/7. Drama and his Affiliates crew are literally everywhere, and he played a key role in the success of artists like T.I., Young Jeezy, and Paul Wall.

BEST VIDEO
Chamillionaire f/ Krayzie Bone Ridin Dirty Da BackWudz I Dont Like The Look of It
Kudos are already in order for having Debo in the video, but the parallel between pro wrestling and police brutality was ingenious. The Willy Wonka movie is already weird enough, so calling this video weird is mundane. But you have to appreciate a vid where the models dont get more face time than the artist.

Mike Jones

You dont grind, you dont shine. You dont work, you dont eat. Call 281330-8004 for more information.

Tampa Tony

Known for his Florida anthem Keep Jukin, Tampas most creative art-

David Banner Play

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Speaking of models, this one was a whos who. Sweaty, steamy and sticky, Banner gave his fans a little eye and ear candy. airwaves and streets for quite some time. When workaholic Greg Street isnt planning a celebrity car show, sneaker show, or party, he can usually be heard blazing the Atlanta airwaves.

Juvenile Get Ya Hustle On Rick Ross Hustlin

Greg Street (Atlanta, GA)

This video had more accurate Katrina reporting than Fox News on their best day. Juve reminded us of the forgotten. Crossing the bridge into the real Miami, Rick Ross gave the world a glimpse of the everyday hustle in his Carol City hood.

DJ Nasty (Orlando, FL)

Now branching off into the production world, Nastys skills on the turntables remain top-of-the-line.

Three 6 Mafia f/ Young Buck and 8Ball & MJG Stay Fly Honorable mention: Although Korn is not a Southern rap group,

Michael Watts (Houston, TX)

A night in the life of a rap star: endless partying captured by great camera work made us feel like we were right there with them. their video for Twisted Transistor, which featured Lil Jon, David Banner, Xzibit, and Snoop Dogg playing the roles of the band, certainly deserves mention.

Swishahouses Michael Watts carries on the legacy of DJ Screw through the fine art of chopping and Screwing.

BEST PRODUCER
Cool & Dre
Miamis Terror Squad affiliates Cool & Dre have put their stamp on the industry, producing massive hits for Ja Rule and Game and more recent records like Christina Milians Say I and Juveniles Rodeo.

HONORARY SOUTHERNER AWARD

The artist from outside our region who showed the most love the South and/or was most accepted in the South.

Jermaine Dupri

CamRon

Dont forget, this guy rapped on the Neva Scared remix and did a Bout It remake a while back. So his collabos with Webbie and Lil Wayne should come as no surprise - hes no bandwagon jumper.

After landing both an executive position and a label deal at Virgin Records, he bulked up his roster by producing hits for Dem Franchize Boyz and Bow Wow post-puberty.

Lil Jon

E-40

He unified crunk with hyphy and still maintained his O.G. status.

After a few years as the reigning King of Crunk, Jon kept up his winning streak with the YoungBloodz Presidential and E-40s Snap Yo Fingers.

Juelz Santana Too $hort Twista

Mannie Fresh

His Jeezy mixtape hasnt dropped, but Juelz earned his Dirty South pass. Having lived in Atlanta since the 90s, hes damn near a Southerner now. But at the end of the day hes still coming straight from Oakland. Chi-towns rapid-fire spitters trademark style has universal appeal, and Twista is no stranger to Dirty South collabos.

Although somewhat low-profile since departing Cash Money, Mannies production skills are still on point, as evidenced by records like Young Jeezys And What, Bun Bs Im Fresh, and B.G.s Move Around.

Mr. Collipark

Otherwise known as DJ Smurf, the man behind the Ying Yang Twins took bass music to a whole new level and created intimate club music.

The Unusual Suspects (Big D & Jim Jonsin)

BEST CLUB DJ
Bigga Rankin (Jacksonville, FL) DJ Irie (Miami, FL)
Cool Runnings O.G. Bigga Rankin faithfully preaches his Ghetto Gospel to clubgoers all throughout the South, no matter how drunk they are. Widely regarded as one of the top mixers in the country, the official DJ of the Miami Heat still finds time to rock your favorite South Beach nightspots.

Although Big D and Jim Jonsin have since moved on to pursue solo projects, they achieved major back-to-back successes as a duo, crafting Pretty Rickys album and hits for Trick Daddy, Trina, and Twista, among others.

BEST MIXTAPE DJ
Bigga Rankin (Jacksonville, FL)
Biggas trademark WRNR: Real Nigga Radio mixtape series is ghetto platinum in the streets, introducing artists like Plies and Young Cash and reintroducing Jacki-O to hoods across the South.

DJ Chuck T (Charleston, SC)

DJ Khaled (Miami, FL)

Waited in line too long and your favorite record was over by the time you got inside? Dont worry, the Southern version of Funkmaster Flex is sure to bring it back and drop a bomb on it - three or four times.

The cockiest DJ in the Carolinas talks a lot of shit, but consistently backs it up with a flurry of releases showcasing the hottest new music and breaking indie acts.

DJ Drama (Atlanta, GA)

Lil Larry (Memphis, TN) DJ Mars (Atlanta, GA)

Larry keeps the clubs poppin in Tennessee. The CEO of the SuperFriends DJ crew, Mars keeps the party jumpin.

Drama took his mixtape series Gangsta Grillz to a whole new level. DJ Chuck T asserts that Dramas career path is the blueprint for all other DJs - a strong statement coming from a fellow nominee.

DJ Ideal (Miami, FL)

BEST RADIO DJ
DJ Khaled (Miami, FL)
If you had a bad day at work, Khaleds afternoon mix is sure to liven up the rest of your day.

Straight from Da Bottom, Ideal played a role in Pitbulls success and dropped solid projects with everyone from Ludacris to Smitty.

Rapid Ric (Austin, TX) DJ Smallz (Tampa, FL)

The Mixtape Mechanics Whut It Dew? series consistently captures the essence of Texas music, highlighting the best of the best. Smallz peers have mixed feelings: some hate him, some love him, some envy him, but most do respect his hustle. Smallz created a career with exclusives and industry connects, not hype and image.

Freddy Hydro (Memphis, TN)

Yo Gotti drama aside, Freddy Hydro has been holding down the Memphis

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PATIENTLY WAITING: FLORIDA
Acafool (Tampa, FL)
Tampas class clown put his Hata Blockas on and sparked both a radio frenzy and label bidding war.

BloodRaw (Panama City, FL)

Rejuvenated after winning a Federal court case, the Bangin Bay representative is back on the road with Young Jeezy and his CTE camp and taking full advantage of all opportunities.

Plies (Ft. Myers, FL)

Stirring up controversy with his bold 100% real nigga, dawg campaign, Slip-N-Slides newest recruit rocked packed clubs throughout Florida without an album or a video.

Treal (Orlando, FL)

Central Floridas hypest foursome, known for their crunk performances, stayed on their grind and landed in regular rotation on local radio.

Triple J (West Palm Beach, FL)

Arguably one of Floridas top lyricists, Triple J has survived record label politics and gunfire and still managed to create a name for himself with witty rhymes and creative mixtape records.

Young Cash (Jacksonville, FL)

Jacksonvilles head honcho stayed on the scene this year with his Duval County Rockstars, dropped records with Webbie, Paul Wall, and Mike Jones, and landed a deal with SRC/Universal.

lorida has had its spurts in hip-hop. Luke and the 2 Live Crew movement was the first, but fizzled out when the group broke up. 69 Boyz went platinum with their classic hit Tootsee Roll. Trick Daddy and Trina were soon to follow with their barrage of hits coming out of the MIA. Now Florida has Rick Ross at the forefront to show the world exactly how M-I-Yayo be hustlin. However, for the first time in the states hip-hop history, the future looks bright with talent from all areas looking to break out and show the world that Florida is here to stay. Nicknamed the Gunshine State for the shape of the state, first up is Bloodraw hailing from Panama City. Soon after signing to Young Jeezys CTE label, Bloodraw was arrested, and eventually acquitted on drug charges. Working on a Gangsta Grillz mixtape as well as group U.S.D.A.s album, Bloodraw is the leader to break North Florida. Five hours across the state is Duval Countys own Young Cash. Signed to SRC/Universal, he is patiently waiting to release his debut album. Recording a local hit track with Paul Wall, Disco Ball, Young Cash has much more to come from Jacksonville. Treal have been local stars for years ever since they dropped their Orlando classic Orange County. With their recent independent release Crunk Tested and Approved, Treal are ready to show the world what it is like to be crunk in a city that outsiders consider Mickey Mouse territory. Everyone across I-4 has their Hatah Blockas on. One of the few Tampa artists to break through and receive local radio support after years of hard work, Acafool found his niche and has the Hatah Blockas shades craze spreading throughout Florida. Its only a matter of time before he blows. One of the more underappreciated artists in Florida, Triple J reps West Palm Beach to the fullest. He wasnt even one to appreciate his talents until after he was shot. He made a transition, but kept the streets locked. With his MLK BLVD album, he is sure to have labels hunting for him. Finally, the hottest nigga in Florida is the streets own Plies. Hailing from Ft. Myers, Plies carries an I dont give a fuck attitude with Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic backing him. This South Florida new breed of MC is destined to blow nationwide. With just this small group of Florida talent, who is to deny them as the next to shine? - Leon Bailey

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PATIENTLY WAITING GEORGIA
Citty (Atlanta, GA)
Even with a Slip-N-Slide/Def Jam deal, you can still find the Cookieman in the streets and the hole-in-the-wall clubs that made him hot.

Da BackWudz (Atlanta, GA) Lil Weavah (Atlanta, GA) Slick Pulla (Atlanta, GA) Yola (Atlanta, GA)

They waited for quite a while, and their patience finally paid off this year when they linked up with Dallas Austin. Weavahs widely respected independent hustle extends from the internet to Soundscan. Young Jeezys smooth-talking CTE sidekicks rap skills have improved rapidly - Pulla represents the trap with lyrics and clever wordplay. With Aint Gon Let Up currently the most requested song on Atlanta radio stations, the future is bright for Yola.

Young Dro (Atlanta, GA)

After stints with various Atlanta collectives, Dro finally found a home with Grand Hustle and landed a hit with Shoulder Lean.

uilt on the blueprints of more recent breakthrough artists like Ludacris, T.I. and Young Jeezy, 2006 saw a new crop of Georgia artists make their presence felt. And with crunk fading into its last stages in popularity and snap music reaching its apex and eventual fall, it was prime time for lyricists to come back to the forefront.

Slip-N-Slide/Def Jam signee Citty proved that he was indeed a soldier ready to go for his in the war that is the rap game. The former Marine and Field Mob protg toured every nook and cranny that had a microphone, creating his buzz from the ground up. His underground single Da Cookieman showed that there are more hustles than selling dope and pimping women. Then songs like Thats Gangsta proved that you can get a crowd amped without brandishing weapons in every line. Another group that gave us plenty of alternatives were the Da Backwudz, reminding people of Outkast, but yet showing that Southern Hip Hops future is in good hands. Hell, the simple existence of their debut Wood Work is historic in the fact that it made Dallas Austin resurrect Rowdy Records just for them. You cant mention the new talent coming from the Peach state without talking about Lil Weavah either. Correction, you cant mention mixtape grind without talking about Lil Weavah. True to the underground, this Southwest Atlanta bred artist has his name on the minds of everyone in the country with no radio support, although an appearance on ESPNs Cold Pizza and mention on MTV.com definitely helped. Appearing on 200 mixtapes since last year and getting massive support from overseas is evidence that Weavah wont be patiently waiting for too much longer. Even though Slick Pulla hasnt been on a bunch of mixtapes, his appearances on Young Jeezys have given him a muchdeserved spotlight. Him bringing wordplay and wit to the much talked about trap life shows that there is more than one way to skin a cat. Now, with his debut album The Trapublican slated to release later this year, Slick is bound to pull a lot of attention his way. Keeping in tune with that, Yola Da Great has been able to motivate thugs in his own way as well. His infectious single Aint Gon Let Up has been killing Atlanta radio for months and his grind was rewarded with a deal through Grand Hustle/Atlantic Records. As your reading this article, odds are youve heard Young Dros Shoulder Lean at least twice today. Already a name in the streets through regional hits like Yes Sir back in 2002, he eventually signed with Grand Hustle this year and plans to burn the scene with his debut Best Thang Smokin. If these six artists are an indication of what Georgia has to offer for the future, your best bet is to hop on the bandwagon right now. - Cedric Boothe

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PATIENTLY WAITING: TENNESSEE
All Star (Nashville, TN)
The self-proclaimed Cashville Prince scored a huge hit with Grey Goose and landed a solo deal with Cash Money.

Cadence (Nashville, TN)

A witty emcee with striking versatility, Cadence toured the world opening for Kenny Chesney but still makes records that can get the most thugged out club poppin.

D. Cooley (Chattanooga, TN)

Thanks to his consistent grind, D. Cooley has seen his record Trap Clothes grow into a bonafide regional smash.

Kinfolk Nakia Shine (Memphis, TN) Lutinent G (Memphis, TN)

This indie hustler played an integral role in other Memphis artists careers, but now hes telling you to Respect My Fresh. Representing for Memphis underground rap breeding ground, Lutinent G had every club in Tennessee screaming Yeah, Yeah, Yeah to his monster club banger.

Yo Gotti (Memphis, TN)

Never one to wander far from the streets, the hottest up-and-comer in Memphis hustled his way through the mixtape and indie scene and is poised to achieve national success.

ast year, hip-hop witnessed a first when Three 6 Mafia took to a Hollywood stage and accepted an Academy Award. Tennessee, which has had its fair share of musical adversity, was finally able to bask in a shining moment again. Add to that the strong reemergence of the states crowned princes via the bonafide hits Stay Fly and Poppin My Collar, the release of Project Pat and Playa Fly from jail, and the influx of young visitors to Memphis for major boxing matches, and its obvious that Tennessee is on the rise once again. While Tennekey has been on the music scene for years, producing the likes of Al Green and 8Ball & MJG, in recent years its remained relatively quiet while surrounding areas have stepped into the spotlight. Even still, talent continued to bubble quietly, and 2006 was the year for it to be manifested publicly. Take Cadence, for example. Hailing from Cashville, this rapper proves that witty lyricism and concentrated storytelling can be just as entertaining as snapping your fingers and two stepping with his debut, Songs of Vice Virtue. Having previously toured with alternative rock group Uncle Kracker and country phenom Kenny Chesney, folks couldnt help but compare him to Kanye West, and with due cause. His easy charm and penchant for diversity made him an underground favorite. Its only a matter of time before everyone else catches up. Memphis rapper Yo Gottis persistence and familiarity made his TVT debut Back 2 Da Basics one of the most anticipated of the summer season, propelled by the single Gangsta Party featuring Bun B and 8ball. He continued his rise to success with his artist All-Star, who also hails from Nashville. After garnering a buzz with his impressive showing on Young Jeezys Grey Goose the rapper is poised to make a significant mark in the rap game. Even the often ignored city of Chattanooga produced the regional hit with D. Cooleys Trap Clothes, featuring Atlanta rapper, Maceo. Reaping the benefits of his consistent grind, D. Cooley has undoubtedly shown that a little hustle can go a long way. And of course, the Bluff City remained on the cusp of innovation with Kinfolk Nakia Shine and Lutinent G. Kinfolks single Respect My Fresh quickly became an underground favorite, defined by the rappers natural swagger. Newcomer Lutinent G made significant waves with his catchy, humorous single, Mangla, from his debut Out Da Gate on Select-O-Hits Its clear that Tennessee is a haven for inspired artists. Seems like Patiently Waiting may not be an accurate description for the states talent much longer. - Jacinta Howard

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PATIENTLY WAITING: LOUISIANA
Chyna Whyte (New Orleans, LA)
BMEs female rapper made noise with Lil Jon when he first dropped, but fell off the radar momentarily. Now shes back and ready to make a solo statement.

E-Vicious (Lake Charles, LA) Lil Boosie (Baton Rouge, LA)

This former member of the X-Mobb is now signed to UGK Records. Webbies labelmate is a diamond in the rough, with one of the most unique voices in rap and highly underappreciated lyrical abilities.

Max Minelli (Baton Rouge, LA)

One of Louisianas most persistent artists, over the years Max has collaborated with everyone from C-Loc to Paul Wall.

Partners-N-Crime (New Orleans, LA) Sqad Up (New Orleans, LA)

This duo inked a deal with Juves UTP Records and linked up with Rap-A-Lot. Lil Waynes former crew, still intact after Hurricane Katrina, is now dropping a solo album.

o Limit and Cash Money Records came and went with a gangload of gold and platinum plaques. Other then those two labels, Louisiana has been quiet on the national scene. Last year Webbie made some noise with his hit single Gimme That, but thats about it. The following artists have been patiently waiting their turn and are on the verge of breaking loose. E-Vicious is from Lake Charles, LA, which is close to the Texas line. He linked with Pimp C and is signed to his label UGK Records. The former X-Mobb member is featured on Pimp Cs Pimpalation. He is definitely ready to show you that Louisiana is not just New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Southside Baton Rouge, Louisiana native Lil Boosie has been through his trials and tribulations. A Baton Rouge favorite, hes released several solo albums and has undeniable talent, but it all depends on the label to show the world why many consider Lil Boosie Bad Ass the best out the boot. He will be a problem once he releases Bad Ass. Another Baton Rouge native, Max Minelli, has been putting it down for years. An original member of the Concentration Camp, he is highly slept on as a lyricist. Releasing many successful selling albums, he is currently in a bidding war with major labels. While patiently waiting on that chance to blow, he is scheduled to release Pain Medicine on Koch in October. Godfathers of the popular genre called bounce music, Partners-N-Crime embody New Orleans. They were holding their city down before anyone knew who the Hot Boyz or TRU was. Having just releasing their album Club Bangaz on UTP/Rap-A-Lot, PNC hopes to show the world that New Orleans is still bouncin. Exploding on the scene with her aggressive verse on Lil Jons Bia Bia, Chyna Wyte has been quiet for a few years. But this New Orleans bred femcee recently stepped back on to the scene, dropped a mixtape with DJ Smallz, and is waiting to raise the bar that previous New Orleans female artists left high. Many thought that they were just Lil Waynes sidekicks. But since branching off into their own, Sqad Up has made plenty of noise independently. Releasing their debut album Now or Never, numerous mixtapes, and their new album We Here Now, Sqad Up is poised to show the world that New Orleans rap is to stay. No disrespect to No Limit or Cash Money and what they have done, but these artists are the new generation, and all come to the forefront with different styles. - Leon Bailey

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PATIENTLY WAITING: MISSISSIPPI
Big K.R.I.T. (Meridian, MS)
At the young age of 19, K.R.I.T. is a more complete artist than some who have been making records for a decade. He is not only an extremely talented producer, but also a rapper with solid subject matter.

Boo da Boss Playa (Canton, MS) Jewman (Jackson, MS)

Having spent years on the shelf due to record label politics at both Interscope and J Records, Boo is still waiting for his turn to shine. This newcomers Swag created a buzz in the streets of Jacktown.

Kamikaze (Jackson, MS)

David Banners former rap partner will split your head to the white meat with his hard-hitting lyrics. In addition to his regional successes as an artist, he founded the Mississippi Artists & Producers Coalition.

Scar (Columbus, MS)

Big Bois secret weapon has a story to tell and talent to match.

Smoke D (Jackson, MS)

This soulful UGK affiliate appeared on the groups classic Ridin Dirty album, live from the penitentiary. Now free like Pimp C, hes focused on GFM (God, Family, & Music).

n the 90s, during the rap worlds infatuation with the East Coast vs. West Coast, one would have thought it absurd to suggest that a rap revolution was brewing in Mississippi. The average Americans impression of the Sipp is perhaps one of racial strife and backwards thinking.

But over the past few years, as rap has gradually turned Southward and remains below the Mason-Dixon line, country vocals became more acceptable and Mississippi representatives like David Banner have broken through the stereotypes to take the Mississippi mentality worldwide. In 2006, a new crop of country rap tunes is brewing. Speaking of David Banner, he recently sought out Meridian-based producer/rapper Big K.R.I.T. for some beats. And hes not the only one noticing the promising young talent. K.R.I.T. is quickly making a name for himself amongst industry heads as an all-around hustler whos taking the right steps to succeed. Formerly signed to Interscope and now waiting for J Records to drop his major label debut, Boo da Boss Playa, a.k.a. Boo Rossini, is perhaps best known for his street single Miss Me With That Rap Shit. The single, which featured Jeezy just as he blew up, was perhaps a blessing and a curse because Jeezys street buzz almost overpowered the fact that it was Boos song. Still, Boo has stayed true to his grind and can usually be found anywhere between Miami and Houston. Already a local celebrity, Jackson-based newcomer Jewmans Swag has the streets talking. Combine that with mixtape appearances and youve got a strong start to a potentially fruitful career. Moving right along from a newcomer to another veteran, Kamikaze has enjoyed regional success with singles like U Aint Hard, and is still on the verge of a big breakthrough. Perhaps best known to the average rap fan as the other half of David Banners Crooked Lettaz, Kamikaze lacks the charisma and ridiculous stage antics of his former rap partner but can lyrically compete with your favorite emcee. Still a hometown favorite, Kamikazes The Franchise drops later this year. Hailing from Columbus, Mississippi, you can catch Scar - guess how he got that name - in the new Outkast video for Morris Brown, dropping that Dungeon Family flavor alongside Big Bois sharp vocals. One of the most promising members of Big Bois Purple Ribbon camp, Scars background story is just as intriguing as his musical abilities. Smoke D, once the unofficial third member of UGK, spent seven years in prison which prevented him from nationwide success with the group. After his release he began recording for a solo project, with his trademark soulful vibe that explores all aspects of the streets and life in general. - Mayson Drake

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nominees
PATIENTLY WAITING TEXAS
Big Tuck (Dallas, TX) ESG (Houston, TX)
The lead-off solo artists from Dallas collective DSR, Tuck is prepared to carry the city on his back. Although hes been in the game for years, national acclaim has thus far eluded ESG, known for his wicked freestyles.

G.R.i.T. Boys (Houston, TX) Kiotti (Houston, TX)

This group, affiliated with Paul Wall, brings a fresh new flavor, speaking on Ghetto Reality in Texas. Young and charismatic, this former battle rapper has a bright future in front of him.

Money Waters (Dallas, TX)

As the Houston hype slowly dies down, it looks as if Dallas is next to blow, with Money Waters ranking high on the list of the citys talented artists.

Trae (Houston, TX)

Trae is straddling the thin line between patiently waiting and full-out blown up. After gaining the attention of several major labels with his single Swang, he signed with Rap-A-Lot.

p until maybe last year, the Patiently Waiting column was practically tailor-made for Texas. The rap scene in that great state had been bubbling and building for years, until finally it peaked and a bunch of artists from Houston reached the top. Well, Houston is a big city, but Texas is a huge state and hot on the heels of Paul Wall, Chamillionaire and Slim Thug are a hot new crop of artists who are popping off from border to border. Heres a look at whats next for Texas. A lot of people have Dallas metro star Big Tuck pegged as the next to blow out of Texas. His countrified voice has a very direct and imminent delivery that makes what he has to say hard to ignore. A member of the group Dirty South Rydaz, Tucks reputation is solid in the streets, the clubs and the booth. DSR is certainly the biggest group in Texas from outside of Houston. Houston-based ESG has been patiently waiting to get that national exposure for some years now. His 1995 hit Swang and Bang is a Texas anthem to this day and ever since then he has consistently dropped some of the hottest independent releases in the region. Hes been eating well off of the rap game for over 10 years, but is now pursuing that major label status. Hes the backbone of the Houston rap community and one of the folks who pioneered the sounds you are currently hearing from the Lone Star State. Also hailing from Texas, the G.R.i.T. Boys are one of the hottest young groups in the streets of Houston and their affiliation with Paul Wall has been taking them all over the United States. Their name stands for Ghetto Reality in Texas, so you wont hear a lot of the same ol same ol from these guys. Their stories are ones of struggle and pain, coupled with the lighter side of life in the hood. They are some lyrical giants who come from the same area as most of the Screwed Up Click and hold those values tight, but have an original sound and a whole different energy than their predecessors. Recently signed to Asylum Records, Kiotti is best known as a battle rap champion around Houston. But you cant sleep on the regional hits he has been a part of, most recently Minute Plan also known as The Phone Song. Hes a serious hustler who has been at it since his early teens and seems set to finally blow nationwide. Dallas representative Money Waters comes with a whole different perspective than the other artists on this list. He is more like the old sage - though he is young who you can turn to for advice or a funny story. This vibe runs throughout his CDs and his live show where often he comes off as a brilliant blues man rather than your average rapper. Recently signed to Rap-A-Lot Records, Trae has been hot in the streets of Texas since his first release in 1999, the debut album from his group, Guerilla Maab. He is a voice for the voiceless in Houston and beyond, representing the hard streets with his reality based raps. Hes seen a lot of struggle and strife in his life and has no problem telling you all about it. He is possibly the most reality based rapper the game has seen since the early days of Scarface. - Matt Sonzala

ozone 23 awards

nominees
PATIENTLY WAITING: ALABAMA
334 M.O.B.B. (Montgomery, AL) Attitude (Birmingham, AL)
Representing the Montgomery area code to the fullest, 334 M.O.B.B. parlayed their intense mixtape grind into national opportunities. Formerly signed to Timbaland, this underrated lyricist has penned rhymes for Diddy and Bubba Sparxxx. Now living in Atlanta, hes poised and ready.

Birmingham J (Birmingham, AL) Rich Boy (Mobile, AL)

Birminghams official hood representative has dropped several indie albums over the years, catching the majors attention. Multi-talented Mobile representative Rich Boy landed a deal at Interscope through Jim Crow rapper/producer Polow and has since been working on his debut album.

The Last Mr. Bigg (Mobile, AL)

Mobiles O.G. has survived court cases, prison time, and a near-death experience. Now sporting a glass eye, hes collaborating with Three 6 Mafia to expand his musical reach beyond the region.

Tyte Wurk (Enterprise, AL)

Coming from a small town in South Alabama, Tyte Wurk had to double up their grind to get noticed.

ven beyond their music being overlooked, Alabama has had to fight stereotypes and scrap for respect for years. A lot of times, the only time you hear them mentioned is when someone hurls an insult like, Youre Bama. How flattering can that be? Well, this year, things took a turn in the right direction for the state that rests in the heart of the South. Headlines were made when word broke that Montgomerys 334 M.O.B.B. got signed to Def Jam. But instead of letting that get to their heads, they continued to work as hard as they did before they got the deal and it worked out in their favor. Releasing mixtapes on top of mixtapes, this duo received plenty of exposure with hardly any help from their pioneering label. If you need more proof, just peep them on Myspace. Patiently Waiting is definitely appropriate when speaking on Birminghams Attitude. Poised to blow by way of a deal with Timbalands now defunct Beat Club, Tude got a chance to travel the world and work with the likes of Missy and Diddy. Even though no record came from out of that deal, it was not a wasted experience. Birmingham J reps so hard that he puts his city on the map without even saying a word. But, when he does finally speak, people listen. And that includes everyone from local retail and radio to big time A&Rs. And with his city prepping to be the next area to blow in the South, J is sure to lead the charge. About three hours away, you can hear what Mobile has cooking too. Rapper/producer Rich Boy is slowly proving that casinos arent the citys only attraction. His single Get To Poppin generated just enough buzz to make is Gangsta Grillz mixtape one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Still signed to Interscope, Rich is bound to get richer. Right around the corner, we also saw the resurgence of The Last Mr. Bigg. Already a legendary figure in his region, he got a lot of face time due to his cameo on Three 6 Mafias Poppin My Collar. Now, with people going back to peep his older music after his unfortunate shooting earlier this year, his new music is guaranteed to open some more doors. A drive east to Enterprise, Alabama will bring you to Tyte Wurk. Their smash Mary Jane: Remix had smokers singing their praises while their other song What It Is served as the opening song for ESPNs Sunday Night Football this past season. With this crop of artist leading the charge Alabama just may turn Bama into a compliment. - Kale Swanson

ozone 24 awards

nominees
PATIENTLY WAITING: CAROLINAS
Big Cas (Fayetteville, NC) Fat Boy (Charleston, SC)
Cas has effectively captured the internet, the streets, and mainstream media with his music, buildling up his fanbase equally in each area. The diplomat of the Carolinas, Fat Boy has the respect of his peers and good relationships with record stores, other artists, radio personalities, producers, and hood dudes.

J-Khrist (Fayetteville, NC)

J-Khrist got his swagger back and is ready to carry the flag for the Carolinas.

Mac-A-Don (Columbia, SC) Marly Mar (Charleston, SC) Piazo (Columbia, SC)

Over the past year, Mac-A-Don has grown lyrically and developed his own style, creating a buzz from the ground up. Charlestons most consistent artist has dropped over ten albums over the past three years and maintained a steady radio presence. Piazos steady mixtape grind has helped him lock down the streets of South Carolina and create a fanbase.

he Carolinas arent known for being a hotbed of talent. For years, weve sat back and watched Southern hip-hop evolve, moreso as fans and not active participants. Weve seen artists from Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and other smaller areas receive major deals and nationwide exposure, while we sat on the sidelines patiently waiting for our turn to shine. For years we screamed that the game is coming to us. But it seemed like success and recognition in the hip-hop industry went to every Southern state surrounding us and then took a wild turn and headed to Texas and skipped right over us here in the Carolinas. We thought wed get the look we needed when Petey Pablo went platinum and Little Brother finally signed with Atlantic, but neither one of those artists created enough buzz to catch the attention of A&Rs. Through all our misfortune, weve come to realize that we cant depend on the industry to come to us. We have to create our own industry. Just like the blues and jazz performers of the 40s and 50s created the Chitlin Circuit to gain exposure, Carolina artists have ben forced to do the same. Marly Mar, from Charleston, SC, was the first artist in the city to have a song in regular rotation on the radio. His hit single Act A Donkey is over four years old and still continues to get heavy spins on the radio and in the clubs. Hes also one of the most consistent artists in the state, having released 3 albums per year for the last 3 years. Big Cas, from Fayetteville, NC (also know as Fayettenam) has taken the mixtape game by storm. Hes appeared on over 60 mixtapes in the last 2 years and has shared songs with Jae Millz, Freeway, Grafh, Remy Ma, Geolani, Corey Gunz, and other prominent East coast hip hop artists. Also causing a ruckus on the streets is Meccadon, from Columbia, SC, and J-Khrist from Fayetteville, NC. These two artists are relatively new to the Carolina hip-hop scene but both have taken the game by storm. Theyre constantly doing shows all throughout the state and have singles blazing the radio airwaves and tearing up the clubs. Meccadons last single No was a huge hit and his new song We Balln is following in the same pattern. J-Khrists single Swagger Back is a club banger that can go toe to toe with any other song on the Billboard charts. Its a guaranteed hit once it touches mainstream radio. As far as longevity and street credibility are concerned, Fat Boy and Piazo both have that aspect of the game sewed up. Fatboy, representing Charleston, SC, not only had one of the best selling albums of 2005 but has also been a key figure in easing the tension between hip-hop artists from Downtown Charleston and North Charleston. His new album, Laughing Hyenas, drops this fall and features artists from both areas on the same tracks and is set to be one of 2006s most highly anticipated album. Columbia, SCs Piazo is one of the Cackalacks most sought after artists and has a slew of albums and mixtapes on the streets that date back to 1995. Hes been pounding the streets longer than any other artist from the Carolinas and has maintained a consistent a buzz both on the streets and on the radio throughout his career. His music has caught the attention of many label A&Rs, most recently G-Unit Records Sha Money XL, and he has had had offers on the table from many major record labels. now! - DJ Chuck T

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tjs djs tastemakers xclusives disc 1

1. Rich Boy / Throw Some Dees Interscope Contact: Rosalie 310.865.7929 On this track you can tell that Rich Boy is steady smirking cause his flow is dangerous. Whats more, like Indego Montoya, he knows something that you dont - hes not even right handed. His natural talent is production rather than rapping. 2. Rick Ross / Push It - Slip-N-Slide/Def Jam Contact: Eclass@nextel.blackberry.net Push It features an interpolation from one of the greatest montage records made famous by Scarface the movie and South Park. Rick Ross Miami gangsta tales are so boss that they would make Crockett & Tubbs look silly. 3. David Banner ft. Yola / Get Money b.i.G.f.a.c.e./SRC Contact: Willie Nash 601.238.5658 David Banner cleverly samples Yolas Aint Gonna Let Up and proves that hes ahead of his time as the rest of the world has yet to discover what Yola has to offer. Scroll down to track 9 and youll see why Banner decided to run with this lil monster. 4. Trick Daddy / I Pop Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic Contact: Sam Crespo sam.crespo@atlanticrecords.com Trick Daddys got another notch for the catalog. This record is funky and shows Trick on a different level. Plus Trick continues to spit thought provoking word play when he explains why $100 bills smell like pubic hairs. 5. BHI / Dat Bubble Gum BME Contact: Sabrina Montgomery 404.367.8130 Just when you thought snap music was through, BHI will have the genre sticking around like Bubble Gum with this juicy record. 6. Young Dro / Rubberband Banks Grand Hustle/Atlantic Contact: Sam Crespo sam.crespo@atlanticrecords.com Young Dro takes a break from making his shoulder lean to show that that record has set him up rather lovely. In other words his rubberbands have expanded like his bank account. 7. Bohagon ft. Crime Mob & Fabo / Wuz Up BME Contact: Sabrina Montgomery 404.367.8130 Bohagon, the B-M-E- representa, strikes a strong blow for those who are interested in having their bass bins blown up by an MC that will make your cones snap to the music. Plus, with Crime Mob checking in on the track shaking their dreads, the track is elevated to another club banging dimension. And thats wuz up! 8. Young Buck ft. 50 Cent / Do It Myself G-Unit/Interscope Contact: Rosalie 310.592.2121 The theme of the record is really simple. When you need to make improvements on how you live, like Home Depot you should do it yourself and G-Unit with 50 Cent can help. In fact, 50 lets a few bullets off of his chest by drawing a retaliatorial line in the sand. 9. Yola / Aint Gonna Let Up Grand Hustle/Atlantic Contact: Sam Crespo sam.crespo@atlanticrecords.com At first listen, the Caribbean steal drums in the production lead to a laid back vibe until Yola gets on the track and crushes all haters in the way. Straight up, Yola is a monster in training. By the way, watch out for T.I. - the executive. Quiet though. 10. Young Capone / Wat It Iz So So Def/Virgin Contact: Tikke Chaney 212.786.8215 This is a Nitty beat that Young Capone takes full advantage of. Young Capone is a nice addition to the So So Def/Virgin stable. Hes been in the minor leagues getting his weight up and from the sound of this record; it is time for him to be called up to the majors. 11. Magic ft. Detroit / Shorty BHE/TVT Contact: TVT 212.979.6410 Magic knows that shorties love a gangsta. And Magic is more than eager to deliver yet another quality tune that the people want. Be on the lookout for Magic, he is on another level since his rise from the ashes of New Orleans. 12. Obie Trice / Jamaican Girl Interscope Contact: Rosalie 310.592.2121 Taking the lead from Eminem the producer on a carefully crafted island tune, Obie Trice demonstrates that he is not afraid of change. And in fact, flows well on the oceans of this tropical melody. 13. Chyna Whyte ft. Gangsta Boo & DJ Demp / Drop A Bundle BME Contact: Sabrina Montgomery 404.367.8130 Finally, China White has come back to whup tracks and beat bass with a gangsta style unmatched by any other MC. She has recruited Gangsta Boo and DJ Demp, the shorty pimp to accentuate an already club crunching record soon to break needles across the South. 14. Jibbs / Chain Hang Low Geffen Contact: Rosalie 310.592.2121 Jibbs perfectly translates a childrens nursery rhyme into a tune that celebrates opulence. If the thought rolls eyes, keep an open mind, remember there were many people who felt Nelly could never sell a record with a nursery rhyme, and he turned out alright. 15. Daz ft. Kurupt / Daz Thang So So Def/Virgin Contact: Tikke Chaney - 212.786.8215 Daz reached back to his roots with a jam just short of 7 Minutes of Funk and he brought The Whole Darn Family by reuniting with the OG DPG Kurupt. Jermaine Dupri is in a great zone right now and continues the trend with another hot one. Oh, and the XXX rated video of this tune is a great way to have your break today. 16. M.O.S. / Drug Related Jive Contact: Chad Brown jivemixshow@gmail.com On Drug Related, M.O.S. speaks of life in the land of Carolina blue where life wasnt guaranteed. Its not the life thats celebrated, M.O.S. is happy he made it and with tracks this good, Im sure Jive is too. 17. Young Hot Rod ft. Mary J. Blige / Be Easy - Interscope Contact: Rosalie 310.592.2121 Anytime the Queen blesses a track a certain polish remains leaving the listener with the understanding of what makes soul music feel so good. Young Hot Rod is old enough to know when a blessing is bestowed upon him and crafts a record worthy of royalty. 18. Plies / Take Off Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic Contact: Sam Crespo sam.crespo@atlanticrecords.com For the record, Plies is not the future of Slip-N-Slide, hes the right now. And if you come up shorting Plies, you better take off cuz he has no problems seeing you about it - hes got lots of bond money behind him. 19. Trillville ft. Kandi & Cutty Cartel / Eat It Up BME Contact: Sabrina Montgomery 404.367.8130 Trillville has teamed up with everyones favorite multi-platinum flavored Kandi to make a track that tastes so good, you have to Eat It Up. Be prepared to dance off the pounds because a joint that tastes this good cant be good for your health. 20. Lyfe Jennings ft. Lala Brown / S.E.X. Sony/Columbia Contact: Cara Lewis 212.903.1316 One word: wow! This is the definition of a great record that is sure to boost the population 9 months from its release. - Keith 1st Prophet Kennedy, keith@tjsdjs.com
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tjs djs tastemakers xclusives disc 2

1. Plies ft. Akon / I Wanna Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic Contact: Sam Crespo sam.crespo@atlanticrecords.com If you were trying to find a great way to express your feelings about how talented a dancer in the pole position is, this is the record for you. Akon opens many mainstream doors for the judicially prepared Plies as this record will get more action than the champagne room. 2. 8Ball & MJG ft. Diddy / Ridin High Bad Boy/Atlantic Contact: Sam Crespo sam.crespo@atlanticrecords.com Traditional 8Ball & MJG fans may not be used to the duo on an up tempo S. Florida ride out vibe, but give them a chance and youll be impressed. And if youre worried about how Diddy mic checks; dont worry if he writes rhymes, he writes checks. 3. DJ Unk / Walk It Out Big Oomp/Koch Contact: Gazelle 212.353.8800 x266 DJ Unk with Walk It Out continues the Big Oomp tradition of keeping folks musically intoxicated while they shake jelly on the dance floor. One time to DJ Montay who is in a great production zone right now. 4. Da Backwudz / The World Could Be Yours Rowdy Contact: Eli Brown - 404.345.0609 Milwaukee Black turns in another masterpiece with Da Backwudz lacing the verses. Women, listen closely and Da Backwudz will tell you the tale of why men need space. The lesson - be easy and the world could be yours. 5. Smoot ft. Slim Thug, Chamillionaire, & Killa Kyleon / Grain Grippa - Kwik Contact: Smoot - 310.497.2880 Direct from the town thats so cool its got two drop top stadiums, Smoot helps Houston continue its run of candy painted tunes that are sweet to your CD player. 6. Blak Jak / Bobbin My Head 1972/Vintage Sounds Contact: Jerry Clark 404.966.0010 When this record drops, youll have no choice but to ride & swerve, throw up deuces, and start bobbin ya head. Blak Jak has a knack for making those records that just make you feel good in your ride as if you just left a fresh detail shop. 7. Shawt prod. Mannie Fresh / Im Da Man Akright Contact: Heidi Buech - 310.869.4010 With a proclaimed beat king like Mannie Fresh behind him, its no problem for Shawt to claim that Im Da Man. Thankfully, he has the skills to make the track Akright and develop into a record worthy of such acclaim. 8. Hard Head Jacob / Trap All Day Stay Paid Contact: Rio 678.283.8057 In order to stay paid, Hard Head Jacob outlines his daily routine while working at the Trap All Day. The hard bass line is strong enough to scare the trap rats away and vibrates speakers enough to trap the hood rats. 9. Big Koon & Hollywood / Take It Back Two Dogg Contact: Johnny Vickers - 850.443.5999 If you needed extra motivation to get your stacks up, Big Koon & Hollywood murderize this cut to provide a sense of urgency to collect that paper. 10. Small Tyme Ballaz / Be Rich One Day Small World/Long Money Contact: Uncle Paully - 334.221.8497 Just because youre a baller on a budget doesnt mean you cant have big tunes. If you have an optimistic outlook and hustle hard like the Small Tyme Ballaz, youll be rich one day too. 11. Wine-O / Pop My Trunk Wine-O/Universal Contact: Heidi Buech - 310.869.4010 Fed up with the haters dipping into his business, Wine-O has popped the trunk and is ready to lay haters to rest. This jamming track is your warning - stop the gum flappin before this capn gets to poppin! 12. Lil Ru / King Of The Parking Lot Bout What Contact: Greg Fish 803.731.8173 DJ Brad of the Legion of Doom laces a beat that Lil Ru takes full advantage of. When this track drops in the classic rides outside of the club, Lil Ru will officially be crowned King of the Parking Lot. 13. Urban Mystic ft. Stacks / I Refuse (Remix) Sobe Contact: Buggah 305.754.6446 Urban Mystic, the lil guy with a big soul has found the right combination to make em make em clap to this like Rakim on repeat. It involves Rick Ross, Stacks, and a hip-hop classic that makes you refuse to listen to this record only once. 14. Tiffany ft. Jacki-O / Automatic Phamus Folks Contact: Micky Rollins 786.586.4653 Thanks to Gorilla Tek, Tiffany and the Miami Madame Jacki-O jump in for a musical ride a la Thelma & Louise that keeps you hanging on to your seat as if youre flying off a cliff. 15. Durt Mobb Clik / She Wrong 4 Dat - Da Mouf Contact: Pope 910.474.6559 Mixing well with the snap beat sets, Durt Mobb Clik have arrived to become the club fashion police by drawing attention to all of the reasons why a club chick goes home lonely. 16. Baby Boy / The Way I Live Universal/Republic Contact: O.J. Wedlaw - 212.584.5406 When you live the life of Baby Boy it is standard to be grown and still ride big wheels. Plus, it helps to have a hook thats fun to sing along to as DJs watch this record go round and round. 17. Sonia Collymore ft. Black Majik / No Cash Flow Manatee Contact: Doc 312.226.9034 If the road to hell is paved with good intentions, Sonia Collymore is one of the hottest artists on the market as she wants to buy her man so many good things but theres No Cash Flow. With a tune this vibrant it wont be long before Sonia leaves her money woes behind. 18. Decky ft. Max Minelli / Louder - Divided Soul Contact: Brent Dixon - 225.315.1772 Decky made a smart move by keeping the in-house production of Divided Soul as they laced a beat with a nice mix of scratching and a protruding bass line. With a track produced this well you will have no choice but to turn the music Louder. 19. Black Majik / Put Your Drink Up Manatee Contact: Doc 312.226.9034 Black Majik fits a perfect slow mo flow over production that makes your ears hear double as if intoxicated by this Chicagoans lyrical sensations. 20. Coalition / Alarm Pure Platinum Contact: Big Boo - 901.240.5491 Driving two miles an hour so everybody sees the Coalition, haters will have to raise the alarm to alert the block that true ballers are on the set. And with a cup of drank in their palm the Coalition aint bout to let no B.S. pass on this cruisin tune. - Keith 1st Prophet Kennedy, keith@tjsdjs.com

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tjs djs tastemakers xclusives disc 3

1. Khao / Keyz In The Air Intaprize/GTT Contact: Tanya Marvin - 866.379.0027 Although he has production credits on TIs The King, Khao cant rest until he gets a throne of his own. With this cut, Khao with a solid lyrical beatmaking K.O. will have other artists putting their keys in the air because its time for them to go home. 2. Crime Mob / Rock Yo Hips BME Contact: Sabrina Montgomery 404.367.8130 For those who love chicks rocking hips to that Crime Mob crew, this joint is for you. When this beat drops make sure you hold on tight because if shes got that Beyonce lusciousness you may be in for a long ride. 3. Tampa Tony / Bobbahead SouthBeat Contact: James Jackson - 305.695.6730 Tampa Tony takes a break from pushing his Blunt Splittas to describe his favorite chick, the Bobbahead. For those who are slow, the Bobbahead is a chick who loves to bob her head like a bobble head found at the ball game. If a Bobbahead acts right, they might end up on Tampa Tonys dashboard. 4. Lil Flip / Im A Balla Asylum/Warner Bros. Contact: Asylum Promotions 212.707.3030 True ballas are the ones that know how to flip their chips over and over. Even on a new imprint, Lil Flip will continue to define what ballin is all about. Plus, it doesnt hurt if you have the luck of a leprechaun on your side. 5. J-Shin ft. T-Pain / Sent Me An Email SouthBeat Contact: James Jackson - 305.695.6730 Roger & Zapp were years ahead of their time singing about Computer Love. Now, J-Shin & T-Pain put together a nice lil diddy that explains what love in the computer generation is all about. And it aint always something to LOL about. Beware of those viruses! 6. Randy B. / Its Over Now Southern Boy Contact: Randy B. - 850.766.6356 Love past its expiration date can be a traumatic experience. Thankfully, Randy B. has been able to encapsulate the feelings of a breakup and strike the right chords to make the song cry instead of you. 7. T-Hud ft. UGK & Static Major / Never Thought T-Hud/Nutty Boyz Contact: Nikki - 612-720-8252 T-Hud never thought he would have a track this good unless he hooked up with certified platinum stars like UGK and Static Major (songwriter, Ginuwine, Aaliyah). Thankfully, T-Hud will have nothing but clear skies and great weather forecast for his future with this jamming tune. 8. Jovan Dais / Came A Long Way Nzone Contact: Bernard Parks - 404.753.6522 DJ Toomp has shared his bag of Hollywood Magic to have Jovan Dais pair with the 5 Heartbeats Eddie Caine to form a duo who have come so far but have so far to go. By the end of this record you will know that on nights like this nobody can be Jovan Dais. 9. D-Shep / Stay Real Conspiracy Music Contact: Mike Rojas - 305.672.7562 Opponents of the use of the N word stay away from this tune. D-Shep flips the word by wisely blending the hook to phrase the emotionally charged term in a way that makes you say, it may not be right, but I understand. 10. G-Mack ft. Young Ca$h / Checks Out Lost Land Contact: Kaper - 614.596.7485 From Kentucky to Duval, G-Mack and Young Ca$h unabashedly run shit. So if you listen to this tune and you hear them talk about it, you already know its for real. So respect their gangsta or rest in peace. 11. Willo Da Don / Hustle All Day, Ball All Night Two Dogg Contact: Johnny Vickers - 850.443.5999 All work and no play makes Willo Da Don a dull artist. Thats why he has to make sure that if he hustles all day, ya gotta ball all night. Its only right to have a party soundtrack so tight. 12. Strangers / Guac Two Dogg Contact: Johnny Vickers - 850.443.5999 Although they may be strangers to you, these Strangers are no strangers to getting plenty of guac. With this bass thumping tune, the Strangers provide a new use for stacks of chips. 13. Scoundrel Squad ft. Bohagon / Pat Em Down Invisible Contact: Pamela Shelby - 706.984.5406 Fresh from a nod by Billboard Magazine, the Scoundrel Squad have been getting much attention from the haters. So, they need to Pat Em Down at the door to make sure that no foolishness goes down at the shows. And be forwarned these Savannah sergeants play no games. 14. Suga Suga / Studio Trap Nzone Contact: Bernard Parks - 404.753.6522 DJ Toomp fresh off one of the hottest tunes of the season (TIs What U Know About) has lent his production talents to his artist Suga Suga who put some work in the studio. With this much bang in the studio other MCs dont stand a chance. 15. Killa Kim / I Pop Phamus Folks Contact: Micky Rollins - 786.586.4653 Killa Kim masterfully rides this track into submission and has the beat in her total control making it pop and bend to her will. Luckily shes brought us along for the trip. 16. La Chat ft. Yo Gotti / Baby Mamma Drama Inevitable Contact: Mario Myers - 901.406.4528 Yo Gotti & La Chat are the baddest thing smoking from Tennessee since that hillbilly boogie! Yo Gotti & La Chat has been making noise on the underground for the longest and with this track the underground will continue to bubble their name like a 5 prong bong. 17. Alozade / Bad Out Deh Manatee Contact: Doc - 312.226.9034 Lawdamercy! Alozade knows its Bad Out Deh so he has to shoot em down wit a bang bang like he was trying to Kill Bill. This is a nice sample of a rude bwoy living the life of a true shotta on a mellow groove. 18. Haitian Fresh / On My Own Fresh Productions Contact: Ms. Rivercity - 904.465.0745 Although Haitian Fresh is in the streets and grinding on his own, he always has the isle of Haiti on his back. And with a legion that strong no force can stand against him. 19. Young A ft. Juvenile / Down N New Orleans Akright Contact: Heidi Buech - 310.869.4010 Down N New Orleans reveals a dark side of the Crescent City that has become more ruthless since Queen Katrina established her reign of terror. With Young A & Juvenile tag teaming to tell the truth on this track, they show that like a stale beignet, it aint sweet. 20. Raw LT ft. Bun B / Getcha Mind Right BBH Contact: Big Bank Hank - 832.215.7317 Raw LT rides the track like a royal highness should. With Bun B getting her back, I wish somebody would try and disrespect the crown. 21. F.A.S.T. ft. Smoke / Str8n Me Fat Fred Contact: JB - 850.528.5028 Smoke from the po folk lyrical assassins, Field Mob reaches out to F.A.S.T. to lace a track that will Str8n anyone being disrespectful. - Keith 1st Prophet Kennedy, keith@tjsdjs.com

ozone 30 awards

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ozone 32 awards