Concrete Alabama 10 by CONCRETE Magazine

4 ........................... Matt Wake 6-7 ..................... Jackie Chain 8 .............................. Assasyn 10 ............ Scoota Boy Da Mayor 11 ........................Whip Game 12 ........ Red Dot and Young King 13 .............................. Model 14 .......................... Bar Kings 15 ............ Visual Art: Jimmy Heart 16 ..........Music Reviews (C-Wiz) Editors: Angela Bradshaw, Rick Bradshaw Graphic Design: Jimmy Heart Ad Executives: Rick Bradshaw Art Director: Rex2-tm Photography- Isaac Ward Jackie Chain Photos: Xavier Vidrio Staff: Durell Grifﬁn, Jurian Isabelle, Coley Roberts, Chandler Hayes, Bennie, Don Publishing Consultant: Bryan Deese

CONCRETE Magazine PO Box 3542, Huntsville, AL 35810 concretealabama@gmail.com 256.542.1150 © CONCRETE Magazine 2014

CONCRETE: Band life? Matt: I played in Blues bands, sing and song write. I was in a band in New Orleans called King Snake Boogie. I wanted to just call it the King Snakes, but the drummer added the Boogie. Played some of those awesome cinema like clubs there, The Howlin’ Wolf, the Circle bar and a lot of other cool places. After a few years the band broke up, so I came back to Huntsville. CONCRETE: Decision to become a music writer? Matt: Initially I thought they were just bitter failed musicians. It doesn’t have to be that way. When you watch a football game and you have the play by play commentator and you have the color commentator. Color commentator is the guy that use to play, a good one doesn’t act like he can still throw for 300 yards a game, but can take you to the inside because they know what it’s like. I know what it’s like to make records, be in a studio, and to be onstage. That goes into other things, whether it’s comedy or making craft beer, or being a chef, I’ve lived a lot of lives. Everyone wants to feel a little more inside of a story. You hit the reader in the month with what’s most interesting first and then put them in the room. CONCRETE: Career experiences? Matt: For a stint I was writing with the Valley Planet. I started freelancing for the Times, then got a staff position with the Daily Journal Messenger in Seneca, that turned into being their features editor. I developed an alternative weekly for the Clemson area called Bootleg. I got a job with Gannett, their flagship is USA Today, their weekly entertainment tab for Greenville was called Link. I started freelancing for Pace Magazine and I was national music writer for Metromix, that was Gannett’s nationwide network, from Austin, TX, to Birmingham, Atlanta, and New York. Then I started freelancing for the times and they offered me a staff job. I’ve been with the Times, Alabama Media Group,AL.com since summer of 2012. CONCRETE: Most rewarding story you’ve covered? Matt: There are some for selfish reasons, like Guns and Roses (my favorite band). Getting to interview Slash, who use to be a poster on my wall and one of the reasons I started playing guitar. He surpassed my expectations and was smart, cool, and funny. CONCRETE: Alabama music scene? Matt: I think we are seeing a resurgence here. Particularly with hip-hop. G-Side, you have the New York Times that writes about them. People in Holland want to hear about them. There is a pride that people have around Alabama music. When you go to NY or LA there is a scene, and a jaded career thing. There isn’t that sort of thing here.

CONCRETE: How did you get the name Jackie Chain? Jackie Chain: It’s actually a nickname I got when I was in prison. Freestyling against other rappers and they would call me things like Mr. Miyagi or Bruce Lee. Since we are from Alabama with that deep southern draw Jackie Chan turned into Jackie Chain and it just stuck. CONCRETE: How long have you been rapping? Jackie Chain: About thirteen years. CONCRETE: Have you always viewed rapping as a career? Jackie Chain: No, I was just a kid having fun. I never looked at it as a career until later on. I started off putting money behind groups as a manager. I managed a couple of groups in Huntsville. I saw what they were doing, and I felt like I could do it better. I felt like if I’m going to put my money behind someone I might as well invest in myself. CONCRETE: Which of your projects first gave you notariety? Jackie Chain: My first mixtape that I put out Wax On, Wax Off had Bun Bee, Webbie, Haystak, some real nice artists. I did 10,000 out the trunk. That was back when you could still sell CDs out of the trunk before the internet took over. CONCRETE: Has social media made it easier for new artist? Jackie Chain: Definitely easier. I remember a lot of my first shows, they didn’t even know I was Korean. People thought I was black because they didn’t see me. The internet helps you reach the masses. Where I was just a regional artist selling out of the trunk, now with the internet I have friends in Sweden and Africa. I think artists now have it better. CONCRETE: Industry experience based on your ethnicity? Jackie Chain: I’m a real dude. I feel like when people see me they can tell I’m real and everything I rap about is real. I’m not out there rapping about anything I don’t do or haven’t done before. The first shows I did in New York and LA you know you get the snickers. I let my music speak for itself. CONCRETE: Can you tell us about your hit single “Rollin”? Jackie Chain: It was actually a ‘B’ song single. I was pushing another song and it’s actually the song that ended up taking off. CONCRETE: What is your current label and management situation? Jackie Chain: I have an artist deal with Universal Fontana, and I just recently signed a label deal for Pleasure House with Empire Distributions and distribution with Sony Red. CONCRETE: What is Pleasure House? Jackie Chain: It’s really a clique. Most of Pleasure House doesn’t even rap. It’s just like a family. I was one of the only rappers and we had Big App, (RIP to Big App). Anyone from Huntsville and from the streets knows who Big App is. He owned the Benchwarmers. I have Assasyn, Big Scoop, Javell (Free Javell), Dontay, I don’t want to leave anyone out. CONCRETE: War Eagle or Roll Tide? Jackie Chain: When you’re from Alabama, you’re either Alabama or Auburn. I was with Auburn when they weren’t shit, and I’m with them now when they are on top. I was always an Auburn fan, but Big App made me a diehard Auburn fan.

CONCRETE: What is your relationship status? Jackie Chain: Jackie Chain is always single. CONCRETE: Leaving Alabama to further your career? Jackie Chain: I left Alabama, because you have to spread your wings. No one is going to come to you. When you are starting out you have to make yourself be seen. I felt like I did everything I could do in my city as far as the music thing went. CONCRETE: What advice would you give to other artists? Jackie Chain: Don’t trust anybody. Everybody’s out to get you. It’s a cutthroat business, and and as long as you respect that and look out for yourself, you’ll be alright in this business. CONCRETE: Have you had any setbacks? Jackie Chain: Instead of shooting the video for “Rollin” myself, I waited for the label to do it, and it never happened. I really feel like if “Rollin” had a video, it could have gone a lot further than it did. Still to this day people request that song and know me by that song. I should have gone into my own pocket and made the video instead of waiting for the label to do it. CONCRETE: How was your 2014 South By Southwest experience? Jackie Chain: This year was amazing as it always is. Every year it gets a lot bigger and more hip-hop oriented. The thing that sticks out in my mind this year is the tragic accident that happen. I’m praying for the families of the victims, people who are still in the hospital, and the people who passed away. When I think about SXSW this year I had a great time, but that’s what really sticks out in my head. CONCRETE: Remaining humble? Jackie Chain: I’ve been to the bottom so I know how it is. I know that everything you’ve got can be taken away real quick. I never take anything for granted and really that’s the way my mom raised me was to be humble. She instilled those values in me. A lot of times when you haven’t had and you go to having, your mind isn’t use to that. For me I’ve had money and been “the man” and I’ve also been broke and damn near homeless. I can respect both sides of the coin. You have to be humble in this business the assholes are here today and gone tomorrow. CONCRETE: What can you tell us about your new Project? Jackie Chain: I’ve ﬁnished Bruce Lean Deuce and a Half which I’m putting out through Empire. I also dropped my ﬁrst single off my album called “Alabama Mane” which is a homage to the home state. I have a project I’m working on with Rich Boy and another project with Jelly Roll. We have the Pleasure House album dropping so this year is going to be big. Fall tours will be announced soon. CONCRETE: Anything else you want to touch on? Jackie Chain: Not only do I rap but I’m a self taught, excellent cook. The Jackie Chain Cookbooks are coming soon. I have two cookbooks, one is A Hundred and One Ways to Cook Ramen Noodles and I have Dinner For Under Twenty Bucks. In that one I show you how to make a good healthy dinner for two people. Not everyone can go out and spend a hundred bucks at a restaurant. I can show you how to cook for your date for twenty dollars and it will be better than any meal you can get at a restaurant.

CONCRETE: How did you get the name Assasyn? Assasyn: I was given that name when I was around 16 or 17, doing freestyle battles. I was 16 years old and VIP in clubs I wasn’t even old enough to be in. It kind of comes with the weight, I’m part of Pleazure House, I’m Jackie Chain’s artist. I’ve been privileged to be in the right place at the right time and rub elbows with the right people, and everything fell on the right ears. CONCRETE: How did you get with Pleazure House? Assasyn: It’s pretty much a family thing. My manager and Jackie Chain’s manager are brother and sister. I’ve been with them literally since I was a little kid. When Pleaszure House first started to get their name out there they were hosting the freestyle battles at the Bench Warmer’s. Nana my manager had been finessing me behind the scenes. She said she was going to introduce me by taking me to the club (I’m 16 then) and let me freestyle and light all these grown men up. Proof in the pudding, we have been making magic every since. That night there was about 30 contestants, it was single elimination and I was eating them all up. CONCRETE: What can you tell us about your mixtape Assasyn’s Creed Creed? Assasyn: It’s my freshman solo project and a lot more of me than usual. They love to hear the street, rough rugged, gangsta side, but it was my chance to show off my versatility because had free reign to do what I wanted to do. I gave them a little bit of every part of me. I redid SWV’s “Rain Down On Me” an R and B track. I have Dubstep track, track with Rich Boy. We have definitely been putting in work. CONCRETE: How was your South By South West experience? Assasyn: SXSW was nuts. It was my first time, I could really see what all the hype was about. It was definitely an experience. I put about 2500 mixtapes in the streets at SXSW. CONCRETE: Importance of business in the industry? Assasyn: I see a lot of artist that come in the game and fall off because they are so concerned with the music business, instead of the business of music. At the end the day if you don’t have your paperwork right, you don’t have a leg to stand on. Guys are on social media they aren’t getting spins because of the DJs, instead of getting out in the streets and clubs and working the record. CONCRETE: What are your interests outside of rap? Assasyn: The majority of my time goes to my kids. Other than that I’m playing with my toys. I have a fetish for my cars and bikes. Not a secret I have a fetish for my guns too. I spend a lot to time at the gun range.

CONCRETE: Name? Scoota Boy: Rodrick Jacobs. CONCRETE: Rap influences? Scoota Boy: NWA, Ghetto Boys, Scarface, Tupac and Biggie. Now... I like Kevin Gates, Migos and Boosie. I try not to listen to a lot of people so I can focus on my craft. CONCRETE: How did you team up with Can’t Stop Muzik? Scoota Boy: A lot of the cats out the group I have known for years. Like Los, Slugga, D Love, me and D Love are like family. Before D Love did his first bid we use to mess around in the studio all the time. We messed around and came up with the “Fall Back” song. I ran into a little problem and had to do 30 days. While I was in jail, my cousins were taking the song to the strip clubs and just playing it. When I got out the song was already in the clubs full force. Pino and Oskii the CEOs hit me up and asked if I wanted to join the movement. I had my own thing going at the time. STC (South Thug Committed), it was group with me Bossman, Family Man, Wacko, and No Name “ free No Name”. I just decided to rock with them and we took off from there. CONCRETE: What kind of community outreach do you do? Scoota Boy: I’m all about the community especially when it comes to the kids. I try to do anything to involve myself. I coach basketball, football, and do the round table discussions at the Boy’s and Girl’s club. We talk to the kid’s about bullying and making certain mistakes in life, just life period. I do an annual “Back to School” drive every year. Whatever I can do to help the kids, I’m with it. They hear my songs on the radio, and look at me like a role model. The smiles on their faces motivates me. CONCRETE: What’s up with your upcoming solo album? Scoota Boy: It’s called Scoota Boy Da Mayor: No More Campaigning, definitely everyone from Can’t Stop is on the album. St. Louis, Pope, Mata, and a “surprise” feature on the “Fall Back” remix. CONCRETE: Anything else you want to touch on? Scoota Boy: I’m a stand up guy. Loyal and a family man first. Whatever you hear about me, come find out for yourself.

1962 Chevrolet Impala SS, 283 V8 small block engine, white diamond paint job, 24 inch ROCKSTARR RIMS

CONCRETE: What is your name? Red Dot: Terence King aka Red Dot CONCRETE: What is DNB? Red Dot: Da New Breed. It’s me and my brother Young King. CONCRETE: What is your upcoming album all about? Red Dot: The Ryder Gang, presented by DNB. It’s people who ride with us and support us. We have several artist from the city on it. D-Money, Alka P, Pat Jolly and a lot of other local artist. CONCRETE: Who did production on Drinks and Conversation? Red Dot: David Vaninche was the executive producer. We also had Young Buddy who is family working on the album, his sound comes from playing the piano and was an easy transition for him. He has been pitching stuff to Wiz, Rich Homie Quan and several other artists, he is Atlanta now. CONCRETE: What makes your music exclusive? Red Dot: I don’t care. I dont care how I’m portrayed, I’m going to make the music and just be me. Whatever way the chips are going to fall is just what it is. Some people are too worried about what the next person thinks.

CONCRETE: Who are some of your favorite artists? Young King: DMX is my favorite rapper. I listen to a lot of Fabolous and Scarface. CONCRETE: Do you do any producing? Young King: No. I let my brother do all the production, but I want to learn that side. CONCRETE: Of all your songs, which one is your personal favorite? Young King: “MyCity”.””. It represents the city to the fullest. A lot of people don’t want to claim Alabama. It’s like a crab in the barrel mentality. CONCRETE: What is your solo project plan? Young King: Same One Since Day One. It’s going to be an album, I may drop a mixtape right before it. I won’t have too many features. CONCRETE: What is the 21 day fasting challenge and spiritual focus? Young King: To better yourself you have to be right with God ﬁrst and you have to know the point in your life when it is time for that. I’m 30 and I’ve done anything and everything. CONCRETE: What is your take on music of today? Young King: I want the game to go back to lyrics. I’m not saying what’s out now is not music, to me what people are putting out now is good club music. You can put on an old Erykah Badu or Lauryn Hill and learn something. Music is shake your ass or sale drugs. I just want the lyrics back. CONCRETE: Can you explain “The best way to move is in silence”? Young King: If people don’t know your dreams they can’t shoot them down. If no one knows what I’m doing and I just do. Then it’s like ‘damn look what he just did.’

PREMIER LOUNGE Turn up spot. Nestled in the downtown area of Shefﬁeld, Ala comes one of the nicer spots in the Shoals area. Premier is a bar/lounge in every since of the word. However it’s ambiance is what makes it the “premier” place for young professionals to unwind in the quad cities. Normally, Premier has no cover and you can enjoy happy hour to the sounds of the legendary DJ 7-11 playing oldies including Al Green, Isley Brothers and other classics, as well as today’s current hits. The owner Ernest Bridges is usually on hand dressed to impress helping out behind the bar and even giving away free wings to patrons on slower nights. On the weekends Premier turns into the grown and sexy go to for the Tri County area, offering DJs and live bands. This just feels like the ideal watering hole for any hard working person to go forget about the b-s from their 9 to 5 and relax. So if you’re in the quad cities and you want to step your swag up, and want your surroundings to match your fresh, then make your way over to Premier Bar n Grill in Shefﬁeld, Alabama. FOLLOW PREMIER LOUNGE ON FACEBOOK: Premier Lounge

Jerk chicken philly? Sure these are bar reviews, and I am the Bar Scene King, but food and drinks go together like box Chevys and big rims. With that being said, I honestly think Ray (owner and executive chef), should have named my new favorite watering hole “Heaven”, but he went with D’licious Dining instead. Ray jam packed his menu full of JamaicanAmerican eats that are not only orgasms for the taste buds, but just as visually appealing. So much so, that my drinking partner, ordered 3 different entrees in the couple hours we were there. Usually foods this good come from ‘mom n pop’ spots or literally from your moms and pops! D’licious Dining combines quality home cooking with a stage and live band on any given night. There’s a full bar, with one of the city’s meanest happy hours. 2$ domestics, 3$ Wells, and .50¢ wings from 26pm, 7 days a week. B Dubs who? DD’s is the new acronym in ﬁne bar dining. Open 11am- until 9pm daily, do yourself a favor and pay Ray and the DD team a visit. Thank me later. Tell them the BAR SCENE KING sent you and you just might get an extra shrimp or 2 in your gumbo. I hope he really considers the name change but until then DD’s can be found on Pratt Avenue next to the Chevron gas station. FOLLOW D’LICIOUS DINING ON FACEBOOK: facebook.com/dlicoushomecooking

Know a good bar that we should visit? Want your bar reviewed by the “Bar Scene Kings” send us an email @ barscenekings@gmail.com

CMB - Choppaz,Bricks & Money

This mix CD is trap music at it’s ﬁnest! This CD goes hard with songs like “Let Us In”. Of course Doe B(RIP) is showing the potential he had with songs like “Choppaz Bricks & Money” “Come Down To It” “We Str8”, “You Know”, “Rap Money Trap Money” and “Same Niggaz”. Outside of that, trunk bangers like “Run DaTown”, “My Neighborhood” and “104 A” have got the ‘hood shakin’ something serious. Overall the CD is solid if you like some good ole southern bang musik.

Translee - Culture Junky

I’m already a fan of Translee, so hearing this CD is a breath of fresh air. I like his versatility. He goes hard on songs like “The City”,””, but can ﬂip the script on “Everyday Ain’t The Same”.””. He still has some similarities to Big Sean, but with songs like “Somebody’s Girl” with the 2K12 hook master K-Camp, he is winning! It’s almost hard to forget he is from the South. “Beach” is another song that had me in a zone. Not to mention the Outkast vibe he has done a good job on capturing. By this time Translee wants to remain independent, and in 2014 that is the best way. In closing, I’m still a fan and will still look forward to the next Translee project.

Jay Dot Rain - Cooley Fly Chronicles

Damn Jay Dot Rain came out swinging! He had my attention from the song “Come Up”.””. This is some serious bang! I hear a mixture of Kenderick Lamar with some B.I.G. Krit in songs like “Victory Lap” and “Grits N’ Gravy” and “Player Made”.””. The only drawback is it’s too short. I need more bump like this in my life.

Thraxx Tracks - Thraxx Tracks

This CD sounds cool. It has great ideas, but I feel like the sequence is off. “Crown Me” sounds good. A comparison to Pimp C and Boosie Boo is probably a bit much, but I see the potential. Some of the intros take a while to make the point of the song. “Cocaine Cowboy” is also a cool song. Nothing really jumped out at me. If this had more of a mixtape feel to it I could understand the direction they are going. The CD just needs more identity.