6-8 .........................Lil Wayne 10-12 .................Three-6-Mafia 14 ....................... Indie Watch 18 ....................... CD Reviews 19 ..................... DVD Reviews 20 ...... What’s Your Issue w/ Big Sue 22 ..... 100 Things All Boys Should Learn 24 ....................DJ Tim Bachus 26-28 ..............The Memphis 10 30 .......................... DJ Charts Concrete Magazine - Memphis Edition back on the block with Issue #2! Things are going good. More people are becoming aware of our hustle. We’re gonna keep coming, so get on board or get out the way! Published by: Concrete Magazine Editor In Chief: “Corporate” Cory Sparks Sales Manager: Ricardo Hunter Ad Sales: Damien Jones Distribution Manager: Phil Jones Art Director: Audie Adams Publishing Consultant: Bryan Deese
CONCRETE Magazine - Memphis 8001 Centerview Pkwy, Suite 205 Cordova, TN 38018
901.531.6117
concretememphis@gmail.com © CONCRETE Magazine 2008
A Milli...Literally
June 10, 2008 may have been a regular day, but a week later music fans of all genres would find out that the self-named, best rapper alive, better known as Lil’ Wayne went platinum. Selling 438,000 units in the first day, The Carter 3 was one of the most anticipated albums of 2008 and making this his bestselling album to date. Fact is, 1 million units haven’t been sold in the first week by an artist since 50 Cent’s, The Massacre in March 2005 (Kanye West’s Graduation managed to crack 900,000 last year). After endless mixtapes like DJ Drama’s Dedication 1 and 2 and “unofficial” mixtapes hosted by DJ Empire and Chuck T, it was finally time for Lil’ Wayne to give his fans what they wanted; an official album. But with so many mixtapes was, The Carter 3 going to feature the same songs that were on the various mixtapes? After success of The Drought mixtape series, fans and DJs were baffled to hear Lil’ Wayne say, “Fuck the DJ’s and “I’m him. I created the mixtape game but I’m not in to that anymore. I’m doing Lil Wayne. I’m against it – and to the mixtape deejay, I don’t know no mixtape deejays – fuck you,” he continued in an interview with Foundation Magazine. He later went on DJ Drama’s radio show to clear it up. But stated he continued on pg 8
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The Numbers Don’t Lie
meant everything he said but was only aiming at a particular people, DJ Empire and Chuck T. In response to Lil’ Wayne’s confrontations DJ Empire went on to state, “I’ve never been to a Lil Wayne studio session, “He gotta look at his inside camp and understand that I got those records from somebody that sits right next to him on a bus... That’s co-signing him while he’s talking about me. I’m not gonna put his name out there, but it’s one of those guys. They’re sitting next to him every day.”
Lil’ Wayne Record Sales The Block Is Hot (1999) #74 in Rap & Hip Hop/General Lights Out (2000) #77 in Rap & Hip Hop/General 500 Degreez (2002) #147 in Rap & Hip Hop/General The Carter (2004) #5 First Week The Carter 2 (2005) 238,000 First Week The Carter 3 (2008) 436,000 in day /Platinum in a week. Between The Carter 2 and The Carter 3 endless mixtapes were released. So it is blatant to say that his mixtapes helped his career.
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We’ve been seeing plenty of Three-Six-Mafia with their reality show and guest appearances on network dramas. But it’s been since 2005 that they gave us something to listen to. Three years after they exploded internationally with their Oscar-winning song “It’s Hard Out here for a Pimp,” they are back with a new album. Last 2 Walk is full of big production and big features. But have DJ Paul and Juicy J gone too Hollywood to capture that gritty sound that put them on the map? We got with DJ Paul to see what’s up. CONCRETE: Y’all just dropped a new album. Tell us a little about this project. DJ Paul: The new Three-6-Mafia album is called Last 2 Walk Walk. It dropped June 24 of ‘08. We got Project Pat on there of course, Pimp C and Bun B - UGK, rest in peace Pimp C. We got DJ Unk on there, Montay, Akon, Lyfe Jennings, Good Charlotte, Lil Wayne. We got some home-town legends Spanish Fly, Al Capone, 8-Ball and MJG, Young D and Super Power. That’s pretty much it.
CONCRETE: So you’re working with a lot of different types of artists. What was it like working with Good Charlotte? DJ Paul: It was cool man. We was in New York doing TRL together about a year ago. We were just talking back stage and they were telling us how they were big fans. And we were saying how we were fans of them. So we said we should all get together and do something one day. We were like, “Yeah, yeah yeah.” So coincidentally we were all on the same plane. We were all sitting in first-class on the plane from New York to LA. They were like, “What are y’all doing tonight? Y’all want to get together?” We were like “Yeah, we can go get a drink.” So, Good Charlotte came through. They had Nicole Richie with them, that’s my man’s girl. They brought their boy J.E. from St. Louis. He makes beats for Nelly. He made a lot of those first hits for Nelly off Country Grammar Grammar. He still does production for Nelly. J.E. and Good Charlotte have a production team together called Dead Executives. So they came by the crib. They were letting us hear some tracks that they had. I was like, “Damn, y’all do rap tracks?!” It was crazy. They sounded good. So we just ended up performing over a couple of them. CONCRETE: So are there any other tracks not aren’t produced by Three-Six-Mafia? DJ Paul: “Lolli, Lolli” is coproduced by Three-Six. continued on pg 12
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It’s produced by Super Power and co-produced by us. The track “I’d Rather” is produced by DJ Montay. “That’s Right” featuring Akon was produced by Akon. I think that’s it. CONCRETE: So how did you guys hook up with Akon? DJ Paul: We used to see him a lot out on the road. We’re fans of Akon. We were just talking to him about stuff and working together. It was a while before we got the chance to do it. He was so busy and we were so busy. He was in L.A. working on his album. So he was like “Come by the studio and I’ll let y’all hear some joints.” So we ended up getting down on something. CONCRETE: So you also worked with 8-Ball and MJG again on this project. What’s it like teaming up with those guys? DJ Paul: This is a real cool track. It’s called “First 48.” It’s something very different. Three-Six-Mafia we always put a posse song at the end of our albums. And on this go round we put a posse song on the end, but we did it different. We put a posse song of all the originators of Memphis. We put the legends. Like I said, we got Al Capone, one of the first rappers out of Memphis. We put DJ Spanish Fly, which was probably the first rapper I heard out of Memphis. He was a DJ, but he used to rap too and make beats. So he was one of my personal favorites that I grew up on. Spanish Fly and Al Capone, 8-Ball and MJG. We got Project Pat on there. So we just got all the originators of Memphis on there. CONCRETE: So is the reality TV show done or will you do that again? DJ Paul: That’s done. CONCRETE: The Hypnotized Minds camp has always been known for discovering talent. Are there any new artists you’re bringing out?
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DJ Paul: We just signed a guy named Yung D. You’ve probably heard of him before. He’s got two hot underground songs that have been No. 1 on the radio out in Memphis. He had a song called “Certififed” and he and another song where he’s counting money, “What You Think About.” He’s real hot in Memphis. We just signed him. He’s actually featured on the “Lolli” video. We still got all you favorites, of course Frayser Boy, Lil Wyte, Chrome and Project Pat. CONCRETE: Do you have any last words for our readers? DJ Paul: Just keep in touch with us. Everyone stay on TripleSix.com. It’s always love. We love Tennessee. That’s my home. It’s going down! This album is representin’ and you got to get it. What’s up! Drank one! Read the full interview at myspace.com/concretemagmemphis
CONCRETE: Are you real brothers? KKAW: Yes. We were born a year apart CONCRETE: How long have you been in the music business? KKAW: We have been in the music business for 5 years CONCRETE: What made you wanna get in the game? KKAW: Well, see, initially we planned on just starting a label. We had a couple artist on tap to work with but their grind wasn’t serious enough. We both rapped so we just decided to do it ourselves. We put our own music out. CONCRETE: What was your first project? KKAW: We put out 2 mix tapes – The Dranker and The Smoker Vol 1 & 2 CONCRETE: What was the concept behind that? KKAW: We wanted to do something different with our music. So we put out two tapes. You know the mixtapes are just like us...totally opposite but the same CONCRETE: So you are totally opposite but the same. Ok with that being said, describe each other’s rap style. KK: I would say that Able Wayne is cocky yet laid back AW: Kenny Kane is gritty and raw. His raps are real deep and meaningful. CONCRETE: Who are some of the producers you have worked with from Memphis? KKAW: Egnigma, Sweat the Track, Big Pooda, Profitt . CONCRETE: Name some of your musical influences past and present? KKAW: Outkast, Devin the Dude, Tela, Trick, UGK, Scarface, 8 Ball and MJG, Three 6 Mafia, Herschel B., Erykah Badu, Dave Hollister, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, and Al Green. CONCRETE: What tracks are you best known for in the streets of Memphis? KKAW: “Memphis Pimping” and “Hogging tha Lane.” You can check out more of Kenny Kane and Able Wayne at www.myspace.com/ kennykaneablewayne
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Lil Wayne - Tha Carter III
Lil’Wayne self-named, Best Rapper Alive finally gives the audience what they’ve been waiting for, Tha Carter 3. The album is far more lyrical than his first single, “Lollipop.” He goes hard as he does on his mixtapes track for track. “A Milli,” the club banger is sure to bang in cars internationally. The other Mr. Carter, none other but Jay-Z hands down the crown where Lil’ Wayne declares it’s his time now. But the T-Pain” trendy voice is used on various songs along with T-Pain on, “Got Money” which is a definite BallaRific, make it rain anthem. Lil’ Wayne surprises audiences with Kanye West produced track featuring Baby Face on, Comfortable. He takes the Beyonce’, Irreplaceable route but switches it up by saying, “Feeling irreplaceable listening Beyonce/ Well ok I put you out on ya bday.” Other features include Fabolous, Juelz Santana and Robin Thicke. Overall the album shows growth since his Hot Boy days better than the other 2 Carter’s...you decide.
Plies - The Definition of Real
Florida’s Goon is back for a second round on his new album, The Definition of Real. He single handedly put Bust It Baby in the vocabulary of the rap world. His lead single, Bust It Baby Pt. 2 featuring Ne-Yo showcased a more relaxed, summer breeze feeling. But don’t get it twisted, Plies still presents his Goon side. The track Bushes, which sounds like Young Jeezy’s Tear It Up except Plies, implements “Goonish” acts when he says, “Lay right in your bushes before you come by/ and after we’re finished them crackers gonna have to put you on ice.” Other features include Keyshia Cole and J. Holliday on, #1 Fan, definitely a potential single. A dash of freak anthems and spoon full of thuglife equal this Florida goon.
Cherish - The Truth
The R&B girl group Cherish, returns with their sophomore debut, The Truth. Literally sisters with voices; they show their skills over ballads while still giving off a “pop” feel. The first single, “Killa” featuring Yung Joc is definite dance team tryout song. But they do deliver their vocal talents on the latest single, “Amnesia” and you can hear how well they harmonize. “Damages” has an immense opening beat and the girls talk about the wrongs that have been done in their relationship and how they will move on regardless. Overall, Cherish has grown since their last album but discuss the same topics on the album.
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Semi-Pro
And Semi-Pro is what they are. Starring Will Ferrell as Jackie Moon in 1976; owner, star player and head coach of the Flint Tropics basketball team. Not to mention the singer of the hit single “Love Me Sexy,” he seems to be a threat in all areas. But along with that there’s one thing missing, the Flint Tropics are not officially apart of the NBA. Ferrell brings the funny with his animated shenanigans and hilarious quotes yet again. The comedy delivers plenty of laughs along with Woody Harrelson and Grammy winner and actor Andre’ (Andre 3000) Benjamin. Funny HaHa or HeHe, you decide.
Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins
Martin Lawrence “The Funny Man,” plays, Roscoe Jenkins, a successful talk show host who leaves Los Angeles to reunite with his family in Georgia. His fiancée, Bianca Kittles played by Joy Bryant is the former winner of Survivor who is obviously after Jenkins’ monetary value. She doesn’t know she is one a heck of a trip when she meets the Jenkins family. His family feels he’s changed since living in the “Hollywood” lifestyle. Filled with the funniest of funny comedians, Cedric the Entertainer, Mike Epps and Mo’Nique all add flare to the comedy that will leave you with stomach aching laughter.
A Good Man is Hard to Find
With so much drama in one movie you would think the story would never end. Starring Golden Brooks, co-star of the hit television show, Girlfriends and Darrin Henson of television show Soulfood they are a married couple who seems to be growing apart. Brook’s character, Rachel along with her girlfriends Charlene (Deborah Cox) and Monica (Melissa De Sousa) seem to all be struggling in their relationships with men. The movie has its funny moments as well as a lot of serious questions that leads one to think, “Is a good man hard to find?”
Cleaner
Did you ever wonder who cleans up the mess after a bloody crime scene? Neither the police nor the detectives go that far. Samuel L. Jackson’s character, Tom Cutler plays a retired cop, widow and father turned crime scene killer who accidentally cleans a crime scene that hasn’t been reported. Filled with suspense and Law and Order on steroids, Cutler finds himself in a whirlwind of events that he soon sees maybe his essential to life and maybe knowing too much can kill you. Co-starring Eva Mendes, Keke Palmer and Ed Harris audiences will wonder until the end of the movie.
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What it DO SUE? A while ago, my friend and I both met the same girl. She is smart, pretty and has a great personality. But, my friend got to her before I could and now they’re a couple. I really like this girl, on the brink of just plain love, and recently, I’m beginning to get the feeling she likes me too. My boy and I have known each other for 4 years now, he’s my best dude, and I don’t want to do anything to mess up that friendship. I just want to know how I tell my friend “I Love Your Girl.” Sue Says: A wise philosopher once said, “It ain’t no fun...if the homies can’t ha-aave none!” I think if you approach o’girl and she takes the bait, you’ll realize it wasn’t love at all, just curiousity and you’ll be on the fast track to reconciling the friendship. Okay, seriously: suck it up, your man beat you to the punch, deal. The mere fact that you think you’re falling in love proves you’re spending too much playing the 3rd wheel. Girlfriend is probably just being polite-or she’s a whore. Talking to your friend about his girl could totally backfire and destroy all the trust between you two. Put yourself in his shoes, and you may discover that a little space will give you time to clear your head (both of them). Yo Big Suzie, My lover is a married man. He says he loves me. But when I try and ask him about his marriage – he refuses to talk about it. He doesn’t say that the marriage is good or bad. He has even asked that I have his child. But he is just not forthcoming about his marriage. What does he want? Sue says: You know, I had this scathing diatribe prepared on the ills of stepping between man, woman and God; but I’ll save it. If there were a book called ‘Homewrecking for Dummies’ I’m quite sure rule number one would be DON’T ASK ABOUT WIFEY. You’re asking for problems and really, it’s none of your business period. I’m sure he tells you he loves you and he wants you to have his child...you’re a Maury show waiting to happen if you fall for this nonsense. What he wants is to distract you and keep you in place as his non-confrontational piece of ass. Good Luck! Got a question for Sue? Email her at concretesue@gmail with the subject line “I Got Issues” and she’ll offer the best/worst advice known to man.
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110 Tasks: Every Young Man Should Know How To Do Before the Ninth Grade www.110tasks.org | by: Anthony Nichelson published by: Urbana Marketing
PART 2 of 4 Take a bus, with transfer Choose his wardrobe and daily attire Properly count, fold and protect his money Establish and maintain eye contact Stand up straight, without shufing Read and understand a sports page Go to church on his own Attend school regularly, without incident Enjoy and appreciate theatrical art Do one hour of unassisted homework Practice reading, writing and spelling Calculate his wages, taxes and paycheck Independently read a newspaper Avoid criminals and criminal activity
Properly use a globe and atlas Pray and believe Follow written and verbal directions Pay for a haircut Make a junior high school honor roll Shop for groceries Clean out the refrigerator Write a check Properly answer the telephone Clean the bathroom completely Change a light bulb Install a chain lock on a door Cut grass/Trim foliage Hang a picture
For the complete list go to myspace.com/concretemagmemphis
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City: Memphis AKA: The Karaoke King, The Hardest Working Man In Memphis Clubs: Monday: TGI Fridays Tuesday: 50/50 Wednesday: Silver Spoon Friday: Tony’s Saturday: Tony’s Sunday: Tony’s/ Vibez Goals: As a DJ, to provide the type of environment that all people can party to. Stay relevant in this game. As far as karaoke gigs (3 a week), he wants to provide a platform for people to expose their talent and to have a great time. DJs Services: DJ, light show, wedding receptions, birthday parties, family reunions and corporate functions Other Services: Photography. Including weddings, portraits, events, model portfolios myspace.com/timbachus
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DJ Rocksteddy - myspace.com/djrocksteddy 1 Young Jeezy - Put On 2 Gucci Mane - Shirt Off 3 Shawty Lo - Foolish 4 OJ Da Juiceman - Im Getting Money 5 Yo Gotti - Nightlife 6 Lil Will - Bust It Open 7 Novakane -Jumpin 8 Bloodraw -Louie Bag 9 2 Pistols - She Got It 10 Soulja Boy - iDance
DJ Lighta (Hometeam DJs) - myspace.com/match1_damnit 1 Vic - Get SIlly 2 Mariah Carey - Touch My Body (remix) 3 Lil Will - My Dougie 4 Shawty Lo - Dun Dun 5 Guccie Mane - Vetts Pass By 6 Yo Gotti - Night Life 7 Yo Gotti f/ Rick Ross - Miami 8 OJ Da Juiceman - Cop a Chicken 9 OJ Da Juiceman - Im Getting Money
DJ Tim Bachus - myspace.com/timbachus 1 Dream - I Luv Your Girl (remix) 2 2 Pistols - She Got It 3 Usher - Love in the Club 4 Jazmine Sullivan - Need U Bad 5 Chris Brown - Take U Down 6 R. Kelly 7 Pleasure P - Rock Bottom 8 Three Six Mafia - Lolli Lolli 9 Lloyd and Lil Wayne - Girls Around the World 10 VIC - Get Silly
DJ Dre - myspace.com/mtowndjdre 1 Young Jeezy - Put On 2 Soulja Boy - Shopping Spree 3 Plies - Please Excuse my Hands 4 Guccie Mane - Vetts Pass By 5 Shawty Lo - Foolish 6 Lil Wayne - A Millie 7 Lloyd - Girls Around The World 8 Static Major - I Got My 9 Yo Gotti - Miami 10 2 Pistols - She Got It
DJ Crumbz - myspace.com/djcrumbz 1 Lil Shyne - Check Out My Lean 2 Hakeem Tha Dream - Thick Wit It 3 Flo Rida - Elevator 4 Lil Wanye - Lolli Pop (Crumbz intro) 5 Three Six Mafia - Lolli Lolli (Crumbz Transition) 6 Felli Fell and Khalifa - Get Buck Yea 7 DFB - Out tha side of Neck 8 Savage f/ Soulja Boy - Swing (remix) 9 Lloyd f/ Lil Wanye - Girls Around the World 10 Vic - Get SIlly (remix)
(Staff Pick) Lil Phil Jones - myspace.com/lil_phil1 1 Young Jeezy - Put On 2 OJ Da Juiceman - Im Getting Money 3 Jazmine Sullivan - Need U Bad 4 Robin Thicke - Magic 5 Sonny Rich - Dreamin 6 Plies f/ Jamie Foxx - Please Excuse My Hands 7 Yo Gotti - Night Life 8 Blood Raw - Louie Bag 9 Alfamega - Uh Huh 10 Guccie Mane - Shirt Off