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10 ............................Lil Larry 12 ...................... Drumma Boy 14 .......................... Novakane 18 .......................... Lock Boyz 20 .................Kronic / D.Cooley 22 .. What’s Your Issue w/ Big Sue 24 .......................... DJ Lighta 26-28 ................... Memphis 10 30 .......................... DJ Charts Well the election is over and America actually got it right. And, it seems this historical moment in time was not lost on anyone. Voter turnout was higher than ever, across the board, but especially with African-Americans. For this all Americans should be proud. Now let’s give President Obama our support and prayers as he leads us in these difficult times. 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
CONCRETE: As the Infamous DJ Lil Larry, you need no introduction. But for curious readers, how did you get your start as a DJ? Lil Larry: I started out doing high school parties. I’ve been deejaying nine years. A DJ, RJ Groove, who was really at the top of his game at the time, decided to switch over to gospel and sell all of his records. I bought his collection, and the rest is history. CONCRETE: Let’s get straight to the Meat. Who’s up next as far as DJs, Producers and Artists? Lil Larry: My younger brother DJ Lighta and then we got Traphouse Studios now with Traphouse Productions. Sweat the Track with the beats, that’s Big Phil and Lil Chicken. As far as artists go, Don Trip from the Eastside is the next to blow. CONCRETE: Having been at Hot 107 for so long, your move to K97 was a major one. Was the transition a smooth one? Lil Larry: You could say that. Honestly it was a blessing in disguise. Just a few days after the 107.1 situation, K97 offered me a job. So I felt like it was a bigger and better look for me. CONCRETE: Who have been your major influences? Lil Larry: Two of the most important people in the city. Boogaloo and Devin Steel. Boogaloo because he was the first one to give me shot at radio. No college, no nothing, just me grinding. Just being from the streets deejaying at parties; he still didn’t have to give me a shot. Devin Steel because he really saw my true potential. CONCRETE: How has joining the Aphilliates enhanced your career? Lil Larry: Being that I had already made a name for myself in my market, they came to me. Being with the Aphilliates, it’s helped other people open their eyes to DJ Lil Larry. Shout out to DJ Drama, Don Cannon, Infamous, Holiday, Sense, Big Nick, and the whole Aphilliates family. CONCRETE: You’ve already solidified your career in the industry and the Memphis Market. What’s next for Lil Larry? Lil Larry: I want to be the Godfather of the city. It’s about relationships, personality, and that everyone respects your opinions and decisions.
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CONCRETE: At such a young age, you’ve created a name for yourself that folks that have been in the game for years haven’t done. What’s the key to your success? Drumma: Consistency, Work Ethic, & Sacrifice. CONCRETE: You have been producing a string of hits for Young Jeezy, Yo Gotti, Scarface, Rick Ross, Plies, Rocko, Gangsta Boo, Gorilla Zoe, and T.I. Would you say that your status as a producer in the game is solidified? Drumma: I’m solid as a rock, but this is just the beginning for me. It’s been a long time coming and I’m never satisfied. Regardless how much fame or power you get, you always want more. CONCRETE: You got your start right here in Memphis and you grew up in a musically talented family. How has your roots shaped who you are today? Drumma: It’s has shaped my career in many ways. Having background in other music genres has enabled me to successfully provide and deliver quality music at all levels. Drum Squad (Deeper Roots Uniting Music) presents combinations of Rock, Reggae, Street, R&B, Hip-Hop, Neo Soul, Blues and more. My background is my motivation for Drumma Boy LIVE, which are productions incorporated by live instrumentation. “Here I Am” by Rick Ross and “You Ain’t Missin’ Nothing” by T.I. are two of the first placements under Drumma Boy LIVE. CONCRETE: You were recently nominated for “Producer of the Year” at the Ozone Awards. Do you think that you are finally getting the recognition that you deserve? Drumma: I’m getting the recognition now because I am delivering singles. This is something I already knew would happen the bigger the records I produce. Albums songs get u heard, singles get you recognition. CONCRETE: Your sound is impeccable and sort of like listening to a street symphony. How long did it take you to develop your own sound? Drumma: I have been making music since 13 which would be about 12 years in the game now. I feel I found my sound when I produced “Tennessee Titans” for Tela which featured artists such as Yo Gotti, Gangsta Boo, Criminal Mane, & Haystak, all Tennessee natives. CONCRETE: You’re one of the most sought producers and responsible for hit tracks on most recently Young Jeezy’s and T.I.’s albums. Who are you working with now? Drumma: Monica, Keyshia Cole, Bow Wow, Busta Rhymes, Sophia Fresh, Rich Boy, Chamillionaire, Rock City & more. CONCRETE: What’s on the horizon for Drum Squad Records? Are there any artists of your own that we should be looking for? Drumma: We got a few artists under development. Currently working on Young Phenomenon, Gangsta Boo, Allie, Kristyle and the Drum Squad compilation. Also, check out the Drum Squad website at drum-squad.com
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CONCRETE: When did you first decide to go into the music business? Novakane: I really took the music business seriously after my release from prison in 2006 but I’ve been pursuing my career since 1999. CONCRETE: With the recent success of your hit “Shawty Said”, you are making quite a name for yourself and a lot of people are feeling you. Who do you credit your success to? Novakane: I first and foremost credit my success to the Almighty up above. Secondly, to my promotion team (STP & Hunter Promotions) as well as the DJ’s across the country. CONCRETE: Your mixtape, “Lethal Injection” is In Stores. You have an active bidding war. You recently shot the video for “Shawty Said” and you’ve been on the road doing shows. What other projects are you working on? Novakane: I’m currently going hard in the studio coming up with hotter concepts and I’m working on my next mixtape Lethal Injection 2: First 48 as well as my album dropping in the spring of ‘09. CONCRETE: Was their ever a point in your career where you almost gave up? Novakane: There was a time when I felt like the burdens of life weighed heave on my back. When I first got incarcerated I thought the music was over. I met [Lester] Pace and Ricardo [Hunter] back in 2000 but I was so caught up in the streets I wasn’t even focused. I was like “Man, f*ck that industry sh*t. I’m outta here!” That way of thinking got me eight years and I served almost six years, but during that time I almost gave up. CONCRETE: Who were your influences growing up? Novakane: It was the street n*gg*s in my hood who listened to the rap music. I saw how the rappers got their image—from the dope boys, the gangsters, the pimps, the players, the hustlers so I can truly say the “streets.” CONCRETE: How did you get with STP Music Group? Novakane: I met Lester Pace back in 1999 fresh from Chicago. I was 19 at the time. He saw something in me and gave me a shot. Back then I was a hard head and I really wasn’t seeing this outreach as a blessing. I got incarcerated and left the scene. All I asked him to do was to f*ck with me once I got released. I got out with lots of material and a better mind frame and him being a man of his word kept it 100. So here I am.
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CONCRETE: You don’t hear about too many rappers representing Arkansas. Do you feel that you’re making an impact in a big way? Lock Boyz: Yes, we feel we are making a big impact. In fact we would say “a huge impact” as well as many other artists from Arkansas. We actually want to start an Arkansas Movement similar to what other Southern States have done in the past. CONCRETE: How did you get your start in music? Lock Boyz: We first fell in love with music 8 years ago. We released our very first album titled “Game On Lock” with No Luv Productions in our home town Prescott, AR. We got so much good feedback on the album we had to give them more, so we did. We earned enough money off of that album to purchase our own studio equipment and been in love with making music since.
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CONCRETE: You guys are definitely on your grind with an upcoming mixtape and album slated to be released this winter. What producers or artists are you all working with? Lock Boyz: Hook Jr. is the producer of group and has been ever sense we’ve started. We really haven’t had a chance to work with many producers but would love to in the future so anyone out there if you are interested in the Lock Boyz please get at us. Chad Burton a*k*a “TackForce” another Lock Boyz affiliate, will be producing most if not all the tracks that will be on our upcoming album “The New Kings of Hip Hop”. TackForce will be a very big problem in the rap game soon, just watch and see. His beats are “sick”; he has a Drumma Boy/ Timberland type of flavor plus those are a few great producers that he really looks up to. CONCRETE: Rappers these days come a dime a dozen. What sets your music apart? Lock Boyz: What set us apart are the many different styles within the group. Many different styles make it very easy to make good music because we have different swags, different demeanors and different deliveries all on one page. Plus we are a real family, something that lasts a lot longer than music. We do it for our Fam.
Artist: Kronic aka Yung Fresh Label: Start 2 Finish Entertainment Reppin: Tunica, Miss Born and raised in Tunica, Miss, Kronic has been grinding for 12 years. Currently working on working on a new mixtape called “Swaggatistics” which will be released in early November. He also has a couple other ventures. He has own clothing line representing original art called Kronic Wear. He also produces all his own tracks and working on one of the artist’s on his label, Full Pressha Entertainment. His name is Scugg Mac and his mixtape is called “Primetime”.
Artist: D. Cooley Label: Down South Affiliated Records Reppin: Chattanooga, Tenn. Literally the hottest artist in Chatt-town, this dude has been bringing it for the past 5 years. After hooking up with Down South Affiliated Records CEO/ Party Promoter D. Scott, it’s only a matter of time before he breaks the glass ceiling. In Chatt, he’s hot because of the singles “Trap Clothes”, “On Fire” and “I Go Get It” and, they are the talk of the town right now. Next on his list are the Leaders of The City crew (D.Cooley, Lil Looney, and Yung Tre), his Mi Blox Tennis Shoes, a movie and more mixtapes in the street. Also be on the lookout for The Connect, which is a group that connects artists from every part of Tennessee so we can stick together and put the state where it’s supposed to be. JUST SAY I TOLD YOU SO.
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Question #1: Hey Sue. I’m sorry but I need to ask you a question. I need advice and help. Me and my ex have been together off and on many times, recently we just broke up and now he’s dating someone else. (He doesn’t know what he wants) But I know he still has very strong feelings for me and I want advice and help on getting him back. Even though he’s dating someone right now, he still has feelings for me, and I need help on getting him back with me and not with her. Big Sue: The tragic off and on relationship; knowing that neither of you are really going too far away, but yet you can’t get over that one detail that keeps you from progressing. You can play the wifey-role and bend over backwards with kindness and then get pissed when he takes you for granted; or play nonchalant and still get pissed when he avoids you. One thing you have to know in this world is that you have NO control over what another person does. I would tell you to get off the rollercoaster and get on with your life, but the minute he calls, you’ll drop this magazine-it is what it is. But if you know he’s coming back, why bother plotting? Question #2: SUE!!! Ya girl got issues!! I’ve been married for 12 years, and have two beautiful children with my husband. A few years ago, he took a one-week vacation by himself to Paris. When he returned, he told me that he had been with other women and needed to be tested for STDs. He broke my heart, but I eventually forgave him to keep my family together. I never bring it up, but it still hurts. Last night, he told me that he was going on another trip. All I asked him to do was promise me that he will be faithful, but he refuses to talk about it. He says he’s going to have a good time on his trip, and that he’ll cross that bridge when it gets here. I told him it was emotional abuse. He just laughed and told me to get a grip!!! Do you think I am being unreasonable? Big Sue: I usually don’t like doling out advice to married people-I tend to think they have a better grasp on respect and communication than us single heathens. Thanks for proving me wrong. Your whore of a husband is putting your family and your health at risk with his behavior. The question is, what’s it going to take for you to get fed up? Is it going to take him infecting you with HIV and leaving you to pay for meds and run him down for child support...or is it going to be that stroke you’re going to have because you continue to hold in your pain? The thought of giving up after 12 years may seem like the marriage was a big waste of time; but the two of you can’t make progress unless he cares enough to make some changes. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Wanna stalk Sue? Check her at myspace.com/bigsueshouse. Also Big Sue is the hardest working woman in radio. Catch her on K-97 (WHRK) from 6am-10am on The Mike Evans Morning Show and running her mouth some more from 10am-2pm during her Midday’s. 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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CONCRETE: You killed it at the K97 Summer Jam! When and where did you get your first start on the 1s and 2s? DJ Lighta: Well, I got my first start at one of my brother’s (Infamous Lil’ Larry) high school parties at this club called The Spot downtown. I really wasn’t supposed to be deejaying that night but my brother told me I had too much talent at a young age to let it go to waste. CONCRETE: Who were your influences growing up? DJ Lighta: Really, I didn’t have any influence except for my brother. He really took me under his wing and really put me in this game. I owe it all to my big homie, ya dig. CONCRETE: If there was anything else you could be doing in life, what would it be? DJ Lighta: I would and still would like to become a bigtime music producer working behind the boards like a Lil’ Jon, Drummer, Carlos Brodie, Zaytoven type of producer. CONCRETE: Do you have any upcoming projects or mix tapes that you’re working on now or in the future? DJ Lighta: The Hometeam and I are working on some more mix tapes that we’re getting ready ASAP. CONCRETE: Any shout outs? DJ Lighta: Big shouts to STP, Hunter Promotions, CGI Entertainment, Hometeam DJ’s (Infamous DJ Lil’ Larry, DJ Cherry), my son, and all my folks who been supporting me from day one! Where to find DJ Lighta: Friday - High Point Bar & Grill Saturday - Level 2 Sunday - Fire & Ice myspace.com/match1_damnit
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Corporate Cory Sparks/Editor - myspace.com/corysparks 1 Young Jeezy - Crazy World 2 T.I. - Swing Ya Rag 3 Gucci Mane - Shirt Off 4 Novakane - Shawty Said 5 Jim Jones - Pop Champagne 6 T-Pain - I Can’t Believe It 7 MIA - Paper Planes 8 Kanye West - Love Lockdown 9 NeYo - Fade Into The Background 10 T.I. - What Up, What’s Happening
Phil Jones/ Sales &Distribution Manager - myspace.com/lil_phil1 1 Novakane - Greedy 2 Young Jeezy - President 3 Eight Ball - Getting It In 4 Jazmine Sullivan - Bust Your Windows 5 Rip f/Hurricane Chris - I Can’t Miss 6 Jus Bleezy - Bosses 7 Neyo - Mad 8 Young Jeezy - Welcome Back 9 Boxie - Let Me Show You 10 50 Cent - Get Up
Tatiana Johnson/ Staff Writer - myspace.com/tatianar 1 T.I. f/ Rhianna - Live Your Life 2 Juney Boomdata f/ Souljah Boy - What’s Up With That P 3 T.I. - What’s Up, What’s Happening 4 Young Jeezy, Anthony Hamilton & Boosie - Put That On Everything 5 Rob Brown ft. Jim Jones- Pop champagne 6 T.I. - Swagger Like Us 7 Ciara - Supernatural 8 DJ Unk - Show off 9 Jamie Foxx, Fabolous & Neyo - Miss Independent remix 10 Young Jeezy - Crazy World
DJ Lil Larry - myspace.com/dainfamouslillarry 1 T.I. - Motivation 2 Yo Gotti - That’s What’s Up 3 Tupac - Ambitionz As a Ridah 4 Young Jeezy - Hustler’s Ambition 5 Gucci Mane - Vette Pass By 6 8 Ball & MJG - Mr. Big 7 Gucci Mane ft Yo Gotti - Bricks 8 Novakane - Shawty Said 9 T.I. f/ Usher - My Life, Your Entertainment 10 Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy
Amariah Tyler/ Editorial Assistant - myspace.com/prettebrowneyez 1 T.I. - Hustlers Ambition 2 Young Jeezy - Hustlers Ambition 3 Jazmine Sullivan - In Love With Another Man 4 T-Pain ft Ludacris - Chopped and Screwed 5 Beyonce - If I Were A Boy 6 Novakane f/ Yo Gotti,Tre V & Paul Wall - Shawty Said Rmx 7 Gorilla Zoe - Lost 8 John Legend ft Kanye West - It’s Over 9 Kanye West - Love Lockdown 10 T.I. - What Up, What’s Happening
DJ Lighta - myspace.com/match1_damnit 1 Young Jeezy - Amazin 2 Shawty Lo - Dunn Dunn 3 Yo Gotti & Gucci Mane - She Likes Me 4 MIA - Paper Planes 5 Gucci Mane - I’m A Dog 6 Novakane - Shawty Said 7 Gucci Mane - Shirt Off 8 OJ Tha Juice Mane - Im Gettin Money 9 Young Jeezy - What They Want 10 Ciara - Go Girl