10 ........................ Gorilla Zoe 12 .................. OJ Da Juiceman 18 ............................ Big Sue 20 22 26 28
.................... Regal Records ....................... Memphis 10 ......................... DJ Crumbz .......................... DJ Charts
This issue is dedicated to the streets. You can’t lose when the streets are behind you. And, Gorilla Zoe and OJ The Juiceman (AYE!) definately got the streets on lock. So take a break from your grinding and read up on the Hustlers from the A! Also next issue is the Special Double One Year Anniversary Issue. Crazy! But that’s how we roll baby! I’ll see you in the Street! Published by: Concrete Magazine Editor In Chief: “Corporate” Cory Sparks Assistant Editor: Amariah Tyler Sales Manager: Ricardo Hunter Ad Sales: Shabrea Hunter Distribution Manager: Geno The Great 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: Word on the street is that on this album is different. Have you left the trap and where are you going with this album? Zoe: Musically, man I’m just growing. On my first album I didn’t have time to learn how to use my voice. That’s why I only had one or two singles on it. With this album, you know, I know what I’m doing. CONCRETE: You changed it up on the “Lost” record. What was your whole thought process and when you got the “Lost” beat? Zoe: Understanding that it was different and that I could make a different record with this. I just had to come up with the right content and the right form of music and lyrical content and be different man. Once I realized that, I felt that on some kind of emotion and we could feel what the big picture is. CONCRETE: Your first album didn’t do too well sales wise, but your records seemed to get a lot of burn in the streets and clubs. Do you have another approach to cross over or are you keeping it street? Zoe: I’m gonna keep it real. I’m growing as a man. Every since I dropped that [first album], I’ve been all over the world to different places and sh*t. So, of course my music is gonna grow. I’ve been in the hood and trap all my life so that’s just something I can’t shake off. CONCRETE: Can you compare Don’t Feed the Animals to Welcome to the Zoo?
12
Zoe: There are similarities because it’s me and because I am the hood and I am the streets. As far as musically, there is no comparison. The south is blowing the ‘em out of the water. CONCRETE: Who did you collaborate with on this album? Zoe: You know I got Wayne on that “Lost” track. I’m bringing Rick Ross on the next single “What It Is”. Kolossal, another is artist, is on that “What It Is” too. I also got O.J. and Gucci on a song but it’s all about me – more about Gorilla Zoe and just showcasing what I can do. CONCRETE: According to the jewelry, you don’t look like you’re hurting but how is the recession affecting you? Zoe: It affects me because it affects other people. If the world ain’t getting money, that means it ain’t no money to spend. CONCRETE: What hustles are you working on outside of music? Zoe: Acting. I just finished my first movie. I think I’m going to release it with my album. It’s called Don’t Feed the Animals: The Transition. CONCRETE: When does your album drop? Zoe: March 17. Buy 2 copies! CONCRETE: Any last words for our readers? Zoe: I thank everybody for supporting the movement and I thank everybody for believing in me as an artist and not just a song.
CONCRETE: Where were you born and raised? OJ: Atlanta CONCRETE: With over seven mixtapes released and appearances on countless underground mixtapes, you are considered one of the kings of underground rap music. Coming up, did you ever think that you would be this successful? OJ: Yeah, in a way because I’ve been grinding for so long – wasn’t looking for no handouts, doing everything independently on my own. So, I’ve been looking toward something paying off. We been doing it since ’99. CONCRETE: How did the beef with you and Souljah Boy start? OJ: It’s really no beef. You know, me and Souljah Boy getting ready to work on a song together, but it wasn’t no beef. Slightly a misunderstanding. CONCRETE: A lot of people thought it was because of the YouTube video? OJ: Yeah, but it was just a slight misunderstanding. CONCRETE: So, you and Gucci Mane are good friends and actually grew up together. You both are successful in your own right, but was there or as there ever been kind of like a friendly rivalry between the two of you? OJ: No, I and Gucci are the best of friends. Matter of fact, I just got off the phone with him today. We having this big party we gone throw for him on March 13th when he comes home so I took that weekend off because I be doing shows on the weekends. So, I took that weekend off since he’s coming
14
home. But, I mean, we ain’t never had no rivalry. We came up together; started out picking up cans and knocking on doors trying to pick up cans for a couple of dollars. We ain’t never had no beef. CONCRETE: You just released The Otha Side of the Trap on Asylum Records. Tell me more about it. OJ: It’s kind of a street album warm-up for the album that I’m working on right now that’s going to drop May/June 2009.
Dear Suzie, I really have deep emotions for this one female. She makes me so happy, but man, when we talk on the phone, she always says ‘I will call you right back.’ I think it’s because when I get on the phone, I have nothing to talk about. It makes me mad, because when I’m with her, I talk nonstop. I just need to know how to spice up the conversation or keep her interested on the phone for at least an hour. Help me please! Sue Says: Men are always trying to find tricks to make themselves go longer aren’t they? Let’s start with a little insight about your gender. Men are freaky little visual creatures so naturally it’s easy to run your mouth when a subject that not only responds, but moves is right in front of you. Here’s a trick that baby radio djs everywhere are taught. Keep a picture of her nearby when you’re on the phone to make her more “tangible.” Sounds corny but it works. Dear Big Sue, I need your help girl, because I’ve been going through this same relationship issue for the past two years. I caught my girlfriend at the time cheating on me, so we broke up. Now that I’ve finally healed enough to move on, she has decided to show back up and disrupt my life again. This woman knows just what buttons to push and exactly how to make me unhappy. What should I do? Sue Says: That’s usually how it works, leave someone alone and they’re all in your face. Well, kudos to you for putting it down on that A**, cause let’s be honest-that’s the only reason she’s trying to get back in. If you’re entertaining the thought of giving her another shot, are you really over her? Here’s the more important question, are you willing to go through that hurt all over again? You may just want to keep it moving. Good luck! Wanna stalk Sue? Check her on 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.
18
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.
CONCRETE: We’ve been seeing your posters around town. Tell us about your project. Regal: Well we recently teamed up with all Marty’s & City Gears retail stores in Memphis for the promotion of A1 Presents Regal Records “The Warm Up”. It was a win it before you could buy it kind of thing. We were the first Independent label to get a promotion with a multi-million dollar retail franchise. The album is in stores now and it features the Strip Club anthem of 2009, “Rent Money” CONCRETE: “Rent Money” has been buzzing in the strip clubs in the city. What’s up with that? Regal: It’s funny because that song was the least song we expected to really get attention. I flew my artist Flawless of M.O.G in from Detroit to record a song with Yung Nawledge. I was playing back the Rent Money Instrumental and he heard it. We decided to throw him on it and bridge the gap between Memphis & Detroit and spread that love. He wrote and dropped his verse one hour before his plane took off. The rest was history. CONCRETE: Tell us about you Regal Entertainment movement. Producers? Artists? Regal: I’m A1, the Composer aka Daniel Hayes, Chief Executive Officer of Regal Records LLC. I started Regal Records in 2004. Yung Nawledge was the first artist I signed to the label out of East Memphis. I later signed Big Flex out of Hollywood Section of North Memphis. We also have Regal Records Midwest in Detroit which is our sister label. I signed group artist M.O.G from the Westside of Detroit to that label. I’m originally from Detroit and then I moved to Memphis so I decided to role with both talented cities and together I have been able to capture the best both worlds musically. CONCRETE: What are you guys working on and when is your next project dropping? Regal: I’m actually about to go into Quad studios in Nashville with Yung and Flex right now to finish up the “Beating Them Walls Down” record. We’ve been getting so many request and great reviews on it, so I decided to re-track some additional drums and vocals for it. This will be our first song to hit the radio for this spring. CONCRETE: It seems like Independent is the way to go right now. Do you guys want to stay that way or hopefully get picked up by a major? Regal: Right now we’re in a comfortable position independently. I’ve had an offer from Sony Music most recently to produce for a new production company that they are trying to launch. But I think the more you can do for yourself without a hand out is the best way to go. The key is to hustle and grind and get yourself hot and if you’re just that damn hot, they’ll come find you.
20
22
Question 1: If you were stranded on a desert island with turntables, what 5 essential records would you need to have with you? Crumbz: 1) Grand Puba - “Reel To Reel” 2) Eazy-E - “Eazy-Duz-It” 3) Notorious BIG - “Ready to Die” 4) 2Pac - “All Eyez on Me” 5) Wings (Paul McCartney) - “Band on the Run” Question 2: What’s your 5 year plan? Crumbz: My 5 year plan started when I arrived here almost 2 years ago (in June). I’ve already played at the clubs I’ve wanted to (and then some). I’ve been spinning records for over 15 years now and every good DJ knows when it’s time to expand. I’m currently focused on developing/ working with unsigned talent (following the genius footsteps of my homeboy Freddy Hydro). My first project and goal is to see Memphis’ own, Skewby D get a record deal and be the next Kanye. I’m also looking forward to working closer with Rane and Vestax. Question 3: What has the music game changed for you (from a DJ’s perspective)? Crumbz: The music game change my life, literally. I owned a California State Pharmacy License and let it go to pursue music/ radio full-time in Los Angeles. Music was never just a hobby. It was always serious. Thanks to my wife and her strong support. Question 4: What’s your advice for the people trying to get into the DJ Profession? Crumbz: Don’t do it because it’s the cool thing to do. Don’t do it because you’ll be up all hours of the night or be around a dance floor full of females and free drinks. Do it because you love and know your music! All music. Learn it. Not all songs have a BPM below 80. Do it because you want to contribute to the music industry and bring something new or different to the table. Anybody can push the play button on a CD player. Do not expect anything to be given to you, this includes music. Need any more advice, hit me. Question 5: What’s your info and where can we find you? Crumbz: Club-Q Saturday nights - Q107.5FM http://Q1075.com Red Door Night Club - Friday & Saturday Nights http://GoldStrike.com Twitter - http://twitter.com/DJCrumbz MySpace - http://myspace.com/DJCrumbz e-mail: DJCrumbz@gmail.com
26
28
DJ Rock Steddy - myspace.com/djrocksteddy 1 Yo Gotti - Sold Out 2 Hurricane Chris - Halle Berry 3 Pleasure P - Boyfriend # 2 4 F.L.Y. - Swag Surfin 5 Kinfolk Thugz f/ Tre V - Double Shot 6 Birdman f/ Lil Wayne - Alwayz Strapped 7 Gucci Mane - Shopaholic 8 Mike Fresh - Student Holiday 9 Novakane f/ Tre V - Leave the Club 10 The Dream - Sweat It Out
DJ Killa Cam - myspace.com/djkillacam901 1 G Spot Boyz - Stanky Leg 2 Gorilla Zoe f/ Lil Wayne - Lost 3 Keri Hilson f/ Lil Wayne - Turnin’ Me On 4 Gucci Mane f/ Yo Gotti - Bricks 5 Mississippi - Watch Me Do My Dance 6 Hurricane Chris - Halle Berry 7 F.L.Y. - Swag Surfin 8 Vonex - Let’s Talk Money 9 Paul Wall f/ Webbie - Busy Body 10 Tre V - Beautiful
DJ DN NYCE - myspace.com/djdnyce84 1 DJ Class - I’m the Ish 2 Jamie Foxx - Blame It 3 Gorilla Zoe - What It Is 4 G Spot Boyz - Stanky Leg 5 Sean Paul f/ Estelle - Come Over 6 Jay Z - Public Service Announcement 7 Lil Wayne - Every Girl 8 Bobby V - Beep Beep 9 Yo Gotti - Sold Out 10 Paul Wall - Bizzy Body
DJ Lil One - myspace.com/djlil1 1 Gucci Mane - My Shirt Off 2 Yo Gotti - Sold Out 3 Yung LA - Ain’t I 4 Young Jeezy - Welcome Back 5 The Dream - Rockin Dat Thang 6 Bobby Valentino - Beep 7 Mack Maine - Throw It Back 8 Novakane - Jumpin 9 Lil One - Take A Picture 10 Joe Blowe - Get Loose