DUB Magazine Issue 75 by DUB Publishing Inc.

DUBMAG.NET

INSIDE

THE SITUATION MIKE POSNER KEVIN HART AKON

THE UFC'S HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP AND HIS HEAVY-HITTIN' COLLECTION EVENT COVERAGE DUB SHOWS: OCEAN CITY & MIAMI | MCCALL MOTORWORKS REVIVAL

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INTERIOR

ISSUE 75 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

FEATURES 58 KEVIN HART 74 CAIN VELASQUEZ 90 LEVI JONES 100 MIKE POSNER

DEPARTMENTS 16 DUB DAILY 18 FRESH

NEW AUTOMOTIVE GEAR

42 VOLUME

SOURCE UNITS & AMPLIFIERS

47 FACTORY TUNED

SONY & THE GREEN HORNET’S “BLACK BEAUTY”

107 ON LOCATION

MCCALL MOTORWORKS REVIVAL

109 B SIDE

AppRadio A revolutionary way to use apps in the car ™

RETHINKING CONNECTIVITY www.pioneerelectronics.com/appradio

Visit Us! Outside in the DUB Live Area ∙ Booth 63136 Limited apps are compatible with this model. Certain app-based functions such as video playback and keyboard input are only available while parked. Do not use your Pioneer system if doing so will divert your attention in any way from the safe operation of your vehicle. In some states certain operations of devices while driving may be illegal. Where such regulations apply, they must be obeyed. For more information, see www.pioneerelectronics.com/appradio. PIONEER is a registered trademark of Pioneer Corporation. AppRadio is a trademark of Pioneer Corporation. iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S.and other countries. iPhone and Applications shown not included. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards. ©2011 Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

EDITOR’S NOTES ISSUE 75

For the last issue of the year, we thought we’d provide an eclectic mix of features, ranging from athletes to artists, reality stars to comedians and everything in between. Despite having very different backgrounds, each personality shares a common passion for custom cars. Akon has had a tremendous music career and isn’t prepared to stop anytime soon. His latest effort, Stadium, is sure to continue to provide those “Akon classics” we’ve all come to enjoy from the gifted musician. Handling all of Akon’s car needs are Alex Vega and his Exclusive Motoring Worldwide crew (Miami, FL), who hooked up his Spyker and Ferrari with some vital upgrades. Will Castro from Unique Autosports is no stranger to celebrity rides and recently dressed up a couple of whips for Jersey Shore’s Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino and his brother Marc. We guess being a reality star has its perks. Rising singing sensation Mike Posner exposes his tactics on how to stay ahead of the game and how his 1996 Chevy Impala SS is a reflection of his character, while Levi Jones talks about his passion for early-model Impalas and interestingly, why some of the new NFL rules are taking something away from the sport. UFC heavyweight champ Cain Velasquez is set to take on Junior Dos Santos on Fox, a monumental event in the world of MMA and the UFC. He took some time off from his intensive training schedule to show off his hard-hitting Ford Raptor and why he feels like he owns a piece of history. Kevin Hart has reached a new level of comedy with his Laugh at My Pain comedic movie that has been a rousing success. Being able to poke fun at some of his life’s stumbles, is allowing him to laugh all the way to the bank. Although he’s a late bloomer in the car game, he’s looking to expand his budding collection. But for a beginner, he’s not doing all that bad, already sporting a hot GTO, Range Rover and the gorgeous all-new Ford Explorer.

ADVERTISING : (626) 336-3821 Rich Calbay | rich@dubmagazine.com Myles Kovacs | myles@dubmagazine.com Tony Madrigal | Advertising Associate | tony@dubmagazine.com Roman Racela | Advertising Associate | roman@dubmagazine.com @romanraclea DUB MAGAZINE & EVENTS STAFF Kristie Bertucci | Features/Copy Editor | kristie@dubmagazine.com @kristiebertucci Kiani Tran-Boutros | Director of Human Resources/Finance | kiani@dubmagazine.com Jeanette Palmerin | Office Administrator | jeanette@dubmagazine.com Mike Shaughnessy | mike@dubmagazine.com Sean Dowd | sean@dubmagazine.com Walter Segovia | walter@dubmagazine.com Andy Canaza | andy@dubmagazine.com Ryan Dobkin Manuel Oros Christian Rodriguez TRANSPORTATION OPERATORS Andrew “Old Skol” Canales Daniel Serna Mark Dyck CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Roman Racela / Christophe Wu Armando Toledo / Susy Toledo / Jay Canter Greg Auger / Derick G. / Pat Daly / Ryan Dobkin / Mike Daly CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Roman Racela / Christophe Wu Armando Toledo / Susy Toledo / Jay Canter Greg Auger / Derick G. / Pat Daly / Ryan Dobkin / Mike Daly INTERNS Brian Aviles Rick Ramirez

Enjoy the endcap issue for the year—big things ahead!

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INTAKE

Keep the letters coming! Hit us up via email at intake@dubmagazine.com or through snail mail at: DUB PO Box 91754 City of Industry, CA 91745-1819 Attn: INTAKE

READER FEEDBACK

GLAM GIRL

UFC’S G.O.A.T.

Just picked up my issue with Amber Rose on the cover and couldn’t believe it was her! She’s already hot as it is, but I was like, “Damn!” when I saw her with the wig, sittin’ all sexy on that ’56 Chevy. I literally had to do a double take because she looks completely different than she does with her buzz cut. It’s all good though ’cause you picked a great shot that shows off all that junk in her trunk! A poster would have been nice…just sayin’.

Anderson Silva is like the Michael Jordan of MMA! His 14-0 record inside the Octagon and ability to destroy the very best middleweight names in the UFC is amazing! His feature in Issue 74 was the first thing I read since he’s my favorite fighter. He has a sick Camaro! I figured he’d have a yellow car, but never thought of him as a Transformers fan. I hope that much talked about fight against GSP really goes down because that would be one hell of a fight!

Kyle R. Via email

Paul M. Via email

We wanted to give the lovely Amber Rose a different look for our shoot and decided some retro styling was in order since she’s a modern day glam girl. But regardless of what she wears, she’ll always be hot! And that cover

Silva is definitely one of the greatest MMA fighters and will go down in fighting history for sure. We were just as surprised as you were, Paul, to find out he liked Transformers. Obviously, he’s a huge fan...just look at how he dressed up his Camaro

photo is one of our favorites, too, for the same reasons you dig it, Kyle. Hmmm, we just might have to take you up on your poster suggestion!

THE O’NEALICUS ’STANG

like Bumblebee! That GSP match-up would result in an incredible fight, but whoever Silva ends up fighting next, will ultimately be a great bout.

RIDING WITH NOKTURNAL Fixing up cars is my hobby, but I haven’t joined any car clubs yet since I don’t have the funds to really customize my ride like I want to right now. I’ve thought about joining Nokturnal for a while since I always see them at various car shows. After reading their feature in Issue 74 I know that’s the club for me. They’re obviously a top club and I like how they always come out with some of the craziest builds I’ve ever seen. I’m actually going to check out their San Diego chapter soon.

If you love cars and mods, then you’ll enjoy being part of a car club, especially if it’s with the Nokturnal guys. They’re one of the most reputable clubs in the scene and always come out to the DUB Shows showing some of the most insane rides we’ve ever seen! You’ve made a great pick, Carlos, and you’re in for an amazing experience if all goes well and you become a member of Nokturnal.

Carlos A San Diego, CA Shaq’s Ford Mustang you guys hooked up for him is how I’m looking to dress up my Mustang. Everything from the wheels to the color is how I want my Mustang to look. My favorite color is burgundy and that House of Kolor Brandywine is unlike any other shade of burgundy I’ve seen! Shaq has great taste in cars, and the DUB guys really know how to take cars to the next level without going over the top. Thanks for the inspiration! Todd Z. Via email

14 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

Shaq’s cars are always dressed to the nines, making his collection one of the best we’ve ever featured and worked on! We searched high and low to find such a unique and stellar burgundy that would stand out and Brandywine from House of Kolor was really the best out there. Thanks for feeling our customizations and good luck with hooking up your own ride, Todd!

ENTER TO WIN A MCGARD WHEEL LOCK SET! McGard is going to hook up 10 lucky DUB readers with a beautiful chrome Wheel Lock set! Visit shop.mcgard.com to see a full line of products & applications. TO ENTER TO WIN: “Like” the Wheel Lock Giveaway page in McGard’s DUB album at facebook.com/McGard. For the highest quality automotive security products, ask for McGard by name!

AN EXTREME COATING FOR EXTREME LIVING! Rhino Linings® products provide the highest level of corrosion, impact and abrasion resistance for your truck bed, grille guards, bumpers, rocker panels and more… Protect your truck, trailer, boat and even your ATV. Get a Rhino® lining today!

Visit RhinoLinings.com to find an applicator near you. Rhino Linings Corporation • 1-800-422-2603 • www.rhinolinings.com All businesses independently owned and operated. Photo courtesy of Ryan Njavro, sprayed by Orange County Rhino Linings, Santa Ana, CA. ©2011 Rhino Linings Corporation. All rights reserved. DUB 1111 6164

DUB DAILY DUBDAILY.COM

BENTLEY EYEWEAR BY ESTEDE WWW.BENTLEY-EYEWEAR.COM

Bentley now has their own driving shades thanks to a partnership with Estede—and just like their cars, these babies won’t come cheap! They’ll set you back at least $11k for the 18-karat white or rose gold frames, or upwards of $45k for the platinum ones. They’re all hand-made in Germany with Zeiss polarized lenses and feature Bentley-designed details and individual numbers. Each model will have only 100 units made and will be sold in luxury markets like China, Hong Kong and Russia.

ROLLS-ROYCE’S “YEAR OF THE DRAGON” COLLECTION FOR CHINA WWW.ROLLS-ROYCEMOTORCARS.COM

MASERATI X FENDI GRANCABRIO WWW.FENDI.COM | WWW.MASERATI.COM

Maserati has teamed up with Fendi to create a special, limited-edition GranCabrio Fendi that features a three-layered body color called “Grigio Fiamma Fendi (aka “gray flame”), along with Pergamena Fendi wood trim on the dashboard. 16 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

Fendi has also stitched the iconic double “F” logo into the headrests and alloy wheels, and supplied its luxurious Selleria leather for the seats. Some special luggage is also included with the car.

Rolls-Royce has designed its “Year of the Dragon Collection” to celebrate the “ultimate symbol of power, prosperity and good fortune” for its China market. The collection for their Phantom includes embroidered headrests, a front panel inlay and illuminated treadplates that say “Year of the Dragon 2012.” The Phantom and Phantom Extended Wheelbase can also be ordered with a twin coachline that has a gold-painted dragon on the exterior.

Booth #46195

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K&N HIGH-FLOW INTAKE SYSTEM FOR HONDA CR-Z WWW.KNFILTERS.COM | (800) 826-4000

@KNFILTERS

The K&N High-Flow Intake System for the 2011 Honda CR-Z 1.5L increases horsepower by an estimated 5 hp at 5,049 rpm over the stock intake configuration. To achieve such a performance increase, K&N replaces the original intake assembly - including the air box, air filter and intake tube - with an all-new intake design. The new system draws air through a K&N High-Flow Air Filter that increases airflow and never needs to be replaced. This intake system is currently available where quality performance parts are sold, can be installed in 90 minutes or less and is backed by a K&N Million Mile Limited Warranty. MSRP: $429.

BAER BRAKE PRO+ WWW.BAER.COM | (602) 233-1411

Just when you thought 6 piston (6P) calipers couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get any better, Baer Brake Systems presents their Pro+ systems for the front and rear of many early-domestic and late-model performance cars, such as S197 Mustangs and the TrailBlazer SS, Challenger, Charger and Magnum. The 6P features a fully machined caliper that is standard in red, black or silver finishes and mounted to 14-inch, 1-or 2-piece slot, drilled and zinc-plated rotors. The 6P is perfect for the enthusiast looking to fill his wheels with big brakes that match front to rear and perform flawlessly! MSRP: $1,795.00 18 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

BORLA ATAK EXHAUST WWW.BORLA.COM | (877) 462-6752

Borla has developed a revolutionary exhaust system technology that allows vehicle-specific control over the acoustical note of an exhaust system throughout the RPM range, while retaining 100% of the power-adding capabilities of Borlaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patented multicore design. Cat-Back and Rear Section ATAK exhaust systems are available for a variety of models, including the: Mustang, Camaro, Corvette, Challenger, GTR, Charger, Magnum and 300C. MSRP: $1750.99.

FRESH THE HOTTEST AUTOMOTIVE GEAR

ROADWIRE CHRYSLER 300 PLATINUM EDITION WWW.ROADWIRE.COM |

@ROADWIRE

The all-new Chrysler 300 Platinum Edition Leather Interior from Roadwire Leather Interiors allows you to personalize and customize your interior to suit your own style and needs. You can literally choose from thousands of leather and suede combinations to find the perfect colorway that fits to your taste. MSRP: $1,299 (installed).

KATZKIN WWW.KATZKIN.COM

Leather combined with beautiful design is what Katzkin is known for. Their professional design team now offers three levels of interior designs: Premium, Custom,and Limited Edition, which are all available for virtually all makes and models of vehicles. With up to eight different interiors to choose from, consumers can select the style that best fits their personality and their lifestyle. MSRP varies by vehicle type and level of interior design. Visit www.katzkin.com to see the plethora of options that are available for your vehicle.

20 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

Booth #41109

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IN PRO CAR WEAR (IPCW) LED UPPER QUARTER PANEL LIGHT

DJ GRILLES DJG 1101 PHANTOM HIDDEN HEADLIGHT GRILLE

WWW.INPROCARWEAR.COM | (800) 934-4599

WWW.DJGRILLES.COM |

IPCW releases the industry’s first LED upper quarter panel light. It replaces the non-functional upper quarter panel for ‘07 and up Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, Yukon XL, Denali and Escalade. These lights mount using the factory hardware and can be installed within minutes. They will function with the running lights and increase intensity for the turn signals for added safety and viability. MSRP: $345.

The DJG 1101 Phantom Hidden Headlight Grille is a revolutionary grille design engineered specifically for the 2010-2011 Chevrolet Camaro. It incorporates unique functionality and aggressive appearance, while the patent-pending

KINETIK KHC1800 HIGH CURRENT POWER CELL

@DJGRILLES | (949) 713-5554

removable headlamp bezels use a race carinspired ¼-turn fastener to attach to the primary grille frame. The grilles have also been tracktested at more than 140 mph while installed. MSRP: $1,175.

ORACLE LIGHTING HALO KIT

WWW.KINETIKAUDIO.COM | (888) 522-8346

WWW.ORACLELIGHTS.COM | (800) 407-5776

Kinetik is the leader in providing the power that your car electronics demand for peak performance. The Kinetik KHC1800 comes in at an impressive 80Ah of reserve time while having the capacity to support up to 1800 watts of power. The KHC1800 works with most domestic vehicles with large battery boxes, and is capable of providing more power in the same amount of space. MSRP: $419.99.

Advanced Automotive Concepts introduces the new ORACLE line of SMD Halo kits for most late-model vehicles. ORACLE SMD Halos are an attractive and street-legal alternative to factory daytime running lights. Using the latest Surface Mount LED technology, these Halos are extremely bright and visible even in direct sunlight and have a lifetime of more than 50,000 hours of continuous use. MSRP: $169.

22 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

@ORACLELIGHTS

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INTERNATIONAL AERO FINALE

CROFTGATE QUICK-NSLICK WWW.CROFTGATE.COM |

WWW.INTERNATIONALAEROPRODUCTS.COM @AEROCARCARE

@CROFTGATEUSA

Originally developed to clean and protect elite aircraft flying more than 500 mph in the most extreme environments and conditions, International Aero presents its FINALE interior and exterior multi-surface cleaner, which is perfect for that final interior wipe-down or for use between exterior washes. FINALE was formulated with Aero’s special proprietary lubricating agents that encapsulates dirt so that it can easily be wiped off a car’s delicate surface without scratching a high-gloss paint finish. It’s perfect for removing light dirt and dust, fingerprints, smudges, and bird droppings, and is also safe to use on all automotive surfaces— both inside and out—as it doesn’t contain any damaging or harsh chemicals. MSRP: $20.99.

Quick-N-Slick by Croftgate is a TRUE polymer wipe-on/wipe-off product. When used on a clean car, the new Reactive Polymer Technology begins to cure—providing a long lasting, protective, detergent resistant coating and a slick, brilliant shine. The curing and hardening process continues over the next 24 hours, leaving your car with astonishing results. It’s no wonder why these guys are the talk of the automotive industry when it comes to car care products. MSRP: $29.95.

MEGUIAR’S BRILLIANT SOLUTIONS NEW CAR KIT PROLONG WATERLESS WASH & SHINE WWW.PROLONG.COM

Prolong has created a revolutionary new way to wash, shine and protect your vehicle in minutes. Just apply the spray and wipe; absolutely no water is needed for you to achieve maximum results. The formula features special lubricating agents to encapsulate dirt, sap, tar and bugs so they can be removed with ease. Waterless Wash & Shine can also be used on chrome, plastic trim, painted plastic, wheel rims and glass. MSRP: $7.99. 24 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

WWW.MEGUIARS.COM |

@MEGUIARS

The Brilliant Solutions New Car kit from Meguiar’s offers everything you need to keep your car looking new. Created with consumer convenience in mind, the kit includes Meguiar’s: Ultimate Wash & Wax micro fiber wash mitt & Water Magnet micro fiber drying towel; Ultimate Liquid Wax, complete with a Soft Foam applicator pad & Supreme Shine Micro Fiber Towel for wax removal; and Endurance tire gel and a soft foam applicator pad. Grab your bucket and water hose and it’s a party. MSRP: $28.99.

877 GO BORLA // www.borla.com SEMA Central Hall Booth #23667

FRESH THE HOTTEST AUTOMOTIVE GEAR

VORSTEINER FERRARI 599-VX WWW.VORSTEINER.COM/599 |

@VORSTEINER

Vorsteiner was conceived with the idea of creating the highest quality parts for the most discerning clientele. The tuning company, known best for their top-quality, forged wheels and aftermarket accessories primarily offered to German automobiles, has just birthed their first application designed for the Ferrari. Vorsteiner’s introductory work on The Ferrari 599-VX features a custom-racing hood with dual air ducts, rear fender, intake covers, rear deck lid wing and a rear bumper. All of the 599VX aerodynamic components are manufactured using the latest carbon fiber technology, making the body kit 70 percent lighter than the original components. Vorsteiner also enlisted Huntington Beach, CA tuning company BBI Autosport to help develop the 599-VX exhaust so that it fit the redesigned rear bumper.

HAMANN HAWK MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG KIT WWW.HAMANNMOTORSPORT.COM |

@HAMANN_USA

With 25 years of experience, Hamann Motorsport has been a consistent leader in the aftermarket design and tuning of exotic automobiles. Their new Hawk widebody kit designed for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a testimony to that. Inspired by GT3 racing, the kit’s standout piece is the front bumper, which features two LED

daytime running lights and integrated carbon checkered flag front grille with the Hamann badge. The clear-coated carbon fiber is an optional feature that is well executed throughout the exterior, as well as the interior cabin of the SLS, giving the sporty two-seater a racing look and feel.

KAHN NORTH AMERICA PORSCHE PANAMERA WIDE ARCH PACKAGE WWW.KAHNUSA.COM @KAHNNORTHAM

With more than 20 years of expertise, Kahn Design’s mission is to bring ideas to life to an unsurpassed standard. Their new Wide Arch Package adds extra personality to the already notable Porsche Panamera, ensuring it to look much lower, longer and wider than the standard vehicle. The Panamera’s styling package consist of a 10-piece wide arch kit, rear roof spoiler, front and rear air dam and integrated front LED’s with vents. The innovative RS-600 alloy wheels were designed to evoke greater performance and give it that aggressive appeal you would expect in a sports car. 26 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

REVERE LONDON WWW.JONARI.COM |

@JONARICORP

Jonari represents a luxurious selection of worldrenowned, high-end brands for end-users wanting to outfit their prized possessions. Their Revere London accessories line has just developed a tuning program for the 2010+ Range Rover Sport HSE and Range Rover Supercharged. A subtle inserted grille complements an aggressive front bumper. The replacement sport exhaust tips and

stealthy curves of the rear bumper are sure to draw the attention of those who can appreciate genuine craftsmanship. Revere decided to keep the sides of the vehicle OEM looking. As for the interior, upon request, the custom diamond-stitched seats are embroidered with the Revere logo, which accents the custom carbon components that are featured in the cabin.

n 1988, Ray Krumian founded a small shop called Ron’s Tire and Wheel in North Hollywood, CA. Originally starting with only three workers, that local place has now become a top-notch automotive retail and customization outfit. More than two decades later, the little tire and wheel shop, now called RTW Motoring, has nearly 50 employees and has earned an honorable reputation among Southern California car dealerships, wholesalers and local car enthusiasts for their outstanding custom work and top tuning inventory.

PHOTOS MO SATARZADEH

RTW Motoring’s reputation has also gained global recognition, catching the attention of Mercedes-Benz tuner Lorinser Sports, that sought out North American representation from RTW in 2005. Known worldwide

for their sexy aero kits, the German tuner’s 30 years of experience working on Mercedes models make them an elite European tuner—with tuning programs related to performance, aerodynamics, wheels, exhaust systems and custom interior upgrades. Last year, RTW Motoring became the North American exclusive importer and distributor of another German tuner, Mansory, who are famous for their bold and eye-catching aerodynamic

packages for many high-end European automobiles such as Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Bugatti, Ferrari, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Range Rover and Rolls-Royce. Although they are highly known for their aero kits, Mansory also offers ultralight custom wheels, complete interior and engine performance enhancements. RTW Motoring has four locations, two of which are retail-based. The company takes pride in what they

do and ensures the highest quality of workmanship by doing everything in-house—from paint and installation of all custom styling and performance parts. What sets RTW Motoring further apart from other shops is their large on-site product offering, which includes other top brands, such as ABT Sportline, Carlsson, Continental Tires, Michelin Tires and Pirelli Tires. This allows them to service both local and out-of-state customers with next day and same day delivery. NOV/DEC 2011 DUBMAG 29

What sets Mansory apart from their competitors? To be honest, Mansory is in a league of its own. With their trendsetting designs and meticulous quality control, Mansory is second to none. Having their roots in manufacturing, Mansory is able to produce their carbon fiber, giving them the edge over all of their competitors. And I can tell you that whoever has seen Mansory’s carbon fiber work in person can testify to the quality of the product. Mansory continuously takes risks on restyling the world’s most exclusive automobiles. The Mansory product line is for those select individuals who simply want what no one else has. Mansory recently

30 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

received the “Tuner of the Year” award from GTspirit.com and continues to grow their portfolio of the world’s most exclusive vehicles. So what sets Lorinser apart from the rest? The Lorinser name has been associated with Mercedes-Benz since the 1930s and they have been tuning Mercedes-Benz [vehicles] for more than three decades. Lorinser continues to be the only German company to build complete bumper replacements for all-new model MercedesBenz vehicles. Other then their rich history with Mercedes-Benz, Lorinser is also the only tuning

The Siracusa is a complete redesign of the Ferrari 458 Italia, a vehicle well worth more than $300k. Currently in our body shop, we are working on complete Mansory packages for the Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo and Panamera Turbo, as well as

company that owns their own Mercedes-Benz dealership just outside of Stuttgart, Germany. This is a tremendous advantage for their R&D department and continuously gives Lorinser the edge over their competitors. Which is the most popular vehicle that is tuned? The most popular vehicle still being upgraded is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The vehicle itself is phenomenal and people simply cannot get enough of it. Whether it’s wheels or body kits, the S-Class continues to be the No. 1 seller. Which vehicle do you think will be the most sought after for complete tuning upgrades in 2012? The all-new CLS-Class from Mercedes-Benz will definitely be catching up to the S-Class. Before we even received our first kit from Germany, we had already presold our first three orders and have a growing waiting list. Are there any big projects in the works from RTW for the upcoming year? Definitely...RTW will be building the first Mansory Siracusa in the world, outside of the two built by Mansory at their facility in Germany. 32 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

SOURCE RTW MOTORING WWW.RTWMOTORING.COM 818-764-1560 @RTWMOTORING

BMW’s X6 M— all of which will be displayed at the LA Auto Show in November. We are also working on finishing the last of four Lorinser CLSClass models. Once we finish 2011 strong, we can concentrate on the coming year.

PRESENTED BY

FRESH

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2CRAVE / 562.926.0300 / 2CRAVE.COM

NAME: H1 SIZE: 20”, 22”, 24”, 26”, 28” FINSHES: CHROME, GLOSS BLACK

NAME: N18 SIZE: 20”, 22”, 24”, 26”, 28” FINSHES: CHROME, GLOSS BLACK

DONZ / 909.444.7974 / RENNENINTERNATIONAL.COM

NAME: TRAFFICANTE - MONOBLOCK SIZE: 18”, 19”, 20”, 22”, 23” FINSHES: CUSTOM

NAME: FERRIGNO SIZE: 22” FINSHES: BLACK MACHINED WITH SSL, SILVER MACHINED WITH SSL CHROME WITH SSL

FORGIATO / 818.771.9779 / FORGIATO.COM

NAME: GRASSETTO SIZE: 19”, 20”, 21”, 22”, 24”, 26”, 28”, 30”, 32” FINSHES: CUSTOM FINISHES

NAME: SEDICI-ECL SIZE: 19”, 20”, 21”, 22”, 24”, 26”, 28”, 30”, 32” FINSHES: CUSTOM FINISHES

LEXANI / 800.833.9700 / LEXANI.COM

NAME: CVX-44 SIZE: 20”, 22” FINSHES: CHROME, BLACK, BRUSHED, GUNMETAL, AND CUSTOM PAINT FINISHES AVAILABLE

NAME: LSS-55 SIZE: 20”, 22”, 24”, 26”, 28”, 30” FINSHES: CHROME, BLACK, BRUSHED, GUNMETAL, AND CUSTOM PAINT FINISHES AVAILABLE

NUTEK / 714.921.5272 / NUTEKWHEELS.COM

NAME: CONCAVE SERIES 705 SIZE: 19”, 20”, 21”, 22” FINSHES: BRUSHED ALUMINUM, POLISH, POWDER COAT, LIQUID PAINT COLOR MATCH, CERAMIC, MATTE, TEXTURE, SAND BLAST, GUNMETAL, DARK TENT, 2TONES, 3TONES, AND CHROME

34 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

NAME: CONCAVE SERIES 708 SIZE: 19”, 20”, 21”, 22” FINSHES: BRUSHED ALUMINUM, POLISH, POWDER COAT, LIQUID PAINT COLOR MATCH, CERAMIC, MATTE, TEXTURE, SAND BLAST, GUNMETAL, DARK TENT, 2TONES, 3TONES, AND CHROME

ASANTI / 800.833.9700 / ASANTIWHEELS.COM

NAME: CX506 SIZE: 20”, 22”, 24” FINSHES: CHROME, BLACK, BRUSHED, GUNMETAL & CUSTOM PAINT FINISHES AVAILABLE

NAME: VF606 SIZE: 19”, 20”, 22”, 24”, 28” FINSHES: CHROME, BLACK, BRUSHED, GUNMETAL & CUSTOM PAINT FINISHES AVAILABLE

DUB / 800.493.7891 / MHTWHEELS.COM

NAME: BILLIONAIRE SIZE: 22”, 24”, 26” FINSHES: CHROME

NAME: DEUX-WANG SIZE: 24”, 26” FINSHES: CHROME

GAZARIO / 909.476.6418 / GAZARIOWHEELS.NET

NAME: GA 670 SIZE: 18”, 22”, 28” FINSHES: CHROME/BLACK MACHINE FACE

NAME: GA 783 SIZE: 20”, 22”, 24”, 26” FINSHES: CHROME/BLACK MACHINE FACE

MKW / 866.659.9433 / MKWALLOY.COM

NAME: M108 SIZE: 22”, 24” FINSHES: CHROME, GLOSS BLACK

NAME: M109 SIZE: 22”, 24”, 28” FINSHES: CHROME, GLOSS BLACK

PHINO / 323.266.1818 / PHINOWHEEL.COM

NAME: GENEVA SIZE: 17”, 18”, 20”, 22” FINSHES: CHROME

NAME: STARK II SIZE: 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 22”, 24” FINSHES: BLACK AND MACHINED

PRESENTED BY

FRESH

THE HOTTEST AUTOMOTIVE GEAR

PINNACLE / 626.363.6978 / PINNACLEWHEEL.COM

NAME: ZIETE SIZE: 20”, 22”, 24”, 28” FINSHES: MACHINED BLACK, CHROME

NAME: GROTTO SIZE: 17”, 18”, 20”, 22” FINSHES: MACHINED BLACK, CHROME

REV WHEELS / 951.680.9595 / REV-WHEEL.COM

NAME: RIVIERA SIZE: 20” FINSHES: GLOSS BLACK WITH MACHINE FACE AND MACHINE STRIPE ON LIP

NAME: STREETER SIZE: 22” FINSHES: WHITE WITH CHROME MESH INSERTS, BLACK WITH CHROME MESH INSERTS

SCARLET / 323.266.8898 / SCARLETWHEEL.COM

NAME: TYLOR SW-2 SIZE: 20”, 22” FINSHES: BLACK AND RED

NAME: SCARLETT SW-1 SIZE: 19”, 20”, 22” FINSHES: BLACK AND RED

STARR WHEEL / 954.935.5536 / STARRWHEELGROUP.COM

NAME: JACKPOT SIZE: 20”, 22”, 24”, 26” FINSHES: CHROME, BLACK PAINTED

NAME: BAYOU SIZE: 20”, 22”, 24”, 26” FINSHES: CHROME, BLACK PAINTED

VERTINI / 562.946.8318 / VERTINIWHEELS.COM

NAME: DRIFT SIZE: 20” FINSHES: BLACK/CHROME LIP, GOLD/CHROME LIP, MATTE BLACK

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NAME: MAGIC SIZE: 19”, 20”, 22” FINSHES: BLACK/CHROME LIP, MATTE BLACK/BLACK LIP, MACHINE SILVER/CHROME LIP

RENNEN FORGED / 909.444.7974 / RENNENINTERNATIONAL.COM

NAME: R10-X SIZE: 18”, 19”, 20”, 22” FINSHES: CUSTOM

NAME: R5 XC SIZE: 18”, 19”, 20”, 22”, 24”, 26” FINSHES: CUSTOM

SAVINI FORGED / 866.779.4646 / SAVINIFORGED.COM

NAME: SV29C SIZE: 20”, 22”, 24” FINSHES: CHROME, BRUSHED, CARBON FIBER, CUSTOM COLORS AND FINISHES

NAME: SV37C SIZE: 20”, 22”, 24” FINSHES: CHROME, BRUSHED, CARBON FIBER, CUSTOM COLORS AND FINISHES

STANCE / 562.946.7788 / STANCEWHEELS.COM

NAME: DEMEANOR SIZE: 18”, 19” FINSHES: MACHINE FACE GUNMETAL WINDOWS, STEP LIP

NAME: EVOLUTION SIZE: 19”, 20”, 22” FINSHES: MATTE BLACK/MACHINED WITH CHROME LIP SILVER MACHINED WITH CHROME LIP

STATUS / 800.804.7156 / STATUSWHEELS.COM

NAME: S826 KNIGHT 10 SIZE: 20”, 22” FINSHES: CHROME WITH BLACK MACHINE FACE

NAME: S827 OPUS SIZE: 20”, 22”, 24”, 26”, 28” FINSHES: BLACK WITH CHROME INSERTS CHROME WITH BLACK INSERTS

MENZARI / PANTHER / PRESTIGEAUTOTECHCORP.COM

NAME: VIAGGIO Z11 SIZE: 18”, 20”, 22” FINSHES: CHROME, FLAT BLACK, FLAT PEARL WHITE

NAME: SPYDER 915 SIZE: 20”, 22”, 24” FINSHES: CHROME, GLOSS BLACK/MACHINED FACE

PRESENTED BY

FRESH

THE HOTTEST AUTOMOTIVE GEAR

CONTINENTAL / 800.847.3349 / CONTI-ONLINE.COM EXTREME CONTACT DW SIZES : 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 21”

The ExtremeContact DW has pushed the envelope in performance with completely new technology exclusive to Continental Tire. The ExtremeContact DW delivers excellent traction and responsive handling in both wet and dry conditions and improved ride comfort, all while delivering better mileage at industryleading rolling resistance levels.

COOPER TIRE / 419.423.1321 / COOPERTIRE.COM ZEON RS3-A SIZES : 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”

The Cooper Zeon RS3-A is the all-season tire in the Ultra High Performance family. This tire has specifically formulated advanced technology silica-based compounds molded into an asymmetrical tread which features 3-D micro-gauge siping. The RS3-A has a UTQG of 500 AA-A, and will feature the Cooper free 45-day road test. The RS3-A recently tied for the #1 rating in a leading Consumer publication.t

FALKEN TIRE / 800.723.2553 / FALKENTIRE.COM AZENIS PT722 SIZES : 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”

Azenis PT722 is Falken’s first ultra high performance, all-season tire, with a deep tread depth and long lateral groove, for anti-hydroplaning and stability in the wet. Targeted toward luxury vehicle owners, the PT722 is available in 44 sizes in diameters ranging from 16 to 20-inch.

GENERAL / 800.847.3349 / GENERALTIRE.COM G-MAX AS-03 SIZES : 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”

The General Tire G-MAX AS-03 is specifically engineered to provide optimum performance for performance vehicles in any season. This ultra high performance tire offers a stiff tread pattern for dry performance, high void-to-tread ratio for wet traction, lateral sipe edges for snow grip and optimal pattern stiffness for extremely long wear.

HANKOOK / 800-HANKOOK / HANKOOKTIREUSA.COM OPTIMO H426 SIZES : 14”, 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”

The Optimo H426 is new for this year as a replacement tire. This tire had previously only been available as an original equipment fitment on vehicles such as the Ford Explorer Limited, Volkswagen Passat, and Lincoln MKT to name a few. Hankook’s engineers focused on providing improved wet, dry and winter performance. This tire also provides 20% better rolling resistance performance than the tire it replaces. These attributes come from the tire’s design features and its advanced silica rubber compound. The Optimo H426 is a luxury performance touring all-season tire which offers a 60,000 mile limited treadwear warranty.

KUMHO TIRE / 800-HI-KUMHO / KUMHOTIREUSA.COM ECSTA 4X SIZES : 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”

The Kumho Ecsta 4X tire is an all-season, all-affordable, class leading combination of dry, wet and light snow prowess. This tire is meant to meet the demands of everyday driving in any weather, while maintaining top tier performance and handling.

LEXANI TIRE / 800.833.9700 / LEXANITIRES.COM LX-NINE SIZES : 20”, 22”, 24”

The LEXANI LX-NINE unidirectional tire offers excellent traction and enhanced performance in wet and dry conditions. The wide and solid tire shoulder provides outstanding cornering and riding stability. The unique noise minimizing tread block pattern utilizes wide, circumferential grooves that channel water away while providing excellent traction and grip. You’re SUV will look fine on a set of LX-NINE

38 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

PRESENTED BY

FRESH

THE HOTTEST AUTOMOTIVE GEAR

MAXXIS TIRES / 800-4-MAXXIS / MAXXIS.COM VICTRA Z4S SIZES : 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 22”, 24”

The Maxxis Victra Z4S was designed for the driver who wants sporty handling while maintaining refinement and tread life. For all-season conditions, the pattern features multiple grooves and sipes to improve traction on light-snow surfaces, while four high-void circumferential rain grooves help to minimize hydroplaning on wet surfaces.

NEXEN TIRE / 800-57-NEXEN / NEXENTIREUSA.COM ROADIAN-HP SIZES : 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 21”, 22”, 24”

“V-type” & straight channel design. Arrow type center rib for improved handling. Shoulder design for improved cornering stability. Precise design for improved anti-hydroplaning.

NITTO / 800.648.8652 / NITTOTIRE.COM INVO SIZES : 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 21”, 22”, 24”

The INVO is an ultra high performance street tire that provides a blend of performance, ride comfort and quality. State-of-the-art computer engineering and specialized digital testing equipment were used to produce a tire that reduces perceived road noise, provides a comfortable ride and delivers increased traction in both dry and wet conditions.

PIRELLI / 800-PIRELLI / PIRELLI.COM P ZERO SIZES : 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 21”

The legend even surpasses itself and sets new ultra high performance standards. Pirelli’s P Zero has achieved a level of excellence to complement the world’s most exclusive sports cars. A combination of technological features eliminate the previously unavoidable compromises associated with extreme driving, performance and comfort, accelleration and braking in wet and dry conditions.

PITBULL TIRES / 800.645.2006 / PITBULLTIRES.COM ROCKER LT RADIAL SIZES : 15”, 16”, 16.5, 17”, 18”, 20”

One of the LARGEST Light Truck Radial Tires on the Market! Super tough for rough terrain, exceptional ride and looks!

TOYO TIRES / 800.678.3250 / TOYOTIRES.COM PROXES T1 SPORT SIZES : 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”

The Proxes® T1 Sport is a new state-of-the-art ultra high performance summer tire for modern performance cars that delivers increased control and precision for true balance in both wet and dry handling.

VREDESTEIN / 800.221.3422 / VREDESTEIN.COM

ULTRAC SESSANTA SIZES : 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 21”, 22” AND UP TO 24” FOR SUV’S Italian design made in Holland! The Ultrac Sessanta is Vredestein’s ace in the UHP segment. Innovative, cool, design by Italian designer Giugiaro clearly shows that performance comes first. Outstanding grip in wet and dry conditions, excellent and predictable handling, precise steering and phenomenal looks. The Sessanta is available in sizes ranging from 17 thru 22”and in SUV applications up to 24”

40 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

VOLUME

CAR AUDIO + VIDEO

CLARION VZ401 WWW.CLARION.COM |

@CLARIONUSA

Clarion is well known for offering high-quality products that deliver in both functionality and aesthetics. The sleek new VZ401 navigation unit proves that by offering a 7-inch flip-out high-resolution WVGA touch panel display and a variety of multimedia features for the ultimate driving experience. From the built-in Bluetooth to the USB iPod/ iPhone interface, this navigation unit is loaded with options. All of this with an entry level price for the people out there “ballin’ on a budget.” MSRP: $549.99.

PARROT ASTEROID WWW.PARROT.COM/ASTEROID |

@PARROT

Parrot is revolutionizing the driving experience with their latest product offering, the ASTEROID. As the first first car receiver that’s Android compatible, the ASTEROID currently offers six different apps so far like their “Text Friendly” app that allows drivers to read and compose emails or texts by voice. It also provides access to music, sports, news, and current events from anywhere in the world. Parrot is also making the Software Development Kit (SDK) available to the developers, making the possibilities endless for the Android Community. The ASTEROID is also compatible with various sources, including: USB key, iPhone / iPod, MP3 player, SD card and now, online radio stations. MSRP: $350.

PIONEER APPRADIO WWW.PIONEERELECTRONICS.COM |

@PIONEERUSA

The Pioneer AppRadio is the first in-vehicle product designed to utilize the processing power, storage capacity, network connectivity and apps of the iPhone 4 and iPod Touch (4th generation) as the primary source for its information and entertainment capabilities. For safety and convenience, AppRadio features built-in Bluetooth for hands free calling. The prominent 6.1-inch screen provides a large, yet sleek, appearance that can also be used to view your favorite YouTube videos when the vehicle is in park. Everything can be controlled by its touchscreen display. Pioneer’s AppRadio is available now for retail at Best Buy, Crutchfield.com, Amazon.com and Select Pioneer Authorized Retailers. MSRP:$399. 42 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

SONY DSX-S310BTX STORE.SONY.COM |

@SONYELECTRONICS

Sony is redefining content selection in the car with their newest model, the DSX-S310BTX digital media player that allows listeners to access Pandora via the application on their smartphone, and transfers the Pandora-related controls to the head unit. It also allows listeners to access their personalized Pandora stations and the ability to fine-tune their listening experience by offering thumb rating directly on the receiver. With the Bluetooth-enabled

technology integrated in the DSX-S310BTX, it allows your smartphone to sync with the receiver without the exposed wiring. This model is iPhone compatible and is also the first aftermarket product to offer Pandora integration with the Android and Blackberry platforms. The sleek interface is perfectly accented with blue illuminated buttons and a USB connection ,giving it a subtle appearance. MSRP: $280.

VOLUME CAR AUDIO + VIDEO

CLARION XH7110 WWW.CLARION.COM |

@CLARIONUSA

The XH7110 amplifier by Clarion features uncompromising resistance to magnetic noise that, overall, minimizes distortion. This highquality product produces a 850-watt output, thanks to gold-plated block terminals that create low electrical resistance and low contact resistance to help prevent drops, noise and overheating from occurring. This all results in giving you a smooth listening experience. MSRP: $599.99.

ALPINE ELECTRONICS MRX-V60 5-CHANNEL DIGITAL AMPLIFIER WWW.ALPINE-USA.COM |

@ALPINEUSA

The MRX-V60 5-channel amplifier from Alpine’s X-Power series of amps shares the same Global Modulation Topology found in Alpine’s PDX amp series, using the traditional negative feedback and Adaptive Feedback Control. The input select switch is a great feature that makes 5-channel output possible, even with a 2-or 4-channel input. Although the amplifier

has a small appearance, it delivers massive power with low distortion, wide frequency response and high S/N ratio. Alpine has developed a new thermal protection system that ensures your amp to play without heating up, unlike other amps. All that wrapped in a compact sleek black shell is a product worth investing in. MSRP: $399.95.

HIFONICS BRUTUS ELITE BRE AMPLIFIER WWW.HIFONICS.COM |

@HIFONICSUSA

Hifonics has created a new 2,500-watt, 1-Ohm stable Super Class-D monoblock amplifier, which is part of their new Brutus Elite BRE series line of amps. The newly renovated design features

ROCKFORD FOSGATE P500X4D WWW.ROCKFORDFOSGATE.COM @ROCKFORDFOSGATE

The new P500X4D 500-watt 4-channel amplifier is a great addition to the wellknown Rockford Fosgate Punch full range Class-D/Mono Class-D amplifier lineup. With a reputation for beastly power, this Class-D design offers a higher dosage of efficiency along with a tri-stage protection that covers thermal, over-current and short circuits. Some specs include a 12dB/octave crossover, 2/4-channel switch and 4 Gauge power/ground terminals. MSRP: $579.99.

44 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

a black heat sink with an illuminated Brutus and Hifonics logo, adding to the classic Brutus design. MSRP: $1,199.

Made for high Street

M101

16” 17” 18” 20”

M104

M102

16” 17” 18” 20” 22”

M105

17” 18” 20” 22”

18” 20” 22” 24” 26”

M107

M108

15” 17” 18” 20”

22” 24”

M103

18” 20” 22” 24” 26”

M106

17” 18” 20” 22” 24”

M109

22” 24” 28”

Available at following Authorized Retail Stores Les Schwab Tire Center, Belle Tire, Town Fair Tire, Terry’s Tire Town, Rent-A-Tire, Discount Tire www.mkwalloy.com • www.facebook.com/mkwwheels • 866.MKW.WHEEL (866.659.9433)

Booth #46089

FACTORY TUNED AUDIO EXCELLENCE

SONY X GREEN HORNET’S “BLACK BEAUTY”

very crime-fighting action hero needs a killer ride, and the Green Hornet is no different. Batman may have the iconic “Batmobile,” but the Green Hornet has the super cool “Black Beauty,” complete with some serious power both under the hood and on top! Earlier this year, Columbia Pictures released a remake film of the original 1960s TV show that starred Seth Rogen as the masked vigilante and Jay Chou as his badass sidekick Kato. To promote the movie, they sent the DUB Garage crew an actual stunt “Black Beauty” that they used in the movie so that they could hook it up with a massive sound system. After installing a variety of Sony’s latest audio products, the bangin’ “Black Beauty” toured the nation as part of the 2011 DUB Show Tour and was the center of attention in Sony’s booth. Totally drivable, yet not street legal, the modified stunt car was a fan favorite at all of the DUB Show Tour stops, as showgoers lined up to take pictures with the iconic car.

TECH SPECS

NOV/DEC 2011 DUBMAG 47

TECH SPECS:

SONY X GREEN HORNET’S “BLACK BEAUTY” - 1964 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL

AUDIO • (4) Sony XS-LD126P5 subwoofers in trunk • (2) Sony XM-GTR-2202 sub amplifiers in trunk • (1) 4-Channel Sony MX-ZR-704 amplifier used for vocals • (2) 6-1/5’’ Sony XS-GTX-1621S component speakers in each of the front door panels • (2) 6x9 Sony XS-GTX-6931 speakers in rear deck • (1) Sony XNV-770BT head unit with navigation in front dash • (2) Kinetik High Current Power Cell ENGINE/PERFORMANCE • GM Performance ZZ454 500-horsepower Crate Motor • Race Trans Turbo 400 Manual Valve Body Transmission • Moser Ford 9-inch rear differential w/ 4.56 gears • Detroit Locker, 4-wheel 12-inch disc brakes and twin calipers in rear for stunts ARSENAL • (2) cartridge-fed, hood-mounted, retractable .30-Caliber M1919 Browning machine guns • (8) front bumper loaded FIM-92A Stinger missiles • (4) rear bumper loaded FIM-92A Stinger missiles • M2 grille-mounted flamethrower • (2) Benelli M2 20 gauge shotguns loaded with non-lethal, kinetic impact munitions rifles (rubber bullets / beanbags) mounted in the light bezels • Other assorted guns

SOURCES

SONY SONY.STORE.COM | KINETIK WWW.KINETIKAUDIO.COM

48 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

KEVIN HART:

BRING THE PAIN Words: Kristie Bertucci Photos: Roman Racela

58 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

“I NEVER KNEW HOW TO MAKE MY PAIN FUNNY. I’M REALLY TALKING ABOUT THINGS THAT WEREN’T FUNNY AND ARE ACTUALLY SERIOUS ISSUES TO MANY.”

ot many have the ability to turn their sufferings into humor, but one of those exceptions is comedian Kevin Hart. Fairly new to many, but definitely not a novice, Hart recently released his debut standup film, Laugh at My Pain, to much acclaim. In the comedic movie, Hart touches upon some of his most painful experiences—like his recent divorce, mom’s death and growing up with a father on drugs—and turns them into funny sketches meant to create waves of laughter. “I never knew how to make my pain funny. I’m really talking about things that weren’t funny and are actually serious issues to many,” Hart says. “It took quite some time for me to get to where I could talk about them and really deal with these issues. And once I got there, I said, ‘Wow, this could be really big.” Since the best way for me to express myself or get things out is to do it on stage, it seemed like the perfect place to release it all.” Hart’s previously released TV specials like “I’m a Grown Little Man” in 2009 followed by “Seriously Funny” in 2010 may have helped grow his following, but it’s with this big screen effort that he plans to really expand his comedic imprint. Co-produced by his own Hartbeat Productions, the movie follows his stand-up routine from his recent and highly successful national tour run when it stopped in his hometown of Philadelphia. In its debut weekend back in September, Laugh at My Pain climbed the box office charts and pulled in $2 million for the limited release that premiered in only 97 theaters that first weekend (considering it only took $750,000 to make). In shock from the greater than expected weekend numbers, never in a million years did Hart expect for the film to have done so well. “You can’t write or predict this,” he confesses. “It just gives you a different appreciation for your supporters and it’s not something that is being taken lightly by me either. This truly shows how much my fans support me. It’s unbelievable.” At 32, Hart has been involved in comedy and the entertainment industry since he first knew he wanted a comedic career at 18. “I fell in love with the craft on purpose,” he notes. “My friends and family thought I was a funny guy so I tried a couple of amateur stand-up nights. After seeing the response and attention I got without even knowing that much about the craft, it made me go, ‘Wow, I can really do this.’ From there, I started to watch comedy specials from Richard Pryor, Bill Cosby and Eddie Murphy and decided that it was what I wanted to do.” To enhance his comedic dreams, he moved to the Big Apple and did the club and festival circuit before landing his big break, starring in Soul Plane back in 2004. “It was supposed to be critically acclaimed and bad at the same time,” he laughs. “But it was a chance for people to see me on the big screen and that I could actually act. It provided me with lots of opportunities.” Since then, he’s starred in a number of movies, including Fool’s Gold, Meet Dave, Death at a Funeral and more. But it’s his very first feature film, 2002’s Paper Soldiers, that Hart credits as his favorite role thus far in his career. “Damon Dash and Jay-Z produced and funded the underground classic and it was the first role that really taught me about films and the movie business,” he explains. “Everybody

NOV/DEC 2011 DUBMAG 59

TECH SPECS: 2011 FORD EXPLORER BASE VEHICLE ลข 2011 Ford Explorer Limited ลข 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 Engine ลข Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System ลข 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission ลข Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) ลข MyFord Touch POWERTRAIN: ลข Flowmaster Mufflers ลข Aston Martin Rapide exhaust tips ลข K&N air-filter CHASSIS: ลข Eibach Springs 2โ custom lowering springs WHEES & TIRES: ลข Forgiato 3-Piece Otto Wheels, 24 x 10 ลข Nitto NT 420S - 285/30/24 ลข Wilwood 6-piston front and 4-piston rear brakes, painted to match EXTERIOR: ลข PPG custom paint finish โ lightning silver with tungsten lower ลข Custom mesh hood vents ลข Custom LED upper parking lights and turn signals ลข HID fog lights ลข Custom lower valance with matching mesh trim ลข Custom rear fascia with matching mesh trim ลข Custom shark fin antenna ลข LED light bars on side mirrors ลข Tinted rear tail Lamps

MyFord Touch Driver Connect Technology that lets you control the temperature of the SUV, your cell phone, your music and your navigation; and a voice-activated navigation system.

60 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

INTERIOR: ลข Custom black leather and black suede seats (All 3-Rows) with diamond pattern ลข inserts, silver piping, and contrasting silver stitching ลข Custom leather wrapped door panels, front/second row center consoles, and grab handles ลข Custom black leather wrapped headliner with diamond pattern suede inserts with contrasting silver stitching ลข LED lighting in 2nd row center console and 3rd row cup holders ลข Illuminated door seals ลข LED accent lighting in rear door map pockets ลข Interior silver trim (around vents, and speakers) painted piano black ลข Carbon fiber steering wheel trim and door inserts GAS Logo branded headrests ELECTRONICS: ลข Video conferencing ลข Internal monitors linked to home DVR (Slingbox, Myhava) ลข Capability to transmit live video and audio to website ลข 360-degree internal/exterior DVR ลข Custom installed iPad in 2nd row console ลข Upgraded Stereo System: ลข JL Audio HD900/5 class D, five channel system amplifier ลข JL Audio C5-650X component speakers ลข JL Audio 10W3V3, 10โ subwoofer driver ลข Eight channel signal processor ลข Guide Point โ vehicle security system ลข Dual Headrest DVD system

The 2011 Explorer features seating for seven and a hot new interior, complete with leather seats; industry-first inflatable rear seat belts for your passengers.

HART’S RANGE ROVER ROLLS ON SOME CUSTOM ASANTI WHEELS.

KEVIN HART SAYS HIS RANGE ROVER “DRIVES LIKE A CAR,” MAKING IT A FAVORITE FOR RUNNING ERRANDS WITH HIS KIDS. was patient with me, and I really learned about acting. It all helped me evolve into the actor I’ve become now. I pride myself on originality when it comes to both stand-up and film. I like to have my work show that I’m serious about my career. I have lots of goals that I’m currently working toward achieving.” Although primarily known as a comedic actor, Hart would like to test his abilities and star in a variety of films like drama and action, stating how he’d like to be a “well rounded actor,” as well as taking a shot at both directing and acting. “There is so much you can do in this business that I want to keep all the doors open to grow my career, which is why I wanted to start my own production company.”

62 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

While only self-producing his own projects at the moment, Hart does want to grow Hartbeat Productions into becoming a larger entity like Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions. “Now my education of the entertainment business is at a different level. I know what’s good, what’s bad, and where I can possibly go now. So that’s where I’m at now with my mogul mindset.” On the path to building his empire in Hollywood, Hart is also enlarging his garage so that it fits his mogul mentality. “The more money you make the more expensive your interest and hobbies get. I can now afford to have more cars, so my love for them has definitely increased over the last couple of years. Expect to see a nice collection in a few years.” At the moment, his collection includes a 2011

Range Rover Supercharged, 2011 limited edition Ford Explorer thanks to a collaboration with the automaker and a 1966 Pontiac GTO. Earlier this year, Ford enlisted the comedian to be the star of a hilarious new advertising campaign for the reinvented Explorer that’s tilted “Crazy Kevin.” With more stuff in the works between Hart and Ford, he complimented the updated SUV stating that Ford really “stepped up their game with this one.” “It’s a great SUV and I love all the new technology it features,” he says. “It’s a great family car and it’s actually my everyday driver. My kids love it.” When he’s not in his Explorer, Hart takes out his Range Rover that he says, “drives like a car.” As for his Pontiac GTO convertible, it only hits the streets on sunny days. “It’s an old school ride that

HART’S PONTIAC GTO CONVERTIBLE ONLY HITS THE STREETS ON SUNNY DAYS.

SOURCES @KEVINHART4REAL WWW.KHARTONLINE.COM GALPIN AUTO SPORTS @GALPINAUTOSPORT WWW.GALPINAUTOSPORTS.COM JL AUDIO @JLAUDIO WWW.JLAUDIO.COM FORGIATO @FORGIATO WWWA.FORGIATO.COM FLOWMASTERS @FLOWMASTERS WWW.FLOWMASTERMUFFLERS.COM

turns heads wherever you go,” he comments. “I get offers everyday about that car, but I won’t sell it. It’s too nice.” He also already has his eyes set on adding a few more old schools to his arsenal, naming a 1966 Shelby GT350, an Impala and Bel Air as a couple of future possibilities. “I’ve also been playing around with the thought of getting an Aston Martin DB9… but it’s hard to pull the trigger on that one. If everything keeps going well, I’d love to get it.” After garnering positive attention and loads of laughs from Laugh at My Pain, Hart is currently filming a couple of movies and has some TV projects coming up. As a successful actor and stand-up comedian to many, Hart doesn’t get too caught up in

64 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

the spotlight. “I don’t want to get content with those moments,” he confesses. “My goals are big. I’ve got two beautiful kids. And the life I want for them is one that requires a lot. So I need to get to this mogul stage. There’s a lot of hard work and dedication I have to put in.”

SCAN THIS CODE FOR MORE ON KEVIN HART

NITTO TIRE @NITTOTIRE WWW.NITTOTIRE.COM WILWOOD @WILWOODBRAKES WWW.WILWOOD.COM EIBACH @EIBACH WWW.EIBACH.COM K&N @KNFILTERS WWW.KNFILTERS.COM ASANTI WHEELS @ASANTIWHEELS WWW.ASANTIWHEELS.COM

I’VE ALWAYS LIKED OLD MUSCLE CARS. I REMEMBER SEEING LATE-’70S CORVETTES WHEN I WAS LITTLE. THE ’71 FORD TORINO IS WHAT I HAVE RIGHT NOW...

he UFC is taking the next step in their evolution on November 12th, when they make their debut on national network television with “UFC on FOX: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos.” For this momentous event, UFC President Dana White and company have tabbed the next generation of heavyweight mixed martial artists to be the standard-bearers for MMA in the mainstream media. Cain Velasquez, UFC’s reigning heavyweight champion will battle No.1 contender Junior Dos Santos for the championship belt. Velasquez, who is coming off a dominating victory over former title-holder Brock Lesnar, personifies this new breed of heavyweight MMA fighters. As a heavyweight fighter who relies not only on strength, but on speed and endurance, Cain is dangerous in all areas of the fight game—from his bread-and-butter wrestling to the striking game that has fascinated him since his youth as a boxing and martial arts action movie fan. But as new school as Velasquez is when it comes to his training regimen at American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, CA, he has a ton of respect for the old school greats when it comes to his sports idols and his taste in cars. Cain, a second generation Mexican-American, always keeps a link to his roots, even as he is on the verge of becoming one of the biggest names in the sport. DUB caught up with Cain during his preparation for that first title defense on FOX. Growing up, what were the cars that always turned your head? I’ve always liked old muscle cars. I remember seeing late-’70s Corvettes when I was little. The ’71 Ford Torino is what I have right now. I remember seeing this car when I was in junior high school and just fell in love with the oval-style body. I’ve also always been a fan of the ’64 Impala, for sure. 74 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

T H G I E W Y HEAV M

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AY CA OS: J PHOT ALILI

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How would you describe your driving style, and how does it fit in with your different whips? I’m definitely an aggressive style of driver. I have a Ford Raptor, that ’71 Torino and my wife has a BMW 535i. I love to just turn off the music and just hear the sound of the engine. I like to turn off the traction control so I can burn out the tires [laughs]. With my Raptor, I go to off-road mode and hit up a small strip of rugged terrain on my way home from training. What are your favorite features on each of your vehicles? With the Raptor, the big 6.2-liter V8; it’s not the best on gas, but it’s just a great, versatile truck. For the 535i, it’s the twin-turbo; but it’s still a comfortable

car. Number one, of course, is the Torino. It’s original with a 429 Cobra Jet big block. It’s just a classic car that’s like owning a piece of history. Do you take the same, full-blast, no-nonsense approach to customizing your car as you do when fighting? Yeah, but for the Torino, I want to keep it original,

IT’S ORIGINAL WITH A 429 COBRA JET BIG BLOCK. IT’S JUST A CLASSIC CAR THAT’S LIKE OWNING A PIECE OF HISTORY. 76 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

especially the engine and interior. I don’t want to do anything that’s too crazy. As far as the Raptor, I’m not really crazy about doing stuff to the interior, either; just wheels, tires and stuff for performance. I’ll maybe get a supercharger or turbo. I got all blacked-out 20-inch Savinis on the BMW and it looks really nice. As far as everything else, it’s already perfect. I’m not really into going crazy with the sounds. I want to make my cars handle better and have more power. These days, you can get the cars that you want and customize them the way you want. How does that compare to your rides back in the day? I had a bunch of cars, usually mid-’80s cars. In college, I had an ’87 Nissan Stanza hatchback that I drove everywhere. There was about a year that whenever I parked the car, it wouldn’t start up again by just turning the key. I would have to pushstart it myself. People would ask me in the parking lot, “Hey, do you need any help?” I’d say, “Nope,” and just start running with it, hop in and pop the clutch [Laughs]. I had a bunch of junkers growing up, but they all got me where I needed to go.

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POWERFUL, QUICK AND BADASS ARE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE BOTH THE FORD RAPTOR AND CAIN VELASQUEZ PERFECTLY. CAIN, WITH HELP FROM TOMMY AT CALIFORNIA WHEELS, FITTED HIS RIG WITH A SET OF 20-INCH RBP WHEELS AND RACEPROVEN GENERAL TIRE GRABBER TIRES IN SIZE 35X12.50R20 (ABOVE). SITTING SHOTGUN IS THE UFC HEAVYWEIGHT BELT, WHICH CAIN WON AT UFC 121 WHEN HE DEFEATED BROCK LESNAR.

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CAIN AND HIS WIFE MICHELLE AT CALIFORNIA WHEELS IN SAN JOSE, CA.

So you’ve had a passion for cars since you were younger. Was it the same way for fighting? I always liked action movies growing up, such as Bruce Lee flicks like Enter the Dragon. I really liked [Jean Claude Van Damme’s] Bloodsport. I also loved watching boxing. I watched [Mexican boxing legend] Julio Cesar Chavez. My dad bought me some boxing gloves when I was around nine and taught me some combinations. How did you go from just messing around with boxing and watching kung fu movies to competing in sports like wrestling? I started wrestling in junior high because it was free. As soon as I started, I loved it. It’s a one-onone competition, so you don’t rely on anybody. You knew how good you were. After being a successful collegiate wrestler at Arizona State, how did you finally make the transition to MMA? Just watching UFC, I thought, “Man, this is perfect for me.” This was during the time of the Chuck Liddell and Randy [Couture] fights. It must have been right after the first “Ultimate Fighter” show. As you started to develop your fighting style and mindset, did feel you had any similarities to your boxing heroes like Chavez? Yeah, Latinos are known to be hot-blooded. We get angry, and we keep going forward. All the Mexican boxers have that style. What are your thoughts about main-eventing such a huge event on FOX? Ads are everywhere, including during the NFL games. It’s a good feeling. It’ll be on TV for everyone to 80 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

THE BMW IS FITTED WITH BLACKED-OUT 20-INCH SAVINI FORGED SM-3 WHEELS WITH A STAGGERED SET OF CONTINENTAL EXTREMECONTACT DWS TIRES SIZE 255/35R20 UP FRONT AND A WIDE 285/30R20 IN THE REAR. MEANWHILE, CAIN IS FITTED WITH A FRESH SET OF LUGZ STRIDER SNEAKERS IN THE CHARCOAL /PEACOAT/WHITE COLORWAY IN SIZE 13.

TO BE THE BEST YOU HAVE TO TRAIN WITH THE BEST. THE AKA TEAM IS STOCKED WITH SOME OF THE TOP TRAINERS AND FIGHTERS IN THE WORLD.

see. It’s a big step for the UFC and a big step in competition for me. [Junior] Dos Santos is a great fighter; he’s one of the best boxers in MMA and has a lot of power. I’m excited for the challenge. This event is going to be back in Anaheim where you won your title from Lesnar. How important is it to perform in front of all those fans in Southern California again? Being able to fight there and bring out the Mexican colors…I’m definitely proud to be able to do that like all the great Mexican fighters who have done it before me. Any final words for UFC fans and for all those new fans that are going to tune in to your fight against Dos Santos? Thank you for the support. It really means a lot to me. I’m going to keep training and fighting for all you guys.

SOURCES CAIN VELASQUEZ WWW.CAINMMA.COM @CAINMMA | UFC WW.UFC.COM @UFC | CALIFORNIA WHEELS WWW.CALIWHEELS.COM ROLLING BIG POWER WWW.ROLLINGBIGPOWER.COM | GENERAL TIRES WWW.GENERALTIRE.COM @TEAMGT SAVINI FORGED LUXURY WHEELS WWW.SAVINIFORGED.COM @SAVINIFORGED | CONTINENTAL TIRE WWW.CONTINENTALTIRE.COM AMERICAN KICKBOXING ACADEMY WWW.AKAKICKBOX.COM @AKASANJOSE CAIN'S EXCLUSIVE SPONSORS: LUGZ WWW.LUGZ.COM @LUGZLIFESTYLE | BSN SUPPLEMENTS WWW.BSNONLINE.NET @ BSNFINISHFIRST MILWAUKEE TOOLS WWW.MILWAUKEETOOL.COM @ MILWAUKEETOOL | DETHRONE ROYALTY WWW.DETHRONE.COM SPECIAL THANKS TO TOMMY PHILLIPS AT CALIFORNIA WHEELS AND HEIDI SEIBERT AT ZINKIN ENTERTAINMENT

82 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

@DETHRONE

@CALIWHEELSSJ @CONTINENTALTIRE

WORDS: DeANNE DeLUNNA PHOTOS: BRIAN EDSTROM | ROCKFORD FOSGATE

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hen offensive tackle and Arizona State graduate Levi Jones isn’t playing football, he’s partaking in his favorite hobby: cars! The self-proclaimed car enthusiast’s collection has a bit of everything, from customized old schools to high-end luxury rides. “I’m very much into cars and customizing them,” the 32-year-old player says, who was drafted as the 10th pick in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. We caught up with Jones to talk about his impressive fleet of vehicles, his love for Impalas and, of course, the NFL. What’s currently sitting in your garage? Man, I have several different locations where I keep my cars. I have about three different places here in Tempe [Arizona], including some in shops and some in Vegas. My main home for now is in Nevada, and I have a Cadillac EXT there. I’m there with one of my main companies doing development in Vegas. But since I just had a baby girl, I’ve been in Arizona more, where I have my 2008 Bentley and my favorite ride—a 1963 Impala. I also have a 1961 Impala that’s in the shop right

now getting some work done, as well as another 1963 convertible and 1964 that are headed to the shop. I’m definitely an Impala guy. Growing up in Eloy, AZ everybody was into Lowriders, and the 1963 Impalas were always the ones that caught my eye. Then there’s my 1970 Oldsmobile Delta and my big Chevy Kodiak truck that looks like Ironhide from Transformers. That one is a fan favorite and everybody loves it. I got it because I needed something big to pull around my boat and the Kodiak was the only one that looked good. Which cars are your go-to cars? Well, my Escalade is my company car that I use in Vegas. But when I’m in Tempe, I usually use either the Bentley or the Kodiak truck. But if it’s not too hot out here, I’ll jump into the Impala. As a car enthusiast, do you prefer clean or crazy customizations? I do both actually. For the ’63 Impala, I didn’t do too much. I did more of a clean and classic look and just added some engine stuff and airbags. But the ’61 will be tricked-out and be a Hennessythemed car. I’m going to have it painted to look like the bottle, so that one will have some really out there customizations. What customizations do all your cars sport? I always have to have rims on them. And if they

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didn’t come in a color I liked, then I change the color to something I like. All my cars have to have a good stereo system so I always go see my guys at Rockford Fosgate for that. Do you have your eyes set on any new rides? I’ve been looking at the Rolls-Royce Ghost and been thinking about trying to trade my Bentley for one of those. I’m really thinking about it soon. You’ve been a professional football player since 2002. How have you evolved your game? Basically, it just takes a lot of hard work. You

have to go in every day and bust your butt. Everyday you need to find something to fix and try to do something better, and that’s how people last in the league. When I came into the league, I was all about “pancake blocks” [a block that leaves a defensive player flat on his back as the running back goes through the hole]. I was in there trying to do too much and just trying to run everybody over and manhandle everybody. Over the years, I learned how to calm down and just do more of the actual blocking and less of the trying to manhandle and hurt people. I’ve learned to be more calm and patient and just get the job done instead of over emphasizing things because that’s when you get a lot of missed blocks. What about the overall game in general? The whole league is on a safety kick ’cause really they’ve softened up the sport. Players are now worried about getting fined. The game of football has been played a certain way all these years and now they want to change it and soften it up and basically take a lot of the competition out. I like seeing big hits and those are part of the game. And being out there, you know you got to protect yourself, that’s part of the game. It’s taking away a lot of what the fans like to see and everything that the game of football is based upon. People turn on the TV on Sunday to see Chad Ochocinco and TO doing their dances, and they’ve completely eliminated that. I mean the game is still fun, but a lot of the explosiveness is being taken away. Do you love it just as much as when you first stepped out on the field for the first time or has it become just a job to you? All the fire is still there, but it’s definitely a job, and they let you know the first day you get there. We get in there at 7 am and don’t leave until 7 at night, watching films and trying to get that edge over everybody. But over the years, I’ve learned how to handle the job aspect of it and where the fun comes from. When I first got there it was all about work, which was pretty stressful at times. You have to do things to make it fun for yourself because if you don’t, you’ll have this job that taxes your body a little more. 92 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

TECH SPECS

1963 IMPALA CONVERTIBLE SS

ENGINE • Bored out 383 Stroker Engine • Chrome Serpentine Kit • Chrome personalized engine dress-up kit • Edelbrock Performer Intake & Carburetor • Dual Chrome alternators • Chrome dual fan radiator • Wilwood Chrome master cylinder & booster WHEELS/TIRES • 24-inch Hipnotiq Maki w/ Toyo Tires EXTERIOR • Paint- Jet Black under reduced Kandy Blue for no purple tint color flop INTERIOR • Navy Alligator Print & Black Leather w/ custom made convertible boot AUDIO/VIDEO • Kenwood Head unit Full Rockford Fosgate Sound System: • (4) PUNCH P3 12-inch Subwoofers - P3D2-12

• (3 pair) POWER T1 6.5-inch Component Speakers - T1652-S • (2 pair) POWER T1 6.5-inch Coax - T1652 • (1 pair) POWER T1 6x9 Coax - T1692 • (1) POWER 600 watt 4 Channel Amplifier - T600-4 • (1) POWER 1500 Watt Class-bd Constant Power Amplifier - T1500-1BDCP

What do you love most about football? I love the contact and competition. I love going at it with the best of the best. Being able to block some of the league’s best players is pretty amazing. Were you worried about this past year’s lockout? No, I wasn’t worried about it. I knew once the NFL and players started to realize that money

TECH SPECS

2008 CHEVY C4500 KODIAK

ENGINE • 6.6 Duramax Diesel w/ Allison Transmission

• Royal blue Ironhide stitching, royal blue suede headliner

WHEELS/TIRES • Custom made 20-inch super-single rims fabricated by Taylor-Made powdercoated Flat Blue with Chrome Spike lug covers

AUDIO/VIDEO • Double din Pioneer Navigation Headunit • Ipod • 17-inch DVD flip down

EXTERIOR • Flat black paint • Custom made mesh X Metal grille by T-Rex w/ Flat Blue Autobot symbol

Full Rockford Fosgate Sound System: • (2) P3 12-inch subwoofers • (4 pair) T1 POWER component sets

INTERIOR • Black leather seats w/ Royal blue alligator inserts

was about to go out the door, I knew they would get it done. There’s too much money to be missed by not having the game. If the lockout didn’t get resolved, what would you have done? I have a venture capital company that I’ve been running and it would have given me more time to devote to that. I’ve been operating my company since 2003. Normally, I do everything I have to do, in terms of projects for my company, during the off-season, then leave it in the hands of those helping me out. When I take off for football, that’s all I think about. What do you want to improve or change to your game? Just to bring back my old focus and awareness. I’ve been injured and away from it for a while so I need to get back all the little things (technical things) and get all my steps and techniques back right. Because 9 times out of 10 in the NFL, it’s those small things that make you mess up a play.

SOURCES ROCKFORD FOSGATE WWW.ROCKFORDFOSGATE.COM

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TECH SPECS

2008 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR

ENGINE • Twin turbo W12 engine w/ 552 HP WHEELS/TIRES • 24-inch Forgiato Vedutto w/ the face painted Sapphire blue and the word Bentley painted inside the lip • Toyo tires

EXTERIOR • Saphire blue paint • Full front and rear Strut Grille package AUDIO/VIDEO Rockford Fosgate: • (2) T2 POWER 12” subwoofers • (4 pair) T1 POWER component sets

100 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

WORDS: KRISTIE BERTUCCI PHOTOS: ROMAN RACELA

t 23, singer/songwriter/producer Mike Posner is trying to successfully navigate his newfound stardom. In only three years time, he has graduated from Duke University with a degree in Sociology, dropped his first album, 31 Minutes To Takeoff, and has had his first single, “Cooler Than Me” become a Top 10 hit on Billboards’s Hot 100 list. Not bad for a kid who grew up in Detroit (Southfield, MI) and started making mixtapes in his dorm room while in college. “The hardest part about being an artist is that there isn’t a handbook to go by,” he admits. “As a new artist, you just have to kind of figure it out for yourself.” Posner might be new to the industry, but he’s no stranger to figuring things out himself. He grew up with a deep interest in producing and wanted to make beats for the biggest names in hip-hop when he was 13. Never really trying to make his way into the spotlight, he finally gave up

and started singing over his own music after his beats weren’t getting recognized. It was his second mixtape, A Matter of Time, that helped propel his career. He uploaded it to iTunesU as a free download, and his musical talents caught the ears of music executives, including that of JayZ’s label Roc Nation. Detailing their interest in an email, Roc Nation were willing to offer Posner, who was in his junior year, a hefty signing bonus if he graduated college. While he didn’t take up the incredible offer, stating that it wasn’t the best label fit for him, he did stay in school and signed a major recording contract with RCA Records in the summer entering his senior year. But now came the tough part: juggling school with his burgeoning music career. Studying for tests and writing 20-page papers while traveling and recording, Posner was still able to finish school early and graduate with a 3.6 GPA.

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A FULL CUSTOM JL AUDIO SYSTEM PROVIDES MIKE WITH BUMPS IN THE TRUNK.

music. Growing up, he listened to everything from Miles Davis to Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam to Nas and more. “I grew up in a very diverse area of Michigan and infused all the music that inspired me into what my sound is now. It’s rooted in hiphop but has electric and dance to it. It’s been a cool experience to tour across the nation and look out at the audience during my shows and see such a diverse mix of fans. Some are true hip-hop heads, others are into dance and so on. It’s really crazy to see that because it’s, like, a reflection of who I am as an artist. To be able to bring together people from different musical backgrounds is really cool.”

MIKE'S IMPALA SPORTS 20-INCH 2CRAVE WHEELS #4 IN BLACK WITH NEXEN N3000 255/35R20 TIRES.

“It was hard to balance my music while attending one of the hardest universities in the States,” he says. “My career was just starting to take off at the time. But I couldn’t just focus on one and abandon the other. It definitely taught me how to balance things out, which has been helpful now. It was a hard time for me, but when I look back at it all, I’m proud that I accomplished both.” Another accomplishment Posner should be proud of is his talent to seamlessly mix sounds from a multitude of genres to create fresh and vibrant

With one album under his belt already, Posner is gearing up to drop his highly anticipated mixtape, The Layover, and has been hard at work in the studio recording songs for his upcoming sophomore effort that’s due out in early 2012. Expect to hear more of Posner’s signature upbeat sound as he continues to provide listeners with music from the heart. “When people ask who inspires me, to be honest, I’m not inspired by any other musicians,” he explains. “I’m inspired by real life and the experiences that I go through. I try to write about things that are real to me. I grew up a fan of rap music and the most important thing in the music is authenticity, if they’re real or not. Even though my experiences are much different from what they might have had, I still want to bring that real sh*t that they brought. I want to be myself as an artist and make music that’s different from everybody else’s.” But Posner also sets himself apart from the rest

not only in his music, but in his taste for cars, too. Instead of opting for some of the more refined or flashy rides his lifestyle can now afford him, he decided that a 1996 Chevy Impala SS was the car for him. But before that he had his dad’s Buick LeSabre. “I told myself, ‘Not until you get a platinum record will you get a new car.’ So my Buick had to do until that happened.” And I was so happy when that happened. I decided on getting something that reflects my personality and where I’m from. So this car definitely does that.” Being from the Motor City, Posner will only support American car brands, mentioning that he’ll probably upgrade to a new Camaro or Challenger maybe after he releases his second album. A degree from a prestigious university, a rising music career and a growing international fan base is what Posner is boasting these days. While many might call it a huge accomplishment already, given he’s stil in his early-20s, Posner thinks otherwise. “One of my pet peeves is when people tell me congratulations. I hate that. I still haven’t done anything in my eyes. I mean I’m on my way there, and still getting better as a writer, singer and producer. But I’m totally not there yet.” However, Posner is living with the two Hs, some words of advice his dad passed down to him. “He always tells me that there are only two Hs that matter in life: health and happiness. All the rest doesn’t matter. If you don’t have either of those, then you need to change something. Right now, I’m blessed to have those two Hs, so I’m just gonna keep living life and doin’ what I’m doin’ to get my career to that next level.”

SOURCES MIKE POSNER WWW.MIKEPOSNER.COM @MIKEPOSNER

102 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

2CRAVE WHEELS WWW.2CRAVEALLOYS.COM @2CRAVE

NEXEN WWW.NEXENTIREUSA.COM @NEXENTIREUSA

ROADSTARR MOTORSPORTS WWW.ROADSTARR.COM @ROADSTARR

Image Attitude Ride.... IT’s ALL

In The Bag

“I'M INSPIRED BY REAL LIFE AND THE EXPERIENCES THAT I GO THROUGH. I TRY TO WRITE ABOUT THINGS THAT ARE REAL TO ME. I GREW UP A FAN OF RAP MUSIC AND THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THE MUSIC IS AUTHENTICITY, IF THEY'RE REAL OR NOT.”

ngsi t t fi . T -D.O. s k n i l eBar -4l s c r s e u v r-M a Coil-o B r i a rsmsr o s A s g e n r -Stro s comp e v l ster rs- va a a b M y swa eries S k c ct e a l l e B S o r eries S RideP m u itani ideT R l s o e i o r e S ge-C a C r cision e e r g i P T s late P l Series e e trol s-Wh n p o a C C l Coo ocks h s s k eafor L w r e h v c Coa -AirO o r ed P l R e g v i e B L ntrols arms o C l a igitNOV/DEC D s k 2011 DUBMAG 103 Tan 812-481-4753

ON LOCATION EVENT COVERAGE

WORDS/PHOTOS: MIKE DALY

s much as Pebble Beach Car Week has always been about great classics, a small sliver of the action is still reserved for the best of the brand new. While the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, itself, features a putting green of new concept cars, the Quail Motorsports Gathering offers high-end test drives, and the Concorso Italiano has no shortage of late-model Murciélagos and 458 Italias. Despite these better-publicized shows, the event that really showcases the newest of Pebble’s future classics is the McCall Motorworks Revival. Held in a hangar at the Monterey Jet Center on August 17th, the $295-ticket party provides guests with all-you-can-eat gourmet food and drinks, demo booths from high-end retailers like Breitling and JetSuite, and the finest exotic cars you’ll probably never see on the open road. In one corner, the new Pagani Huayra was mobbed with people swarming for a chance to sit in its busy cockpit of aluminum shift gear, switches, and buttons. The 700-horsepower Huayra is the first Pagani to be designed with the American market in mind, and with a price tag of almost $1.17 million, will start deliveries late next year. Pagani also brought a Zonda R for good measure.

1. Hennessey Venom GT 2. Lotus Evora GTE Road Car Concept 3. Pagani Zonda R

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ON LOCATION EVENT COVERAGE

Lotus made a world debut with the Evora GTE Road Car Concept, a 420-horsepower road-going version of the new race car it plans to campaign in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. As the original Evora actually outperformed the Elise in skidpad tests, it makes a great starting point for a champion endurance racer. There’s also no arguing with the GTE concept’s subtle body modifications, evident in tauter lines and extreme new front and rear spoilers. On the heels of its unveiling last May in Italy, and successive proving runs at the famed Nürburgring track in Germany, Aston Martin’s 510-horsepower V12 Zagato made its North American debut, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of Aston Martin’s first collaboration with Italian-based Zagato on the DB4GT Zagato. A well-mannered and street-clothed supercar in appearance, the V12 Zagato is actually a genuine race car, with a stripped down interior, lightweight polymer windows and countless air ducts. Entering production next summer, no more than 150 examples of this $539,000 Italianbodied Aston will be made. Out on the tarmac, the new Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 was seen for the first time on American soil. In appearance and performance (700 hp, 2.9 sec 0-60 mph, top speed 217 mph), Lambo has once again set the benchmark for exotic supercars.

of $950,000, it ought to deliver performance of that caliber. And if those numbers are ever independently verified, then the world-record Bugatti Veyron Supersport might have reason to be nervous. As with any of the Pebble events, classic cars were

still a major component of the display. A couple of beautiful Aston DB4 racers—including an aluminumskinned 1959 original and a DB4-donor racecar recreation, as well as eccentric low-production track machines like the Cheetah and an even rarer Ferrari F50 GT1—filled out a floor of vintage Ferraris, Jags and other historic speed machines.

No less menacing, but embodying a different philosophy, was a Hennessey Venom GT that was in town to take delivery as the first American customer car. In person, the Venom GT is obviously much longer and wider than the Lotus Exige on which it is loosely based. The twin-turbocharged 6.2-liter Corvette-derived V8 is tuned for 1,200 horsepower, according to Hennessey, is good for 2.5 second launches to 60 mph, a 9.9-second ¼ mile, 15.9 seconds to 200 mph, and a top speed of 275 mph. At a price

1. Aston Martin V12 Zagato 2. 1966 Cheetah Coupe 3. Aston Martin DB4 4. Pagani Huayra 5. Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 6. Ferrari F50 GT1

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DUBMAG.NET

INSIDE

CAIN VELASQUEZ MIKE POSNER KEVIN HART AKON

PLUS

DJ QBERT ’63 “EL REY” IMPALA

EVENT COVERAGE

DUB SHOWS: OCEAN CITY | MIAMI MCCALL MOTORWORKS REVIVAL

DUBMAG.NET

INSIDE

CAIN VELASQUEZ THE SITUATION MIKE POSNER KEVIN HART MR. EXCLUSIVE’S EXOTIC COLLECTION

EVENT COVERAGE

DUB SHOWS: OCEAN CITY & MIAMI | MCCALL MOTORWORKS REVIVAL

DUBMAG.NET

INSIDE

CAIN VELASQUEZ MIKE POSNER KEVIN HART AKON

EVENT COVERAGE DUB SHOWS: OCEAN CITY & MIAMI MCCALL MOTORWORKS REVIVAL

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INTERIOR

ISSUE 75 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

FEATURES 156 MIKE “THE SITUATION” SORRENTINO

& UNIQUE AUTOSPORTS

170 AKON &

124

EXCLUSIVE MOTORING WORLDWIDE

184 '63 “EL REY” DEPARTMENTS 124 NEXT LEVEL

GADGETS & GAMES

131 PREMIUM GOODS

FASHION, MUSIC, LIFE

194 2011 DUB SHOW TOUR

156

OCEAN CITY, MIAMI

170

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DUB REPORT

Company Information

ISSUE 75

DUB Magazine® is now published 6 times per year. Subscriptions are now $20.00 for 6 issues. DUB® is the Original Automotive Lifestyles Magazine™ and is published by DUB Publishing, Inc. in the City of Industry, CA. DUB® Magazine was established in the year 2000. To place an ad in DUB Magazine, please contact the Ad Sales department at (626) 336-3821 The 9th annual DUB Show Tour Custom Auto Show & Concert features the nation’s best custom cars and also features an all-star line-up of performers. For more information, visit www.dubshowtour.com DUB® is also a design, marketing and promotions team, responsible for the development and marketing of many licensed automotive goods, collectibles, and apparel, as well as our sponsor’s key products. Contact: marketing@dubmagazine.com

Get the word out and get free stuff! For more info, email: john@dubmagazine.com Bring on the Letters! We’re now accepting letters to DUB Magazine. Send your rants or raves to intake@dubmagazine.com. Your letter may end up in an issue of DUB!

National & International Newsstand Distribution:

The Ocean City and Miami stops of the 2011 DUB Show Tour proved that these beach communities really know how it’s done when it comes to custom rides. We were really impressed at the caliber of vehicles we saw at both stops (which you can check out in this issue’s show coverage). As expected though, given the amount of custom shops and popular automotive scene, Miami sits on top as one of the stop’s cities that showcased the most amazing rides in one place this year. As we come to the end for this year’s outstanding tour, we want to thank all of our sponsors, exhibitors, car show participants, car clubs and fans for making 2011 a exceptional year for the DUB Show Tour experience. We’re already hard at work planning next year’s tour and will be adding new cities, displays and many more surprises. Stay up to date on what’s going down on dubshowtour.com. We still have a few tricks up our sleeve before 2011 ends… The DUB Garage toys are now available at Toys R Us and Meijer, just in time for the holiday season! The new toys from DUB feature some never before seen features for the custom car toy segment like music, sounds, LED lights, DJ

decks, and more. Stick them on your Christmas lists and be sure to hunt them down before they’re sold out. Just sayin’… There are huge new announcements slated for the TIS and Dropstars wheel lines at the 2011 SEMA Show this year, so expect to see a whole new killer lineup of styles and an exclusive Monster Energy Edition line of wheels debuting at the big tradeshow in November. And the place to get these new wheels will be on our new online wheel superstore, dubgarage.com, which will also debut at the SEMA Show. Stay tuned folks—this is BIG. This summer’s MTV2 hit show, “The DUB Magazine Project,” was a huge success! We had an amazing first season and are proud of the fact that we had the best ever ratings for an original show on MTV2. We’re planning to get you in the passenger seat for even more of your favorite artists and celebs as we gear up for Season 2. If you thought the first season was fresh, you ain’t seen nothing yet! If you think your ride has what it takes to be featured on our site, we’re always looking for new readers’ rides so send us photos at info@dubmagazine.com.

* All locations are subject to change. Make sure you check with dubshowtour.com often to stay informed on the tour’s happenings. Also, friend us up on Myspace.com/dub and Facebook.com/dubmagazine.com WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS FOR A SUCCESSFUL 2011 DUB SHOW TOUR SEASON!

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Curtis Circulation Company Promotional Printing: Smart Levels: (800) 465-1746 www.smartlevels.com All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced without written permission. This book is purchased with the understanding that the information presented is from many varied sources from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by the publisher, as to accuracy or completeness.

Event Contacts

Sponsorship & Event Planning Myles Kovacs: (626) 336-3821 myles@dubmagazine.com Car Show Planning/Media Information John Ramos: (626) 336-3821 john@dubmagazine.com Vendor Booths: (626) 336-3821 John Ramos john@dubmagazine.com Jeanette Palmerin jeanette@dubmagazine.com All Other Inquiries info@dubmagazine: (626) 336-3821

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NEXT LEVEL

ELECTRONIC GEAR + GAMES

COBRA iRADAR COMMUNITY SOFTWARE UPDATE WWW.COBRAIRADAR.COM

Cobra’s new iRadar Community software update takes the system to a whole new connected level. iRadar users can now rely on a real-time network of detectors to give them superior situational awareness while driving. In addition to Cobra’s verified AURA database of speed and red light cameras, iRadar Community leverages a crowdsourcing model, allowing users to report and warn other users in their vicinity of live police, caution areas, dangerous intersections, and photo enforcement areas via GPS-based near real-time alerts. When an iRadar unit detects a radar or laser alert, it will automatically share this information with the rest of the iRadar Community. Cobra iRadar users can download the free App from the Apple App Store, with an Android app coming soon.

AUTO PAGE DS-434 DATA START SYSTEM WWW.AUTOPAGEUSA.COM

Built for vehicles with smart keys and push-to-start technology, Auto Page’s new DS-434 Data Start System offers simplified installation with very little analog connections since all functions are performed via data wiring, so there is less wire cutting. Features include two XT-12 two-button “mini-size” remote transmitters with two-way data/ serial ports for integration with ADS bypass modules. Programmable features include ignition control, door locks, Safety Start with one or two pushes on the start button, constant or flashing parking light output, pathway illumination, and five-, 10-, 20- or 30-minute runtimes.

BULLDOG SECURITY RS82B REMOTE STARTER WWW.BULLDOGSECURITY.COM

As the No. 1 selling remote starter in the U.S., Bulldog Security’s RS82B remote starter with built-in anti-theft is easy to use and features clearly marked dedicated start and stop buttons. A programmable run-time feature allows individual users to set running times for up to 15 minutes, providing maximum flexibility and convenience. Security concerns are addressed by the product’s anti-theft system bypass, which works universally with vehicles equipped with factory immobilizers. Each remote starter comes packaged with an installation kit, an interactive install DVD and links to Bulldog Security’s 24/7 online support.

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NEXT LEVEL ELECTRONIC GEAR + GAMES

DDJ-T1 TRAKTOR DDJ-S1 SERATO

GOPRO LCD BACPAC GOPRO.COM |

@GOPRO_NEWS

The LCD BacPac from GoPro is a removable LCD screen for their HD HERO camera that attaches to the camera via the HERO Port—a small expansion port located on the back of the camera. As a removable accessory, the LCD BacPac keeps the HD HERO camera as small and light as possible, yet provides the convenience of an LCD screen when attached which makes for easy framing of complex scenes. Included with the new LCD BacPac are four new housing doors that can be attached to both the existing HD HERO waterproof camera housing as well as the HD Wrist housing, which enables the HD HERO to be used in almost any situation. MSRP: $79.99.

inCARBITE iPAD CAR HEADREST MOUNT WWW.INCARBITE.COM |

@INCARBITE

inCarBite’s iPad Car Headrest Mount allows you the convenience of turning your iPad into a removable headrest monitor. The mount connects the iPad to any vehicle headrest with no need for tools, making it easy to transfer it to all your cars. Compact and lightweight, the mount features: an adjustable tilt button for better viewing; a safety locking system; and a steel frame that firmly houses the iPad so that it doesn’t shake when the car is in motion. A two-channel infrared audio streaming mode with a compatible IR headset will turn your iPad into your private theatre. The optional FM transmitter accessory allows you to stream music stored on your iPad directly to your car’s radio tuner. Charging the iPad on the go is easy with the optional inCarBite Car Charger. MSRP: $89.99 (Car Mount & Case).

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PIONEER DJ DDJ-T1 TRAKTOR AND DDJ-S1 SERATO CONTROLLERS WWW.PIONEERDJ.COM |

@PIONEERDJ

Pioneer DJ has added two new controllers to their product line: the DDJ-T1 that’s built especially to work with Traktor and the Serato ITCH-compatible DDJ-S1. Both feature the same layout, but are equipped with specific features for each software. Both systems feature plug-and-play connectivity

via USB, include specific software, specially designed layout, high quality audio output, P-LOCK fader caps and a built-in sound card. The Pioneer DDJ-T1 and DDJ-S1 are available for a suggested price of $999.00 and $899.00, respectively.

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NEXT LEVEL ELECTRONIC GEAR + GAMES

ASSASSIN’S CREED REVELATIONS PUBLISHER: UBISOFT DEVELOPER: UBISOFT MONTREAL/UBISOFT ANNECY PLATFORMS: XBOX 360, PLAYSTATION 3, PC WWW.ASSASSINSCREED.UBI.COM/

The acclaimed online multiplayer Assassin’s Creed series is refined and expanded with its latest version, Assassin’s Creed Revelations. Providing the most immersive experience in the series, the game is the culmination of master assassin Ezio Auditore’s adventure, as he walks in the footsteps of his legendary mentor, Altaïr, on a journey of discovery and revelation. It’s a perilous path that will take him to Constantinople, the heart

of the Ottoman Empire, where a growing army of Templars threatens to destabilize the region.

Expect more modes, maps and characters, as players test their assassin skills against others.

and safely return a squad that went MIA while on a mission to investigate a possible chemical weapons site. After three years of development, the next installment in the internationally acclaimed Battlefield series leaps ahead of the competition with state of the art Frostbite 2 game engine

technology that delivers superior performance in character animation, visual rendering, audio/ sound and physical destruction – making it the only FPS capable of bringing the sights, sounds, and action of the real-world battlefield to life on current generation consoles and PCs.

BATTLEFIELD 3 PUBLISHER: ELECTRONIC ARTS DEVELOPER: EA DIGITAL ILLUSIONS CE PLATFORMS: XBOX 360, PLAYSTATION 3, PC WWW.BATTLEFIELD.COM

Winner of more than 40 awards at E3 2011, including E3’s Official Games Critics’ award for Best Action Game and Best Online Multiplayer, Battlefield 3 captures the all-out intensity of modern warfare like never before. Highly decorated ex-SAS operator and acclaimed author, Andy McNab, is working with developers at DICE to refine a compelling story, recreate authentic battlefield movements and behavior, and ensure unsurpassed technical accuracy as players follow the story of Staff Sergeant Henry “Black” Blackburn and his five-man team deployed along the Iran-Iraq border in 2014 to locate, find

NEED FOR SPEED: THE RUN PUBLISHER: ELECTRONIC ARTS DEVELOPER: BLACK BOX PLATFORMS: PLAYSTATION 3, WII, XBOX 360, PC WWW.NEEDFORSPEED.COM/THERUN

Race for you life in Need for Speed: The Run! Filled with nothing but speed and adrenaline, players will find themselves as Jack Rourke on the run from the law in a cross-country race form San Francisco to New York. They’ll be lured into some illicit underground, high-stakes racing where they’ll have to blow across borders, weave through traffic, travel through icy mountain passes and navigate the most narrow canyons at high speeds—all while battling 150 of the world’s most infamous racers. For the first time in the Need for Speed series, players will be able to get out of their car and continue the action with on-foot sequences. Continuing to provide the hottest cars on the planet, Need for Speed: The Run features new super rides like the McLaren MP4-12C, Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake and the Lamborghini Aventador to name a few. 128 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

Auto Page’s new C|3 hybrid lets you track your vehicle from any iPhone, Blackberry phone or Android-powered smartphone Plus, control any Auto Page alarm or remote start system from the phone with unlimited range! C|3 hybrid even works with factory installed or competitors’ remote start systems with Auto Page’s exclusive D/A Module.

Experience real security, convenience and peace of mind.

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autopageusa.com

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PREMIUM GOODS FASHION x MUSIC x LIFE

dj qbert D

J QBert’s talent and skills on turntables is undeniably impressive. His fingers are lethal on vinyl, while his knowledge of beats places him on highest echelon of musicians. He rose to fame in the mid-’90s as an experimental battle DJ and was a founding member of the legendary DJ crew, the Invisibl Skratch Piklz. The group elevated the craft to the level of musicianship, approaching turntablism as if they were a band. WWW.PIONEERDJUSA.COM

Recognized by many as the best skratch DJ to ever touch vinyl, the San Francisco-based QBert (born Richard Quitevis) has achieved many accolades in his 20-plus year career and continues to inspire the future generation of turntablists through his online QBert Skratch University. Despite all the acclaim, he remains humble and is still thoroughly passionate about the true essence of scratching. With so many terms out there these days, what do you prefer being called: a DJ or turntablist? I like “skratcher” because it’s what I do. I don’t really think we were called turntablists back then. I mean, we were, but we weren’t called that. Just like now, there were different kind of DJs; radio DJ, party/club DJ’s and so on. Then there were those who did it all—radio, mixing, skratching. How did you get introduced to DJ’ing? Back in ’85, I liked it at first because it sounded weird, and I was into the whole break dancing culture (I still am). Then I heard someone scratching, and I was like, “Man, that sounds crazy.” It seemed like fun so I tried it and was

hooked. I liked how you were able to manipulate sounds with your hands. When did you make it your career? I guess after I started winning a bunch of competitions. All of a sudden I won the U.S. Competition, then I got to the world competition in ’91, ’92, ’93 and ’94. I was like, “Whoa, maybe I could make a career out of this.” Then my mom always taught me that you could do whatever you want to do in life. So I made it happen and it’s the only thing I want to do for the rest of my life. It’s the only thing I know how to do. I sucked at everything else, so I started making beats, sound effects, mixtapes and music in general. From there I did albums, the video game thing, movies and finally started a DJ school and instructional videos. While many look up to you for inspiration, who do you look up to? It comes from everywhere. I looked up to a few

PHOTOS: THUD RUMBLE | WWW.THUDRUMBLE.COM

musicians for their philosophy on music like how free Hendrix was and how Miles Davis used silence as a sound. My mom is also an influence. She was the queen of recruiting for Mary Kay cosmetics and would always listen to these self-help tapes that motivated her to be the best and that all went into my head. What type of music do you primarily like to play and why? I would definitely say it’s in the category of true school hip-hop. It’s more of that B-boy flavor— funk, raw, original hip-hop. But there’s also some electronic vibes in there, so it’s kind of all around and whatever sounds good to me. Hip-hop to me is experimental and so diverse. Known as the best “skratcher” around, how did you perfect your skills? It’s all about imagination and practice—practicing your imagination. It takes time and lots of NOV/DEC 2011 DUBMAG 131

practice. I had no problem with that since I liked doing it so much. I’d look at the clock and realize five hours had just went by, but it didn’t feel like that because I was having so much fun. I still love it; it’s like mediation. It’s like you’re in a dream world where you’re spirit is just floating around and dancing with sound. Your top-notch skills led you to win the DMC Championships from 1991-1994. Is there anything that you credit for helping you win all those years? I think my mentality was to be unique and do new things. Most of the competition was just showing techniques that have been done before, and I was just trying to show a whole bunch of techniques that have never been done before. That was my whole thing. Or if it has been done, I would do it a different way. If you want to be different from everyone else out there, just always be original and do things in your own way. You’ve achieved success on your own and as part of the DJ crew the Invisibl Skratch Piklz. What type of impact would you say that the crew had on DJ culture? The goal back in the day for the Invisibl Skratch Piklz was that we were a turntable band. So we were being musicians. The craziest improv bands were Jazz musicians, so we mixed the Jazz mentality with hip-hop sounds and, of course, skratching was the instrument. We were moving sounds back and forth, drums, guitars, rabbits, chickens…any kind of sound that sounded crazy, we would manipulate it and play it like a musical instrument. We recently did a show together and since then a lot of people have been wanting to 132 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

WE WERE MOVING SOUNDS BACK AND FORTH, DRUMS, GUITARS, RABBITS, CHICKENS…ANY KIND OF SOUND THAT SOUNDED CRAZY, WE WOULD MANIPULATE IT AND PLAY IT LIKE A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT. book us. We have other shows in the works with Mix Master Mike, Apollo, Shortkut, D-Styles, Yogafrog and myself. What’s your take on digital DJs and the displacement of classic vinyl? I don’t think everything is digital. Kids are discovering analog and going back to it. Especially for a skratcher, there is no doubt that vinyl is more accurate. If you’re a hard-core sound manipulator, you’re going to be skratching vinyl and digital, too. What equipment do you like to play on? My favorite thing right now is this new Pioneer mixer with Traktor built in, the DJM-T1. I use it in my studio all the time, but at the shows, I still use vinyl. What I like about Traktor is that it’s double the speed of Serato so it is more accurate for skratching. It’s so accurate that I forget I’m

skratching on MP3s. But, at shows I use Pioneer’s DJM-909. As for turntables I’m using Technics, but I also like the STR8.150 because it uses a magnet and has a short tonearm so it skips less. The pitch range is very wide and I actually like these better than Technics. What are some of the things you teach with your Skratch University? It’s like a university of DJ’ing. What I focus on is the skratching as a musical instrument. There are tons of lessons for various levels. It’s kind of like a Facebook for skratchers. Everyone has a student page and they post up their own beats and skratches. If students are stuck, they can send me a video and I’ll send them a video back with my review, or I’ll send them some advice on where to take it next. I hate to say it, but it’s a bunch of nerds like myself who love skratching. We are

PREMIUM GOODS FASHION x MUSIC x LIFE

there to teach each other. I’m the teacher, but i’m also a student. It’s actually helped make me a better skratcher. As the most documented DJ in the world, what keeps you busy these days? I don’t know if this will answer your question or not, but I’m doing a lot of meditation work to go deep into my mind to learn about things like yoga. These things are opening up my creativity actually. I’m working with stones and crystals, which have given me insight into another world. There’s these stones called modavite and I meditate with them. Sometimes I put them under my pillow or I’ll put it right in the middle of my forehead or go to sleep with them. When I wake up, I can remember my dreams as if I was really there. You know how everybody says you dream in black and white? Hell no...not me! I’m dreaming in color. That’s been helping me out a lot. What would you like your legacy to be? That we can do anything. You don’t have to be imprisoned on this planet where you have to pay bills and be stuck at a job that you hate. You can just say, “Hell no, I am not doing that! I am going to create my own world.” That is what you should do. We all have talents to make the world a better place. There is no such thing as money. It’s all karma really. If you make more people happy, then the more it will come back to you. Money is just energy; you only really get what you truly deserve. You might as well make everyone happy because all that comes back to you. It’s not about money, it’s about helping everyone.

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SOURCE DJ QBERT WWW.DJQBERT.COM |

@DJQBERT PIONEER DJ WWW.PIONEERDJUSA.COM |

@PIONEERDJ

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NIKKI GRIER BACK FOR THE FIRST TIME WORDS: SAQQARA M. GRANT

ou’ve heard of Nikki Grier before, you just don’t know it. This sultry damsel, who hails from Southern California, has graced the tracks of some of your favorite artists, including Dr. Dre, Eminem, 50 Cent and Busta Rhymes. Co-writing and/or singing lead and background vocals for many of hip-hop’s finest after having the opportunity to sing with Dr. Dre’s publishing company, Hard Working Black Folks, she’s now ready to shine in her own spotlight. Influenced by great female vocalists like Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, Sade, Mary J. Blige, Grier’s sound is unmistakable, completely unique and is a perfect blend of sass, soul and hip-hop. With her solo project, Soulgasm Vol. 6, Grier evokes feelings of love’s bliss, betrayal and desire, while her seductive pin-up style, fishnet stockings and high heels command your attention. It’s time to get to know Nikki Grier a little more, because soon you’ll be hearing her name everywhere! When did your music career officially start? My music career officially began at the age of 11. I got my first record deal with Ode Records, which was founded by Lou Adler (produced Sam Cooke, Carole King, The Mamas and The Papas). My parents took me down to an audition he was holding for a gospel group called “All God’s Children,” and we released our self-titled album later that year. I started off doing gospel music actually. Did you fall into being a singer/songwriter, or was it something you knew you always wanted to do? I definitely think songwriting is something I was forced into. I always wrote poetry growing up, but I never really believed I could write songs. When I was 14, I was working with a songwriter named Teron Beal (he’s written for Michael Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Pink, Kelly Rowland and he was the one that really encouraged me to start writing my own songs. How did you meet Dr. Dre? In 2006, a former Aftermath A&R got my demo and asked me to come to a writing session. I went down there and wrote a song that he loved and a couple days later he called and asked me to come down

SOURCE WWW.NIKKIGRIER.COM |

@NIKKIGRIER

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and meet Dre. Honestly, I thought he was lying so I took my time, didn’t get dressed up; I just had this “whatever” attitude. I finally get to the studio, and who is the first person I see when I walk in the door? Dr. Dre. I was in shock and suddenly nervous as hell. I was writing for my life literally! He gave me and another writer an hour and three tracks to write to. When the hour was up, we had to go in a studio of about 20 people and perform what we wrote. Whoever got the biggest response from the room would get the publishing deal. When I finished Dre walked up to me and said, “I’m gonna sign you.” The rest is history. What was the biggest thing you learned from working with Dr. Dre? Was there any advice that he gave you that you still hold onto? The greatest lesson I’ve learned from Dre is that, there’s no second chance at a first impression. If you’re an artist you need to look, sound and write the part at all times.

You’re latest project is entitled Soulgasm Vol.6. So what is a “Soulgasm?” Soulgasm is music that is so soulful that it evokes an orgasmic feeling. Soulgasm isn’t a genre but more of a feeling. You could have a soulgasm listening to any kind of music if it touches your soul and you connect with it emotionally. In addition to Soulgasm Vol.6, are there any other projects you’re currently working on? I’m putting together a cabaret/burlesque live show for Soulgasm Vol.6, working on my next project, which will be my EP. I’m still working on and off with Dre on his highly anticipated Detox. I’m also working with Busta Rhymes and Kardinal Offishall on their next albums, as well as doing stuff for Slim da Mobster and his upcoming project. And lastly, I’m doing stuff with my friend and fellow singer/songwriter Yummy Bingham.

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PUNCH WORDS: DEANNE DELUNA PHOTOS: GREG AUGER

ilver Star Casting Company’s founder Luke Burrett has grown the highly recognized lifestyle and mixed martial arts clothing company to become one of the biggest names in business. Worn by many dominating UFC superstars—like Anderson “The Spider” Silva, “Sugar” Rashad Evans, Jon Jones, GSP and more— what began as a sterling silver jewelry company in 1993 grew into a graphic T-shirt company, which has now evolved to include a full cut-and-sew line.

(L)LUKE’S CUSTOM 2010 YAMAHA R6 SILVER STAR BIKE BY NICK ANGLADA (R)CHARIS’ CUSTOM 2010 YAMAHA R6 BY TONY SESTO

In 2010, Authentic Brands Group LLC (ABG) acquired Silver Star Casting Company, with Burrett and his wife Charis B. staying on as part owners. Still highly involved with the inner workings of the brand he founded, Burrett has since then continued his entrepreneurial spirit and formed One Punch Distribution—a clothing distribution company in Southern California that specializes in lifestyle, mixed martial arts and action brands. And like his new company, Burrett’s garage has also undergone a transformation, adding a few new rides that are both new and revamped versions of some of his previously featured toys. 140 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

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guys and I didn’t want them to be left out. Right now, One Punch Distribution is only working with the brands exclusive to ABG, which include Silver Star, TapouT, Iron Star, Hitman and Sinister.

What prompted you to sell Silver Star Casting to Authentic Brands Group? My wife and I wanted to really further grow the brand. We took this thing as far as we could go with our funds and wanted to see it become a bigger company. We both felt that ABG was the right choice with the great resources they had. It was always our game plan to sell the company. However, we still own a portion of the company. I’m still the founder and my wife is the creative director for the brand as well. Even though I’m doing this One Punch Distribution deal, I’m extremely active with Silver Star still because I want to see this thing through. So how did you get the idea to form One Punch Distribution? When ABG licensed out the brands, the licenses were focused on the major retailers, while a lot of the specialty stores were suffering since they were getting neglected. Being part owner of Silver Star, I had a lot of accounts and fans asking how they get the brands. I decided at that point we needed to open up a distribution house and focus on all the brands they have, so we could give the customers the experience they deserve. As owners, we all built our businesses off these little

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What do you plan to achieve with your new company? In the future, we have a bigger plan to bring on more action sports and lifestyle brands. My goal is to become one of the largest distribution houses

in the world, to do a good enough job on these brands that everybody will be knocking on my door wanting me to take on their brand. Right now we have about 70 percent of MMA-oriented brands, but that will change in the next two years since I want to bring in more action sports brands. As you build One Punch Distribution, what’s happening with Silver Star at the moment? We recently just relaunched the line and started

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shipping product, which we haven’t done for almost a year. We wanted to move all the old inventory at the retail level before introducing the new styles. It’s more upscale now. We have a full collection of denim and knits in addition to our tees. It’s going to be seen in the bigger department stores, but it still caters to the action sports guy. We think of Silver Star as a brand that you wear when you go out at night. We’ve had amazing feedback at the trade shows this past summer, and I predict that it’s going to be very successful worldwide. So what does your garage look like nowadays? I’ve added four new motorcycles, an Escalade and redid my Denali and ’67 Pontiac Bonneville, which is still my favorite. I still have my Bentley Flying Spur. I have a lifted Jeep Wrangler. My next toy is going to be a Rolls-Royce Ghost. I also love that new Cadillac Ciel concept and will definitely pick that up when it comes out. What made you want to redo your Bonneville and the Denali? I’m a car freak and love cars but get bored fast. I wanted to reinvent that car and so I repainted it, rebuilt the engine and changed the interior. I did all the chrome again and I painted it with House of Kolors Candy Forest Green. It’s my weekend car, but it has a pretty nice show car look. I murdered-out the Denali and slammed it to the ground. It’s actually my second favorite car.

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What about your bike collection? They’re all Yamaha bikes since we’re sponsored by them. We do a lot of Silver Star/Yamaha collaboration projects. I have a R1 and two R6’s that are all custom. I love to ride and go fast out on the road. If it’s not raining, I try to take the bikes out as much as I can. So what would you ultimately like to achieve with your career in the clothing industry? After being bought out and working for another company to now doing my own thing again, I want to give the customer the ultimate experience with One Punch. I learned a lot of things that I could improve on this time around, so it’s like a second chance. I now know what works and want to build the perfect business model.

SOURCES ONE PUNCH WWW.ONEPUNCHDIST.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ONEPUNCHDIST @ONEPUNCHDIST SILVER STAR WWW.SILVERSTARNOW.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SILVERSTARNOW @SILVERSTARNOW YAMAHA WWW.YAMAHA-MOTOR.COM

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The Sorrentino Brothers and their Unique Whips WORDS: KRISTIE BERTUCCI PHOTOS: CHRISTOPHE WU | WWW.CHRISTOPHEWU.COM

ow in it’s fourth season, MTV’s hit reality show, “Jersey Shore,” has become a cultural phenomenon, and its stars have skyrocketed to celebrity status. Known for his chiseled abs, smooth skills with the ladies and flamboyant charisma, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino has become a household name thanks to being one of the prominent cast members of the show. And thanks to his rising fame and popularity “Jersey Shore” has afforded him, Mike has been staying very busy these days not only with the show, but with his many endorsements and even his own company. “Blessed to be busy these days” has also allowed him to acquire quite an impressive collection of whips, including his childhood dream cars. You’ve been fortunate to own both your childhood dream cars. How do they compare? You really can’t compare the two because it’s like comparing a beautiful brunette to a beautiful blonde; they’re both beautiful but different. I think the Ferrari is a great car and it drives well, same with the Lamborghini. Actually it’s the same with Bentley, too. All of the cars are custom and truly amazing vehicles. I drive all of them regularly depending on the occasion, but all of them get the same TLC. Which one of your rides picks up the most chicks? All of them [laughs]. All the cars I have are pretty attractive cars, so it doesn’t really matter which one I’m in. I’ve asked girls this question and it’s a tie between the Lambo and Ferrari. Some girls like one more than the other. But it’s so close that it’s a toss up. How did you hook up with Will from Unique Autosports? He has a history of doing custom work for a number of people, and I really wanted to go to someone who was trusted and did quality work. The relationship started in Miami and it took off 156 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

“I never live with regret. I’m a positive person and don’t sweat the small things. I like to joke around and say that I’ve taken off the rear view mirrors on my car because I never look back. It’s how I live my life...” NOV/DEC 2011 DUBMAG 157

from there. I trust his vision and just tell him to make it hot. But sometimes I’ll give my input. He hasn’t failed me yet! What’s your craziest car-related story? This one time when I was in my Ferrari, I pulled over to get directions for someplace while in NYC and then a crowd of people rushed the car, asking for autographs and pictures. I never say no or turn down a fan, so there I was with all these fans, and a cop had to come and monitor the situation, so to speak. They then started asking me for pictures for their kids! The whole thing was captured on tape and it was on TMZ. While

A BENTLEY GT ON 22-INCH DONZ BONNANO WHEELS WRAPPED WITH PIRELLI P-ZERO TIRES, STRUT GRILLE PACKAGE AND A BOOMING JL AUDIO SYSTEM ARE ALL YOU’LL NEED TO GET THE SITUATION UNDER CONTROL.

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this was all going on, I had two girls sitting in the passenger’s side at the same time…[laughs]. Being casted on the “Jersey Shore” was a lucky break for you, but what were you doing before? Immediately before the first season, I did the pilot for the show that was actually done by VH1. I was a fitness/underwear model in NYC at the time and was approached about this show that was sort of like “The Hills,” but showing us East Coast kids chillin’ and partying. What’s the story behind “The Situation?” After I was contracted for a huge underwear

modeling gig, I went out to celebrate with my friend at a club in New Jersey and was feeling great. So we’re there in the club and all of a sudden some girl, who was with her boyfriend, pointed at my abs and said, “OMG honey! Did you see his abs?’ My buddy started laughing and was joking around when he said, “Ah, man…that’s a situation.” And I went along with it, pointing at my abs and replied, “That’s right! This is a situation.” So ironically, when I was at the casting interview for the show, they asked me if I had a nickname. I quickly remembered the story that happened two weeks prior and told them, “Yeah, The Situation,”

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but very timidly, almost as if I was asking them for approval. They loved it as soon as they heard it, so when I left the interview, I immediately called my brother Marc, who helps me run my company, and asked if we could trademark the name. Were you a bit apprehensive about the show at first? I didn’t intend to be in a “reality” show. I started out as model and wanted to be on billboards at that particular time. I was considering trying my hand at some acting when I got discovered. I was definitely very excited when I got casted. I didn’t know what to expect, but in my mind, I was willing to give it a shot and try my hardest to make my mark and stand out. Are you the same Mike in front of the cameras as you are off? That’s the real me at that particular time in my life. When you watch the show, it’s months behind. So when you’re watching it, that’s A PAIR OF RED PRANCING HORSES WITH MATCHING 22-INCH DONZ HOFFAS WHEELS AND PIRELLI P-ZERO TIRES ARE NICE ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES TO EITHER A HOT BLONDE OR BRUNETTE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT.

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how I felt or acted at that certain time. But I’m definitely a very spontaneous person. No matter what I’m doing, I try to be as real as I possibly can. Everybody isn’t going to like it, but I’m pretty sure, I get more likes than dislikes. What’s it really like being thrown in to a house with strangers and live together? Having a camera on you at all times is a bit hard at first. Every move you make or anything you say is being recorded, so if you say the wrong thing, you can upset a lot of people. I’m just being myself and if some people don’t like what they see then oh well. You can’t please everybody. Do you ever look back at episodes and regret anything? I never live with regret. I’m a positive person and don’t sweat the small things. I like to joke around and say that I’ve taken off the rear view mirrors on my car because I never look back. It’s how I live my life. I drive straight and fast and hopefully I make the right decisions at that point in time. What have you learned from being on “Jersey Shore?” I’ve learned that the entertainment industry isn’t as easy as many think it is. It’s very hard to be successful. There’s a huge difference between being in front of the camera and the business of the industry. Besides the show, what else are you working on? I have my own entertainment company that I run with my brother. We’re coming out with a huge line of official “The Situation” gear. But my projected path is

JEEP WRANGLERS ON 22-INCH WHEELS ON COOPER ZEON TIRES ARE PERFECT FOR TREKKING AROUND NYC’S URBAN JUNGLES.

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definitely do movies and more scripted projects. As for “Jersey Shore,” expect to see Season 5 next year. After that, if the fans want to see more, then they will be the ones who will determine that. From there, I’ll see if that’s the best path for me or not when the time gets there.

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nly a year and a half older than Mike, Marc “The Man” Sorrentino is helping his brother build his empire. As the CEO of Mikes’ MPS Entertainment, Marc runs the day-to-day oprations and isn’t trying to follow in Mike’s footsteps. Instead, he’s content making things happen for “The Situation,” while making a name for himself in the DJ world, spinning at some of the biggest clubs all over the nation. Mentioning that he and Mike are like “night and day,” the Sorrentino brothers do share a passion for the same flashy rides. How did you get the nickname “The Man?” I got it actually when I was younger. I’ve always been interested in real estate and the only place I could afford anything was in Camden, New Jersey, which is a very urban community. I had saved up all my money and would always drive around different neighborhoods, trying to learn the market and see what’s out there. One day, I got off and started walking around, when some guys hanging out started talking to me. They said they had seen me driving around a couple of times and that I was one of the only White dudes they saw come around, so they said they’d call me “the man.” Since then, I’ve been putting it on all my license plates and it’s actually my DJ name.

free spirit attitude, where I’m more serious and business oriented. Did you ever think he’d become so successful from “Jersey Shore?” I don’t think anybody did. It’s amazing that the show has garnered this much success. But it has really been a blessing for Mike’s career. You and Mike share the same taste in cars. Was this something that was planned or is it just a coincidence? As kids, we shared the same bedroom for God knows how many years, so we shared a lot of the same opinions and taste in a lot of things. But we are still individuals and we don’t want to share

anymore, which is why we each have our own Bentleys, Ferraris and Jeeps. His Ferrari is the classic red, while mine is more of a burnt orange. We both selected different rims and interiors, too. But we got the Ferraris and Bentleys on the same day actually. Certainly, the Ferrari is a favorite, but the Bentley is so elegant and refined. Since I like to drive fast, I usually opt to take my Ferrari most of the time. I always knew I’d get my dream cars one day and just kept working hard to make it happen. I also have a Range Rover Sport Supercharged and a MercedesBenz SL 65 Black Edition. I’d love to get a RollsRoyce Phantom in the future, but since I’m always busy traveling, I don’t really get to enjoy my cars as much as I’d like. But Mike and I are actually looking into getting some convertible Camaros.

How did you get involved with Mike and his business endeavors? Before “Jersey Shore” washed ashore, Mike came to me and said he wanted to build a business so we started incorporating different entities and trademarking various slogans and catch phrases. Over time, we’ve been able to build a successful business with many sponsorships and endorsements. We also have lots of new products coming out on our mega website. It’s really a family affair since our sister Melissa is the vice president of operations and our brother Frank handles all the e-commerce for the site. What’s it like to have Mike as a brother? Mike has always been a charismatic person, both in front of the camera and behind. He has this

SOURCES DONZ WHEELS WWW.DONZFORGED.COM | STRUT WWW.STRUTWEAR.COM COOPER TIRE WWW.COOPERTIRE.COM @COOPERTIRE

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@SHOPSTRUT | PIRELLI WWW.PIRELLI.COM

@PIRELLI_MEDIA

WILL CASTRO I

n 2008, famed customizer Will Castro packed up his NY-based Unique Autosports and headed south to the beautiful city of Miami, FL to open Unique Autosports South. With a new shop, crew and show on Spike TV, Castro continued to garner success in the Sunshine state, but didn’t feel totally content. For two years, Castro commuted between Miami and New York to see his family, but eventually chose to move back where it all started back in January of 2011. Looking to continue where he left off, expect nothing but bigger and better things from Will Castro in 2012 as he continues to grow the Unique Autosports brand with new shows, whips and projects! Why did you want to move down to Miami? I really moved down there to see if I can run my company in a city that I’m not from. I was able to accomplish that, and we had a successful run for the two years we were down there. We were able to tape Unique Autosports South, which aired on Spike TV. I was planning on staying a bit longer, but since my family didn’t want to move down with me it was difficult. Without my daughter Paige with me, it wasn’t working. What was that experience like? The whole experience was great. The weather, city and people, vendors and, most importantly, my Unique South team, they were all amazing to work with. It really brings the best out of you. There is a lot of talent and a lot of great shops in the city. They have a different style because the

weather is a lot nicer, so you can go with more vibrant colors on the cars and the roads are a lot nicer than in New York so that helps with adding wheels, tires and custom suspensions. The grand opening was such a memorable event since a lot of my NYC clients came down to support. My team down there was one of the best that I’ve had in all the years that I’ve been in business.

Now that you’re back in New York, what’s your plan? Now that we’re coming back to New York, I can’t wait to give people more opportunities to learn the business and be on TV. I’m currently scouting out places for a location and working on two TV shows; one will be like the Unique Miami and the other will be a show about giving back to my community of NYC and New Jersey. But I’m not really rushing things at the moment. I’m taking time for myself to really think about the future and what the next move will be. I’m looking for the best opportunity that will fit me perfectly. I currently have a huge project in Italy and am focused on the TV production of things, as well as being a great dad to my daughter Paige. But by the second quarter of 2012, I’ll be back in full force. What are you doing in Italy? I can’t really discuss too much on it, but I was contacted to help design a sports car out there. I'm the chief designer on the project and it’s been both a great challenge and memorable experience so far. Expect to hear about it next year! NOV/DEC 2011 DUBMAG 165

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WORDS: KRISTIE BERTUCCI PHOTOS: ARMANDO & SUSY TOLEDO | WWW.SHUTTERBOXPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

n 2004, Akon’s hit single “Locked Up” from his debut album Trouble cemented his future as one of the greatest artists of our generation. Since then, the highly sought after R&B crooner and go-to guy for infectious hooks, has released numerous chart-topping hits for both himself and other artists, founded two record labels (Konvict Muzik and Kon Live Distribution) and discovered some of the biggest acts in today’s musical backdrop like T-Pain and Lady Gaga. The musical genius’ Midas touch has afforded him a successful career, a million-dollar garage that spans across numerous cities and continents and the clout of a hip-hop mogul. But for Akon, it isn’t always about the fame or money. For him, it’s about paying it forward and is actively putting himself out there to inspire new acts so that they

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can one day, too, pass on the many blessings they’ve been afforded. We caught up with the always busy, hardworking artist to talk about his latest album, why he’ll never buy a Bugatti, and how Konvict Muzik is going to be huge in the coming year. What rides are you currently flaunting? The Ferrari Italia 458 and Spyker…those are my babies. The Spyker has a very sleek look to it. It’s so sporty that there is no way not to be noticed on the street with it. Just the way it sits can capture people’s attention instantly. I bought the Spyker because of its good looks. Not too many people have the car and only a few were made, so it’s more of a collector car for me. I’m more of an exotic/luxury/sports car guy. I like real fast cars that are mainly two-seaters.

And the Ferrari…what’s so intriguing about it? That one definitely has the looks. It’s just so gangsta. You roll up in that bad boy and you get respect wherever you’re pulling up. Man, I take that out and heads turn all the time. Of the two, which do you prefer more? Man, that’s a hard one. Both are amazing cars. For more everyday stuff, I lean more toward the Ferrari. For special events or big nights, I take the Spyker. But, really, both cars really make a statement, so both cars are great. How long have you been going to Exclusive Motoring Worldwide to hook up your rides? I’ve been with them since day one and I always get my cars done up with them. They’ve never disappointed me. They’ve always kept it

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except a Bugatti. I just can’t see myself spending that kind of money on a vehicle, which is the only reason I haven’t bought one yet. To me, personally, it just doesn’t make sense to drop that much cash on something I won’t drive a lot since I’m always so busy either on tour, recording, producing and more. Speaking of your busy music career, you have a new album. What went into making Stadium? It’s a high-quality, state-of-the-art album. The significance of the title is that it’s more of an international record. It’s about bringing all types of people together no matter what nationality they are, which is what a stadium does. It’s a huge realm for entertainment and that’s what this record is going to be. As your fourth album, how does it measure up to past efforts? The beauty about this record is that it gives you Akon from A to Z, so it encompasses old Akon to present Akon. It has all the music styles I’ve done up to this point in one album. It’ll bring together all fans from everywhere and from every album since it has something for everyone.

TECH SPECS

2008 SPYKER

consistent in terms of the quality of work, while still coming up with new and innovative ideas as far as where I can go with my vehicles. I really couldn’t find a shop that can provide that kind of quality anywhere else. What did you have them add to your “babies?” They did the interior on both and added new Savini wheels. Even the factory wonders where I got them looking so sweet. I always like how they make all my rides look as exclusive as possible. It never fails no matter what rides I bring.

ESTIMATED COST As is $250,000 WHEELS/TIRES 20-inch Savini SV29S on Pirelli tires EXTERIOR Originally black, Akon wanted it white SUSPENSION Custom suspension INTERIOR Custom white and yellow Italian leather AUDIO Upgraded sound system using JL Audio AWARDS “Best Retail Shop Car” at the Miami stop of the 2011 DUB Show Tour

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Do you have your standard set of mods you have done to all your cars? Well, it depends on the car. Normally, I always like to do the interior because I like the inside of my cars to feel and look a certain way and factory doesn’t always provide that. And I have to put wheels on all of them. The factory wheels are just for a car to get from point A to B. I like how wheels can improve the performance of a vehicle, so I make sure to pick out lightweight styles. Then I sometimes color match them to the car’s color. Paint is always done, too, to bring the color out of the car, but it’s not always a full paint job. Sometimes it’s just a few pieces like the wheels to really bring out those accessories. So what else do you own? Wow, many more cars [laughs]. I think I have about 18 that are spread out at my houses in L.A., Miami, Atlanta, London and Africa. Some of my other favorites include my Lamborghini Murciélago, SLR McLaren, Audi R8 (all in Miami), the Phantom in London, and my SUVs in Africa, which are a Hummer and Range Rover. You have to have allterrain cars there because sports cars won’t last. That’s quite a collection. Are you looking to add anything else soon? Actually, I own all the sports cars I’ve ever wanted

Was working on Stadium a lengthy process? There’s never a timeline for when I create music, since I’m always doing it. When I start a new album, I take a look at all the songs I have and then figure out if they fit with the concept of the album. So regardless if I have an album or not, I’m constantly in the studio making records that could either be mine or used for other artists. So how have you seen music change since 2004 when you released your first album? Music, in general, is an ongoing process that is maneuvering to different heights. Hip-hop has always been a chameleon, and as an artist, you try to find a way to change according to what the vibe is or where the music is going. It’s always been that way, and I don’t expect anything less of it. Right now, I see that hip-hop is moving toward more up-tempo beats with more of a dance feel. When I first came out everything was gritty and grimy and dark and now everything is a lot quicker. I actually prefer it more now because I feel the music is more positive, so it allows me to just open my mind to more possibilities and it makes me feel good. You’ve had so many collaborations over the years, but which is your all-time favorite? The one with Michael Jackson will always be my favorite; not only because he was a legend but because that was a collaboration that can only happen once in lifetime. I worked with him on a remix of “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” that was on the 25th anniversary release of his Thriller. Not many can say they’ve worked with Michael Jackson so it will always be a memorable experience for me. You’re credited for discovering some of today’s biggest names like Leona Lewis, Lady Gaga and T-Pain. How does it feel to know your acts have become global sensations especially one like Lady Gaga? Ah man, it was crazy. When I first signed her a lot of people really didn’t know what she’d be capable of doing. But I knew from the moment when I spotted her that she would be one of the biggest things ever. I thought she was either going to be one of two things: blow up and be

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TECH SPECS 2011 FERRARI ITALIA 458 ESTIMATED COST As is $350,000 WHEELS/TIRES 21-inch front and 22-inch rear Savini SV23S on Pirelli tires EXTERIOR All black parts painted white SUSPENSION Custom suspension INTERIOR Custom white Italian leather AUDIO Upgraded sound system using JL Audio

huge or be a huge flop. I was willing to take that chance with her because I felt the same way about myself. So it was a matter of making people believe in her. I can’t see her getting any bigger because she’s grown into being one of the biggest artists in the world at this point and how much bigger can you really go? What do you look for in new artists? The secret is really hard work. That’s what it boils down to. Your talent only takes you so far and it is a fraction of your success. It’s about who works the hardest. There will always be more talented people and artists than you. There are those with so much talent that don’t go far and then you have those with less talent but who work hard to get out there and they end up being a success. Hard work and staying focused is what it’s all about and what I look for. With so many labels out there, what can we expect from Konvict Muzik? My label has different types of vibes and various artists. All my artists will motivate and inspire listeners through their music, which is what I want them to do. I’m not about just another hit 174 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

record and I really want fans to connect to the music and be moved by it all. Really, every label is pretty much the same, but the difference is how much focus you as a CEO put into it, as well as the kind of artists you recruit. We’ve been lucky to have amazing artists representing us and blessed to work with them. I always choose the hard workers and those willing to go the extra mile. But within the next year, we will definitely make a huge impact like Young Money has. They came out with a bunch of new artists for a new generation, which is why they’re hot. That’s what we’ll be coming out with soon. Besides music, you also have Konvict Clothing. What prompted you to venture into fashion? It started more as a merchandising brand with tour shirts and that kind of stuff. But it’s now grown to become a full fashion line and brand that you can get at Macy’s and other stores like that. Music and fashion go hand-in-hand and you can’t do one without the other most times. As an artist, you have two choices: create your own line or help sell someone else’s. I chose to start my own, which is now a lifestyle brand. It’s about music and everything it stands for. Konvict

Clothing represents today’s hip-hop youth. It’s going to skyrocket to a whole other level when people see the new collection. I wasn’t expecting the final samples to come out as well as they did. I’m very excited about the future of Konvict Clothing because it will make a great impression on the fashion world soon. There’s no refuting the fact that you are a very successful and influential person in music. Is there anything left on your list of goals? I’m still interested in pursuing movies and stuff. I’d like to, maybe, produce and act a bit. Things are currently in the works for that. But I’ve accomplished everything I’ve ever wanted to accomplish on the music side. I’m very happy and grateful for what I’ve achieved thus far in my career. Now, I’m figuring out how to take this success and make something greater out of it. I’m now in the mode to put new artists out there and give them a new family and a chance to have the same success as I’ve had. I feel that I’m put here to help others make it so that they in turn can pass down that success later. It’s like successful karma. If you don’t pass it down, it’s going to die out.

BLACK BISON LIFESTYLE.

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WHISKEY

RUM

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TONIC CONCAVED

ALEX VEGA EXCLUSIVE MOTORING Alex Vega of Exclusive Motoring Worldwide in Miami, FL has been working on Akon’s cars since the very beginning of his career. “Akon isn’t only a client, but he’s been a friend of mine for more than eight years now,” Vega recalls. “He sends all his cars here. A big reason why he likes to bring us his cars is that he appreciates our ideas and input for the designs of his cars. But he always makes sure to give his input, too. Like that Spyker; I specified that I was going to do the interior all white, and he said to add some yellow. I didn’t agree with him, but he wanted it anyways. So when we were done, I was really impressed at how good it looked. He has great insight for not being in the car business, which is why he and I get along so well.” Currently, Exclusive Motoring Worldwide is working on finishing up Akon’s mobile recording studio semi-truck that the singer uses to keep up with his music while out on the road. The team at Exclusive Motoring Worldwide is also busy flying around the States and parts of Latin America, visiting numerous professional athletes to talk about their vehicles. “We have a lot of guys in the MLB , NBA, NHL and NFL who come to us for their cars, and we’ve been going out to them in person to show them new designs and products for their cars. It’s very difficult to find good, top quality shops that can do it all in one place, from A-Z. So after we give them our ideas to make their cars unique, we ship the cars to our facility and give them that personalized touch that they can’t find anywhere else.”

Being busy is always welcomed at Exclusive Motoring Worldwide, and they aren’t complaining. Earlier this year, Exclusive Motoring Worldwide partnered up with Doral Collision Center, to build the ultimate auto customization facility that places everything under one roof. Before, Exclusive Motoring would have to send some work out to other places, but after moving to a new building, they’ve put it all under one roof: a custom audio center, custom upholstery center, wheel assembly center and a state-of-the-art paint and body shop. With the larger auto customizing shop, they have been able to finish builds a lot faster. “It’s also helped in bringing in more retail customers that drive by the shop and inquire about customizations,” he says. “We’ve both been in the automotive business for more than 18 years, so the partnership has been a blessing.”

SOURCES EXCLUSIVE MOTORING WORLDWIDE WWW.EXCLUSIVEMOTORING.COM AKON WWW.AKON.COM @AKON SAVINI WHEELS WWW.SAVINIFORGED.COM PIRELLI WWW.PIRELLI.COM

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WORDS: DICK DELOACH PHOTOS: ROMAN RACELA

“MY WIFE LORRAINE, MY SONS ALBERT JR. AND DREW, MY BROTHER GREG, MY POP, AND MY COUSIN HUMBERTO “BETO” ROCHA ALL GOT ON BOARD TO HELP SEE MY DREAM COME TRUE.” 184 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

owriding is about familia. And no one knows that better than Albert De Alba, Sr. of Upland, CA, owner of this award-winning 1963 Impala convertible called “El Rey,” who has spent most of his life building custom Lowrider cars and trucks. Before opening his own shop, Cal Blast in Upland,

with his son Albert Jr., 40-year-old Albert Sr. spent more than 20 years at Mario’s Autoworks in Montclair, CA, where he learned the art of body and paint work from his father “El Maestro,” Mario De Alba, Sr. When Albert bought the “Trey,” it was a clean, all-original boulevard cruiser that had been featured in a magazine back in the day. “The car belonged to my father-in-law, Luis Padilla, who was also an Elite CC member,” Albert said, “but he passed away in 1992 and I acquired the car in 1993.” About five years ago Albert decided to make the Impala into a full-custom show car—a rolling tribute to Padilla. “I decided to redo the car from the ground up as a frame-off restoration and dedicate it to his memory,” Albert said. So Albert began working solo on the project, which he named “El Rey” after Padilla’s favorite Vicente “Chente” Fernandez song. Two years ago, Albert said members of his family stepped up and helped finish the ragtop. “My wife Lorraine, my sons Albert Jr. and Drew, my brother Greg, my Pop, and my cousin Humberto “Beto” Rocha all got on board to help see my dream come true.”

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The result is a Lowrider for the ages with more mods than we can cover in one article. It’s also a family project worthy of being called a tribute car. The Impala has already earned recognition, winning “Best In Show” recently at Torres Empire Lowrider Super Car Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center. And Albert said he’s not done yet. “I just finished the trunk and the display, and am going to show the car for a season, then put it back on the streets.”

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TECH SPECS:

“EL REY” - 1963 CHEVROLET IMPALA CONVERTIBLE

OWNER: Albert De Alba, Sr. CITY/STATE: Upland, California CLUB: Elite So-Cal ENGINE: 1996 Corvette 5.7-liter LT1 built by Tom at City Auto Parts in Pomona, CA, with custom pulleys and fuel rails from Street & Performance, molded engine covers with murals by Sal Elias, custom no-bolt valve covers, hidden wiring, candy-painted block, Flowmaster exhaust with billet hangers installed by Adan at R&A Muffler and hand engraving by Miguel Chavez.

SOURCES CITY AUTO PARTS (909) 623-1631 | STREET AND PERFORMANCE HOTRODLANE.CC FLOWMASTER WWW.FLOWMASTERMUFFLERS.COM @FLOWMASTER1 MARIO’S AUTOWORKS WWW.MARIOSAUTOWORKS.COM | CAL BLAST CALBLAST.COM ELEGANCE AUTO INTERIORS WWW.ELEGANCEAUTOINTERIORS.COM | FOCAL WWW.FOCAL-AMERICA.COM @FOCAL PRO AUDIO | ART OF SOUND (909) 920-5456 | ZENITH WIRE WHEELS WWW.ZENITHWIREWHEELS.NET WHEELS-N-MOTION WWW.WHEELSNMOTIONLX.COM

Suspension & Undercarriage: Custom hydraulics built by Art Tuason at HOPPOO’s in Ontario, CA, with two billet aluminum pumps, three batteries, four switches, 8-inch cylinders in front, 10-inch in the rear and 1-ton springs. A fully wrapped and molded X-frame by Humberto Rocha at Cal Blast, one-off rearend, molded tubular A-arms, rack and pinion steering, four-wheel disc brakes, custom trailing arms. BODY & PAINT: Done by Albert De Alba, Sr. and Jr., at Mario’s Autoworks in Montclair and Cal Blast in Upland, includes molded hood,

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shaved door handles, emblems, gas door, fender spears, wipers and cowl, dash relocated to the center and molded into a center console, molded one-piece ’62 Impala front bumper, one-piece rear bumper and a custom tube grille built by Greg De Alba. Painted by Albert Sr. in multi-colored SEM red, orange and gold candies and Old School flakes, pinstriped by Willis and Tom Clark (Corona and Chino, CA), with murals by Sal Elias of Sal’s Tattoo Studios in Riverside, CA. Chrome plating done by Best Polish and Jaguar’s in Pomona. INTERIOR: Mark Lopez at Elegance Auto

Interiors in Upland upholstered custom seats with extended side skirts in stingray leather with painted backrests, handmade and painted upper door and quarter panels, billet door handles, billet steering wheel and steering column, relocated dash with gauges hidden in molded steel center console and a hidden Focal stereo system done by Carlos and George at Art of Sound in Upland. TIRES & WHEELS: 13x7 Chrome Zenith wires with painted spokes and OG 5:20-13 skinny whitewalls from Wheels-n-Motion in Pomona.

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OCEAN CITY, MD AUGUST MAY 13TH

PHOTOS: RYAN DOBKIN

n Saturday, August 13th, Ocean City, MD, received its fill of the DUB lifestyle, as the 2011 DUB Show Tour rolled through the city, bringing the best in cars, music and more! All the action went down at the Ocean City Convention Center from 10 am to 10 pm—which was our longest stop of the tour. Not only was the inside of the Convention Center busting at the seams, but there were more than 200 cars competing outside with local radio station OC104 hosting the outdoor stage. Big Black from MTV’s “Fantasy Factory” was in the house and playing host to the day’s festivities. His autograph lines at Sony’s booth and at the Monster Energy Zone were mad long, making him a show favorite. The Monster Energy Zone also had a meet and greet with actor Tommy “Tiny” Lister, aka “Deebo” in the Friday movies. He was literally chocking the crowd (jokingly, of course) and was often seen cruising around the show on his Monster Energy Edition beach cruiser. Guests also sipped on free samples of Monster Energy flavors and scoped out some insane B-Boy and MC battles.

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The concert stage was another huge highlight of the show and featured performances by L.I.V.E., The Cartel, Rebel Gang, REJ3CTZ, Kia Shine and Waka Flocka. The REJ3CTZ hyped the crowd when they performed their hit single, “Cat Daddy,” but it was Waka who shut it all down as soon as he grabbed the mic. The

crowd followed him when he went to sign autographs at “The DUB Magazine Project” booth, which made for one long ass line! It was so unreal that at one point, people knew they didn’t have a chance to get a picture with him, but stuck around just to get a glimpse of him up close.

6. 1. Pirelli’s custom Hummer H2 stopped all the fans 2. Sony’s “Black Beauty” from The Green Hornet movie 3. DUB Staff hanging out with Deebo 4. REJ3CTZ’ Mowii bringing OC the “Cat Daddy” movement 5. Custom Widebody Mustang 5.0 in Wraptivo’s Matte White Wrap, Forgiato’s, & Nexen Tires 6. Fans lined up to see all of the action at the UFC booth, including John Fitch

SCAN THIS CODE FOR MORE FROM THE OC DUB SHOW!

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Big Black hanging out with fans inside the Pirelli booth

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1. Sound Of Tri-Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tricked out Hummer H2 2. Waka giving fans a performance of a lifetime 3. Kia Shine all the way from Memphis 3. Rebel Gang gets the crowd going

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MIAMI, FL SEPTEMBER 3RD

PHOTOS: RYAN DOBKIN, DERICK G. , ARMANDO AND SUSY TOLEDO

iami residents received an extra treat on Labor Day weekend as the 2011 DUB Show Tour visited the Sunshine State on Saturday, September 3, 2011. All the fun went down at the Miami Beach Convention Center from 3-9 PM, and hosts for the day’s festivities included the beautiful Amber Rose and Miami’s very own DJ Laz!

stopped by to grab autographs from rider Rickey Gadson and actor Tommy “Tiny” Lister (“Deebo” in the Friday movies). UFC fans were able to get up close and personal with fighters Rich Attonito, Gleison Tibau and Mike Brown, which made for some long lines! Then over at the Ford booth, guests were pumped to be one of the first to grab special

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The all-star concert stage for Miami exploded with the musical talents of some of the hottest names in the game like Vido “No Shake,” Majic, Kulture-Shock, T.R.U.B., Rebel Gang, Kia Shine, REJ3CTZ, Travie McCoy, Ace Hood, Waka Flocka and Jeremih.

Miami is known for always having the hottest cars and women on the planet so you know this show was off the hook! MC Customs took home the “Best Booth” and “Best of Show” awards, while Exclusive Motoring was awarded “Best Display,” and received a special visit from Carlos Boozer from the Chicago Bulls. This year we also had some sick bikes at theshow, with Roaring Toyz rollin’ deep and BMS Choppers showing lots of love at their display! Forgiato’s booth had showgoers eager to win a set of 26-inch wheels, while Lexani, Asanti and Cost 2 Coast also raffled some wheel and tire/grille packages. The Monster Energy Zone was crowded as fans

edition all-chrome DUB Garage Toys made exclusively for the DUB Tour.

3. 4.

1. Sony’s interactive vehicle and product display 2. Eager fans waiting to get autographs at the Pirelli booth 3. Mr. Excluisve Derick G’s “I Am Expensive” Experience 4. Fans loved all the Ford swag 5. MC Customs Miami white Audi R8 6. Waka gettting a big Round Of Applause, make it clap 7. Bow Tie Connections ‘64 Impala 8. Leading Edge Customs beefed up Busa

SCAN THIS CODE FOR MORE FROM THE MIAMI DUB SHOW!

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1. Bow Tie Connection variety show 2. Carlos Boozer and his Jeep inside the Exclusive Motoring booth 3. Custom Rusto-rod

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1. Boost Mobile ladies making a cameo 2. NBA 2K11’s model ready for gaming 3. Photo-ops with cover girl Amber Rose 4. Fast Five Custom Dodge Charger 5. MC Customs Ferrari California with Forgiato’s 6. Mobil 1 Rig keeping fans excited 7. Travie McCoy saluting the fans 8. Forgiato’s massive custom display

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1. Travie McCoy and Lexani giving away a free set of wheels 2. Pioneer demo-vehicles brought all the bass 3. MC Customs & Savini wheels packed the show 4. 2Crave wheels booth was a hit 5. Trans American Muscle debut 6. Tiny Lester showing love at the Monster booth

3. 4. 1. UFC fighter Rich Attonito hanging out with fans 2. BowTie South â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;63 Go Getta Impala in the Boost Mobile booth 3. UFC booth always a fan favorite 4. UFC fighter Mike Brown showing fans the fighter stance 5. Jeremih posing with the custom Ford Fiesta

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3. 1. Custom Asanti Lakers wheels 2. Redâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stretched and lifted Caddy 3. Swift CC LA to MIA

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FAST FORWARD

A GLIMPSE INTO INTO ISSUE 76

JIM JONSIN DUB ONLINE DUB Magazine is all over the web. Visit our sites for even more DUB content and friend us up on your favorite social network. Also follow us on Twitter to stay in touch with everything happening at DUB! 218 DUBMAG NOV/DEC 2011

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