HHUCIT Magazine Vol.1: Nicki Minaj & Trey Songz

Transitioning

Lil Wayne

Kanye West

When It All Falls Down Hometown Stadium Shows

Jay-Z & Eminem NY vs. Detroit

The Game Returns To BET Saving OUR TV Shows

T.I. Returns

Easing Into The Majors

Kevin Hart JusTamara

More Than a Woman

Nicki Minaj

The Undisputed Queen Of Hip Hop

King Uncaged

Fall Issue 2010

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1HIPHOPUCIT.COM | FALL 2010 | 03 NICKI

HHUCIT CONTENTS M A G A Z I N E Staff

Fall Issue 2010

CEO/EDITOR IN CHIEF Edward Griffin CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kathy Lewis SENIOR EDITOR/WRITER Ebony Haynes EXECUTIVE EDITOR Melissa Kimble COPY EDITORS Rayquita Lilley Jacqueline Edwards Nakia Spencer ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/ SUBSCRIPTIONS Marquita Taylor MARKETING/PROMOTIONS Nicole Richardson ADVERTISING Evette Riley GRAPHIC DESIGN Chad Hutchins SPORTS EDITOR Nicole Jackson PUBLICISTS Loreal Patterson Chasity Cooper

NICKI SIDE {COVER STORY} 16 Nicki Minaj

Hip Hop’s latest female phenom, the UNDISPUTED Nicki Minaj holds the top spot.

06 Erica Hubbard

Actress and star of the hit television series Lincoln Heights and BET’s original series Let’s Stay Together.

07 Drake

Hip Hop’s prodigy, his path to platinum selling ‘Thank Me Later’ wasn’t easy.

12 T.I. King Uncaged

T.I. is back & out of prison. Has he lived up to King Uncaged?

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Xeranda Sanford Chantal Borgella Nicole Pierce John Hines Tyrus Garrett Brittany Rodgers Shay Haney Hip Hop U-C-IT Publishing P.O. Box 05416 Milwaukee, WI. 206.312.2802

TREY SIDE {COVER STORY} 03 Trey Songz

Trey Songz has been working tirelessly but does he have enough to be called King of R&B?

06 J. Cole

Jay-Z’s protégé plans to make his mark on Hip Hop after taking the collegiate route.

09 Jay-Z & Eminem

Set to be one of the biggest concerts in recent Hip Hop history – Jay-Z & Eminem take center stage.

E-Mail: HHUCITMag@1hiphopucit.com Twitter: @hiphopucit www.1HIPHOPUCIT.com

10 Lil’ Wayne

His prison sentence is only a minor roadblock. Lil Wayne has is eyes set on The Carter IV.

All Nicki Minaj artwork was done by Asia Kendrick. All Nicki Minaj Photogrpahy was done by Aldo Rossi.

04 NICKI | FALL 2010 | 1HIPHOPUCIT.COM

My Twittertainment

Couldn’t put out this 1st issue without Thank You’s in NO particular order LOL: God, My Staff, Mom [Emory], Dad, Monique, Merrill, Ashley S. Martin, Janice, Cynthia, Lisa, Rabbit, Demetrius, Nef, Trice, Terry, Keith, Bridy, Shanda, Stine & Cole, Tonya Gails, Tina, Tamei­sha, James & Carolyn & Wilson, Cory Ford, Caroline Ste­phens, Aurora Reyes, Renita Clayton, Jacqueline Edwards, Rayquita, Tamara P., Candice S., Dami­an Evans, Carmen Ireland, Sarina S., LaToya H., Nicole R., Shannon G., Shaniece, Sharitha, Curtis J., Ashley M., Marcus McCaskill, Demontae Foots, Taj Pearsall, Julius Tay­lor, T.J. Howell, DeAndra, Malliha, Sean John, Megan J., DJ O, Bailey C., Reggie B., Tiffony, Gee-A, Eleasar, Spank Buda, Lovely, Tiffany Davis, Shan Brown, Dynasty, Contessa C., Dedications: Antoine D. Robinson, Bridy Robinson & R.I.P Aunt Wilda.

Thanks to everyone for your continued.

Editor’s Corner

F

our years ago, September 26, 2006 Hip Hop U-C-IT was in it’s beginning stages. We started our small Online Maga­ zine www.1HIPHOPUCIT.com with really BIG dreams of it competing with the majors some day. Every year we have shown growth and have built onto the brand of Hip Hop U-CIT. Since the start we have revamped the website every year with a new layout. As we planned and envisioned on starting our HHUCIT Print Magazine as well, we decided to hold off and until “right time.”

Fast forward September 2010, you’re holding in your hands a magazine that has been a long time coming. As we were approach­ ing our four year anniversary in September, we decided when waiting on the “right time” we lose out on valuable time. We concluded that the best time to start HHUCIT was NOW. Our quarterly HHUCIT Magazine will be YOUR premiere magazine for everything Hip Hop & Enter­tainment bringing you ‘Hip Hop & Entertainment at Its Best’.

We couldn’t have chosen a better duo to cover our debut issue of HHUCIT Magazine with Young Money’s rising superstar Nicki Minaj & R&B sensation Trey Songz. Rap phenom Nicki Minaj has put an entire gender on her back in her attempt to take over the Hip Hop industry while converting all of the teeny boppers into “Bar­ bie’s”. She has set trends, broken records & spit hot sixteens with some of your favorite artists. Trey Songz has had a huge year on the R&B circuit, touring with Jay-Z & Young Jeezy on the Blueprint 3 Tour, his forthcoming album, “Pain, Passion & Pleasure do this month and starring in his own docu-series on BET “My Moment.”

Yeah, we’re new to print but we’re vets to this field we call entertainment. Watch us work!

More Than Music,

Edward Griffin Editor-In-Chief

Your Twitter acct. isn’t safe with us!

- From the mind of Tyrus Garrett

1HIPHOPUCIT.COM | FALL 2010 | 05 NICKI

Actress Spotlight

(*For the full interview, visit 1hiphopucit.com. You can follow Erica on Twitter.com @EricaHubbard.)

Erica Hubbard

With a successful career in the world of enterbe versatile in choosing roles I portray. Instead of tainment thus far, this child-hood model turned playing the same role over and over I like to venactress has made her stamp on Hollywood. Erture out and be different charac­ters. For instance, ica Hubbard has appeared in many major feature I portrayed Cassie Sutton on Lincoln Heights for films and sitcoms including the critically ac4 years, but the role (Kita)I’m filming on the BET claimed Lincoln Heights. This windy-city native Series’ Let’s Stay Together is the exact opposite and proud graduate of Columbia College is makfrom the role on Lincoln Heights. I think the best ing her mark on the acting industry and her dyway to keep working in the entertainment indusnamic talent is exceeding Black Hollywood. Not try is to portray a wide range of lives. allowing adversities placed on actresses of color to affect her, Erica is shining on and off screen.

You mentioned your new role on BET’s original Influencing young people with the Erica Hubbard sitcom “Let’s Stay Together” starring alongside Foundation, she makes the Malinda Williams (Soul Food time to have a positive impact – Series) Kim Fields (LivI love the art of bring- ing Single) which is being on our future. ing life into a role that produced by Queen Latifah, someone creatively Being from Chicago how did talk to us a little bit about the you get into acting, and how wrote. I think the craft show? of storytelling is exdid growing up there help Currently, I am filming a BET tremely enter­taining your experience in acting?

Se­ries called Let’s Stay Toand every person I I started acting at the age of gether por­traying Kita Whit9 in Chicago. At first I started portray has a message more. I am truly happy to that needs to be told. work on this show created by off modeling as a child then immediately after began actJaque Edmonds Cofer with ing. My dad had a good friend in the business who Pro­ducer, Queen Latifah and the cast! With the got me in the industry modeling for Sears then talented writ­ing team that’s in place and working I signed with an agency. Soon after signing with hard, we laugh a lot everyday and have fun (in an agency I started booking com­mercials, voicethe creative realm) making the show come alive. overs, and doing theater in Chi­cago. Growing up I feel gracious to have met and worked with Kim in Chicago helped shaped my career because of Fields who directed a few of the epi­sodes. the training I had around town, on-stage, in Piven, Act-One and at COLUMBIA COLLEGE. I also At the time, Lincoln Heights was also learned a lot growing up in the inner-city with my the only show on TV with an African mom and then moving to the suburbs with my American cast, how important was it dad. to keep Lincoln Heights alive in African American households?

I remember watching the Mo’Nique Show and During the time Lincoln Heights was you talked about getting expelled in high school airing it was the only African-American and your path to becoming an actress how did that drama series on TV in its original happen? season, and I felt like I had taken On THE Mo’NIQUE SHOW I had mentioned be­ part in a historical moment! Furing expelled from an all-girls school for an argu­ thermore, after TV One picked up ment I had in a classroom, and then I transferred Lincoln Heights to air... to a co-ed high school that I excelled in; running I got a lot of Facebook track, doing the high-jump and of course tak­ing and Twitter Messages drama classes. Taking drama classes in high about how relatable school led me to go to college and minor in the­ the show is to its ater. audience. It’s truly a great feeling of For some that don’t know you’ve been blessed accomplishment to work in many major films including Save The to know that Last Dance, Akeelah and the Bee, Sister­hood of our show the Traveling Pants & more…How were you able touches its to stay consistent in landing those amazing roles? viewers Working in major films I was able to remain conhearts! * sistent in booking roles because of the fact I like to -Edward Griffin

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06 NICKI | FALL 2010 | 1HIPHOPUCIT.COM

Drake Hip Hop’s Prodigy

T

o many, Aubrey Graham is rec­ ognized as that “one kid from the show ‘Degrassi’, but to others he is recognized as the next rap royalty.

The 23-year-old rapper better known as Drake or Drizzy, is a buzzing sensation in today’s rap music industry. Signed as one out being signed to a label. Many major labels like of the newest members to the Young Money/Cash Def Jam, Atlantic, and Warner were interested in Money camp, Drake has had a triumphant career signing Drake to their labels; Drake decided to go thus far. with his mentor Lil Wayne and signed to Young He wasn’t always known as the next big thing Money/Universal. in rap, but he started his career off as an actor in Artists such as Nicki Minaj, Lil Twist, and Toronto, Canada on the teen show ‘De­grassi: The Tyga are also members of one of the hottest laNext Generation’. Drake was better known for his bels out right now. Since being signed to the label, portrayal of Wheel Chair Jimmy in the hit televiDrake went on a 22-city Young Money tour until sion show but was doubted by many because he he tore his ACL and had to pull out. played the role of a disabled basketball player.

Drake’s buzz has allowed him to land collaboThe show lasted for nine sea­sons, which helped rations with big names in the music world such Drake gain a fan base for his inevitable career in as Jay Z, Eminem, Alicia Keys, Young Jeezy and hip-hop.

Trey Songz. His catchy hooks combined with his Through a series of mixtapes, that began in rapping and singing skills have gotten him two 2006, on his MySpace page with “Room for Im­ Grammy nominations last year and two chart topprovement” Drake started to bring new hope to ping hits off the “So Far Gone” mixtape.

Hip–Hop. Following his first mixtape “Come­back Drake kept the summer of 2010 buzzing with Season”, he then the most anticipated album of released “Heartthe year with “Thank Me LatMy name is Drizzy, and I break Drake”, and ain’t perfect. But I work hard, er” which was released June his well-know mix14th. Many people anticipated so I deserve. And I belong right Drake’s album because of his tape “So Far Gone” where you see me. Ain’t on they were all availhigh profile collaborations. Jayable free online. the fence about it, I ain’t Mr. Z appeared on the song ‘Light When Drake’s Up’ and he also collaborated -Unstoppable Feeny. last mixtape with Alicia Keys on ‘Fireworks.’ dropped, he even­tually hooked up with his curOther featured artists on the album include The rent mentor Lil Wayne, who is currently serving a Dream, T.I., Young Jeezy, Lil Wayne and Nicki one-year prison sentence. He ended up rapping to Minaj. the remix of Lil Wayne’s song “Man of the Year” Drake’s talent has garnered a lot of admirawhich brought more atten­tion to his incredible tion with his rap fans giving them high hopes and talent. In the summer of 2009, YouTube views, confidence in his music for years to come. Drake radio, and ring-tones were flooded with Drake’s has shown potential to make hit records, while song of the summer; “Best I Ever Had”. keeping his Young Money family in good stand The single “Best I Ever Had” sold thousands ing in the music industry. Before becoming one of of iTunes down­loads, and topped the R&B/Hiphip-hop’s go-to guys in the music industry, Drake Hop chart for several weeks. The song was feawas known as “wheel chair Jimmy”. Now he has tured on his “So Far Gone” mixtape, which was turned from being a teen TV star to who many one of the many songs that would introduce a may think is the next best rapper. Drake shows rapper who doesn’t solely rap about nonsense to dedication to his fans and thanks them by continuthe mainstream. Drake’s style embodied a twist ously providing hit songs. of a Kanye West and deep inside of him was a Drake wrote on his official Twitter page thankflourishing R&B singer that was anxious to be reing his fans for the No. 1 spot for his album sayleased. ing, “Thank you for the support...Thank you for The most appealing thing about Drake’s sucthe memories...and Thank Me Later”. -Brittany cess is that he was able to accomplish a lot withRodgers

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1HIPHOPUCIT.COM | FALL 2010 | 07 NICKI

[Ice Cube]

Law 25: Re-Create Yourself

Do not accept the roles that society foists on you. Recreate yourself by forging a new identity, one that commands attention and never bores the audience. Be the master of your own image rather than letting others define if for you. Incorporate dramatic devices into your public gestures and actions – your power will be enhanced and your character will seem larger than life. -The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene and Joost Elffers It is to be said, that when preparation meets luck, opportunity is created. Can you imagine what would happen if preparation met unforeseen circumstances and an unconquerable spirit, instead of luck? What kind of unique opportunities would be created then?

Unique opportunities that only O’shea Jackson, known to many as Ice Cube, could foster and translate into a career that has spanned (and will continue spanning) over two decades.

From his humble beginnings in South Central, Los Angeles to becoming a force as part of the revolutionary group, NWA, Cube always understood the power of being proactive and always taking action. “I think the worst thing you can do about a situation is nothing,” he once stated.

“My 12th grade teacher drilled in my head that everything needs a plan,” Cube, explained to the LA Sentinel. “You can’t build anything unless you have the plans first so I always come up with a plan and then try to execute the plan and hopefully we’ll have results like this.”

Eventually, he would run into financial and power issues with the group and split ways in 1989. Not to be weighed down by trash talk

Business Plan:

Takes a look at entertainers creating their own paths to continued success and how they expand on their personal brands.

from former group mates, he recorded his debut solo album in Los Angeles with the Bomb Squad, Public Enemy’s legendary production team. AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted was released in May 1990 and became not only a West coast classic, but a Hip Hop classic.

In the same year as AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted, he released the acclaimed EP, Kill At Will which became the first hip hop EP to be certified platinum and gold.

With one musical accomplishment after the other, we had already seen one side of the prolific Ice Cube as he established himself as a West Coast rap legend. But what we hadn’t counted on what his breakout role in John Singleton’s classic, Boyz N Da Hood released in 1991. The movie was a springboard for other film roles that would include The Glass Shield, Higher Learning, Three Kings, and the cult classics Friday (followed by Next Friday and Friday After Next), The Player’s Club, and Barbershop (followed by Barbershop 2).

He was an artist. Then he was an actor. But his greatest transformation came in the form of a businessman. Translating his individual success in films to securing entrepreneurial success in projects, he launched his production and film company, Cube Vision. Under his company, he was able to produce and create movie franchises, including the movie, Are We There Yet?, which sent him into mainstream and surprisingly grossed more than 100-million at the worldwide box office. This year, he turned that hit movie into a TBS Sitcom and further proved himself as a director, film executive, and now, a television show creator and producer.

In business, it is important to constantly re-invent yourself. Ice Cube has walked the fine line between creating a place for himself in the business world without having to compromise his image or give in to any stereotypes placed against him. We have yet to see the end of his career or his business. -Melissa Kimble

Asia has an undeniable talent. She expresses that through the stroke of a pencil and keystroke on the keyboard. It may sound simple but she makes it look so effortless. Asia’s talent has placed her on center stage of the music world.

You draw a lot of artwork that in­cludes Nicki Minaj and it seems that whenever there’s a new visual of her Team Minaj expects one of those amazing drawings from you is that a lot of pressure?

I wouldn’t say it’s pressure, but more so encouragement. One of the main things I love about Nicki is she is not only just a wonderful, suc­cessful, and creative artist. Her originality extends out and inspires people in so many different ways. For me, she has become an enor­mous influence in my art. Often I refer to her as my “artistic muse”, because of the fact that I interpret her into my work in such a variety of ways.

How did it feel to be the artist behind Nicki Minaj’s Billboard topping “Your Love” single cover?

I couldn’t even begin to put into words how happy I felt! Never would I have thought that a drawing I simply posted onto Twitter, 08 NICKI | FALL 2010 | 1HIPHOPUCIT.COM

Business on the Come Up

Asia Kendrick-Horton

We will highlight local business owners who impact the Entertainment Industry with their talents.

not thinking it would garner as much response, was later to become the actual cover of such an amazing chart-topping song. Plus it’s Nicki Minaj, so of course I was more than elated!

How’d the decision come about to create the artwork for the single cover?

Originally, the illustration was based on her look from her ap­pearence on BET’s 106 & Park, when she premeired her music vid­eo for ‘Massive Attack’. I posted it via Twitter, in hopes to receive some feedback on the work and see what people thought about it. Next thing I knew, I woke up one day, logged onto Twitter, to find that Nicki had the art set as both her background AND icon. I was so overjoyed, I had no idea that she would add it onto her page! Not too long afterwards, she contacted me directly by phone and explained how she wanted the illustration to represent the single “Your Love” as the cover, and I was completely ecstatic. It was already incred­ ible for her to acknowledge my work, but to know that she liked it enough to make it her official single cover was definitely the icing on the cake.

For the full interview, visit 1hiphopucit.com. You can follow Asia on Twitter.com @asieybarbie.

THE GAME

NIC HARRIS Playing Hardball with a Pro

Carolina Panthers Q&A

At 23, you’re doing major things. How did you come about to achieving your goals?

First and foremost, I want to give credit to my grandmother who I thank for my success. Secondly, it’s all in a state of mind.

It’s a state being. God gives you an ability and a talent and it’s to you to determine how you use it.

And you did it all without the help of you parents. You’re LEGALLY separated from your parents, how did you feel about the disconnection?

I’ve been a product of a broken home. I had a choice in life when life is a baseball game and you’re in a third inning and life throws you a curve ball. It’s either you’re going to swing or you’re going to go down looking. Disconnecting from my parents, I did it at the age of 15. I wanted to show that I am my own man. I can only thank my grandmother for just being there whenever I had no one else.

While soul searching, did you ever feel that you were making a mistake by leaving aspects of your life behind?

I never looked back. Whenever I walked out, I closed that door and I’ve never looked back. That is the way I choose to live my life. I understand right now by looking at my viewpoint of my parents, me raising my daughter now, I know everything that a parent should not do.

Where does your mission statement “I want to plant a seed of whose shade I may never sit” stem from?

It stems from me growing up in rural Louisiana and no one went back to give me that vision to sit down and direct my path. I try to reach the masses via Twitter, Facebook and my Tumblr. I heard a saying, “if I only reach one then I’ve done my job,” but I feel that if better is available then good is not good enough. What I want to do is try to reach more than that one. I want to reach

as many people as I possibly can because no one really came back and instilled that within me.

If you weren’t playing football, what would you be doing?

I probably would be in my degree field. If not, an entrepreneur, releasing my denim line. My denim line will come out early 2011. It’s called “M.O.I. (My Own Identity). It’s made from organic Japanese cotton. A lot of different affiliations for different things.

What did you do for your off season?

I did a lot of traveling. I attended a lot of different events. I went to the Grammys.

Unfortunately I had that one off-season surgery with my knee. I’m recovering extremely well. I am unable to physically perform. Hopefully in August, I will be able to perform again. Just trying to enjoy the fruits of my labor and spend as much time with my daughter as I possibly can. I also travel to different course of the world to see different things I didn’t get to see when I as younger.

As you were growing up, were there ever times you felt like giving up?

All the time. Growing up was extremely hard. Once again I have to thank my grandmother. She is the architect to my life. It is extremely hard because you think that you are not wanted. Do you know the feeling of feeling that you are not wanted and even your own parents don’t want you? Everyone that know me can tell you that I should not be where I am. But I am here and I am living testament. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

What advice would you give to those who are ready to throw in the towel?

To continue to push. At the end of the day, you never know when your breakthrough is going to come.

-Chantal Borgella

IS NOT OVER

THE ODD COUPLE Just when we all believed The Game was over, BET made a miraculous and smart move by saving it. Is the game more than a sport or does it go further into love. I analyzed the relationship of each cast mate.

And make sure to catch all brand new episodes of The Game during the First Quarter of 2011 on BET. MELANIE BARNETT & DERWIN DAVIS Maturing into their adult lives, Mel, an aspiring doctor, and Derwin, pro football player can’t seem to deal with the pressure of the industry. Groupies, Dr. McHottie, sex, sex and MORE sex. Will Derwin and Melanie FINALLY tie the knot in the next season? And can Melanie gain a little more confidence once the baby arrives?

JASON & KELLY PITTS After Kelly began dating and insisted on playing “hard to get,” can we really blame Jason for finally taking the approach to move on. He may have been a cheapskate but it shows money can not buy love. Even if you do pull up in a parking lot with various shades of your favorite cars. Yes Kelly wanted to teach him a lesson but she got burned.

TASHA MAC & RICK FOX Rick professed his love to Tasha but she couldn’t handle the truth. Now Rick headed to Florida while Tasha Mac buries herself in her own misery. Tasha, set your pride aside and apologize.

MALIK WRIGHT & GROUPIES Malik will eventually realize that his players ways and money will not buy him the PERFECT woman. Maybe he will slow down with the RIGHT girl who is not a gold digger.

-Chantal Borgella

1HIPHOPUCIT.COM | FALL 2010 | 09 NICKI

Ready To Prove

Mel East Coast - NY/NJ

The Carter Legacy Continues... MEL aka KID CARTER follows in the footsteps of his famous uncle Jay-Z. At 22, Mel has witnessed living in Marcy Projects to living a life he never did imagine in New Jersey’s suburbia. But he manages to not fret about people comparing him to his uncle nor feel the pressure of having to fill his shoes. He promises to continue to have Brooklyn on his back and the new legacy he promises to create. Launching his first record label Natural Born Hustlaz, Entertainment with his two cousins SPANK and FLY RAH at 16 to prove to the world and his uncle that he was able to do it himself.

“I used to be shy. I used to write poetry. No one knew I rapped. But when I saw my uncle’s “Ain’t No Ni**a” video, I knew that’s what I wanted to do. He [Jay-Z] doesn’t suggest I rap but I’m a man now.

I know he wanted to protect me from the bullsh** he had to go through. I’m ready. I can take the pressure. I consider myself to be a new breed. Some people will like me and some people won’t. I take the good with the bad. I consider myself to be a new breed.”

On September 29, 2009, Mel released his first mixtape “Certified.”

With over 150,000 downloads and much support from the media, Mel has started off on the right path. “I want to show the world I can do it by myself with no help. And I also want to show him that I don’t need his help. He knows what I am capable of doing. I just take it a day at a time.”

You can catch Mel on Facebook.com/K1dCart3r or Myspace. com/K1dCart3r.

Nipsey Hussle West Coast - Los Angeles, CA Nipsey Hussle emerged from the streets of Los Angeles and as the first signee to the Cinematic/ Epic Records joint venture, is effectively building momentum as a rising emcee while sacrificing the only way of life he’s ever known. “I try to keep a balance with my career and who I am aside from that,” says Nipsey. “It’s kinda hard, but I try to stay the same and balance both worlds. You don’t wanna forget where you come from and at the same time, you don’t wanna miss your blessing tryna live the same lifestyle you been livin’.” All in anticipation of a fall ‘09 debut, his street singles “They Roll” and “Bullets Ain’t Got No Name,” both featuring The GAME, are lyrical proof that Nipsey Hussle is here to stay. In addition to the GAME, the album is slated to feature the likes of Snoop Dogg, Sean Kingston, Lloyd and Nipsey Hussle’s own Slauson Boyz . South Central State of Mind is a healthy dose of honesty, reality and life from an authentic perspective.

Nipsey Hussle took it back to his Crenshaw ’hood to shoot the video for “Feelin’ Myself,” the first single from his debut album South Central State of Mind, due later this year on Cinematic/Epic Records.

Follow on Twitter.com @NipseyHussle.

10 NICKI | FALL 2010 | 1HIPHOPUCIT.COM

Pacino Midwest - Milwaukee, WI One of None: Hailing straight from Mil­ waukee, WI. Mario ‘Pacino’ McCoy has his sights set on conputting out a great body of music.

On his Name: Is an acronym. Pay Attention Competition Is No One. You have to be creative. You can’t have a name like Pacino and cats are like “you jacked that from Scarface!” You have to make it unique, me. I thought of the name first and I already knew that the competition is no one. People called me chino all the time. It is an extension of who I am when I rap. That’s how you walk in the booth nobody can touch me, you not second to anybody. No matter if your rapping, selling boxes or picking up garbage nobody can touch you.

College Influence: You can be in school and make your regular records. It depends. Or you don’t have to go to school and use that as an excuse. It depends on the approach that you use. Being in school can actually be an advantage. You are in the midst of your fans so you know what kind of music they like. You have your college parties and even your greek parties and you get the feel of the music that they like that is hot. Instead of just doing music and making it your life. Like I didn’t even have to rhyme where you quote on quote suppose to rhyme at. Real emcees pick your points, and still make it a cohesive record.

Follow on Twitter.com @iampacino.

Skewby Down South - Memphis, TN This young artist started 2010 off with a bang, opening for the Lil Wayne Farewell Tour. This should be no surprise however after the rave reviews of his recently released mixtape, “Proving You Wrong Since 1988.

Only 21, he’s been making his mark slowly since the age of 14 by producing for artists such as Short Dawg and Pimp C to name a few. Although production, engineering and writing is a passion, his real love is performing. More recently he performed at MTV’s Spring Break 2009 and hooked up with DJ Crumbz to headline the Red Bull Southern College Tour. Future endeavors include a much anticipated release of his recent collaboration with Gorilla Zoe that should be out later this year.

His music is compared to the likes of a Kanye or Lupe, but he can definitely hold his own with his clever lyrics and catchy beats. One only has to peep the mixtape to get a feel of his versatility.

This multi-talented phenom is understandably on a lot of people’s radar. 2010 appears to be the beginning of great things to come.

You can catch Skewby on Somethingaboutskewby.com or follow on Twitter.com @skewby.

1HIPHOPUCIT.COM | FALL 2010 | 11 NICKI

T.I. King Uncaged

A

round this time last year Clifford T.I. Harris was in Arkansas plotting his release.

Said to have 366 days in jail for federal weapon charges, he should have been heading for a meltdown. Coming off his fifth album “T.I. vs.

T.I.P.”, “You Know What It Is” was his second single and sold 468,000 copies in the US. The album reached number one on the Billboard 200 and the top of R&B/Hip Hop albums chart. Enroute to the BET Hip Hop awards, he was arrested for possession of three unregistered machine guns and two silencers all while being a convicted felon.

Not to mention loosing his best friend Phalant Johnson month’s prior, anything this magnitude has caused celebrities to crash and burn, but not T.I. He decided to plot his release from prison by battling his inner demons and the streets. Knowing what he was facing, T.I. decided to make a change and uncaged his knowledge of the streets into a positive light. T.I. put the experience that he has had before and during his career to tell a story to America’s youth. His goal is to reach those who have become victim to the streets and uncage the inner King within them.

On October 26, 2007 T.I. was requested bail after posting 3 million dollar bond. 2 million in cash, 1 million in property equity in which he was only granted visits for his wife and children. Other visits had to be

court ordered. T.I. sought out a way to prove that his works in his career didn’t go unappreciated and was driven to prove that he has made a change. Prior to imprisonment MTV collaborated with T.I. to air a special named “T.I.’s Road To Redemption,” where T.I. took his 1,500 hour community service sentence to shine light and educate seven teenagers on how to become better people and change their life of crime. In those 45 days of the shows filming T.I.’s series also gave insight to the birth of his sixth child and the release of his 2007 release “Paper Trail” All the songs that was written while on house arrest, became a success. “Paper Trail” debuted at number one on the Billboard charts of 2008 and selling 568,000 copies in the United States. Records like “No Matter What,” “Swing Ya Rag” which was produced by Swizz Beats buzzed the charts. When “Whatever You Like” was released it broke the record for the highest jump to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 column. It jumped from number 71 and this was also his first number one solo hit. He also had another record. “Swagger Like Us” was a “rich money boy clique” anthem. Featuring the likes of Kanye West and Jay-Z (Little Wayne featured on the remix), it debuted and peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. T.I.’s “Live Your Life” featuring Rihanna broke his own record on the charts when it jumped from number 80 to the number one chart position. While doing his 1,500 hours of community service, he spoke to many of Georgia’s middle school and high-school youth about being a role model, morals and how to be a positive influence while growing up in the hood.

Some people might believe that T.I. and his major altercation with the law forced this “caged” individual to be released. T.I. service to the community goes way beyond television exposure. Along with helping with Hurricane Katrina efforts, T.I. used a lot of his celebrity influence to provide scholarships for the Boys and Girls Club of America. T.I. also was headliner for Rock

12 NICKI | FALL 2010 | 1HIPHOPUCIT.COM

Corps, which is a production company that promotes volunteering in exchange for concert tickets. In 2005 he was honored with the Lisa Lopez award for his accomplishments in music and community service by the Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez Foundation. His entrepreneurial spirit has also played apart in his giving back. T.I. nightclub Club Crucial and Atlanta local hip hop station V-103 held a giveaway of 200 bikes to neighborhood Boys and Girls Club members. As T.I. was in prison many people looking forward to his return had no clue what to expect.

Would he return to writing and living his life as an accomplished artist or would he finally retire from the life and the streets.

On March 1, 2010 Atlantic Records created a twitter account for T.I. to keep fans updated about his music and new things to come during his stay at the halfway house.

March 26, 2010 T.I. was finally released from the halfway house that he lived in and even more, free from the federal prison. On April 1st, T.I. posted his first post prison interview on his website trapmuzik.com.

He stated that the album would be ‘more aggressive. It goes hard like classic T.I.” Many fans have been waiting for a sample of new T.I. music found it by the way of his new business venture: Producing. T.I. produced a film due to release August 20th, 2010 named “Takers,” a crime thriller staring Chris Brown, Idris Elba, Matt Dillon, Paul Walker and Zoë Saldana. The soundtrack single release “Yeah You Know” is also a song on the unreleased album “Uncaged” which is due this summer. It features Keri Hilson and debuted at number 38 on the Billboard charts.

This time last year Clifford “T.I./T.I.P” was serving time in a Arkansas prison for two felonies: possession of three unregis­ tered machine guns and two silencers, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

This year after nine years together, T.I. wed his longtime girlfriend -- and mother of two of his five kids -- Tameka “Tiny” Cottle in Miami. The pair held a private ceremony at the courthouse. -John Hines

“

A lot of these songs are period pieces that speak volumes to what’s going on right now.

”

after this past season.

The Hawks resigned Joe Johnson for an insane amount of money, let’s hope they go deep in the playoffs for the sake of someone’s front office job.

That leaves us with the new “Big Three” in Miami. On paper they look good enough to win a few championships; however Kobe Bryant is still a Laker and Phil Jackson has not retired yet.

Nic le’s Sp rts C rner

T

he date is Thursday, May 13, 2010. TD Garden, Boston.

Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-finals. Celtics lead the series 3-2. The final minutes of the 4th quarter wind down as the Boston Celtics pull off one of the biggest upsets (but not really) in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. Lebron James’ 27 Points on 8/21 shooting, 19 Rebounds, and 10 assist did not come close to matching what Lebron fans had seen all season long.

His demeanor read “I give up,” James immediately snatched off his Cavs jersey before he reached the end of the tunnel to the locker room.

The big question was would that be the last time Ohio would see Lebron play for the state that raised him, crowned him KING, and the city that thrived off of his national attention? The flood gates of free agency rumors and madness began.

NBA fans followed every NBA Executive move this summer, as the most highly anticipated NBA offseason unfolded.

Among the eligible free agents were Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudamire, and Joe Johnson.

As Laker fans celebrated a repeat, the rest of the world looked ahead to July 1st, the first day of NBA free agency. Teams such as the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and New Jersey Nets romanced these players during private meeting with hopes of finding true love.

It all played out like a NBA reality TV show, everyone had forgot about the oil leaking in the Gulf during the weeks leading up to “The Decision,” in which Lebron James told the world and Cleveland in the most unapologetic way – “This fall I’m going to take my talent to South Beach and join the Miami Heat.”

We all watched in disbelief. Miami Heat GM Pat Riley had used his ultra appeal along with the help of his superstar “free agent” Dwayne Wade to romance two more All-Star free agents to South Beach.

Lebron James at point/forward, Chris Bosh at the four, and Dwayne Wade at the two,

never mind the fact that Miami had to clear their entire roster to free up cap space, Pat Riley had done the easy part.

Besides being the most hated man in Cleveland and most of Ohio, New York and Chicago fans took their bitter loss in the free agency madness and for once shared the same likeness -both hating Miami. Many felt it was bad for basketball.

It was obvious that during James’ onehour “The Decision,” special Nike had no parts of that decision. You didn’t see the normal Nike commercials, or even one swoosh during the entire telecast. It’s hard to convince people to “witness” your Batman run for help and turn into Robin. His brand was changed forever.

It had happened in sports before, with Brett Favre leaving the Packers for the Jets, Alex Rodriguez leaving the Texas Rangers for the Yankees, and even in basketball when Kevin Garnett left Minnesota to join All-Stars Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. But this was different, Lebron had left the very state that birth him, leaving a very bitter after taste. It was almost as if Lebron was saying Cleveland you should be thankful I gave you so many memories, but I rather be on someone else’s team (literally).

It seems that the entire time leading up to free agency, James was only considering leaving Cleveland if he was offered a deal he couldn’t refuse. Teaming up with Bosh and going to Chicago to join Noah and Rose seems pretty enticing; however, Miami remained the only team that could sign three free agents at max.

Even after acquiring role players such as Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Mike Miller, and resigning Udonis Haslem Miami still has work ahead.

My very premature NBA predictions: Western Conference Champions: The LA Lakers are out for a three peat in Phil Jackson’s last run at coaching. Expect nothing short of greatness. Kobe and Company finally have the motivation they need to play like the champions they are all season long.

Eastern Conference Champions: Things have got really interesting in the off season out East. The Chicago Bulls are looking like the Chicago Jazz with the acquisitions of Carlos Boozer, Ronnie Brewer, and Kyle Kover joining a young and talented roster including All-Star point guard Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah.

The Celtics are essentially bringing back the same set of players that made it to the Finals minus Rasheed Wallace who retired

In the NFL the most significant move in the offseason was Eagles’ 12 year veteran QB Donovan McNabb to the Washington Redskins. McNabb will be the star in Mike Shanahan’s movie this season; however, the big question is will McNabb be able to add wins with a mediocre offensive line, and his injury prone, aging body?

McNabb has played a full season in just one of the past six years due to injuries.

In the AFC the Ravens are favored to be in Dallas come February since bringing on three-time Pro Bowl WR Anquan Boldin from the Arizona Cardinals. The Ravens, who advanced to the second round of the AFC playoffs last year will look for QB Joe Flacco, and MLB Ray Lewis to lead the Ravens pass the defending AFC Champion Indianapolis Colts led by Payton Manning.

The Colts show no signs of slowing down, winning at least 12 games each season since 2003. The New York Jets were busy in the offseason. This Jets team is under the radar but could easily beat any of the top teams in the AFC. The defensive toughness of the Jets in addition to acquiring veteran RB LaDainian Tomlinson, CB Antonia Cromartie, DE Jason Taylor, and first round pick Kyle Wilson are an AFC contender for sure.

With Brett Favre returning this season, the Vikings are essentially bringing back the same core, in addition to backup RB in dynamic draftee Toby Gerhart of Stanford.

The 2010-2011 NFL Season Kicks off on September 9 when the Minnesota Vikings take on the defending champion New Orleans Saints at the Superdome.

My preseason picks for the NFL: AFC Champions: Baltimore Ravens NFC Champions: Minnesota Vikings.

-Nicole Jackson

1HIPHOPUCIT.COM | FALL 2010 | 13 NICKI

JusTamara - More Than a Woman

Name: JusTamara Height: 5’5 Measurements: 34-24-38 Zodiac: Scorpio Hometown: Milwaukee, WI. Currently:Atlanta, GA.

Tamara has been featured in many music videos including but not limited to R&B Singer Case’s video - ‘Lovely’ and Nelly Feat. Pharrell’s video - ‘Let it Go’ to name a couple. Tamara also tested her hand at host-

Wisconsin is not a place for your average model or actress. But then again, Tamara Purifoy, born and raised in Milwaukee, is not your average model or actress.

After a year of pursuing modeling in her hometown she landed a few big gigs and a calendar spread. The promising young model and actress’s hunger to succeed in the industry drew her to a larger stage in Atlanta, GA. Arriving in Atlanta was a bit different but Tamara embraced the challenges daily by going on castings every day. Eventually she earned her spot in a few different projects. These projects included appearing in a Miller Lite print ad, being featured in a spread of OMIGAWD Magazine, and being featured on the cover of the magazine soon after her previous feature. Tamara was also featured in Upscale Magazine’s Celebrity Hair Issue.

14 NICKI | FALL 2010 | 1HIPHOPUCIT.COM

ing appearing on BETs Black Carpet where she interviewed several celebrities including Ludacris and Shawnna for Remys Listening Party for Ludacris.

Tamara has made a few television roles appearing in Atlanta Homicide. She was also featured in a full-episode of the second season of BET’s Hell Date. “I was shocked I had no idea that I was on Hell Date, They told me that it was a pilot like the TV show Elimidate. I had so much fun though, it was a great experience and I enjoyed it.”

Tamara has appeared on many website’s including XXLmag.com’s ‘Web girl of the Week.’ After recently shooting a commercial for ‘Jack Daniel’s’ with scheduled appearances on the upcoming BET original sitcom ‘Let’s Stay Together’ Tamara has been a co-host on Atlanta’s hottest television show “Verbalize.”

With some major things in the works Tamara is humbly carrying out her passion to succeed in this extremely competitive industry. Once a little girl from a state better recognized more for dairy products than talent, Tamara refuses to surrender her dreams to be anything less than successful.

1HIPHOPUCIT.COM | FALL 2010 | 15 NICKI

NICKIMINAJ As Nicki Minaj prepares to drop her debut album

PINK FRIDAY November 23rd she speaks on the progression at press time:

“ ”

The album is progressing miraculously, I would say. It’s coming out way better than I could even have imagined or dreamed or hoped for.

16 NICKI | FALL 2010 | 1HIPHOPUCIT.COM

JT

“ ”

I’m trying to entertain, and entertaining is more than exuding sex appeal.

oday Nicki Minaj is the UNDISPUTED Queen of Hip Hop, she’s on the fast track to success and nothing is stopping her. She was voted into the top 5 of MTV’s Hottest Breakthrough MC of 2010.On the heels of securing her first solo number one song on the Billboard charts she broke a record. Nicki Minaj had the number one song in the country with her second single Your Love, (With no video!).

The last female solo rapper to top the charts was Missy Elliott with “Work It” in 2002.

It’s been a long time coming.

Rewind a little bit, Nicki Minaj went from working at Red Lobster to being the redhot current face of female hip-hop in less time than it takes to complete college. Nicki honed her innate ability and star potential at the renowned school of performing arts which was denoted in the movie and television series FAME. She’s as much an iconic figure for her standout fashion and beauty as she is for tearing up the mic alongside your favorite MCs. Her rabid following of Team Minaj has bought into Minaj’s entire package.

The hype is backed by true talent, and she’s unique and feisty. While every photo you see in the press personifies her glamorous life as a Young Money superstar, Minaj is no different from every other MC who has ascended the heights of their genre. The native of New York’s Jamaica, Queens, neighborhood started at the bottom and had to grind her way to the top.

First discovered by Lil Wayne on the street-DVD series On the Come Up, Nicki couldn’t get any love from DJs in her hometown, so she moved to Atlanta. It was there she recorded some verses for Weezy’s Gangsta Grillz: Dedication 3 mixtape — singing and rapping on songs such as “Still I Rise” with the rest of Wayne’s then-mostly unknown crop of new talent, including Drake.

Nicki also aligned herself with Gucci Mane, adding heavily to her street credibility and profile.

The Jamaica Queens MC Onika Miraj better known as Nicki Minaj followed up her ‘Playtime is Over’ Mixtape with her ‘Sucka Free’ Mixtape which then landed

her a feature in XXL Magazine. At the time Nicki initially told HHUCIT Magazine that her new mixtape ‘Beam Me Up Scotty’ was set to be released Christmas of 2008. In 2009, Nicki released the much anticipated Mixtape ‘Beam Me Up Scotty’ this mixtape would soon solidify her place in the Hip Hop industry.

While her sexy image was our first impression of Nicki (who can forget that bathing-suit photo in which she paid homage to Lil’ Kim?), Minaj really found her own lane during the spring of last year with the Beam Me Up Scotty mixtape, which she put together with Atlanta’s DJ Holiday. Nick showed us she has boundless personality on the mic, bringing forth her Barbie persona and all the charismatic outfits, rhyme flows and vocal inflections that go along with it.

Records from the tape — “Kill the DJ,” “I Get Crazy” with Lil Wayne and “Itty Bitty Piggy” — bubbled on the streets for months, allowing Nicki to hit the club circuit with her own shows.

My first glimpse of Nicki Minaj ever, came when I watched Yo Gotti’s video for the remix of his hit song ‘5 Star Chick’.

Nicki Minaj was set to finally make her national video debut on Yo Gotti’s ‘5 Star Chick’ Remix, alongside her long time friend Gucci Mane and Trina. Nicki Minaj immediately stole the show with her witty lyrics, child-like faces and drop dead beauty. In that song she continued where she let off in the mixape circuit and that was aiming for the top, “Ask Lil Wayne who da 5 star bit*h is!” The next two years Nicki Minaj would be the go-to woman in Hip Hop appearing along side Mariah Carey, Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane, Drake, Usher, Bobby Valentino, Ludacris, Robin Thicke, Jadakiss, Sean Garrett, Robin Thicke and more.

While Nicki’s success garnered a lot of attention from her peers around the industry she had quickly gained the respect of her male peers from the likes of everybody from Lil Wayne to Gucci Mane but receiving the ultimate co-sign from Jay-Z. “I was like, ‘What?’ “Minaj said about Jigga claiming she has “charm.” “Obviously, Jay-Z ... Jay-Z is a person in hip-hop that you almost don’t think he exist until

you meet him. It’s almost like he’s bigger than a person. He’s a mythical figure. That’s a great way to describe it.

I was like, ‘Jay-Z knows me?’ I didn’t think he knew who I was, let alone recommend me for something. If he did know who I was, I didn’t know if he liked my style or approved. It was weird. It was like getting that stamp of approval from the most popular jock in high school and being a freshman in high school and thinking no one knows you exist,” she told MTV News.

Even with this ultimate co-sign from one of Hip Hop’s greatest, her female peers didn’t seem to get where Nicki was going with her career. A one time friend Lola Monroe, who has also thrown her hat into the ring of female emcee’s and has expressed her dislike for Nicki. Lola Monroe voiced her opinion on Nicki Minaj stating she isn’t original and is jacking styles from previous rap artists.

“I don’t do the Barbie thing — that’s her thing, I really don’t agree with it, that’s basic. It doesn’t make sense to me because first off, you’re basically saying I’m jacking somebody who has never been known to have their style all throughout their career.

She’s never been set to have her own style.

It’s always been set to say she’s jacking Lil Kim to Foxy Brown and now Lil Wayne.”

Chicago rapper Kid Sister is known for her hit single Pro Nails with Kanye West she doesn’t have as much buzz as Nicki Minaj but even goes as far as questioning if people even take Nicki serious?

“I think Nicki Minaj is awesome, she has a cute little look but my thing is do people take her seriously? I’m not being funny. I’m just asking a question.

The most notable rift with Nicki Minaj and women in hip hop came from female emcee that has been the face of female hip hop for the past decade in Lil Kim. “For the last year she has been subliminally taken shots at me. Subliminally taken shots at the other girls in the industry. I mean

1HIPHOPUCIT.COM | FALL 2010 | 17 NICKI

come on, we read that interview where she said “Being that the other rap chicks in the game ain’t got sh*t to do right now, when I’m by the pool they can feed me grapes”.

“My thing was, homegirl got a nice little buzz going. It’s obvious I’m who she wants to be like. It’s obvious that she likes me and wants to be like me but she’s not paying this homage.”

Although she spawned some negative attention from other female emcees she did experience some encouraging words from some of hip hop’s elite female rappers.

Miami’s Trina told MTV News via email about Kim’s comments. “[We’re] all ladies. Can’t we just make music and get our paper and keep it moving?! We all respect Kim. She opened the doors for us females. It’s all good — everybody’s eating, what’s the issue?” Trina also pointed to the dearth of high-profile women in hip-hop as a reason for Kim to fall back with the criticism. “This makes us all look bad. There’s barely any female artists as is — we don’t need this!””That’s crazy. I really don’t get it.

I don’t see where all this is coming from,”

Nicki Minaj’s label-mate felt a need to voice his controversial opinion on their beef.

“I just feel Lil Kim is a ‘G’ in the game, I feel like you’re part of an era that’s classic, that we’ll never forget as young kids, me and Nicki, so it’s like, you don’t have to do that,” Drake told television personality DJ Envy. “You don’t have to get on stage and announce your presence and tell people to pay homage. That’s a given and I watched Nicki pay homage to her time and time again and I just didn’t respect it at all and whoever else was on stage with her, I don’t respect that.”

The evolution of Nicki Minaj continues as she exploits her talents as a singer and explores her passion as a writer. Fast forward, Nicki Minaj will release her debut album November 23rd and she spoke on what to expect from her upcoming album.

“I think it’s ... important that people get accustomed to seeing a female rapper again,” Minaj says. “Before I drop an album, people need to come out and see. People don’t even know what a female rapper does. We’re so

Like Trina multiplatinum rapper and producer Missy Elliott has been in the game for years, and she believes there’s room for both Nicki and Kim’s outsize talents. “I like Nicki Minaj’s music. I think she’s hot!!”

Missy relayed to MTV News via e-mail, adding, “I’ve been a fan of Lil Kim from the beginning and always will be. Kim is a rap icon!”

not used to seeing it. It’s nonexistent in categories. I don’t know where I fit in the spectrum of rap yet; I think now I’m kind of proving myself, but before, people thought I was more of a sex symbol or wannabe sex symbol. That’s why I make the goofiest faces; I don’t want people to think I’m up here trying to be cute. I’m trying to entertain, and entertaining is more than exuding sex

18 NICKI | FALL 2010 | 1HIPHOPUCIT.COM

appeal. I don’t think that’s fun. I don’t find it fun watching someone trying to be sexy.

It’s wack. I’m trying to just show my true personality, and I think that means more than anything else. I think when personality is at the forefront, it’s not about male or female, it’s just about, ‘Who is this weird character?’

In an interview with Vibe Minaj discussed her sexual image stating “When I grew up I saw females doing certain things, and I thought I had to do that exactly. The female rappers of my day spoke about sex a lot... and I thought that to have the success they got; I would have to represent the same thing. When in fact I didn’t have to represent the same thing.” In addition to her funny voices and on-screen character she stated “I’m not abandoning the funny voices. I just did a crazy tribute to ODB’s ‘Shimmy Shimmy Ya,’” she says, perfectly impersonating the late Wu-Clansman. “But it’s coming up more with the album. I had a teacher in elementary that would stand on her table and whisper. We’d all turn around like, ‘What is this lunatic doing?’ But she would achieve what she wanted. She wanted us to stop talking and listen. I feel like I need to mellow it down so people can hear what I have to say.”

Nicki Minaj is showing no signs of slowing down ripping sixteen’s on a regular. “Now all these bit*hes wanna try and be my bestie/ But I take a left and leave ‘em hangin’ like a testie”— From Ludacris’ “My Chick Bad” On one of her early mixtape songs N.I.G.G.A.S which was rumored Remy Ma diss where she spit, “Tell that bi*ch with the crown to run it like Chris Brown.”

It looks like Nicki Minaj has the crown with no chances of giving it up anytime soon. Nicki Minaj introduced the world to her alter ego Roman Zolanski on Trey Songz’ first single Bottoms Up. Nicki, who is also a member of the Diddy-led all-star Dream Team, didn’t get an overwhelming response for her debut official single, “Mas­ sive Attack,” but the misstep did nothing to hurt her popularity. It was a leaked track that the fans loved so much; program direc­tors on radio were forced to add it. Minaj is currently working on debut album Pink Friday.

If she continues to attack her own tracks with the tenacity she does on her guest appearances, the LP should be a hands-down winner. Nicki Minaj will be the undisputed Queen of Hip Hop for many years to come.

-Edward Griffin

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12 TREY | FALL 2010 | 1HIPHOPUCIT.COM

Christina Milian in the park working out in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Celebrity Flickz

Jay-Z and Rick Ross in the studio recording ‘Free Mason’ for the ‘Teflon Don’ album.

Kanye West arriving at LAX airport.

Kim Kardashian unveils her Madame Tussauds wax figure.

Rihanna out and about shopping at Saks Fifth Ave.

Nicki Minaj accepts her BET Award for ‘Best Female Hip Hop Artist.’

LeBron James makes his ‘Decision’ and joins the Miami Heat.

Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz’s wedding photo.

Soulja Boy on 106th & Park performing ‘Pretty Boy Swag.’

Jermaine Dupri & Bow Wow at the Lottery Ticket Movie Premiere.

Chris Brown & Usher in the studio.

1HIPHOPUCIT.COM | FALL 2010 | 11 TREY

{Lil Wayne’s Transition}

told reporters after a comedy show in Los Angeles.

Since leaving his life as a shoe salesman he has went on to star in several films including Soul Plane, Paper Soldiers, Along Came Polly, Not Easily Broken and Death At A Funeral. He has also proven himself worthy as a comedian with his 2 stand-up specials featured on Comedy Central including “I’m A Grown Little Man” (2009) and “Seriously Funny” (2010), both now available on DVD. The most popular question Hart has probably been asked throughout his life, not just his career, is just how tall is he? Though we may never know the real answer he sticks true to what he calls a strong 5’5’’.

“A strong 5’5’’…with a heel,” he stated on the Big Boy radio show in July 2010.

“I pull my comedy from real life experiences. I put my life out there no matter what,” he says. “I make it so that people can relate and that’s where the comedy lies. It’s funny because its true.”

Hart is happily married to his wife Torrie and has 2 children Heaven Lee, 5 and Hendrix Hart 2.

“I make money by making people laugh. That’s my job. I love it, I don’t My wife isn’t want to change it for nothing. I don’t want to change it at all,” he says. leaving me

And he doesn’t think that his because I’m a success has changed him at all.

“I don’t know if success has sex symbol! changed me. After I had my second child, I looked at my life with my wife and kids and we are blessed and thankful. It’s truly a comfortable space we live in. -Ebony Haynes

Kevin Hart may be one little man but he definitely knows how to deliver some big laughs. He’s established himself in the game as an actor/comedian who will be here making us laugh for years to come. So whether he’s cracking jokes or comparing how much taller he is than comedian Lil Duval on Twitter, one thing is for sure he’s one funny short man.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania the 31-year-old comedian went from shoe salesman to stand-up comic, not over night, but fast enough for many to believe that the journey to where he is now was easy.

When he realized comedy was what he wanted to do for a living, he quit his job and made things happen. No it wasn’t easy but he was good enough at what he did to turn it into his career.

“When I decided not to take my shoe salesman career any further, I said you know what, let me branch off into stand-up comedy.

I did some amateur nights, once I did amateur nights, quit my job instantly and said this is what it is, this is what I want to do,” Kevin

and Male hip hop artists at this years BET awards. Wayne says, “I know I say it every letter, but thank you from the bottom of my heart for the pictures, rocking free weezy tees, and continuous letters. They mean the world. I promise to continue to update as much as I can and answer as many questions as I can from you guys. Shout out to my YM family for making me proud last night. Love and appreciate life. God bless.” -(Weezy Thanx You).” -Xeranda Sanford

From the rough street corners of Hollygrove, Louisiana, he came and took over the rap game to such an extent that President Barack Obama has acknowledged his success. At the tender age of 27, Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. has set the bar high for rappers to follow behind him, but with much success comes more adversity. On October 22, 2009, Wayne pleaded guilty to the charges of possessing a .40 caliber semi automatic pistol where he is now serving out his one year sentence at New York’s Rikers.

Despite Lil Wayne’s current turmoil, he has now been faced with drug charges stemming from a previous incident that took place on January 22, 2008. After being stopped 80 miles east of Yuma, Arizona at an U.S. Border patrol check point, officers discovered 41 grams of ecstasy, an ounce of cocaine and four ounces of marijuana. Wayne was faced with possession of narcotic drugs for sale, possession of dangerous drugs, misconduct involving weapons and possession of drug paraphernalia. If convicted, Wayne would face a 36 month prison term. Luckily for Wayne, Young Money and his die heart fans, all charges were dismissed on June 30, 2010 , with Wayne appearing in court via video from Rikers, in exchange for him pleading guilty to one count possession of a dangerous drug where he will be doing three years probation after his current sen-

Jokes on Him:

Kevin Hart

is one little funny man

tence is up.

Lil Wayne’s website WeezyThanxYou.com which launched a month after his incarceration. On the website, fans have the opportunity to write Wayne a letter, where he then reposts their names and respond to them. He also writes letters to his fans as well, which are also publically posted on the webpage.

In his absence, Young Money has stood behind him and kept his empire generating. Wayne publically expressed his love for his fans and how proud he was of his Young Money squad on “ Weezy Thanx You” after Drake and Nicki Minaj’s took home Best female

“

Love. Live. Life. Proceed. Progress. That’s who I am and who I’ll always be. You see, we’re all living on borrowed time, so I’m not worried about this situation.

”

“ ”

10 TREY | FALL 2010 | 1HIPHOPUCIT.COM

Hometown Stadium Shows:

Jay-Z & Eminem NY vs. Detroit

T

wo of the biggest rap stars in the world will share the bill for four nights only. Eminem and Jay-Z have teamed up for a couple doubleheaders in September.

Jay will open for Eminem at Comerica Park in Em’s hometown of Detroit on September 2, and the tables will be turned when Slim Shady opens for Jay at New York’s Yankee Stadium on September 13.

An official announcement was made on Wednesday (May 12) during the third inning of the Detroit Tigers vs. New York Yankees baseball game at Comerica Park in the Motor City.

“We’re gonna do four concerts, two in this stadium, Comerica, and then we gonna do Yankee Stadium,” said Jay.

Hov wrapped his Blueprint 3 tour in March and Eminem released his Recovery album in June.

The two have collaborated in the past on “Renegade” off The Blueprint and performed at a private concert for the DJ Hero video game last summer.

“We’ve done things together. We’ve done smaller shows, but I don’t know if we’ve ever done anything this big between me and him,” shared Em. “But yeah, it’s going to be exciting.”

Hip-hop history will be made once again. “That’s like a dream. You dream of playing Madison Square Garden and then you say, ‘Maybe I can play Yankee Stadium,’ but it’s so far out there,” added Jay. “I’m overwhelmed by the idea that we can play here and play Yankee Stadium back to back. It’s just a great thing.” -Edward Griffin

“

We got so much love for our hometowns and we wanted to stretch the genre of hip-hop music and show that it can play live audiences.

”

Lyrical Genius: Rick Ross – I’m Not a Star

“ I’m a player catchin bit*hes like I’m T.O. / trunk full of work, yea this ni**a think he Nino / three dice yea, grab a ni**a for a kilo / pinky ring a hundred grand but keep that on the d-low / Diddy negotiates and the paperwork to Theo / my ni**as never sing if I need em I go to Ne-Yo / fu*k a famous bi*ch then I treat her just like a ski-oh / not even worth a shower, just grab me a stick of deo / Monday for Ménage’s and Tuesday I get a trio / when the bit*h that get a gift on the scriff, she was a P.O. / pull up to the club I got a kilo in the car / black card but a ni**a spending c-notes at the bar / I’m not a star.”

1HIPHOPUCIT.COM | FALL 2010 | 09 TREY

When it All Falls Down

kanYe West

Kanye Who? After Kanye’s disrupting behavior at the 2009 MTV Music Awards, his fame seemed disrupted as well. Better yet quieted. The last hit single the out spoken West released was “ Love Lock Down” which ironically debuted at MTV’s 2008 Music Awards for the first time.

Also in 2008 MTV deemed West “ Hottest MC in the Game” People blames his random outbursts, and receding fame on the death of his mother, Donda West who died while getting plastic surgery on November 10th, 2007.

West has barely been seen, heard or even talked about in the past year and a half. Although West’s was silenced as a solo artist, he still made sure his voice was heard on hit records through other artists. In 2009, West collaborated with Keri Hilson and Neyo on “ Knock you down” Drake, Lil Wayne and Eminem on “ Forever” and Estelle with her hit “ American Boy” just to name a few. West has currently collaborated with Ross on his new song, “ Live fast.”

Princess of Pop

Lady Gaga Unlike most artists who are given the title of an “icon”, Lady Gaga has proved to her “little monsters” that she isn’t stopping any time soon.

Many think of Lady Gaga as a bizarre chick or far from the norm, but her weird ways have given her the title of the new princess of pop. She has claimed to fame that she is an extraordinary artist/ songwriter/musician that plans to get her music across the world.

Born and raised in the lower east side of Manhattan as Stefani Germanotta, Lady Gaga rose to fame in 2007 when she signed with Interscope Records and began collaborating with Akon.

She stunned her audience with her first single “Just Dance” with her gay male dancers and outfits that showed lots of skin. Her first single was in the pop top 40 and from there more of her singles climbed to the top of the charts. Her first album “ The Fame” which

He hasn’t released an album since “ 808’s and Heartbreak” in 2008, but after apologizing to the rest of the world for his behavior, West simmered down in Hawaii, where he put together his fifth album, “ Good Ass Job” set to hit stores September 14th, 2010, for fans across the globe. The album was so important to West that he decided to take a “break” from girlfriend Amber Rose while he mastered it. West’s close friend tells US Magazine, “They are still good friends, Kanye is consumed with recording his comeback record in Hawaii and had to shut it all off. When he’s in work mode, he can’t handle a relationship. He told Amber he needs to devote everything right now to his craft.”

The album seems highly anticipated according to how well his single “ Power” is doing, which was leaked in May 2010. According to Kanye’s fansite, Kanyelive.com, it debuted at #1 on “Complex Magazines” Top 25 songs of 2010. The piece features soul singer and writer Dwele. The song is like so many of his others, very controversial, political, and challenging. The song goes beyond the beats and lyrics and into the real world. It meantions how schools are closing and prisons remain open, how black women are degraded and how power is in the hands of the “ non-black”. The song was performed for the first time at BET’s 2010 Music awards where he also was nominated for best video of the year for “Run This Town” with label mates Rhianna and Jay-Z. West has been quiet for far too long, its evident through his expression in “Power” and confidence that he’ll come back harder than before. “ Im livin in the 21st century doing something mean to it, do it better than anybody you ever seen do it, screams from the hate, got a nice ring to it, I guess every super hero needs his theme music.”“Power” -Xeranda Sanford

“

Money is completely boring to me. It means nothing, except it feeds my art. Every penny I make goes back into the Haus of GaGa. My Haus of GaGa is something like Andy Warhol’s Factory.

”

has songs such as “Paparazzi” and “Beautiful Dirty Rich”, peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200. Other hit songs that have hit the charts are songs such as “Poker Face”, “Bad Romance”, and “Alejandro.”

Gaga has surprised the media with crazy appearances with outfits, hairstyles, and shoes to accommodate who Lady Gaga really is.

Her dazzling performances at award shows and her recent worldwide tour, has stunned other artists to want to work with this walking work of art. She has also dedicated lots of her music to people who don’t feel accepted and to the gay community.

She has had collaborations with Beyonce with their hit songs “Telephone” and “Video Phone” remix, and D.C. native Wale with the song “Chillin”. Not many artist collaborations but Gaga claims that her priority is and will always remain strictly to her fans.

With six #1 singles and millions of album sales Gaga has worked her way to be seen on shows such as Oprah and Larry King, and also featured in magazines such as The Rolling Stones and Cosmopolitan.

Lady Gaga creativity and artistic way of presenting music has gotten her lots of exposure and love from the U.S to the U.K. She has recently dropped her latest album “The Fame Monster”, which is a two disc album that has had #1 hit songs buzzing the radios and internet. -Brittany Rodgers

08 TREY | FALL 2010 | 1HIPHOPUCIT.COM

R&B Corner

Jennifer Hudson she performed, David sat in the audience with her mother, Darnell. He took the time alone to ask her for her blessing for the pair to be married. She, of course, said yes.

While planning for the wedding and releasing a new album, tragedy struck. In October 2008, Jennifer lost her mother, Darnell, brother, Jason, and seven year old nephew, Julian. Since her family was her support, this loss was extremely hard for Jennifer. She took a few months hiatus, but resurfaced at the 2009 Superbowl XLIII singing the star-spangled banner. Soon after, she gave a riveting performance at the 2009 Grammys singing “You Pulled Me Through”. The song was little known from her album, but now held deeper meaning for the singer. “I feel like I’ve seen the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows. So it made perfect sense, me singing this song.

But when I recorded it, I just didn’t know what I was singing it for. It had a purpose, and that was its purpose.”

In addition to her new baby boy, Hudson has plenty of other new affairs happening. The actress is up for her biggest role yet as Winne Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s former wife, in the motion picture “Winnie”. However, Winne Mandela herself and many other South Africans are not pleased with the decision to allow an American to play her. Although controversy has been circulating around the production of the movie, Jennifer stays positive. “With good reason, she would feel that way. But I don’t think she would be disappointed,” Jennifer states. Shooting began early last month and the film is due out spring of next year. Also, Hudson’s highly anticipated sophomore album is to be released in September 2010.

Jennifer is also the new spokeswoman for Weight Watchers as of April 2010. “I decided to try Weight Watchers because I wanted to make healthy changes, and I needed a plan that would fit in with my busy life. I’m learning so much about healthy living, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come,” Hudson states With a new album, new movie and new figure, Jennifer is definitely living in her own spotlight, with David Sr. and Jr. bringing about her family dream. -Shay Nicole

With a new baby, plans of marriage, a new album, and the starring role of a major motion picture, Jennifer Hudson is chasing her dreams. The 28 year-old singer/actress describes herself as being “a bit busy” when discussing all of her current endeavors.

Beginning big, Jennifer received her first recognition on America’s number one hit show, American Idol. After a premature departure in 2004, Hudson was eager to jump back into singing. “I just knew I was going somewhere, and I had to sing my way to it,” the singer says after her Idol disappointment. Post Idol life for Hudson has been very rewarding. She performed in the hit Broadway musical “Hair”, making no secret in her interest in the stage.

While her career was in full bloom, Jennifer’s love-life began to flourish as well.

After seeing David Otunga on reality television show “I Love New York”, Jennifer knew she wanted to meet him. Soon after being introduced, the pair became an item.

Several months later, Hudson was asked to perform the national anthem at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. While

D r e a m s

C h a s i n g

Good Deeds:

Trey Songz

Songz 4 Peace

4

iT.COM

1HiPHOPUC

SONGZ PEACE Songz 4 Peace is a non-violent youth initiative formed by Chicago Philanthropist/Author Noonie G & Grammy Nominated Recording Artist Trey Songz. The birth of Songz 4 Peace took place in Chicago Illinois at Lindblom High School on August 5, 2008. The purpose is to educate and empower urban youth as well as influence them to make wiser decisions and utilize the options available to them. Since its launch, Songz 4 Peace has been activated in Richmond VA at Thomas Jefferson High School and has hosted several youth empowerment engagements led by Trey Songz and his team.

About Good Deeds: Highlighting Celebrities and Entertainers Foundations that impact the lives of others.

1HIPHOPUCIT.COM | FALL 2010 | 07 TREY

Hip Hop Heat

J. COLE World

F

or J. Cole, born Jermaine, this deal signing process came long overdue. He believed he was ready at age 12, when he was rapping like Master P. Now 12 years later at age 24 he is warmed up and ready to be heard.

His story is slightly different from other emcees. He’s not the everyday born in the streets, caught in the drug game searching for a way out kind of rapper. He’s more of the average, everyday kid who simply had a dream and a plan to become a rapper/producer.

He was originally born in Frankfurt, Germany to army parents and shortly after birth they moved to Fayetteville, North Carolina, where he was raised by his mother. Being of mixed-race he was born to a black father and a white mother.

He didn’t think it would take longer than a year of school before he was signed. Much to his surprise, 4 years quickly passed and he was graduating from college, magna cum laude (meaning with great honor), with no deal in hand.

After graduating in 2007, Cole turned to the mixtape world. He released his debut mixtape The Come Up; hosted by DJ On Point, the year he graduated and covered everything from life in college to dealing with days when he barely had anything but still stayed ambitious.

This mixtape was his breakthrough and

It’s a Cole

led to him being signed after Jay-Z heard “Lights Please,” a song that highlights raw talent, a concept that shows his intellect and classic lyrics that prove he was hungry for the game.

It presented him with his second chance to meet Jay-Z, after being turned down the first.

He first met Jigga after producing a track he thought he could get on the American Gangster album. He waiting in the rain for hours until he spotted Jay, handing him a CD and was simply shut down after told by JayZ, “Man, I don’t want that.” But even that didn’t alter his drive.

“No. Never. Not one time,” Cole told ABC News about thoughts of quitting. “For some reason I just always thought it was close, like I’ll be discovered soon,” Cole said.

Their Rules, His Game…

His second mixtape, The Warm Up was released on June 15, 2009 after being signed to Roc Nation. It embodies his imperfections, which he says is important for the public to understand him, not as an artist but a person.

He believes that’s the key for them to realize they can do whatever it is they want to do.

Outside of his mixtapes he has also been featured on several major hip-hop albums including his biggest album appearance on Jay-Z’s the Blueprint 3 on the track “Star is Born.” He’s also featured on the song “Beautiful Bliss” from Wale’s debut album Attention Deficit.

On the track Cole makes it known that although he finally has the deal he’s been working so hard to get he still knows he has more work to do.

“At dinner with Hov/hoping that he pass the baton/he just pass the Patron/ain’t nothing given dog it’s earned…” he raps on Beautiful Bliss.

“I don’t want anyone to think that this happened over night. You know, this is a long process of fake ass industry people that I had to go through, a lot of deception, a lot

of struggle, and a lot of rejection just to get to this point,” he told Complex Magazine about finally signing his deal.

Hip-Hop’s Revival…

He comes at a very critical time in hiphop where along with himself many new faces are slowly but surely changing the game, Wale, Drake, Charles Hamilton, B.oB and Kid Cudi to name a few . And despite these guys being his competition he believes that one thing they all have in common is the hunger to change the game.

“Everything happens in cycles; people had to be hungry for more in order for there to be more. And the people were starving. And it’s not like these rappers weren’t out there, but it’s just that now people are so hungry that they have to pay attention now. It’s like these new guys, maybe these guys wouldn’t have been who they are five or six years ago but they have to be who they are now at this time. If I would have gotten signed five years ago, I would not be the rapper I am today. So I’m glad it happened at this time, it couldn’t have happen at a better time,” he tells Complex Magazine about being in the game with so many other great newcomers.

That being the case, he’s still ready for whatever the competition has to throw his way. He’s always been big with basketball analogies and after being warmed up, he now refers to himself as the LeBron James of the game.

Cole believes it’s all about versatility, rapping about more than just cars and clothes, but economics and political issues. It’s about producing, rapping and writing.

Paying respect to his mother he admits that her support is what kept him motivated and keeps him going today. Despite that fact that she probably preferred he be a lawyer she still allowed him to follow his dream.

“She would always reinforce like, ‘well, if this is what you want, then I believe in you.’ She’s always been like that, ever since I was young.

-Ebony Haynes

“

If I wanted to do it like anybody or better than anybody, it would be him.

”

06 TREY | FALL 2010 | 1HIPHOPUCIT.COM

“

There is nothing contrived about his image nor is there a collective marketing group that details his every move. What you see taking place now-the “sudden success”-is simply a natural evolution.

”

So what is it about Trey exactly that has the industry and fans in a whirlwind?

No he’s not a dancer. You won’t see him in an insanely choreographed video with special effects and background dancers. He hasn’t acted in a bunch of films--at best he has made a few television appearances. He doesn’t have a clothing line, and you don’t see him as the face of a sports drink, music player, or cologne. There is nothing contrived about his image nor is there a collective marketing group that details his every move.

What you see taking place now-the “sudden success”-is simply a natural evolution.

The key to Trey’s appeal is that he is still the boy next door—that one everyone wants to see win. Everybody wants to see him succeed. Only the boy has grown into a man that we can all love, appreciate, and enjoy. His appeal pays homage to a time where singers didn’t need a lot of big brand support or an entourage of rappers to join in order to start off. When it comes down to it, Trey possesses enough vocal ability and genuine showman ship that will last longer than just a few albums. He will see to it.

“I think that my talent has yet to be - has yet to climax, if it ever will,” he continues to tell the TV personality. “I think I’m just scratching the surface of my potential.”

In the third album of his career, Trey Songz has managed to bypass many of the pitfalls that trap young R&B singers. Under the guide of Liles and Taylor, he has been afforded a solid team and supportive staff around him. You won’t hear any tales of crooked management, label woes, or bankruptcy. His tunnel vision keeps success at

the forefront, rather than a slur of romantic flings and love interests. You won’t read about his latest breakup or relationships troubles in the tabloids— you’re more likely to hear about his newest single than his newest car or extravagant purchase. It’s this streamlined focus that keeps him away from the unnecessary attention and in the spotlight of the positive.

“I’m changing as a person and the music is the better for it.”

This is not the peak of his career, if anything; the R&B firestorm is just beginning. The release of his fourth album is set for this month (September 2010) and he only plans to capitalize on the success of Ready.

Not just within music, Trey is also dedicated to being a responsible public figure. In August 2008, Trey added the philanthropic organization Songz 4 Peace to his portfolio with the media help of 1HIPHOPUCIT.com.

He launched the charity with community activist Noonie Ward in Chicago’s crime-infested Southside in attempt to save youth from violence before bringing his message to his hometown in Virginia.

As with any journey, he’s had his share of struggles. In the beginning of his career, he couldn’t garner a lot of label support for his debut album.

During his second album, he still didn’t receive his just due but saw a little peak with the single “Can’t Help But Wait”. He’s had a few words— musically, never face-to-face—with his one of his musical idols, R.Kelly. But just as cool and collected as he is in his music and videos, Trey takes it all in stride. A few rumors here and there and a few musical comparisons later, and Trey Songz is prepared to cement his place in the music business. And that spot might very well be at the top.

-Melissa Kimble 1HIPHOPUCIT.COM | FALL 2010 | 05 TREY

I

n today’s music, you have to be more than just the complete package. You have to be able to excel across all mediums and be readily available to the public at a moment’s notice. No one seems to challenge it. No one seems to want different or want more. However it takes a special kind of artist to find that balance: maintain your integrity as an artist while giving yourself to your fans without giving away too much.

What kind of artist can push himself musically and creatively while keeping the control over his career? And can do that without submitting his fate to a political minded business and avoiding the pitfalls?

Trey Songz to be exact.

Not just any kind of artist.

One of the biggest hip hop artists of all time with one of the biggest tours of the year has his opening act all set up. Yet it’s not your favorite underground rapper or the guy poised to take Jay-Z’s throne. Although he may have the demeanor of a rapper, his style is a bit more polished, yet still accessible. He might even be able to hop on any type of beat like a rapper, but his approach is more specific. And, of course women flock to him like they flock to their favorite rappers, but he is closer to sex symbol status than any up and coming hip hop artist could ever be. He’s sleeker, more charming, more aggressive and works as if he’s trying to make his way into your top five MCs. But he’s not a rapper.

Trey Songz to be exact.

He’s a singer.

On the night of March 18, 2010, Chicagoans packed in the United Center with a major anticipation to see the star quality of the opening act. Among a backdrop of Chicago history and paraphernalia, a crazy mix of pop, hip hop, and R&B fans, were witnessing a special treat. Not only were they given a show, but Trey’s dedication to hard work and his craft showed off his ability to capture a crowd’s attention and hold it-a quality seemingly forgotten in this new generation of R&B heartthrobs. Backed by just a live band, Trey Songz was able to carry the show off of his impressive vocals and showmanship. And as quickly as he gained their attention, he also gained their ears, their hearts, and a genuine characteris-

tic valued in any business or industry—respect.

“Shawty, all I got is a dollar and a dream. Is ya gonna roll wit me? You see I’ve tried a 9 to 5, and it just don’t fit me” -Trey Songz, “I Gotta Make It” Born Tremaine Aldon Neverson, Trey signed with Atlantic Records in 2003 and quietly made his national debut to the music world in 2005 with his first album, I Gotta Make It. From the start, listeners, potential fans, and critics alike could tell that he already possessed an innate star quality. With an introduction on the album from The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin and a blessing from Ahmet Ertegun, founding chairman of Atlantic Records, Trey was already primed for a solid foundation into the music business. In 2004, the Petersburg, Virginia native had started Songbook, his production company, with his manager Troy Taylor.

The company houses several producers and also gives him the ability to serve as executive producer of his own projects. Clearly, he’s not in this just to sing but to establish himself as a business and a brand as well.

“I thought he had great records. I didn’t think he had any Trey Songz’ records. He was still in discovery mode,” Kevin Liles says (for the BET show, “My Moment”) about his early perception of Trey before he stepped in as manager. Now it seems that Trey has zoned in on the top spot. With his third album, the singer has seemed to find himself and his place among R&B elite.

“With every move you make you have something to prove,” says Trey. “There’s always room for improvement.”

His latest projects—the mixtape, Anticipation, and his latest studio effort, Ready, has cemented his status as an R&B force to be reckoned with. These projects have not only show his growth but the fact that he is ready to prove the reason why he’s

everywhere right now—your TV, your radio, tours with your favorite hip hop artists, magazines (this magazine in particular), the Internet, your favorite music channels, and even the apple of your little sister’s and aunt’s eyes.

This past year, his success took an even sharper, upward turn. Legendary music executive, Kevin Liles, is now at the head of his management team, and he landed a spot on BET’s line up with his reality series “My Moment”. Throughout his career nine of his songs have been featured on Billboard’s Top 100 Chart, including Ready’s singles “Say Aah”, “Invented Sex”, and “Neighbors Know My Name.” And if you didn’t get enough of him through his own music, you could count on finding him along side your favorite artists-from Mary J.Blige, Fat Joe, Toni Braxton, Drake, Ludacris and more. He’s won the 2010 BET Music Award for Best Male R&B Artist and has a handful of award nods under his belt, including two

Grammy awards, a Soul Train music award, and even a Teen’s Choice Award.

Of course critics and naysayers will say this past year was only based on luck, rather than seizing opportunity and the right timing. Yes, his singles have been everywhere.

Yes, he just so happened to luck up on countless tours and shows—The Pain, Passion, & Pleasure is running its course now with fellow R&B heavyweight, Monica. It may seem like an instant burst of success, but this is a moment that the singer has been working on for years.

“I’d say that my career has taken a big jump, but a [in] short time I wouldn’t say,” reveals the singer to talk-show host and media personality, Tavis Smiley. “It definitely was a lot of legwork and I’m being recognized as of late for a lot of the work that was put in early on. There was probably a five-year process before I got here, when I was actually signed, and even before then it was a four-year process to get signed. I think God does everything in perfect time, and now’s my time.”

04 TREY | FALL 2010 | 1HIPHOPUCIT.COM

REY SONGZ

CAN WE NOW CALL HIM THE NEW KING OF R&B? How do you know when the natural order of things has taken place? Who are you to decide?

Music fans, the industry, and critics cannot deny the presence of Trey Songz. What seems to be a tough time for R&B artists to stay afloat-fight domestic abuse charges, legal troubles, making a comeback after failed albums and marriages, being sent to the background as simply the chorus to your favorite rap song- he has successfully emerged as the last man standing, with public image, record sales, and tours firmly intact.

1HIPHOPUCIT.COM | FALL 2010 | 03 TREY

02 TREY | FALL 2010 | 1HIPHOPUCIT.COM

Kanye West

When It All Falls Down Hometown Stadium Shows

Jay-Z & Eminem NY vs. Detroit

The Game Returns To BET Saving OUR TV Shows

T.I. Returns

Transitioning

Lil Wayne

Easing Into The Majors

Kevin Hart JusTamara

More Than a Woman

TREY SONGZ

R&B’s New King Or Is It Too Early?

King Uncaged

$6.00 US

Fall Issue 2010