LeveL-Up! Magazine Vol 1. Issue 1 2008

Page 1

ToineTracks

LEVEL-UP2008

March

ART AND BASKETBALL You’ll never learn about this in your art appreciation class but after this session, you’ll understand why Da Vinci was so popular.

PRETTY SOON, YOUR I.D. COULD BE OBSOLETE.... PAGE 14

GET YOUR TUNE UP DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME

GASOLINA!

Toine Tracks, the man behind the Level Up release shows us how one beat can start a listening revolution that can be heard from Columbia College to Lake Michigan.

No matter how cold the windy city gets, Chicago artists are stepping up and bringing enough flames to light the torch carried by the Statue of Libetry. Hello Chi Town how ya doin?


LeveL-Up! Model LeveL-Up!Magazine.Iss.1


LEVEL-UP ToineTracks

March 2008

TOINETRACKS...”PEACE & VICTORY” If you never got the luxury of ear gratification and customized beats on the spot, you should call up Toine Tracks. This Chicago native is the tech son of super producers Dre and Timbaland and after 9 years of making fierce tracks, he’s coming harder in 2008. With guitar riffs and intergalactic noises inner mixed with hi hats and a room full of bass, Toine Tracks proves to his opponents that sampling is a thing of the past and the new era of production lies in creativity and passion. Don’t let the smile and low key demeanor fool you. Toine Tracks is not

more. “It begins with a punch on the Phantom X and floats into another level

only random, quirky, and avant garde on

of musical consciousness.” These days,

his tracks, he plays a mean rendition of what he calls “life” on the keys. Self

the beat maker is all about using the technology he has mastered to level up

taught and learning more about the game, he surprises his clients with state

and flood every outlet of the Internet possible. Representing the art and

of the art equipment, a unique

music culture of our generation, he

philosophy on beat making, and a keen sense of what they want before they

credits Columbia for educating him on the business and providing real world

even tell him. As a Chicago native and Marquette Park descendent, Toine has

experiences. When it comes down to it, he depends on self to seek the

been bringing the bass since his Gage

knowledge of how to master the art of

Park years. To thirst his hunger, he feeds off this sincere dedication and drive to make beats until his ears can take no

Toine Tracks: “Music is more than making beat making. Keep your ears open and beats, my music is the beginning your focus sharp, the beat master will be of a revolution that cannot be categorized or duplicated.”

bumpin’ in an iPod near you.

LeveL-Up!Magazine.Iss.1


LEVEL-UP ToineTracks

March 2008

DREW YUNG & TOINETRACKS When this sibling duo start collabing in the studio, you would swear the vibe was as smooth as Timbaland and Justin Timberlake. Fresh and ready to take on the industry, Drew Yung is the teen underground artist that you will want to know by the end of this article. SWEET HOME CHICAGO, the WINDY

domination on the court, but being tipsy and

CITY! Chi city natives are always on the nitty

dominated by liquor at the club.” Drew Yung

gritty to make it. Whatever the hustle,

didn’t always know he would be a rapper, his

Chicagoans strive to be the biggest and the

brother Toine Tracks surprised him one day

best. May it be talent, movies, or clothing

with a mini beat machine and a million dollar

keeping it fly, flashy, and fresh is a necessity.

idea. “When he started punching on the

While there are about a handful of mainstream

buttons, I just started flowing and we’ve been

artists reppin’ the chi like Twista, Common,

collaborating ever since then.” If the walls

and Kanye, the underground hip hop scene

could talk, they would speak on how the bass

has proven itself to be progressive; that

came through the speakers at high

diamond in the rut you don’t always notice at

frequencies when “In the Paint” was being

first glance. Chicago’s own Kool Kids have

recorded. Music isn’t the only thing this

been brought into the mainstream with the

brother duo are working on, their belief in art

Rhapsody commercial and even more tech

imitating life will be reflected in a clothing line

gens are using YouTube as a jump off for

to be released in the spring of 2009. Sitting

stardom. With his first single “In the Paint,”

down with Drew, we talk about college life,

Drew Yung displays his passion for the court

basketball, and why rapping is the best hobby

and the mic. “In the paint not only means

in world.

LeveL-Up!Magazine.Iss.1

Drew Yung “Music and basketball are my two inspirations. My music reflects this deep passion I have for dominating on the court and on the mic.”


DREW YUNG

Graduation this spring means even more time for DY to get his rap and art game proper.

How was your experience working in the studio with your

LEVEL UP I just got done listening to your first single “In the

easy because all I had to do was just write the lyrics, present the ideas, and

Paint,” how long did it take you to

tell him the concept of the song. From

brother Toine Tracks? It was really

there, he showed me how to format it write it? DREW YUNG It took me around 2 and we had a hit in about 3 hours. So you’re at a big advantage hours. I finished most of it in one night working with him, it seems like the and then the next day in the studio, I finished up the last verse of the hook.

chemistry is on point.

Exactly what does “in the paint” mean? I noticed references to

Pretty much. Whenever I bring an idea to the table, he knows exactly

basketball but really didn’t get the

how the beat should go with the lyrics and we got about two songs done

idea. In the paint means domination on the court and being tipsy when you out at the club. I wanted to talk about both because rapping and basketball

always tells me how my vocals are like an instrument and play an important

is like an art.

role in the recording process. Ok, million dollar question:

And what was your inspiration for this particular track? I wanted to make a club banger, something for people to bob their heads to. I was thinking about basketball at the time so I first thought about how I would put a club banger with basketball. I

“ Everybody that’s not on with us now, don’t hop on the bandwagon when we blow up.” Over the years, Drew Yung has witnessed the separation between the hungry willing artists to the ones who were just in it for the trend. Being his brother’s protege has shown him that nothing is guaranteed unless you have the determination to want to make it. “The best things I could’ve learned from Toine is the art of staying focused and the importance of thinking big and striving for your dreams.

within a day. When I’m recording, he

When you blow up, will you still go to college? Of course. You gotta still have knowledge in everything. It’s not just about rapping to me. I’m multi talented. You have to learn how to use

instantly thought about being “in the paint,” which is a phrase for

the money that you are making, that’s where the education comes in. I

somebody being slap drunk Being put

believe it’s important to use your talents to the best of your ability.

in the paint is like somebody dominating you on the court, but the

What are some other talents

real domination is being tipsy from the liquor. That’s how I came up with the

that you have? I draw. I want to have my own clothing line and make more

two concepts.

venues for myself. I’m just about my business.

“I am in the paint you can call me Shaq, you can only try to hold me back.”

LeveL-Up!Magazine.Iss.1


LEVEL-UP ToineTracks

March 2008

SADE GRANT...AKA “DAE JONES” “I am already passionate about what I do. I’m going to stay true to me. This is me, I’m Dae Jones and this is how you get it, take it or leave it.”

This Chicago native and former Cabrini Green resident is staying true to self and

something that is rare in the world of R&B. Describing herself as bubbly and at the same

striving to make a difference in the lives of

time down to earth, Miss Jones finds it

little girls everywhere through her music. With her first single titled “Sidekick,” Dae

important to never forget where she came from and reflect her gratitude for where she

Jones is bringing the fun fem swag back into the club with this diverse track you can

is now by performing in charity events for the children in her neighborhood. “I’m from

dance to in front of the mirror or kick back to

Cabrini Green and I did a show over there for

and blast on your iPod. Ready to be released in April of this year, Dae Jones can describe

the children. After I performed, the kids embraced me, they wanted to be me. The

the track in four words; “the song is crazy.” Not only is she working hard in the studio

feeling I got to be able to motivate those kids was amazing.” In lieu of performing at school

with Toine Tracks to perfect and bronze

and fighting through the crowds to get her

“Sidekick,” her passion for dance and working in the community keeps her busy

name on a list, Dae finds it more meaningful to perform in multiple places on a larger

and driven. As leader and founder of the dance trio Lovely Ladies, this dance diva has

scale. On March 29, The Lovely Ladies will be performing at the Mc McCormick Tribune

competed in local competitions and opened

Cancer Center (3201 S. State). With bangle

up for the multi talented heartthrob Chris Brown in his annual dance down competition

bracelets adorning her arms and metallic accessories to match her outfit, the soon to

in 06 and 07. Also, in 06 and 07, The Lovely Ladies opened up for Wayne, Jeezy, Rich

be diva sits with me on a snowy and chill Tuesday night to discuss her anticipation for

Boi, Jim Jones, Chicago’s own Shawna, and

her upcoming mix tape, where she will be in

Young Dro during the Street Dreams Tour. With dancing as her second passion, Dae

five years, and how her music can “change the thoughts of a million girls out there.”

Jones has even found time to collab with the GO’s youngest celebrity The Pope. With

LeveL-Up!Magazine.Iss.1

plans for “Sidekick” to go double platinum

Dae Jones:

and get an endorsement from T. Mobile, Dae Jones is preparing to release a mix tape,

“My passion is my savior.”


LEVEL UP What influenced you to sing? DAE JONES I would have to say

platinum and get an endorsement for Sidekick. I also have a dance group called The Lovely Ladies. They’re

watching other artists and kinda growing up with the music at home.

based here in Chicago. It’s a small group at the moment but we plan to

Of course it has become a passion.

expand down the line. We’ve been together for about three years and

I’m able to motivate people through my music so of course it is

have been in local competitions.

something that I want to continue to do. I grew up listening to Whitney

I understand that you’re working with Toine Tracks on the

Houston and Mariah Carey. I’m so

album. How has it been working with him in the studio? It is a new

ashamed to say I didn’t watch Michael Jackson when I was little.

experience and at times it is

Would you be open to collaborating with other singers in

frustrating and tedious. Of course anything that is worth it is going to

the future? Oh yeah, of course. I’m

take hard work so I’m able to deal

really diverse. With a female artist like Mary J

with the pressure. It has been a great experience and something new

and the length of time she has been in the game, what do you

because his production is different from what I have been doing. I would

think keeps her going and how will

say the chemistry or how well we

you apply that your experiences? Her passion and staying true to

work together on the track is the best. Every producer you work with

herself. Of course I am already passionate about what I do. I’m

might not bring that chemistry. Every time he puts on a beat, I’m instantly

going to stay true to me. This is me,

writing to it. With the fusion of technology

I’m Dae Jones and this is how you get it, take it or leave it.

and music, how will you survive in

Where do you see yourself in the game 5 years from now? Five

the era of downloads and low CD sales? I feel like some artists who

years from now, I’m trying to figure

sing have a harder time. I sing and

out how many Grammys I’ll have. I’ll be working on new outlets for youth.

dance. I give people something they can see, I can sell out in the arena. A

I want to make dreams happen in both the music and dance industry.

performance can’t be bootlegged. That’s why Chris Brown and Ciara,

Are you working on anything

for example are making so much

now? Yes, I’m working on my demo

money form their tours because they are giving the fans something they

and I plan to put out an R&B mix

can see.

tape. The first single is called “Sidekick.” The song is crazy. It’s an

M

A

M

A S

LIKE

ME, GIRLS

DESPISE

ME.

upbeat track that you can dance to in the club and kick back with. The intent for the song is to go double

LeveL-Up!Magazine.Iss.1


CUTTY BOYZ

With their first single “Do Ya Thang,” The Cutty Boyz are mixing screwed dirty south flow with east coast lyricism and undeniable midwest swag.

complete package the game has been missing. With different

It’s as good as gold when this Chi town trio get together in the studio.

Establishing their belief in fans downloading their music, the

The musical fusion that they create is

definition of a rapper, and the reason

real, raw, and life imitating art at its best. As advocates of storytelling and

why women shouldn’t take it personal if they use them in their songs, there

representing what they live everyday, their first single “Do ya Thang” truly

is no in between. They’re about as real as they come. In the middle of the

paints a vivid picture of realism. It’s

afternoon post class and tangled in

personalities, ages, and backgrounds, the Cutty Boyz turn to Toine Tracks to put that Midas touch on their style.

like an episode of True Life minus the the downtown evening rush, The background music and narration. With Cutty Boyz prepare to dish out their goals for the mix tape they’re getting influences from the late lyricist B.I.G together and where they see and G-Unit’s Lloyd Banks, the Cutty Boyz are ready to make a name for

themselves five years from now. In

themselves may it be mainstream or underground. Identifying themselves

preparation for the summer, they plan on bringing the heat before daylight

as the group to cut the game and separate the real from the fake Young

savings times ends..

Trap, Jimmy, and $Q claim to be the

Young Trap, Jimmy, & $Q: “We want to cut the whole game and separate the real from the fake.”

“We come from the underground, we want to be like UGK.”

LeveL-Up!Magazine.Iss.1


We aint never selling out. We will always contribute. LEVEL UP Why does the industry need a group like you?

We like working with him. He’s a great engineer and promoter. Young Trap: We saw his flier on the

expectation for all women to do the same, how do you feel about this? Jimmy: Different songs have

train and called him up and been working with him ever since then.

different topics. Obviously, we will use the type of lyrics that describe what we

package. We come from diverse backgrounds. We combine that east

How long have you been working with him? Since the fall of

are talking about. We call ‘em like we see ‘em and if you’re not that, then

coast, midwest, and down south flavor

2007.

don’t get mad.

all in one. What artists influenced this

What’s the longest you’ve been in the studio with Toine?

Young Trap: Women don’t get mad when 50 cent takes his shirt off but are

JIMMY We’re the complete

storyteller and he came with

upset when women do the same thing, like we do 8 hour shifts like we at work. it’s a double standard. We all know sex [laughs]. The times vary but it’s usually sells.

metaphors in his rhymes. Jimmy: I would have to say B.I.G

between 3 and 4 hours. As a group, what’s currently in

$Q: Like Jimmy said, we call them like we see them whether it’s for good

too because when he first came in the game, he was different and he

the works?

or bad.

diversity? $Q: B.I.G because he was a

Jimmy: Man, sometimes it feels

remained that way until he died.

Young Trap: As a group we want to drop 2 albums per year, jump on mix

Young Trap: Lloyd Banks influenced me to start rapping because

tapes, and record. I got enough bars to do it. As long as we got Toine with us,

of his punch lines. With the work you’ve put in at

it can get done.

the studio, how do you feel about bootleggers and internet pirates? Jimmy: We don’t have a problem with people downloading our music. $Q: It doesn’t matter how the fans are getting our music, what matters is that they are listening. As long they quote my verse, I’m cool wit it. Young Trap: I think it does have an effect on the industry. I like all my fans. White people, I love you. What’s your definition of a rapper? Jimmy: A rapper is a storyteller, somebody that paints you a picture with words and entertains. How has your experience been with Toine Tracks in the studio and getting your single recorded?

Jimmy: Everything we put out we go hard on and give the fans 100% That’s our main goal right now. In 5 years, where do you see

“WHEN I MAKE yourselves? IT,I’M Jimmy: We want to have two albums done and be in the position to PERFORMING put on other artists. $Q: Signing checks. IN IRAQ BUT Young Trap: Starting a clothing label and having a couple of JUST FOR THE businesses. Let’s be honest, most artists in SOLDIERS.” the rap game are mainstream, will you follow the trend? Jimmy: We will never sell out, we will always contribute to our community. Stereotypically, rappers represent women in a negative light. Booty shaking on videos creates an

LeveL-Up!Magazine.Iss.1


LEVEL-UP ToineTracks

March 2008

QUINTELL WRIGHT From the hood to downtown, Quintell Wright is representing truth, energy, and the notion of thinking outside the box in his music. With his firt single “Dougie Fresh,” Quintell isn’t talking about the actual rapper but reflecting back on fresh, fun, and funky times of the 90’s. From the gate, Quintell Wright is telling it like it is and bringing back the

images we see on Save The Children commercials and in the newspapers

hip hop swagger that has been lost in

wasn’t everywhere. I saw people who

the flood of bling and half dressed women. Originally from the south side

were well dressed and not starving. It were kids walking around with fresher

of Chicago, Wright emphasizes how one shouldn’t let where they come from

air ones than me.” The truth is, all that we know should not be what is told to

have an affect on the way they act and

us. On a foggy Friday afternoon, I’m

what they rap about. A trip to the Caribbean last semester really opened

sitting at the Toine Tracks headquarters and getting ready to interview Columbia

his eyes up to how the media affects the minds of our population. “ “From

College student Quintell Wright. We instantly get into a deep discussion

Sunday to Thursday, I traveled the

about Englewood, Obama, and the

Caribbean and noticed that all of the

importance of versatility and truth.

LeveL-Up!Magazine.Iss.1

Quintell Wright “I want to put truth in my music rather its funny or serious. People can either love me or hate me for it.”


LEVEL UP Has college life influenced what you rap about?

Listening to your tracks, I get a sense of this rap philosophy. What’s

That’s a pretty good mix. Who are your personal influences? Pharell

your inspiration? Through music, I

Williams. He’s a black suburban

influence the way I rap. I’m from Englewood, the worst hood on the

speak for people who can’t really speak for themselves on a public level.

producer who grew up around white folks but is diverse because of his

southside, but just because you come

People laugh at comedians because

creativity in music. For every song he’s

from there doesn’t mean you have to reflect the ignorance you see.

it’s true and they can relate or know made for Britney Spears, he’s made someone that does what the comedian one for Jay- Z. He represents pop,

So how did you meet Toine and what do you like about his style? I

is talking about. I want to put the truth in my music if it’s funny or serious.

R&B, and hip-hop. Pharell is most def. versatile. It

met Toine in the summer of 2007

They can love me or hate me for it. Why “Dougie Fresh” for your

seems like you are into people who have distinctive style. What will you

first single? I wanted to pay homage

bring to the table? Something new

artist and I noticed he would be useful in helping me with my dreams. We

to the the rappers from the 80’s and 90’s. Dougie Fresh was a cool mc and

and refreshing. My flow isn’t boring. It’s similar to being back in the 90’s

linked up and have been cool ever

people want to be like him.I know this

when it was more about creativity. I’m

since. Toine gets his creative input without overshadowing my style. If he

cat from Atlanta who has a fresh swag and it inspired me to combine

a rapper but I feel like music can’t be categorized. My music is about

QUINTELL WRIGHT College does

through my friend Clay Reeves. He was recording a joint with another

doesn’t like something, he’ll be brutally everything together into a song. honest about it. His beats are so What are the top five songs on

clubbing, political consciousness, etc. Some people say I contradict myself in

energetic and every beat I’ve heard is

your playlist right now? I listen to

music but not one person is the same

random, it has no limits, it’s free. Who do you consider your

everything almost... my top five would have to be Kayne- “Flashing Lights,”

24/7. We only have a main side that we show more than the other. I know

competition and how are you better? I’m nowhere near mainstream,

Lupe Fiasco- “The Cool,” Gym Class Heroes- “Viva la White Girl,” Shawty

people who don’t want to expand, but I’m not sticking to one genre.

but at this point it doesn’t matter. If

Lo-“They Know Remix,” and Chris

[they] want to, they can bring it.

Brown- “Take You Down.”

“NEVER INVEST TIME INTO PEOPLE WHO DON’T INVEST TIME IN YOU.”

LeveL-Up!Magazine.Iss.1


LEVEL-UP ToineTracks

March 2008

BERNARD “BOSS” PENSON Toine Track’s very first A&R rep is keeping the hustle alive and pushing hard to get everybody in Toine Tracks that extra push they need to get noticed. Call him the boss because he knows what sells. Rick Ross may be the boss on the charts, but A&Rs are just as

in being part of the new era of music production and promotions. Mr.

important as the artist who work their Shaw proclaims promoting is his life craft on the mic. This Englewood native is driven and focused on a

and he is dedicated to the hustle. Getting the job done has always

long time relationship with the music industry. Today, you can see him all

come naturally for Benard. As a Gage Park alumni, he and Toine

around Chicago promoting Toine

tracks were associates and linked up

Tracks and seeking artists interested

last year.

“It’s our role to educate our kids.”

LeveL-Up!Magazine.Iss.1

Benard Boss Penson: “You have to treat everyday like your last.”


LEVEL UP Why are you interested in promoting Toine Tracks?

BENARD SHAW I feel like it’s an

Musically, where do you see Chicago and the industry in the next 5 years? The south is running it right

I’m breathing, don’t stop.” That’s what keeps me grounded. You’re putting in so much work

now. Everybody is tired of all the beef music. I think its about being creative

for this cause but isn’t hip-hop dead to some people? Hip-hop isn’t dead.

and making good club music. Miami is

It’s alive. The people who say it’s dead

runnin’ it too. Rick Ross built a whole team down there. I think [we] got good

are the ones who have low CD sales. Ok, since you’re really good at

music too, but right now it’s not our time. There will be a day when dozens

promoting, how would you sell...a worthless vacuum? I would sit down

of artists will be coming from Chicago.

and find out something unique about

how have they influenced you do

It’s just right now people don’t know how to have fun anymore and it’s too

it. I would then use what I learn as a way to show my knowledge of the

want to do what you do. Biggie because he stood up for all the big

many haters. We should all support each other to build a musical empire.

product. So you’re a researcher? Yeah.

What’s your take on piracy and

How do you feel about young

opportunity for us to work together as a team. Since I’m always traveling in the streets, I figured I might as well promote. I knew him since high school and we were cool. Why music? Why not promote movies or plays? Music is in my DNA. I love music, that’s why I chose this industry. Who’s your favorite artist and

guys out there. He had good music and punch lines but was so ahead of his time when he was alive. Today we

the decline in CD sales? The better a children listening to rap music and CD is, the more it will sell. The industry what affect do you think it has on

can understand him but back then I think he was misunderstood lyrically.

really needs to bring down the price. I know plenty of people who want to

them? It depends on the environment. Some kids can understand that it’s

2Pac and Jodeci were also some favorites for me from back in the day.

buy the newly released CDs from their

entertainment and you have some kids

Presently, 50 has motivated me

favorite artists but they don’t have the money to buy them. Bootleggers are

that actually do it. I believe that as parents it’s our role to educate our

because of his work ethics. Just like BIG, he’s ahead of his time and has

taking millions from the music industry. kids and remind them that what they We gotta go cheaper and come with see in the media is simply

good music. What’s an average day for you? Some days I work and then I

better material.

entertainment. A child might watch

It seems to me like you have a strong work ethic, what motivates

Scarface a million times and not do what he does. As adults we have a

you? A quote that I live by is “ as long

role in a child’s understanding of real life and fantasy.

have class twice a week. When I promote, I promote, that’s all I think about.

“Bootleggers are taking millions from the music industry.”

LeveL-Up!Magazine.Iss.1


Peace and Victory: A movement for our generation. The movement has now begun and it calls for truth seekers to elevate their own minds and the minds of others to become more conscious of what is going on locally and beyond.

EDUCATE

& ELEVATE

“It’s time for us to educate ourselves and seek the truth about who governs us.” It started with a video on the cyber community

issues discussed was legislation to push a National

website YouTube and sparked a nerve in the veins of Freddie Williams, better known as Toine Tracks. Many of you have probably already heard that Zeitgeist Movie is one of the most downloaded and watched documentaries online to date. If you

I.D. better known as Real I.D. Ready to launch in May of 2008, this national identification system will combine your state i.d. and driver’s license. There will also be a scan’able’ bar with your information linked to it. This I.D. will be necessary for you to

haven’t seen it, you’re missing out on having that “aha” moment. The light switch will flicker the entire time you watch the images and take in the deep indulged voice of the narrator. One of the many

travel and many states including Illinois opposes it. A recent article in Parade magazine outlines some details. You can find it on www.parade.com and be sure to YouTube or Google it for more information.

LITERATURE AND FILM:

1984

SICKO

MY BLOODY LIFE:THE MAKING OF A LATIN KING

ZEITGEIST

George Orwell A chilling classic that can also be rented from Chicago Public Library if you’re a more visual person.

Michael Moore While it’s controversial, our healthcare industry is truly unsystematic. Learn about it for the good of us all.

Reymundo Sanchez This Puerto Rican Chicago native tells all in this narrative of gang life,survival,and the importance of bettering yourself.

Peter Joseph The importance of being informed is explored in this 2 hour must see documentary.

LeveL-Up!Magazine.Iss.1


LEVEL UP YOUR MIND! Check out what’s in the works and become a part of our community. “The music industry should be a portal into another universe of consciousness that we all deserve to have. Knowledge is something that no one can take away from you and it’s vital to always want to know what is going on around you.” B. Ward

and subscribe to Toine’s viral videos. Simply go to www.youtube.com and in the search menu type ToineTracks. Tech Talk with Toine Toine wants to expand his knowledge of audio technology to everyone in the second edition of Level Up. He invites

Invisible Children movement has

gained national awareness. Toine Tracks is currently Level Up Podcast working in the lab to create In the next coming months, musical awareness for the Toine Tracks will be hosting a you to write in or email with all monthly podcast available for your tech questions. He will also Invisible Children cause. As a movement, we are all pushing free on iTunes. The discussions be giving tips on updating and to get more attention to other will vary from current events to maintaining your Mac lap or places like Congo, where more what local Columbia R&B/Rap desk top. than 45,000 people have fallen artists are doing. victim to the political unrest in Invisible Children & their villages. Go to: You Tube national consciousness www.invisiblechildren.com and If you want to see the mad The genocide and terror in http://www.genocidewatch.org/ scientist in the studio and get to many African nations should be GenocideEmergencyIturi.htm to see how the magic is made with brought to light. Thanks to a learn more about what you can various artists under T.T., tune in group of college students, the do.

Contacting Toine Tracks: email: toinew@tmail.com or toinetracks2008@yahoo.com

MySpace • www.myspace.com/ antoinetracks • www.myspace.com/ drewyung1

Artists are currently updating their

Contacting B. Ward:

pages. Myspace information will be

email: bluedemon20@gmail.com

want to contact them, please get in

LEVEL UP Chicago, IL *an independent student publication*

available in a couple of months. If you touch with Toine to get their information.

LeveL-Up!Magazine.Iss.1


“You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time.”

Good ‘ol honest Abe was getting at something when he proclaimed this

chief, the opportunity to be a part of the movement has given me the drive to find out the truth not only for myself, but for others who are unaware of what is going on. As a future educator, I find it vital to educate the masses, free of charge. Letting go of racial and socioeconomic issues truly uncovers what’s most important.

truth.The irony behind his statement lies in the history lesson that he freed slaves when in reality, his own wife’s

Survival. In light of 9/11, Katrina, and now the Real

family were slave owners and he made the move for political ad possibly

I.D. Act,we really have to organize as young people to let our

personal reasons [the controversy of his birth mother being a slave has yet

government know that they will no

to be discussed]. Having watched

longer keep the wool over our eyes. How many realities have to be

Zeitgeist has not only angered me, but has justified the non-traditional way I

uncovered for us to see that we are living in the end times of

was raised and educated. As editor-in-

privacy,adequate healthcare, free

LEVEL- UP

LeveL-Up!Magazine.Iss.1

education, and freedom of speech? As citizens, we have the right to question any and everything the people in power tell us. We are facing the age of fascism and total control over every part of our lives if we stay complacent. -B. Ward


Level-Up!

AN INDEPENDENT STUDENT PUBLICATION


Level-Up

AN INDEPENDENT STUDENT PUBLICATION


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.