Mamarazzi's Ten To Watch Issue

Ten To Watch Issue I June/July 2016 @theemamarazzi

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LUCID @Lucid316

YBM SMOOVE @YBMSmoove

BEZ DAWG @bezdawg5

SAMUEL DAVID

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@da2ndletterb Owner/Editor Ti’Juana Hardwell Cover Photo/Design Kingstun Graphics/Kwame Rowe Contributors Royce Stevenson Paid Sponsors New Life Recording Studios Scents MixDown Studios Flawless Salon & Boutique 42 Degrees Below Mamarazzi Entertainment Magazine is based in Wichita, KS. The publication is available in print and online. For more information: www.mamarazzimagazine.com I mamarazzimagazine@gmail.com

KOBIE BARS @theycallmebars

ANTIMOSITY @antimosity

STATE OF ADDRESS ON ICT HIP HOP

@Bigsam87

DA 2ND LETTER

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10 11

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@royceontheradio

FICTION MEDIA @shotbyfiction

U.S. ENT.

@dj3316, @corddjdetroit @kingzunitedent

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CRIM DELA CRIM @Official_Crim

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Mamarazzi’s “Ten To Watch” issue highlights 10 things that are good for ICT’s Hip Hop and urban entertainment scene. All of the featured guests are creating a significant buzz and impact—networking, self-promotion, performing, concert shows or even gearing up for hot new releases! These artists, club promoters and videographers are helping to shape the local culture. Read on to find out why they made my list of ten worth watching!

Lucid wasn’t much involved in Wichita’s hip hop scene when the city cyphers emerged and caught his attention. The cyphers featured a lineup of rap artists who flowed over a beat looking to outdo the one before the other. The platform helped to highlight the skills of a mostly rookie-roster of artists. The cypher had its critics. Lucid was one.

“I wasn’t really impressed with the first round of cyphers,” he admits, citing that there wasn’t significant talent. “But I felt they were pretty cool for the city because they had people talking and [they were] getting popular views.”

“I like competition and knew I could set myself apart,” he added.

Feeling he had something special to offer the cyphers, he agreed to be part the second segment. He requested a 90’s era beat. And rock the mic—he did.

“I think it helped to get my name out there,” says Lucid.

Luke Schoenhofer says his brother swayed the adaptation of Lucid as his artist name.

Lucid (center) at Quad Studio in NYC. Courtesy of Lucid “I tried coming up with like seven or eight names but they didn’t really stick,” recalls Lucid. “I came home one day and my brother was like, ‘Lucid.’”

Like a lucid dream where the dreamer is aware he is dreaming—or the meaning of being “clear and sharp,” seemed to define the young artist. The 21-year-old also liked that it was close to his name.

In a video for the track titled “Word,” he takes time to act out a lucid dream of his own. He explains his problem to a psychiatrist who seems more interested in billing the troubled man than helping him. The video, directed by Fiction Media, was released in June of last year.

The concept of a wealthy white kid leaning on professional help may not seem like typical material for hip hop. But for the son of a criminal defense attorney whose dad is never home, it may as well be prototype. However, he shoots it down.

“I have definitely not had a silver spoon,” Lucid says, rejecting the notion that his background makes him less edgy. “I’ve addressed it a few times in my music, but I don’t think you have to be from the streets to be Hip Hop.” “I have dealt with pain, struggles and issues you wouldn’t even think,” says Lucid.

Last year he teamed up with major recording artist and Wichita’s own Donavan “XV” Johnson for the “Heard About Me” track which appears on the “Summer Madness” album project. It’s the second song they’ve collaborated on.

“We’ve known each other for years,” says Lucid. “I sent the track over to him; he liked the vibe of it, sent it back and touched it up.”

Lucid acknowledges that some unsigned artists find fault with XV, but says he may be one of the most misunderstood artists in ICT. “People feel like because he’s not scouting artists that he’s not putting on for the city how he Lucid and XV on the set of “Hear About Me.” Courtesy of Lucid should,” Lucid says. “But he’s busy doing his own thing and figuring out his own next moves.”

Lucid has invested thousands of dollars into a home based studio and often travels to generate interest in his music alongside music artists like Jeezy. He is gearing up to release another music project near the end of summer ‘16. His music will continue to be accompanied with quality visuals that bring his lyrics to life.##

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Jamal “Smoove” Harris dropped “Open Up Shop” in the spring. The Yellow Brick Music artist says it was a long time coming for the release of his latest project. It was somewhat a hiatus for the rapper who had not announced any solo music in almost six years.

“I didn’t know what the reaction would be,” says Smoove. “I hadn’t really put anything out in a while and I didn’t know what people would expect from me.”

Smoove wasn’t gone from the music scene entirely, however. He participated in the 2014 Mixed Martial Bars rap battles hosted by Adrian “Bub” Love of Cloud 9. With a crowd of MMB fans waiting for hot punch lines, Smoove was able to rile the crowd up against opponents Bloody Hands and Charlie Atlas.

Fast forward to 2016 and Smoove is back

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for the taking.

“Open Up Shop” includes a few features from fellow artists and infectious hooks. Smoove also serves up some thought-provoking and meaningful verses. On the hook for “Black Lives Matter” he questions if black lives really do matter, especially for a young black man navigating through life’s obstacles.

Smoove lost a close friend a few years ago. In a track entitled “AHob,” Smoove opens up about the regrets he has for not being present when his friend was fatally shot in 2010.

In the song, he says: [“I got blood on my hands but no

stains on my shirt.”]

“I felt that if I was there, maybe that wouldn’t have [gone] down how it went down,” Smoove says.

Smoove feels everything happens for a reason. Although he doesn’t want to insert himself as a role model or the voice against gun violence, he acknowledges that the music the younger generation listens to factor into the problem.

“I don’t want to sound like a hypocrite or tell anybody not to protect themselves,” Smoove says. “But for the young ones out here just shooting people, it’s only because they heard it in the music.”

The rapper-mechanic spends most of his time in a booth or doing maintenance under the hood of a car. “Open Up Shop” is definitely a head-nod to his trade and balance with the music he’s finally getting back to.

Smoove has made his music accessible online via Spotify and iTunes.

But despite the rise in online music distribution, Smoove also invests money in purchasing physical copies of his album to hand out to supporters. He says it’s a better way to connect people to the music and to know whose hands the

music is getting into. He even stopped into the radio stations to personally hand over his music.

“The footwork is so important,” Smoove says. “You have to keep your face out there and people have to see that work [in order] to respect you.”

Smoove’s YBM music group (consisting of a few solo artists) is also pushing the “God, Family, Hustle” clothing line brand which was first seen during promotion for Cecil “Kingdom” Shaw’s music project. Smoove says the line, which currently has t-shirts, will grow to include kids clothing and snapback hats.

In September, Smoove will release yet another project—this one titled “Trappin’ On a Naya Cut” produced by YBM’s in-house music producer Leon “Pliznaya” Flowers. It is sure to be a busy year for the music artist.##

BJ “Bez Dawg” Etheridge began recording music at the age of 14. He was a young fan—and an impressionable one. He began emulating Hip Hop music. He aspired to live the lifestyle of his favorite artists.

He would seemingly have a bright future when he set off for college right after high school.

But by 2009, he had an inmate number and a 5 year stint to serve.

“It changes your perspective when you don’t have your freedom,” says Bez. “It wasn’t the only way for me to learn, but it was my chance to look at doing something different.”

“You listen to that music over and over and it becomes a lifestyle,” Bez explained.

During his incarceration, Bez was given the opportunity to be in a program where inmates talked to students. The program was designed to detour them from following the same destructive path.

“A lot of times I talked to them about music and deciphering between music and reality,” Bez says.

While serving time, Bez was also writing music, perfecting his craft and making plans to better himself as a person. But prison also built some resentment for the rapper who would reenter society as a felon.

The adjustment was not an easy one for the parolee. He struggled to find work. But he

discovered that he had a desire to work for himself and have multiple streams of income.

With the support of good friends and artists, he was able to refocus. They formed 3Ms (Midwest Music Moguls) and launched the M.O.G.U.L. clothing line.

“We’re manifesting our goals using music,” says Bez, who released an album titled “Mogulvelli” just last year.

Bez is finding other ways apart from being a rap artist to generate money from music. Along with his 3Ms partners, they have brought several new artists to town for performances and he’s even working as a DJ. This past April was a hot month for them. They booked and promoted popular rap acts, Migos, Yung Dolph, and Uzi Vert for concert shows.

And after a recent visit to a hookah lounge, Bez acquired a new venture.

“I went up there for a birthday party and they didn’t have a DJ,” recalls Bez. “I plugged in some music, asked them if they needed a DJ and I became their DJ.” The irony is that Bez had never worked or practiced as a DJ before! He didn’t even have the equipment at the time. He says he studied online tutorials and collected music. He now promotes event nights at the Aroma Hooka Lounge and draws a crowd there.

“I’m a gambler by nature,” admits Bez. “If somebody else can do it, I feel like I can too—and I go and teach

myself how to.”

The entrepreneur and artist plans to use his new lane to support other artists in pushing their music.

Much like mega-successful independent artist Tech N9ne and mogul 50 Cent, Bez recognizes the importance of having to kick down doors that aren’t generally opened.

Now that he is no longer on parole, he is allowed to travel outside of the state and gain a farther reach. It’s a change for the artist who once allowed music to negatively impact him. ##

Bez at the Aroma Hookah Lounge. Courtesy of Bez

PREVIOUS “TEN TO WATCH” FEATURE GUESTS Bo Pessi (Rap Artist)  Cadence (DJ & Rap Artist)  James Paul Fowler (Singer)  Sarah Myers (Make-up Artist)  Bray Films (Video Director)  B.I.V. (Independent Recording Group) Yellow Brick Music (Independent Recording Group)  B-Eazy (Rap Artist)  S.E. Trill (Music Producer)  Lamont James (Comedian) 

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Samuel Thompson came onto the Wichita hip hop scene as a rail-thin, corn-row braided and egotistical rapper who proclaimed, “Clean mess over everything” everywhere and anywhere. It was a statement that represented how perfectly imperfect life can be.

“I was looking to find myself and my footing,” Sam says. “I jumped on the scene when there was a lot of street and club music being pushed.”

His stage presence earned him recognition. Over time he matured and developed a defining sound of his own. His newest stage moniker, Samuel David, represents the journey and the evolution of the man and artist he is today—no longer Big Sam. “The name change can be described in twofold,” says Sam. “My manager told me, ‘Hey, you’ve outgrown the Big Sam name—it no longer fits you, who you are and where you’re going with this.’”

Sam’s manager was tragically shot in February of this year. He says JaRon Sanders was always “positive and good-spirited” with something funny to say.

“He was great about giving advice and pointers,” Sam said. “And I really listened to him.”

Media was released in August 2015. He stages a scene depicting police harassment of two young black men while onlookers have their cellphones out to record. Sam sits on the roof of a police car as it plays out and when the scene freezes, Sam moves out of the portrait. Bits of footage from news coverage surrounding the murders of Eric Garner and Mike Brown by law enforcement are included in the message of the video.

“Before, I didn’t recognize my value or the responsibility that exists in being an artist,” Sam admits. “There’s a lot of responsibility and I know that now.”

The husband and father of two works as a call center Operations Manager. He also serves on the board for the Urban League of Kansas.

“I’m hoping to elevate the culture and the community,” he says.

In his most recent video also shot by Fiction Media, “One Last Win,” his family makes a cameo appearance. He says it’s now important that his music and message dictate the realism of his life.

His 7-year-old daughter, Saniyah, recently performed a track by her dad at a school talent show. The song, “Feel the Love,” spreads an Sam says he rested with the biblical uplifting message. Sam also performed the song at inspiration of Samuel and King David—also a North High School talent showcase put together his first and middle to raise funds names. He says for student fellow artists and sports. He supporters are slowly hosted the embracing the name event and change. used the Sam’s music is opportunity to also reflective of his inspire the progress and passion young people for social issues— in the things going on audience. across the country Sam will like police brutality continue to and other injustices. lend his local “The music is a celebrity Samuel David speaks to the youth at North High Showcase event. Courtesy of Sam lot more vulnerable,” status and Sam says. “I’m now influence to heighten awareness regarding national using my voice and my music as a issues. He’s gearing up to release the deluxe platform.” version of his “Grammy Night” album. The project The music video for “Stuntin’ This will be complimented with several “cinematic” Summer,” directed and shot by Dre videos. ## Kahmeyer and Aaron Kahmeyer of Fiction

The artist-DJ relationship in ICT is a complex one. For some artists, they feel the DJs are the key to helping unsigned artists get their music to nd the masses. Da 2 Letter is one artist who feels the relationship between the city’s local artists and DJs has kept musicians from making it onto bigger stages.

Brandon Walker adopted Da 2nd Letter as his stage name years ago.

He wanted a name that would make people stop and think.

“It makes people think, ‘What is the second letter?’” he explains. “And that’s me, B.” Da 2nd Letter has been pursuing a music career over the last eight years. His recent street campaign has helped to promote a single titled, “100 Racky.” Those who follow him via social media were

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able to see him push his music, stopping in at “mom and pop” shops to the local radio stations which have the ability to put his music into regular rotation.

With most independent musicians relying solely on social media to get the word out about their music, he wanted to step outside of the box and distribute physical copies of his music. Da 2nd Letter feels he’s setting the standard for other fellow musicians.

“I wanted to show that I’m out here grinding,” says Da 2nd Letter. “It was important for me to make myself more visible.”

But Da 2nd Letter says not all of his hard work has yielded him positive results, however. He says he struggles to network with the DJs whom in his opinion don’t

adequately support artists. He has been vocal about his disappointment with the DJs, even making posts about it on his social media.

“All of the channels that should work for the artists don’t,” says Da 2nd Letter. “But the stuff going on here is only whispered about.”

He says fellow artists feel the way he does but fear being blackballed entirely. In his opinion, DJs who spin music have the ability to help clubbers grow familiar with artist tracks.

But according to Da 2nd Letter, the DJs don’t play enough from the town’s unsigned hype. He accuses them of making it “uneasy” and seemingly “unapproachable.”

Continued on PG. 10

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...Continued from PG. 8 (Da 2nd Letter) “Artists can go elsewhere and get love but our own DJs won’t even play our stuff,” says Da 2nd Letter. “If you’re not putting nobody on or pushing any [artists] then you need to be moved out of the way.”

“You’re a part of the problem,” he adds.

Since its April release, Da 2nd Letter has achieved more than a million views for his “money-getting” “100 Racky” video. Through his alliance with a DJ in conjunction with the Nerve DJ Coalition, they’ve recorded more than 15,000 spins for the track.

Da 2nd Letter says he will continue to expand his network. He is hopeful artists and DJs will be able to better work together to enhance the local platform.

He’s taking his show on the road. Da 2nd Letter and a couple of other unsigned musicians outside of Wichita are launching a summer tour entitled the “We Made It Tour.” The shows will take them to more than 10 states including Nebraska, Arizona, North Dakota, Colorado, and even California to name a few.

“The opportunities I get will get bigger and bigger,” says Da 2nd Letter. “The sky is the limit.”

He’s committed to exhausting all avenues to make his music well-heard.##

Kobie “Bars” Marshall took part in the first round of the Kym Kelley produced Wichita cyphers. The former student athlete wasn’t necessarily known for his lyrical flow but blessed the mic with some bars anyhow. The rookie artists were given a beat and expected to deliver.

“I’m sure people were thinking, ‘This cat can’t rap,’” Bars explained.

“But I went first and shut that down.”

“People started recognizing me from the cypher,” says Bars.

He was part of a rap group called “The Roster.” It included two other members.

Last year Bars released his first solo album titled, “The Black Market” on DatPiff. He’s already gearing up to

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release a second project by the year’s end.

The new album, “It’s Sunny at Midnight” will shed light on the tumultuous life Bars put in his rear view mirror.

After struggling to salvage the group, Roster is no longer. One of the members has rededicated his life to Christianity and is no longer pursuing the music. The other member is doing a 10-year bid in prison.

Bars is the only member still pursuing a career in hip hop music. His ability to make music was almost snatched from him.

Just last November Bars survived an attempted robbery and a shoot-out that ignited when the intruders came to his apartment.

Continued on next PG.

Antimosity performs in front of the Riverfest crowd. Courtesy of Ant Avery

Ant Avery has mastered the art of “self-promotion.” The rap artist and Wichita-based clothing line owner has managed to make a name for himself by investing in the development of his “Antimosity” brand. All of the merchandise he sells helps him to rake in revenue to support his music.

In 2013 he released “Locals Only,” a debut album with 20 tracks. Ant discovered that in order to maneuver throughout the local music scene, he had to serve in many different roles.

“I just wanted to rap,” Ant says. “And there was a lot more to rap than rap.”

“You have to make the music, go to events, network, go out, [and] sit in interviews,” he adds.

Ant put his own tour together and contacted a clothing company that had recently launched. He sparked some interest in the line when he wore it in a music video.

He knew he would be reaching

thousands of people as he traveled for shows. He asked the company for a few shirts to wear on stage recognizing he could further help promote the brand. While it’d mean free shirts for Ant, it would also serve as promotion for a brand— benefiting from his growing popularity.

The clothing line sent him one shirt. And only one shirt.

“I asked myself, ‘Why am I doing all of this to promote someone else’s s***?’” recalls Ant. “And I knew then that if I was going to do this, I was going to do it on my own and that it would be my brand and not someone else’s I’m pushing.”

...Continued

“Sometimes we’re products of our environment,” Bars says.

Bars had just lost his job and needed to provide for his daughters. He began selling

Ant credits Nnanna Okpara of K-Push Entertainment, a local promotional company, with helping him look inwards and refocus his efforts. He encouraged him and reminded him how much his own brand had grown.

“He said, ‘Look—you have a dope brand already,” Ant recalls. “’You do all of the work, so why not make it about yourself and make all of the money?’’”

“I can never repay him,” adds Ant. The Antimosity clothing brand is available in local stores like 42 Degrees Below.

The apparel pays homage to Wichita while also tag lining his name. It embodies taking the animosity one might have and using it in a positive way. Ant is a testament to living out his own motto.

He endured a five year prison sentence, and is glad to be reiterated into society. He’s now more mature, focused and ready

drugs as a means of income. He believes that the men who came to his home were aware of his dealings when they attempted to rob him, but he too was armed. He was able to defend himself and send the shooters running.

It was a wakeup call for the 25-year-old. He had already survived a near-death car incident

to learn--as an entrepreneur and a showman.

His grassroots networking has paid off. He attends concert shows where he rubs elbows with promoters and artists. He headlines alongside artists like Crooked I and Rittz of Strange Music.

Ant averages 2 shows a month in and out of the city. When he takes the stage, he’s wearing his own brand and ensures merchandise is on hand for his fans to purchase. He recently performed in front of thousands of people at the city’s annual Riverfest. He’s asked the event organizer for the opportunity three years prior.

“You don’t always get everything right when you ask for it,” says Ant. “You have to be patient and persistent and I wish more artists knew that.”

“It’s not necessarily a ‘No’--it’s a ‘Not now!’” says Ant. Ant maintains that independent musicians have to be about more than just the music to break-through. Networking and branding are apart of the footwork.

“Music is a business,” says Ant. “If you don’t have sweat equity, what do you have?”##

and yet another shooting in which he was actually wounded.

“I looked up and said, ‘I can’t do this to my family,’” Bars recalls. “I could have been killed and not here to raise my kids.”

The former basketball player and football wide receiver says he realized that he was wasting away his talents.

“I wasted a sports scholarship and here I was not going after my music,” Bars said. “It’s disrespect to the man upstairs to not use one of these talents.”

He’s anxious for the new music to come out and appreciates the progress being made in the local music scene. Bars feels the city is mostly supportive of unsigned artists and fans are becoming submerged with all that they have to offer.

“Comeback,” his newest single, will be out in July. He will shoot a music video to promote the track and peak interest in the album’s November release.

Bars is looking for management to better steer his music career and to aid him in promoting his artistry to a larger demographic.

“I’m not that person I was anymore,” Bars says.

“There’s always light at the end of the tunnel.”

“I believe that,” he said.##

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By Radio’s Rolls Royce

When Mamarazzi first asked if I would write about the State of Hip Hop in Wichita I had some reservations about it—but I decided to go ahead and do it.

After taking some time to think about it, I have to say that the state of the Wichita hip-hop scene is pretty damn good! You might be asking yourself why I think that.

For several reasons… #1 – I can’t think of a time when there has been more hip-hop shows to go to AND a huge diversity of shows. Mac Lethal, Wiz Khalfia, Lil Uzi Vert, Young Dolph, Big K.R.I.T., Webbie, Tech N9ne and more! And by the way those have all been in the last 6 months! #2 – We not only have local artists making great music, but they are making money! Think about it. Between merchandise and touring, I have seen many Wichita artists making good money doing something they love.

That was something that you just did not see in Wichita that much [previously]. #3 – The people who are in the Wichita hip-hop scene are more 12

diverse now than it has ever been.

With all the positives we still have room to grow. The great thing is, we are in control of our own destiny when it comes to the Wichita hip-hop scene. Let’s start thinking of the bigger picture. If you want more hip-hop shows to come to Wichita then support the ones that are coming by buying a ticket. If you want more venues and clubs and places to party, then let’s not tear up and fight at the ones we do have, to show that a hip-hop club CAN work in this city. If you are an artist I really want you to think about how you can brand and branch yourself out. And let’s quit comparing ourselves to other cities. I can’t tell you how

many times I hear, “Well in Houston, they do…,” “Well in Dallas, they do…,” “Well in KC, they do..” Guess what! We aren’t in Houston, Dallas or KC. Comparing Wichita to one of those cities is like comparing apples and oranges. Better yet, it is like comparing apples and carrots.

I see so much growth and penitential in Wichita’s hip-hop scene. It has come so far from where it was when I was growing up. But if we want to make it better, we are the only ones who we can rely on to do it. Let’s not get it twisted, to 90% of the Wichita population the word ‘hip-hop” has a negative connotation. It is time to give them a reason to think otherwise. ##

Rolls Royce with Antimosity (left) and DJ Bearfoot Courtesy of Royce

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The artists in our city have the flow, the skill and even the substance to make bold statements through music. But video production makes sure it comes to life.

Fiction Media has helped a number of independent ICT artists by directing and filming promotional videos to accompany their singles. There are few video production companies aiding unsigned artists and Dre Kahmeyer finds himself easily booked.

“It’s a huge responsibility,” says Kahmeyer. “But I really enjoy what I do.”

After high school, Kahmeyer played basketball for Friends University but settled with the notion he would not go on to have a professional athletic career. He shifted lenses and set his eyes on attending Wichita State University’s Elliott School of Communication.

He studied electronic media where most of his assignments involved filming and editing video for the news.

Kahmeyer envisioned producing more complex, in-depth and narrative work. After graduating in May 2013, he began work on the video production team for KWCH and created commercial videos for RSA Marketing, a marketing agency.

Kahmeyer was enlisted to help his mother’s boyfriend with the video production for XV, a major recording artist from Wichita. They were filming for a single entitled “Fall Out the Sky.” “That’s where the video got lit,” says Kahmeyer. “I started

getting so many ideas and realized I could do this.”

“I started shooting [videos] for a few of my friends who rapped,” says Kahmeyer. “I looked at YouTube and free online videos to learn a little more.”

Kahmeyer says he watched a lot of local videos produced by other directors in the area like Devon Bray of Bray Films and Josh Hernandez. He says he looked at their style and although he respected their contributions, he wanted to be sure not to duplicate their work.

“I didn’t want to piggyback or emulate what they’re doing,” says Kahmeyer. “I wanted to diversify it by putting my own spin on it--create

variety.”

Kahmeyer hired his brother to assist and without hesitation, he said yes.

“I was all for it,” says Aaron Kahmeyer. “I knew what he was looking to do and knew that we could do it.”

Aaron says that he and his brother want to make sure that the on-set environment keeps the artists coming back.

“I’m the goofy one and I want to make sure that we have a lot of fun on set,” says Aaron. “We treat everybody like family.”

Prior to filming, the brothers sit down with the artists to gather an understanding about what they’re aiming for. They have worked with several independent musicians including Yellow Brick Music’s Steel, Cash

Hollistah, Carla Ayala, Lucid and Freddy High.

“No matter what kind of hip hop you like, you can find it here,” says Dre Kahmeyer about the local music scene. “There’s that small town attribute where the artists actually credit the director.”

The news about Fiction Media’s videos spread quickly. It wasn’t long before the requests to hire Dre for work conflicted with his 9-5 job. He had to turn down some production work or take off from work.

Last summer, he took a dive and quit his job! With the support of his wife, he began pursuing filmography full-time.

“I always felt I had to work for someone else,” says Dre Kahmeyer. “But I realized I was just taking the safe route.”

Aaron supported his brothers decision and says he’s proud to be apart of Fiction Media. He also says they are making plans to work with other artists outside of Wichita and filming out of state. Dre looks back and knows he has made the right choice for himself and Fiction Media.

“There’s nothing more liberating than being in charge of what you’re going to do each day,” says Dre Kahmeyer.##

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Sam Breeden with Big K.R.I.T. Courtesy of U.S. Ent

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it’s our business to know what music people want to Wichita is solidifying itself as a hub for live hear,” says DJ 3. concerts. Fans no longer have to travel to cities “We know music and that makes all the difference like Oklahoma City, Dallas or Kansas City to see in knowing who’s hot enough to bring,” Detroit says. some of their favorite music artists perform like Most concert events cost patrons in the range of $15 Big K.R.I.T., Lil Boosie, Kevin Gates, 8 Ball & -$40. As financial investors to their concert shows, they MJG, Keyshia Cole, Trina, and Fetty Wap. take on some financial gambles, spending on radio and Thanks in large part to U.S. Entertainment flyer advertisement as well as the cost to book (Usual Suspects) and their work with booking headliners to Wichita. agencies, these stars are able to connect with “It comes with the territory,” says Detroit. “You their ICT fan base. can’t be afraid to take a loss.”

U.S. Entertainment consists of area DJs “But sometimes you win!” adds Detroit.

Derrick “DJ 3” Crosby, Derrick “Detroit” Sam says that the promotion team is driven by the Judkins and promoter Sam Breeden. For a desire to keep a level number of years, of entertainment for DJ 3 and Detroit the city. packed out “We don’t necessarily nightclub venues do this for the money,” as DJs and then says Sam, who carried they branched off in crates for DJs he to build a was networking with promotional to build himself as a team. promoter. “This is “We were all about doing our part to doing so much by give Wichita ourselves,” something to look explains Breeden. forward to—for the “We’d see each culture.” other out and It’s a culture about, or we’d sometimes accused of see each other being rowdy and even promoting violent. But U.S. different events at Entertainment the same time, maintains they are and we were like, doing everything ‘Let’s do possible to control the something DJ Detroit and DJ 3 with Fetty Wap. Courtesy of U.S. Ent crowds at their events, together!’” even hiring additional DJ 3 came up security. with the promotional name of Usual Suspects “It’s harder for us to do more concerts or to and the group reached a consensus to use it. convince these club owners that Hip Hop is safe when Graphic designer “Slim Baby” created a logo for we’ve shown that we don’t know how to act,” says DJ 3. the guys and told them to “run with it!” And The team feels that venues catering to white patrons they did. have some of the same problems with fights, stabbings The guys don’t always agree on which and even shootings—but they don’t get the same artists to bring to town. They often reach out to attention. their social media followers to get a gist of who “We have to take responsibility when we’re concert fans may want to see. DJ 3 and Detroit’s f****** up,” says DJ 3. “We can’t let the same people knowledge about crowd reception from a DJs who come out and start s*** ruin it for all of us.” standpoint has also helped them with tough In the last three years, several hot-spot nightclubs decisions. have closed. Sometimes it’s attributed to low revenue, “We’ve been doing this for a long time and

DJ Detroit with Keyshia Cole. Courtesy of U.S. Ent

DJ3 with Trina. Courtesy of U.S. Ent

Old Town’s refusal to renew contracts for owners whose clubs are deemed to be a part of the problem, or even the pressure to close by the City of Wichita.

It has forced the promotional team to switch gears a few times. But they’ve not lost faith in Wichita as a market for entertainment and are appreciative of those who support their events.

The month of July will welcome rapper Plies who is buzzing majorly after becoming a viral video sensation and host of “Sweet P**** Satdays (Saturdays).” The team will also throw its annual “Who’s Who” network-party which brings out those involved in the entertainment scene, all under one roof.

“Keep an eye out for us,” says DJ 3.

“We’re still going to be doing this even if every club closes.” ##

He’s a small town guy with a big voice.

When he speaks, people hear him. They feel him. And most importantly, they remember him.

Brandon “Crim Dela Crim” Whitley became a break-out artist in the Wichita area by battle rapping. With every line, he grew more and more animated and made mouths drop with punch lines, his speed and the way he flipped words.

His opponents sometimes poked fun at him for being a “country bumpkin.”

The rap battlegrounds where he went round for round in didn’t exist for the farmer boy.

After high school Crim relocated to Wichita from Towanda, KS where the population is fewer than 1,500 people. Up until third grade, he lived with his mom and grandparents on a small farm.

“I didn’t even know rap music existed until third grade,” admits Crim, an only child. “I think my mom probably felt bad for me being the only black kid in the town and she took me to an FYE store.”

Crim says his mom allowed him to pick whatever music he wanted to. He chose an album by “West Side Connections,” a west coast gangster rap group that included WC, Mack 10 and Ice Cube.

“That was it for me,” says Crim. “I was hooked on the music.”

Around the time he attended Butler County College he was handed a CD. It was a Manish Law album. Manish Law has created music in the area for years and has grown a fan base, even headlining with several big acts.

When Adrian “Bub” Love launched the Mixed Martial Bars battle-style raps, Crim hadn’t even considered stepping into the ring.

He began watching battle raps online like the one between Murda Mook and Serius Jones.

Crim was given a month to prepare for his first battle. And he came with it!

The newest album is inspired by all things space. He often references space in his music and proclaims himself as a “space nerd.” The album will be his first since December’s release of “Crim the Reaper.”

“I’m a different kind of artist—I know,” contends Crim. “But I have ideas and I want to use lots of visuals to show it all.”

He has worked with beat producers S.E. Trill and Arkitec to build a unique “Crim” sound. The short-length videos he has released to date also show his intensity as an artist. Crim is elated to have just completed his first full -length video for a song about his daughter Janessa. She stars in the video filmed by Digital Beard Production.

“She’s just as excited to release it as I am,” Crim told his Facebook followers prior to “MMB gave everyone Father’s Day. “This video almost confidence and a platform Crim with Manish Law. Courtesy of Crim made me tear up.” where people were paying The family man and Buckhead attention,” says Crim. member revealed he was 297 pounds After the MMB, he released his debut album when he first joined the indie group. But entitled, “The Nonfiction Writings of Crim Dela he has since cut back and works out when Crim.” The 2014 release helped Crim cement he can. He has lost himself in the Wichita Hip Hop scene. He has more than 50 performed at a number of shows with artists like pounds.

Tech N9ne, Young Jeezy, “I always told myself Machine Gun Kelly, Stevie Stone, I would never let Riff Raff and Rae Sremmurd. myself get over 300 He learned that “Buckhead,” a pounds and I was local independent recording right there,” says label, was inviting new Crim whose family members. But artists were health history challenged to submit a includes diabetes. “I competitive track. Crim and had to start thinking another artist tied. An invitation about my daughter.” was extended to nonetheless “I’m all she has,” he and he received five hours of says. recording time at the studio.

Crim looks in the Crim says Buckhead motivates Crim with his daughter. Courtesy of Crim mirror and feels his its artists but admits that a lot of times the biggest adversary is himself. independent artists and friends get together and “do “I’m only in competition with everything but make music.” But he’s buckling down myself—and that’s what’s so beautiful to prepare for the July release of a new album about it,” he says. ## project entitled, “Sleepwalking on Saturn.”

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