Issue 1>>October 29, 2010>> $4.99 miawhwn.com
WHO’S HOT? & WHO’S NOT! Presents San Diego’s HOTTEST NEW ARTIST,
NoFacE Shadowman
HURRICANE KATRINA SESS 4-5 5 YEARS LATER
?? $$44..9999
H HIIPPH HO OPP F FO OU UR RU UM M:: IISS TTH HE ER RE EA A SSLLO OW WD DE EA ATTH HO OF FH HIIPPH HO OPP
A
note from the editor… Our mission is to report the truth no matter how popular or painful. Our promise is to tell the truth, in the artists’ words, which allows us to remain true to HipHop as an unbiased observer and reporter. We interview artists world wide and report EXACTLY what is asked of us to report, no gimmicks, tricks or angles…let us take that back. The ONLY ANGLE IS: WE REPORT WHAT IS SAID AND CORRECT WHAT IS MISPRINTED, ALL IN A POSITIVE NATURE OR NOT AT ALL. We promise to not waste your time with the fluff that has overwhelmed all sources of media today. We promise to only highlight people who show the continued desires to better the world for us and the future. In doing this we completely revolutionize journalism in all its current forms in that we cause the reporters, advertisers and any other media based juggernauts with an agenda to simply be silenced by only reporting what is approved by the artists. But we do not stop there: We then take the next step and connect you directly with the artists download their latest hit song or video, contact them for booking and or purchase their songs, art work or product being sold directly from them. How revolutionary: you no longer have to go through the jungle to get your bananas. So long gone are the days of going to the store to buy that song you just heard. Or waiting for an artists to come to you. Instead, click the link, buy it and or connect DIRECTLY with the artists’, courtesy of W WH HO O’’SS H HO OTT?? & &W WH HO O’’SS N NO OTT!!® ®.. Now that’s HOT! Let’s talk about how to change the world, while honoring those who dedicate their lives to the service of the earth and its inhabitants. Namaste mia.harris Chief Editor
“A WORLD ABOVE THE CLOUDS,” photograph by mia.harris
2
3
facebook.com/noceoimob
http://www.noceoimob.com
4
R RE ESSO OL LU UT TIIO ON NW WR RE EC CK KO OR RD DSS FFO OR RB BO OO OK KIIN NG G:: T TR RIIPP@ @E EX XE EC CSS..C CO OM M C CO OA ASST T22C CO OA ASST TU UN ND DE ER RG GR RO OU UN ND D C CO OA ASST T22C CO OA ASST TU UN ND DE ER RG GR RO OU UN ND D@ @E EX XE EC CSS..C CO OM M
If you want to get your music featured, please email your underground music.
5
6
29 October 2010
LLE ET TT TE ER RT TO OR RO OLLLLIIN NG GS ST TO ON NE ES SM MA AG GA AZ ZIIN NE E& &A ALLLL N NO ON N--B BE ELLIIE EV VE ER RS S:: M MA AG GA AZ ZIIN NE EP PR RIIN NT T IIS SD DE EA AD D!! Dear RSM®, In response to the advertisement “MAGAZINES: The Power of Print®,” titled, “Will The Internet Kill Magazines? Did instant coffee kill coffee?” Our response is that we definitely need to talk because as the future holds, all printed magazines are DEAD or quickly coming to an end. Why? Although we agree that, “New technologies change many things. But not everything …you still read magazines. And you are far from alone. Rather than being displaced by ‘instant’ media, it would seem that magazines are an ideal compliment.” We also agree that “magazine[s] do what the Internet doesn’t. Neither obsessed with immediacy nor trapped by the daily news cycle, magazines promote deeper connections. They create relationships.” Yes! That is until the magazine is put down. This relationship is severed when the reader is forced to go outside the magazine by putting it down to connect with or buy from the artists, artists’ music and or products for sale. Then taking it one step further: when done reading one has the arduous task of deciding how to recycle the old magazines. Introducing Who’s Hot? & Who’s Not!®, the world’s first largest digital magazine and online source for ALL that is HOT in HipHop. Because we do agree that magazines “engage us in ways distinct from digital media,” but there is still a huge void that the first WHO’S HOT? & WHO’S NOT!® accomplishes. Specifically, we instantly transforms this newly formed deeply connected relationship created by our magazine into a reality by directly linking the reader to that artists or products. And did I mention we do all this while being 100% eco-friendly by being the first ALL digital HipHop Magazine! With us you can connect directly to Jay-Z after hearing samples of his up and coming new CD, DECODED. Or link directly to one of the hottest independent movements in San Diego called the NO CEO I’M MY OWN BOSS movement? You just click the link to see videos, download ringtones, and or buy the music, videos, DVDs, or apparel directly from them. YES WE REVOLUTIONIZED HOTTNESS IN MANY WAYS!!! WITH WHWN®, THERE IS NOTHING BETWEEN YOU AND WHAT YOU WANT! For the annual costs of $29.99USD, you are granted access to Who’s Hot? & Who’s Not!® Mia Harris Editor
7
Welcome to
WHO’S HOT? & WHO’S NOT! is the first socially conscious magazine that celebrates those who pay it forward while connecting YOU and the ARTIST for immediate ENJOYMENT.
8
WWW.THABEATSHOP.COM
facebook.com/Beatshop619
9
WHWN411 introduces Graffiti Artist,
MoniqueJenkins
Bio Street art meets a sweet heart. Monique Jenkins San Diego based artist who doesn’t lack anything in the creative department. From traditional print designs to socially conscious street art paintings…the girl has range…range like rover. She blends modern fashion to current issue in society and present the love of Hip Hop, culture and experiences in here paintings. Monique is honored to be apart of Who's Hot Who's Not Digital Magazine. She feels the more you meet people 10
that appreciate art brings good energy to her work. Cultured Class is her alter ego of who she is. Society is separated in different class from upper to lower class. She positions her self in a class of cultured society. As of Oct 2009 Monique was given a chance to be apart of "The Dope Show Crew", a collective of San Diego artists and musicians that have been putting together events all over the city since 2007. She is currently working on a collection of paintings called the "Umbrella Series" that is influenced from underground hip and iconic figures.
“WHAT! YOU THINK A MAN PAINTED THIS?”
Please visit www.theculturedclass.com then GO VOTE for her at http://www.yourarthere.com/entry/what-you-think-a-man-paintedthis/. Stay tuned for more… MoniqueJenkins | Graphic Designer/Artist | P:619.638.9651 | www.moniquejenkins.com | www.theculturedclass.com | Special thanks to:
2812 Kettner Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101-1223 (619) 543-0933
11
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CONTENTS
W WH HO O’’SS H HO OTT?? & &W WH HO O’’SS N NO OTT!! || O OCCTTO OBBEERR 2299,, 22001100 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
FEATURES
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
│ W WIIN NTTEER RM MU USSIIC C PPR REEVVIIEEW W A sneak peek at WHO’S HOT! with the hottest releases from San Diego’s HOTTEST EMCEES and DJ Picks.
19
| SSEESSSS 44--55 :: ddaa LLO OU UIISSIIAAN NAA PPU UR RC CH HAASSEE Gives his Thoughts on Hip Hop then he shows us how Louisiana IS REALLY doing five years after Katrina. by Bilal Abdul –Hakeem
14
│ R REED DEEM MPPTTIIO ON N:: LLeetttteerrss ffrroom m PPrriissoonn IInnm maatteess This brotha spent twelve years in prison and now lives his life helping others achieve their goals. Check out the bio of Timothy Mcclure and see why he’s WHO’S HOT.
9
| W WH HO O’’SS H HO OTT IIN NH HIIPPH HO OPP AAR RTT?? Introducing MoniqueJenkins and Timothy Mcclure as two of HipHop’s premier graffiti and sketch artists, respectively. Look inside for their bios and upcoming projects. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MANIFESTO
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CLICK TO PURCHASE
27
I
H HIIPPH HO OPP FFO OU UR RU UM M:: H HO OW W TTO O SSAAVVEE H HIIPP
H HO OPP Meet Vester “Problumz” Crowel’s as one of the experts on the panel of the HipHop Forum. He opens discussion for the with an explanation on why there is “The Slow Death of HipHop.”
________________________________________________________________________________________________
13 | IINNTTRROODDUUCCIINNGG NNOOFFAACCEE SSHHAADDOOW WM MA AN N Inside the summer’s biggest musical experience to hit San Diego. by Melba Wells ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ON THE COVER: Sess 4-5 photographed in New Orleans, photographer unknown. Background by mia.harris.
12
keke_00_2000@yahoo.com adoobeatz@gmail.com For Booking: 1 562.682.1658 http://www.adoobeatz.com/ http://www.myspace.com/adoobeatz
introducing… NofacE is the shadow who came to life! His magic is music! NofacE possesses a style and vibe from both past and future. We don’t know where he came from. We do know where he is going.....everywhere! His bold sound turns air molecules into keys! NofacE These keys is a unlock the beautiful hearts, blend of minds and what the souls of the world of listeners, modern allowing music his almost “shadow lost, The fams”, as Funk! he calls NofacE is them, to real! He meet him calls to in a mind some world greats, Jimi, where Bootsie. smooth melodies date erotica! Could he be one of them? Both of them? Or a whole new blend of some cool ass shit! You decide, but do it quick! NofacE is the shadow, who came to life, and he’s on the way up! by Melba Wells 14
HipHop touches all… Please meet HipHop Sketch Artist, Timothy Mcclure.
“I have been blessed with a wonderful opportunity. I just want all my friends to know that everything I wanted to happen is happening. My many talents are being recognized and my daughters and I have been spending a lot of time together.
Redemption.”
15
““IInn G Goodd W Wee TTrruusstt””
Each month, Timothy will Bless us with RReeddeem mppttiioonn stories from prisoners who served or are currently serving time for crimes committed. Through these stories, he will help inmates pay it forward by telling their stories with the hopes of helping someone else avoid the same perils of life. Stay tuned… Timothy Mcclure is manger at BeatShop Entertainment.
TEMIAUTOMATIC
Tha BeatShop
16
S.H.E Wrote It For You Who Is S.H.E? S.H.E = Style, Honor and Energy A female Hip Hop group currently based out of San Diego, California, comprised of two members, Emma ‘S.H.E Music’ Anderson and Chrystal ‘CHRYS-stalis’ Steward. Having met in high school, the two remained close friends and began their quest to become prominent female artist in July of 2008. Combining various styles of rap, containing West Coast, East Coast, Mid-West and Southern influences, S.H.E Wrote It For You has created a uniquely energetic sound. This sound has attracted the attention and respect of fellow artist in the San Diego area, thus allowing S.H.E Wrote It For You to successfully join the currently male dominated music scene. However, their creativity and love for song writing does not stop with Hip Hop, as they have begun creating soulful tracks for RnB and NeoSoul artists as well, having the ultimate goal of writing for all genres.
S.H.E Music Emma ‘S.H.E Music’ Anderson: Songwriter, vocals and group liason, was born in St. Louis, MO but raised in San Diego. S.H.E Music became inspired by music as a young child, able to recite many of the songs on the radio. Touched by colorful lyrics and the bebop of hip hop, S.H.E began writing poetry at 13 years old. After keeping her poetry perfectly hidden from others, she decided to turn her poems into music. At 16 years old she fell into the cipher with other rappers in El Cajon, CA as ‘Passions Nemesis’, putting her poetry to the amplified beats of the MasterMinds crew. Having left the grasp of her own musical creations for over 10 years,Passions Nemesis decided to reemerge as ‘S.H.E Music, with her long time friend CHRYS-stalis forming S.H.E Wrote It For You in 2008. As she realized music creation is still in her heart, and NEEDS to be shared with the world.
17
CHRYS-stalis Chrystal ‘CHRYS-stalis’ Steward: music producer, songwriter and vocals, was born and raised in San Diego. CHRYS-stalis grew up listening to the slick tongues of hip hop artists, and the soulful whispers and screams of rhythm and blues. CHRYS-stalis began writing rhymes in junior high, but remained ambitious about designing her own sound of music. Having embraced the creative blueprint laid out by those before her, CHRYS-stalis began producing her own music with her lifelong friend S.H.E Music forming S.H.E Wrote It For You in 2008. Laced with the influences of many, she has cultivated a sound all her own, determined to expose the world to her new and fresh artistry.
Our contact info is on the flyer, the Who Is S.H.E? CD is available for purchase locally, the cost is $5 and people can email us for their copy at shewroteitforyou@yahoo.com. We are working on making the CD available for download.
18
“WE TAKIN OVA THE WORLD!”
sssssssssshhhhhhhhhh… …....ddiidd tthhee C CE EO O ooff B BeeaattSShhoopp,, K Kiirrkk JJoohhnnssoonn,, jjuusstt ssaayy tthhaatt?? Y YU UPP!! W Wee H Heeaarrdd iitt R RIIG GH HT T:: W WE ET TA AK KIIN NO OV VA AT TH HE E W WO OR RL LD D!!
19
& INNER THOUGHTS PRESENTS….
TWISTA LIVE
20
FROM THE BAY AREA TO DAYGO, WE WELCOME MATHIE BUSH
M MA AH HTTIIEE m maahhttiieebbuusshh991166@ @yyaahhoooo..ccoom m CLICK NOW & LISTEN TO “Backpackramento” WE PROMISE, IT KNOCKS!!!!
21
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON HIPHOP?
Fresh off the Five Year Katrina Anniversary hosted by SESS 4-5, he has established himself as a name synonymous with change in many of the hearts of many in New Orleans, Louisiana. To say that Sess 4-5’s work is HOT is an understatement, in that if there is a movement to bring about change, highlight an injustice or if he has to go to jail for you, he will and has! On December 20, 2007, was one of the protesters at the New Orleans City Council, which was scheduled to cast its final vote on the demolition of four of the city’s sprawling, hurricane-damaged housing projects. Protesters were already lined up at City Hall, and New Orleans Police Department’s (NOPD) Tactical Unit – the SWAT team – was on full alert.
22
Tensions were growing as the protesters began to chant, “Let the people in. Let the people in.” Berating the council he yelled, “We are here on behalf of the people… Who’s talking about the people? Who’s talking about the homeless? I’m from the project and I’m fighting for my people.” Now flashing back to the sit-ins of the 1960’s, the MyNewOrleans reports that, Krystal Muhammad, a member of the Houston chapter of the New Black Panther Party, shouted at the council members, who had not yet taken their seats. “Bring your coward selves out here and let our people in here. It don’t make no sense. Black people want to come and stand for something and you want to lock us out like we slaves on your plantation.” None of the protesters took their seats and all hell was literally breaking out. So when the deputy tried to escort Sess 4-5 from the council chamber, it was the fuse that lit up the room and it erupted. A few of the protesters were handcuffed as a woman yelled “We going [to] fight!” a female protester shrieked. “We going [to] fight!” The article ends with the report that “inside the meeting room, the much talked about racial split of the City Council never happened. The council voted unanimously to demolish the four projects.” Despite the street battle outside, no one was seriously hurt and only a dozen protesters, including Sess 4-5, had to be arrested. Chuck Hustmyre concludes “that for the SWAT team, it was another successful mission.” While we all know it was another mission lost for the poor. On August 29, 2010 Commondreams.org reported that Sess 4-5 along with 3,000 New Orleans residents, local officials and entertainers gathered for the ceremony, which included the reading of names from those lost during Hurricane Katrina and a 3 mile March to remember the lives of those lost during the tragic hurricane. "The 5th Anniversary Katrina Commemoration March and Secondline is an important ceremony we've built here in New Orleans to show the families of victims and residents we have not forgotten about their struggle to resume their lives," said Sess 4-5, Co Founder of the New Orleans Katrina Commemoration Foundation.
“Five years have gone by and New Orleans has still not received the necessary backing from the United States government to help restore this city to prominence," stated Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., President of the Hip Hop Caucus. "It is vital the people of New Orleans and local officials unite and demonstrate our communities are still in dire need of assistance as well recognize and create an action plan to restore our coast and protect New Orleans for future generations." "It is vital for the American people and government officials outside of New Orleans recognize our hardships continue and we still need their help to get many families back home and on their feet after this disaster." The Katrina anniversary and oil spill are both wake up calls that we need to restore Louisiana's coastal wetlands, which are nature's first defense against storms, sea level rise and flooding," said National Wildlife Federation President and CEO Larry Schweiger. "Restoring the coastal wetlands will not only help protect the communities and ecosystems in south Louisiana but also help the region recover from the BP oil spill." One often wonders if it were not for BP’s Oil Spill, would anyone besides residents, like Sess 4-5, remember Katrina and the lives it forever changed. One thing is for sure, it bonded the people involved and continues to teach us that there is no shortage of hard working people from New Orleans.
We are proud to have been granted a snap shot into the thoughts of HipHop artists and entrepreneur, Sess 4-5. He strives to live daily making the lives of others better. Here are his Thoughts on HipHop‌
24
WHWN: What is your stage name? SESS4-5: SESS 4-5 WHWN: Is the music industry your primary job? SESS 4-5: YES & NO WHWN: In the music industry, who do you work for? Or are you independent? SESS 4-5: NO ONE I OWN MY COMPANY NUTHIN BUT FIRE RECORDS WHWN: If you are a DJ, producer, writer or an artist what is your content? SESS 4-5: LIFE WHWN: How long have you been in this profession? SESS 4-5: 15 YEARS WHWN: What is your relationship with HipHop and music in general? SESS 4-5: I LOVE MUSIC WHWN: What is HipHop to you? SESS 4-5: LIFE'S EXPRESSION WHWN: Do you think HipHop has a purpose and what? SESS 4-5: YES TO ENTERTAIN AND HELP MAKE SOCIAL CHANGE WHWN: Are you influenced by HipHop and why? SESS 4-5: YES BECAUSE I LOVE MUSIC WHWN: When do you think HipHop was born? SESS 4-5: DURING THE R&B ERA WHWN: What is your understanding of the birth of HipHop as a music genre? SESS 4-5: I KNOW SOME SAY IT WAS BORN IN NEW YORK, BUT FOR SOME REASON I HAVE DOUBTS. WHWN: How often to you think about HipHop? SESS 4-5: EVERY DAY WHWN: How long do you think HipHop will be around? SESS 4-5: FOREVER WHWN: Do you remember the first HipHop song you heard? SESS 4-5: NO WHWN: How did it make you feel? SESS 4-5: I REMEMBER TWO LIVE CREW SONGS PLAYING IN THE PROJECTS, THEY USE TO GO HARD. WHWN: What are your 3 most favorite HipHop songs and why? SESS 4-5: I LIKE MY SONGS. (Click here for “Getting dat Gwop”) WHWN: Who is your favorite HipHop artist and why? SESS 4-5: IM A BIG TUPAC FAN, BECAUSE HIS MUSIC WAS DOWN TO EARTH AND HE MADE YOU FEEL THE STORY. WHWN: Who is your least favorite HipHop artist and why? SESS 4-5: THERE ARE A LOT OF WACK RAPPERS I DONT FEEL. WHWN: Do you think Rap and HipHop are the same and why?
25
SESS 4-5: IT’S THE SAME TO ME, THERE ARE JUST DIFFERENT FORMS. (BOUNCE, STREET, PARTY, JIGG, UNDERGROUND, GRASSROOTS, ETC.) WHWN: What, if any, would you change about HipHop? SESS 4-5: I WOULD MAKE IT A MORE LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR THE MUSICIANS TO EARN MONEY, WHILE MAKING GOOD MUSIC. WHWN: Do you think HipHop is used positively or negatively, and why? SESS 4-5: BOTH, BECAUSE PEOPLE USE MUSIC TO PUSH THERE PARTICULAR AGENDA. WHWN: Why do you think most HipHop videos and songs are filled with stunting, sexism and violence? SESS 4-5: I DONT THINK MOST HIP HOP VIDEO'S ARE LIKE THAT, BUT I DO THINK THE OTLETS FOR PEOPLE TO SEE VIDEOS TEND TO PLAY THOSE VIDEOS MORE. WHWN: Why do people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds like HipHop? SESS 4-5: PEOPLE LOVE MUSIC. WHWN: Do you think HipHop is a global industry and why? SESS 4-5: YES ITS MAKE MILLIONS/BILLIONS GLOBALLY ALREADY. WHWN: Do you think HipHop is a commodity, and why? SESS 4-5: YES BECAUSE PEOPLE BUY IT. WHWN: What do you think when you hear of people in third-world countries, bumping HipHop? IT JUST SHOWS ME THAT WE ARE NO SESS 4-5: DIFFERENT HERE, AND THEN ANY WHERE ELSE, IF YOU FEEL IT, YOU PLAY IT. WHWN: Do you think HipHop transcends all languages, cultures and boundaries, and why? SESS 4-5: YES BECAUSE EVERY WHERE YOU GO YOUNG,OLD BLACK,ASIAN,WHITE WE LISTEN TO SOME OF THE SAME SONG IN OUR OWN PERSONAL ENVIORNMENTS. WHWN: Why is HipHop used worldwide to advertise a wide variety of commodities? SESS 4-5: ITS THE VOICE OF THE YOUNG, AND THATS WHO ARE MAKING PURCHASES, INFLUENCE THERE PARENTS PURCHASES AND WILL BE MAKING A LOT OF PURCHASES IN THE FUTURE. WHWN: Do you think HipHop has a negative perception in the media, and why? SESS 4-5: YES AND NO. WHEN IT’S A TOOL TO POINT THE BLAME HIP HOP IS NEGATIVE, WHEN THEY WANT TO MAKE MONEY ITS POSITIVE. WHWN: Do you think HipHop is under attack, if so why and by what?
26
SESS 4-5: YES BY INFILTRATORS, AND HIP HOP COPS. BECAUSE OF THE INFLUENCE IT HAS AND THE SUCCESS BLACK PEOPLE HAVE SEEN. WHWN: Do you think a person can stay conscious and achieve platinum success? SESS 4-5: YES WHWN: Why do you think is it more difficult for conscious artists to cross over? SESS 4-5: BECAUSE PEOPLE SAY THEY WANT MORE CONSCIOUS ARTISTS BUT DONT BUY OR SUPPORT THEIR MUSIC IN THE MASSES WHWN: Why do you think it is more difficult for a platinum artist to produce content of value and keep the support of their labels and radio stations? SESS 4-5: BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO DIFFERENT AGENDAS. WHWN: Did you or have you ever paid (or received money) to have a song played on the radio/TV? If so, do you think it is right or wrong, a necessity or not and why? SESS 4-5: YES I HAVE PAID TO GET MY MUSIC PLAYED. I DONT THINK ITS RIGHT, BUT IT’S THE MUSIC BUSINESS, AND AS THEY SAY "THE GAME IS SOLD NOT TOLD". WHWN: What is your opinion of the “Where Do You Stand: Why Platinum Artists Flee Underground?” series? Have you joined Who’s Hot? & Who’s Not!® blog, if not why? SESS 4-5: I DONT KNOW ABOUT IT. I HAVEN'T JOINED YET, BECAUSE I 'M NOT A BIG BLOG READER. WHWN: Why did you take out time to complete the survey? SESS 4-5: I AGREED TO DO IT AND I LIKE TO KEEP MY WORD. WHWN: Your efforts have really helped many people and we hope to encourage your continued success in your philanthropic efforts and events. namaste We used Commondreams.org “Join the Movement For the greater good,” article dated August 29, 2010 for information on the 5-Year Anniversary of Katrina.
For more information on the Commemoration Events, please visit www.HipHopCaucus.org or www.KatrinaCommemoration.org.
27
To hear Sess 4-5’s HOT new track, to book him or connect with him, please use any of the links below.
Nuthin’ But Fire Records NutinButFireRecords
SESS 4-5
Stingy Video
Getting’ Dat Gwop
28
The Slow Death of HIP-HOP
BeatShop productions
Vester L. Crowel 619 6747570 10/30/2010
The Slow Death of HIP-HOP Have you noticed that a lot of music today is geared more towards a younger crowd, nice songs but all party and even less content? What of those who enjoy music for the words, expression, and format of what is true Hip-Hop? It is not only about rapping or b-boying (mixing); it invites in many different elements such as culture, dance and music, as well. Let us focus on the music. Hip-Hop today has geared away from those inner struggles and storytelling and persists to flaunt a high-level of living, a life many of the artists or fans do not have and is not an existence that anyone can realistically maintain forever. Without knowing it, Hip-Hop has become a fashion show instilled with glamorous looks, fancy cars, and people with supposedly expensive taste. What about your fans that are not living that life? How do they relate aside from the fact that the music may sound nice? What happened to gutter music? Or has it been pushed aside and labeled “Underground” or “Independent”? You might not get some of the best artists in the world on the major radio stations because the only music being advertised is commercial music by commercial rappers with a few new entries per year. Faithful listeners of Hip-Hop have to rely on buying their favorite artist, downloading, etc. We are never allowed to turn on the station and here artist like Dead Prez or Tech- 9ine. But there is a saving grace; we have artists like Common and Mos Def. Now one understands why this is titled, “The Slow Death of HipHop,” because there are only a few Hardcore Hip-Hop artist in the industry, with Common and Mos Def acting more commercialized, it is just a matter of time before there is no more Hip-Hop in the mainstream music in my eyes. The underground scene is alive and growing, but how do we bring that to the mainstream and still keep it real Hip-Hop, i.e. conscious? Question: Can you name ten HOT rap artists being played today on a rap stations besides LiL Wayne, Game, Snoop, and Kanye West? If you can has it pretty much been the ten if not, where are the millions of rappers you listen to on a daily the Talib Kwelis', and the other underground rappers? My 10 artist 1. EMNIME 2. Nelly 3. Soldier Boy Tellem 4. Red man 5. E-40 6. Nikki Manaj 7. Gucci Man 8. Plies
30
9. Young Geezy 10. Rick Ross Think back and how long has these same artist controlled the airways? With the millions of other rappers worldwide, the old saying really does come into play as it is it who you know not what you do, that helps with the distribution, the grooming of an artist, and finances. Let’s I am here to open the discussion so we can find out how to bring WHO’S HOT? from the underground circuit, back into mainstream music.
Vester “Problumz” Crowel is an artists and entrepreneur with BeatShop Entertainment, located in San Diego California. He can be emailed at vestercrowel19@yahoo.com.
IN STORES NOW, CLICK TO PURCHASE
31
N
ashell Scott, or as we all know her,
"SHELLY MANS'ION, was born July 14 and is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, model, clothing designer, and actress, kin to Nick Cannon, and new to the Def Jam group "RydazNartist." I was born in San Diego, CA. I lived most of my adolescent life in and out of juvenile hall for brandishing a gun. By fifteen, the shy little girl everyone knew had transformed into herself a villain on the mic. I was influenced by rappers like Lil Kim, Biggie Smalls and Tupac. On January, 23rd 2001, I under went a tummy tuck to alter my 26' waist to a 23' waist and dyed my hair crayola colors, all in order to compete in the world of other artists. I had and began my journey, as a mother, hip hop artist, and model. I had finally started. By the spring of 2005 I performing with stars like, Too$hort, Ray J, The Roots, Mos Def, Talib and Dead Prez. I had performed live on stage with over 50 stars, including Erykah Badu, at the San Diego Sports Arena. In 2007 I had music on the radio, life size billboards in L.A., had starred in hip hop magazines as unsigned hype. I still wanted to be more than just some pageant contestant, model, and hip hop artist. The winter of 2008 I still had dreams beyond music. And like most stars on the rise my car made a sudden detour to Hollywood, ship wrecking me but Blessing me with a chance meeting with my acting teacher, Ivan Markota. At the time, he ran an acting school on called, Van Mar Academy. I enrolled as a fulltime student from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and went to school four days a week. I studied long and hard for four months, with veterans from movies like "The Transformers." It taught me how to survive and perform in front of directors. Next I ventured on a short biography with a director that gave me the courage and confidence to proceed into the world of movies commercials, and television. I had earned accreditation points on my sag card. I had arrived in Hollywood. Now it is 2010 and I have a hit new single out called, "Bugatti Girlz.� It was released as an independent artist, but I am ready to be signed as a heavy hitter in a fast industry. I find my appetite wows people with my contagious charisma, charm, and ability to change like a butterfly. I am ready to rap up this show and go on tour. To remain true to myself, I am humble and make it a priority to help others by delivering this testimony in my rhymes, acting, and in speeches in high schools and acting schools all over the country. My goal is to prove to women and men across the world, that just because you have had a destructive past, it is not an obstacle when it comes to success. As a modern day mother, I have learned to adjust well, take care of my Egyptian Queen body and to maintain the mind of a humble student willing to learn, so that I can be used as an example to the multitudes of youth. As we all know, seeing is believing. So
32
keep your eyes on the prize as if it was written on a scroll in cursive Egyptian hieroglyphs! Therefore, by 2012 I would like to have a few hit singles, be signed to a major label, and have starred in several movies and commercials. I am stomping out the competitive market of female artist, while riding in on the next fall roster of women in hip hop. I was dubbed "The rose that grew out the concrete" as I am the first mother of hip hop to sign a major contract, with a testimony more powerful than Mary and Jesus hung on the cross just for being a mom. I have been labeled a female Tupac, as "Shelly Mans'ion" is not the last but first living the life close to a dream that can only happen in a Tyler Perry movie.
Bugatti Girlz, 2010
justoneluckygirl@gmail.com Shelly Mans’ion
33
L
atrena A Taylor, who is known to the world as Mz. Chief was born in San
Diego, California. As a proud San Diegian, she attended Lincoln High School. Music was heavily introduced early on in childhood from watching "Soul Train" on Saturdays, to singing along with her daddy's A-tracks. Her parents saw this talent and encouraged her. She blossomed in the church choir and liked a lot of other little girls was the first place she ran to. She joined the children’s choir at three and sang her first solo at 6. Was she nervous? Nope! Even at that age she was ready. Singing was included throughout my preteens years resulting in holding the title of Miss Junior San Diego, and then at the age of 14 she became a member of "The Heavenly Angels" of San Diego. This four young girl group ranged in ages from 11 to 14 we performed original and old favorite gospel tunes sounding like baby "Clark Sisters." They did what Hip Hop fans considered "shows" constantly in California and even traveled throughout United States SANGIN! As an adult she sang in other gospel groups, during this briefly membership she had the privilege to perform on Time Warner local Broad casting station. So with all this background it seemed in the stars for Vester “Problumz” Crowel and her to meet again after not seeing each other since high school days. Then in April 2009 things changed and shifted again for her when she started dating Problumz for three months. A guy she had no clue was a rapper, who one day invited her to a show and then I confessed that I too was in love with music and I sang to him.......and this started it all. LOCATIONS PERFORMED (LIVE): Sapphire Lounge-San Diego DreamStreet-San Diego Gold Spike-Las Vegas Cheers and Beers-El Cajon Rileys-San Diego Decos-San Diego Belo- San Diego SD Onyxx – San Diego Brick by Brick-San Diego Brick Alley-San Diego Fannies- Spring Valley O'connells-San Diego Second Wind- El Cajon
34
SONGS: Set me free (2009) Lovely (2010) Finally (2010) Potion of Love (2010) Just for U (2010) FEATURED ON PROBLUMZ SONGS FROM BEATSHOP PRODUCTION: * AS OF 2010 Replacements Thats Life Hollywood Dreaming Priceless Where IM From MUSIC INSPIRATIONS: Lil Kim Tina Eve Rage Erika Badu Stephanie Mills Denice Williams Donna Summers Teena Marie Chaka Khan Roberta Flack SWV En Vogue Mary J. Blige Kiesha Cole Alliyah Fantasia Chrisette Michelle Kerry Hilton Ciara Beyonce Sade Tweet Missy Elliott Billie Holiday Jill Scott Angie Stone MC Lyte YoYo Salt N Pepa Queen Latifa…and a host of other females who have paved the way THANK U!
35