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content From The Industry Today, To Future Projects, To Just Keeping It Trill…Pg.14
FASHION
FEATURES
MUSIC
ON THE SCENE
5. STYLE CYPHER
11. Killa Kyleon
16.SXSW
9. MIXX PICS:
25. MIXX HIGHLIGHT
18.SLIM THUG
20. REAL LIFE BARBIES:
Top 5 Spring fashion refreshes for both Him and Her
22. MODEL OF THE MONTH Say Hello to Johnny E.
Get to know the Lone Star
Highlighting must- see Music events
Chris Webby shares some Houston's own industry highlights crowned prince
Pg.25
Pg.11
Pg.18
Fly Kixs w/ Freddie Gibbs & Dom Kennedy White Femcees: Are they worth the hype?
Pg.9
Pg.22
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themixxmagazine.com
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STYLE CYPHER
2012 Fashions For HIM & HER Spring is here! Time to put away winter coats & gloves.. Time to pull out the pastels & brights...In this article you'll find a few of the many trendy looks that will be in stores this spring. I love springtime because its that good "sit out on the patio feeling" not too hot..Not too cold..Just right! With plenty of outdoor music festivals (SXSW in March & Coachella in April) coming up that means layering and creating the perfect look to set you apart from the crowd. Also check out my top 3 beauty picks & great online stores to check out! See you next issue! :)
Denxoia xo
Pastels Nails, Clothes, Shoes
Florals & Flows Key Colors
Tops, Dresses, Pants,etc
Indigo Blue & Vivid Orange
$$$
Online Shops To Check Out! KillPink.com Asos.com (Men's and Women's Clothing) LuLus.com
Connect to mixx fashion online at
www.themixxmagazine.com
5
2012 Fashions For HIM & HER
Denia's Top 3
Beauty Picks: 1.) NCLA Nail Wraps ($16, shopncla.com) 2.) Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette ($50, ulta.com) 3.) Clarisonic Cleansing System ($119-$250, clarisonic.com)
Prints Plaid, Hawaiian, Stripes
Statement Shoes Peplum Dresses and Tops
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Connect to mixx fashion online at
Fringed loafers, Prints, Spikes,etc.
www.themixxmagazine.com
Letter From the
The mixx
Staff
editor
Editor-in Chief
Nakia McIntyre kia@themixxmagazine.com @Kiamixx
Director of marketing & photography
Fabian sobers Fabian@themixxmagazine.com @Thefabe
Fashion director
denia Taylor Denia@themixxmagazine.com @DeniaAlicia
Special Features
Nikki brown nikki@themixxmagazine.com @Nikkibeezus
Special projects
Krista Hayes krista@themixxmagazine.com @thepinkdreamer
Art director
danielle meadows danielle@themixxmagazine.com @octanedesigns
Senior Photo Director
Randy Lawrence rando@themixxmagazine.com @itsRando
Photojournalists
Nadia myrthil nadia@themixxmagazine.com @ladyneuro DAmar Davis dAmar@themixxmagazine.com @rahtheprez
Contributing writers
a
certain hierarchy of monetary status. Turns out that my belief of almost thirty years, is nothing
a mere illusion.
more
than
"For what will it profit a man if he gains the world, yet forfeits his soul?" The recent passing of several of our musical icons have lead me to believe that even at the highest point in ones' life, the ultimate low is derived from lack of contentment and humility. Humility is not clothing ourselves in an attitude of self-abasement. Humility is all about maintaining our pride about who we are, about our achievements, about our worth - but without arrogance. It's about being content to let others discover the layers of our talents without judgment. Judge not, because you may not know the path a person had to travel in order to get where they are. And just because you and someone else aren't on the same path doesn't mean they're lost. Without further ado....
Josh (just gq 2) Mcdonald Mehka
I present to you absolute dopeness The Mixx Magazine Mar/Apr 2012 Issue.
Publisher
lexpress Lexington, Kentucky
www.
I used to think that the keys to success were fame and
Enjoy!
.com
We want to know what you think! Send Reader Responses to kia@themixxmagazine.com
Kia McIntyre Editor-In-Cheif
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8
Mixx
Pics Fly K i xs
9
Mixx
spotlight We're helping celebrate UGK's 20th Anniversary with these memorable moments of being Underground Kings of the Industry.
20 Years of
Underground 1992
Too hard to swallow
Kings
1992
4 Life
2007
1996
The Game belongs to me
riding dirty
Banned
1994
super tight
Feel my tweets: We asked UGK twitter fans to tweet us their favorite PIMP C lyric
@SnakeFromthe8 I'm up early cuz my nigga ain't enough light in the daytime. Smoke two sweets and sold three chickens for the clock right now. RIP Pimp C
@BuckGreenspan I'm up early cuz my nigga don't sell dope after night time. Pimp C
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2009
2001
Dirty Money
@bigbuda_1810 Still like getting my d*ck sucked under the street lights #pimpc UGK
@DjPhatKatt Pimp C's Most Quotable ( It's never too much, the paper I make. These other pu**y niggas ain't real, them ho's fake) Explicit Verses #RIP
@KhalifdaMenace Say man, I stop smokin' with the haters back in 94' UGK
Mixx Lone
star:
Killa Kyleon Killa Kyleon keeps it "Trill" about his new mix tape, being an underrated lyricist and what UGK means to him.
highlight
together. So, they had heard my music and was interested in what they heard and asked me to come through and rock with them on some tracks. You’ve been spoken about as one of the better lyricist in the south. Is that something that you aimed for when you began rapping? Yeah, that’s a badge of honor. That’s really why I go so hard. That’s really what I always wanted to be recognized for in hip-hop. We always had this stigma in the south like we weren’t as lyrical as people on the East Coast, West Coast or the Midwest. So it was always important for me to go extremely hard. That’s what I try to do with all my records. I go for the gusto. I try to go super hard. What are you working on right now? You got a new mix tape dropping or a LP coming soon? Till the streets ready to demand this album, then I’m going to keep putting out these tapes. My next project is called “Trill” and that’s pretty much done right now. I’m in the studio looking for records to round it out now.
There is something in the water of the city of Houston. One of the biggest cities in the country tucked inside the second biggest state in the Union, H-town is rarely looked at as a hip-hop hot-bed. While you might not pay attention, some of the most diverse talents in emceeing, DJ’ing, and producing have come from the Houston. While they’re not mentioned like New York, Los Angeles or Atlanta, Houston has a lot to brag about and they often do. One more talent that they can proudly hang their hat on is Killa Kyleon. After rhyming alongside the likes of Wiz Khalifa and other up-coming stars, Killa showed himself to be one of the best and brightest while touring with Big Krit and Currensy on last years “Smokers Club” tour. Killa is back at it in 2012! Currently prepping his next mix tape “Trill” Killa has his eyes on becoming not just the south, but the games best lyricist. Killa Kyleon chops it up with The Mixx magazine about how he got started in the hip-hop, if he feels he gets the credit he deserves and some of his best memories of South by Southwest. For those who don’t know, tell us how you got into hip-hop. I started off years ago with some of my homeboys, my partner Deon and my partner Los. That was the first time I really got in the studio and recorded. I used to be part of this click called Quarter Pound records. After that, I used to be around the Screwed Up Click a lot, doing a lot of drawings for Screw. I pretty much connected with them through my uncles and cousins who were in the streets of the south-side. I hooked up with Big Pokey, we started a group called Mob Styles. My homie C Ward was part of the group as well. Slim had a relationship of him, because they had did mix tapes
Who are you working with on “Trill?” (Laughs) I can’t tell you that. I got to keep that a little surprise. What I’m doing now will be super-unexpected. People aren’t going to expect some of the people that I’m working with on this one. Talk to me about UGK and their influence in your career. They had very big influence on my career. Bun B is my favorite rapper in the world! Not only is he my mentor, but I look up to him a lot. I look at him like he’s my uncle. I look up to Bun and I had a good relationship with Pimp too. So to come up looking up to them and to have a relationship with them was a blessing. What is 2012 going to be like for Killa Kyleon? Me getting better as an artist. I’m a consumer as well as an artist. I listen to the music. I feel like I got to get better and better. I look at Hov and he’s still rapping at a high level at 42.…I want to be one of the biggest rappers. It’s not just about spitting a hot 16 to me. It’s about making a great record, with hot 16’s. A lot of artists don’t concentrate on that. A lot of people get caught up in making that one record, I’m trying to make that one record a thousand times. This issue is about SXSW. Tell me about your experience with SXSW. Just the love and the energy of the crowds man! The crowds are so diverse. Last year was my first time getting to experience SXSW. Being that was my first time and I got to perform with all the people that I rocked out to and to build relationships with people I wanted to work with and fans of mine, it was like a win/win situation. This year I plan on rocking out even harder and making more fans. It broadens your fan base, getting out there and grinding.
Check out Killa Kyleon rocking showcases at SXSW this year and follow him on twitter at twitter.com/killakyleon “Trill” coming soon
-Mehka
11
BY:
Nikki Brown
•TRu REALigion•
It’s hard to believe that in just a couple years, 2 Chain'z has transformed from underground sensation to mainstream success. While Def Jam’s newest signee preps his debut album, T.R.You. 2 ( T.R.You. 2 My REALigion), fans can replay his well-received mix tape TRU REALigion which dropped in late 2011. Now, I have to admit that I was skeptical of 2 Chain'z for a couple reasons. First, most southern hip-hop artists have careers that come with one hit and an expiration date. Two, we tend to categorize our emcee’s into groups. With a style similar to Young Jeezy and T.I, I wasn’t sure that 2 Chain'z could find his place- boy, has he proven me wrong! The rapper, formerly known as Tity Boi of Playaz Circle, took the mix tape world by storm last year when he broke out on his own to release Codeine Cowboy leading to new-found fanfare and airplay on MTV with ‘Spend It’ featuring T.I. The Atlanta, GA native continues to ride the wave of success with the DJ Drama hosted- tape TRU REALigion. Most rappers have a core audience that they cater to and it’s no secret that this tape is for those that need some music to bop their head to and blast in the car. It has equal parts features and solo tracks making for a dynamic listening experience that will hold your attention. 2 Chain'z’s charisma and playful delivery are enough to catch your attention, but the songs are actually good as well. Besides the ‘Spend It,’ 2 Chain'z is joined by fellow emcees Raekwon, Big Sean (who delivered one of his best verses in my opinion), Trey Songz, Young Jeezy, Jadakiss and more. Perhaps one of the tape’s most popular tracks is ‘Murder’ featuring fellow up and comer Kreayshawn. The white femcee, who has seen her share of controversy since stepping onto the scene, delivers an okay verse that is ultimately overshadowed by 2 Chain'z. It will be interesting to see if this catapults him to the next level. Like most instances, only time will tell. Either way, if this tape is any indication, it sounds like he has enough support and talent to do so. Let the games begin.
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•Tell Ya Friends•
In a time where mix tapes are getting more attention than ever, it’s hard to filter out the ones you can play from top to bottom and be completely satisfied. I first fell in love with Chip Tha Ripper’s signature raspy voice when I heard him on Kid Cudi’s A Kid Named Cudi mix tape back in 2008. With a flow reminiscent of the chopped and screwed style of Houston and style all his own, Chip is inching closer to mainstream stardom. Although the Cleveland, Ohio native has had more success than a lot of today’s signed emcees, he has yet to secure a deal for himself. Perhaps a couple listens of Tell Ya Friends will do the trick? Though the track heavy (22 to be exact) tape may seem a bit daunting at first glance, don’t let that keep you from listening. Chip’s smooth delivery effortlessly flows throughout the songs, produced by a diverse crew that includes Lex Luger (‘Out Here’) and Boi-1da (‘25 Wives’ ft. Wale). The opening track, ‘Good Evening,’ is a perfect introduction to those unfamiliar to him as he raps about women, weed and his favorite drink, Jameson, over a strings-infused beat co-produced with Big Duke. The most impressive part of this tape is Chip’s ability to maintain his own identity on songs featuring other artists that include Krazy Bone, CyHi The Prince and Wale. A stand out fan favorite on 'Friends' is ‘Boomshakalaka’ featuring the legendary Bun B and beautifully produced by Woodro Skillson. When an up and comer artist features a more known artist, they will usually cater the song to the featured artist’s style. However, Chip manages to do that and channel his own style simultaneously- a feat not easily achieved by many. Another strength of Tell Ya Friends are the catchy-hooks. Many rappers use the mix tape as a place to spill out verse after verse without something for listeners to remember. When this happens, it goes from one listen to easily forgotten. Chip turns most of his tracks from this fate by composing memorable lyrics that you can’t help but say over and over. By doing this, Chip further proves that he is more than competent when it comes to the mainstream and then some. So…TELL YA FRIENDS!
Mixx
main
feature
W
ho would have thought…a country magazine birthed in the heart of Kentucky, where summers were savored by way of fields of tobacco, lakes and horses could hold down a Texas rap-pioneer so tough? From the album ‘Trill’ constantly in headphones, persuading each bone to get hype then motivating a hung-over body to 8:00 AM college courses; to that first twerk session in the back of the party in 9th grade – perishing all innocence to ‘Let Me See It,’ … to basic kid antics like sitting stationary in the driver seat of the family car rocking out to ‘Choppin’ Blades,’ anticipating the day a young teenager is finally blessed with a drivers license. Despite civil upbringings; Spring-time at the horse track sipping Mint Juleps, shopping for cotillion dresses with mother, family fund-raisers in the suburbs… a Kentuckian’s TRUE sense of throwdness, trillception and just the gangsta side as a whole, could possibly be due to the great gatekeeper of the south, himself, Port Author’s own Bernard Freeman. And if you can’t understand why, I suggest you skip about two pages to the right.
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Photos courtesy of Rap A Lot Records
U
GK and the whole trill movement have galvanized millions of supporters and fans that basically appreciate head-gyrating hip-hop music. The Underground Kingz have tracks where you didn’t have to sit there for fifteen seconds and decide if you liked it or not. Instantly. Right when the beat dropped. You knew. Of course, nine times out of ten, you dug it. With that said, even after Pimp-C’s demise, when all were worried UGK’s legacy would time out the way Chad Butler did (Rest In Peace), Bun-B managed to come back solo ten-times stronger, earning his placement as the man amongst men.
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Now behind the scenes and a more directive role in the forever-
changing world of music, twenty years later, Mr. Freeman is still in awe.
“…selling records and making money is good…but you still have to be careful about what you say and do.” “It amazes me how far the music that we’ve made and what we represent, has traveled, all over the world. It’s still growing; people are still falling in love with UGK.”
E
mperor of the Industry, Bun B talks 20 years of Success The emergence of Too Trill Entertainment has allowed Bun-B to keep his edge in the music industry alive with personal projects. The Middle Fingaz (based out of Long Beach, Ca.) has been a main course on Bun-B’s plethora of talent for a few years now. Even his son is paving his own way into the music game, but not with any cheat sheets from his iconic dad. Bun made it a point to personally NOT hook up his son’s camp; he prefers he earn his reverence the ‘real way.’
Of course Mr. Freeman looked out for the “young cats.” He made it clear that Chad would be content with the state of hip-hop, but on the contrary, Bun did spill that he would probably think the rap-game contains quite a few of those that lack real substance. “ I think he would be happy. When Pimp came home after being locked up, people were able; musicians, artists were finally able to take advantage of the opportunity we have in this world, you know? The promotional aspects, the sponsorships, the merchandising, all of these things that we really hadn’t taken advantage of.” “With that being said, I think he would still, ya know, want more content. You know, selling records and making money is good, and God bless that you’ve been able to get yourself out of a bad situation, but you still have to be careful about what you say and do.” When all is said and done, looking back on a twenty-year music legacy and looking forward to the progression of the rap world, Bernard Freeman, himself is extremely proud of lyricist today.
“It amazes me how far the music that we’ve made and what we represent, has traveled, all over the world. It’s still growing; people are still falling in love with UGK.” “ I want…people to respect them for what they achieve. Not just assume that everything they’ve been able to get was based off me, and my connections…“ Of course, the father role did kick in, and he admitted that he was willing to take a bit more of a hands on approach this year with group Y-N-C (acronym for Youngest N Charge) featuring baby Bun, himself – Young B. In addition to bolting down the southern music market, Bun has expanded to the west coast, working with artist alongside his brother Big Cap. The first signee: Max Priest. His debut mix tape “Pre-Introduction” is a project that Bun is proud to say he had his hands on, but the album “The Re-Introduction of Max Priest” is where the anticipation gets the best of Mr. Freeman. “He’s (Max Priest) got some vthings on the horizon that we all are excited about, so we’re just trying to branch out and take full advantage of what the industry has to offer…” One can’t help but wonder, what would Pimp’s opinion of the rap game be today if he were a fly on the wall?h
“ I like everybody that’s booming right now, I can’t pick out one specific person. They are making great music, especially a lot of Houston guys. I’m just really proud. They found ways, to when critics were saying the music industry was dying and records weren’t selling, these new kids put people right back where they used to be.” When a person really loves music, it connects with them in a way that no one can explain. No words are needed. Whether it’s the beat of a song or the artistry behind the lyrics that gets your adrenaline rushing, forefathers of the creative drug outlet that we have called “hip hop and rap,” leave a serious imprint on the people. People = the masses. And you know what the masses make? History. Hip-hop and rap make history. 20 years in the music game, a patriarch to the masses, Bun B is creating history. Finally, alas the most important subject matter, will the world be graced with another chart-topping Bun-Beatah album? You bet your bottom dollar! Expect that new Bun-B dropping: suh-summah, summah summer time.
-Krista Hayes
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mhilxigx ht hig
SXSW MUSIC The South by Southwest速 (SXSW速) Conferences & Festivals offer the unique convergence of original music, independent films, and emerging technologies. Fostering creative and professional growth alike, SXSW is the premier destination for discovery.
Wednesday, March 15 -mentionables-
Thursday, March 15 -mentionablesTBA A.Dd+ - Kiss & Fly Big Sean - The Stage On Sixth L.E.P Bogus Boys - Kiss & Fly SL Jones - Kiss & Fly Talib Kweli - Kiss & Fly Termanology - Malaia Upstairs Meet & Greet : Indie Labels Meet Up - Austin Convention Center Exhibit 3/4 - 1:30pm-2:30pm 10:00pm-10:40pm THEESatisfaction - Hype Hotel 10:20pm-10:35pm Kirko Bangz - La Zona Rosa 10:40pm-10:55pm Curren$y - La Zona Rosa 11:00pm-12:00am Meek Mill - La Zona Rosa 11:00pm-12:00am Stalley - La Zona Rosa 11:00pm-12:00am Wale - La Zona Rosa 12:15am-1:15am B.O.B & T.I - La Zona Rosa
For more information on artist performances, sessions and the official SXSW schedule visit:
www.sxsw.com 16
SXSWEEK
SXSW SCREENBURN
Friday March 9
MARCH 9-18, 2012
MARCH 9 - 11
Saturday March 10 Sunday March 11
SXSW TRADE SHOW MARCH 12 - 15
Monday March 12 Tuesday March 13
MUSIC GEAR EXPO
Wednesday March 14
MARCH 14 - 17
Thursday March 15 Friday March 16
FLATSTOCK MARCH 14 - 17
Saturday March 17 Sunday March 18
STYLE X
MARCH 16 - 17
Friday, March 16 -mentionablesSXSW 2011
49,126
Studio Gear
-mentionablesAGES STATISTICS FESTIVAL & CONFERENCE
Total Registrants
TBA Attendance Breakdown & Top Business Professionals Represented Buckshot - La Zona Rosa Evitan & :Dres & Fly INTERACTIVE: 19,364 MUSIC 16,353 - Kiss FILM : 13,409 Jon B. - Malaia Marketing Film Director Event/Convention Nas - The Belmont Consultant Production Marketing Pharoahe Monch - La ZonaWeb Rosa Developer Distributor Media Print Pusha T The Belmont Non-Profit Media Electronic Media Electronic Rapper Big PoohMedia (Little Brother) - Buca Software Development Print Indie Label Lounge E-Commerce Promoter/Talent Buyer Producer Skyzoo - Buca Lounge Social Media Actor/Actress Management SlumArtist/Performer Village - Buca LoungeEducator Publicity Travis & Fly Media Electronic Student RadioPorter - Kiss Media TV
Saturday, March 17
Venture Capital
Under 21 21-30
Trade 65,200 GZA ofShow TheAttendance: Wu-Tang Clan 31%
31-40
Poster Show Attendance: LE$Flatstock - Barbarella Patio 25,000 40%
41-50
SXSW ScreenBurn Attendance: Nipsey HussleArcade - Kiss & Fly27,200 19%
- Haven
Number of Media in Attendance: 6,990 9% Theophilus London - Scott
Inn Patio INCOMETumNumber 92 Tumof Stages: - Barbarella Patio 51+
Showcasing Acts: 2,098 TraeMusic thaFestival Truth - Barbarella
Under $18,000
4% Films Screened: 140 features; 153 curated shorts
$18-35,000
1,116 Screening Filmmakers 7% Panel: "Has digitalin Attendance: musix made
$55-85,000
indie labels Convention 19% Interactive Awards Attendees: 1,500 Center RM 11AB - 12:30pm-1:30pm
$85-150,000
31% Film Festival & Music Single Admission Tickets: 49,681
$150,000 +
Countries Represented:Norah 76 (including United States) 26% 7:45pm-8:40pm Jones - La
$35-55,000
Demo Listening (videos): Artist Central INTERNATIONAL 20% Music Video Feedback Session - Austin GEOGRAPHIC MUSIC Convention Center Ballroom E - 12:30pmBREAKDOWN DOMESTIC 80% 1:30pm 10:00pm- 10:55pm Paul Wall - MACC 10:30pm-10:50pm Young L - Haven
TBATrade Show Exhibit Spaces: 566 1%
8%
Interactive Awards Finalists: 85 13% go mainstream?" Austin
Zona 10% 12% Rosa 12% FILM11:45pm-1:00am INTERACTIVE GOLD Mayer PLATINUM John - Stubb's 92%
88%
90%
88%
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Slim Thug: Houston's own Crowned Prince
Photos by: Mike Frost
N
ot long ago, Houston’s rap scene emerged from the underground in a major way by taking over radio waves and record sales with its own special sound. One of this elite group’s leaders is Stayve Thomas, also known as) Slim Thug, who skyrocketed to success after appearing on Mike Jones’ breakthrough single ‘Still Tippin’ in 2004. Further propelled by the release of his major label debut, Already Platinum, Slim Thug fans multiplied into the millions by 2005. However, many may not know that his hard work began almost a decade earlier when he hooked up with the legendary Michael ‘5000’ Watts who created Swishahouse Records in the late 1990’s with OG Ron C in response to the demand for chopped and screwed music: ‘Back in 1998 I hooked up with Swishahouse. We used to do these teenage parties or whatever and he’d have me freestyle. It’d be this monthly thing, and then he’d take my sh*t and chop & screw it on his mix tapes. Word started spreading and before you know it…here I am.’ Slim’s star rose to even greater heights when he was featured on global star Beyonce’s ‘Check On It,’ an experience that Slim remembers and values to this day: ‘That song was so huge, and she was such a huge star… So much good came from makin’ that song. It was historical.’
simply a game piece, shuffled across the board wherever needed regardless of their own wants. As a result of this, many up and comers have found themselves establishing independent labels, hoping to create success on their own. Slim Thug put himself above the independent learning curve when he created Boss Hogg Outlawz. Although he calls the shots and distributes his own music, he stresses that this type of business isn’t for the faint at heart: ‘You gotta be prepared for the work,man. It’s a lot of work! Being a rapper and being a business man are two different things. It ain’t for everybody. You deal with a lot of bullsh*t so if you can’t handle it, don’t do it… It’s just a real big thing to me to be in control. I don’t have a label, I think I come out better doing distribution deals. As far as the industry, with the way things are I’m glad I took that route.’ Like any other hard-working businessman, Slim finds it
"No matter what happens, to that fan I’m always Slim. It’s no big deal but it happens… It’s the price of fame..."
Followed by more collaborations (Gwen Stefani’s ‘Luxurious’), a string of hits (‘3 Kingz’ with T.I. and Bun B, ‘I Ain’t Heard of That’ with Pharrell) and increased visibility in the music industry, Slim continued to cement his spot in history. From the outside looking in, it would seem like sticking with a major label deal would continue to be a winning formula for Slim and his team, but, it turned out to be the opposite. Plagued by label politics and a change of personnel, Slim decided that it was time to part ways with the higher-ups and establish his own business on his own terms: ‘I can’t remember exactly when I left...It wasn’t no beef or nothing’ like that, but I’d kinda outgrown it and wanted to have more control over my business.’ Fast forward to today and it seems like Slim made the most savvy decision. Major record labels are either dying, constantly shifting leadership roles or converging; all actions that can negatively affect an artist. They’re no longer a person, but
18
challenging to balance the Slim that his family knows with the entertainer: ‘They’re real proud of me; I made it out the hood. My momma took care of me and now I can finally take care of her. But the downside...24 hours I gotta be Slim Thug. If I go home to see my family or something and a fan see me, I gotta deal with taking pictures and signatures and all of that. No matter what happens, to that fan I’m always Slim. It’s no big deal but it happens… It’s the price of fame, I’m Slim Thug 24/7. You got Twitter, which to me is just entertainment but it can cause a lot of drama whether you famous or not.’ In an industry plagued by a recession, music piracy and major label breakdowns, many may think that Slim has fallen off, however, it is quite the contrary. He has continued to release music through BHO, including his second album, Boss of All Bosses, which debuted in the top 20 of the Billboard charts and The Thug Show. Part of Slim’s longevity can also be attributed to his strong ties to Houston something that fellow artists who helped break ground there- something that must be done to remain visible.
Another ingredient to Slim’s formula for success includes churning out new music consistently. He’s currently working on a new album titled HoggLife with a TBD release date. 2 Chainz and Drake are two names that come to mind when Slim thinks of potential collaborators as well as members of his Boss Hogg Outlawz family.
-Nikki Brown
“Every step I take is a lot smarter than the last one. You can hear the progress…”
Boss Hogg
These three work together, as a unit, for true music junkies. And that’s because each one triggers your music senses individually.
Check out their latest projects below:
MUG
– L.E.$
Outlawz
Latest Mix tape: Money & Pain, available at ThaFixx.com Recent Hit: His featuring Slim Thug on #MONEYTEAM Find him at Twitter.com/MUGofSDS
Les
How the Texan stars hold down the throne T
here’s no reason at all why Mug, Le$ and Dre Day have to worry about the next man. These three gentlemen individually, but collectively (does that make any sense at all?) have the south and west coast hip-hop realm clutched in the palm of their hands. From furious bars to switching it up with melodic flows on old school, west coast and original beats, the 2012 Boss Hogg Outlawz are set-in-stone set to sail the high waves of success, and I’m calling it first (I think). Of course, Slim Thug’s Boss Hogg team and the whole Swisha House Movement in general have been around for a while now creating hit-makers. And I don’t want to take it too far and say it’s been a revolving door over there…BUT Slim and BHO have found a way to incorporate
and bring to light talented rappers with substance and a great support system. YET each artist STILL gets the privilege of holding down their own self-image and blossom musically they way they want to.
Latest Mix tape: Menace, available at www.settle4les.com Recent Hit: Doing My Thang f. Slim Thug, Mac Miller & Dom Kennedy Find him at Twitter.com/settle4les
Dre Day
From tracks the up-and-coming O.G.’s
“We’re growing with the times.” – DreDay can play in the slab (Bang – Mug, Slim Thug and Le$), to that cool s*** the homie can play while kicking it with a nice lil’ dip (Illest – Le$...nice headtipper, remixed over the classic ‘I Got 5 On It’ beat), to dope features on tracks with amazing lyricists (i.e. Big K.R.I.T. on ‘Grippin Grain’, Killa Kyleon and Bun-B on Dre-Day ‘s hit “Bulls & Stallions”).
Latest Mix tape: Theme Music Recent Hit: Bulls & Stallions ft. Killa Kyleon and Bun-B Find him at Twitter.com/dreday1fam
-Krista Hayes
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ip-hop is a mans world! Even though we’ve had our share of females in the game who could hold their own against any of their male counterparts, the emcee game has been a boys club. Lately, it seems like the industry is on the fast track of breaking up and integrating that boys club.
H
Kreayshawn and V-Nasty have been the poster girls for “white girl rap,” names like K-Flay and Iggy Azalea have all made a name for themselves as white girls who can rap. This isn’t the first time when a group of white girls have come to make more noise in hip-hop than a little bit. There was a time when Fergie and Gwen Stefani were trading bars back and forth with major names in rap, having many wondering if either one of them would make a full-fledged jump in rap. But how does this new trend play out in hip-hop? Are these girls a sign of the industry looking for new talent, and not stopping at gender or race when they look? Or is it just another gimmick that a industry that’s lacking in excitement and record sales right now are turning to as a last ditch effort to save a industry? I asked a roundtable group of females in the business how they feel about the light being given to this new wave of femcees and if their success means success for all?
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How do you feel about the light that acts like Kreayshawn, V-Nasty and Iggy Azalea are getting right now?
Iyadonna: I appreciate any artist, white or black, male or female with talent. Its kind of like the Jeremy Lin thing. There have been great black point guards in the league long before him but because he is Asian people are drawn to him and feel he is different because that’s not what they are used to seeing. I’m fine with that because the bottom line is he’s talented. Troublesum: Ummm...I feel like they fit the trend of whats popular now. I feel hard work eventually pays off and maybe this is their payoff. Missy B: I mean, I’m glad when any female gets a chance to shine, period! But at what cost? What are they sharing or giving to the culture of hip-hop? Do you feel like, talent wise, all the hype
"With the exception of a few, there’s not too many white girls who can spit. So when you find one that can rap on beat, connect the dots, and has a lil swag then you found something."Troublesum
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is deserved? Explain why or why not its deserved? Iyadonna: I like Kreayshawn. She’s different. I think she uses “shock value” in her music, (the one song I heard) meaning she says crass things to gain the listeners attention. Don’t know V Nasty or the others so I can’t say either way with them but bottom line is if they are good artists they are cool with me. Get your money. Troublesum: You tryna start something...lol... No I dont feel the hyped is deserved but I understand why it’s there. With the exception of a few, there’s not to many white girls who can spit. So when you find one that can rap on beat, connect the dots, and has a lil swag then you found something. Missy B: I don’t think so. There has been too much ignorance displayed for the shock value.
Real Life Barbies White femcees come to the forefront of hip-hop, but is the hype deserved? I believe in pushing boundaries, but how you do is what separates you from being here for a long time versus a short time. And these few emcees that they are mentioning now aren’t the ones who have been rhyming year after year. You have extremely talented, well versed artists like Eternia, Invincible, Kid Sister, and even Amanda Blank to name a few. The music industry in my opinion in about exposing mindless dumbed down artists half the time. Good or different music just doesn’t get the shine it deserves and that goes for Male and female. Do you think that the more white females that come into the game make it bad for African-American females to break through? Iyadonna: If you are truly talented, there is nothing or nobody who can stop you or “make it bad” for you. I think if anything, the new wave of white rappers are an encouragement for the other black & white femcees. If you want to be an important factor in this industry, you have to stay on top of your game at all times. What another is doing shouldn’t really be your concern. Or at least it isn’t mine. Troublesum: No, not at all. I like to see the diversity, we’re (Femcees) growing. It needs to be more of US in this boys club. So I salute any Woman that makes in. Missy B: No. It wasn’t bad that Eminem brought his style and talent to the game. Did other emcees get less of a chance because a white dude penetrated the market? What role, if any do you think race plays a part in it?
"It has and always will be about the individuals drive and determination but it definitely helps. White or black, a female MC is just that."-lyadonna
Troublesum: A lot...c’mon son! Iyadonna: Color plays a huge role. Like I said earlier with the Jeremy Lin thing, it’s a different look. People are drawn to unique things & that’s why it is a plus for them (white femcees) because they are in fact the minority when it comes to the rap game. At the same time, if you can’t rap you can’t. Doesn’t matter the color. But if you can & you happen to be white that’s all the better for you in this industry because, again, it’s different.
or maybe they’ve created a great demand for themselves. We’ve never had a dope successful white FEMALE rapper in Hip Hop, maybe it’s their season. I believe every time a female comes up in this industry it’s another door open, whether I’m a fan of the music or not is irrelevant...the more of US that gets through, the more hunger we create for OUR field.
Missy B: I mean the fact that she was white I’m sure help Kreayshawn get some doors open. I think calling out the “N” word might have helped her too since I’m sure someone up top would enjoy it, if you know what I mean. At the end of the day, it’s who you know that gets you into the door.
Iyadonna: There have always been female emcees. I don’t think this hinders or helps either way. It has and always will be about the individuals drive and determination but it definitely helps. White or black, a female MC is just that.
But could the hype around them make it easier for a woman of color to come through and get the same shine?
Missy B: I don’t think so. I think that they (female emcees) get a chance every time they step on the mic. There’s always going to be new people in the crowd. There is always someone surfing through videos. The more a female does to invest in her own career determines her chances to shine.
Troublesum: Maybe it’s because they can cater to a certain audience or movement,
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Troublesum: The Texas native has made a name for herself on the underground circuit for her razor sharp lyrics and flair for everything fashionable. Her new mix tape “Stiletto to the Pedal” drops soon online. Iyadonna: The Boston born rapper with the crazy show performance, witty lyrics and delivery has been a rising star since she grabbed the mic. Through her hustle, she’s blessed tracks with the likes of Fatman Scoop and more. Missy B: The founder of the mix tape series “Female Flow” check out her blog missy-b.com
-Mehka
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Mixx
Model of the Month
Johnny Emtman Weight: 185 lbs Height: 6'2 Eye Color: Blue For booking information contact: Phone #: 602-579-3066 twitter.com/@JohnE3 Facebook.com/Emtman7 Modelmayhem: http:// www.modelmayhem. com/2284839 Photographer: Ceciley Hallman "Be Wise Art" phone #: 801 386 3586
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Mixx
Guest
Column
J
ohn Legend sang about it. Brown Sugar illustrated it. You might have lived it. The novel idea that friends make the best romantic partners never loses its allure in part due to the nature of human interaction and what stands to be gained versus what stands to be lost.
Picture yourself sitting in Vegas at the Blackjack table with a high chip count that you have been working all night to build. You’ve been hot; making great decisions—strategically hitting and staying to win hands. As the night draws to a close though, the opportunity arises to double your money, so you get ready to hit it big. I mean, it makes sense to stay and play; you’ve invested time and valuable experience to learn the environment, tendencies, and had the chance to get comfortable. The dealer deals the first card—a 9. You hit—a 7, giving you 16. What do you do now? On the one hand, you could play it safe, staying at 16 with a high probability of not gaining any more money and hoping you don’t regret it, but on the other hand, there is a lot to be gained and enjoyed if you hit and end up with a winning hand of 19, 20, or 21 doubling your earnings for the night. This situation greatly mirrors that of friends who desire more— friends who mill over the pros and cons of taking the step to cross the line. It has always been my personal philosophy that good friends make the best romantic partners and vice versa. The question is which scenario works best for you. YES! It is possible to find someone where romantic interest precedes an actual friendship, but when the cornerstone of romantic endeavors is already present with physical attraction (because let’s be honest, 99% of us are shallow too) where’s the hesitation?! That you might be perfect for one another? True friends possess a comprehensive understanding of one another. They have experienced each other’s experiences because they have been there for one another. They know what preferences exist, the mistakes of the exes, and most
importantly, how to make their friend happy. It’s like they have the cheat sheet that the exes wish they had to keep the relationship afloat. I realize that you might be thinking, “JGQ, what if it doesn’t work out, and then we can’t be friends anymore?!” And I don’t mean to downplay the common risk of losing the specific dynamic of the friendship, and not being able to “go back”. At the same time, though, we are adults, and as adults we understand that even when probability leans in your favor, sometimes things don’t work out. I have never truly understood the “going back” argument because provided that no malicious acts are performed (i.e. cheating, abuse, etc.), If the genuine friendship is that important to both parties involved, maturity and the common goal of remaining friends should prevail. But that’s if we’re looking at the situation negatively. On the brighter side, your soul mate may have been in your life for years, except you’ve hidden them in the shade. Adjust your light, and shine it on the opportunity for something more with a familiar face.
-Josh McDonald www.JustGQ.com
Want to stay on top of the latest advice? They’ll give you their two cents on what’s rad or just plain mad inside MixxLife Visit: www.themixxmagazine.com
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Mixx highlight
Chip tha ripper 'The Cleveland Show' rips strong lyrics for Texan native
While his mellow voice and tone are no indication, Chip the Ripper is a very amped up dude. It’s days after he released his highly anticipated mix tape “Tell Ya Friends,” and Chip is riding
How did you get into rap? Really man I started off battle rapping back in the day in the lunchroom back in 9th or 10th grade. I would go to different spots and just battle cats. That’s really how it all started. What would you say was your official “big break” in the industry? I would say the joint I was on that was on Kid Cudi’s album. That was my first time being heard on a worldwide scale. That was the turning point for me when I knew I could really do something. You recently released your new mix tape “Tell ya Friends” online. Speak about the tape, some of the features and who you worked with on the production side. One of my favorite tracks on the album is “We ain't playing” featuring Cyhi the Prince and Malik Yusef. Really, I like all the records the same. They all serve their own purpose. The record I did with Krayzie Bone and the record I was blessed to have Bun B on came out great. I was able to work with Lex Lugar who did a lot of work with Kanye and Jay-Z. He produced my single “We Out Chea.” I also had new producers on the album like my best friend Big Duke. He produced “We ain't playing.”
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around Los Angeles with his best friend and producer Big Duke soaking up the praise that the mix tape has received so far.
While most young artists who have received the type of critical praise that Chip has found, he’s not making the conversation all about himself today. No, he reminds us as to why he raps in the first place. Chip the Ripper sat down to speak about what made him want to rap, the new mix tape, his relationship with Cleveland and making the XXL Freshman cover.
What was it like when you found out that Krayzie Bone and Bun B would be on your mix tape? It was surreal. I’m not a guy who’s always in rapper mode. I’m not always stuck in rapper mode unless I’m in the studio or I’m about to do a show. Other than that, I’m just a kid from Cleveland. I grew up walking to school playing these guys. To have them on my album was big. You were recently named a nominee for the XXL Freshman cover. How does it feel to be acknowledged like that? It’s a great acknowledgement. It feels great to be nominated. Talk about what it was it like growing up in Cleveland and how did the city impact you as a person? The people in Cleveland are amazing. Growing up in Cleveland helped prepare me for reality. There’s not a lot of fakeness in Cleveland. It’s not like Hollywood or anything like that. I would really call it a boot camp. It got me ready for the world. I’m out here in LA right now and growing up in Cleveland really helped me as far as my character and how I carry myself.
-Mehka
Mixx highlight
labeled as this frat-rap bullshit and that drives me nuts. Even though I started out in that category, at this point, it’s just hip hop…I’m not just rapping about gettin’ drunk or bangin’ chicks. There’s a lot more to life. I can’t rap about the struggles of growing up in the hood or being forced to sell drugs to pay my rent, but I’ve gone through my share of shit, too.
Chris Webby Webby talks on his style, presence & everything in between 2011 saw the resurgence of white rappers onto the hip-hop scene. With former successes like The Beastie Boys and Eminem leading the way, emcees like Yelawolf, Mac Miller and Machine Gun Kelly prove that skin color is the only thing tying them together. Chris Webby is out to earn his spot. I talked with him on the eve of his North American tour about the journey from the suburbs of Connecticut to the national stage: As a kid, were you an outcast or did being a rapper make you ‘the cool kid?’ I wasn’t cool because I was good at sports or anything like that. I wasn’t necessarily the one getting the girls, but I was still hanging out with all the cool kids…I was the weird rapper kid. It was what it was. Did your family always support your career? Not every parent wants to hear that from their sixth grader like ‘Ma, I wanna be a rapper!’ But, they are very supportive of it now. In fact, my father is going to come on part of the tour with me and play the guitar. Would you say that going to college played a big part in your success? I think everything happens for a reason. So it was definitely an important step. I made it a priority to get myself known and back in those days I used to battle all the time. I was that new freshman that came in and went to all the house parties. Sooner than later everybody on campus knew me as that dude that would kill the ciphers. Does your music have a theme? I think people have me misconstrued in a lot of ways. I get
The Internet is a double edged sword: it gives talented artists the chance to be heard, but it’s also the gateway to a lot of garbage. Your thoughts? I’ve actually used that exact same phrase…It’s great because it’s how I got myself out there, so it’s hard to really bad-mouth it. But, at the same time...Anyone can make a Facebook fan page. It allows for a lot more trash to get into the system. But it does open the airwaves for a lot more people. Recently, there’s been a resurgence of white rappers. Is there a good camaraderie between you all? I try to be nice to everybody. I think what it is, is ‘white rapper syndrome.’ We were all that one white kid that could spit when we were growin’ up and when you meet other white kids, it’s just like ‘ugh I’m that kid’ (laughs). It’s not a bad thing. I think everyone is sizing each other up as competition. But with that said, we’re all good though. Mac, MGK, Yelawolf, all of their styles are all different from mine, so I have no problem with them. If you could collaborate with one artist dead or alive for a Watch The Throne-style album, who would it be? That is a very interesting question. One of the people I admire that I think never got the opportunity to be as big as he could’ve been was Big L. I think he was one of the forefathers of crazy metaphors and punch lines..He took that to the next level and never really had the opportunity to do anything with it. What are the highest and lowest points in your career so far? The high is the first time I played on stage with my dad at a soldout show in Connecticut. My low was losing my first and only freestyle battle back in high school because for me, anyone who takes their craft seriously , it just crushed me. That was the only thing I considered myself good at, so to lose that was not a good feeling. What is the biggest misconception people have about the industry? How absolutely grueling our schedule can be. You’re not just in the studio- you’re trying to balance merchandise, touring, the studio, putting out mix tapes, and keeping everything running smoothly. People don’t understand that you have to get a booking agent, a publicist, a merchandising company- anything about the business side. Touring is huge because that’s how you make your money. Any last words for Mixx readers? You don’t have to like me, but respect my hustle. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chriswebby Twitter: @ChrisWebby www.listentowebby.com
-Nikki Brown
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DJ Izzo presents Ill-A: From Chicago over to L.A.
the city of Angels (birth home of game changers like the “based movement,” LMFAO, Odd Future, etc.) Is not necessarily the same patient, batch-o-music heads like the hub of Lake Shore Drive. L.A. tends to be a tad bit more political. Yet here is where Matthew’s innovation takes off. Bad Table Manners. Izzo’s latest mix basically keeps Chicago’s cool style, but he turns it up to speed by using the fast-paced preponderance Cali is known for. With influences from musicmorpher Girl Talk; that fast and furious mixing with a touch of ADD feel to it, “where every four bars has a new instrumental, a new a-cap ell a, etc.,” he jam-packs tracks often played when you found yourself arms high or ass low. “But it’s a little bit more ratchet than Girl talk…” Slight chuckle.
In Chicago, industry outsiders automatically zoom in on the glitz and glam of downtown. From the shopping, sponsored events, red carpets, photogs, couch surfing in VIP, literally a list of exclusive opportunities a young socialite would kill to participate in and live the high life. BUT – to the insiders, the locals of the city would ten times more prefer to kick it at the ill spots; the low key nooks; the place where the boppers, dips and home-girls don’t have to risk breaking their necks in six inch heels, instead throw on Nikes and mellow out just like the guys do and seriously rock the hell out to amazing melodies. With that said. This is where DJ Izzo plays part. Matthew “Izzo” was able to take a Chi-town dive bar, the typical college-y atmosphere and casually bring out the marketing gurus, the lyricists with substance (not the wanna-be rappers) the white kids, hipster Black pre-nerds (now turned cool because of the forever changing world of “what’s cool”), to industry heads and show headliners. In essence, he watched near hundreds jam hard and rock to his music selection of choice from behind the booth…all hands high in the air. Now Izzo is leaving his imprint through the streets of L.A. night by night. “Chuck said L.A. was where all the sh** is. So I bounced…” (Referring to ½ of The Cool Kids, artist Chuck Inglish). Granted Izzo was able set some sh** off in Chicago with ease –
“To be honest, I’m just trying to bring juke music out to L.A…I play juke music out here and fucking EVERYONE looks at me like I’m crazy…that it’s fast but it’s also slow so they’re fucking confused. It’s hilarious.” This new style has a hint of “drop-beat-comin’” to it. Does that make sense? Let’s try this again. One could call it the 2012 version of Freak-Nic music we used to see in video clips or at Derby back in the day when it was on Broadway. They say Americans have short attention spans anyway. Why not? Switch it all up then, sir. ILL-A: DJ Izzo’s up-and-coming project. This duo is Izzo alongside west coast producer and keyboardist, Polyester (known for working with Dom Kennedy, Freddie Gibbs plus more) gracing music connoisseurs with Poly’s charming keys and Izzo spinning. “He’s a ridiculously talented keyboard player, it’s going to be crazy. We’ll be doing shows like that at South By South West. I am also spinning for Freddie Gibbs, so we all are doing a lot of shows together...” It’s fine and dandy when on and popping DJs take to crowd pleasing and rock out to Top 40. That’s the easy way out, though. Instead, DJ Izzo plans to start a movement with incorporating creativity to music. Be sure to follow Izzo’s moves: @DJIzzo, Djizzo.tumblr.com, deejayizzo.com Recent release: WRKING, feature project with Chuck Inglish
In The Mixx:
DJs Doin' Thier Work
If you’re going to tell the story of Hip-hop, they you have to tell it right. Hip-hop started out in the dark. That legendary rap line is partly correct. Hip-hop did start out in the dark. The genre itself was slowly growing and living under the radar from mainstream music at the time for years. What that line doesn’t mention is how hip-hop started out. When many think about hip-hop, they think of the emcee standing on stage with a mic in his hand dictating
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the crowd to move with every gesture. What many forget to do is look towards the person behind the artist. When you look at the person in the background what you’re likely to see is the Dj. Hip-hop actually started out in the park. Clive Campbell aka Kool Herc, the godfather and originator of hip-hop formally introduced the music to the world back in the mid-to late seventies. Back then, the cultures main focus was to serve as an alternative to
the heavy gang activity that most youth in inner city New York were victims and participants in at the time. While most clubs catered to an older crowd by playing Disco, Herc would cater to the younger crowd who had too much time on their hands and nothing to do.
"Kool Herc"
Using two turntables to isolate the drum beat (the break), Herc would switch from one record to another driving the crowd into a frenzy. It was this break beat Dj’ing that formed what we know now as
hip-hop. His early house parties at 1520 Sedgwick avenue influenced many of his Hercs contemporaries at the time like Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash to show their own skills on the 1’s and 2’s. Before you knew it, block parties in New York City at the time were full of young kids, doing new dances, and all under the command of these Djs. Clubs who were often nervous of younger crowds in their venues, were now allowing the likes of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious 5 to
“So many people who call themselves ‘hip-hop’ don’t know the real story of hip-hop. Hip-hop started out with the Dj. The Dj was the most important entity in hip-hop and now their pushed to the side...." play to packed out music halls for eager fans who came to see the emcees rhyme, but more importantly hear the Dj spin their favorite break beats. Back then, the Dj was the star of this new culture. As the culture grew, more elements would appear. Herc and his crew of dancers known as the Herculoids began to dance to the break beats that Herc would play. These dancers spawned other dancers and a new form a dance, break dancing. More emcees would begin to appear on the scene, many serving as no more than hype men for the Dj. New djs would also appear on the scene over to carve a name for themselves. Hip-Hop was as we know it today, was growing. While still in its infant stages, the young movement grew under the guidance of the Dj. Fast-forward to 2012 and hip-hop has changed in many ways. Today, emcees are hands down the face of hip-hop as more people relate to the person with the mic in their hand, than the Dj. Routinely, kids can run down their favorite rappers and speak about how they have their own dream to rap to the masses. Very few say that they want to Dj. The few who do pursue that path will be met with a slew of new rules and regulations that the early Djs didn’t have to face. “In the mixx: Djs doing work” studies how the role of Dj went from one of the most importance to one where it’s under the most scrutiny. Djs today, while still well received are met with much malign. Who can you blame for that? “In the mixx: Djs doing work” starts off tackling that question. “What is a Dj?” Over the span of 2 years, director and
producer criss-crossed the country filming interviews with some of the biggest figures in hip-hop for “In the mixx: Djs doing work.” Mehka felt like a documentary about Djs is needed for the hip-hop culture today. “So many people who call themselves ‘hip-hop’ don’t know the real story of hiphop. Hip-hop started out with the Dj. The Dj was the most important entity in hiphop and now their pushed to the side in my opinion,” said Mehka “People need to realize that without the Dj, we really don’t have hip-hop.” The documentary focuses on the early Djs like Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, Grandmaster DXT and others. Its goes on to cover the rise and fall of the mix tape Dj, how Djs helped spread the music from being centralized to the east coast to being global, how the Internet has helped or hurt the growth of Djs and the most important question of them all, ‘What makes someone a Dj.’ Speaking with prominent names in the Dj world like Dj Green Lantern, Greg Street and others, as well as artists, industry executives and journalists, “In the mixx: Djs doing work” explores the world of Djs, how they relate to hip-hop overall, and where is the culture going. “I feel like without understanding the importance of Djs, then we have a good chance of loosing the essence of what hip-hop is. It’s not so much about selling millions of records or videos on MTV. It’s not about just watching someone rap. It’s about the music. The guardian of the music and therefore the culture, is the Dj. Like it or not,” said Mehka.
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