Memorial Day 2010 special edition side A - Brisco cover

WELCOMETO MIAMI

MEMORIAL DAY 2010

edition** **special

G FEATURIN

brisco

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B.O.B. GIT FRESH Gorilla Tek HONEE SWAZY BABY Fat Joe Felony da God Ice Berg JW Mack Maine Mon E G Rich Kidd Ron Ron & more

WELCOMETO MIAMI

ity’S kansas c

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mon e g & ron ron

BRISCO // Flo rida // git fresh b.o.b. // mack maine // honee swazy baby // fat joe // iceberg felony da god // jw // rich kidd

MEMORIAL DAY 2010

**special edition**

PUBLISHER: Julia Beverly SPECIAL EDITIONS EDITOR: Jen McKinnon a.k.a.

Ms. Rivercity CONTRIBUTORS & CREW: Ashley Smith Eric Perrin Jee’Van Brown Kisha Smith Luis Santana Matt Daniels Maurice G. Garland Mercedes Randy Roper Terrence Tyson PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR: Malik Abdul STREET TEAMS: Big Mouth Marketing Lex Promotions On Point Entertainment Poe Boy Strictly Streets SUBSCRIPTIONS: To subscribe, send check or money order for $11 to: OZONE Magazine 644 Antone St. Suite 6 Atlanta, GA 30318 Phone: 404-350-3887 Fax: 404-601-9523 Web: www.ozonemag.com

SIDE A 20-21 8 15 17 9 28-29 30-31 18 22-23 10-11 34-35

B.O.B. CLUB LISTING DJ Da DJ Irie EVENT LISTING FLO RIDA GIT FRESH Gorilla Tek HONEE MIAMI MAPS SWAZY BABY

24-26 BRISCO SIDE b 12 9 11 22-23 34-35 15 28-29 24-25 32-33

DJ Freddy Fred DJ Laz DJ Zog Fat Joe Felony da God Ice Berg JW Mack Maine Rich Kidd

18-19 mon e g 16-17 RON RON

COVER CREDITS: Brisco photo courtesy of Poe Boy Records; Ron Ron & Mon E G photo by Terrence Tyson; Flo Rida photo by Julia Beverly.

DISCLAIMER: OZONE does not take responsibility for unsolicited materials, misinformation, typographical errors, or misprints. The views contained herein do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or its advertisers. Ads appearing in this magazine are not an endorsement or validation by OZONE Magazine for products or services offered.

All photos and illustrations are copyrighted by their respective artists. All other content is copyright 2010 OZONE Magazine, all rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any way without the written consent of the publisher. Printed in the USA.

OZONE MAG // A-7

MIAMI CLUB LISTING

Mansion 1235 Washington Ave (305) 531-5535

Seven 685 Washington Ave (305) 538-0820

Metropolis Downtown 950 NE 2nd Avenue (305) 415-0088

SET 320 Lincoln Road (305) 531-2800 www.setmiami.com

Miami Velvet 3901 NW 77th Ave (305) 406-1604

Shine 1800 Collins Ave.

Club Escape 7707 NW 103rd St

Mokai 235 23rd St. (305) 695-0288

Skybar 1901 Collins Ave (305) 695-3100

Club Warehouse 90 NE 11th St (786) 425-3545

Mynt 1921 Collins Ave. (786) 276-6132

SIN 1532 Washington Ave (305) 532-4786

Area 51 950 NE 2nd Ave (305) 358-5655

Coco’s Lounge Living On The Edge 1430 NW 119th St (305) 688-5005

Nikki Beach Club 1 Ocean Drive (305) 673-1575

Sobe Live 1203 Washington Ave (305) 695-2820

B.E.D. 929 Washington Ave. (305) 532-9070

Crobar 1445 Washington Ave (305) 531-8225

Nocturnal 50 NE 11th St. (305) 576-6996

Sofi Lounge 423 Washington Ave (305) 532-4444

Big Fish 55 SW Miami Avenue

Dream 1532 Washington Ave (305) 674-8018

Onda 1248 Washington Ave. (305) 674-4464

Space 34 NE 11th St. (305) 375-0001

Opium Garden/Prive 136 Collins Ave. (305) 531-5535

Spirits 5729 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314 (954) 327-9094

90 Degree 90 NE 11th Street (786) 425-3545 Amika 1532 Washington Ave. (305) 534-1499 Angel Ultra Lounge 247 23rd Street

Blue 222 Espanola Way (305) 534-1109 Bricks 66 SW 6th St (305) 371-6950 Café Iguanas 8358 Pines Blvd (954) 433-8787 Cameo 1400 West Ave (305) 695-0517 Chakra 1500 Ocean Dr (305) 672-2001 Club Ache 3425 Collins Ave (305) 604-8688 Club 112 1439 Washington Ave Club 45 4545 NW 7th St (305) 442-6369 Club 66 66 SW 8th Street (305) 371-6950 Club Boca 7000 West Palmetto Park Rd (561) 392-3747 Club Deep 621 Washington Ave (305) 532-1509 Club Ebony

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12953 NW 7th Ave (305) 685-5305

Expose 766 E 25th St (305) 691-8980 Fat Tuesday 3015 Grand Ave (305) 441-2992 Fifth (The) 1045 5th St (305) 538-9898 GEM Nightclub & Restaurant 671 Washington Ave (305) 674-0977

Pearl Lounge 1 Ocean Dr. Penthouse Inc 1434 Collins Ave (305) 538-4010 Platinum Plus 7565 W 20th Ave (305) 558-2221

State 320 Lincoln Rd. Studio A 60 NE 11th St (305) 538-7625 Suite 1437 Washington Ave (305) 604-3664

Porterhouse 7050 W. Palmetto Park Rd

Take One 333 NE 79th Street

Rain 323 23rd St (305) 674-7447

Tropics Nightclub 7100 Pines Blvd (954) 985-8382

Rokbar 1805 Collins Ave (305) 535-7171

Vice 1445 Washington Ave (305) 532-2667

Rumi 330 Lincoln Road (305) 672-4353

Vision 3015 Grand Avenue (305) 461-1118

Ruby Lounge 623 Washington Ave.

Lady Luck 1610 NW 119th St (305) 688-1151

Voodoo Lounge 111 SW 2nd Ave. (954) 522-0733

Santo 430 Lincoln Rd (305) 532-2882

Wet Willie’s 8th & Ocean

Level Nightclub 1233 Washington Ave (305) 532-1525

Sax on the Beach 1756 N Bayshore Dr (786) 924-5535

White Diamonds 737 Washington Ave (305) 761-6736

Madonna Night Club 1527 Washington Ave (305) 534-2000

Scores Miami 17450 Biscayne Blvd (305) 945-6030

Whyte Noise 300 SW 1st Ave.

Glass 432 41st St (305) 604-9798 Harrison’s 411 Washington Ave (305) 672-4600 Ivy Room 1233 Washington Ave (305) 532-1525 Jazid 1342 Washington Ave (305) 673-9372

Events Listing

Thursday, May 27th

Rick Ross Live w/ Music by DJ Khaled & DJ Prostyle @ Cameo - 1445 Washington Avenue, South Beach Info: 786-245-1675 Freeway’s Album Release Party @ SoBe Live 1203 Washington Ave., South Beach Chris Brown & Friends w/ Music by DJ Irie @ Mia 20 Biscayne Blvd., Downtown Miami

Friday, May 28th Free Weezy Party w/ Mack Maine & OZONE Magazine @ Nocturnal 50 NE 11th St., Maimi Gucci Weekend Hosted by Gucci Mane & Brick Squad @ King of Diamonds 17800 NE 5th Ave., North Miami, FL Doors Open @ 10PM Info: 786-319-1477

Sunday, May 30th Best of the Best 2010 Concert w/ Diddy, Khaled, Gucci Mane, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, Barrington Levy, Capleton, Lady Saw, Serani, Gyptian, Baby Cham, Mr. Vegas, and many more @ Bicentennial Park 1075 Biscayne Blvd., Downtown Miami Gates open at 1pm Tickets: www.BestoftheBestConcert.com Best of the Best Official After Party @ American Airlines Arena 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL TI & Grand Hustle Family Performing Live @ Klutch Nightclub 136 Collins Ave., South Beach Info: 866-846-2226 Miami Ill Splish Splash Pool & BBQ Party w/ Red Café & Erica Mena @Savoy Pool & Sun Deck 425 Ocean Ave., South Beach www.adanteace.com Daron Jones of 112 Listening Party @ The Catalina Hotel & Beach Club 6pm-11pm 1756 Collins Ave., South Beach

Diddy Live w/ Music by DJ Prostyle @ Cameo 1445 Washington Avenue, South Beach Info: 786-245-1675

ATL Vs. MIA Hosted by Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, DJ Khaled w/ DJ Bulletproof & DJ Christion @ Mansion 1235 Washington Ave., South Beach Doors Open @ 11pm

Cash Money & Young Money Presents Allstar Shorts Party @ Mansion 1235 Washington Ave., South Beach Doors Open @ 11pm

Nicki Minaj & Dwayne Wade Live w/ Music by DJ SNS @ Cameo 1445 Washington Avenue, South Beach Info: 786-245-1675

Saturday, May 29th All White Pool Party Hosted by Best of the Best Artists @ Deauville Beach Resort 6701 Collins Ave., South Beach 4pm www.BestoftheBestConcert.com We Party Hard Hosted by Diddy @ Mansion 1235 Washington Ave., South Beach Doors Open @ 11pm Waka Flocka Live @ SoBe Live 1203 Washington Ave., South Beach Info: 305-725-3353 Juelz Santana’s Back to the Crib Party @ Living Room Nightclub 671 Washington Ave., South Beach www.adanteace.com

Plies Album Release Party @ Club Play 1045 5th St., South Beach Info: 305-532-4340

Monday, May 31st Jadakiss Birthday Bash w/ Music by DJ Clue & DJ SNS @ Cameo 1445 West Ave., South Beach Info: 786-245-1675 Busta Rhymes Memorial Day Wknd Bday Bash & Grand Finale Hosted by Cam’Ron, Jim Jones, Carmelo Anthony, Fabolous @ Klutch Nightclub 136 Collins Ave., South Beach Info: 866-846-2226 Uncle Luke Uncensored @SoBe Live 1203 Washington Ave., South Beach

OZONE MAG // A-9

MAP

DOWNTOWN

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MAP

SOUTH BEACH

OZONE OZONE MAG MAG // A-11 // 11

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OZONE MAG // A-13

s. Rivercit

M Words by

y

Over the past 7 years, DJ DA crafted his love for music into a flourishing career as an urban club/radio/mixtape DJ in South Florida. Born and raised in Miami, he now resides in Fort Pierce, FL, where he does a nightly radio show.

What DJ crews are you affiliated with?

I’m a Slip-N-Slide DJ and I’m also a Cool Runnings DJ with Bigga Rankin.

How did you become a DJ? In Miami I did parties all the time and worked as a promoter. One night the DJ didn’t show up, so I had to play the CDs I had in my car. It ended up working and here I am 7 years later, a full-fledged DJ. When did you get your big break and become a Slip-N-Slide DJ? You’ll never forget a DJ DA party. Anybody can play records but you gotta perform for people, and that’s what I do. Ted Lucas from Slip-NSlide came to a party I was doing and he was like, “Who is that dude? I want him on my team.” The same thing happened with Bigga, TJ Chapman, C Wakeley, and all the big names in the Florida [music] industry.

Do you have a set club schedule or do you bounce around to wherever you’re booked for the night?

Every Thursday I’m at Club Crunk in Fort Pierce.

Every Friday I’m at Club 772. I’m open on Saturday and Sunday to get booked in any city.

It’s working out. I haven’t been off a weekend in months.

Tell us about the radio show in Fort Pierce.

How did you get the job?

I work for WJFP, which is a syndicated radio station. It’s the only radio station in Fort Pierce.

There was a mixtape I put out in the area and I got a phone call asking me to DJ a Friday show at 5 o’clock. The radio kinda went through the roof when I started the Friday show, and about a month later the program director asked me to come on board Monday through Friday on the 5 O’clock Throw Down. I bring a club feel to the radio show.

Florida ranging from Palm Beach to Cocoa Beach, so from like under Daytona down to West Palm Beach, the Okeechobee area, that’s my coverage area. It’s a big station.

What is your experience with mixtapes?

What have been some of your most popular projects?

I have a Crunk series, Volume 1-3. It’s kinda like my radio show, with the hottest music in the streets. We print out about 10,000 copies and you can download it online. Total the series has about 25,000 online downloads and 30,000 copies in the streets. I’ve also hosted a gang of mix CDs. I put my all into a DJ DA mixtape and get it crunk with that particular artists music. I did a lot of independent artists mix CDs like Iceberg Tony, which did real well, and C-Mack. Right now I’m working on a mixtape with Poe Boy Records featuring Brisco, Billy Blue, Flo Rida, and a couple other young Poe Boy artists.

What do you have going for Memorial Day Weekend?

I’ll do my Thursday and Friday clubs in Fort Pierce. That Friday I’ll be doing the radio show because we got some artists coming up here from Miami doing interviews. Saturday afternoon Slip-N-Slide is throwing a party so I’m coming down to Miami for that. Saturday night Plies is at Club Elixer in Okeechobee, Florida so I have to be there. Sunday I’m at a car show that afternoon and an after party in Daytona.

You mentioned it’s syndicated. What cities can you be heard in?

The station covers 17 cities in Southeast OZONE MAG // A-15

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DJ Irie headlines parties all across the world, and also accompanies Jamie Foxx on his shows. When he’s not on the road or in the skies, Irie rocks the airwaves on 99 Jamz, hypes up Miami HEAT games, and keeps the nightlife going at Miami’s hottest clubs.

Where can people catch you spinning during Memorial Day Weekend?

I’ll be in Miami for a party I have with Chris Brown on Thursday night at MIA. Friday we’ll be at Play Nightclub. That party might be with Usher. Then Saturday I go to the Bahamas, and I’ll be back on Tuesday. I’ll be on 99 Jamz Thursday and Friday for the Drive at 5. I think Sunday we’re gonna do a mix-a-thon on the radio.

What’s it like working with Jamie Foxx?

It’s the best thing ever. If I had a choice to work with anyone, I would choose Jamie. Not only because he’s a talented performer, but he’s an incredible person. It’s a family atmosphere.

And he keeps us laughing day and night.

How were you able to break out of the local scene and get a nationwide name?

I can’t pinpoint the exact moment. But I’ll attribute the national exposure to things like working with the Miami HEAT and working with Jamie. There were a lot of things that gave me national exposure, but I really credit myself for taking my craft seriously. Exposure is one thing, but having a promoter want to choose me for an event, I call that traction. Anytime I was doing something in Miami, I made sure people knew about it. I built my mailing list and social networks to let people know they could have the same quality in their city.

How do you keep up with the flood of new music nowadays?

The game has certainly changed. Before, the listeners and fans got new music from us DJs through our mixshows and mixtapes. Now with the internet and mp3s, the same access I have to music, outside of personal relationships with artists, is the same access everyone

else has. Sometimes a listener will come to me with [new] music, and they’re not even in the music business. As a DJ, you have to keep your ears open at all times. Before you could expect to get new music from the label or artist, but now there’s so many ways of getting new music. To be on top of your game, you have to keep yourself open for all the outlets like music blogs, people Twittering new music, or links on a Facebook page. It’s coming from every different direction.

Who are some new artists you think have the potential to blow up?

One artist in particular is an artist out of New York named Mickey Factz. He has some music out but he’s not really recognized by the masses yet. He’s dope; he has a unique sound.

I think he signed to Battery Records. Also, I’m sure you know Brisco, out of Miami. He’s been around for a while and has been paying his dues. He has some amazing new music coming out. It’s about to be his time to break out.

Do you have any other projects coming out or things people should check for?

We’re gearing up for the 6th Annual Irie Weekend June 25th-27th. That is my effort to give back and raise money for the Big Brothers Big Sisters and Make A Wish Foundations. We do a big concert Friday night at LIV Nightclub, and we have a golf tournament and comedy show.

The website is www.IrieWeekend.com.

OZONE MAG // A-17

artists?

It’s very important because if you have your have your own artist you can create your magic and build them up. It’s easier when you work with an artist you have faith in; you can mold and nurture that artist to create hit records. A lot of times labels aren’t even letting you in the door. If you have a history of building an artist and creating songs everyone loves, it’s an easier sell.

With all the artists out there, how do you find one to focus on? What are the qualities you look for in a new artist?

I definitely look for consistency, drive, and motivation; someone that believes in themselves and isn’t afraid to take on challenges and think outside the box. Nowadays everybody’s trying to be real trendy and that’s not gonna get you nowhere.

Known for producing numerous Miami-based hit records like The Iconz’ “Get Crunked Up,” Jacki-O’s “Nookie,” BallGreezy’s “Shone,” and Grind Mode’s “I’m So High,” Gorilla Tek has produced for some of the biggest names in southern rap music. Here he talks about how he got his sound, how he stays relevant, and why it’s important to think outside the box.

Who are you working with at the moment?

I’m working with French Montana, B.o.B., and Diego Cash. The latest production I did is for a new local artist called Natural on the song “Tore Up.” I’m working on Pleasure P’s new project. We got a song that’s crazy. It’s not the usual Pleasure P, it’s still R&B but more rhythmic. And [the movie] Bloodline 2 is coming soon.

You have an impressive resume. What have been some of your biggest records so far?

Some of the biggest work I’ve done is with The Iconz “Crunked Up.” Besides that, I did a couple joints for Diddy. When 8Ball & MJG was signed to his label I did 2 joints on their album.

I broke a lot of new artists in Miami – Jacki-O, BallGreezy’s, Grind Mode, the list is extensive.

How important is it for a producer to work with new artists rather than just well-known A-18 // OZONE MAG

How do you stay relevant when musical sounds and trends change every few years?

I keep my ears tuned. I listen to a lot of stuff that’s out now and try not to mimic it. If it’s hot right now, I’m not gonna create that vibe, because by the time it comes out that sound will be dead already. If anything I’ll follow the same groove patterns but add my elements to it. I always try to think ahead. I hear a lot of producers now doing what Pharrell did a long time ago or the sound Drumma Boy used or Just Blaze. You lose your identity like that.

Who are some of the artists you enjoy listening to, new or old?

My musical taste has always been more of the old school cats – Bob Marley, James Brown, Isaac Hayes, Barry White, a lot of old school merengue. I’m Latino so my background is very versatile. As far as new cats, I listen to Timbaland a lot, Drake, Kanye, Talib Kweli. I like the elements of original Hip Hop. I feel like a lot of music now is dumbed down. I try not to follow that pattern, although that’s what the labels are looking for.

Is there anything else you want to mention?

Shouts out to Iconz Music, Suthun Boy, Jay R 305, Bone, Fatboi DJs. Put God first, believe in yourself, and everybody else will follow. //

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Despite what new fans might think, Bobby Ray Simmons is far from an overnight celebrity. In fact, it’s been nearly a year since B.o.B. joined Asher Roth, KiD CuDi and Pac Div on the Great Hangover Tour. It’s been two years since he graced the cover of your favorite rapper’s favorite magazine, long before most people even knew who he was.

wanted to retire. Did you get to the point that you wanted to quit?

Nah, that was just a rumor that escalated.

Something happened…sometimes stuff gets crazy, so there was a rumor that I quit and it just escalated from there.

It’s been roughly three years since his underground hit “Haterz” made its way onto radio station playlists and into nightclubs throughout the Southeast. And it’s been almost four years since this Atlanta, GA rapper/producer signed a major label deal with Rebel Rock/ Atlantic Records at the tender age of 17.

After that rumor, you came back as Bobby Ray. What was the reason behind the name change?

I just wanted to use my real government name, cause I wanted people to know me. I wanted to make the music that I made and the music I wanted people to know me by. Basically, it’s like unveiling a mask, that [was] really the unveiling. I’m B.o.B., but Bobby Ray is the guy behind it.

Yes, it may seem to some that B.o.B., due to the success of his now platinum charttopping single “Nothing On You,” came out of nowhere, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Bobby Ray spent the last four years of his life working and preparing for the release of his long-awaited debut album, B.o.B. Presents The Adventures of Bobby Ray.

It’s seemed like there was a change in the style of music that you made, too. Was that part of the process when you unveiled yourself as Bobby Ray? You can call me B.o.B., but just know that my name’s Bobby Ray. But it doesn’t matter anyway; the main thing that matters is the music.

That’s the thing that brings it all together.

Just weeks before his album hits stores, and while touring with his Atlantic labelmate Lupe Fiasco, B.o.B. took a few moments out from his busy schedule to fill OZONE in on everything that has transpired since his cover story.

It seems like your music now involves playing the guitar and singing more. Is that the direction you wanted your music to go in from the beginning, as opposed to rapping?

Nah, not really. I always loved rapping. But it’s kinda like it had to balance out...

It’s been two years since you were on the cover of OZONE. What’s been going on since then?

Since that cover, I thought my album was gonna be out, but it didn’t come out. Then I went through a period where it was really frustrating for me; just trying to get everything organized and get everything right with the label and my album. It seems like it took a decline and just went up from there. I’ve just been working and trying to make the moment relevant.

The rest of this interview is featured in the upcoming Issue #84 of OZONE Magazine:

Some people heard your single “Nothing On You” and thought you blew up overnight. A lot of people don’t understand that you’ve been signed for almost four years. How do you feel when people say you came out of nowhere?

That’s just silly. A real B.o.B. fan knows I’ve been doing this for a minute. That’s something that I’m not even worried about, but people can perceive it as an overnight success.

During that period when your album didn’t come out, there was a rumor that you OZONE MAG // A-21

Honee may be as sweet as they come, but with her lyrics and grind for success, she packs the powerful sting of a Queen Bee. Well into being a successful entrepreneur of her own clothing line “Amari,� Honee plans to be heard not only in the state of Florida, but also throughout the world.

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How did you begin rapping?

I started rapping when I was younger, due to a lot of things going on in my family. My father died, so I started writing poetry, and that’s how I really got started writing music.

How did your father’s passing affect you growing up? Did it affect you musically?

It actually made me start to write, cause I had no way to express my emotions. I didn’t really have anyone to talk to. So it actually made me start writing, and it pushed me to write poetry, stories, and then music.

You’re still in school right?

Yes, I went back to school. I go to Miami International University of Art and Design.

I read that you got your start in your brother’s singing group.

I use to hang out with them. They thought they were New Edition, so I used to hang out with them in the streets, and they would be out there doing their dance routines and stuff like that. I used to go out there and start dancing, and try singing the songs with them. But then I would get in trouble because I was the only girl out there, so my mom would make me come in the house.

About how old were you when you made the decision that you wanted to start doing music?

I made a firm decision that I wanted to start doing music when I was about 19 or 20.

Are you signed with anybody right now?

No, I’m not signed with anybody right now. I work with a couple of local artists out of Miami called ATP. ATP is more of like a label here.

We’re more like a group of artists that work towards one common goal, and ATP stands for “Anything Is Possible.”

Where are you originally from?

I’m originally from Jacksonville, FL, but I’ve been in Miami for the last seven years.

Being that you’re a female, do you think it’s hard trying to break into this business? Has anybody looked down on you or blown you off because you’re a female rapper?

I don’t really think people look down. I think since the industry is so male-dominated, it’s really hard for a female to be taken seriously.

It’s hard for females to overcome different situations because of dealing with men in the industry.

Do you think because you’re a female you have to have sexually-driven lyrics?

Yes, because at the end of the day sex sells, and when men are listening to female rappers they don’t want to hear a lot of the other stuff. A lot of times when men are listening to female rappers they want to hear about sex.

Are you working on any mixtapes right now?

Yes, I’m working on a mixtape that’s going to be released in a couple of weeks called Dime Piece Vol. 2: Fuck Nigga Free Edition.

What made you name your clothing line Amari?

It’s a mixture of my name, my son’s name, and my mother’s name. Actually, the name means “With Love,” so the tag line is “Amari Made With Love.”

Who would you say are some of the bestdressed celebrities out right now?

I like the way Keri Hilson dresses. I’d have to say Keyshia Cole does a good job when she’s out doing her thing. Ciara and Beyonce, those are a few that come into my mind that really do their thing when they hit the red carpet. //

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During this past CORE DJ retreat in Orlando, we stole a few moments of Brisco’s TIME to talk about Street Medicine. For years, Brisco has dropped collaborations with your favorite rappers and R&B sangas, recorded with epic producers, and stood as one of Poe Boy’s most anticipated artists. But we’ve yet to see an album. As Brisco reflects on his 10-year career, he acknowledges his need for growth, not just musically, but as a man. Here he reveals what he’s learned and how he’s matured.

He also touches on his love/hate relationship with internet sites, the infamous Waka Flocka diss song, and working with Rick Ross and Flo Rida.

What’s the update on the album?

We just dropped the 1st single “On The Wall” featuring Lil Wayne. That’s my single out the box that’s specifically for the album. I shot my half of the video last week, and Wayne shot his half before he went in. He set me up good on that. Free Weezy!

What other features do you have lined up?

I’ve got Lil Wayne, T-Pain, Flo Rida, Rick Ross, and that’s enough. I should do numbers just with that. I’ve got ten years invested in this album so it’s definitely gonna be a classic.

Why has it taken ten years to get the album ready for release and to get the push behind it?

I think for greatness, it takes a little longer. For the longest time I was like, “I’m next, I’m coming out next,” but maybe I wasn’t really ready to come out. Maybe I needed that learning process so I could be a little more in-depth and grow as an artist. And I was kinda reinventing myself.

Speaking of reinventing yourself, the mixtape you put out on 4/20 had a different vibe than a lot of your music in the past.

Yeah, OG Kush. My style wasn’t really different, but I just sat back on this one. I wasn’t really mad on this one. I was basically going through another transition and just being free and more creative.

Who were some of the people featured on that tape? I noticed you worked with a lot of people from your area.

I had Joe Boom, Rodney Cash, Frank Lini, Papa Duck, and Iceberg. I come from the underground struggle and grind. I try to put other real niggas on that’s on that same grind. And anybody on Poe Boy. Anybody will tell you Poe Boy is Miami. When you come to Miami you gotta fuck with Poe Boy. What’s going on with your Cash Money business partnership? Is that still in effect?

Yeah, everythang’s good. Like I was saying, I was just basically trying to establish myself, Brisco, as a brand. I made Lil Wayne’s album The Carter 3, I did a lot of stuff, but I really wanted to establish the Brisco brand.

You’ve really amped up the internet campaign and put out videos frequently. How’s that been working out?

Yeah, I’ve been trying to put my face with the name and a face with the music. I wanted to let people know who I am. A lot of people love my music, but they never met me and never got a grasp on the real me. They were left to assume whatever they wanted to assume about me.

Since you’ve been in the game for a while, you come from the era before viral videos and leaking songs. How have you been able to keep up with the extra demand? Is it a lot more work?

No, not really. But I like to put out quality music, and I’m about the longevity of it. I’d rather wait so when I do put out something it’ll make a bigger impact than just putting out anything.

Poe Boy is a beast with the street promotions, but how important is it to have internet presence to back that up?

Wow, it’s real important. People go to the internet every day, they go to Worldstar, and all the other spots every day. It’s important to stay relevant in that aspect. But a lot of it just

OZONE MAG // A-25

But I watched Flo Rida get millions overseas and I need some of that. be whole a bunch of bullshit. I like to make great things.

You mentioned that people assume things about you. Can you elaborate on that.

I like the assuming because sometimes I just don’t wanna talk so much. I think early in my career I was talkin’ just a lil bit too much. Now I’m grown up. I’ve been doing this for nearly 10 years, I done grinded with every artist that came outta Poe Boy Music, and damn near every big artist that came out of Miami. I’m kinda pioneering already. They see Brisco as a pioneer with everything I’ve accomplished already in Miami. It’s time to get something to show for it.

Everybody wants to know what’s up with that Waka Flocka diss song you did a while back. Not to dig it back up, but we haven’t had the chance to get a statement from you.

Actually, he’s at the same hotel with me right now. Everything’s good. It was basically over nothing. [Gucci] mentioned my name. I’m a skinny nigga from Miami and I don’t take that type of shit. I stand for what I believe in. It was just a bumping of heads. I feel like Gucci Mane tried me so I’ma try all his people. That’s what I did and it’s over with.

Did you ever actually talk to Waka directly about it?

Nah, I talked to the boss. I really don’t have to say nothin’ to [Waka]. He really wasn’t my target. I never had bad blood with him. I like how his mom moves. I admire that. I know comin’ up as a young artist, people are gonna come at you. I was one of them people that came at his ass. But we beef free.

Ok cool. Back to the album, have you set another release date for it?

We don’t have a release date. This record “On The Wall” with Lil Wayne is really catching right now.

You’re trying to let the single bubble some more before you drop the album?

Yeah. You know, I always been buzzin’, but I needed that record. But to me, I was always the yelling Brisco, the screaming Brisco, the mad Brisco, talkin’ about dope, and whatever.

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You were inspired by Flo Rida’s success?

Yeah. And Rick Ross was the first cat to ever put me in the studio to screen my talent. Other than that, cats like Flo Rida – I walked him through Poe Boy, walked him through the system and how it was supposed to go. I watched these cats go from $20 to $20 million. That’s motivation and inspiration.

Flo Rida’s sound was in a whole other lane when he first started out. Are you trying to go that route? Or are you sticking with the street sound?

I have fans that when they hear one of my records one time they’re instant fans. There’s more versatility in what I do. I’m studying how to be noticed in what I do. The sky is the limit for what I do. I’m not gonna close the window of opportunity on what I do.

You’ve recorded a ton of music and put out a lot of songs. Are there any records you feel like maybe people slept on in the past? Or songs you felt shoulda got more props?

Definitely “Bitch I’m Me.” But every record I put out is better than the other guy’s record. I’m saying a lot by saying that. But by me being with Poe Boy Entertainment, when I walk in the studio I also see the business. The studio is the office so I know the business. I know the marketing budget you have to put into radio.

When that button gets pushed on Brisco, like it was pushed on other cats, not to poke at other cats, but the ear was fooled into liking all the music out there. With Brisco, you don’t gotta to be fooled. I got love, I can go to New Orleans and a muthafucka will start crying ‘cause she met me. That just shows you I’m doing something right with my music. I take music seriously, myself seriously, my appearance seriously, I set my standards high.

Do you have anything else going on?

I’ve got that OG Kush mixtape out now that I dropped on April 20th. Get ready for a new Brisco. It’s the same hunger, the same emotions in the tracks, but it’s a little more cleaned up. //

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SINCE BREAKING THROUGH IN THE STATES WITH RECORDS LIKE “LOW,” Flo Rida HAS BECOME AN INTERNATIONAL SENSATION, REPPIN’ HIS STATE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. So you’re working on your next album, right?

Yeah, it’s definitely gonna be a classic. It’s called The Only One because I feel like I’m special. It’s going to drop in October. I just left L.A. and we came up with some huge records.

I just grind it out every day. I usually get to the studio around 11 and leave about 6 in the morning, so I’m just grinding hard. So far I’ve got Lil Wayne on the album on a record called “Fresh I Stay.” The streets are gonna love it. I’ve got a record called “The Club Can’t Handle Me” A-28 // OZONE MAG

which is the lead single from the Step It Up 3 soundtrack, and the record with Lil Wayne is on the soundtrack as well. A lot of promotion and a lot of traveling is gonna come with having these hit records. I put a lot of energy and sacrifice into whatever I do.

Would you say you get more love overseas?

I’ve got fans all over the world and in the States as well, so it’s basically the same to me.

Traveling around the world, I’ve seen that I have fans of all ethnicities. There’s a lot of love wherever I go. I love to entertain, so even if you don’t like me and you come to a show, you’ll become a fan instantly because I’m always gonna give you something that the next

artist ain’t giving you. I think [internationally] my music appeals to a lot of people because I try to keep my lyrics clean and also because I have a more melodic style. A lot of times even if [foreign fans] don’t know what you’re saying, they could at least follow the melodies in your music. I put a lot of harmonies into my music, which I think shows a lot of versatility, which gives me a chance to relate to the fans around the world and not just on a national level.

Are you hands-on with selecting beats?

Oh, yeah. It definitely has to be a hot beat, and the more I travel, the more the inspiration comes. I wanna do records that won’t just appeal to the crowd in the states, but it’ll appeal to fans around the world. When I’m creating this album of course I’ll do some records for everybody in the hood, but I love traveling.

It’s a beautiful thing. I love getting money all around the world. I always try to stay creative and innovative and even if you don’t like a certain type of music, you can tell if it’s hot or not.

You’ve got your own label now too, right?

Yeah, my label is called IMG, which stands for International Music Group. An R&B group called Git Fresh is signed to my label and they have a major deal with Def Jam. We’re gearing up to release their first single “She Be Like,” and they’re shooting a video in a couple weeks.

I also have a female artist called Lil Brianna.

They’re both featured on my album. Git Fresh is on a song called “Why You Up In Here” featuring Ludacris, and Lil Brianna is featured on a song called “The Roof Is On Fire.” A lot of people say they don’t like listening to female rappers, but she’s definitely one with a lot of potential. Shout out to the females who have paved the way and new female rappers like Nicki Minaj. Brianna really has the whole package. She has the look, she’s humble, she has the drive, and she definitely could spit. She’s actually [my Poe Boy affiliate] Brisco’s cousin, so shout out to Brisco. Trina cosigned Lil Brianna. She performs a lot with Trina and she’s worked with Missy [Elliott]. She’s been doing this since she was 8 years old, and she just turned 19. So fellas, watch out. Don’t be trying to hit on Lil Brianna, cause it’s not happening.

How did you come in contact with Git Fresh?

They had been doing their thing for a while.

They had a single called “Booty Music” that did well. Bebe at Circle House brought them to my manager Freezy’s attention. Shout out to Strong Arm Management. I used to see them around but I didn’t even know they did music.

They had a lil swag, you know. They’ve got the look and when I heard their voice, I was like,

“Wow.” I decided to sign them because they’re very humble, and that’ll get you very far when it comes to anything, whether it’s music or playing sports or just doing business.

You’re also pushing them to increase their workout routine as well, right? Is there a particular work ethic you’re looking for in an artist or something you’re trying to build within your camp?

Most definitely. Being fit will help give yourself longevity and at the same time it plays a big part in your character. A lot of people don’t even like to work out, but I think if you go hard it builds motivation in any area of your life outside of just working out. If you can lift these weights, or if you can run when you don’t want to run, it makes you realize that you can also use the other gifts you’ve been give. It gives you more energy. It makes you more hyper.

Not too hype, but you know, it puts you at a point where you can control yourself on stage if you’re an artist. So that’s why I push them to work out. I’ve been working on a new workout regimen that I’m going to be blessing y’all with soon. Those who wanna be in shape will be able to check it out, but I’m not gonna go too deep with it because I don’t want nobody else to get the game. People always ask me what kind of workout I do, and how I stay in shape, so I’m gonna expose my workout regimen.

You don’t drink or smoke. Is that part of your workout regimen as well?

It’s definitely for health reasons. As an artist, you wanna be able to keep up and not have anything slow you down. Once in a blue moon I think it’s good to have a drink, but I’ve taken the initiative not to drink anything at all. I’ve never smoked, never in life, so I don’t wanna start now. But to each his own. I don’t knock nobody for that but I just chose to do that, because if I do have any problems, I know it won’t be from alcohol or smoking.

What’s the word on you and Brandy?

I’ve always been a fan of Brandy, and she’s a great friend, but I’m definitely single.

What do you have planned for Memorial Day? Usually I’m gone, overseas doing something pertaining to this music, but this year I get a chance to be in Miami. I might be in Vegas for a show for one day but I’m looking forward to being in Miami and hanging out in the streets promoting my music and chopping it up with the DJs and fans. I just wanna enjoy myself because I don’t always get the opportunity to be home [Memorial Day weekend]. I’ma be all over the place [in Miami]. // OZONE MAG // A-29

(l to r): Penny, Rude Boi, & Sly A-30 // OZONE MAG

FORMERLY KNOWN AS DEEP SIDE, R&B TRIO GIT FRESH IS FOLLOWING FLO RIDA’S LEAD AND GAINING INTERNATIONAL FANS WITH RECORDS LIKE “SHE BE LIKE.” You guys met in school when you were all pretty young, right? At what point did you become serious about pursuing music?

Penny: We were always serious.

Sly: When we were little kids we were performing in talent shows in Miami. Penny went to school with me. [He and Rude Boi] went to a performing arts school and always sang together. They brought me in and we formed a group. Prior to Def Jam, we were signed to Jive Records through R Kelly under the name Deep Side. We changed the name because we wanted to reinvent ourselves. There used to be 4 members and now there’s 3.

Is Flo Rida gettin’ y’all back in shape?

Penny: Definitely. Flo has been doing a great job of getting us in shape. We’re trying to get as swole as Flo. Sly: No, not as swole as Flo. (laughs) But, yeah, he’s like a big brother and he’s definitely a good performance coach. He pushes us all day, every day, and motivates us. We wanna be exactly where he’s at in due time. We’re striving to get there.

You’re on tour with Flo Rida in South Korea.

Is this one of your first international trips?

Sly: For the last few months we’ve been on the road with Flo. We’ve been to the UK, Turkey, Czechoslovakia, Switzerland, Paris, Greece, Germany, Russia, and now we’re here in Korea.

I heard you get mistaken for Lil Wayne a lot when you’re overseas.

Rude Boi: I get mistaken for Lil Wayne in America way more than overseas. Today somebody thought I was Lil Jon ‘cause I had my hair down. They mistake me for anybody with dreds. But in America, I get mistaken for Lil Wayne on a daily basis. A few times I just ran with it. One time some kids was chasin’ me through the mall. It was funny. Another time I was in the mall, shopping at Macy’s, and a bunch of security guards came down looking for me. I was like, “Damn, I hope they don’t think I’m in here stealing,” because I was wearing a tank top. It turns out they were coming to get my autograph because they thought I was Lil Wayne. It’s just ‘cause of the hair and the tattoos. I take it as a compliment ‘cause Lil Wayne got a lot of swag.

Is your album done?

Rude Boi: We’re working on it now. It’s very

close to being finished. We’re about to shoot the video for our single “She Be Like.” Look out for Flo Rida’s album The Only One. That’s coming out soon. It’s crazy. It’s gonna be his best and biggest album yet. And look out for the Git Fresh album coming out on Def Jam soon.

We’ve been getting a lot of crazy records from different producers, as well as producing some records on our own. It’s gonna be dope.

Penny: We’re very excited. We’ve got a lot of stuff coming.

You all have different ethnicities, right? Do you think that’s part of the appeal of the group?

Rude Boi: I’m American, black. Well, I’m mixed.

My daddy’s dark skinned and my mama’s light skinned so I’m mixed. (laughs) I think it’s a good look for the group that we’re mixed because we get a bigger variety of fans. It’s a good thing.

Penny: I’m American, white, straight-up cracker. (laughs) Sly: I’m South African.

Which one do the Korean girls prefer?

Rude Boi: We definitely have had a great time here in Korea. The fans out here are crazy. We enjoyed ourselves.

Penny: We get equal love. These Korean girls love us. They love Git Fresh, and we love the Korean girls.

Are you doing anything in Miami for Memorial Day? Penny: We’re definitely gonna be around because that’s our city. We’ve got a billboard truck with our picture on it, so we’re gonna set it off in Miami.

Rude Boi: We’re gonna bring out the billboard trucks, the jet skis, all the cars, the women, the shows, everything. It’s gonna be on and poppin’.

Why didn’t things work out in your previous situation with R Kelly?

Sly: I wouldn’t really say it was R. Kelly, it was just that the label didn’t understand a group like us – the ethnicity, the vibe, the swag. They were trying to push us in a direction that was not us and it just didn’t work.

Penny: They didn’t see the vision.

Sly: It took a while to find the right situation for us. Even after finding Def Jam, we still felt we needed an immediate family, like a backbone down here in Miami, somebody to stand beside us and keep us strong and push us through. That’s how we met Flo. Ever since we met him we’ve been traveling, and it really opened up the label’s eyes. // OZONE MAG // A-31

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Slip-N-Slide artist Swazy Baby gained recognition through the help of DJ Bigga Rankin. Though not originally from Florida, the Cordele, GA native has a gained a following in the sunshine state via the Cool Runnings DJs and HIS Slip-N-Slide fam. He also maintains his GA fan base as well.

You have a new video out for “Move Out the Way.” Is that your single?

I mean, if the people like it that much. It’s really old. I did that when I was like 17. It’s cool. If they like then I love it.

Did you just shoot the video because your label wanted you to?

Yeah, basically. I didn’t really wanna bring it out like that ‘cause I feel it’s old. I’ve gotten better since then.

How did you come up in the game and get signed to Slip-N-Slide?

Through Bigga Rankin. I met him in Georgia at a competition. I won it and he took me to Jacksonville for the Next Big Super Star shoot with Slip-N-Slide. He had already given ‘em my mixtape – it was half rap, half R&B. They already liked me and wanted to see my performance.

So when I went down there and they loved the performance, it was a wrap really.

Slip-N-Slide mostly deals with Florida artists.

How does it feel to be the only artist reppin’ GA on their roster?

It’s feels good. I’m different from everybody at the label.

How would you describe your sound?

It’s like futuristic gangsta rap. I was already rappin’ and sangin’ so I just put it together.

You produce too, right? Do you make most of your beats?

Yeah. I work with a lot of other people. My lil cousin Josh, aka J, makes beats for me mainly, and Hollywood J, I fuck with CP Hollywood, Trap Camp, and J1. But if I get an idea for something or a little tune comes across my head, shit, I’ll just make the beat myself.

Have you collaborated with any of the other Slip-N-Slide artists?

I did “Stay High” with Camar, I got “Sex Games” and “In the Bed” with Qwote, and I did “Talk About Dis Money” with Trina.

What are some of your songs that people like the most?

So far, they like every one I put out. But they like that “I Sang” shit the most. I put that out 2 months ago.

What made you get into music in the first place?

My uncle inspired me to do the little rappin’ shit. I was just watching him and looked up to him. He used to be rappin’ and shit and he stayed with a lot of money. (laughs) And then there were people I listened to like Jeezy and Plies.

You’re from Cordele, GA, right? Is that where you stay now?

Not really. I be back and forth from here to Tampa to Miami to Atlanta. I don’t have a main spot.

What mixtapes have you put out?

I got the Young Bosses mixtape out with Lil Webbie and Phat. Bigga Rankin hosted it. I got a mixtape called 1st Round Draft Pick hosted by DJ Krunch One from Miami. And then I’ve got another 1st Round Draft Pick mixtape hosted

by DJ Scream. I’m working on a mixtape for Memorial Day Weekend called Follow Me @ DaRealSwazyBaby. That shit gon’ be stupid.

Do you like singing or rapping better?

Damn, which one do I like better? I like rappin’ the most. But I like sangin’ too – aight, ok, I like sangin’ the most. But if you ask me to sang I ain’t gon’ sang though.

Is there anything else you want to mention before we go?

Check me out on Myspace.com/SwazyBaby, Twitter.com/DaRealSwazyBaby, Facebook. com/SwazyBaby, and YouTube.com/SwazyBaby1.

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What type of stuff do you have on your show?

Hip Hop and dance. It’s music driven, but I do a lot of interviews and stuff like that. I interviewed Jamie Foxx last week. 50 Cent was a great interview. Sean Paul, Kanye, you name it, they’ve all come through.

How do you get prepared for a big interview like Jamie Foxx or Kanye?

The way I do interviews is, I do a little bit of research on ‘em but it’s all about the vibe. It’s all about having fun with that person and making them feel comfortable. Once someone feels comfortable they’re gonna give you a great interview.

What do you have going on outside of radio?

Do you have a club schedule?

Besides radio full time, I do Passion at the Hard Rock and Club Justin’s in Aventura. I travel a lot and go out of the country. And I’m working on album number 7.

Who are you featuring on your album?

I’m doing a DJ Laz Presents Miami’s Finest album. I’m gonna have everybody representing Miami. The last album I did had Ross, Pit, some other people. I wanna bring back some of the old school cats like Uncle Luke. The last big record I had was “Move, Shake, Drop” which had Flo Rida, Pit, myself, Casely. That record did great. We should have this album ready by the end of the year. The first single off this album is with me and Pit called “I’m Not an Alcoholic.”

For the last 20 years DJ Laz has been with Power 96, and he’s an expert party starter at clubs like Passion at the Hard Rock. On your way home from the clubs Memorial Day Weekend make sure you check out the DJ Laz Morning Pimp Show from 6am to 10am.

How did you end up at Power 96?

I was at Hot 105 for a couple years prior to Power 96. The people at Power were like, “We gotta get Laz.” We finally worked out a deal and I’ve been here ever since.

Did you have to work your way into radio by doing something else?

Absolutely. When I first started I was carrying record crates at Hot 105. I started mixing on the weekend and they saw I was pretty good.

When everybody else was outside playing, being kids, I was scratching, mixing, doing what I love to do. I started when I was really young.

I came to Hot 105 when I was 14 and then ended up at Power when I was 16 or 17.

Did you or Pitbull come up with the concept for the song?

Me and Pit and Pit’s brother Joe were all drunk one night. We were like, “We get drunk way too much, we gotta make a record.” The concept of the record is, “I’m not an alcoholic, I just drink a lot.”

What’s going on with you Memorial Day Weekend?

I’ve got a big party at Passion at the Hard Rock Sunday night. A lot of people will swing through. They’re saying Dream is coming through, a local guy named Casely is coming, a guy named Ultimate that’s signed to Blackout, Swazy Styles, and some other local guys.

What are some qualities about yourself that make you good at what you do?

I’m a people person. I love what I do and it shows. Whenever you have passion for what you do, it just comes out. I’ve been fortunate enough to do what I love for a lot of years and be very successful at it. //

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In 1997, ‘98, and ‘99 our radio station did a concert at the American Airlines arena and there were close to 23,000 people there. To DJ a set in front of 20,000 people, and to feel like a superstar for a second, like an icon, it feeds the ego. You feel important when you’re on stage like that.

Any other recent moments?

I did a prom for a big high school recently and it was cool because the van I was driving with all of the equipment, I was able to drive it into a freight elevator. The elevator lifted the van with all the equipment so I didn’t have to carry up the equipment.

A mainstream DJ in the Miami area, DJ Zog spins various genres of music for Power 96.

From Hip Hop to Old School to Top 40, Zog knows what the people want to hear and how to rock a crowd.

What do you think are some of your strongest traits as a DJ? One of the qualities I think people admire is the amount of alcohol consumption I can take and still keep everything on beat. That’s a talent I’m proud of.

What time are you on the air?

I do mixes every morning with Laz, we take turns doing a mix every hour from 6am to 10am. And I do the 5 O’clock Traffic Jam. I’ve been doing that for 12 years.

Do you have club residencies or do you keep your schedule open?

I don’t have a set club schedule because I’ve been bouncing around lately.

How did you come on board with the Power 96 staff?

In a DJ competition I entered I lent all the DJs needles and the station said that was really nice of me, so I pretty much got an automatic slot for doing that.

Were you spinning in clubs at that time or something?

I was DJing at clubs and parties, waiting for my break so I could drop out of college.

What type of music do you play?

Hip Hop, Old School, House, Top 40, Mainstream. We don’t stick to one genre. We play Lil Wayne, Black Eyed Peas, Jay-Z, Kanye West, everything.

What have been some of your most memorable moments DJing so far?

Is there a website where people can check out what you have going on?

Facebook.com/DJZogMiami. My podomatic page where people can download my mixes is DJZog. podomatic.com. I’m doing a mix for this weekend called Memorial Way Weekend With Zog, with a W, so it sounds like a 2-year-old or Elmer Fudd.

I’m gonna launch DJZogLive.com in late June.

The guy that bought DJZog.com wants to sell it to me for too much money, when he only bought it for $8, so I bought DJZogLive.com and the word “live” makes it sound cooler.

Is there anything else you want to let people know?

A lot of DJs can relate to this – when I was younger my mother would tell me to lower the music, but I disobeyed her and didn’t follow instructions, that’s what I attribute my success to. //

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You’re putting out an album right? Tell us about some of the songs you’ve put together for the project and who all will be featured.

I got about 5 records done. I got records with Dorrough Music, Paul Wall, Billy Blue, C-Ride.

I got production from The Runners, CP Hollywood, House of Pain, Kane is supposed to give me some beats. I’m definitely using 3 of the records for the album. I got “I Be Out Here” featuring Triple Cs and Sean Paul of the Youngbloodz. I don’t have a name for the album yet, but I think I’m going for Street League. When I get about 7 records I’ll probably decide then.

rcity

Rive Words by Ms.

Under the guidance of his mentors DJs Khaled, Wrek, and Black Spliff, Freddy Fred developed his own name as a record breaker in Miami.

With a full radio and club schedule, and his debut album in the works, Freddy Fred talks about his come up and his predictions for next artist to blow.

Tell us about yourself and your DJ schedule?

I run the Street League on Mixx 96.1 FM. That’s the biggest underground station in Miami.

I’m in a bunch of clubs. I’m part of the Street League crew, there’s 4 of us, so we all work as a team. We’re at Opium Friday nights, Sobe Live on Fridays and Saturdays, and Lust on Saturdays.

How did you get your big break as a DJ? I met my crew The Street League and they put me around Khaled. My big break officially in the industry was DJing with Khaled back ’05.

That was when Ross, Brisco, Flo Rida, C-Ride came in the game, we’re all basically in the same crowd.

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Who are some artists coming up in the local scene? Who do you think has the potential to blow?

There’s a handful of people making noise in Miami – Billy Blue, Mista Mac, Poe Boy has their whole team geared up right now with Brisco.

They’re really about to just shit on everybody.

Then you’ve got Rich Kidd, from Overtown, he’s signed with Khaled’s We the Best imprint.

He’s got two records out right now that are killing every radio station, “We Don’t See Em” and “Y’all Know What’s Up.” I haven’t seen anything like this in a long time. Felony da God is everywhere. Black Dada had the “I’ma Zoe” record and he’s got a couple other records that people are sleeping on.

What do you have planned for Memorial Day Weekend?

I’ll be at Mansion and Cameo every other night. We have parties with Diddy, Nicki Minaj, the biggest names in the game. Then we’ve got the Best of the Best concert on Sunday hosted by Diddy. Ross is gonna be there, Nicki Minaj, every big reggae artist in the world, everybody you can think of is gonna be there.

It’s the Best of the Best.

Is there anything else you want to mention?

Just look out for the album, and I’ve got radio 4 days a week. My #1 focus is breaking great records. You can check out my videos and music on DJFreddyFred.com and Twitter.com/ DJFreddyFred. //

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Environment, but I felt that was kinda corny so I just left it as Mr. L.I.V.E. LIVE stands for Iceberg.

Period. If you listen to “Fuck Tha Other Side,” the part about “bitch I’m live,” and “Iceberg live,” that’s me. All my shows are live, everything I cop is live, all my music is live.

What videos have you put out recently?

I put out a video once every two weeks. From the Mr. L.I.V.E. project, I got “On My Grind,” “Let’s Go Get Em,” “You and Me,” “Dangerous,” “Only 4 Tonight,” and “Talk Dat Shit.”

ICEBERG Words by Ms Rivercity

IceBerg is one of the most anticipated underground rappers in Miami, and pushing to be the next national act. Under the alias Billion, IceBerg released the Mr. L.I.V.E. street album earlier this year which was accompanied by several internet videos.

Here he talks about his latest work and reveals what really happened with the Dunk Ryders.

Are you looking for a solo deal?

I’m trying to find a situation. It ain’t really the main goal, but just to solidify what I’ve already started. I’m trying to put my name in stone as far as this Southern rap shit. As far as Florida, I pretty did everythang there is to do on my own strength. I promote myself a lot – kinda like how Soulja Boy did it. But I’m looking for that team that’s gonna take me national and international.

What happened with the Dunk Ryders?

I don’t really like talkin’ about it too much just ‘cause it’s been up in the air. A couple people weren’t seeing eye to eye on a business tip, but it wasn’t no personal, bad, negative shit.

It was business, not personal. There was 3 people in the group – me, Soup, and Fella.

Soup ended up doin’ a bid in federal prison.

Me and Fella was good, we still is good, but a lot of the business wasn’t all the way right.

Why did you name your street album Mr. L.I.V.E.?

At first I wanted to say it was Living In a Violent

I saw you leaked the intro to your next project today.

Yeah, Strictly 4 The Streets. I had to do Strictly 4 The Streets for my real hardcore fans. Mr. LIVE was really more like my introduction to the bigger South, like the Carolinas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana. Everybody in Florida knows I can rap and what I’m capable of doin’.

As far as Strictly 4 The Streets, I can get my snappin’ on. Like when Wayne did No Ceilings, all he did was snap. Strictly 4 The Streets is that rappin’ side of me. I leaked to the intro to tell people it’s coming. This part 2. If you do your homework, Strictly 4 The Streets Pt. 1 was a lot of gutter shit.

Are there some other upcoming artists you’re working with in Florida?

As far as industry niggas, they’re fake and flaw to me. I don’t really fuck wit’ niggas like that.

It’s a couple niggas I’ll work wit. It’s a group called MGT representing Carol City. They on “Let’s Go Get Em” wit’ me. I’m fuckin’ wit’ Young Cash heavy. We got a mixtape coming out. I still fuck wit’ Trick [Daddy] all day. It’s promoters and DJs I fuck wit’ heavy, but they street niggas that do this music shit. They ain’t just music niggas tryna be street. That’s why I don’t be at these industry get-togethers.

Where can people find you?

I ain’t really been fuckin’ wit’ too much heavy ‘cause if you do your research and put your ear to the street, Miami got a lot of crazy shit goin’ on. The death rate went up a lot in Miami. I try to stay out the way as far as the streets. There’s really no way to duck the streets unless you hang on the beach, but I don’t fit in wit’ ‘em. So I just play Playstation and fuck wit’ the cars real heavy. I’ve got 3 cars: the Camaro, the donk, and an El Camino.

Do you have any shows Memorial Day Weekend?

I’m at Club Ink on Saturday. People from everywhere like West Palm and Broward come down to that club. It’s a hot spot in Miami. // OZONE MAG // B-15

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though the rest of the country might not recognize his name yet, Ron Ron is a popular entertainer in his hometown OF Kansas City. KNOWN for his single “Hey Honey,” along with his witty lyrics, Ron Ron is currently branching his unorthodox personality into other markets. You can catch Ron Ron and his SouthSide Recordings affiliates in Miami shooting several videos this Memorial Day Weekend.

How long have you been rapping?

I been serious about it for about two years now. Before that, I’d get in my modes, but I never really gave it as much effort as I give it now. Shit just kinda started falling in place to where I didn’t really have a lot of other choices unless I ignored what was going on around me. My popularity started catching on so I knew I had to make a decision. More people started calling wanting features, concerts, selling me beats. That kinda made the decision for me.

What record got your name buzzing around Kansas City?

“Hey Honey.” It was originally about pimpin’, but I made it so animated that it changed the message [to just being something for the females]. It was a song I was really playin’ with.

It took all of 15 or 30 minutes to write and record. It got a lot of radio play out this way.

What’s the next step? Are you dropping a mixtape or album?

At this point, I’m just recording and dealing with different producers and seeing what sticks. I wouldn’t say I’m experimenting, but I’m not boxing myself in. I’m doing a lot of different stuff and seeing what feels the best and more comfortable and trying to build a catalog from there, as far as what songs to keep and what songs to push. I’m working towards the album once everything is in place.

It’s called Ron Da MC. Do you have a distribution deal or are you putting your music out independently?

I’ve got a label called Brainiac Muzik, but shit, I’m not even signed to my own label. I’m dealing with SouthSide Recordings right now and they go through Koch. I’m in the workings with how we’re gonna play it with my label. I might just run my label and sign the artists I’ma deal with. But I fuck with SouthSide.

How would you say the Kansas City rap scene compares to the rest of the country?

It’s the same shit, for real. Kansas City got a lot

of talent. I fucks with Kansas City. I don’t know if it’s just because nobody here has got that real major push, we had a lot of people that had their shot in the spotlight or what not.

I see a lot of talent here though. I’ve been a lot of places and keep my nose in the street, I don’t wanna name cities, but that shit be whack. All them niggas chasin’ after club hits, talkin’ about they got a hundred million dollars, and flip a million bricks – you got niggas here that do it like that, but it’s a lot of dudes that push the envelope with their music, be creative, and try to start something new and set the bar. I see a lot of copycat shit in other places. You can’t expect to win following another nigga’s formula. The Midwest period is not a copycat type of place. You’ve got a lot of artistic people. That’s probably why it’s so hard to get up outta here in bulk. Every blue moon you get your Kanyes or Kid Cudis or Eminems.

Their creativity is so entertaining A lot of times, a real artist ain’t gonna be popular. You gotta have just as much trendy appeal as artistic appeal. Most people aren’t listening to music as a science, they’re listening just to dance or ride in the car. The majority of people play music just for entertainment. I ain’t knockin’ nobody tryin’ to chase a club hit and pay their bills legally.

Is your music more on a street tip than for the clubs?

Yeah, that’s where I’m from, and I only speak about what I know. I done different stuff in life.

I done had a job before. I graduated from high school, went to college, and I’ve got kids and a family, so I speak about what I been through. I don’t try to box myself in, but if you listen to 10 songs of mine, 7 of ‘em gon’ have something to do with the streets, if not the whole song.

That’s where my roots are.

Where can people hear some of your music?

Type in “Ron Ron” on Youtube to find my “Hey Honey” video. I’ve got some other videos on YouTube like “100 Bars” and “Grimy Muffucka.”

You can get my mixtape Mr. No It All on DatPiff. com and Myspace.com/RonRonMusic.

Do you have any other projects coming out you want to mention?

I have so many projects I’ve finished but I just haven’t released them. I’m going with the flow and seeing what’s going on with my label situation, and seeing what songs pick up steam.

I’m just grinding until then, doing shows, recording, and keeping myself relevant. During Memorial Day weekend, I’m going to shoot a video in Miami with Mon E G for our record “America’s Nightmare.” // OZONE MAG // B-17

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You may be familiar with Kansas City native Mon E G through his work with DJ Bigga Rankin and other heavyweights like Rick Ross, Yo Gotti, Freeway, and more. Last year his “Chevy Anthem” Remix appeared on outlets like MTV and BET, and more recently his video “Death to My Opponents” hit Worldstar. Here he talks about his new distribution deal through Koch/Epic, his album plans, and the inspiration behind his whole career.

How would you describe your sound, being from Kansas City?

My sound is universal. I appeal to the masses.

I feel like when a lot of people listen to me they can’t put their finger on it. A lot of guys say I’m lyrical, like Jigga or something. But it’s because the Midwest just hasn’t found they way. We don’t have a sound identified with the Middle. That’s what I’m tryna change. We’ve gotta unify and let the masses know we’re serious about it. There’s a lot of talent here in the Midwest, but we haven’t unified as well as we should. You’ve got a couple guys right up the street in St. Louis like Nelly and them, but they didn’t go the whole 9 yards like they should have. They shoulda opened the Middle all the way up – Minnesota, Kansas City, Detroit, Ohio – and they really didn’t do that. There’s not really any street presence representing the Midwest. The West got Game, Snoop; the East Coast got Jigga, 50, Freeway; Down South got Ross, Lil Wayne, Jeezy, TI. We don’t have that in the Middle. We got Common, Nelly, and Twista, you know what I’m sayin’? I think the industry is forcing people from the Midwest to come out with that lollipop sound, but that’s not the Midwest. The Midwest is more street than a lot of other regions.

Do you think the Midwest will have their movement the same way the other regions had their time? Do you think it’s coming?

Oh yeah, it’s definitely coming. Once the first street cat comes from the Middle it’s over. It’s gonna energize the whole industry. Watch how the whole Midwest stand up. I was on the Hypnotized Tour with Ross, going to cities I never been in the Middle like Indianapolis, Cleveland. We hit the stage with KC songs and they identifying with it because it’s the Middle.

They showed me so much love and they had never heard my music. So I know what’s gonna happen once we get that machine behind us.

What have you put out lately as far as music?

I just did a video with Freeway called “Death to My Opponents.” It already has 30 million

views on Worldstar. I’m leaving my mark on the game. Everybody I’ve done business with respects my hustle. Holla at Freeway about the Midwest or Kansas City and the first name that comes out his mouth is Mon E G, same way with Ross, Yo Gotti, Lil Boosie. My new single with Lil Boosie should hit in July or August.

It’s called “Dimepiece.” It’s the last song he did before he went in to do his bid. I got another video coming out in June for “Money” featuring T-Pain’s artist Young Cash.

Are these singles off an upcoming album?

Yeah. We’re with SouthSide Recordings LLC. We just got distribution with Koch/Epic. My album comes out September 28th, and it’s called September 28th The Album. That’s my birthday, and my sister passed away on my birthday back in ‘02 because of a drunk driver.

So I’m dedicating my whole career and album to her. My album covers all topics. “Beat The Block” is talking about my sister, my loss, and my struggles. I’ve got a song I’m negotiating with Ray J called “Spend The Night” for the ladies. “Money” is for the hustlers and the ladies.

“This is How We Ride” is a feel-good, laid-back chillin’ type song. But the bulk of my shit is more street.

What do you have planned for Memorial Day weekend?

We’ll be in Miami knocking out three videos.

I’ve got a street song called “Live Ain’t Shit,” another one called “This Is How We Ride” with Masspike Miles from Maybach Music Group, and I’m knocking out some extra footage for the “Money” video with Young Cash. Me and Ron Ron are shooting a video for “America’s Nightmare.”

What’s the biggest misconception about Kansas City?

A lot of people think Kansas City is like Kansas, like Wichita, or something. It’s not like that.

It’s not real big, but you still got 1.9 million people within the four counties. It’s rough. It’s rough everywhere, but it’s a little more violent [in KC].

What else are you working on?

I put out a mixtape last year with DJ Smallz and I got another mixtape I’m putting out this summer called Welcome to Killa City, right before the album drops. I’m trying to do it all.

I just had about two minutes of fame in an independent film called Domestic: The Movie.

You can check out my music on Facebook and on Myspace.com/SouthsideMonEG. I’ve got joints up there with Flo Rida, and the “Chevy Anthem” remix with Yo Gotti and Rick Ross. // OZONE MAG // B-19

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Fat Joe was in Atlanta shooting for the Mo’Nique Show and OZONE caught up with him before he headed out to the Hawks vs Bucks game that night. He told us about his new album The Darkside, COMING JUNE 29th, and the meaning behind the title. In the interview we talked about being pigeonholed as an artist, satisfying fans, his relationship with DJ Khaled and why he didn’t buy Kanye West’s 808 and Heartbreak album.

Why did you decide to name your album The Darkside?

I started out in the game as an underground rapper diggin’ in the crates. If you go back and interview somebody who was a Fat Joe fan of his first 4 albums, they would probably tell you they never thought he would make a “What’s Luv” or “Make It Rain,” or nothing like that – he was just real, hardcore, underground Hip Hop. Coming from there I got a lot of real fans throughout the years so that no matter where I go, a lot of the same fans come to the shows.

They just kept saying, “Yo Joe, you gotta take it back to day one, you gotta take it to The Darkside – that’s the Fat Joe I love – the hardcore Fat Joe.” So, too many real fans that I know supported me and love me kept askin’ for it so I said I’ma take it there. Once I called it The Darkside I knew I had to fulfill it. The first single is called “Slow Down Son You Killin ‘Em” featuring Young Jeezy. The video [just dropped]; it’s crazy. I’ve got producers like DJ Premier, Buck Wild, Street Runner, Infamous, Scoop Deville, Just Blaze, and Cool & Dre. Cool & Dre have basically been there the whole project. After the last album, to keep it 100, they didn’t really like the vibe of the last album.

You mentioned the fans. Were they supportive? Were they asking from a place of love, or from a place of anger?

They were asking from a place of love, and also, they loved that Joe Crack, that hardcore Fat Joe gangsta nigga. On the last album I put together a bunch of hit-sounding records, and they didn’t approve, so I had to give the fans what they want.

Do you regret the last few albums with that sound?

I don’t think so. I don’t regret the last few albums at all. I mean, we had major success and I love making all kinds of music, but realistically, it’s almost like I’m pigeonholed. People know me one way, as Fat Joe, the realest gangster rapper, and they’re like, “Yo, we don’t want you to do that nice guy shit. We don’t want you to

pull off a Kanye West – you’re Fat Joe, we want you to kill people and sell drugs in your music.”

So that’s a natural thing for me, as a hustler, so I stepped up to the plate.

How does it feel to do that and live to tell about it? A lot of cats will do that and fall by the wayside and never get to redeem themselves.

I really don’t know, man. I love Hip Hop music, and there’s really nothing I can’t do musicwise. Musically, I’m in the studio so much I know how to make all types of music. I can make you a dirty South smash hit right now.

I could make you a New York banger to the highest level, a West Coast song, a girl song, whatever, I can do it all.

Do you think people nowadays appreciate that versatility? Or do you think they always try to pigeonhole their favorite rapper?

I think they pigeonhole their favorite artist. I’m guilty of that too. My favorite artist is Kanye West and when he did the singing album I purposely didn’t buy it. I was like, “I’m protesting. I ain’t with this shit.”

People were saying DJ Khaled came up under Fat Joe, and they wanna know if you guys still have a working relationship?

I passed him the baton and let him go. What we do is try to help our brothers grow. He took it from there, he’s growing, he got the We the Best thing and he’s doing his thing. We’re proud of him and want him to do well. That’s how it is. There’s a lot of people given opportunities – some people take it and go all the way with it and try to create history, and some people are passive and don’t wanna work as hard. They take the same opportunities, sit on their ass and don’t do anything. Khaled was a go-getter, and he did what he had to do.

With your company and label Terror Squad, what’s the status of it right now?

We got T.A., a young cat outta the Bronx. We got OZ outta Miami. We got a girl Shanice outta Miami, an R&B chick, she’s gonna be the biggest chick in the game. We’re just workin’, man. //

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Although Mack Maine may have resided in Miami the last 5 years, his New Orleans charm remains the same. In his signature N’awleans accent, the Young Money President talks about sacrificing for the good of others, the type of woman he prefers (the anti-Kat Stacks) and living up to Weezy’s expectations.

What’s on your agenda for the next couple of months?

I’m about to put out a few singles. Me and Baby are working on a new project called The White Boys. Drake’s album is coming out June 15th. We put out the We Are Young Money CD, but Drake’s album is really the first solo album coming from Young Money Entertainment. Tyga is shooting a video soon and he just did a mixtape with Chris Brown. Nicki is shooting another video, and Lil Twist too. Gudda is dropping a mixtape June 27th. Jae Millz is putting out a mixtape a month. Short Dawg got a new video out. Shanell is in the studio working. Lil Chuckee is dropping a mixtape. We’re making sure to keep Wayne alive.

What’s the concept of The White Boys project with Baby?

We got white Porsches, we got white watches, we wear all white. Everybody wears all black but we switched to all white. When the world goes left, we go right. That’s why we called it The White Boys; we doin’ something different.

How do you keep up with all the artists on the YM roster?

It’s easy. That’s all I think about all day.

I’m a Leo and sometimes we tend to put work before family and everything, so I’m really a workaholic. My mom is sitting next to me right now and I know she be like, “When is he gon’ call me?” I love her death, so I gotta make sure I call her. I be so busy, and work is all I think about all day. But it’s not a hard job to me. I care about each person. Everybody is equal in my eyes and I try to make sure everybody’s happy.

How do you make sure everybody’s happy? What are some responsibilities that come with your title?

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and being in my position. I understand what’s it’s like to not be treated right. One of the main things for artists is making sure they’re comfortable so all they have to worry about is making good music. I also make sure the budgets are right for videos, getting everyone together at the right time. They can call on me for anything. I’m the sacrificial lamb for the team.

You’ve been down with Wayne for a long time. What are some things he looks for in an artist?

He looks for an artist with more than one talent because it’s competitive out here and the rap game is oversaturated. Wayne just ventured into Rock N’ Roll. He’s not trying to be an R&B singer, but he can hit a note every now and then. He even makes a few beats.

Drake and Nicki can sing, rap, and act. Twist can sing, rap, and do beats. And we want your style to be original. And if you are just a rapper, make sure you’re phenomenal and a master of your craft. We like our artists to be manageable, humble, and coachable. People won’t make it if they have a crazy attitude. We need people that treat it like a job and love it. We just signed somebody on the team that just raps – Cory Gunz. He’s very unique. He’s just a gritty artist.

No, because his work ethic is crazy. People will miss him. He has a very strong presence that will be missed, especially by his team. But as far as the music game and to the world, he records so many songs, and he made sure he shot about 15 videos before he left. He did something for “Steady Mobbin’,” and Gucci just came home so we’ll be shooting his part. Y’all still gonna be gettin’ fed new Lil Wayne material so y’all won’t miss that aspect of him.

Do you want to speak on the whole Kat Stacks fiasco from an insider’s perspective?

I’m a true boss so I never really paid it attention or gave feedback. I just kinda laughed it off and continued getting money. I’m gonna go on record and say, let her do what she do and enjoy her 3 seconds of fame. I never met shorty.

I never saw her face to face. I really wanna thank her because she showed me who’s who [in my life]. People came at me like, “I know you didn’t do that…” It’s like, do you believe everything you hear? I’m not worried about the fans believing the media, but it’s the people that really know you who chastise you without even asking you, like, “You out there sleeping with these types of chicks?”

So the situation had people close to you assuming things about you that weren’t true?

Anybody who really knows me should know that Cory Gunz has been one to watch for a long [Kat Stacks] doesn’t even look like the type of time. How did y’all make the decision to sign woman I like. People that really know me know him to Young Money?

I don’t deal with B.S. If you get on our tour bus He’s just a beast. I expressed interest in him and I don’t feel your vibe, I’ll politely ask you to during an interview and his people reached leave. If she’s not smiling, or vibing with us, or out to me. Him and Wayne did a song a long she’s texting on the phone – which could mean time ago and Wayne took a liking to him. I she’s trying to set somebody up - I pay attention think at one point Jay-Z was interested in him to stuff like that. With that woman’s attitude, and he was kinda signed to Jay-Z. I guess he she couldn’t last around me five minutes. I don’t fell back and I expressed interest in him again know why anybody would think I’d be involved so they reached out. The team was already with her. I’m a very exclusive dude and I don’t superb, but I felt like he completes it. We’re just like to share. The whole story doesn’t fit me. trying to cover all the angles.

I’m not mad at her, though. People like her just need attention. I was just disappointed in the So do you feel Young Money has covered all people that I know who were trying to attack my the angles? character.

I got a few other genres of music I wanna touch on, but we’re sitting on 12 artists right You mentioned some singles you’re working now. You don’t wanna end up with 20 artists on. Tell us about those. and you’re just now putting out your first artI’ve got one featuring Baby and Rick Ross called ists’ album while your other artists are sitting “All in One Swipe” and another one with Gorilla around waiting. That’s one thing I never wanna Zoe called “Young Moola.” I have another song do is shelve artists. I got plans for everybody with T-Pain called “I Get Money.” and as it keeps growing you’ll see more additions to Young Money.

Anything else you want to say?

Free Weezy! Let people know they can go to Even though Wayne isn’t gone for a long www.WeezyThanxYou.com to send him fan time, do you think his absence will affect the mail. And you can also hit me on Twitter.com/ rap world?

MackMaine. // OZONE MAG // B-25

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Interview & Photo by Terrence Tyson Kadillac Tattoo is located on Dunn Ave. in Jacksonville, FL. Tell us a little bit about Kadillac Tattoo.

We’ve been here for almost six years. We started out as Untouchable Tattoo in [Regency] mall. Then I moved over [to Dunn Ave.] and opened up Kadillac Tattoo. We have 7 artists here.

What made you get into tattooing?

The guy I used to sell drugs to used to bail me out of jail every time I got in trouble, and he got tired of coming to get me. He said, “Look, if you leave all that alone, I’ll teach you the right way, but you gotta stick with this.” Ever since then, I’ve been here.

Tell us about the artists in your shop.

We have Eric, Flick, Grace, Devin, Brittany & Juan.

All of them are phenomenal. All of them have something different that they do, from realistic to traditional to cosmetic to tribal. They all can do everything, but they have there one thing that they’re the best in. These are the best kids in town.

How many touch-ups do you do on average?

Probably at least 2 a day. A lot of times it’s from the guys working out of their house that’ll give you that $20 tattoo or whatever. That’s ridiculous. If you’ll pay $100 for a pair of sneakers, you should pay $100 for a good tattoo. A tattoo’s gonna last a lot longer.

Who are some celebrities you’ve tattooed?

So far, it’s been Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, Three 6 Mafia, Petey Pablo, Nappy Roots, Black Rob, Steve Smith from the Carolina Panthers, and a couple of wrestlers.

Any memorable experiences tattooing artists?

I don’t smoke, but I think I got pretty high when I was tattooing Jim Jones. I kinda remember vague pieces from when I was doing his tattoos. (laughs) If you could pick any celebrity to tattoo, who would it be and why?

Nicki Minaj, just so I could beat, that’s all. Please Nicki, if you’re reading this, I’ll do anything for you.

I’ve never been with a black woman, so I need you to be my juice breaker.

Speaking of Nicki Minaj, what are your thoughts on all of Lil Wayne’s tattoos?

What kind of advice would you guys suggest for Man, he’s covered. He’s killing’ it right now. [It looks someone getting their first tattoo? like] he’s got a lot of bad work on him from some They need to think real hard about what they want people that didn’t know what they were doing, and because people come in here all day long and just a lot of hood stuff on him. But the work I’ve seen him pick anything off the wall and a couple of months getting lately has been pretty good stuff. later want to get it covered up. It’s so hard to cover up something depending on the shape, the size, What’s the weirdest tattoo you’ve ever done? and the darkness of it. So make sure it’s something There was this old lady that came in that wanted to that you want and something that you can commit get a stick figure pushing a lawnmower [tattooed on to for the rest of your life. Make sure you get with her] and she shaved half of her vagina hair. She was a good artist too, because if you get a shitty artist, about 60-something. She was pretty old because you’re gonna be coming to us to fix it. she had a gray bush. (laughs) //

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We caught up with JW in Ft. Lauderdale while he was enjoying a little down time with his family. Down time is something JW rarely has nowadays – the CTE/Universal Motown rapper has been on the road, in the studio, and promoting himself constantly. Here he discusses what’s going on in his career, what’s next, and what makes a female “So Bad.” So you’re at home right now. What’s the support been like for you in Ft. Lauderdale?

This is what it is! Broward County is behind me 1,000 percent. I’ve always been the man in my city, and I can say that with a lot of confidence.

People always had a lot of respect for me, all the way from little league football, to elementary, middle school, high school, growing up the streets, in the hood, Section 8 housing, and I played ball and earned a degree. Everyone always respected me. I went to camp with the Miami Dolphins and earned my business degree.

What happened with playing ball?

That ain’t work out. I got into the clubs in ’05 and ’06, so my name been ringin’ before music.

With the music, everybody knows when Dubb talk about education and earning a degree, I did that; when Dubb talk about following your dreams, I did that and continue to do that.

Everybody supports me in what I do. I love my city, I got it tatted on my chest. They love me.

What’s your label situation right now?

I’m with CTE. I have my label Grade A Hustler Entertainment that I established in 2008. Now I have an album deal with Universal /Motown – shout out to Sylvia Rhone, Deshawn Harris, Kinky B, Young Jeezy, everyone that’s backing my project. I’m working hard so I can open up doors for others. There’s so much talent in my city.

What songs do you have bubbling right now?

We got this “So Bad” song tearing up Florida right now. Shout out to Duval County, Tampa, Gainesville, Homestead, every show we done had with this “So Bad” contest has sold out. We got Jeezy and Plies on it, and we’re shooting the video in June.

What would be your definition of a chick that’s “So Bad”?

I’ve got 3 sisters, no brothers, so I love women.

Looks are good, but I love a strong woman like my mama. Growing up my daddy was in and out of jail, on and off drugs, and I seen my mama really support all of us working 2 jobs.

So I like a strong woman that’s gonna do what she gotta do to make ends meet and make life better. I love everything about a woman – big, small, short, tall, green, blue, mean, nice, it’s all good.

I’ve been hearing some of your other songs in the club too. What other hits do you have?

Shout out to Rick Ross and Jeezy for blessing me with that “Everyday” with Triple Cs. That video was on MTV Jams. “The Biggest Movie Ever,” and I got a song out called “Trap Trap.”

That’s for the hood, that’s that motivation music. And they lovin’ “I’m So Arrogant.” That’s like how I tell people you gotta love yourself before somebody else can love you.

Overall what do you try to achieve with the music you put out?

I‘ve been blessed to make it from the streets and earn a degree, I’ve been blessed to go through a lot of things, so I make sure the music I present to the world is very universal. It’s got to be me. I’m not gonna get on and try and rock like Jeezy ‘cause the world already got Jeezy. That’s why they fuck with Dubb. I got love for the CTE artists too like 2 Eleven, BAMA, Boo Rossini, Blood Raw, and Slick Pulla, and everybody knows Dubb is gonna be Dubb and that’s why they respect me. If I feel like takin’ my shirt off and gettin’ live at a show, that’s what I’ma do. Yeah Dubb gangsta, yeah Dubb smart, yeah Dubb a business man, but Dubb gonna do what he wanna do. I’ma talk about love, pain, havin’ fun, women, a lil hustlin’, fulfilling these dreams, comin’ from the ghetto, ‘cause that’s what I’m about.

Are you working on any mixtapes?

Yeah, shout out to Bigga Rankin’s Real Nigga Radio. That was my first ever mixtape that put me on – Get It From the Muscle Vol. 1. DJ Folk had Vol. 2 hot in the streets, and now I’m finna drop Get It From the Muscle Vol. 3 with DJ Nasty from 99 Jamz for Memorial Day Weekend. I’ve also got something coming out with the DJs from Broward County, DJ Slick, DJ Famous Amos, and DJ Sco. What else do you have planned for Memorial Day Weekend?

Dade County has been showing so much love.

Right now I got Headliners and Mike Gardner is trying to book me, they’re trying to get me at LIV, Club Ink, and some other places.

I’m getting locked in now. You’ll be seeing us storming the streets with posters, mixtapes, you will see them Grade A Hustler/CTE shirts with the state of Florida on the back. We goin’ hard Memorial Day Weekend. // OZONE MAG // B-29

As President of Slip-N-Slide DJs and Chairman of the United DJ Alliance, Troy2DaVent is a DJ advocate in the south Florida area. With the management help of G.H.O.S.T. Ent., Troy is also putting out his own songs like the recent “Lambo Life” featuring Frank Lini, Papa Duck, Brisco, Ice Berg, and Mike Bless.

Let everybody know what you do.

I’m the streets’ A&R. I’m President of SlipN-Slide DJs and Chairman of the United DJ Alliance.

How did you become President of Slip-NSlide DJs? I started out doing intern work at Slip-N-Slide Records. They formed a DJ coalition and I became the leader. I was hard worker. I was always in the streets and around club and radio DJs. Do you DJ yourself or do you play more of a business role?

I started off as a radio personality and learned how to be a club DJ. But I don’t like to call myself a regular DJ because nowadays, a 2010 DJ is an A&R. We as DJs promote our own shows, email blast artists, and push artists, and that’s what an A&R does.

What artists have you worked with?

Probably everybody on our label. I just did a video called “Lambo Life” featuring Frank Lini, Papa Duck, Brisco, Ice Berg, and a new artist on Slip-N-Slide, Mike Bless. Right now the video is on Worldstar and other websites, but we’re in the process of getting it on [TV].

How did the “Lambo Life” video come about?

You got everyone on the track?

I represent a management company called G.H.O.S.T. Ent., which stands for Goin Hard Off B-30 // OZONE MAG

Street Tactics. This was a single I wanted to do and they helped back it. I wanted to put the up-and-coming artists from Florida together on the same track. The term “Lambo Life” is symbolic of living the fast life.

What other projects do you have in the works?

I’m working on another single called “Death Before Dishonor.” I can’t say who all is gonna be on it, but I have my choice of a few artists.

What about on the DJing side of things?

What are you goals with that?

I represent the new side of DJs. I’m a big DJ advocate. I believe DJs are not respected as much as they should be. I just try to get us the credit we deserve.

About how many DJs belong to the coalitions you represent?

The Slip-N-Slide DJs have over 600 DJs. The United DJ Alliance is made up of a bunch of coalitions like Slip-N-Slide DJs, Superstar DJs, Sniper Squad DJs, Street Connect DJs, Sucker Proof DJs. What are some things you’re responsible for handling within those organizations?

With the United DJ Alliance I organize the communication. I call the leaders of each DJ crew and organize conference calls. We also did the Red Carpet/A&R event in Tampa at Club Sky. Do you have any parties or events going on Memorial Day Weekend?

I’ll be at Café Iguana on the 30th. We’ve got Plies coming to Okeechobee, FL on the 29th.

Do you have a website? www.Troy2DaVent.com

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started fuckin’ with me on this music level, he was about to start doing his promo tour for two months for his Victory album, which is in stores now. We went to every city, kissed every baby, shook every hand. We touched the hood, we touched everythang. I learned so much.

Coming out of Overtown in Miami, we don’t see stuff like that every day.

We the Best’s new artist Rich Kidd is known for his hustle around South Florida. He got his start selling mixtapes in the streets before catching the attention of DJ Khaled, who recently signed him. Since then he’s taken his talents from local Miami venues to stages nationwide in preparation for his upcoming debut.

What’s your history in the game? How did you get a name for yourself?

I’ve been grindin’ a long time. I started out hustlin’ in front of strip clubs, puttin’ out mixtapes.

Word traveled throughout the city that this kid was hot, and people started checkin’ for me. I used to sell my mixtapes and make money from people that personally liked the music. It was crazy, it inspired me to work more and get better at it. At first it was just a hustle, and I loved what I was doing, then I got better.

How did you link up with Khaled?

Khaled discovered me a long time ago. I’ve been down with him a long time, and Khaled’s the type of person who isn’t gonna touch something until it’s ready. I’m like a young Khaled. I’m a hustler, ain’t nobody gave me nothin’ and I don’t expect nothin’ from nobody. I always wanted to work with Khaled so I feel good about the situation. It was God sent. My song “What’s Up” was getting big airplay on 99 Jamz locally. Khaled used to always see me at the station pushin’ my records while he was pushin’ his. He liked my grind and wanted to help my situation, so we had a meeting. Now it’s We the Best.

When did you start pushing that song and make it official with We the Best?

I started back in January of this year. And we made it official about a couple months ago, in like February.

So you’re traveling a lot now?

The road is so much fun, and it’s so much work.

Since I’ve been fuckin’ with Khaled, we’ve been all across the world. It’s crazy ‘cause when he first

Obviously it was a different world.

All we know is the cops, the hoes, the robbers, the hustlers – it’s like two different cultures – the way we live and make money. I learned a lot. I met up with Ross in New York, we came up together, and he congratulated me. He said, “I’m happy to see Khaled fuckin’ with you ‘cause you work so hard.” But yeah, I went everywhere, DC, New York, LA, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, we touched the world in about 2 months.

Have you collaborated with anybody yet?

I’ve got a record coming with a young dude outta Miami by the name of Iceberg. He’s on my “Y’all Niggas Know What’s Up” record. I got another record coming with Rick Ross called “Watch Me Do My Thang Hoe.” My official single is called “I’m All Dat” and it’s real big right now. I just dropped it about 5 days ago and it’s already at about 50,000 downloads. I feel good about the music game right now.

What about projects? Are you working on an album to go with the singles?

I got a street album coming out Memorial Day Weekend. It’s called We Don’t See Em ‘cause that’s my saying. The definition is “we don’t see nobody.”

Do you have a show line up or event schedule for Memorial Day Weekend?

Yeah, we got a couple clubs. Khaled’s gonna be doing the Best of the Best. My brother Ross is on that show, Rich Kidd, Nicki Minaj, Gucci Mane, shouts to all the other artists. It’s like a reggae event and all the Bahamians and Trinidadians and everybody comes out to do a big show. That’s the big show, and we’re gonna be at Club Mansion, and some other clubs. It’s gonna be crazy.

Anything else you want to say?

I’m the newest sensation of the South. I’m gonna be one of the hottest rappers you ever heard in your lifespan. It don’t get no bigger.

No disrespect to any other artist in the game, but I feel like I possess a certain talent that wasn’t given to everybody. You can check me out on Twitter.com/RichKiddMiami Myspace. com/RichKiddRunMiami. Shout out to all the We the Best artists, family, and staff.

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Felony da God is from Lil Haiti and has a long history as a rapper. Throughout the years he’s collaborated with some of the biggest names in the game. Here he discusses how he became known, who he’s worked with, and how he got his name.

When did you start making music? What attracted you to it?

I started makin’ music at the age of 9. Me and my brothers used to beat on the big-sized canned goods. We used to make beats and I’d try to put words together. I discovered I could put ‘em together kinda nice and I could make words rhyme. That didn’t really make me a rapper, but that’s when I learned how to put words together.

So when did you get serious about it?

In the year 2000 I was into a lot of street activity. I had some pa’tnas that was like, “Yo, you used to bust rhymes in stuff in school, you could do something better with your life.”

There were older dudes in the neighborhood that used to say the same thing. So I got a couple beats from my dude who was with Lost Tribe named Phats. He was trying to put me down with Rap-A-Lot, but Rap-a-Lot wanted to deal with me instead of him. It was just complicated so it didn’t go through.

What happened after the Rap-A-Lot situation didn’t go down?

I picked my swag back up in 2004 and I’ve been on ever since. That’s when I got with Danger Zone.

You’ve worked with a lot of people. Tell us who all you’ve collaborated with?

I think the first known name was Keith Sweat.

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After that I got with Birdman, Elephant Man, Field Mob, Wacko from UTP with Juvenile and Skip, and I got the song currently right now with JW. I have a few more but I can’t think of ‘em all right now.

What are the names of your songs?

I have “Don’t Snitch On Me,” and I have “Day Shift Night Shift” with JW. The video for that is coming soon. We using the Scarface theme.

My follow up single, which I just sent out to test, is called “Copy Cat” that’s with Wacko and Young Breed from Triple Cs. What part of Miami are you from?

I’m from southside Lil Haiti.

What other rappers are from around there?

Red Eyez kinda set it off, and the whole Zoe Pound movement. I gotta show respect to them ‘cause they was the first outta Lil Haiti to take it to that level and bring the industry to the hood.

So tell us about the label you’re with.

Danger Zone was really the beginning of the new me. Before I was just doing music, but when I got with Danger Zone, I learned the music business. They’re an indie label from Jamaica, matter of fact, they’ve got the artist Jah Cure right now. But they had just about every Jamaican artist signed to that label. They got a piggyback deal with Sobe. But right now I’m with Keep It 100 Records and I’m about to start my own thing.

When you talk to your fans what do they say they like about you and your music?

I call my music Hip Hop Soul Music. I feel like people take to it. When they see me they be like, “Man, I really felt that song.” I don’t just talk about the streets or glorify the streets. I’m wellrounded. I give you the good side and the bad side. I talk about days when I have money, and I talk about days when I’m flat broke. I think

people identify with that, especially the way the economy is going. They feel me when I talk about loyalty and snitches and stuff like that.

Explain your name.

Felony da God of the Streets. I got the name when I was in a rap group a long time ago.

I had the name Felony, and The God of the Streets came from when I was homeless in ’06. At the time, I was still doing big business even though I was sleepin’ in my car. I still had control over a lot of things in the streets so they called me The God of the Streets, ‘cause nothing happened in the streets unless I said it was goin’ down.

What do you have going on for Memorial Day Weekend?

We’re doing DJ Freddy Fred’s party. I’ll be at every strip club because people pack up the strip clubs Memorial Day Weekend.

What are the top strip clubs in Miami?

We have King of Diamonds, Take One, Cocoa’s, Rolexx, and Diamonds just reopened. // OZONE MAG // B-35