MOZZY
D1 Ent.
PYPER NIKOLE MIKE D’ANGELO PLUS MORE!
TAKEOVER! FEATURING
BANDHUNTA IZZY OMAR LlOYD WISHGRANTED
SPRING 2019
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DEPARTMENTS 9 FREE GAME 16 THAT TRILL S#!T 30 MEET TAYY BROWN
VOLUME 4 HOME
S P R I N G 20 1 9
CONTENTS FEATURES 4
HE SAID, SHE SAID
6
BOSS TALK
10
THE BIG HOMIE
18
TRAP LIFE
22
PYPE IT UP
26
MIC CHECK
28
WISH UPON A STAR
Nipsey Hussle 8.15.1985 – 3.31.2019 In honor of the legendary rapper, leader, community activist, father, businessman, and philanthropist. May your legacy live on and inspire generations. Rest in peace King. The Marathon continues‌
EDITOR'S NOTE
VOL. 4 NO. 1 “HOME” EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Thomas “Supreme” Parsons EDITORIAL WEB DESIGNER www.blazonco.com ART COVER ART GRAPHICS Picante Creative DESIGN & PRODUCTION Picante Creative CONTRIBUTING WRITER Strangelady CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Brooks Grant pages 4-5 Michael Hoy pages 10-14; Editor’s Note Allen Stewart (Stewdio Photography) pages Cover 1; 6-8; 18-21; 29; 30 C I R C U L AT I O N SINGLE COPY SALES Tour Magazine Urban Boutique PUBLISHED BY TOUR: REAL PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS MAGAZINE, LLC OWNER Thomas E. Parsons III E-MAIL therealtourmagazine@gmail.com
Spring 2019. It’s been a minute, but we’re back now. And, this year we are bringing even more heat. We are kicking off our fourth volume—appropriately titled HOME—featuring one of the hottest new artist, from my home state of Maryland, Baltimore’s Bandhunta Izzy. But, HOME isn’t about Maryland. It’s about returning to our foundation—our roots. Which is the recognition of what’s new and dope in Hip-Hop. Speaking of dope, who’s colder than Mozzy, one of the emerging faces of the West Coast? Well, we’ve got him and he’s dropping jewels. Additionally, we have ill features from the talented WishGranted, Mike D’angelo, Lola Zoe, and Tayy Brown. But wait, there’s more! We soaked up game from D1 Entertainment’s Omar Lloyd, Atlanta producer Aye Trill, and The Memphis Plug’s Strangelady. And, we’ve topped things off with a red hot spread from the alluring Pyper Nikole. So, sit back and enjoy the flight. We are taking off!
www.therealtourmagazine.com PRINTED IN THE USA
Thomas “Supreme” Parsons Editor-In-Chief @thomaspremeparsons
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HE SAID, SHE SAID...… With Supreme FEATURING
Lola Zoe 4
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le about Supreme: Tell us a litt yourself. Lola Zoe. Lola Zoe: My name is East BalI’m 27. And, I’m from sically, the timore, Maryland. Ba d off as rte name Lola Zoe, it sta name is l rea Lola B. Because my chanan, Bu is me Lola. My last na It’s B. la Lo me so I had the na d to use dy bo ery ev funny cause Sp en ace call me Lola Bunny wh d of Jam came out. So, I kin Bunny. la adopted the name Lo no, e lik t And then, I was jus elves ms the g everybody is callin the ed pp dro I , Lola Bunny. So Zoe. For Bunny and put on the Haitian. the simple fact that I’m with me And, it kind of stuck from there. have Supreme: How long sic mu g you been makin professionally? , let’s Lola Zoe: I would say , 16, 17, 15 , 14 , 13 , see—11, 12 years. 18… I’d say almost 10 profesSupreme: Speaking of difficult it d sionalism, do you fin e sex sit po op working with the in this regard? rticular Lola Zoe: Yes. This pa t, in tha ing eth subject is som I still at wh is ry, ust today’s ind y. I get it. go through to this da nice body. I’m attractive. I got a ething And, it’s not even som time. the that I show off all of s me eti You know? But, som d, An le. op pe to you’re alluring t. tha of are aw be you have to of opporI missed out on a lot n’t give tunities because I did real with in. I’m gonna keep it fuck. you—because I didn’t mely tre ex Within the city, it’s be d an ale hard to be a fem sic. mu do d an taken seriously sex a e u’r yo en Especially wh one. object, or perceived as chalSupreme: Has it been ur yo t lenging trying to ge which in era music heard in an e of nc da un ab Hip-Hop has an rs? female rappe
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st, I feel like Lola Zoe: To be hone than a lot el lev I’m on a different I feel like se cau be of female artists t. A lot of my delivery is differen have a certain to d ten s female artist it doesn’t give type of delivery, and ar enough enough—you don’t he lot of female melody changes in a n’t hear a lot do rapper’s songs. You . of switching it up about your Supreme: So, tell us ur sound yo s ke ma t music. Wha standout? say that Lola Zoe: Well, I would I wouldn’t my sound—it varies. in a particueven like put myself can give real I lar genre. However, e Hip-Hop is lik , Hip-Hop. You know is more urban important. My sound t a super soulcontemporary. I’m no e beautiful ful singer, but I can giv ies. So, my harmonies and melod your head. sound will never leave you can ret It’ll be something tha d of the day, en member. And, at the and variety. e nc sta my music has sub rtant thing. That’s the most impo t are you curSupreme: Dope. Wha d, when can rently working on? An ial? we expect new mater other song Lola Zoe: I’ve got an es both of coming out that utiliz rapping is my strengths, which ing to be go it’s d, and singing. An s time. thi y sex lly something rea lot in my a y sex t no lly See, I’m rea , for the simple music. I try not to be it with my fact that I make up for lly going rea is looks. But, this song g. It’s son of e to be an enticing typ be to ing go It’s going to be sexy. of er— ng ba a it’s confident. And, t, it’s Bu er. ng ba a is at course. The be to ers that cat definitely something . the sexier side of me u go, tell our Supreme: Before yo n keep up ca readers how they with you. ram, Facebook, Lola Zoe: My Instag azoe. They and Twitter is @iamlol on SoundCloud can also, follow me on Spotify at Lola Zoe. And, I’m erything is under Lola Zoe. So, ev under Lola Zoe.
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Starting a business in any industry is difficult. But, probably few more so than the elusive music industry. Particularly, Hip-Hop. Most rap imprints fail. So, imagine the daunting task of launching a label when the bulk of your roster consists of artists from The DMV, a region still trying to make its mark on the Hip-Hop landscape. Well, that’s exactly what D1 Entertainment’s founder Omar Lloyd did. For several years, the Queens, New York native has been mining The DMV’s diamonds in the rough, polishing them, and putting them on a platform for the world to see. Omar Lloyd has been at the forefront of the area’s budding Hip-Hop scene, and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. And, with artists like Bandhunta Izzy, Shordie Shordie, and WillThaRapper, to his credit, it’s easy to recognize his keen eye for talent. I had the privilege of picking the brain of this talented brother recently. With the hope of mining some jewels of my own, on behalf of my readers and fellow entrepreneurs. I believe that I was successful. But, checkout this interview and see if you agree.
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Peace. For starters, what does D1 mean? Omar Lloyd: D1 is a Bible verse. It’s a Proverb. And, it says, “Believe in the Lord with all your heart and He’ll direct your path.” So, it’s like “direct 1.” And, I just shortened it to D1, because I’m trying to direct these guys to something bigger, better, greater than what they’ve seen. Ya mean? I’m just trying to guide them. I don’t have all of the answers. I’m just trying to guide these guys---you know--in the right direction because there’s so many forces out there that are guiding them in the wrong direction. I just want to direct them to something else. Something bigger. Something better. So, that’s what D1 is. I had to make it cool, but it’s a Bible verse. I’m very spiritual bro. How did the label come to be? Omar Lloyd: I mean, if I was to tell you the truth truth… The way the label start, honestly is I’ve always been involved with like entertainment and stuff like that. But, um I was on my way back to Baltimore from New York. And, I just broke up with my girl right. Over three years back. And, this young lady got on the bus and sat next to me. Heading back to Baltimore. And, I thought she was a model or something. Her name is Sheila D Yeah. She was a rapper. A local rapper from Baltimore. And…a long story short—you know—we exchanged numbers. But, I was just trying to get to know her, or maybe take her out on »
TALK
BY THOMAS “SUPREME” PARSONS
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rapper. So, just kept a date. But, she was a needed help, this, talking about how she s like, I’ll kind of help that, and the third. I wa kind of how I got into a little bit. And, that’s met Wrab. Because it. Then, that’s when I for her. And then, I Wrab used to produce ich is Wrab’s cousin. met Tate Kobang, wh the deal with 300, And then, we got on d, they said, “you Kevin Liles and Lyor. An for your company.” gotta have a real name the work without a Because I was just doing de me get a logo. Now, name. And, Wrab ma I got a logo.
with their sound. They body else. Try to fit in s what I like. are who they are. That’
OMAR
emistake made by ind What is the biggest pendent rappers? n’t dent rappers? They do Omar Lloyd: Indepen smi a t’s metimes tha know the business. So not. They’re just not it’s s me eti take, and som cesses and the things informed about the pro gh. in order to breakthrou that need to be done e els y od ryb from eve To separate themselves d the biggest thing. An t’s tha , So g. that’s rappin ses ces pro the don’t know sometimes, when you hard with what you do go t jus u nt? and rules—yo at Are you independe t works. You know wh ependent label. I know—sometimes tha Omar Lloyd: I’m an ind the is on ati say inform l Republic. I have artI mean? But, I would have artists at Universa ists them not to fold. Plus, art ve for ha ed I ed t. ne en nm thing that’s le ists over at 300 Entertai lot of them have terrib Group. But, I’m not independent artists—a es, over at Warner Music tim of lot A purpose. se labels. I’m kind of management. Not on exclusive to any of tho ing that’s their homeboy. see d nt an me w, ge no na right they have ma It’s dating all of the labels ’t know the business. t, that makes me an Their homeboy doesn ing? who I like the best. Bu say I’m at wh u know . just their homeboy. Yo aorm independent label—yes inf the s ha ne that They don’t have someo t’s tha nk thi I . gh m throu is environment, tion that can guide the Do you think that th l cia category. Because I’ve so rt by sho a ed in nc influe what puts me ers which is so heavily re things. So, my answ r for independent been around a lot mo t media, makes it easie en fer dif be to going e? and my perspective are record labels to thriv as e ag e sam t’s the st answer is yes. It from their homeboy tha Omar Lloyd: The hone t . bu y, ow usl kn t vio no y pre e yb them and ma makes it easier than ma e u’r yo if y all eci o it’s still very difficult. Esp advice for those wh an area such as m fro es Do you have some com t tha an artist in ms ea dr d their That doesn’t have a haven’t quite fulfille Baltimore or The DMV. ltiBa , ow kn ? u try Yo p. this indus lot of success in Hip-Ho rt and go. Right? And, for a long time. sic mu b clu Omar Lloyd: Just sta ays alw s more wa possible. My advice is for a long time. So, try to learn as much as e, D.C. was always Go-Go t start. Ya mean? It’s lik itching over to rap. always—you gotta jus u yo now they’re kind of sw t, Bu . ing fly people s. And so, overall it’s you at the cliff. You see tta go With real Hip-Hop fan u Yo p. jum scared to an artist. But, social at the cliff and you’re very difficult to build fide fall a little bit. But, if y— to wa ht ing go rig e it the jump. You’r media—if you master dedicated… You’re go you’re on your game, xt ne nitely helps. e Th s. ng wi to grow ing to figure out how my , So m. the e lik e flying r when considering thing you know, you’r What do you look fo p. My second piece of jum it— for ? ist advice is go the signing of an art vantage of opportuning unique. Like, if advice is: try to take ad sing Omar Lloyd: Somethi the money. If you cha y not need a record. ties rather than chase ge it’s interesting, you ma sta on t ge to e going ing going because the opportunity, you’r But, you can get someth u yo e going to have all of u’r ng yo cki n, che d the d an you for free. An people are following u great feedback. Begotta be something those people giving yo y’re out. Right? And so, it’s do your song, and the st thing I look for, is cause you’re going to Or unique. But, the bigge .” ack wh is is e, “th table in their own going to look at you lik e people that are comfor in you like, “ooouuu I lik le at k tab loo for to com ing t are they’re go ble ua skin. I need artists tha val s at’ Th t. read tha that aren’t fronting. that.” You’re going to their own skin. Artists ntendent artists won’t fro ep t no ind ey of Th lot ? a ing stuff. But, You know what I’m say e se they ain’t get paid. they are. And, they’r even get on stage becau ing. They are just who y. You gotta chase the what they want to They chasing the mone very comfortable with biggest problem. to say it. I like artists opportunity. That’s the say and how they want etrying to be like som that are like that. Not ram @omarlloyd_ Follow him on Instag
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Hip Hop Industry 101
FREE GAME BY STRANGELADY
Paid Performances vs. Paying To Perform I can’t book paid shows for artists with no real fan base. A promoter don’t give a f@%k about your talent. All they care about is how many people will pay, at the door, to come see you. Whoever is bringing the audience gets paid. If the artist is bringing out the people, they get paid. But, if the promoter is putting an unknown artist in front of an audience, then the artist will pay the promoter. Because that’s advertisement for your music and you are marketing to their audience. You can be hot in an area, but if you’re trying to reach a new market, don’t expect to be paid. A club promoter is not in it for the “love of the culture.” They are here to make money.
Features Features are paid based on the fan base the featured artist has and the potential the song owner has to reach that audience with him or her on the song. If you have no fan base, don’t overcharge. In fact, you should be thrilled to work with others to gain access to their fan base. Artists close a lot of doors by posting “no more free” stuff statuses. Especially, when they are unknown. Because no one is going to pay you.
But I Have Money Once you understand that there are no shortcuts in this music game, you’ll stop wasting your money trying to buy one.
Consultation Not Management The majority of you don’t need a manager at this point. You don’t have a budget, and your fan base is small. Most artists are just clueless as to the steps needed to be taken at certain stages and just need guidance. That’s why I do consultations with your
entire team. Because once you’re pointed in the right direction, you won’t need a manager until things really start moving. Artists think that a manager will handle everything and put them on. It doesn’t work like that. My artists are my teammates. We work together and equally as hard. I just make sure that we are steering the ship in the right direction.
My Advice To New Artist Work hard. Stay humble. Trust the process. And, have fun! Follow her on Instagram @strangelady1 TOUR MAGA ZINE
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Mozzy 10
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BY THOMAS “SUPREME” PARSONS
The Big
Homie
California… the birthplace of gang culture and the origin of hip hop’s subgenre gangsta rap. Anchoring hip-hop’s left coast, this state has a
rich history in the genre. The list of rap legends to call The Golden State
home include greats like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, Eazy E, E-40, Too Short, and Kendrick Lamar to name a few. And, one of the rappers at the forefront of the next generation of great west coast emcees is Mozzy.
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Mozzy embodies the spirit of the west coast vibe. Delivering an effortless flow grounded in the modern urban experience. Furthermore, the Sacramento native stays true to his heritage on his current release “Gangland Landlord.” This album has mass appeal and is Mozzy’s most complete offering to date. I recently met with Mozzy on the set of a video shoot for a record that he’s featured on (Stizzy Stacck’s “Pull Up”), and we discussed his new album as well as his journey in the music industry. What follows are the contents of that interview. Check it out.
Mozzy: My boy! Fella fella, how ya doing baby. Peace. What’s good?
Mozzy: Come on man. Tour Magazine, let’s do it. Pull up activities.
For starters, just tell my readers a little about yourself.
Mozzy: I go by the name L Gang Mozzy. M-O-Z-Z-Y
Mozzy. Short for Mozzarella. Money over zeryzing youngin. I’m out of Sacramento, California—Oak Park, 4th Avenue. I’ve been bleeding this rap shit for a lifetime, you feel me? I just started buzzing probably like 2000…I’d say 15—2015, 2016. Who were some of your earlier influences?
Mozzy: Off the dribble, Tupac. Tupac Shakur, DMX,
Jacka, Mess—Messy Marv, Lil Blood out of the yay area. And that’s—you know—that’s outside of my hood. I was heavily influenced by those in my hood like Lil Meek, Snubbz—you know what I’m saying? They sitting down right now. You know, just the ones that came before me really out the trenches. That’s the kind of language I speak. It go back to the slums—to my roots. Tell us about your latest project Gangland Landlord.
Mozzy: Gangland Landlord, it’s a follow up to Gangland
Landscape. When I first was released from prison 2015, I dropped Gangland Landscape. And, I was thinking about a Gangland Landscape 2, but, you know, I just feel like we a little more in depth now. We buying property now. We got the young life looking good. We putting chains around everybody in the slums neck. You know what I’m saying? We giving them opportunity and a shot at this music shit—even if they garbage. Feel me?
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“...My way of life? My way of life is a—you know—it’s a dog eat dog world. So, it’s bite down. Everybody for they self. “ We got a lane for em to slither in and build a cake off crumbs. Basically build a cake off crumbs, so… Gangland Landlord—I just feel like I’m the landlord now. I’m taking care of the people. I’m the one they come to when they need funerals paid for. You feel me? I’m the one they come to when somebody need bail money. I’m the one they come to when they need help with paying they debts so they can go get this scholarship or they can go get financial aid. Or, you know, they need assistance with they rent. They son ain’t got no shoes for the first day of school. Backpacks, community backpack giveaways, you know, it’s my people so how am I supposed to get on and leave them stranded—you feel me—in the slums? These the people that was rooting for me. My real supporters. Day 1, not a day ago, so I’m just giving back. My whole purpose to all this shit is just to give back. I go out here and collect just to give this shit back to the slums. No doubt. How has your way of life influenced your career whether positive or negative?
Mozzy: My way of life? My way of life is a—you
know—it’s a dog eat dog world. So, it’s bite down. Everybody for they self. And, that’s how approach with this business. You feel me? With this business it’s bite down. Not necessarily everybody for they self, cause I like to spread the wealth. I put my niggas on, my niggas put they niggas on. But, as far as the bite down—the aggressiveness. You feel me? When you in these streets, and you see a nigga you don’t like, you gotta push up and address it. You gotta bite down on em. Let him know, you know what it is—he know what it is. And, that’s the same thing with this music. It’s a competition. They know what it is—we know what it is. They selling a hundred thousand tickets—nigga we only selling twenty thousand—nah mean. It’s a bite down. We gotta get it up. Run it up. Niggas first started selling two hundred tickets. I seen these niggas over here though—they doing fifteen hundred. So, I’m trying to figure out how can I get fifteen hundred niggas into my venue. How can I sellout a fifteen hundredseat venue. So, we got there. We accomplished that. I think we just did Rolling Loud. Forty thousand people. They were word for word, going crazy. But, I’m just aggressive with my business. Never sleeping. Coming up with new shit. Merchandise, clothing, book…fuck it, let’s do a book. I don’t even know
how to write a book or nothing. But, we’re going to use my quotes and we’re going to press up a book. We’re going to sign them motherfuckers and we’re going to sell that. Key chains, fake ass gold pendants… Everybody want a Mozzy chain—you can’t afford the real one—here, go buy this fake ass one. Anyway to generate this check. You feel me? It’s a black owned business and we trying to run it up. What can we expect from you in the coming months—your short-term goals?
Mozzy: Tour. I’m trying to have a platinum
tour. I want all of my dates to sellout. I ain’t on an upper scale right now. You know it’s people that’s blowing my numbers out. So, that’s my whole goal—to get there. I want to do venues that hold a hundred thousand people. I want to do Madison Square Garden and shit. You feel me? Like my own show. I want to headline Madison Square Garden. So, that’s what I’m shooting for. But, as of right now, my short-term goals is just to complete this tour. And, do a hell of a job. You feel me? Make sure all of my fans is satisfied. All the venues and the promoters is satisfied. That way we can move up the charts and do a bigger & better tour on the next go round. What’s the best advice you’ve received since entering the game?
Mozzy: Consistency. Just—you know—look-
ing at other people in the game. Trae tha Truth, his consistency is remarkable. It’s just crazy—bananas. You know, Jermaine Dupri—that nigga still around. He still doing numbers. The Nellys—you feel me—that shit crazy. DMX can still sellout a venue that hold thirty thousand. Longevity. I want to be here forever—for a lifetime. So, that’s what they taught me. Just by paying attention to them. The P. Diddys, the 50 Cents, the Eminems— you feel me? Master P… I just want to be here. I want to be here after twenty years. I still want to have a bankroll off this shit. I still want to be generating income.
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Mozzy Do you have any advice that you’d like to give independent artists trying to come up in the game?
Mozzy: Hell yeah. Blackout everything—all of
the distractions going on around you. Fuck all that shit. Fuck them Balenciaga’s. Fuck them Gucci belts. Fuck all that shit. Fuck that Louie backpack. Fuck that shit. You feel me? Just focus on biting down. Just focus on your craft. If this is what you wanna do. If you bullshitting, then that’s what you should expect from this shit—some bullshit. A bullshit check. But, if you biting down, and you’re serious about this shit, you gotta do it for like multiple years on years though. You can’t expect to do it for a week and think you finna hit. You gotta do this shit years on top of years. It was hella years and hella times I felt like giving up. Like, fuck this shit. This shit ain’t working. This shit ain’t feeding my grandmother. This shit ain’t putting no food on the table. This shit embarrassing. You feel me? A nigga just rapping, rapping, rapping, and ain’t nothing happening. You feel me? That shit embarrassing. Look like you stupid. Like you don’t know what the fuck you’re doing. Like, what are you doing? Go get a job. What the fuck is you doing just sitting around rapping? And a… you just gotta stay at it. Continue to bite down. Fuck everything that’s going on around you. Concentrate your forces. Zero in
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on exactly what you want. And, you know, just speak that shit into existence. Work for it though. Fuck prayer. Work for it. Feel me? Fuck prayer. Work for it. Work for it. Bite down. Work. Feel me? Grit. Grind. If you want it. If you want it that bad, you’ll really get it. That’s how I feel about it. I wanted a M, I got me a M. It’s simple as that. You feel me? Gangland. L Gang Mozzy. Make sure you snatch that Gangland Landlord. Download that motherfucker—repost it. And, re-repost that motherfucker. And, re-redownload that motherfucker, if you really fuck with the Mozzy. You feel me? That shit going back to the community. Yeah. Gangland. Follow him on Instagram @mozzy
THAT TRI PRODUCERS
S#!T
T
he most important element of a hit record—particularly in Hip-Hop—
BY THOMAS “SUPREME” PARSONS
is the beat. Sound production can make princes of rappers with pauper-like lyrical skills. It is the beat that hits you first. It’s the beat
that resonates in your soul. And, it is the beat makers that gives birth to stars. The producer is the life-blood of Hip-Hop music. Thus, with this fact in mind, I decided to interview a certified producer to get a little insight into the production process, as well as, some industry dos and don’ts. In this issue, I met with up-and-coming Atlanta producer Aye Trill. Here’s what he had to say.
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How long have you been a producer?
Aye Trill: I’ve been a producer for about 12 years. I really started making beats in High School. Um…in High School, I just grew in it. I just really grew in it. And, like right after college—I went to college for two years—I decided to get for real about it and just build on the craft. Dae Dae’s “Spend It” was a huge record. Did you expect it to be that successful?
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RILL Aye Trill: I did not. I’d be telling you a lie, if I told you that I expected that. Especially with my situation in life period. I know a lot of people have this story before success, but man I was working at a job that I stumbled into—but I had really fell out of love with what I was doing. I got fired. Trying to figure out what I want to do next, against what I should do next. And, I was like, “I’m just going to tackle music wholeheartedly.” But, no I really didn’t expect it. But, I knew when I first heard it, I knew it was different though.
Do you feel pressure to produce another Spend It?
Aye Trill: Not necessarily. It’s actually
something to soak up and enjoy. It’s my first one. It could be some pressure to come with it because its like, we got one big one, what’s the next big one? You know what I mean? But, at the end of the day, it’s work for one and it’s still business. But, it’s your hobby. Creatively, it’s something that you do for fun. You create art. You know what I mean? So, I just keep creating.
Do you think that it’s better for a producer to primarily work with one or two artists, in the early stages of their career, or a large variety of rappers?
Aye Trill: To be honest, I think at some
point you want to touch everybody. But starting off, I think you should get like one or two. Cause even with the music and starting with the artist,
it’s about building a sound as a whole. So, it’s a teamwork type of thing—it’s a partnership. That only you can do with people that you connect with. So, when you build a sound, that’s what builds an artist, which furthermore builds the producer in my opinion.
What’s the best advice that you’d give a producer still trying to land that elusive first hit?
Aye Trill: To touch base on what I just
said. Find you somebody—find you an artist—who you truly connect with, and build a sound. Build a sound, because consistency in the work and the sound is what’s going to build you as the producer up. You know what I mean. Now, this jumping around just trying to land placements is cool for what it’s cool for. But, when you want to stamp something, everybody is looking at you for the sound. So, stick to your sound. Follow him on Instagram @aye_trill
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T
rap, a word that has become synonymous with a means of not only surviving—but thriving—in the inner city and other impoverished areas of our country, has become the
predominate culture in today’s hip-hop. And, what began as slang for a place to sell illegal drugs, has transformed into a representation of any method of making it in America. The trapper’s spirit is a hustler’s spirit. And, very few young emcees are able to manifest that spirit in their music as compellingly as Bandhunta Izzy. The 21-year-old West Baltimore native is becoming a standout amongst his “next generation” peers. Crafting underground hits such as, Boomin, BBB, & In Love Wit Da Trap, and with looks that would allow him to double as a model, Izzy is primed for stardom. Thus, what he does next is paramount. With this in mind, I caught up with the young rapper on the last leg of the “Ski Meets World Tour.” We had a lengthy discussion on his tour bus. I’ve included some of the highlights from our conversation here.
BY THOMAS “SUPREME” PARSONS
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How’d you get your name? Bandhunta Izzy: Shit um, my mother—she been calling me “Izzy” since I was young for real. The whole “Bandhunta Izzy,” the Bandhunta shit came from like me and my homeboys. It’s a group we got. Our man’s—G Stacks—got killed, and his Instagram name was Bandhunta. So, we just took it and made a group out of it. And, with my name being Izzy, it’s like Bandhunta Izzy.
How long have you been rapping? Bandhunta Izzy: Shit, I mean I’ve been rapping my whole life. But, taking it serious—on a serious note—like wanting to actually rap? Like two years.
Who were some of your early influences as far as Hip-Hop artists? Bandhunta Izzy: Um…early influences would be like Gucci, of course, but like you know how Chief Keef and them came out? I can’t say he really influenced me, but he just made me feel like niggas could do it. My favorite rapper been like G Herbo for a long ass time. He influenced a lot of my shit.
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What was the moment in your career when you knew your dream was actually a reality? Like, when did you know it was real? Bandhunta Izzy: Probably when I was in the mall and a girl was crying. I was like, “damn, I’m actually like somebody.” But, like other shit it don’t really be hitting me like that. You feel me? But that—that hit me.
From where do you draw inspiration? How do you stay motivated? What inspires you? Bandhunta Izzy: My most inspiration is being around people with more—more than me. You feel me? A lot of niggas be hating on other niggas. But, when I’m around somebody that got more than me and doing better, that’s the inspiration for me. And, of course my kids and like where I’m from. And, knowing that everybody around me not good. You feel me? So, until everybody around me good— that’s inspiration.
Why do you think that fans have connected with you more so than some of your peers? What do you think it is about you? Bandhunta Izzy: I don’t know. I just think my fan base is made specifically for me. You feel me? Cause like I talk about my life and what’s going on. I talk about girls. I talk about how I feel. You feel me? So, I guess whoever feel the way I feel, just going to relate to it. So, I think that’s why they connect to me. And, I feel like whoever else rapping, they going to have their own fan base. Might be similar to mine. Might be a little different.
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I’m working on a tape. I think I’m going to name it
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What was being on tour like, and how has it changed your perspective as an artist? Bandhunta Izzy: I just know that it’s a lot more than just rapping now. Like you actually got to make preparations for this shit. Sound checks and living on the road… And, you got to keep your body healthy and shit. It’s just like a whole bunch of other shit. But, it’s cool though. At first, I was thinking more so that it was going to be lit everyday. I mean, it be lit, but you get tired of that shit. You just want to go home sometime.
What projects are you currently working on? Bandhunta Izzy: I’m working on a tape. I think I’m going to name it “Blue World Order.” That shit probably going to drop real soon. Probably like a couple of months. Working on that. And, I’m working on an album after that. I don’t know what I’m going to name it.
What would you like our readers to know about you? Bandhunta Izzy: My shit raw. I don’t be cutting no cards. Like, if you get offended, you can’t listen to my music. Cause I be saying all types of names and shit. And, just saying how I feel. That’s why I be telling my baby mothers “don’t listen to my music.” Cause I might say something about them in my shit.
“Blue World Order.” That shit probably going to drop real soon. Follow him on Instagram @bandhunta_izzy
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t I e p y P Starring
p U
PYPER NIKOLE This is dedicated to all of the unheralded champions of Hip Hop culture. I’m talking about the exotic dancers, urban models, and video vixens. You are appreciated. This one’s for you.
Peace. Tell our readers a little about what you do. Pyper Nikole: By day, I am actually a paralegal. I specialize in family services, corporate services—domestic and criminal law. Also, I manage a recording studio, in Temple Hills, called SafeHouse Studios. That’s like one of my favorite projects I’m currently working on with my friend—my best friend. He’s actually the main producer there. I’m a mom. I have two beautiful children. And—that’s like the pertinent. I guess.
This may be a weird question, but I’m curious. What’s your ethnicity? Pyper Nikole: I’m black. Yes. I’m just very, very, very, very fairskinned. I have no idea what happened.
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I see that you are tatted up. What was your first tattoo and how many do you have to date? Pyper Nikole: So, the first tattoo I ever got is actually this one on my stomach. And, it’s one that got cut through when I had my children—down on my couchie area. I got those two together—the same day. It was the worse decision I’ve ever made. It was very painful, because I couldn’t breath from this one, and I couldn’t suck in from that one. So, the pain was crazy. I don’t count my tattoos anymore. It’s just like quadrants of my body. So, I say about half, or at least a third of my body is covered in tattoos.
We are a Hip Hop magazine, so let’s shift gears into that direction for a bit. Do you listen to Hip Hop? Pyper Nikole: I do. Yes. Who’s your favorite Hip Hop artist right now? Pyper Nikole: My favorite artist right now, um I’m going to say Nipsey. Nipsey is probably my favorite right now. I really liked his latest project. Drake—I love
From: The DMV Height: 5’11” Dimensions: Unknown Age: Under 30, but over 21 Social Networks: Instagram @pyper.nikole TOUR MAGA ZINE
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... you’ll probably be surprised that I’m very down to earth.”
Drake. Like, I think that he’s very versatile. I just went to my first concert ever in life, when he came to D.C. That was my first one, and I was so happy. It was a great performance. I was beyond happy looking at that little light-skinned man run across the stage. It was amazing.
What would your fans be surprised to learn about you? Pyper Nikole: Be surprised to learn? Um, I feel like I’m very open. I feel like, if you follow me, I probably couldn’t surprise you because I stay current with what I’m doing now. But, if you’re new to me, you’ll probably be surprised that I’m very down to earth. I think I’m very like relaxed. I know some people—they feel nervous about approaching me. They’re like, “oh, I thought that you were going to be stuck up or bougie.” I’m like, oh no. No, no. [giggles] I’m very relaxed. I try to be.
What would be the best advice you’d give to an aspiring model or video vixen? Pyper Nikole: The best advice that I would give is to be yourself. I feel like that’s very cliché, but I would elaborate on that point to say that the industry will make you feel like you have to meet certain standards and you have to look a certain way, or you know whatever. But, what I’ve noticed is everybody takes shortcuts. Whether it’s surgery. Whether it’s Photoshop-ping. You have to learn what’s best for yourself. My body is 100% natural. Like, for better or worse. You have to learn yourself. And, once you’re confident and secure within yourself, everything else is going to come from that. People gravitate to realness. They gravitate to people that are confident and people that are honest. That’s the best advice I could give them.
Lastly, tell us what’s next for you. Pyper Nikole: I’m working on my brand—my overall brand. Like targeted products. I’m coming out with tattoo ointment/healing line. I’m going to have other things more along the sexual side; like massage oils, lubricants, and my own toys. My brand or my website is going to be Pyper’s Playhouse. That’s where I’ll have my products. Because I get tired of having to go buy new vibrators. I want to have my own on deck. [giggles]
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yper Nikole
“once you’re confident and secure within yourself, everything else is going to come from that.”
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BY THOMAS “SUPREME” PARSONS
MikeD’angelo
The MC… Master of ceremonies, Microphone Checker, the one who can move the crowd. To do it—and do it well—1s a gift. Sure, there are countless rappers; but every rapper is not a MC. Unfortunately, far too many of our dopest MCs never truly get heard. We are going to try and change that one region at a time.
F
or this episode of Mic Check, we are in The District. That’s right, D.C. Northeast to be exact. And, representing this hood is no other than Mister #BeeLegendary himself— Mike D’angelo. Known for bangers like “Trap House” and “No Heart,” as well as, his community activism, Mike D’angelo is definitely making his mark in Hip-Hop. Checkout his interview below, to get a glimpse of what makes him tick. You won’t be disappointed.
lo
NAME: Mike D’ange rtheast D.C. FROM: Edgewood, No 4 Beats (mixtapes) RELEASES: G.O.N.E.; Jackin SOCIAL NETWORKS: dangelo_ Instagram - @iam_mike
y me… My family. M “What motivates y M rs. My brothe son. You feel me? mies. Homies that ho ad de y peers. M ” the prison system. have been lost to
can be found on (Mike D’angelo’s music tform.) every major digital pla
What sets you apart from other artists in the game?
Mike D’angelo: Well, I can only speak for what I do as an art-
ist. I’m well respected in my community and in my hood—and in my city—and in a lot of other cities across the country. For how I campaign with my music through my brand Bee Legendary, which is “my biggest fear is not dying, my biggest fear is dying and the world never knowing that I existed.” It’s a lot of gun violence that goes on in communities across the globe, and I do my concerts and all of the money goes directly to the families of the victims. This stuff has been all over the internet THEREALTOURMAGA ZINE.COM
as far as my philanthropy work, and how I go into the schools to talk to the kids—to the jails and stuff like that. You feel me? So, I feel like that’s what sets me apart. I make music that does not shed the light directly on myself. I’m not going to get on the microphone and tell you about the foreign that I’m driving. I will more so tell you how to get the foreign that you need to drive. You feel me?
What motivates you?
Mike D’angelo: What motivates me…
My family. My son.You feel me? My brothers. My peers. My dead homies. Homies that have been lost to the prison system.These are the people that don’t have a voice.That was born into a world that they don’t have a choice.They was born into it, not sworn into it. So, I do it for those to show that we can come from the same poverty stricken conditions, and make something of ourselves. You feel me? By tapping into your natural GOD given talent—you feel me—and sharing it with the world.
I know that you had a relationship with Nipsey Hussle. What kind of impact do you think his untimely death will have on Hip-Hop?
Mike D’angelo: I feel like—in my
opinion—and I got Tupac tatted on my face, you feel me, but I feel like his death is even bigger than Tupac’s.Tupac’s death was wrapped around a bunch of negativity, amongst the negativity that was around him. Which was the Suge Knights and the west coast/east coast beef. So, that’s the type of energy that
was being put in the world.That’s the type of results that he got back. Feel me? Nipsey was putting positivity into the world. He was putting self-health and self-wealth— and you know—bettering your people and bettering your community, and investing your money instead of going to go throw it and blow it all away. Nipsey wasn’t that kind of guy.You feel me? And, don’t get it twisted. He wasn’t going to go for nothing.
What’s your next move?
Mike D’angelo: I’m actually work-
ing on two projects. One project is called “The District,” which is like a short film.And then, the next project directly after that is called “B.I.B.L.E.” Bible—if anybody knows what the word bible stands for— bible stands for basic instructions before leaving earth. Mine is going to mean: basic instructions before leaving Edgewood.You feel me? So, I been in the studio with my team— and you know—creating through the MHG/Cash Money imprint. TOUR MAGA ZINE
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WishGranted, the 26-year-old self-described entertainer from Baltimore, Maryland, is the next to emerge from D1 Entertainment’s loaded roster. And, with the release of his inaugural project Wishful Thinking, he appears to be up to the task. Wishful Thinking showcases WishGranted’s solid flow over a unique sonic landscape. Standout tracks like Take 6, Enticement, and Don’t Complain give a true glimpse of what the emcee has to offer. But overall, the EP is a solid project. What follows is an introduction of sorts. Check it out. Then, listen to the Wishful Thinking EP when you’re done. Peace. How long have you been performing? WishGranted: I’ve been performing for about 10 years professionally. But, I’ve been playing instruments since I was about 8. Concert bands, jazz, and all of that since I was like a kid. You know what I mean? You described yourself as an entertainer as opposed to a rapper. Why was that?
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WishGranted: I do a lot more than just rap. My main thing is performing. I love to put on a good show. That’s something I take pride in. I think that’s my nitch. You know what I mean? I can do a lot more for people than just rap. You know what I’m saying? What’s the science behind your name? WishGranted: Uh, just something I used to say on the track all of the time. My last name is Grant. So, I had to find something that go with Grant. And, I was like oh, “wish granted,” I’m just going to use that. It’s something I always used to say on like a track and all that.
Where can we find your music? WishGranted: Right now you can find my music on SoundCloud.com, on YouTube… And, just type in WishGranted Music. What projects have you released or are you planning to release? WishGranted: I’m planning to release my first mixtape, or—I don’t know if it’s a mixtape or album. I don’t know how we’re going to go about it. But, it’s called Wishful Thinking. But, just to go back real quick on the entertaining part. Like, when I perform, I play instruments. I play the THEREALTOURMAGA ZINE.COM
BY THOMAS “SUPREME” PARSONS
piano, sax… I try to incorporate all of that into my show just to show people like, “damn this guy really puts on a show.” You know what I mean? What’s next for you? WishGranted: To be honest, um… new music and I cannot not wait to perform. I cannot wait to perform. I’m coming back. The Wishful Thinking EP is now out on all major platforms. Follow WishGranted on Instagram @wishgranted TOUR MAGA ZINE
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NEW ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Meet
TAYY BROWN Meet Tayy Brown, an extremely talented Hip-Hop artist from Maryland. The 21 yearold emcee has been consistently building a solid catalog. Positioning him for advancement to the next level. 2019 might be his year. We will see. In the meanwhile, here’s a little about the man, the music, the artist.
When did you start rapping?
Tayy Brown: Shit…since I was like seven.
What separates you from other new artists?
Tayy Brown: Shit man, I don’t
even know. I just---I just do the music that matters to me. And, talk about the shit that I want to talk about, rather than what niggas think niggas want to hear. I make the music that I want to make. You feel me? Speaking of your music, share a little about it. For those who haven’t heard it.
Tayy Brown: I consider most of
my music, right now, Pop music. Cause it’s like…it’s just some singing shit. It’s rap, but it’s on some like pop rap type shit. I do all kinds of shit. I can rap on any kind of beat for real.
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BY THOMAS “SUPREME” PARSONS
Speaking of your music, share a little about it. For those who haven’t heard it.
Tayy Brown: I consider most of my music, right now, Pop music. Cause it’s like… it’s just some singing shit. It’s rap, but it’s on some like pop rap type shit. I do all kinds of shit. I can rap on any kind of beat for real. What projects have you released?
Tayy Brown: I’ve got a project out. It’s called YY.
Where can we find your music?
Tayy Brown: Sound-
Cloud at tayy brown. That’s t-a-y-y brown. Spaced out. Find me on The Gram @realtayybrown. Same thing on Twitter. What’s next for you?
Tayy Brown: Next, I’m getting ready to drop an EP of straight love songs. It’s called Don’t Let Me Love Again. It’s going to be like five songs just about love type shit. You know what I’m saying? It’s coming soon. If you had to sum up Tayy Brown in one sentence, what would it be?
Tayy Brown: Myself.
Individual. Passionate. Follow Tayy Brown in Instagram @realtayybrown. And, be sure to checkout his latest project YY on Spinrilla and SoundCloud.
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Mechanical Specifications There was a time when one thought of Hip Hop cities, D.C. was pretty the cut at all. The city low on the list—if it was better known for made its unique Go-Go scene. Wale, Shy Glizzy, and But, artists such as Fat Trel have erased much of that percepti Now, D.C., and the surround on. ing DMV area, has become artists. And, at the forefron a hotbed for talented new Hip Hop t of this lyrical wave is WillThaRapper. He’s and just what Hip Hop raw, unapologetic, needs. This became clear to me 5 minutes into my interview of the 20-yearD.C. bred rapper. I left old southeast DJ Social’s spot with a genuine respect and the emcee. Read the appreciation for interview, and get to know one Hip Hop’s young new stars.
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F@%K By Thomas “Supreme” Parsons
IT UP
How was it growing up in your hood? WillThaRapper: I ain’t really grow up in southeast D.C. My mother ain’t want me going to no D.C. schools. That’s understood though, because back then they were all garbage. So, she moved me to Maryland. But, you know, that’s when you find out it really ain’t no better. It just looks a little nicer. You know, houses are probably a little further apart. But, it’s the same shit once you bend that corner and enter into a
new neighborhood. It’s a hood. That’s exactly what it is. So, growing up out there was crazy. And, then it’s like—it’s like I felt out of place for a little bit, until I got in good with the peoples and shit. But, it was just weird though, because it was like… It ain’t really a beef, but it’s just a little bit of bad blood between D.C. and Maryland. You know? If you’re from Maryland, they are going to try and play with you when you go to D.C., and if you from D.C., they going to try to go hard on you when they catch you in Maryland.
r a g u S n w o r B Jarohnya 10
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I served time with a lot of dudes from The District, and their thing was Go-Go. It was all about Rare Essence and Junkyard with them. Did you come up on Go-Go, or was Hip Hop always your thing? TOUR MAGA ZINE
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STARRING
d soldiers of the Hip Hopls,empire. This is dedicated to the unhetheralde dancers, urban mode I’m talking about exotic and video vixens. This one’s for you.
By Thomas “Supreme” Parsons
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