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004 | Words from the Editor 005 | Music Teyanna Taylor, Tinashe, BJ the Chicago Kid, Snootie Wild, Eric Bellinger, Ana Baby, Nyemiah Supreme, DJ Mustard, Rowdy Rebel 015 | One the Come Up The Next Wave of Rising Stars: Blu Gem, Roi RapX, Bossdon Bugatti 019 | Media Splash 025 | Music Replay Chris Brown, Jeezy, Jhene Aiko, Wiz Khalifa, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Common, Trey Songz 032 | Features Deal or No Deal G-Unit: Reunited Kanye West: The Realest Bobby Shmurda Dr. Dre: Compton to Corporate America 062 | Diamond Suite Eva Rutten, Camille, Mallory Crissy, Brandi Renee, Marilyn Marie, Jazzy 096 | Definition of Sexy Mila J
MIMI
Love Me or Leave Me Alone
048
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ISSUE 8
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CONTACT INFORMATION ISSUE #009 Want to model for Rhymes & Dimes, i’Adore, Thick and Black Ink magazines? Send all submissions to:
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WORDS FROM THE EDITOR
don’t know about you, but I had one hell of a summer. Yes, the Rhymes & Dimes crew has been hard at work on the very issue you’re holding in your hands, not to mention all of our other gigs (trust, this is a team of hustlers), but I’ll admit, I had just as much fun running these NYC streets with the loves of my life, and this summer in music was the perfect soundtrack. Albums from Trey Songz, Chris Brown and Jhené Aiko were the soundtracks to my late night escapades, while Common’s Nobody’s Smiling provided much needed commentary on the violence on the South Side of Chicago, and in turn the nation, as it in many ways scored the tragic incident in Ferguson, MO where unarmed teen, Michael Brown was shot and killed by police. I discovered new music by some of the games most talented up & comers, like the soulful sounds of BJ the Chicago Kid and “Fine China” writer Eric Bellinger, as well as music that scored those insane club nights, like Snootie Wild’s latest single, “Made Me” and Teyana Taylor’s “Maybe,” which marks her return to music after an extended break to pursue acting and other businesses. Get your money, ma. I’m sure the video footage of Ray Rice hitting his now wife Janay was just as shocking for most of you as it was for me, and with so many other NFL players being discovered as abusive, there’s certainly a pattern that needs to be addressed. Overall, summer of 2014 belonged to a young man from Brooklyn named Bobby Shmurda whose single “Hot N*gga” became one of Hip-Hop’s fastest spreading phenomenons, with everyone from Beyoncé to Rihanna to Chris Brown doing the Shmoney dance on cam. I spoke to the Flatbush representer about his come-up, as well as “Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta” star Mimi Faust about her experience on the show, spin-off talk, and her now infamous sex-tape that got our summer off to a pretty freaky start. We also show love to the man himself, Dr. Dre who is poised to become Hip-Hop’s first billionaire, racking in $620 million over the last year and topping Forbes Hip-Hop Cash Kings list once again. Learn all about the Compton native’s journey to becoming the mogul he is today. All this and much more is covered in this issue, because this summer and even fall thus far has been an exciting one for the culture, and for myself. Let’s hope the rest of the year gives us more to talk about. From Harlem with love,
Jessica “Compton” Bennett P.S. Cali? I’ll be home soon... Follow onTwitter & Instagram: @Lady_CPT
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MUSIC
G.O.O.D. TIMING After years of delays and distractions, Harlem princess Teyana Taylor is ready to make her mark on the music game. It’s been a long time coming for Teyana Taylor, but with the release of her debut album VII, her career has finally come full circle. We first met the princess of Harlem through MTV’s hit television show, Super Sweet 16, where we got a taste of the singer’s over the top taste and personality for the first time. At that young age, she was already writing, dancing and working for some of the biggest names in the biz, such as Jay Z, Pharrell and Beyoncé, three figures who’ve solidified themselves as industry staples and continue to show Taylor love to this day. She soon dropped her first single, “Google Me” while signed to Interscope/ Star Trak, a song that did fairly well thanks to a catchy beat by Jazze Pha and co-signs from friends like Omarion who made a cameo in the video. She slowly continued to build her brand and
eventually met Kanye West through her relationship with Skateboard P. The two hit it off and she was invited by West to contribute vocals to his now classic album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. She surprised West with her vocals, as he and several others assumed she was a rapper due to her tomboy-ish persona. Once she started singing along to “Dark Fantasy” however, he pushed her to officially record on the track, which she did immediately. Their collaborative efforts lead West to inquire about her label situation, at which point she informed him she was still under Interscope/ Star Trak. After being with them for five years and not producing an album, she opted out of her contract and officially became the first lady of G.O.O.D. Music. Since, she has become known for a number of businesses, including her
own hair line and acting stints in films like Stomp the Yard 2 & Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family. She admittedly put music on the back burner, but is now bringing it to the forefront, beginning with her sexy single, “Maybe” featuring Memphis spitter Yo Gotti and G.O.O.D. Music label mate, Pusha T. Her new album, VII features production from Bangladesh, Harmony, Boi-1da, Hit-Boy, and The Order, and includes features from Brooklyn’s own Fabolous (whose video for “Thim Slick” she starred in) and good friend, Chris Brown. While the road to her debut album has been a rocky one, she clearly never lost her focus, keeping her eye on the prize and knowing she’d make it in the music game from jump. Where did she get that kind of confidence? Hey, she’s a Harlem girl, and that’s all you need to know. –Compton RHYMES & DIMES MAGAZINE
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ISSUE 9
9/23/14 5:41 PM
MUSIC
IT’S ABOUT TIME Tinashe may seem like an overnight celebrity, but she knows the true meaning of the word “hustle.” See how the “2 On” singer earned her spot and why it’s her time to shine.
Tinashe seems like R&B’s latest overnight sensation, but she’s been grinding for over ten years now, which alone shows she’s got quite the work ethic, as she’s only 21-years-old. While she was born in Kentucky, she was raised in Los Angeles and began studying ballet, jazz and tap dancing at just four-years-old and competing in various dance shows until she was 18. The young go-getter knew what she wanted from jump and was determined to make it in entertainment, leading her finish high school early to pursue her career goals full-time. Her first venture into the music business came as a member of the teen pop group, The Stunners, founded by “Graduation (Friends Forever)” singer Vitamin C. The group released their first single, “Bubblegum” through Columbia Records, however it didn’t take off and one group member called it quits. Still, they forged ahead gaining a bit of traction with a new deal from Universal Republic. They ended up opening for Justin Bieber on tour and even recorded most of their debut album which was largely written by Tinashe. The album never came to fruition however, as the group disbanded in 2011. Over the next two years, Tinashe racked up mixtapes, modeling gigs and television appearances, including a stint on the hit CBS show Two and a Half Men. All of that overtime paid off, with a RCA Records solo deal inked in 2012. After dropping several free mixtapes, she prepped for her debut album, dropping the smash single, “2 On” featuring ScHoolBoy Q (and it’s “Thotful” remix featuring Drake) in January of 2014 and her full album, Aquarius this month. Ryan Hemsworth, Mike Will Made It, DJ Mustard, T-Minus, Boi-1da, Fisticuffs, Best Kept Secret and more supplied the beats for her long awaited debut. While it’s easy to write her off as just another pretty face, the girl really has talent. Her mixtapes, all written and produced by herself in her room/studio are of a professional quality sure to impress the most experienced engineers. Also, while she has become known for dance tracks that don’t require too many vocal acrobatics, she’s shown in live performances and some of her older material that she can blow with the best of them, and as a professionally trained dancer, it’s a given that she’s got the moves. Time will tell if she’ll be a passing fad or show some longevity, but one thing is for sure, she’s got the drive to be here for a while, let’s just see if her fan base allows her to do so. –Compton
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MUSIC
SOUTH SIDE STORY BJ The Chicago Kid is set to Become One of R&B’s Next Great Voices. Find out Why Here. BJ The Chicago Kid is one of the most highly anticipated names in R&B. He made his entrance into the music biz back in 2001 when he co-wrote “For You” by R&B staple Dave Hollister. He was later also featured on fellow Chicago native Kanye West’s track, “Impossible” featuring Keyshia Cole and Twista. BJ may be best known for consistently collaborating with one of the hottest crews in Hip-Hop, TDE. He’s been featured on several tracks by Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolBoy Q, Ab-Soul and Jay Rock over the years, with them repaying the favor and appearing on various songs of his as well. His relationship with the LA based crew stems from him moving from Chi-town to Southern California at the age of 19. He soon became a background singer for gospel duo, Mary Mary and also wrote for other gospel artists such as
Crystal Aikin and the legendary Shirley Caesar. He also penned tracks for soulful artists like Joe, Lalah Hathaway and Kindred the Family Soul. As both of his parents were church choir directors, his roots in gospel are clear, however his dream was to pursue R&B, as watching Janet Jackson perform on tour inspired him to really go for it. He dropped three mixtapes between 2009 and 2011 releasing his album, Pineapple Now-Laters under indie label M.A.F.E Music in February of 2012. Thanks to industry fans like Jill Scott who constantly praised the record and retweeted links to the project, BJ gained some serious traction and his profile was immediately heightened. Just six months after Pineapple Now-Laters release he announced that he had signed a deal with Motown. Thanks to a prominent feature on
ScHoolBoy Q’s sexy single, “Studio,” BJ now has the momentum needed to get his sound to the next level. He regularly drops free music on his website, including the sweetly real take on a Fabolous track entitled “Perfect,” an ode to the ladies called “Go Girl” and the hauntingly beautiful standout, “Real Love Never Dies,” a tribute to the late James Brown which takes from his classic 1972 song, “King Heroin.” This boy from the South Side has worked his way up through an industry that often places more emphasis on the glamour than the grit, and yet he’s been able to thrive off of his raw, soulful sound without compromise and while no one can predict the future, it’s safe to say that when all is said and done, BJ The Chicago Kid could potentially be one of this generations most authentic vocalists. –Compton
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ISSUE 9
9/23/14 5:43 PM
MUSIC
Dirty South representer Snootie Wild isn’t a rapper whose street cred is often called into question, as he’s been very honest about his “wild” past and working towards putting his music first now that he’s been signed to fellow Tennessee native Yo Gotti’s CMG label. Snootie has addressed being stabbed at the age of 17, saying he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and was living the street life where things like that happen. The incident also damaged his chances of becoming a basketball star, which was a dream of his for years, though he admits that his own irresponsible behavior was also a key factor. Wild soon found himself behind
PHOTO: PHIL KNOTT
Memphis spitter Snootie Wild has lived a crazy life, and like so many others, he’ll be the first to admit that Hip-Hop may have just saved his. bars, serving four years for aggravated robbery. Attempted murder charges were also brought up, but eventually dropped. Snootie says that time behind bars changed his life, for at this point he began taking rap seriously and was determined to change his life for the better. Once back on the streets, Snootie dropped his single “Yayo” in July of 2013, which became a southern hit almost immediately, with Yo Gotti hearing the track in their hometown and deciding to hop on the remix. Many were surprised at the quick rise of the song, especially once people found out that Wild wasn’t rapping very long before he struck gold. Still, his movement was felt and there’s been no turning back since. Once Hip-Hop heavy-
weight T.I. remixed the track again, the world truly began paying attention. In October of 2013, it was announced that Snootie had signed to Yo Gotti’s CMG imprint through Interscope, and has been touring with his big bro ever since, including a spot on one of the most coveted stages in the game, South by Southwest. His current EP Go Mode is steadily climbing up the charts, led by its radio friendly lead single, “Made Me” featuring K Camp and “No Kissing” featuring Zed Zilla. Only time will tell if Snootie has the hustle and talent necessary to last in this game, but if his success thus far is any indication, he should have no problems. –Compton
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MUSIC
THE CHOSEN ONE
The man behind hits like Chris Brown’s “Fine China” and Usher’s “Lemme See” is becoming as known for his own stellar music as his pen game for others. Catch up with Compton’s own Eric Bellinger as he talks football dreams, doing the unexpected and his new project, Choose-Up Season. Before you were set on becoming a singer/songwriter, you were actually an amazing football player who possibly could’ve gone pro. What was the determining factor in you choosing to pursue music over football? I think I just realized that music was a more promising career. Football was definitely my first love but by the time that started taking off I already had an offer for a record deal. It was like, I could take the deal right then and there or grind it out with hopes of being successful in football. I was like, ‘this is already on the table! I ain’t gotta get hit no more [laughs]? I think I’m gonna ride out this music thing.’ How do you approach writing for others as opposed to writing for yourself? Is it the same process? Similar, but not the same. I just try to make it more personal. If I’m in the studio with Chris [Brown] or Usher, Trey [Songz], any of those guys, I’ll talk to them about where they are in their life because artists really want to talk about themselves anyway. It’s a little tougher if you don’t have the relationship to get inside their head a little bit because if they don’t connect to the song, they’re not going to cut it. At first it was hard because I didn’t really know what my sound was so if I made a song and I liked it, I just wanted it to be my song. It wasn’t until I had some real success that I figured out what my lane was and was able to pinpoint what kind of artist needs what kind of song. So you decided to drop The Rebirth with 32 tracks, some of which were already featured on Born 2 Sing. Why so many tracks when a lot of artists are actually reducing their tracklists? I think that right now the market is just so flooded that the people who excel are choosing to do something different. For example, Nipsey [Hussle] selling his album for $100, or Beyoncé dropping her album with no promotion. Right now, people are putting out EPs with like 5 songs and I don’t think it really gives you a chance to connect with the artist. With The Rebirth, there’s so much material, that I think people really got a feel for who I am as an artist and just as a person in general. Why name your new body of work Choose-Up Season? It’s kind of a play on the whole cuffing season thing. In LA, it seems like it’s all about choosing who you are going to ride out the season with, and that’s fine. This can be the soundtrack to that. However, I really want to get in people’s minds that you can actually find love too, it’s shouldn’t always be about the hook-up. My album will follow Choose-Up Season to kind of complete the story that basically, real love exists, and that our generation shouldn’t be afraid of it or ashamed of it. –Interview by Compton
PHOTO: SDOTB PHOTOGRAPHY
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9/23/14 5:46 PM
MUSIC
See what Ana Baby has to say about her music, working with lyrical heavyweights and climaxing on stage. Every team needs a first lady, and for The Coke Boys that lady is Ana Baby. While the boys of her team focus on being rough and tough, Ana Baby injects a breath of pop freshness into her music. When she began her musical journey Ana Baby was geared towards becoming a pop princess. Although singing was her way in the door, she ultimately felt that rap allowed her to focus more on lyrics and express herself. As a rap artist she has been in the studio working with Chinx Drugs, Jadakiss and Peedi Crakk. With rap in need of more fresh new feminine voices Ana Baby is ready to make her presence known. What do you enjoy more the studio or the stage? Well for me it’s kind of like sex. Like what do you enjoy more the sex or the climax? I mean when sex is good you want it to keep going you want it to keep pounding and that’s the studio. The stage for me is like the climax. Like, yes I just came all over that [laughs]. What song have you done to date that you feel has come from the most personal place? I would definitely have to say “Warriors.” It was a moment like I’m here, I’m ready for this. I had to really connect to the music. I like to make songs that are like club music. I like to get people twerking. I like to make people forget things but “Warriors” was a moment I really wanted to speak from a real place, from me. What do you want people to take away from your music? A good vibe and a good feel. I want my music to be right in between sexy and hard. There are moments when I’m going to be ratchet and there are moments when I’m softer and more feminine. I consider myself Hip-Hop chic or ratchet chic if that’s even a term. –Interview by Nina Leigh RHYMES & DIMES MAGAZINE
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ISSUE 9
10/2/14 12:35 PM
MUSIC
SUPREME BEING
Nyemiah Supreme is proof that a good co-sign and a hot mixtape can get you places. Here’s how she’s making more moves than the average. The girl from South Side Jamaica, Queens was first introduced to the music industry as one of the many assistants in the Dipset camp. Following her departure from being an assistant, she decided to chase her dreams as an artist. Much like A$AP Rocky her initial tape reached the right hands and Nyemiah was able to secure a deal with legendary producer Timberland. The upcoming female emcee also recently landed a spot on reality television with the Oxygen network. When rapper/mogul T.I wanted to further introduce his artist Iggy Azalea to the world he created and produced the idea of a show based on upcoming women in Hip-Hop. Iggy ultimately rejected the show but the concept lived on. The Sisterhood of Hip Hop was revamped into reality show that follows the lives of five female emcees through their trials and tribulations, fighting for their careers. The gritty female emcee with the high pitched voice has all but been lined up to win. Musically she seems to rap just like one of the boys, with a ratchet pop-rock twist. We get the same talk from Nyemiah about designer labels and party-
ing which is the norm in the music industry, and while she cites Beyonce as one of her inspirations she has yet to release a song with any kind of human substance to it. As she develops artistically perhaps we will see a more genuine side of Nyemiah. Her newest mixtape There Can Be More Than 1 contains tracks clearly influenced by the styles of Nicki Minaj and Iggy Azalea. While there is one track with a somewhat original concept and execution, it’s hard to tell if Nyemiah is proving she can be versatile or if she hasn’t come into her own sound just yet. Queens is known for producing winners in the rap game, and for that reason alone we say keep an eye out for Nyemiah Supreme. –Nina Leigh
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9/23/14 5:47 PM
MUSIC
How DJ Mustard is changing the sound of Hip-Hop, one track at a time. Over the last year, DJ Mustard has become one of, if not thee go-to producer in Hip-Hop. The number of hits he’s been able to accumulate in such a short amount of time is astounding. While most would say YG’s first hit single, “Toot it & Boot It” was his first claim to fame, it was really the infectious “Rack City” by fellow LA native Tyga that truly set the wheels in motion for Mustard to be the next “it” producer. While Mike Will Made It certainly ruled 2013, 2014 belonged to the beat maker whose real name and stage name are one in the same. Dijon McFarlane’s string of hits include 2 Chainz' "I'm Different", YG's "My Nigga", Kid Ink's "Show Me", Ty Dolla Sign's "Paranoid", Trey Songz' "Na Na" , Tinashe's "2 On", and several others. That signature tag, “Mustard on the beat, hoe!” has become just as known as his preferred production style, consisting of up-tempo, club oriented, catchy & melodic beats that have roots in the Bay Area sound. His tracks are so addicting that several other producers are now using his style to get on. For example, Iggy Azalea’s summer smash “Fancy,” Chris Brown’s “Loyal,” and Mase’s comeback track, “Nothin’” featuring Eric Bellinger all
possess production qualities Mustard has become known for, but were not crafted by the Roc Nation signee. Whether or not these were coincidences or clear cases of beat biting (a term superproducer Timbaland coined in the early 2000s), they certainly aren’t stopping the 24 year old phenom from prospering or moving on to greater things, like putting out his own album, 10 Summers. This debut body of work is filled with bangers, most of which have a signature west coast sound that perfectly blends modern Cali rhythms with classic G-Funk influences. It truly sounds like the perfect combination of what every LA kid listened to coming up, blended with the melodic catchiness of modern day Hip-Hop giants like 2 Chainz & Drake. In fact, 2 Chainz makes two appearances on the record, and we also get verses from consistent collaborators like YG and Ty Dolla $ign, as well as Rick Ross, Nipsey Hussle, Tinashe, Lil Boosie, Young Jeezy, Fabolous, Wiz Khalifa, Dom Kennedy, TeeFlii, Lil Wayne, Big Sean and others. DJ Mustard has a more than impressive resume, and is continuing to build his client roster by the day, and with future collaborations in the works with the likes of Jay-Z, he’s sure to remain the go-toguy for the hits. –Compton
#THROWBACKCLASSICS
Rediscovering Hip-Hop, R&B and Reggae/Dancehall Classics “THE HUMPTY DANCE” DIGITAL UNDERGROUND SEX PACKETS TOMMY BOY RECORDS 1990
“STEELO” 702 FT. MISSY ELLIOTT NO DOUBT BIV 10 / MOTOWN 1996
“HERE I COME” BARRINGTON LEVY HERE I COME GREENSLEEVES 1985
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ISSUE 9
9/23/14 5:49 PM
MUSIC
Were there any other artists that influenced you musically or inspired you to take a career in rap seriously? I can’t really say influenced, because I just love music. Being broke, the struggle, that influenced me to do what I like, and music is one thing I like. It was more about using music to make it out and get to a better situation than me listening to certain people like, “I want to sound like that.” I just wanted better for myself and decided music was the way to get there. One of the things that people gravitated towards with Bobby was the Shmoney Dance, which is actually your song. How long ago did you make that record? I think a year and a half ago. I made that song in 15 minutes. I was just in a hallway kind of freestyling over the beat, and was like ‘I think this could be something.’ I went to the studio to lay it down, Bobby heard it and was like, ‘yo bro, I’mma throw a verse on there.’ He did his verse, and it was fire. How long have you known Bobby? I known Chewy [Shmurda’s childhood nickname], or Ackquille, that’s his real name since, maybe 4th grade. Basically my whole life. So GS9 isn’t a rap crew, this is deeper. This is a family. It’s more than rap, it’s deeper than rap. We’ve lost friends behind this. We eat off the same plates, these are my brothers. We got stories to tell. We came from literally nothing. When Drake said “Started from the Bottom,” no, I literally started from the bottom. No heat, no water, couldn’t brush my teeth in the morning, couldn’t wash my face. Is there anything about the new fame that makes you nervous or scared? It can be a little scary. You got to understand, the higher you get the more people expect from you. If you drop one hot song, they expect the next hot song right away. If you don’t give them that song, if you don’t show them what they want to see, if you get your chain snatched [laughs], any little dumb shit, it could be a wrap.
PHOTO: JDS PHOTOS, INC.
Do you feel under pressure because of these expectations? I don’t feel the pressure of anybody violating me, I feel the pressure of the hate. Hate is strong. I feel the pressure of the press and of people who just look at me kind of negative because of the scars on my face and my body, or how I talk, how I move. That’s where I feel the pressure. –Compton
From the outside looking in, Rowdy Rebel follows Shmurda as the second in command of GS9. When it comes to the crew themselves however, there are no rankings. GS9 isn’t some rap group organized by a label that put Bobby at the forefront, they’re genuine friends who have a history richer than most established rap crews. Those GS9 boys aren’t just friends, but family. This is deeper than rap.
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Gem Martinez aka Blu Gem also referred to as “The girl with the blue hair”, is a model, actress, designer, entrepreneur, hairdresser, singer, and songwriter. She is the owner/designer of her own clothing line called The House of Gem which embodies the bold and confident woman that she is. For the past two years, Gem has been honing her crafts, in preparation for the moment that she would arrive in the industry taking it by storm. Making sure to leave an impact so grand on the game that it would make her a hard act to follow. She is more than just a pretty face and a nice body. With all of her talents, she has surpassed the term “Triple Threat.” Recently, she has signed on to be a part of a pilot series called “The Point”, where she has a reoccurring role (named Candy) under one of the
main characters, set for HBO. If you have kept up with Blu Gem, you’ll also know that she has worked on many videos including Rock With Me by Jadakiss featuring Teyanna Taylor, 9,000 Watts by French Montana, Birthday Song by 2Chainz and Kanye West and most recently in Clappers by Wale featuring Nicki Minaj and Juicy J. She has been featured in the first issue of Rhymes & Dimes magazine in 2012, Straight Stuntin’ Dynasty Series Anniversary Issue, Originators magazine and Black Men magazine. She’s been featured on the the covers of Sweets magazine, Sneak Peek magazine and Straight Stuntin’ magazine which have all received glowing reviews. Coming soon are the covers of Exit 21 magazine with Chinx Drugz, Ryder magazine, iDymes magazine, i’Adore magazine. All dropping within
the next few months. Blu Gem is clearly making her mark on this industry. In the mix of all of the work that she is currently doing, she still managed to find time to dedicate to her music career, as she is currently working on a mixtape project to showcase her talent as a musician. Respected by many for her cool, down to earth and professional attitude, Blu Gem is one of the hardest working females in the industry as she wears many hats. The first in the game to make Blue hair look cool, she’s had the power to influence many girls to step outside of the the box and dye their hair blue without giving it a second thought. If that’s not Influential, then we don’t know what is, but what we do know, is that Blu Gem has the power to become the next biggest sensation this world has yet to see.
RHYMES & DIMES MAGAZINE
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ISSUE 9
10/2/14 11:58 AM
ON THE COME UP
What Does RoI RapX, Mario Cuomo, 50 Cent, and Donald Trump all have in common? Queens, New York! Born and raised in Jamaica, Queens RoI is no stranger to the hustle, and is a real testament to overcoming the odds that were cemented against him! RoI’s music comes from the heart and bleeds threw the pen from life’s experiences. From the treacherous streets life of New York, to sitting down and closing business deals with elite business executives, RoI’s journey is seen on many sides of the fence, young, old, rich, poor and everything in between RoI’s music is felt by all types of people around the world. “If your looking for a gimmick you won’t find one here! The only thing you will discover from me is the truth”, RoI states. A few bars from the song “Meters
Running” explains that statement all to well...“I buck-em down where these types come around/ Fabricating how they took a small town and locked it down/ This here is entertainment/ these niggas entertainers/ I’m gettin money nigga rappin’ is my entertainment...” RoI RapX is also a very talented actor and is co-starring in the upcoming movie called Love & Gunplay Directed by Stoney XL. RoI plays Zo-Pound A street business enforcer for main character Animal. When the mic cuts on and the lights hits the stage and RoI’s set begins you know something real amazing is about to happen. with his high intense energy and interaction with the crowed RoI’s live performance is nothing less than spectacular! Whether performing in front of five hundred or five thousand screaming
fans RoI RapX gives you that feeling in your stomach the party has arrived! RoI has shared the stage with many notable acts including Trick Trick, Royce Da 5’9, Mike Jones, Mystikal, SlaughterHouse, Young Buck and Twista. RoI is currently in Atlanta, Ga recording his first full length studio album entitled “Caviar Dreams” with production from French Montana’s producer Rick Steel. “Caviar Dreams” is due out mid summer 2013. “A man can be an artist in anything food whatever. It depends on how good he is at it. RoI RapX art is music! RoI is about to paint his masterpiece”! Making quality music that is consistent with RoI RapX character sums up what you can expect from him. He is shooting for the moon and at the very least will sit amounts the stars.
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10/2/14 11:58 AM
ON THE COME UP
With a hustler mentality and rhymes as gritty as the Bronx streets he was raised on, new comer Bossdon Bugatti is the next up. The 25 year old has already been spitting for almost a decade, and with the support of family and friends, decided to really pursue the game back in 2010. He’s determined to leave his mark on the industry like the great New York emcee’s that came before him. Citing Jay-Z, Big Pun, Nas and Jadakiss as key influences, he’s got a hell of a NYC lineage to live up to. Does it intimidate the rapper? Not at all. In fact, it motivates him to grind harder to get where he needs to be. “We’ve been putting in a lot of ground work, doing a lot of networking, brushing the right shoulders and meeting new faces, whether it’s DJ’s, celebrities, promoters or whatnot, we’re in the right places.” All up and comers have to put in that groundwork, but once he gets on what’s the plan? With a name like Bugatti, it’s easy to assume he’s strictly in it for the cash and lifestyle. Here he sets the record straight. “There will always be people who have something to say, and I get how people will look at it like, “why would you name yourself after an expensive car?” The Bugatti thing came from when I was locked up. The Bugatti was a dream for me, you know the fastest car, the nicest car, and if I were to get on, it’s something I would want. It’s more motivation than me being shallow or anything. It’s just something to keep me going; it would be a great accomplishment.” The music is definitely more than your typical flashy rhymes. Bugatti takes great pride in the realness of his work, and his ability to keep it 100 in a world of rappers who spit fairytales. “I distinguish myself through my music. Right now everybody’s doing the same thing and you just have to find your own lane. My music is different. I’m giving you real street shit, I’m giving you my life, and it’s not just music. I’m not just giving you music to make you dance, if I talk about it I lived through it.” That’s the kind of confidence you need to make it in this biz, and he no doubt is on his way. Repping GME (Grown Man Entertainment) and Boss Life, he’s already business minded and thinking of ways to expand his brands, eventually with more talent. With literally hundreds of rappers trying to make it every day, what would he look for in a Boss Life solider? “They must be dedicated to their craft as far as being in the studio, working like crazy. You just got to be hungry, and you got to match my tenacity, I know that much.” For now though, he’s focused on getting his own foot in the door, and with enough potential to get him anywhere, he might just make it sooner than later. Remember, you read it here first. –Compton RHYMES & DIMES MAGAZINE
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ISSUE 9
10/2/14 11:58 AM
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10/9/14 2:16 PM
media splash
Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson & the Violence Crisis in the NFL On Septemember 8th 2014, surveillance footage was leaked showing the full and very graphic altercation between former NFL star, Ray Rice, and his wife Janay Palmer, at the now closed Revel Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, on February 15th. Previous surveillance footage only shows Rice dragging his then fiancé’s seemingly lifeless body out of the elevator after he knocked her unconscious, but this new video shows the brutal assault in full. It appears Rice and Janay were in the middle of a heated argument before they even boarded the elevator, as she pushed him away from her in the lobby. Once on the elevator, Rice almost immediately appears to spit of Janay and punch her. When she attempted to retaliate, he clocked her with a left hook, knocking her out cold. Once he pulled her out, he was met by an employee who worked at the hotel who remained on the scene attempting
to help Janay regain her consciousness. Other employees eventually arrived as well and watched over Janay until she was able to stand. Ray was only given a two-game suspension for the assault, however the NFL higher-ups claim that they never saw this footage before deciding to suspend him for only 2 games. Once they saw this new footage however, he was dropped from the Baltimore Ravens and suspended from the NFL. While the majority of those who saw the footage recognize that there is no excuse for what he did, the woman in question, Janay Palmer has stood by her man, marrying Rice just a month after the elevator altercation. “THIS IS OUR LIFE! What don’t you all get? If your intentions were to hurt us, embarrass us, make us feel alone, take all happiness away, you’ve succeeded on so many levels.” Janay also directly defended Ray for
being the man that she loves who “has worked his ass off for all his life.” Her defense of the man who knocked her out cold has sparked much outrage, but also a few supporters, including the NBA’s Paul George, who took to Twitter with his take: “I don’t condone hitting women or think it’s cool BUT if SHE ain’t trippin’, let’s keep it moving. Let that man play!” This incident set off a wave of several athletes, mostly of the NFL, being accused of abusive behavior. Minnesota Viking Adrian Peterson was accused of abusing his 4-year-old son soon after, while Carolina Panthers’ defensive end Greg Hardy was removed from his teams active roster due to a domestic violence conviction. While Rice, Hardy and a few others are being made an example of, only time will tell if the NFL begins to consistently take these accusations seriously, but for now it appears a slap on the wrist is the protocol. –Jessica Bennett
RHYMES & DIMES magazine
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iss u e 9
MEDIA SPLASH . SPORTS
PRESS PLAY
Hot new music from some of your favorite artists. “HOT N!GGA” BOBBY SHMURDA
“FUCK THE WORLD” JEEZY FT. AUGUST ALSINA
Recovery and how the NBA will lose 17.5 million in his absence. We all cringed when we saw the gruesome, live footage of Paul George taking the impact of a severe lower leg injury during the U.S. national team games. He attempted to block on a fast break when he crashed into a basketball stanchion and snapped his right leg. Our hearts broke for the dedicated athlete who has worked extremely hard to bring his team to the top of the league this past basketball season. Luckily, the young man is expected to make a full recovery from the fracture. However, the Pacers aren’t sure when that will be. There is no definitive date that we know George will be back. Larry Bird and Frank Vogel say that their medical team is confident that with proper care and recovery, George can very well get back to his “old self”. Although the injury, to our eyes, looked horrifying, it did not involve nerves, tendons, ligaments, or joints; which means a full recovery is very much possible. Doctors who have not treated George say that this type of injury can take anywhere from roughly 1218 months to completely heal. Bird says the physicians who are treating George explained that a late-season return is possible, however the Pacers will not put
“SONGS ON 12 PLAY” CHRIS BROWN FT. TREY SONGZ pressure on him to rush back. He had surgery on August 2nd, and returned to Indianapolis August 5th. He will be undergoing recovery from his Indianapolis home. Inside NBA sources say that George is “frustrated he can’t play”, but “In good spirits” and looking forward to getting back on the courts. George did not release a statement when the ordeal first happened, but has recently told reporters “I plan on making a full recovery coming back from this,” at a news conference. “I’m taking this in a positive way. I get to sit back and watch the game -- and just learn.” Unfortunately, asides from George, his fans, and those closest to him; the franchise will be taking quite a financial loss due to George’s injury as well. Owner, Herb Simon will lose approximately $17.5 million. Team and league executives estimated the fiscal damage from George breaking his leg and possibly missing the entire season. The total estimated cost for the loss of George this season: $17,580,000. Factors taken into consideration are ticket sales, George’s salary, marketing and sponsorships. –Soleil White
“THE PRESSURE” JHENÉ AIKO
“KEEP DOIN’ THAT” RICK ROSS FT. R. KELLY
“NEW YORK LIFE” G-UNIT FT. JOEL ORTIZ & UNCLE MURDA “I DESERVE IT” FAITH EVANS FT. MISSY ELLIOTT & SHARAYA J
“REAL SICK” LIL’ KIM FT. JADAKISS
RHYMESNDIMESMAG.COM
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10/6/14 12:36 AM
NEWS . MEDIA SPLASH
How the Mike Brown Killing Re-ignited America’s War Against the Black Man Mike Brown. Another tragic incident to add to the list. Another unarmed black man, shot and killed. This type of ordeal has become far too familiar amongst black and brown communities. On August 9th, Mike Brown was walking with a friend to his Grandmother’s house when approached by an officer. The confrontation eventually led to a dispute, which ultimately resulted in Brown being fatally shot. Key witness, his friend Dorian Johnson, along with other local witnesses, explained that already wounded Brown was surrendering with his hands up at the time the officer “finished him off.” Johnson says the confrontation began when the Officer pulled up beside them and said “Get the f**k on the sidewalk”. Immediately, a crowd formed around the crime scene. The whole community watched in horror as officers left the teen’s body, leaking blood in the middle of the street as if he were road kill. Not a single ambulance was called to the scene. This tragedy threw salt in the fresh wounds of most African-Americans who were still mourning the recent death of Eric Garner, the father of six and “gentle giant” who was killed when an officer put the asthmatic man into an illegal chokehold. The shooting of Brown rapidly hit national news and incited a heated protest in Ferguson, with both peaceful and violent acts throughout the community.
The town has been labeled a ‘war zone’ ever since. There have been an abundance of lootings, physical and verbal attacks on police officers, riots, arson, and vandalism in the community. Military tanks were dispersed in response to the riots. Loaded rifles were aimed and tear gas was dispersed amongst all protestors, even the peaceful ones. Police officers are notoriously known for killing unarmed individuals, particularly black men, and in some cases even black children. These officers are rarely if ever reprimanded and if they are it’s a “slap on the wrist” type of punishment. Amadou Diallo, Sean Bell, Tamon Robinson, Ramarley Graham, Nicholas Heyward Jr., Oscar Grant and Trayvon Martin are just a few of the Black men and children who lost their lives before their time. The list can go on, and is far too extensive to bear. Young brothers are often guilty by association or because of the pigment of their skin. Recent allegations have arisen that Brown had allegedly stolen a cigar from a local convenience store, moments before he was approached by the officer. This news was followed by the revelation that the officer who killed Brown was not even aware of said incident, and therefore did not shoot at the college bound teen in connection to the robbery.
President Barack Obama recently had a press conference addressing the riots. He expressed that there was “no excuse for police to use excessive force against peaceful protesters.” He further went on to say “Here in the United States of America, police should not be bullying or arresting journalists who are just trying to do their jobs and report to the American people on what they see on the ground.” He also expressed his disapproval for the excessive violence and ruin of the community, in the midst of the tragedy. “There is never an excuse for violence against police or for those who would use this tragedy as a cover for vandalism or looting,” the President said. With the continuation of the outrage and protests, the FBI has begun their own private investigation on the shooting. Obama has also promised to conduct a full investigation by the US Department of Justice. Hopefully, justice will be served for the Brown family. –Soleil White
RHYMES & DIMES MAGAZINE
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ISSUE 9
9/23/14 6:48 PM
MEDIA SPLASH . HEALTH
When the majority of us hear the word “Ebola,” the first thing that comes to mind is the notorious disaster film from 1995, Outbreak. The storyline focused on a Capuchin monkey from Africa who was illegally transported to America, spreading the deadly Ebola virus across the nation, killing hundreds... Two decades later and we have Outbreak all over again. The outbreak was first identified in March in Guinea. Since then the fatal disease has spread to Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Nigeria. Over 50 percent of people infected with the disease have died. So far, the death toll is more than 1,060 and 1,975 reported infected,
making this outbreak the deadliest yet. The World Health Organization says “There is evidence the numbers of dead and sickened by Ebola in West Africa may vastly underestimate the magnitude of the outbreak”. The UN health agency has also made a statement that it is prepared for the crisis to continue for months. The newest revelation of this rapidly spreading outbreak is the release of ZMapp. ZMapp is an untested treatment for Ebola. There is currently no licensed treatment for the Ebola virus. Hesitant officials in Liberia face the daunting task of deciding which three Ebola patients will receive this experimental drug. The only problem is the drug can either be a placebo-like drug (ineffective), lifesaving, or the worst possibility, harmful/fatal.
So far, the Liberian government has stated that two physicians would receive ZMapp, but are not certain of the third candidate. Lewis Brown, Information Minister, disclosed that it would probably be another health care worker. These are the only known doses of the drug. The company that developed ZMapp, based in San Diego says it will take months to build up even a small supply. President Barack Obama has spoken on the phone with Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and also President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone, in regards to the outbreak. The White House said Obama extended his condolences for the thousands who have died in both countries. –Soleil White
RHYMESNDIMESMAG.COM
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9/23/14 7:13 PM
TECHNOLOGY . MEDIA SPLASH
Apple may just be the most revered tech company on the planet, but are the latest iPhone 6 and Apple Watch good enough to make you break major bread? Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook revealed in September that the company’s upcoming smart wearable device, the Apple Watch, will be available for purchase in early 2015 with a starting price of $349, with a high-end, 18-karat gold version surely to go for much more. The watch will be available in two screen sizes in three different styles and will be customizable starting with six different watch bands. Cook boldly called the Apple Watch “the most personal device we’ve ever created.” The company also introduced two new iPhones (6 & 6Plus) with larger screens to the market in late September.
Cook said on-stage during the launch that the company is “launching the biggest advancement in the history of iPhone,” with new video recording features, longer battery life, and up to 50% faster graphics and performance. While thousands of Apple fans are no doubt excited about the new iPhone 6 & iPhone 6 Plus, an equal amount of critics have voiced their opinions as well with the main complaint being Apple is simply getting out of hand with the pricing of their merchandise, and with some spending over $1000.00 on the new iPhone, many are wondering just how long the company will get away with it. –Jessica Bennett
Price range: iPhone 6 (16GB): $649 / iPhone 6(64GB): $749 / iPhone 6 (128GB): $849 iPhone 6 Plus (16GB): $749 / iPhone 6 Plus (64GB): $849 / iPhone 6 Plus (128GB): $949
RHYMES & DIMES MAGAZINE
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ISSUE 9
9/23/14 6:51 PM
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UN APPAREL PARIS
* NEW YORK * LOS ANGELES
10/5/14 6:34 PM
MUSIC REPLAY
CHRIS BROWN X RCA
PHOTO: ELIOT LEE HAZEL
Chris Brown is one of the most polarizing figures in music and while he had serious potential to become the biggest pop star in the world, a string of bad decisions seemed to always bring Breezy back to square one. This fact isn’t lost on the singer, whose sixth studio album X is filled with regret and revelations. Before getting into the most revealing tracks, let’s cover Brown’s pension for dance numbers and good time music, which he does pretty damn well. The mega hit “Loyal” and Akon featured house party jam, “Came To Do” still sound fresh, as the Mustard-esque sound is still having a nice run on radio. Recent single “New Flame” finds collaborator Usher stealing the show, while “Add Me In” finds Brown in Mike Jack territory a la “Fine China.” As with all R&B crooners, there are the required slow jams on deck for those nights when we need to set the mood. Fellow Virginia boy and tour partner Trey Songz makes an appearance on the R. Kelly inspired “Songs on 12 Play” while Kellz himself shows up just two tracks later on “Drown In It,” a not-so-subtle reference to giving a woman the best head of her life. One of Brown’s gifts is musical versatility. He can easily switch between every style in the current musical climate. EDM, Hip-Hop club records, live instrumentation, straight up ballads, sex jams, mid-tempo bounce, it’s all here. Standouts include the introspective “Do Better” (which includes an absolutely amazing feature from Brandy), and the ethereal “Autumn Leaves” featuring a Kendrick Lamar verse that leaves fans waiting for his album. Somehow, Chris is able to weave through pain, pleasure, confidence, insecurity, all at once without coming off formulaic which is quite an achievement in today’s musical landscape. Brown’s talent is undeniable, and while there will always be critics who hold his past indiscretions over his head, which is totally understandable, I’m choosing to keep it about the music, and that being said, Breezy dropped one of the top R&B albums of the year with X. –Compton
RHYMES & DIMES MAGAZINE
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ISSUE 9
9/23/14 2:23 PM
MUSIC REPLAY
JEEZY
SEEN IT ALL: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY Def Jam
Jeezy is without a doubt one of the most consistent MCs in the game, never dropping the ball when it comes to hot singles, street talk, cinematic beats and storytelling so vivid it would make Biggie tip his fedora in pride. The ATL MC continues to impress with Seen It All, his fifth studio album under Def Jam and seventh of his career, showing that it is possible to grow as an artists and remain the same slick talker he’s always been. The album’s title track is truly a highlight, with Jeezy and Jay-Z reminiscing on their times in the streets so many years ago, with Hov getting especially sentimental over his past which not only matches Jeezy’s consistent authenticity but brings us back to the days of Hov riding around Brooklyn in a white Lexus with God knows what in the trunk. In fact, there are a few great features on the album, including a newly freed Lil Boosie who also makes an appearance on another standout track, “Beez Like,” which has some serious potential to be the next single, especially on southern radio where both Jeezy and Boosie are regarded as legends. A low key Akon resurfaces with his “Soul Survivor” collaborator on the new track “Been Getting Money,” which is sure to have any club lit. “Holy Ghost” heavily tackles his turbulent relationship with former artist and friend, Freddie Gibbs and gives the listener a raw description of just how much fame and money can ruin friendships. While it’s not included on the album, it should be noted that Kendrick Lamar’s verse on the remix to his track is exceptional and has fans ready for the “good kid’s” next body of work. While Jeezy’s album is exceptional, a few questionable tracks prevent it from hitting classic status, including the awkward Future featured “No Tears,” which sounds like an unpolished version of Yeezy’s “Runaway.” Game & Rick Ross collaboration “Beautiful” also throws things off a bit. Overall Seen It All is a welcome addition to this year’s best Hip-Hop albums list, and will surely ride out through the fall and keep things poppin’ this winter. After all, he is the Snowman. –Compton RHYMESNDIMESMAG.COM
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9/23/14 2:24 PM
MUSIC REPLAY
JHENÉ AIKO SOULED OUT Artium / Def Jam
Jhené Aiko’s debut album Souled Out has been highly anticipated for over two years, with loyal fans waiting even longer than that for the studio compilation from the Los Angeles native. Aiko definitely delivered, with a style all her own and yet rooted in 90s R&B and Neo-Soul. Vocally, Aiko takes cues from some of the most prominent figures of her youth, including the smoothness and vocal agility of early Brandy records, ethereal qualities heard from Erykah Badu circa Baduism, and the angelic optimism of any Aaliyah record post Age Ain’t Nothin’ But a Number. The fallen songstress’ presence is in fact felt throughout the album, especially on songs like “Eternal Sunshine” where she is vocally following in the “At Your Best” singer’s footsteps. However, she’s definitely not the spitting images, as Aiko prefers simple instrumentation to Aaliyah’s rhythmic thump that combined sexy appeal and innocence. “W.A.Y.S.” finds Aiko encouraging herself to move forward despite missing her daughter while on the road and coping with the loss of her brother due to cancer. “Promises” is dedicated to the same pair, as the idea of not only romantic love but family bonds is a key theme throughout the album. When it comes to relationships, Aiko approaches them from an honest place (“I’m not even tryin’ to front, at first I was just tryin’ to fuck”) and has no problem confronting a player on songs like “Lyin' King.” Souled Out is a polished extension of her much loved EP, Sail Out which featured her hit single, “The Worst,” and she appears to have matured greatly just between these two bodies of work. She’s here to stay and is no doubt on her way to becoming a Sade-esque staple in R&B. –Compton RHYMES & DIMES MAGAZINE
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ISSUE 9
9/23/14 2:26 PM
MUSIC REPLAY
WIZ KHALIFA BLACC HOLLYWOOD Rostrum / Atlantic
Wiz Khalifa has a rare gift in Hip-Hop that’s truly appealing to the masses. He’s not gangster, he’s not conscious, he’s not mainstream, he’s not underground but he somehow is able to reach all of these demographics and more. Why? He’s just plain ole likeable, an attribute much of Hip-Hop doesn’t care to be. Khalifa knows his magic however, and while I wouldn’t call it a formula, there is definitely a method to the madness. He plays it safe, which works wonders on Blacc Hollywood, but can also be problematic. It works on songs like the “We Dem Boyz,” and “Raw” where his signature repetitive hooks turn otherwise basic trap beats into anthems worthy of tearing the club up. “Ass Drop” is another club banger, though it’s missing something that keeps it from making stadium status. Wiz gets outshined by Project Pat and Juicy J on smokers anthem “KK” where Juicy & Pat rock that signature flow that lands perfectly in the pocket. “So High” is another track designed to roll up to, though far more mellow and reminiscent of Kid Cudi’s debut album. Something else Cudi and Wiz have in common? A heavy influence from BoneThugz-N-Harmony, whose presence is felt on “So High” as well as the Curren$y-assisted “House In The Hills.” The problems come when Khalifa spits expected lines over expected beats, with expected features. His Nicki Minaj collab “True Colors” feels forced, as if he were trying to capture the magic of “Roll Up,” and didn’t quite get there. The album truly has an “ok” feel, not bad, not great, but pretty good. Pretty good is good enough to enjoy throughout the fall, but it may not have the longevity he’s looking for. Still, it’s worth more than a few spins for the moment. –Compton RHYMESNDIMESMAG.COM
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9/23/14 2:26 PM
MUSIC
PARTYNEXTDOOR PARTYNEXTDOOR TWO OVO Sound / Warner Bros.
Drake’s R&B protégé PARTYNEXTDOOR (PND) was quite the accomplished artist before Drizzy came into the picture, and he continues to share his sexy and raw R&B aesthetic with and without Aubrey on his latest album, PARTYNEXTDOOR TWO. One thing PND has become known for are relaxing sex jams that manage to seduce & offend at the same damn time. It’s a concept similar to that of The Weeknd but PND’s music comes off a bit more organic than his fellow crooner. Yes, he’ll call you out of your name, but there’s something far more forgiving about his brand of disrespectful R&B than other artists, mainly the fact that it seems to stem from some of his own hurtful experiences with love and lust. “SLS” is a stand out on the album, starting out incredibly mellow yet with enough bounce to keep you interested. It perfectly sets the scene for the morning after a night of lovemaking, while “Sex On the Beach” will make you want to take a trip to Cali or Miami for some sexy sun and fun. The previously released “Her Way” and “Muse” fit perfectly on the new body of work, as neither were officially released before, so only diehard fans will get bored with them. “Options,” “Thirsty,” and “Bout It” are another three standouts that show the more human and humble side of Party, as he’s putting himself out there as opposed to arrogantly waiting for women to flock to him. PND’s gift of seduction is also his curse, as the tracks have a tendency to meld together more out of monotony than cohesiveness. For energy, one must turn to the Drake-assisted single “Recognize,” and ride that out till the end. Overall, PARTYNEXTDOOR TWO is an impressive body of work. While it’s far from perfect, it is no doubt worthy of several latenight spins. –Compton
RHYMES & DIMES MAGAZINE
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ISSUE 9
9/23/14 2:27 PM
MUSIC REPLAY
COMMON
NOBODY’S SMILING ARTium / Def Jam
Common’s tenth LP Nobody’s Smiling is a bit of a departure for the veteran Chi-town spitter, but should come as no surprise for fans who have been following him for the last five years. The Kanye West-produced instant classics Be and Finding Forever re-shaped Com’s brand for a new generation, and his last album The Dreamer/The Believer brought a level of aggression we’re not use to seeing from the Like Water for Chocolate MC. Songs like “Sweet” and “Raw [How You Like It] introduced a, well, raw element into the mix and it’s here to stay on Nobody’s Smiling. With this album, Com is taking the aggression of the streets of Chicago and channeling it to a more hopeful place, a place that can begin healing from the last few years of genocide on the South Side. It incorporates the hood on tracks like “No Fear,” and the album’s title track, incites a riot with the Jhené Aiko-assisted track “Blak Majik,” and is still able to push a ra-
dio-friendly tune with a message on “Diamonds” (where Big Sean steals the show with a stellar verse). Lyrically, Common continues to go above and beyond his contemporaries, and yet has found a way to not isolate himself to the “conscious rapper” category. He’s done this by perfecting the art of speaking of “lowbrow” topics (porn, shootings, etc.) in a very articulate, clever, “highbrow” way. No I.D. also crafted an impeccable foundation for Mr. Lynn to work from, and while some of the tracks feel like a reach, the theme and execution is damn near perfect. Common has been a staple within Hip-Hop since the early 90’s and continues to entertain and educate without isolating anyone from the party or the pulpit. Yes, he wants you to rock out, but he also wants us to think, because as good as life can be, there are certain places in this country where Nobody’s Smiling and he’s trying to save them, one song at a time. –Compton
RHYMESNDIMESMAG.COM
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9/23/14 2:28 PM
MUSIC REPLAY
TREY SONGZ TRIGGA Songbook / Atlantic
PHOTO: JAMES DIMMOCK
“Trigga” has long been the alter ego of Trey Songz and he is out to play on the new semi self-entitled album Trigga. Bringing us back to his “Panty Droppa” days, we are taken on an erotic and fun journey through the world of bad boy Trey. He’s not perfect and he doesn’t claim to be but he manages to make being bad sound very good. The first song of the album “Cake” absolutely sets the album tone when he makes it clear: “Baby this might sound rude. I’m taken but I want you, and I don’t want to play by the book. No rules.” Despite having features from artists like Nicki Minaj and Justin Bieber, his stand alone songs tend to be some of the best the album has to offer. In the beginning of the album he talks about cheating and the quick thrills but midway through on “Smartphones” he progresses to what happens when he gets caught. Followed up by “Yes, No, Maybe” you feel his pain and anger after his girl finally leaves. You feel his frustration as he struggles to try and get her to agree to come home. On “I Know (Can’t Get Back)” Trey finally admits he knows that he hasn’t been the best man or partner. He comes to the honest realization that fame and the fast life have been his priority and not love or a relationship. In the final track “Mr. Steal Your Girl” Trey lets us know that after his failed attempted at making things right he back to his unremorseful playboy-ish ways. With competition like Chris Brown, August Alsina Jeremiah and more taking over the R&B game, Trey definitely has a gem with Trigga, a sexy album one could play front to back whether in or out of love. It’s his best project in years and is sure to keep you in the mood for months, and maybe even years to come. –Nina Leigh
RHYMES & DIMES MAGAZINE
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ISSUE 9
9/23/14 2:31 PM
Is going the major label route always the best move for a new artist? Words Nina Leigh RHYMESNDIMESMAG.COM
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There was a time when becoming a signed recording artist was the key to being a household name. You needed a label to pay for promotions like billboards and introductory showcases. Labels put all the money needed to distribute and market your music on a large scale. For many artists this gave them the freedom to focus on creating and performing. They knew that they will eventually get a royalty check from record sales in addition to their show money. Then the internet became accessible to all and the game really changed. You don’t need billboards when you have YouTube and Soundcloud to directly distribute your music. The public doesn’t spend as much money buying records because they can use file sharing programs and get the music for free. This put labels in the position of needing to generate more income from artists to recoup their investments. Record sales are no longer going to be enough. Welcome to the world of the 360 deal. A lot of people think the 360 is something new but Motown Records was actually the template for it. Back in the day, Motown owned everything about you. They owned your music, your image, merchandizing, and your shows. They got a piece of it all and in return you got to reach iconic levels of stardom. Over time artists began to realize how this wasn’t beneficial to them. They began to seek deals that were structured differently. Labels were okay with the idea of an artist to making their own money from shows and merchandizing as long as the label kept the bulk of the proceeds from the actual record sales. With great album sales, the record company could recoup all of its artist development expenses and turn a profit. Remember when major artists were arguably easily selling over a million records on a release? Even superstars now take time to reach the million sales mark. Now that people are buying less music the idea of recouping from record sales works a lot less for the label. Even the certified money makers tend not to sell as many records as they used to anymore. The main reason for having a label behind you has also changed. It certainly isn’t to reach fans because that is something you can do on your own at this point. Labels serve a purpose
by having people take you from your niche to worldwide. Ultimately, as good as you may be with music, you still need people to help get you to the mainstream level. You can do very well as an independent artist financially. However, if you wish to really conquer radio and television that label relationship is what will get you there. As you get larger as an artist it begins to cost more to keep your machine moving. A label can help fund your basic needs while you continue working on your craft and chasing new financial opportunities. Product partnership relationships generally come easier to a major signed artist. Record label funding means that you spend less of your own money trying to reach your dreams. This helps the artist because whatever income they earn while hot they keep. If you cool off or fall off you lose less money being signed then if you are independent and doing it all on your own. Last but not least, being signed to a label makes people take you and your music seriously a lot sooner. The question in whether or not to sign to a 360 deal really depends on where you are in your career. If you are a hot act with no track record you pretty much have no option but to sign to a 360 if you want a deal. The more established you are as an independent artist the more leverage you have to negotiate the terms of the 360 or another type of deal. You can keep the pieces that benefit you and renegotiate the ones that you feel may harm you. Even major artists like Madonna are signed to a 360 deal. The deal itself isn’t always the problem, it is really the terms and conditions within it. The safety of the 360 is that you do get a set salary. You can plan your life without wondering what income may or may not come of your hard work. The income is set by the contract, the work you do for it comes after. Plus, whether the plan works or not you still get paid so you survive another day. Think back to the last time your favorite artist released a complete flop. Under a 360 deal that artist still earned just as much as they would have if the album was successful. The fact of the matter is, even though the game has changed it still boils down to labels for the stability of an artist. The question hasn’t changed. Deal or no deal?
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9/17/14 3:04 PM
Just how much does a G-Unit reunion mean to Hip-Hop and how is 50 Cent consistently able to pull off the impossible?
REUNITED
Words Nina Leigh
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LEFT TO RIGHT: KID KID, YOUNG BUCK, 50 CENT, LLOYD BANKS AND TONY YAYO
Power is often something you feel more than you see. It doesn’t have to be flashy or in your face but it is there and it is very real. It doesn’t matter if you know who holds it, just know that at some point you will encounter its presence. When we think of heavyweight moguls in Hip Hop we often very quickly hear Jay Z or Diddy because they are typically in our faces. However, quiet as kept, 50 Cent is making power moves that may poise him to become one of those names you can’t second guess or deny. Let us not forget, 50 Cent is an unflinching member of the top 5 Forbes List for wealthiest Hip Hop artists. This is not a new accomplishment, as he has had this spot for quite some time now. We didn’t know exactly what 50 was up to these last few years but he certainly wasn’t idle. He certainly didn’t retire to a life of tranquility in the hills of Connecticut. 50 has been working on building a multi-media based empire. He has his hands in everything. He has a decent market share in technology with SMS Audio. He even inked a deal with Intel to make his earbuds sensitive toward heart rates. This function will make his earbuds uniquely awesome for working out. He is the Executive Producer of the hot new Starz Series “Power”. He also recently inked another deal for another television series. Sports? Oh yes, 50 has a hand in that too with his boxing promotion company. Does he still rap? Yes, 50 is back with a new album that manages to reflect his personal growth but return to the 50 Cent we originally fell in love with. In his spare time, he managed to reunite what we thought was the unsalvageable team of G-Unit. The reunion of G-Unit is major for hip hop as we know it. In the late 1990s and early 2000s hip hop was ruled by hip hop
coalitions and super groups. Everyone had a team. Of course some were more successful than others (think St. Lunatics vs. Dipset), but music was very much so team based. Even today we look at it from a team stand point. G.O.O.D Music vs. MMG vs. Cash Money. Although the fans missed the groups from a few years ago it has been messy, and almost utterly impossible for any successful reunions. Enter 50 Cent. Only he has been able to bring back together one of the more successful groups for the fans. Remember when he set out to crush each member as things went south in G-Unit land? Time has clearly changed and the bonds of music, friendship, business or whatever they had together have been retied. During arguably the most influential concert of the year in New York City 50 announced the resurrection of G-Unit. Now they are back with a bang. They have already released several remixes to popular tracks. They are clearly eager to show fans that they still have their hands on the pulse of music right now. By the end of this year or early next year, expect to see a mixtape if not an album from G-Unit. Clearly 50 spends his 24 hours a little differently than the rest of us. We know 50 Cent is generally the kind of guy we don’t see coming. He has a knack for falling back and reappearing with a bang, just as soon as we think it’s time to put him out to pasture. This next year might be one to watch with 50 Cent. The only problem is he’s everywhere so we don’t always know where to look first. 50 Cent is by far a definition of power. He is known for ending just as many careers as he has started. His presence always changes the tempo of what’s going on around him. We may not always see him but we feel him there.
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From “Picture Me Rollin’” to “Drive Slow,” is Kanye West truly “The Realest” since ‘Pac? R&D Explores. Words Compton RHYMES & DIMES MAGAZINE
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I’m sure by now most of Hip-Hop has viewed multiple Kanye West interviews where the Chicago native compares himself to the late Tupac Shakur. During one notable interview with talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, it was made clear by West that he feels he walks in Pac’s shoes on the regular. I’m sure many a ‘Pac fan was hit with the puzzle face when they heard that, but if you really think about it, they’re not as different as we’d like to make them. Especially when you get Kanye truly engaged in an interview, that ‘Pac swagger is pretty pronounced. Militant Parents - Kanye West’s father, and Tupac’s mother (and father, whom he didn’t meet until the age of 23) were black panthers. Having a family history associated with the organization almost guarantees discussions of racism, classism, the hustlers mentality, standing up for what is right and not what is popular, having a strong sense of self, and not being afraid of one’s own power took place at a comparatively young ages, and carried over into adulthood. Also, all of these themes are heavy throughout both ‘Ye and Pac’s music and interviews. Passionate Speech - Probably the most obvious comparison, ‘Ye’s interviews draw Tupac comparisons mainly because of delivery. Yes, lately Kanye has been implementing that weird,
hi-pitched, borderline nasally pronunciation, but when he’s discussing his passions and frustrations, that Chi-town accent can’t be repressed. Wide eyed with a piercing stare and enough conviction to make you second guess yourself, ‘Ye’s BBC interview conjures the spirit of ‘Pac in tone. Tupac’s Lost Vibe interviews from 1996 are a great frame of reference here. Identified by “Rants” offstage - Both Yeezy and Makaveli have more than a few recorded “rants,” which I put in quotes because both artists don’t consider what they’ve said to be rants more so than them speaking their perspective, uncomfortable truths that some people will get, and some people will not. They’ve both been noted as saying that their “big mouths” tend to get them in trouble, but that telling the truth (or at least their truth) is far more important than maintaining the status quo. First gained recognition in music, then pursued their truest artistic passions later - I know, this seems a bit general. Plenty of rappers went on to pursue acting, fashion, etc. The difference is just how embedded Tupac was into his acting, and Kanye is with fashion and other visual arts. At the age of 12, Tupac appeared as Travis Younger in the play A Raisin in the Sun, and later attended the Baltimore School for the Arts where he mainly focused on acting. Kanye has spoken of spending
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hours as a child drawing the clothing and kicks he couldn’t afford, and being naturally drawn to higher-end fashion than his peers. He also attended Chicago’s American Academy of Art. Both Tupac and Kanye pursued their artistic passions after establishing themselves as iconic within Hip-Hop. Tupac has a number of noteworthy roles under his belt, especially my personal favorite, Juice. Pac died before we could see his full potential as an actor, but what he did was powerful enough to have many speculating that he would’ve eventually been nominated and/ or won an Oscar if he were still alive. Kanye completed his 10,000 hour internship with Fendi and made his fashion debut at Paris Fashion Week in 2011. Granted, that collection received mixed reviews, and his 2012 collection was panned for being too derivative of Givenchy. However, we all know those Yeezy’s were a problem. The limited released Air Yeezy’s have a general resell value of $2,750, with one pair auctioning off for $90,000. Where they diverge: Class Tupac was born into the lower class, while Kanye was born into the middle class. Both artists were primarily raised in single-mother homes. Kanye’s mother was a university professor. Tupac’s mother, while a very intelligent woman, had bouts with crack and often had trouble keeping the lights on. While
they both have the DNA of hustlers, it is evident through Pac’s earlier records that a lot of the wrong doing he did was literally to stay afloat, as opposed to Kanye’s situation, which while his family couldn’t afford everything he wanted, was at no point poverty stricken. Pac was wooed by the street world because of how close he was to it. Kanye never got close enough to the street life to be fully submerged in its culture. Therefore, they both followed different slightly codes when dealing with certain obstacles. This is not to say a lower-middle class kid will always talk about street life, or a middle-upper class kid knows nothing about it, but we can see where their environments informed certain decisions in adulthood. Also, an artist like Kanye, coming into his own eight years after Tupac had already passed, no doubt learned from that previous era. He’ll run his mouth in the spirit of ‘Pac all day, but he’s not about to sic 12 crips on Hedi Slimane any time soon, as ‘Pac did to the Hughes Brothers after a “creative disagreement” regarding his role in Menace 2 Society, which obviously never came to be. Differences in priorities and motivations can be debated as well, and I’m not even going to go down the road of comparing them musically, that’s a whole other beast. This is just to say that I see how ‘Ye can see himself in the vein of ‘Pac with little-to-no ego involved. As for Michael Jackson??? I don’t know, son. RHYMES & DIMES MAGAZINE
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ISSUE 9
9/28/14 3:21 PM
Brooklyn boy Bobby Shmurda managed to go from 0-100, real quick with the help of his summer smash “Hot N*gga,” that was without a doubt the song of the season. In his most in-depth interview yet, Chewy (as his day-one friends call him) opens up about his Caribbean roots, adjusting to newfound fame, how his spotlight has changed a few people around him, and his plan to avoid becoming just another “One-Hit Wonder.”
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o let’s take it back to Flatbush. Let’s take it back! You’re Jamaican correct? Right. How did growing up in a West Indian neighborhood with Caribbean roots affect your sound coming up? Some of my songs have Caribbean influenced rhythms to them, but you probably see the influence mostly with the dancing. A lot of rappers are afraid to dance but it’s a part of my culture so I don’t feel no shame in it. You dropped the “Hot Nigga” video in March, and by the peak of summer... It was off the chains. The streets goin’ crazy. Did you have any idea when you made the track that it would blow up the way it did? I told people beforehand, but some people doubted it like “eh, it’s aight.” Some people was like “yeah, that song go hard,” some people were in the middle, not really convinced but they had faith in it. Now it’s everybody favorite song. Well, you’ve spit over other artists’ beats before. How did you know this Lloyd Banks track would take off? I listen to all types of music, I don’t hate on music. If it’s wack, it’s wack. I’ll tell you what it is from jump, and I can do that with my own music. I know when I’ve made a hot song, but then I also do certain songs and have to do them over because they not hittin’. I have a decent ear for music. What was your reaction when you heard the song on radio for the first time? Me and the crew was wildin’ out like damn! We were out of town doing shows and I think we were in KOD’s [King of Diamonds Gentleman’s Club in Miami] and people started calling us from New York going crazy. As a matter fact we were leaving the club in the car when we started getting calls about it being on the radio. We was hype. Sometimes with a song that huge, the song itself can overwhelm the artist... Nah, it’s the shows. The shows overwhelm me, it’s too much sometimes. I don’t even get time for the studio. I’ll be in the studio and someone will call me like “yo, you got an interview” or “finish packing, we got a show tomorrow.” Like damn, can I lay this verse down without getting a text or a phone call [laughs]? Work is work though. It’s a big adjustment right? To have a jam-packed schedule overnight? Yeah, I’m still adjusting. It’s not what I thought it was going to be but it’s work, I’m not complaining. You have to work for what you want. It’s not as easy as you think. Not gon’ lie I thought it would be easier. What did you imagine it would be like before you got signed? Being in the studio, making music. Now I got press all day, I got radio, interviews, shows, people want to put me on TV. I like it, I
just be tired [laughs] that’s it. I get exhausted sometimes. How do you feel about the idea that because you had one huge record... I feel like when the whole album comes, it’s gon’ be even crazier! And I ain’t gon’ be doing every show, it’s got to be some serious bread involved [laughs]. What’s the plan as far as longevity is concerned? You know there are artists who blow up off of one song and we never hear from them again. That’s the thing, you’re right. Trust me, I’m aware of that. I feel like I’m able to switch up and keep things interesting. I’m always going to have something new. I got songs in the stash right now I could drop, and I love being in the studio so there will never be a lack of material for people to enjoy. I’m fully aware that I can’t ride off of “Hot Nigga” forever and I don’t plan to. A lot of people within the culture are talking about the New York sound, and trying to bring New York back. It’s back. Once they put me on, it’s back. I done been through some shit in New York. I’ll tell you the bad shit in New York, the good shit, everything. Do you feel any pressure of having the city on your back? Naw, never no pressure. I’m a cocky, confident guy. It ain’t ever no pressure. Never no doubts, I never second guess, I do what I do. Doing what I do got me here so far. Talk about the energy in your music. It’s a certain type of vibe and feeling you get when you hear Shmurda on a track. The energy, everything comes from the heart. Everything’s real. Everything I say is real because I used to be one of those dudes on the block so I know what it is. And I know you’ve known most of GS9 since those days... Yeah, we been family since I was like 2 or 3-years-old. The latest I met anyone in the crew was 12, and I’m 20 now, so you know the love is real. Who would you say are your biggest influences? When I was coming up it was G-Unit, Lil Boosie, Jay, Max B, it was a couple people. I listened to a lot of Pac, Big, even a lot of pop music too. I still listen to pop. Right now who do you like? Right now, I listen to everybody. I don’t really have favorites anymore; if the song itself is good I’mma listen to it. I think it’s fair to say that the Shmoney Dance is a big reason “Hot Nigga” became so popular, you know we get a new dance craze every few years that becomes a lasting part of the culture and this is definitely one of them. That’s crazy to think about, thank you. And the beat itself is crazy too, but I think more importantly, you know how to ride it. Yeah, I’ll admit, every beat’s not for me. You got rappers claiming they can spit over anything, and I’m not so sure about that [laughs]. I know when I hear the RHYMES & DIMES MAGAZINE
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song, I know if I’ll be able to ride it or not. Earlier you said you listened to a lot of Jay, B.I.G., Tupac, people who are known for their mic skills. How do feel about your technical skills as an MC, is that something you’re concerned with at all? I’m not the best, I’m just one of the realest. A lot of people can’t do what I do, can’t rap about certain things that I can, and if they do it doesn’t sound right. I think people feel what I’m talking about no matter what. Your father is still locked up, correct? Yeah, he got 120. Do you see him often? I’m about to go see him next week. What has been his reaction to your success? He said they calling him a celebrity on the boardwalk [laughs]. He said people approach him all the time now, like “yo, I just seen your son on TV, just heard his song again.” I think he’s proud [laughs]. How about your mom? She’s doing way too much [laughs]. She’s really crazy and overwhelmed by the situation. Why do you say that? She just hyper now, doing extra stuff, like poppin’ up at the strip club when I’m performing. She just amped all the time now. What? When you saw her in the strip club what was your reaction? [Hangs head] I was like “Yo, this lady is crazy.” I wasn’t surprised though. It threw me off a little but I know it’s all out of love. What has been your family’s reaction to you blowing up in general? Any good advice? A few people dropped knowledge, and some people just started calling me out of nowhere. So the fame has changed some of the people around you? Yeah, a lot of people. Some I was already close to and some people I didn’t really know. Have they changed in a negative or positive way? Negative. A few positive. As far as my core family and GS9 though, it’s all love. I know you had a few deals on the table, what made you decide to go with Epic? I felt like it was a great home, like it was meant to be business wise. It felt good when I came in the building. How many labels were you talking
to before going with Epic? A lot of labels reached out and I narrowed it down to three or four. Epic just felt like the best fit. What are your dreams outside of rap? Any business ventures you’d be interested in pursuing? I want to write books actually. Own some restaurants,
own a lot of property, because I know property earns you money over time without even trying. I’ll start a clothing line eventually too. There are a lot of things I want to go after once this music thing is in place. So music’s the foundation of it all. Without question.
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ISSUE 9
10/11/14 12:06 AM
HAIR: DAWN WILSON MAKEUP: MANNY DAVILA STYLIST: MELVIN SANDERS
Mimi Faust has gone through a lot over the past year. After her sex tape with exboyfriend Nikko dropped this summer, it seemed her entire life had been turned upside down. This along with personal struggles, family crises, and being dragged back into Stevie J & Joseline drama at the Love & Hip Hop reunion, has made it one difficult year for the reality show star and proud mother. Still, she’s managed to preserve with new insight into those around her and a renewed confidence in herself. Get to know Mimi as she explains the fights, the sex tape and if she’s interested in a future with the Love & Hip Hop franchise.
ust to get this out of the way since it was on people’s minds, part two of the reunion was really crazy, did you notice anything out of the ordinary before the show began, especially with Stevie & Joseline? No, not really. I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. I really wasn’t paying them any attention, so no. On the reunion when they asked if the other cast members thought Stevie was on drugs, they all had their input and you chose to not speak on it. Were you trying to protect his privacy or do you really not suspect anything? I just had no comment on it. I don’t have any proof if he was on something or wasn’t so I’m not going to speak on it. Fair enough. I have to say I noticed you had a bit of a smirk on your face when they stood up and attacked Benzino and Althea. What was going through your mind at that moment? Typical. It was just typical and didn’t surprise me at all. I’ve seen it before and...typical [laughs]! We saw the footage of you and Joseline in the stairwell but there were also rumors that you two fought more backstage, and that she even blacked your eye. Is any of that true? No, the only incident between us that night was the one you guys saw in the stairwell. I did not have a black-eye, that was completely false, completely. People were saying she cracked my head open, that I had to go to the ICU, none of that happened, it was completely untrue. It also appeared that while you and Joseline were getting into it, Nikko wasn’t really concerned, which sort of matched your friend’s assessment of him that he doesn’t care for you like he should. What’s your relationship with Nikko like now? There is no relationship. I haven’t even spoken to Nikko since a little after the reunion. So we all know the story with the sex tape, he claims he didn’t give Vivid the tape, but pretty much all of your cast mates and the general public thinks he did. I know you believed him initially, but at this point, do you still believe the tapes were stolen and fell into Vivid’s hands? I don’t even think about it anymore. The whole situation is over and done with. I’m light-years ahead of that situation now. I’m in a completely different headspace. It is what it is at this point, it’s done with. I can’t worry about spilled milk. It’s done. His 15 minutes are over. Without harping on it too long, people have had their various reactions to the sex tape as far as your moves. What do you feel are your RHYMESNDIMESMAG.COM
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best moves in bed? [Laughs] I don’t think I have a particular best move, it depends on the person. I do what feels natural and what feels good with the guy I’m with, so yeah, there’s no individual move or trick. Did you and Stevie ever make a tape? Never. I never made a tape with anyone before Nikko. Ok. I know before you admitted that you had to add additional footage to that tape from other tapes with Nikko... What happened was, the tape that was “leaked,” Vivid got the tape and they said there wasn’t enough footage, so we had to give them additional footage because the tape has to be a certain length for them to release it. How many other tapes did you and Nikko make? Hmm, maybe three. Who was the better lover, Stevie or Nikko? I can’t really compare them, they’re both different. Two different people, two different ways of doing things, two different styles. At this point you’ve made it clear that you want to move past it, but do you think there’s any amount of money that would make you consider releasing another sex tape? Not any amount of money in the world.
know? I want to take this time now to just do me and chill out, just me and my daughter. When you are ready to hit the town again, what are some characteristics you’ll look for in a guy? First and foremost, he’s going to have to be established. All this “up and coming” shit, I can’t do it again. That leaves the situation open for a potential train wreck. They have to be an established man. An honest man, I need to be able to trust you. I really have a list, I don’t know how much time you have [laughs]! Hey, I get it! When we as women go through some BS with a guy, it’s just a learning experience. After what you’ve gone through, it’s completely understandable to have stricter guidelines. Exactly! Before I go on, will you be on the next season of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta? It really depends. It’s just...the show is draining, and it’s a lot of...it’s a lot to deal with. I basically have to see what they’re talking about as far as my contract and money. That will probably be the determining factor. I really don’t have anything else to give. I’ve absolutely sacrificed a lot for this show so we’ll see.
Do you regret releasing this one? I’ve learned to live with no regrets, but I do still feel some type of way about it. Thankfully, my family has actually been very supportive. After I explained how it happened and why I sold it, they supported me because they know the real me and weren’t about to judge me like the rest of the world. I made love to my man, filmed it for our own personal viewing and it got out, that’s just the bottom line. I don’t know any woman that doesn’t make love to their partner. People are condemning me, telling me that I’m so horrible and I did something so wrong. What’s so wrong? I made love to my man, period.
There’s a commonly held belief that Love & Hip Hop creator Mona Scott-Young exploits her cast members, purposefully portraying you guys and black people in general negatively for ratings and to line her own pockets. What do you say to this theory? Mona has absolutely nothing to do with that. Mona and the show are simply capturing what’s already happening, so how can she be exploiting us if this is what’s really going on in our lives? Mona didn’t set anything up or ask me to do anything, what happened with me didn’t have anything to do with Mona or VH1. I think Mona picked a damn good cast, because we really have a bunch of shit going on in our lives [laughs]. All she did was get the cameras rolling.
As a newly single woman, are you looking for a guy right now or do you want to spend some time alone? I’m not looking for anything. I need to get in touch with myself. I jumped right out of Stevie into a relationship with Nikko, with no time to get into myself, you
Would you ever like your own spin-off reality series? I would consider doing my own show if I had complete creative control. Other than that, I don’t know. It gets real crazy when you’re dealing with networks and producers and all that, you can’t control what’s going
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on, for me that’s the big issue. I would need creative control over my show if I were to have one. You spoke of filming the show as being draining at times, but as viewers, a lot of times we see very luxurious lifestyles. You all have fly bags, nice cars, you shop and dine out all the time, etc. Can you speak more to the realities of being on “reality” TV? It’s just very invasive. Your privacy is basically gone out the window. Your whole life and everything you’ve ever done, it’s just out for everyone to see and judge. It’s not for everybody, you have to have thick skin with this, it’s not easy. To have complete strangers whom you’ve never met in your life, thinking they know everything about you from watching an hour show? It’s crazy. Think about it, in an hour show, because we have a large cast, you may only see me for 15 minutes, and you think you know me? That’s pretty insane. Would you say the show has done more harm than good? It’s a double edged sword. The show has definitely opened up a lot of doors for me which I’m totally grateful for. It’s also helped me see who’s who in my life. A lot of people who were in my life before are no longer there and I’m grateful for the show allowing the people around me to show their true colors. I’m grateful for the good and bad that’s come from it because it’s opened my eyes to what’s real.
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Dr. Dre’s journey from the wrong side of the tracks to being the richest figure in rap history. Words Compton RHYMES & DIMES MAGAZINE
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Andre Young was born the day after Valentine’s Day in 1965 and was almost destined to pursue a career in music, as both of his parents were singers and encouraged his creative passions from a young age. His mother almost became a part of little known group The Four Aces but got pregnant at the age of fifteen by then boyfriend Theodore Young who was seventeen at the time. The couple was then pressured by their parents to marry, and did so just two weeks prior to Verna giving birth to Andre. Verna and Theodore unfortunately experienced the death of their second son and Dre’s would-be younger brother, Jerome, as an infant. This took a serious mental toll on their relationship, and by 1968 the two were separated. Verna later remarried and had another son, Tyree Du Sean Crayon. As a child, Andre would “DJ” his mother’s parties, changing the vinyls on their family record player and remembering the crowd’s favorite songs. He was already establishing himself as a life-long musician by the age of four. Andre moved around quite a bit as a child, as Verna tried to find neighborhoods she felt comfortable raising her kids in, while still being able to afford their various homes. At one point, the family lived in the Wilmington Arms projects in Compton. They also uprooted to near-by Carson for a while into a home that required renovations. She hired a colleague of hers from the Long Beach office where she worked, and the two eventually fell in love. She soon married her third husband, Warren Griffin who already had four children of his own. His only son, Warren Griffin Jr. would become Andre’s step-brother, and years later, would become Dr. Dre’s G-Funk protégé, Warren G. Dre attended Compton’s Centennial High School, who has since seen NBA baller Arron Afflalo and rapper Kendrick Lamar walk its hallways. He also danced in local talent shows, often wearing flashy suits made by his mother. Andre soon became the family DJ and turned his room into a small studio, while immersing himself in east coast Hip-Hop. He constantly mixed records from artists like Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa, two artists that heavily influenced his early sound, in an effort to find his own flavor.
Young began to visit a small nightclub in Compton called Eve’s After Dark, where he watched DJ’s work the crowd and perform with the newest turntable equipment, equipment he couldn’t afford himself. He also noticed that they were required to wear lavender outfits, heels and sometimes even makeup, but was determined to spin in the club no matter what. Eventually, a mutual friend of Young and the club’s promoter hooked him up to battle another DJ, who just so happened to be DJ Yella, his future N.W.A. brother. Dre won the battle and was inducted into the Wreckin’ Cru as Dr. Dre the Master of Mixology, named after the NBA’s Dr. J. When RunDMC blew up, they truly changed the way people thought about Hip-Hop. Their style and swagger was harder than anything the culture had previously seen, and Dr. Dre was just one of millions whose view of Hip-Hop changed when they hit the scene. “Sucker MC’s” was a favorite of Dre’s, and he played the track on repeat for hours at a time, attempting to isolate every instrument. Dr. Dre met his idols one night when they did a show at Eve’s, and Jam Master Jay was kind enough to give a young Dr. Dre advice on being a better performer as a DJ and rapper. Still, Andre and DJ Yella rocked out with the shiny suits and even produced a hit for the Wreckin’ Cru with “Surgery.” Eve’s promoter and unofficial manager of the N.W.A.: DR. DRE, ICE CUBE, EAZY-E AND MC REN crew felt that since Michael Jackson was the biggest act of the day, and he wore the flashy costumes, that the Wreckin’ Cru should stick with that formula as well. At this point however, Dre’s love for the “harder” Hip-Hop of RunDMC and their more street style began conflicting with the group’s required dress code. Dre eventually outgrew the glitzy persona of his crew and attempted to break away, however was conflicted, as he owed Lonzo a lot of money and was under contract. He soon met Eric “Eazy-E” Wright, a Compton-bred drug dealer and entrepreneur, who frequented Eve’s and secretly discussed with Dre and South Central’s Ice Cube (another MC who frequently performed at the Compton club) the idea of starting a rap group. Cube was then commissioned by Wright to ghostwrite for another group, while Dre would produce their tracks. One
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song that the group didn’t take was “Boyz N The Hood,” which Eazy himself took and turned into a smash. Dre & Eazy began to record more tracks with Cube’s lyrics, gaining spins through Dre & Yella’s connections to radio via the Wreckin’ Cru. Soon local Compton rapper Lorenzo “MC Ren” Patterson was brought in, and NWA was formed. NWA had a hell of a run, becoming one of the most influential groups in Hip-Hop history and spawning countless classic tracks. Unfortunately, for all the musical history the group made, they could never come to an agreement on the business side of things, with Cube leaving the group first and Dre following soon after. Frequent collaborator The DOC introduced Dre to Suge Knight, who allegedly intimidated Ruthless Records into letting him out of his contract. Suge and Dre eventually came up with enough cash to begin Death Row Records and were the first CEOs of the label. Dre’s step-brother Warren G played a mixtape for Dre of his crew, 213 starring himself, Nate Dogg and Snoop Doggy Dogg. While Dre saw all three member’s talent, Snoop was clearly the standout and the two immediately began working together. Snoop ended up being featured on Dre’s solo debut, The Chronic as much as Dre himself. The album was a top ten hit, changing the way Hip-Hop sounded for at least the next five years. Everyone from Scarface to Da Brat began incorporating elements of G-Funk into their music. Death Row ran Hip-Hop for much of the 90s while in strong competition with east coast based label, Bad Boy. 1996 saw the beginning of the end for Death Row’s greatest years, as Dre grew frustrated with Knight’s strong-arm
methods. Dre left the label that summer and was ostracized by Knight and Tupac Shakur, even after working together on the classic track, “California Love.” Dre moved on to form Aftermath and released Dr. Dre Presents...The Aftermath. While the album was not a major hit, Dre was still one of the most sought after producers in the game. While Dre signed several acts to Aftermath, Eminem and 50 Cent were clearly his biggest wins for the label. Many were skeptical of the “white boy” Dre found, but critics were soon hushed when they heard the Detroit native spit. Dre also worked with Queens MC 50 Cent heavily on his debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and various songs thereafter. In 2008, Dre stepped up his game even more by expanding his brand into electronics by founding Beats by Dr. Dre Studio headphones. Artists like Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber also had their own set of “Beats” but none were as desired as the original Dre’s. in January of this year, Beats Music launched as viable competition for iTunes, Spotify and Amazon. However, thanks to his biggest business move yet, competing with iTunes may not be such a problem. This May, Apple announced the purchase of Beats for $3 billion. This deal will make Dre rap’s richest star according to Forbes Magazine. Dre and Beats co-founder Jimmy Iovine will also be joining Apple as executives. Not bad for a kid from Compton. I should know. Biography.com,AllMusic.com and Behind The Music: Dr. Dre contributed to this report.
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DEFINITION OF SEXY
MILA J While it’s clear the Chilombo family has the “fine” gene running through their veins, sexy songbird Mila J just might be the baddest chick of them all, which is a tough decision to make as she, sister Miyoko and baby sis, the immensely talented Jhené Aiko are all stunners. Still, there’s clearly something about Mila that stands out. The constant comparisons between Mila and Jhene are to be expected. Both from the same family, same musical background and similar influences, their music couldn’t be more different. While Jhene’s style harkens back to classic R&B and Neo-Soul, Mila is truly a girl of today, dripping with sex appeal both musically and physically. The exotic beauty is a perfect mix of African-American, Japanese and Native-American, accounting for her lightly golden complexion, long thick locks and gorgeous eyes one could get lost in. Her figure is on a whole other level as well, thicker than baby sis but still slim from years on the road performing and dancing regularly. If you dare to hit up the “Smoke, Drink, Break-Up” singers Instagram page, you’ll see a number of thirst traps admittedly set by the beauty, including some intimate shots of her wearing nearly nothing, but never in a raunchy way. She manages to pull off extreme sex appeal without crossing over into desperate territory, a hard task to manage for so many up-and-coming ladies. Perhaps she knows the game after being a part of it for over 10 years. She’s now also promoting her current single “My Main,” featuring Ty Dolla $ign from her EP M.I.L.A. Yes, Jhené may be the more popular sis at the moment, but when it comes to the definition of sexy, Mila J takes it to new heights. –Compton RHYMESNDIMESMAG.COM
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